As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2025.
Registration No. 333-285149
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1 to
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 3721 | 88-0812695 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
5001 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
(505) 338-2434
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Captain Joseph D. Burns
Chief Executive Officer
5001 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
(505) 338-2434
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Christina T. Roupas Yvan-Claude Pierre Courtney M.W. Tygesson Grady Chang Cooley LLP 110 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4200 Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312) 881-6500 |
Dr. Mariya Pylypiv Chief Financial Officer 5001 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110 (505) 338-2434 |
Christopher Lueking Jonathan Sarna 330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2800 Chicago, Illinois 60611 (312) 876-7700 |
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, 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
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 said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is declared effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED April 10, 2025
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
5,000,000 Shares
Common Stock
This is the initial public offering of our common stock, par value $0.000001 per share. We are offering 5,000,000 shares of our common stock. We currently expect that the initial public offering price will be between $14.00 and $16.00 per share of our common stock. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “AIRO,” and this offering is contingent upon obtaining approval of such listing.
We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company” as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements in future reports after the closing of this offering. See the section titled “Prospectus Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company.”
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 16 of this prospectus to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of 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.
Per Share | Total | |||||||
Initial public offering price | $ | $ | ||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1) | $ | $ | ||||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us(2) | $ | $ |
(1) | We have also agreed to issue to certain of the underwriters warrants exercisable for the number of shares of our common stock equal to 5% of the total number of shares of common stock sold in this offering (which we refer to as the “Underwriters’ Warrants”). See the section titled “Underwriting” for additional information regarding underwriting discounts and commissions, expenses, and other compensation payable to the underwriters. | |
(2) | The proceeds, before expenses, to us presented in this table do not give effect to any exercise by the underwriters of (i) the option we have granted to the underwriters to purchase additional shares of our common stock from us as described below or (ii) the Underwriters’ Warrants. |
The executive chairman of our board of directors, Chirinjeev Kathuria, has indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of $5 million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price and on the same terms as the other purchasers in this offering. Because this indication of interest is not a binding agreement or commitment to purchase, Dr. Kathuria may determine to purchase more, less or no shares in this offering or the underwriters may determine to sell more, less or no shares to Dr. Kathuria. The underwriters will receive the same discount on any of these shares of common stock purchased by Dr. Kathuria as they will from any other shares sold to the public in this offering.
We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 750,000 additional shares of our common stock from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any.
Delivery of the shares of our common stock is expected on or about , 2025.
Cantor | BTIG | Mizuho | ||
Bancroft Capital, LLC |
Prospectus dated , 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
We and the underwriters have not authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses by or on behalf of us. Neither we nor the underwriters take any responsibility for, and cannot provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may provide you. The information contained in this prospectus or in any applicable free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus or such free writing prospectus, as applicable, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any such free writing prospectus or of any sale of the securities offered hereby. Our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects may have changed since that date.
This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby and only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. Neither we nor any of the underwriters have taken any action 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 who have come into possession of this prospectus in a jurisdiction outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus.
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CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS
AAV means Autonomous Aerial Vehicles.
Acquired Companies means, collectively, Aspen Avionics, Agile Defense, CDI, AIRO Drone, Sky-Watch, and Jaunt.
AIRO Drone means AIRO Drone LLC, a subsidiary entity we acquired on February 25, 2022, which makes up a portion of our Drones reportable segment.
Agile Defense means Agile Defense, LLC, a subsidiary entity we acquired on February 25, 2022, which makes up a portion of our Training reportable segment.
Aspen Avionics means Aspen Avionics, Inc., a subsidiary entity we acquired on April 1, 2022, which makes up our Avionics reportable segment.
BCA Transactions means a series of transactions that would have occurred pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement and resulted in us becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIRO Group, Inc. with AIRO Group, Inc. becoming a publicly listed company.
Business Combination Agreement means the Business Combination Agreement, as amended, between Kernel Group Holdings, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company, AIRO Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Kernel Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of AIRO Group, Inc., AIRO Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of AIRO Group, Inc., VKSS Capital, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in the capacity as the representative for the stockholders of Kernel Group Holdings, Inc. and AIRO Group, Inc. and also in the capacity as Kernel Group Holdings, Inc.’s sponsor, and Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, in the capacity as the representative for our stockholders.
BVLOS means Beyond Visual Line of Sight, which refers to drone operations where the drone is not visible to the pilot.
CDI means Coastal Defense Inc., a subsidiary entity we acquired on April 26, 2022, which makes up a portion of our Training reportable segment.
Civil Aviation Authorities means the TCCA, the FAA, and the EASA.
DaaS means Drone as a Service, including but not limited to, surveillance services for businesses interested in monitoring, surveying, and evaluating their properties.
DFARS means the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.
DHS means the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
DoD means the U.S. Department of Defense.
EASA means the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
ENAC means the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil.
EU means the European Union.
eVTOL means electric vertical take-off and landing.
FAA means the Federal Aviation Administration.
FAR means the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
GNSS means the Global Navigation Satellite System, a term that refers to the global satellite positioning systems.
GPS means the Global Positioning System, a form of GNSS using DoD-developed satellites.
IDIQ contract means a DoD Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract.
ISR means intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Jaunt means Jaunt Air Mobility LLC, a subsidiary entity we acquired on March 10, 2022, which makes up our Electric Air Mobility reportable segment.
JTAC means Joint Terminal Attack Controller training.
mUAS means mini unmanned aircraft systems.
NAS means the U.S. National Airspace System.
NASA means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
NATO means the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
OEM means original equipment manufacturer.
Put-Together Transaction means the acquisition of the Acquired Companies which are now organized into our four reportable segments, each with a diverse set of partners and customers: (i) Drones, through our subsidiaries, AIRO Drone and Sky-Watch; (ii) Avionics, through our subsidiary, Aspen Avionics; (iii) Training, through our subsidiaries, Agile Defense and CDI; and (iv) Electric Air Mobility, through our subsidiary, Jaunt.
Put-Together Transaction Notes means the convertible promissory notes, as amended, that we entered into with equity holders of AIRO Drone, Agile Defense and CDI in connection with the Put-Together Transaction.
SEAL teams means the U.S. Navy Sea, Air, and Land teams.
Sky-Watch means Sky-Watch A/S, a subsidiary entity we acquired on March 28, 2022, which makes up a portion of our Drones reportable segment.
sUAS means small unmanned aircraft systems.
TCCA means Transport Canada Civil Aviation.
UAM means urban air mobility.
UAS means unmanned aircraft systems.
USAF means the U.S. Air Force.
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BASIS OF PRESENTATION
As used in this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” “AIRO,” “AIRO Group,” “AIRO Group Holdings” and similar references refer to AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. together with its subsidiaries.
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Our fiscal year ends on December 31 of each year. References to fiscal 2023 and 2024 are references to the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively. Our most recent fiscal year ended on December 31, 2024.
Certain monetary amounts, percentages and other figures included in this prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments. Percentage amounts included in this prospectus have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, percentage amounts in this prospectus may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Certain other amounts that appear in this prospectus may not sum due to rounding.
TRADEMARKS
This prospectus contains references to our trademarks and to trademarks belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus, including logos, artwork and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.
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This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our common stock. Before investing in our common stock, you should read this entire prospectus carefully, especially the sections titled “Risk Factors,” “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
Overview
We are a technologically differentiated aerospace, autonomy, and air mobility platform targeting 21st century aerospace and defense opportunities. We leverage decades of industry expertise and connections across the drone, aviation, and avionics markets to provide leading solutions to the aerospace and defense market. We offer connected and diversified solutions providing operational synergies across our segments and are powered by an international footprint as well as supplier and public sector relationships. Supported by complementary and innovative technologies, we believe we bring a unique value proposition to the market and are well-positioned to become a differentiated leader in the industry.
Our business is organized into four operating segments, each of which represents a critical growth vector in the aerospace and defense market: Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility. These four segments collectively target a combined total addressable market estimated to be over $315.4 billion by 2030.
Drones. The Drones segment develops, manufactures, and sells drones and will provide drone services, such as DaaS, for military and commercial end users. Our military drones are sold through our Sky-Watch brand, which is a key supplier to European NATO countries. A critical point of differentiation lies in our drones’ ability to perform in a GPS-denied environment, which is a technology application relevant for both military and commercial end markets.
Avionics. The Avionics segment develops, manufactures, and sells avionics for military and general aviation aircraft, drones, and eVTOLs. Our advanced avionics products include flight displays, Connected Panels, and GPS/GNSS sensors, all of which have been installed on legacy military aircraft and general aviation platforms. We sell our advanced avionics through our Aspen Avionics brand, which is well-recognized in the general aviation aftermarket sector with over 20 years of operating history and long-term customer loyalty for our value proposition. We also serve as an avionics supplier for OEMs, including Robinson Helicopters, Pilatus, and Honeywell. We believe our avionics solutions have a considerable market opportunity as general aviation fleets continue to age, with owners and operators seeking to upgrade the avionics technology on their aircraft.
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Training. The Training segment currently provides military pilot training and will provide commercial pilot training in the future. We offer professional training and consulting services to the U.S. military, select NATO countries, and other U.S. allies under our CDI brand. These offerings include adversary air, close air support, ISR aircraft leasing, pilot training ground liaison services, and JTAC, as well as full joint theatre ISR and simulated ground strike training. We work closely with special military forces such as SEAL teams, the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center, and USAF Air Combat Command, and are a mandated recipient on a $5.7 billion IDIQ contract. Our personnel’s top security clearances and established relationships at the Pentagon provide us with a differentiated ability to bid on mandates. We also plan to offer commercial pilot training and plan to expand our non-military capabilities in response to the global pilot shortage.
Electric Air Mobility. The Electric Air Mobility segment is developing a rotorcraft eVTOL for cargo and passenger use through our Jaunt brand for fixed route flights, on-demand trips, and cargo operations. Our research and development (“R&D”) efforts are focused on developing a cargo eVTOL platform, which will be a scaled-down version of our passenger eVTOL platform, and will target the attractive middle mile delivery cargo market. Meanwhile, our long-term R&D efforts are focused on developing a full-scale multi-role eVTOL platform, which will be able to serve both the cargo and passenger markets. We plan to certify our eVTOLs through existing CAR 529 Rotorcraft standards, with our platform including the best attributes of both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Our patented compound rotorcraft technology, a core point of technological differentiation that will underpin our cargo eVTOL’s commercial capability, has over 300 piloted flight hours on multiple Jaunt demonstrator aircraft. We believe the range and payload capabilities driven by this technology uniquely position us to provide a compelling commercial solution for the eVTOL cargo market. Once developed and certified, we expect our cargo eVTOL program will serve as the foundation of our commercialization efforts, with passenger applications serving as a longer-term secondary initiative.
Our Platform
Our business is thoughtfully interconnected as we seek to leverage each segment’s full capabilities and drive synergies, creating a significant competitive advantage. We are synergistically leveraging our field-proven product track record – particularly through our Drones and Avionics brands – to drive opportunities across our platform. The manufacturing capabilities of our Avionics segment enable us to supply most of our own components for our drone and aircraft systems, including our eVTOL aircraft, which enhances our product quality and reduces production costs. Our deep, long-term relationships with the U.S. government and NATO countries that underpin our Training and Drones segments provide us with access to key decisionmakers, which provides us with new business opportunities. Our Electric Air Mobility platform represents a significant future growth opportunity to expand into cargo and passenger eVTOLs while also providing an original equipment (“OE”) platform for new products and services across our other segments.
In addition, we are able to utilize our certification capabilities to improve time to market for the introduction of products and services. These offerings leverage our U.S. and international sales and manufacturing capabilities to reduce costs and expand our market footprint. This capability also helps us swiftly integrate new avionics, electronics, and artificial intelligence (“AI”) into our products, all while sharing the intra-segment R&D insights that drive our high-quality, interconnected products and services.
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Our Competitive Strengths
We are an at scale, integrated aerospace and defense platform with multiple solutions and services in the high-growth aerospace and defense categories. Our competitive advantages include:
Cross-Platform Strategy Generates Operational and Product Synergies
Our business is thoughtfully interconnected to leverage each segment’s full capabilities, with synergies driving growth in new customer categories, geographies, and product lines that would not be attainable as standalone entities. Each of our segments benefits from operational synergies in certification, economies of scale, shared R&D insights and integration of products and services across a global platform with operations in the United States, Canada and Denmark. Accordingly, our platform generates a considerable positive network effect, with shared access to commercial, technological, and public sector relationship resources, including the United States, EU members, NATO countries and other international allies of the United States, which drive growth and innovation to meet customer needs.
Fulsome Product Assortment Targeting Actionable Market Opportunities
We offer differentiated technologies and diversified product offerings across the Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility segments for both military and commercial end users. Our product lineup is competitively designed to take advantage of key opportunities in the aerospace and defense sector, focusing on areas with potential for future growth. Additionally, the collaboration between our R&D and commercial teams ensures that our products are both market-relevant and commercially available. With offerings ranging from training to drones to services to avionics, we address the marketplace of tomorrow.
Talented Management Team Possesses Robust Operational Experience and Deep Private and Public Sector Relationships
Our robust leadership team possesses over 150 years of combined operating experience and industry success in the aerospace and defense market. We maintain strong relationships with key contacts within the U.S. government and NATO, as well as regulatory agencies, such as the FAA, DHS, and NASA, which has provided us with access to key decisionmakers to secure new business and enable us to build the trust necessary to offer additional functions and features for our products and services. For example, certain members of our management team currently serve on various boards for several government agencies and have held military leadership positions in the past. These relationships are critical to this industry and have enabled us to initiate discussions with key government officials, which is a significant barrier to entry. We believe our established relationships are a core point of differentiation that will support our future success.
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Exceptional R&D that Supports the Potential for Industry-Leading Products
We have a history of developing and launching innovative products, with our product advantage rooted in our exceptional R&D capabilities. From prototyping to certification to commercialization, our ability to launch solutions with strongly differentiated technology and direct product market fit is core to our platform. Our innovative, technology-additive solutions are underpinned by a robust new product development pipeline supported by our platform. Moreover, critical human capital interdependencies between our various segments have provided a positive network effect, increasing the quality and efficiency of our development process. This has been proven out particularly in our Drones and Avionics segments, where the RQ-35 Heidrun and Connected Panel solutions, respectively, have proven to be compelling value propositions in their end markets.
Market Opportunity
The defense industry is affected by geopolitical and security issues. Conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and heightened geopolitical tension in the Pacific region have elevated global security concerns. This has caused many governments to increase their focus on defense and security, leading to a rise in defense spending and a growing willingness to adopt new technologies and solutions. Specifically, beginning in 2014 in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and amid broader instability in the Middle East, NATO countries agreed to commit 2% of their national gross domestic product (“GDP”) to defense spending to help ensure the continued military readiness of NATO allies. According to NATO, 23 NATO countries are expected to meet or exceed the target of investing at least 2% of GDP in defense in 2024, compared to only three NATO countries in 2014. Over the past decade, European allies of the United States and Canada have steadily increased their collective investment in defense by 41.3%, and are investing a combined total of more than $430 billion in defense spending in 2024. Moreover, NATO has recently signaled it will increase its defense spending benchmark from its current 2% of GDP target. Current NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, has acknowledged the “goal of 2%, set a decade ago, will not be enough to meet the challenges of tomorrow” and that NATO members will have to increase spending by “considerably more than 3%.” In order to ensure that these funds are spent in the most effective and efficient way to acquire and deploy modern capabilities, NATO countries have also agreed that at least 20% of defense expenditure should be devoted to major new equipment, including associated R&D perceived as a crucial indicator for the scale and pace of modernization. These tailwinds support the development of a new market leader in the aerospace and defense market, with the emergence of new technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and advanced autonomous vehicles creating new commercial opportunities.
Drones. Global conflicts, particularly the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have led to an increase in military spending and investment in new technologies solutions such as drones. According to the Precedence Military Drones Report, the military drone market size is expected to reach approximately $24.75 billion by 2030. Key demand drivers include the rise of asymmetrical warfare, new avionics, and the inherent user safety advantages of drones over manned systems. We believe that our products will continue to play a role in the arsenals of the future, including through NATO countries. In addition, we believe that the U.S. military’s transformation into a smaller, more agile force that operates via a network of observation, communication, and precision targeting technologies will continue to accelerate the acceptance and use of small drone military operations around the world.
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In addition, commercial drone use is gaining momentum as multiple industries are incorporating drones into their daily business functions, given the wide range of applications, including monitoring, inspection and surveillance. According to the Grand View Drone Report, it is anticipated that worldwide drone revenues will reach $163.5 billion by 2030. For example, farmers are using drones to inspect and spray their crops, which improves yields, construction sites are adopting drones to survey and monitor land, which improves workplace safety, and companies are using drones to inventory product in factories and warehouses, which improves efficiency. Additionally, drones are being used increasingly to transport and deliver goods. For example, hospitals are deploying drones to deliver critical medicine and other medical supplies to remote and underserved regions, while logistics companies are using drones to transport cargo between locations, expediting deliveries. As the commercial drone industry matures, we believe that aircraft and their components subsystems will become more commoditized, with additional pockets of growth expected in services and service-derivative revenues. The trajectory of commercial drone applications is well-aligned with our business strategy, which includes a focus on commercializing multiple types of value-added drone solutions to meet various end user and industry needs.
Avionics. New aircraft production and upgrades to existing aircraft are driving demand for our avionics solutions. We believe the market places a premium on avionics solutions like ours that have capabilities such as improved flight controls, communications and navigation capabilities, and flight monitoring. Continued technological advances in avionics and aging general aviation fleets are expected to drive growth for the general aviation avionics aftermarket.
Training. Overall demand for military flight training is expected to grow as countries around the world increase defense spending and outsource flight training to the private sector. Key market drivers include outsourcing of military training, technological advancement, and the ongoing pilot shortage. Additionally, the DoD has awarded over $13.7 billion in military aviation training contracts since 2015, representing a new public-private sector market norm. In the commercial market, the same shortage of trained pilots serves as the main driver of demand. According to the Fortune U.S. Pilot Training Report, the commercial training market is projected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2023 to over $4.9 billion in 2030, representing a CAGR of 15.4%.
Electric Air Mobility. According to the Morgan Stanley Report, it is estimated that the global electric air mobility market may grow to approximately $55 billion by 2030 and to approximately $1 trillion by 2040. We believe that autonomous aerial cargo is one of the largest unaddressed segments within the EAM market, with an additional actionable opportunity in passenger transportation. We expect both of these segments will provide a substantial market opportunity. While the electric air mobility market is in its nascent stage, we believe that the growing prevalence of e-commerce, rising labor costs in traditional ground transportation, traffic congestion and the continued advancement in AAV technology will lead to growing demand for cargo solutions based on AAVs. In addition, the implementation of government regulations and creation of federal and state incentives has started to meaningfully influence consumer behavior by increasing the focus on emissions standards and targets and leading to greater interest in aircraft electrification. Ultimately, cargo represents the most actionable near-term end market owing to its large commercial opportunity and reduced technological hurdles.
Our Growth Strategies
We are a growing platform built off a successful mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) strategy, with a robust pipeline of future commercial opportunities. Our growth strategies are rooted in a bold and focused vision for the future, with a mix of organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Within each of our segments, there are several opportunities to increase market share and penetrate new business areas.
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Organically grow existing business line capabilities
We intend to make substantial investments in our sales and marketing, analytics, and communications functions to support our expansion within current markets and into future and specialized markets within each of our segments. We have identified specific opportunities to invest in organic growth, including procuring additional aircraft to expand the capabilities of the Training segment, launching larger screen form factor avionics with increased functionality, and iteratively developing our existing drone technology to enter new commercial end markets. With strong customer relationships and a focus on loyalty and satisfaction, we will continue to upsell and cross-sell across our portfolio, which in conjunction with investments in marketing and brand positioning will bolster our brand awareness. Finally, we are planning on both measured geographic expansion and targeting new customer end markets, which will further expand our addressable market.
Develop and commercialize new products and services and expand certification of new and future products and services.
Our segment specific initiatives are as follows:
● | Drones. We intend to launch U.S. production of our military drones and subsequently seek DoD Blue UAS drone certification, which we currently estimate will take approximately six months to achieve and will allow us to sell drones to the DoD. This certification process involves sponsors in various U.S. military branches supporting our product, with full certification essentially contingent on U.S.-domiciled production. In addition, we intend to expand our drone and DaaS offerings into new verticals, including agricultural, security, and industrial applications, leveraging our GPS denied technology proposition as the leading edge of our value proposition owing to its inherent product-market fit. |
● | Avionics. We intend to focus our R&D activities on integrated avionics for our cargo eVTOL platform, the Jaunt Journey, and other eVTOLs as well as training aircraft in current markets. We believe focusing on in-flight controls, navigation, and communications will lead us to experience strong growth through organic expansion opportunities designed to expedite the development of integrated systems for both internal platforms and external OEM initiatives. With a history of providing innovative avionics for over 20 years, Aspen Avionics is primed to launch products for the aircraft of tomorrow. |
● | Training. We intend to expand our current training capabilities through the acquisition of a flight school for commercial flight training and the launch of a fixed wing military simulation service offering. Our training capabilities will be further enhanced by the acquisition of additional training aircraft through our acquisition of a flight school or otherwise. Additionally, we plan to offer drone and electric air mobility flight training to take advantage of these rapidly growing markets. |
● | Electric Air Mobility. We intend to develop, certify, and commercialize our eVTOL aircraft. We anticipate certification of our 33% downscaled cargo eVTOL under drone rules as early as 2027 and expect our first passenger production aircraft to be certified by the TCCA under existing CAR 529 Transport Category Rotorcraft airworthiness rules as early as 2031. |
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Leverage Public Sector Relationships and Security Clearances to Drive Business.
Our deep public sector relationships and security clearances enable us to bid on government requests for proposals (“RFPs”) and drive brand awareness of our drone, eVTOL, avionics, and training solutions with key military decision makers. For example, members of our management team maintain close relationships with the highest levels of government around the world, including military leaders, ambassadors, and defense attachés from NATO and its allies. Our senior leadership team has also held and/or currently holds positions on various government committees across the FAA, Pentagon, and White House. Key employees also possess extensive military leadership experience having served in U.S. special forces units. This competitive moat grants us enviable access to key growth end markets and unlocks commercial synergies between our various segments.
Partnering with other firms on commercial ventures to drive technology convergence.
Partnerships allow us to expedite development of customer solutions by bringing together critical technologies across the aerospace and defense marketplace. For example, our Sky-Watch brand has critical partnerships with companies such as Palantir and Helsing that have boosted our drone’s capabilities. For our Electric Air Mobility segment, partnerships have been and will be at the forefront of our eVTOL platform’s integrated and convergent technology advantage - not only for the end-product but also in the areas of manufacturing, engineering and supply chain. New partnerships in AI and machine learning are also being explored in the Drones segment as well as virtual training system partnerships in the Training segment.
Strategically acquire businesses and technologies to enhance our offerings.
We were formed in August 2021 for the purpose of acquiring and integrating various companies engaged in the aerospace and defense industry. Since our founding, including the Put-Together Transaction, we have gained experience in successfully integrating businesses, and will continue to focus on thoughtful strategic acquisitions as a key component of our business growth strategy. For example, the drone and avionics markets are primed for consolidation due to the lack of scale, capital, and resources necessary for expansion by many drone and avionics companies, and we have identified and are actively evaluating a wide range of strategic opportunities for expansion. We believe our acquisition strategy will enable us to expand our footprint and opportunities in new and existing areas, strengthen our customer base and market share and improve overall brand recognition.
Continual investment in software, AI, and machine learning to expand solutions capabilities and increase operational efficiencies.
We plan on building out our software, AI, and machine learning capabilities to help our customers solve more complex problems and bring additional capabilities to the marketplace. In addition, we intend to offer new product and service lines to ensure our customers are equipped with the proper tools for their evolving needs. These investments are expected to further bolster our cross-platform network effort to help support future R&D and new product development. These initiatives will also help us streamline our internal processes and optimize our supply chain, which will support further growth.
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Risk Factors Summary
Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in the section titled “Risk Factors” immediately following this prospectus summary. The following is a summary of the principal risks we face:
● | We have a limited operating history in new and evolving markets, which may make it difficult to evaluate our current business and future prospects and increase the risk of your investment. | |
● | We are an early-stage company with a history of losses, and we expect to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future. | |
● | Our failure to comply with covenants under debt instruments could adversely affect our business and financial condition. | |
● | We have made and may in the future make acquisitions and investments, which involve numerous risks. | |
● | We may not be able to successfully integrate the businesses and personnel of acquired companies and businesses, including those acquired in the Put-Together Transaction, and may not realize the anticipated synergies and benefits of such acquisitions. | |
● | We face significant competition from other companies, many of which have substantially greater resources than we do. |
● | We may not be able to keep pace with technological advances and we depend on advances in technology by other companies. | |
● | We may not be able to produce aircraft in the volumes or on the timelines that we anticipate. | |
● | In order to reach production for our aircraft, we need to develop complex software and technology systems in coordination with our partners and suppliers, and there can be no assurance such systems will be successfully developed. | |
● | We may be unable to acquire additional aircraft to support our Training segment on acceptable terms or at all. | |
● | Due to the nature of our products and services, a product safety failure, quality issue or other failure affecting our or our customers’ or suppliers’ products or systems could seriously harm our business. | |
● | Our future success depends on the continuing efforts of our key personnel and on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel and senior management. |
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● | We rely on a limited number of suppliers in Canada and Europe for critical components and raw materials used to manufacture and develop our products. | |
● | We rely on independent dealers and distributors to sell our Avionics products, and disruption to these channels would harm our business. | |
● | We currently, and may in the future, use and develop generative AI technologies throughout our business, which may expose us to certain regulatory and other risks that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. | |
● | If our information technology systems or data, or the third parties with whom we work, are or were compromised, we could experience adverse consequences resulting from such compromise, including but not limited to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; loss of customers or sales; and other adverse consequences, risks which are amplified by our work for world governments. | |
● | Our commercial aviation products, systems and services businesses are affected by global demand and economic factors that could negatively impact our financial results. | |
● | The market for eVTOL aircraft and electric air mobility has not been clearly defined, is still emerging and may not achieve the growth potential we expect or may grow more slowly than expected, which may harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. | |
● | We are still developing our eVTOL aircraft, have not yet obtained FAA certification of our eVTOL aircraft under development and we have yet to manufacture or deliver any aircraft to customers, which makes evaluating our business and future prospects difficult and increases the risk of investment. | |
● | There may be reluctance by consumers to adopt a new form of mobility, or an unwillingness to pay aircraft operators’ projected prices. | |
● | We are subject to extensive government regulation, and our failure to comply with applicable regulations may subject us to significant financial liability, penalties, and other government actions that restrict our ability to conduct our business. | |
● | U.S. government contracts are subject to a competitive bidding process, are generally not fully funded at inception, and contain certain terms that may be unfavorable to us, which could result in contracts and opportunities consuming significant resources without generating revenue or profit. | |
● | We rely to a significant degree on sales to the U.S. government, particularly to agencies of the Department of Defense, and a decline in government budgets, funding, changes in spending or budgetary priorities, or delays in contract awards may materially adversely affect our future revenue, business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and equity. | |
● | The U.S. government may modify, curtail or terminate one or more of our contracts. | |
● | Our business may benefit in part from government funding, and our inability to receive such financial support could harm our business. | |
● | Many of our products and services are subject to local, state, federal and international regulatory frameworks that are costly to comply with, are subject to interpretation, may be dependent on political pressures and factors and/or are subject to change. | |
● | Our business is highly regulated and our ability to generate revenues and profit may be limited by regulatory restrictions and/or changes and the speed with which such restrictions and/or changes occur. | |
● | We are subject to the risks associated with conducting international business operations. | |
● | If we fail to protect, or incur significant costs in defending or enforcing, our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially harmed. |
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● | We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to effectively remediate these material weaknesses, identify additional material weaknesses in the future, or otherwise fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, then we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect our business. |
Our Corporate Information
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was formed on August 30, 2021, for the purpose of acquiring and integrating various companies engaged in the aerospace and defense industry. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we completed our Put-Together Transaction to acquire six companies which are now organized into our four reportable segments, each with a diverse set of partners and customers: (i) Drones, through our subsidiaries AIRO Drone and Sky-Watch; (ii) Avionics, through our subsidiary Aspen Avionics; (iii) Training, through our subsidiaries Agile Defense and CDI; and (iv) Electric Air Mobility, through our subsidiary Jaunt.
Our principal executive offices are located at 5001 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110 and our telephone number is (505) 338-2434. Our website address is www.theairogroup.com. The information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider any information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this prospectus or in deciding whether to purchase our common stock.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). As such, we may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements and other requirements that are otherwise applicable to public companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to:
● | being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this prospectus; |
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● | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”); | |
● | not being required to comply with the requirement of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements; | |
● | the ability to elect to defer compliance with new or revised accounting standards until such standards would apply to private companies; | |
● | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports, proxy statements and registration statements; and | |
● | exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments not previously approved. |
We may use these provisions until the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the closing of this offering. However, if certain events occur prior to the end of such five-year period, including if we become a “large accelerated filer,” our annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period, we will cease to be an emerging growth company prior to the end of such five-year period.
We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in future filings. As a result, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different than you might receive from other public reporting companies in which you hold equity interests.
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies and will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter. If we are a smaller reporting company at the time we cease to be an emerging growth company, we may continue to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are available to smaller reporting companies. Specifically, as a smaller reporting company we may choose to present only the two most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are not required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and, similar to emerging growth companies, smaller reporting companies have reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation.
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The Offering
Common stock offered by us | 5,000,000 shares. | |
Option to purchase additional shares of our common stock offered by us | We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 750,000 additional shares of common stock from us at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any, for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus. | |
Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering | 24,887,574 shares (or 25,637,574 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full). | |
Use of proceeds | We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $64.8 million (or approximately $75.2 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) from the sale of the shares of our common stock offered by us in this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering as follows: (i) approximately $3.5 million to scale operations of our Avionics segment and to support the production and design of Avionics products; (ii) approximately $4.0 million to support our Electric Air Mobility segment’s business operations and to fund the eVTOL aircraft development program over the next 12 months; (iii) approximately $3.7 million to fund acquisitions in the areas of drone vehicles, AI and networking service in our Drones segment; (iv) approximately $5.6 million to acquire the aircraft and support equipment that is necessary to meet the additional demand under the IDIQ contracts for our Training segment and to fund acquisitions for the Training segment in the areas of training and aircraft maintenance; (v) to repay an aggregate of $11.8 million in Fixed Conversion Obligations (as defined below) that are not being converted into shares of our common stock in connection with this offering, which are payable at the closing of this offering; (vi) to repay an aggregate of $11.7 million of principal, cash premiums and interest under the Investor Notes (as defined below), which bear interest at rates ranging from 10.5% to 15% and are payable on dates ranging from the closing of this offering to 190 days following the closing of this offering; and (vii) the remainder to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes. As of the date of this prospectus, we do not have any binding agreements or commitments to enter into any material acquisitions. See the section titled “Use of Proceeds.” | |
Indication of interest | The executive chairman of our board of directors, Chirinjeev Kathuria, has indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of $5 million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price and on the same terms as the other purchasers in this offering. Because this indication of interest is not a binding agreement or commitment to purchase, Dr. Kathuria may determine to purchase more, less or no shares in this offering or the underwriters may determine to sell more, less or no shares to Dr. Kathuria. The underwriters will receive the same discount on any of these shares of common stock purchased by Dr. Kathuria as they will from any other shares sold to the public in this offering. | |
Underwriters’ warrants | We have agreed to issue to certain of the underwriters, upon the closing of this offering, warrants exercisable for the number of shares of our common stock equal to 5% of the total number of shares of our common stock sold in this offering (which we refer to as the “Underwriters’ Warrants”). The Underwriters’ Warrants will be exercisable at an exercise price equal to 110% of the initial public offering price of our common stock sold in this offering, will be exercisable, in whole or in part, from time to time after six months following the date of this prospectus, and will expire on the date that is five years following the date of this prospectus. See the section titled “Underwriting—Underwriters’ Warrants.” | |
Risk factors | See the section titled “Risk Factors” and the other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before deciding to invest in our common stock. | |
Proposed Nasdaq symbol | “AIRO” |
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The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 19,887,574 shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024, on a pro forma basis that gives effect to (i) the conversion of approximately $10.9 million of aggregate principal amount of the Put-Together Transaction Notes, which we intend to convert upon the completion of this offering into an aggregate of 275,147 shares of our common stock, (ii) the conversion of approximately $17.5 million of aggregate principal amount of notes issued pursuant to (a) that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of March 9, 2018, as amended on July 11, 2024, (b) that certain Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 18, 2019, as amended on July 11, 2024, and (c) that certain Note Purchase Agreement dated as of January 31, 2022, as amended on July 11, 2024, each among Aspen Avionics and the respective holders of convertible notes (collectively, the “Aspen Notes”), which we intend to convert upon the completion of this offering into an aggregate of 440,592 shares of our common stock, (iii) the conversion of $44.6 million of the obligations owed to Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC (“Carter Aviation”) in partial satisfaction of the Jaunt Contingent Arrangement (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Combinations”), which we intend to convert upon the completion of this offering into an aggregate of 1,122,437 shares of our common stock, (iv) the conversion of $1.7 million of the principal owed to the former Aspen Avionics shareholders (the “Aspen Contingent Debt”), which we intend to convert upon the completion of this offering into an aggregate of 43,512 shares of our common stock, (v) the conversion of $0.8 million of the principal owed to certain former Aspen Avionics shareholders pursuant to the Aspen Merger Agreement (as defined herein), which we intend to convert upon the completion of this offering into an aggregate of 20,010 shares of our common stock (the “Aspen Carveout Contingency”), (vi) an aggregate of 51,309 shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to a one-time stock payment of $2.0 million pursuant to the 2021 Management Carveout Plan that we adopted in December 2021 (as defined below and as described in “Executive and Director Compensation—Management Carveout Plan”), which establishes a benefit pool for designated employees and consultants payable upon the occurrence of certain change in control events (the “Aspen Carveout Stock Obligation”), (vii) the conversion of $1.4 million of the principal owed to New Generation Aerospace, Inc. (“NGA”) under that certain Amended and Restated Success Fee Agreement (as described in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Success Fee Arrangement”), which we intend to convert upon the completion of this offering into an aggregate of 33,995 shares of our common stock, (viii) the conversion of $7.8 million of the principal amounts owed to various holders under deferred salary arrangements, which we intend to convert in connection with this offering into an aggregate of 195,582 shares of our common stock (the obligations described in (i) through (viii), collectively, the “Fixed Conversion Obligations”), (ix) 519,301 shares of our common stock issuable to Dangroup ApS (“Dangroup”) pursuant to the Incentive Agreement, dated June 28, 2024, as amended (the “Dangroup Incentive Agreement” and as described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Dangroup Incentive Agreement”) and (x) 798,509 shares of our common stock issuable upon a one-time interest payment of $11.7 million for contingent interest payable pursuant to the notes issued to certain investors (the “Investor Notes”), assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and excludes:
● | 305,367 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2024, under the Jaunt Air Mobility, LLC 2021 Option Plan, which was renamed the AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. Option Plan (the “Legacy Plan”), with a weighted-average exercise price of $8.59 per share; | |
● | up to 58,819 shares of our common stock issuable as additional contingent interest payable pursuant to certain Investor Notes if this offering is not completed by May 31, 2025; | |
● | 254,010 shares of contingent restricted stock awards outstanding as of December 31, 2024; | |
● | 66,026 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024 at a weighted average exercise price of $16.83 per share; | |
● | 104,336 shares of our common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock issued after December 31, 2024 at an exercise price of $0.02 per share; | |
● | 250,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of the Underwriters’ Warrants; and | |
● | 1,900,000 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2025 Plan”), as well as any future increases, including annual automatic evergreen increases in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2025 Plan, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering (as more fully described in the section titled “Executive and Director Compensation—Equity Incentive Plans”) and at which time we will cease granting awards under the Legacy Plan. |
Unless otherwise indicated, all information contained in this prospectus reflects and assumes the following:
● | 2,182,584 shares of our common stock to be issued pursuant to the Fixed Conversion Obligations; | |
● | 798,509 shares of our common stock to be issued pursuant to the Investor Notes; | |
● | 519,301 shares of our common stock to be issued pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement; | |
● | no exercise of the outstanding options described above; | |
● | no vesting or settlement of the contingent restricted stock awards described above; | |
● | no exercise by the underwriters of (i) their option to purchase up to a total of 750,000 additional shares of our common stock or (ii) the Underwriters’ Warrants; | |
● | the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation immediately prior to the closing of this offering and the adoption of our amended and restated bylaws to become effective immediately prior to the closing of the offering; and | |
● | a 1-for-1.7 reverse stock split of our common stock effected in March 2025. |
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Summary Consolidated Financial Data
The following tables summarize our consolidated financial data as of and for the periods indicated. We have derived the summary consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. The following summary consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the sections titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: | ||||||||
Revenue | $ | 86,935 | $ | 43,254 | ||||
Cost of revenue | 28,618 | 18,340 | ||||||
Gross profit | 58,317 | 24,914 | ||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Research and development | 13,133 | 11,871 | ||||||
Sales and marketing | 6,422 | 5,374 | ||||||
General and administrative | 18,201 | 17,601 | ||||||
Goodwill impairment | 37,994 | - | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 75,750 | 34,846 | ||||||
Loss from operations | (17,433 | ) | (9,932 | ) | ||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||
Interest expense, net | (14,225 | ) | (2,137 | ) | ||||
Other income (expense), net | 2,173 | (18,093 | ) | |||||
Total other expense | (12,052 | ) | (20,230 | ) | ||||
Loss before income tax expense | (29,485 | ) | (30,162 | ) | ||||
Income tax expense | (9,209 | ) | (2,294 | ) | ||||
Net loss | $ | (38,694 | ) | $ | (32,456 | ) | ||
Net loss per share, basic and diluted (1) | $ | (2.36 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) | ||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted | 16,387,180 | 16,387,180 | ||||||
Pro forma as adjusted net loss per share, basic and diluted (unaudited)(2) | $ | (3.21 | ) | |||||
Pro forma as adjusted weighted-average shares of common stock, basic and diluted (unaudited)(2) | 24,887,574 |
(1) See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for an explanation of the method used to calculate historical net loss per share, basic and diluted.
(2) Pro forma net loss per share and the pro forma weighted-average number of shares used in computation of the per share amounts for the year ended December 31, 2024 have been computed to give effect to (i) the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of this offering, (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, in connection with the closing of this offering, (iii) the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement and (iv) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the closing of this offering. Pro forma net loss per share and the pro forma weighted-average number of shares used in computation of the per share amounts for the year ended December 31, 2024 do not include the shares of common stock expected to be sold in this offering.
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As of December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Actual | Pro Forma(1) | Pro Forma As Adjusted(2) | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||
Total current assets | $ | 42,594 | $ | 21,853 | $ | 74,749 | ||||||
Working capital (deficit) (3) | (54,013 | ) | (40,345 | ) | 24,405 | |||||||
Total assets | 700,999 | 680,258 | 733,154 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 152,270 | 63,860 | 52,006 | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (206,453 | ) | (247,685 | ) | (247,685 | ) | ||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 548,729 | 616,398 | 681,148 |
(1) The pro forma consolidated balance sheet data gives pro forma effect to (i) the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of this offering, (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, in connection with the closing of this offering, (iii) the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement, and (iv) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the closing of this offering. For more detailed information with respect to the pro forma adjustments, please see the section titled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information” elsewhere in this prospectus.
(2) The pro forma as adjusted consolidated balance sheet data gives pro forma effect to (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth in footnote (1) above and (ii) our receipt of $64.8 million in estimated net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
(3) We define working capital (deficit) as current assets less current liabilities. See our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus for further details regarding our current assets and current liabilities.
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Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks and uncertainties, together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, and the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. The occurrence of any of the following risks, or of additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial, could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose part or all of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Limited Operating History, Financial Position and Need for Additional Capital
We have a limited operating history in new and evolving markets, which may make it difficult to evaluate our current business and future prospects and increase the risk of your investment.
We were organized in August 2021 for the purpose of acquiring and integrating various companies in the aerospace and defense industry and the history of operating each of our businesses together is relatively short. Our limited operating history and rapidly evolving business make it difficult to evaluate our current business, future prospects and plan for growth. In addition, our drones, eVTOL aircraft and other products are sold or will be sold in new and rapidly evolving markets. Accordingly, our business and future prospects may be difficult to evaluate, the extent to which demand for our products and services will increase, if at all, could be impacted by our ability to do the following:
● | attract new customers to our products or services; |
● | develop, renew and expand contracts; |
● | acquire and maintain market share; |
● | attract, integrate, train and retain leadership and other highly qualified personnel; |
● | achieve or manage growth in our operations; |
● | acquire new technologies; |
● | adapt to required redirection or changes in services or direction caused by geopolitical crises; |
● | successfully develop and commercially market new products and services; |
● | keep pace with technological developments; |
● | timely address the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers, including as a result of changes in government regulation related to our products and services; |
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● | secure sufficient quantities or cost-effective production of our products due to supply chain challenges; |
● | adapt to new or changing policies and spending priorities of governments and government agencies; |
● | generate sufficient revenue to achieve or maintain profitability; and |
● | access initial and additional capital when required and on reasonable terms. |
If we fail to address these and other challenges, risks and uncertainties successfully, our business, results of operations, prospects and financial condition would be materially harmed.
We are an early-stage company with a history of losses, and we expect to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future.
We have incurred significant net losses to date, and we expect that we will continue to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. We have incurred net losses in each period since our inception, including $38.7 million and $32.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $206.5 million.
Developing products and services in the defense and broader aerospace industry is very time-consuming, and expensive and, to date, we have devoted a significant amount of our resources to our R&D programs. These programs may not produce successful results, and our new products and services may not achieve market acceptance, create additional revenue or become profitable. We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we aim to significantly increase our headcount in the near-term, advance the development of our aircraft and other products, seek regulatory approvals, and launch and commercialize our products at scale.
In addition to the expected costs to grow our business, we also expect to incur significant additional legal, accounting and other expenses as a newly public company. If we fail to increase our revenue to offset the increases in our operating expenses, we may not achieve or sustain profitability in the future. We will need to generate substantial additional revenue to achieve and then sustain profitability, and even if we achieve profitability, we cannot be sure that we will remain profitable for any period of time. Even if this offering is successful, we will require substantial additional capital to finance our operations and fund our R&D programs. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on acceptable terms, then we may be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our R&D activities as well as our commercialization efforts, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, growth prospects and financial condition.
Our failure to comply with covenants under our debt instruments could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
We have incurred significant indebtedness, including in connection with the Put-Together Transaction, and may incur additional debt for acquisitions, operations, R&D and capital expenditures, or for other reasons related to our overall capital deployment strategy. As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding indebtedness of $105.7 million. The agreements governing our indebtedness contain restrictive covenants, including but not limited to, our ability to incur additional indebtedness, grant liens and pay any dividends or make distributions, as well as financial maintenance covenants, including debt service coverage ratios, that will limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to engage in activities that may be in our and their long-term best interests. Any additional debt, to the extent we are able to incur it, may further restrict the manner in which we conduct business. Such restrictions, prohibitions and limitations could impact our ability to implement elements of our strategy, including in the following ways:
● | our flexibility to plan for, or react to, competitive challenges in our business and the pharmaceutical and in the aerospace and defense industry may be compromised; |
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● | we may be put at a competitive disadvantage relative to competitors that do not have as much debt as we have, and competitors that may be in a more favorable position to access additional capital resources; |
● | our ability to make acquisitions and execute business development activities through acquisitions will be limited and may, in future years, continue to be limited; and |
● | our ability to resolve regulatory and litigation matters may be limited. |
Furthermore, the creditors who hold our debt have in the past, and may in the future, accelerate amounts due in the event that we default on these covenants, which has in the past, and may in the future, trigger a default or acceleration of the maturity of our other debt. For example, civil actions were filed against CDI and individual guarantors in the Tioga County Court, State of Pennsylvania, in July 2023. The claimant, First Citizens Community Bank (“FCCB”), alleges that payment under certain promissory notes is due, and FCCB seeks recovery of the outstanding amounts. FCCB obtained judgments against all named defendants and we intend to negotiate a resolution with FCCB and, in the meantime, have negotiated forbearance agreements to prevent FCCB from enforcing the judgments through March 31, 2025. On March 27, 2025, we and FCCB agreed to payment terms and a release whereby $0.2 million in amounts due would be paid by April 30, 2025. The acceleration of significant indebtedness may cause us to renegotiate, repay, or refinance the affected obligations, including extending the forbearance agreements through the closing of this offering, and there is no assurance that such efforts would be successful or on terms we deem attractive. In addition, any acceleration could result in a downgrade of any credit ratings then applicable to us, which could result in additional events of default or limit our ability to obtain additional financing.
In addition, we entered into the Put-Together Transaction Notes with the equity holders of certain of the businesses we acquired as part of the Put-Together Transaction. The Put-Together Transaction Notes with AIRO Drone, Agile Defense and CDI were amended to be convertible, in part, into shares of our common stock upon the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining principal owed to such holders to be paid upon the closing of the BCA Transactions. We also agreed to assume other Fixed Conversion Obligations, which were also amended to be convertible, in part, into shares of our common stock upon the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining principal owed to such holders to be paid upon the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, we intend to issue approximately 2,182,584 shares and use proceeds of $11.8 million from this offering to satisfy the Fixed Conversion Obligations. As of December 31, 2024, we have third party obligations of $3.0 million of Investor Notes as described within Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, $4.2 million of Investor Notes as described in Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, and $13.8 million of certain Investor Notes by which we determined it appropriate to choose the fair value option going forward due to the significant modification, which was determined to be an extinguishment of such Investor Notes in the fourth quarter of 2024 in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and as further described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, collectively which total $21.0 million. The Investor Notes are in the form of unsecured promissory notes with no collateral and no guarantees. Certain of the Investor Notes become due and payable on dates ranging from April 30, 2025 to May 31, 2025. If this offering is not completed by April 30, 2025 or May 31, 2025, as applicable, we may need to renegotiate, repay or refinance, the affected obligations, including extending the maturity dates through the closing of this offering, and there is no assurance that such efforts would be successful or on terms we deem attractive. See the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Combinations” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Investor Notes” for additional information regarding the promissory notes. If we are unable to satisfy our existing obligations, our business and financial condition could be adversely affected.
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Risks Related to Our Business
We have made and may in the future make acquisitions and investments, which involve numerous risks.
We have made certain acquisitions, including our acquisitions of the Acquired Companies in connection with the Put-Together Transaction, and continue to routinely evaluate potential acquisitions, investments and strategic alliances involving complementary technologies, teams, products and companies. We expect to continue to pursue such transactions if appropriate opportunities arise. and a portion of the proceeds of this offering may be used to fund acquisitions. See “Use Of Proceeds” For example, in November 2023, we signed non-binding letters of intent to acquire two businesses for the Training segment, including a flight training school. The parties have undertaken due diligence to determine whether a binding purchase agreement will be negotiated. The total anticipated purchase price for the acquisitions is expected to range from $5.1 million to $7.7 million, which would be paid in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, and if consummated on the terms anticipated, would result in dilution to the investors in this offering. As of the date of this prospectus, we do not have any binding agreements or commitments to enter into any material acquisitions.
Moreover, we may not be able to identify other potentially suitable transactions in the future or if we do identify such transactions, we may not be able to complete them on commercially acceptable terms or at all and may face intense competition for such opportunities. In pursuing transactions, we have and will continue to face numerous risks, including diverting management’s attention from normal daily operations of our business; difficulties in integrating the financial reporting capabilities and operating systems of any acquired operations to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; potential loss of key personnel of the acquired company as well as their know-how, relationships and expertise; challenges successfully integrating acquired personnel, operations and businesses; failing to realize the anticipated synergies and benefits of an acquisition; maintaining favorable business relationships of acquired operations; generating insufficient revenue from completed transactions to offset expenses associated with our efforts; acquiring material or unknown liabilities associated with any acquired operations; litigation associated with merger and acquisition transactions; and increasing expense associated with amortization or depreciation of intangible and tangible assets we acquire.
Our acquisitions, including the Put-Together Transaction, have required and continue to require significant management time and attention relating to the transactions. Past transactions, whether completed or abandoned by us, have resulted, and in the future may result, in significant time and attention, costs, expenses, liabilities and charges to earnings. The accounting treatment for any future transaction may result in significant amortizable intangible assets which, when amortized, will negatively affect our consolidated results of operations. The accounting treatment may also result in significant goodwill, which, if impaired, will negatively affect our consolidated results of operations. Furthermore, we may incur additional debt or issue equity securities to pay for transactions. The incurrence of additional debt could limit our operating flexibility and be detrimental to our profitability, and the issuance of equity securities would be dilutive to our existing stockholders. Any or all of the above factors may differ from the investment community’s expectations in a given quarter, which could negatively affect our stock price. In the event we make future investments, the investments may decline in value, we may lose all or part of our investment.
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We may not be able to successfully integrate the businesses and personnel of acquired companies and businesses, including those acquired in the Put-Together Transaction, and may not realize the anticipated synergies and benefits of such acquisitions.
We may not be able to realize the expected benefits from acquisitions, including the Put-Together Transaction, because of integration difficulties or other challenges. The success of our acquisitions will depend, in part, on our ability to realize all or some of the anticipated synergies and other benefits from integrating the acquired businesses with our existing businesses. Integration activities can be costly, complex and time consuming. The potential difficulties we may face in integrating the operations of our acquisitions include, among others: the failure to implement our business plans for the combined businesses and consolidation or expansion of production capacity as planned and where applicable; unexpected losses of key employees, customers or suppliers of our acquired companies and businesses; unanticipated issues in conforming our acquired companies’ and businesses’ standards, processes, procedures and controls with our operations; coordinating new product and process development; increasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our operations; diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; adverse effects on our or our acquired companies’ and businesses’ existing business relationships; unanticipated changes in applicable laws and regulations; operating risks inherent in our acquired companies’ and businesses’ business and operations; unanticipated expenses and liabilities; potential unfamiliarity with our acquired companies and businesses technology, products and markets, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage; and other difficulties in the assimilation of our acquired companies and businesses operations, technologies, products and systems.
Any acquired companies and businesses may have unanticipated or larger than anticipated liabilities for patent and trademark infringement claims, violations of applicable laws, rules and regulations, commercial disputes, taxes and other known and unknown types of liabilities. There may be liabilities that we underestimated or did not discover in the course of performing our due diligence investigation of our acquired companies and businesses. We may have no recourse or limited recourse under the applicable acquisition-related agreement to recover damages relating to the liabilities of our acquired companies and businesses.
We may not be able to maintain or increase the levels of revenue, earnings or operating efficiency that we, and each of our acquired companies and businesses, had historically achieved or might achieve separately. In addition, we may not accomplish the integration smoothly, successfully or within the anticipated costs or timeframe. If we experience difficulties with the integration process or if the business of our acquired companies or businesses deteriorates, the anticipated cost savings, growth opportunities and other synergies of our acquired companies and businesses may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. If any of the above risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be materially and adversely impacted, we may fail to meet the expectations of investors or analysts, and our stock price may decline as a result.
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We face significant competition from other companies, many of which have substantially greater resources than we do.
The defense and broader aerospace industry is highly competitive and generally characterized by intense competition to win contracts. While we expect to be one of the pioneering companies to market eVTOL aircraft, we expect this industry to be increasingly competitive, and it is possible that our competitors could get to market before us, either generally or in specific markets. Our current principal competitors include the following: (i) for our Drones segment: Da Jiang Innovations, Elbit Systems Ltd., Lockheed Martin Corporation, L3Harris Technologies, Inc.’s FVR-90, L3 Technologies, Inc., Martin UAV, LLC, Northrop Grumman Corporation’s V-Bat, Teledyne Technologies, Inc., and Textron Inc.’s Aerosonde; (ii) for our Training segment: Airborne Tactical Advantage Company, LLC, Draken International, Inc., Tactical Air Defense Services Inc. and Top Aces Inc.; (iii) for our Avionics segment: Avidyne Corporation, Collins Aerospace, Dynon Avionics, Inc., Garmin Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., L3Harris Technologies, Inc., and uAvionix Corporation; and (iv) for our Electric Air Mobility segment: Archer Aviation Inc., BETA Technologies, Inc., Eve Holding Inc., Joby Aviation, Inc., Lilium N.V., Vertical Aerospace Ltd., Volocopter GmbH, and Wisk Aero LLC, in addition to ground transportation services, such as Lyft, Inc. and Uber Technologies, Inc., and incumbent aircraft carrier services, such as Blade Air Mobility, Inc. and NetJets Inc.
Many of these companies have substantially greater financial, management, research and marketing resources than we do. Our competitors may be able to provide customers with different or greater capabilities or benefits than we can provide in areas such as technical qualifications, past contract performance, geographic presence, price and the availability of key professional personnel, including those with security clearances. Furthermore, many of our competitors may be able to utilize their substantially greater resources and economies of scale to develop competing products and technologies, manufacture in high volumes more efficiently, divert sales away from us by winning broader contracts or hire away our employees by offering more lucrative compensation packages. In particular, our competitors may be able to obtain the relevant certification and approvals for their aircraft before us. Small business competitors may be able to offer more cost competitive products and services, due to their lower overhead costs, and take advantage of small business incentives and set-aside programs for which we are ineligible. In order to secure contracts successfully when competing with larger, well-financed companies, we may be forced to agree to contractual terms that provide for lower aggregate payments to us over the life of the contract, which could adversely affect our margins.
We may not be able to keep pace with technological advances and we depend on advances in technology by other companies.
The defense and broader aerospace industry continues to undergo significant changes, primarily due to technological developments. Because of the rapid growth and advancement of technology, shifting consumer tastes and the popularity and availability of other forms of activities, it is impossible to predict the overall effect these factors could have on potential revenue from, and profitability of, the defense and broader aerospace industry. The development of specialized software and hardware is a costly, complex and time-consuming process, and investments in product development often involve a long wait until a return, if any, can be achieved on such investment. We might face difficulties or delays in the development process that will result in our inability to timely offer products that satisfy the market, which might allow competing products to emerge during the development and certification process. We anticipate making significant investments in R&D relating to our products and technology, but such investments are inherently speculative and require substantial capital expenditures. Any unforeseen technical obstacles and challenges that we encounter in the R&D process could result in delays in or the abandonment of product commercialization, may substantially increase development costs, and may negatively affect our results of operations. In the time it takes to develop or improve upon a product, that product may become obsolete.
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It is impossible to predict the overall effect these factors could have on our ability to compete effectively in a changing market, and if we are not able to keep pace with these technological advances, then our revenues, profitability and results of operations may be materially adversely affected. However, if we struggle to adapt to an industry-shifting technological advancement or competitor offerings that render our products relatively less attractive or obsolete, including due to competitive pressures we face relative to other drone companies, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Further, we rely on and will continue to rely on components of our products that are developed and produced by other companies over which we have limited control. The commercial success of certain of our planned future products will depend in part on advances in these and other technologies by other companies, and our ability to procure them from such third parties in a timely manner and on economically feasible terms. We may, from time-to-time, contract with and support companies developing key technologies in order to accelerate the development of such products for our specific uses. Such activities might not result in useful technologies or components for us.
We may be unable to acquire additional aircraft to support our Training segment on acceptable terms or at all.
The success of our Training segment, including our ability to bid and complete future task orders under certain multiple awards and IDIQ contracts issued by the U.S. military, is dependent on our financing or leasing additional aircraft that meet our customers’ needs. To date, a lack of funding has inhibited our ability to independently finance or lease potential aircraft. Even if we receive sufficient funding, there are a limited number of aircraft available that meet our customers’ needs and potential seller countries have been retaining aircraft in light of the Ukrainian conflict and instability in other areas of the world as well as delayed deliveries from manufacturers of new aircraft, creating more limited supply. In addition, as a result of policy changes regarding aircraft transfers to the United States, purchased aircraft often need to be disassembled, imported into the United States, and appropriately modified to meet customer needs. This requires significant capital and lead time to put an aircraft into operation. Delays or failure in obtaining suitable aircraft could adversely impact financial results and growth plans due to missed task order bidding opportunities.
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Due to the nature of our products and services, a product safety failure, quality issue or other failure affecting our or our customers’ or suppliers’ products or systems could seriously harm our business.
Our products and services are highly sophisticated and specialized, involve complex advanced technologies, are often integrated with third-party products and services, and are utilized for specific purposes that require precision, reliability, and durability. Many of our products and services include both hardware and software that involve industrial machinery and intricate aviation and defense systems, including commercial and military jet engines, power and control systems, and other aircraft parts, and military sensors and command and control systems. Technical, mechanical, quality, electronic, and other failures may occur from time to time, whether as a result of manufacturing or design defect, operational process, or production issue attributable to us, our customers, suppliers, partners, third party integrators, or others. Product design changes and updates could also have associated cost and schedule impacts. In addition, our products could fail as a result of cyber-attacks, such as those that seize control and result in misuse or unintended use of our products, or other intentional acts. The impact of a catastrophic product or system failure or similar event affecting our or our customers’ or suppliers’ products or services could be significant, and could result in injuries or death, property damage, loss of strategic capabilities, loss of intellectual property, loss of reputation, and other significant negative effects. A product or system failure, or perceived failure, could lead to negative publicity, a diversion of management attention, and damage to our reputation that could reduce demand for our products and services. It could also result in product recalls and product liability and warranty claims (including claims related to the safety or reliability of our products) and related expenses, other service, repair and maintenance costs, labor and material costs, customer support costs, significant damages, and other costs, including fines and other remedies, and regulatory and environmental liabilities. We may also incur increased costs, delayed payments, reputational harm, or lost equipment or services revenue in connection with a significant issue with a third party’s product with which our products are integrated. Further, our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all related costs and we may not otherwise be fully indemnified for them. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.
Our customers may experience service failures or interruptions due to defects in the software, infrastructure, components or engineering system that compromise our products and services, or due to errors in product installation, any of which could harm our business.
Our products and services may contain undetected defects in the software, infrastructure, components or engineering system. Sophisticated software and applications, such as those adopted and offered by us in connection with or as a part of our eVTOL, drone, and avionics offerings, may contain “bugs” that can unexpectedly interfere with the software and applications’ intended operations. Our communication services may from time to time experience outages, service slowdowns or errors. Defects may also occur in components or processes used in our products or for our services.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix all defects in the hardware, software and services we offer. Failure to do so could result in decreases in sales of our products and services, lost revenues, significant warranty and other expenses, decreases in customer confidence and loyalty, losing market share to our competitors, and harm to our reputation.
Our future success depends on the continuing efforts of our key personnel and on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel and senior management.
Due to the specialized nature of our business, our future performance is highly dependent upon the continued services of our key technical personnel and executive officers, including the contributions of Captain Joseph D. Burns, our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, our Executive Chairman, and John Uczekaj, our President and Chief Operating Officer, as well as other members of our management team, and the hiring, development, and retention of qualified technical, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and management personnel for our operations. The loss of services of any of these individuals could make it more difficult to achieve our business plans. Although we have executed employment agreements or offer letters with each member of our senior management team, these agreements are terminable at will with or without notice and, therefore, we may not be able to retain their services. We do not currently maintain “key person” life insurance on the lives of our executives. This lack of insurance means that we may not have adequate compensation for the loss of the services of these individuals.
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We aim to significantly increase our headcount in the near-term, but have experienced, and continue to experience, challenges hiring highly qualified personnel including engineers, pilots, skilled laborers, and security clearance holders. Currently, there is a shortage of pilots that could exacerbate over time as more pilots in the industry approach mandatory retirement age which will affect our Training segment. We expect these difficulties to continue in the future. In addition, the cost of labor remains high. Some candidates and new personnel may have job-related expectations that differ from our current workforce and are inconsistent with our corporate culture. With respect to existing personnel, some may become required to receive various security clearances and substantial training in order to work on certain programs or perform certain tasks. Necessary security clearances may be delayed, which may impact our ability to perform on our U.S. government contracts. We also may not be successful in training or developing qualified personnel with the requisite relevant skills or security clearances. Moreover, some of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. If we have additional challenges renegotiating agreements or if our employees pursue new collective representation, then we could experience additional costs and/or be subject to work stoppages. Any of the above factors could seriously harm our business.
We rely on a limited number of suppliers in Canada and Europe for critical components and raw materials used to manufacture and develop our products. If we are forced to use suppliers outside these jurisdictions and, as a result, such materials become scarce or unavailable, or such suppliers fail, then we may incur delays in development, manufacture and delivery of our products, which could damage our business.
We obtain hardware components, raw materials, and various systems and subsystems from a limited group of suppliers located in Canada and Europe, some of which are sole source suppliers. We do not have long-term agreements with any of these suppliers that obligate them to continue to sell such components, materials, systems or subsystems to us. Our reliance on these suppliers involves significant risk and uncertainty, including whether such suppliers will provide an adequate supply of products of sufficient quality, will increase prices for the products and will perform their obligations on a timely basis. Changes in business conditions, wars, governmental changes, political intervention, and other factors beyond our control or which we do not presently anticipate, could also affect our suppliers’ ability to deliver components to us on a timely basis. For instance, global supply chain disruptions in 2021 and 2022 impacted our ability to procure raw materials, microelectronics, and certain commodities. These disruptions were driven by supply chain market constraints and macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and geopolitical conditions. In addition, current high inflation levels have increased material and component prices, labor rates, and supplier costs, and put pressure on our margins. Credit market conditions, including higher interest rates and the availability of credit, have impacted some of our suppliers and subcontractors as well. As a result of these procurement issues, the production flow in our factories has been negatively impacted, which has, in turn, hindered our ability to perform on our commitments to customers and negatively affected our results of operations.
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The timing of the impacts of these supply chain risks and issues and our ability to mitigate them are uncertain and difficult to predict. However, we expect the current supply chain, inflation, price issues and potential tariffs and their negative impacts on our business to continue into 2025. While we saw some easing of these issues in late 2024, we expect to experience intermittent delays throughout 2025. Furthermore, the existing supply chain issues could be compounded by other events, such as an economic downturn; supplier capacity constraints for other reasons; supplier quality issues (for example, defects or fraudulent parts); supplier closing, bankruptcy, or financial difficulties; price increases for various reasons; and worsening shortages of raw materials or commodities, including as a result of war or other geopolitical actions, natural disaster (including the effects of climate change), health pandemic or other business continuity events, or transport and distribution issues, any of which could further negatively impact our ability to meet our commitments to customers or increase our operating costs and therefore incrementally affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
Furthermore, if we experience significant increased demand, or need to replace our existing suppliers, there can be no assurance that additional supplies of component parts will be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, or that any supplier would allocate sufficient supplies to us in order to meet our requirements or fill our orders in a timely manner. In addition, certain components and raw materials used in the development and manufacture of our products are periodically at risk of supply shortages, and our business is subject to the risk of price increases and periodic delays in delivery. If shortages occur and we are unable to obtain components from third party suppliers in the quantities and of the quality we require, on a timely basis and at acceptable prices, then we may not be able to timely complete development of or deliver our products on a timely or cost effective basis to our customers, which could cause customers to terminate their contracts with us, increase our costs and seriously harm our business, results of operations, prospects and financial condition. Moreover, if any of our suppliers become financially unstable, or otherwise unable or unwilling to provide us with raw materials or components, then we may have to find new suppliers. It may take several months to locate alternative suppliers, if required, or to redesign our products to accommodate components from different suppliers. Even if we are successful at locating alternative suppliers the costs of the components may be higher than the original supplier’s components or we may be required to purchase in larger quantities than we normally would, which may result in higher inventory levels than desired. We may experience significant delays in manufacturing and shipping our products to customers and incur additional development, manufacturing and other costs to establish alternative sources of supply if we lose any of these sources or are required to redesign our products. We cannot predict if we will be able to obtain replacement components within the time frames that we require at an affordable cost, if at all.
We do not control our suppliers’ labor or other compliance practices, including environmental, health and safety practices. If our current suppliers, or any other suppliers we may use in the future, violate U.S. or foreign laws or regulations, we may be subjected to extra duties, significant monetary penalties, adverse publicity, the seizure and forfeiture of products that we are attempting to import or the loss of our import privileges. The effects of these factors could render the conduct of our business in a particular country undesirable or impractical and have a negative impact on our operating results.
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We rely on independent dealers and distributors to sell our Avionics products, and disruption to these channels would harm our business.
A significant portion of aftermarket sales in our Avionics segment are made through a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors, which subjects us to many risks, including risks related to their inventory levels and support for our products. If dealers and distributors attempt to reduce their levels of inventory or if they do not maintain sufficient levels to meet customer demand, our sales could be negatively impacted.
Many of our dealers and distributors also sell products offered by our competitors. If our competitors offer our dealers and distributors more favorable terms, those dealers and distributors may de-emphasize or decline to carry our products. In the future, we may not be able to retain or attract a sufficient number of qualified dealers and distributors. If we are unable to maintain successful relationships with dealers and distributors or to expand our distribution channels, our business will suffer.
We currently, and may in the future, use and develop generative AI technologies throughout our business, which may expose us to certain regulatory and other risks that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We use AI, machine learning and automated decision-making technologies, including proprietary AI and machine learning algorithms and models (“AI Technologies”) in our business. For example, AIRO Drone expects to operate drones in an AI-based commercial inspection service known as DaaS and build and operate a worldwide drone datacom network known as “AIRO-NET.” As with many technological innovations, there are significant risks involved in developing, maintaining and deploying these technologies and there can be no assurance that the usage of, or our investments in, such technologies will always enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability. In particular, if the models underlying our AI Technologies are incorrectly designed or implemented; trained or reliant on incomplete, inadequate, inaccurate, biased or otherwise poor quality data or on data to which we do not have sufficient rights or in relation to which we and/or the providers of such data have not implemented sufficient legal compliance measures; used without sufficient oversight and governance to ensure their responsible use; and/or adversely impacted by unforeseen defects, technical challenges, cybersecurity threats or material performance issues, the performance of our products, services and business, as well as our reputation, and the reputations of our customers, could suffer or we could incur liability resulting from the violation of laws or contracts to which we are party or civil claims. Finally, the overall regulatory framework for AI Technologies is rapidly evolving as many federal, state and foreign government bodies and agencies have introduced, or are currently considering, additional laws and regulations. Additionally, existing laws and regulations may be interpreted in ways that would affect the operation of our AI Technologies. As a result, implementation standards and enforcement practices are likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future.
If our information technology systems or data, or the third parties with whom we work, are or were compromised, we could experience adverse consequences resulting from such compromise, including but not limited to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; loss of customers or sales; and other adverse consequences, risks which are amplified by our work for world governments.
In the ordinary course of our business, we and the third parties with whom we work may process proprietary, confidential, and sensitive data, including personal data, and third-party intellectual property.
In conjunction with defense procurements, some international customers require contractors to comply with industrial cooperation regulations, including entering into industrial participation, industrial development or localization agreements, sometimes referred to as offset agreements or offset contracts, as a condition to obtaining orders for our products and services. These offset agreements generally extend over several years and obligate the contractor to perform certain commitments, which may include in-country purchases, technology transfers, local manufacturing support, consulting support to in-country projects, investments in joint ventures and financial support projects, and preference for local suppliers or subcontractors. The customer’s expectations in respect of the scope of offset commitments can be substantial, including high-value content, and may exceed existing local technical capability. Failure to meet these commitments, which can be subjective and outside of our control, may result in significant penalties, and could lead to a reduction in sales to a country. Furthermore, some of our existing offset agreements are dependent upon the successful operation of joint ventures that we do not control and involve products and services that are outside of our core business, which may increase the risk of breaching our obligations, exposing us to compliance risks of the joint venture, and impairing our ability to recover our investment. For more information on our industrial development obligations, including the notional value of our remaining industrial development obligations and potential penalties for non-compliance, see the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Commitments”.
Cyberattacks, malicious internet-based activity, and online and offline fraud are prevalent and continue to increase. These threats are becoming increasingly difficult to detect and as a government contractor, these security threats are amplified. These threats come from a variety of sources, including traditional computer “hackers,” threat actors, personnel (such as through theft or misuse), “hacktivists,” organized criminal threat actors, sophisticated nation-states, and nation-state-supported actors. Some actors now engage and are expected to continue to engage in cyberattacks, including without limitation nation-state actors for geopolitical reasons and in conjunction with military conflicts and defense activities. During times of war and other major conflicts, we and the third parties with whom we work may be vulnerable to a heightened risk of these attacks, including retaliatory cyberattacks that could materially disrupt our systems and operations, supply chain, and ability to produce, sell and distribute our products. We and the third parties with whom we work may be subject to a variety of other evolving threats, including, but not limited to, social-engineering attacks (including through deep fakes, which may be increasingly more difficult to identify as fake, and phishing attacks), malicious code (such as viruses and worms), malware (including as a result of advanced persistent threat intrusions), denial-of-service attacks, credential stuffing, credential harvesting, personnel misconduct or error, ransomware attacks, supply chain attacks, software bugs, server malfunctions, software or hardware failures, loss of data or other information technology assets, adware, telecommunications failures, attacks enhanced or facilitated by artificial intelligence, and other similar threats. In particular, ransomware attacks, including those from organized criminal threat actors, nation-states and nation-state supported actors, are becoming increasingly prevalent and severe and can lead to significant interruptions, delays, or outages in our operations, ability to provide our products and services, loss of data, loss of income, significant extra expenses to restore data or systems, reputational loss and the diversion of funds. To alleviate the financial, operational and reputational impact of a ransomware attack, it may be preferable to make extortion payments, but we may be unwilling or unable to do so (including, for example, if applicable laws prohibit such payments).
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Additionally, hybrid and remote work has become more common and has increased risks to our information technology systems and data, as more of our employees utilize network connections, computers, and devices outside our premises or network, including working at home, while in transit, and in public locations. Future or past business transactions (such as acquisitions or integrations) could also expose us to additional cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, as our systems could be negatively affected by vulnerabilities present in acquired or integrated entities’ systems and technologies. Furthermore, we may discover security issues that were not found during due diligence of such acquired or integrated entities, and it may be difficult to integrate companies into our information technology environment and security program.
We rely upon third parties and technologies to operate critical business systems to process sensitive information in a variety of contexts, including, without limitation, cloud-based infrastructure, encryption and authentication technology, employee email, and other functions. Our ability to monitor these third parties’ information security practices is limited, and these third parties may not have adequate information security measures in place. While we may be entitled to damages if the third parties with whom we work fail to satisfy their privacy or security-related obligations to us, any award may be insufficient to cover our damages, or we may be unable to recover such award. In addition, supply chain attacks have increased in frequency and severity, and we cannot guarantee that third parties’ infrastructure in our supply chain or that of the third parties with whom we work have not been compromised. We may share or receive sensitive information with or from third parties.
While we have implemented security measures designed to protect against security incidents, there can be no assurance that these measures will be effective. We take steps designed to detect, mitigate and remediate vulnerabilities in our information security systems (such as our hardware and/or software, including that of third parties with whom we work), but we may not be able to detect, mitigate, and remediate all such vulnerabilities including on a timely basis. It may also be difficult and/or costly to detect, investigate, mitigate, contain, and remediate a security incident. Further, we may experience delays in developing and deploying remedial measures and patches designed to address identified vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities could be exploited and result in a security incident. Actions taken by us or the third parties with whom we work to detect, investigate, mitigate, contain, and remediate a security incident could result in outages, data losses, and disruptions of our business. Threat actors may also gain access to other networks and systems after a compromise of our networks and systems.
Any of the previously identified or similar threats could cause a security incident or other interruption that could result in unauthorized, unlawful, or accidental acquisition, modification, destruction, loss, alteration, encryption, disclosure of, or access to our sensitive information or our information technology systems, or those of the third parties with whom we work. A security incident or other interruption could disrupt our ability (and that of third parties with whom we work) to provide our products and services. We may expend significant resources or modify our business activities to try to protect against security incidents. Certain data privacy and security obligations require us to implement and maintain specific industry-standard or otherwise reasonable security measures to protect our information technology systems and sensitive information.
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Applicable data security and public company disclosure obligations may require us, or we may voluntarily choose, to notify relevant stakeholders of certain security incidents, including affected individuals, customers, regulators and investors, or to take other actions, such as providing credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. Such disclosures and related actions can be costly, and the disclosures or the failure to comply with such applicable requirements, could lead to adverse consequences. If we (or a third party with whom we work) experience a security incident or are perceived to have experienced a security incident, we may experience adverse consequences. These consequences may include: government enforcement actions (for example, investigations, fines, penalties, audits, and inspections); additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; restrictions on processing sensitive information (including personal data); litigation (including class claims); indemnification obligations; negative publicity; reputational harm; monetary fund diversions; diversion of management attention; interruptions in our operations (including availability of data); financial loss and other similar harms.
Our contracts may not contain limitations of liability, and even where they do, there can be no assurance that limitations of liability in our contracts are sufficient to protect us from liabilities, damages, or claims related to our data privacy and security obligations. In addition, our insurance coverage may not be adequate or sufficient to protect us from or to mitigate liabilities arising out of our privacy and security practices or that such coverage will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that such coverage will pay future claims.
In addition to experiencing a security incident, third parties may gather, collect, or infer sensitive information about us from public sources, data brokers, or other means that reveals competitively sensitive details about our organization and could be used to undermine our competitive advantage or market position. Sensitive information of us or our customers could also be leaked, disclosed, or revealed as a result of or in connection with our employee’s, personnel’s, or vendor’s with whom we work use of generative AI Technologies.
Our commercial aviation products, systems and services businesses are affected by global demand and economic factors that could negatively impact our financial results.
The operating results of our commercial aviation products, systems and services businesses – particularly our Electric Air Mobility and Avionics segments – have been and may in the future be adversely affected by downturns in the global demand for air travel, which impacts new aircraft production and orders, and global flying hours, which impacts air transport, regional and business aircraft utilization rates and pilot training needs. The aviation industry is highly cyclical, and the level of demand for air travel is correlated to the strength of the U.S. and international economies and is impacted by long-term trends in airline passenger and cargo traffic. The results of our commercial aviation businesses also depend on other factors, including general economic growth, political stability in both developed and emerging markets, pricing pressures, trends in capital goods markets and changes in OEM production rates.
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Extreme weather, natural disasters and other adverse events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, winter snowstorms or earthquakes, can cause flight cancellations or significant delays. Cancellations or delays due to adverse weather conditions or natural disasters, air traffic control problems or inefficiencies, breaches in security or other factors may affect us to a greater degree than our competitors who may be able to recover more quickly from these events, and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition to a greater degree than other air carriers.
The sizes of the markets for our current and future solutions may be smaller than we estimate.
Our estimates of the total addressable market for our current products and services are based on a number of internal and third-party estimates. While we believe our assumptions and the data underlying our estimates are reasonable, these assumptions and estimates may not be correct and the conditions supporting our assumptions or estimates may change at any time, thereby reducing the predictive accuracy of these underlying factors. As a result, our estimates of the total addressable market for our current or future products and services may prove to be incorrect. If the actual number of customers who will use our products and services, the price at which we can sell our products and services or the total addressable market for our products and services is smaller than we have estimated, it may impair our sales growth and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The market for eVTOL aircraft and electric air mobility has not been clearly defined, is still emerging and may not achieve the growth potential we expect or may grow more slowly than expected, which may harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The electric air mobility market is still emerging and has not been clearly defined. We are uncertain as to what extent market acceptance will grow, if at all. Our customers will likely initially launch operations in a limited number of metropolitan areas. The success of these markets, if any, and the opportunity for future growth in these and other markets may not be representative of the potential market for electric air mobility in other metropolitan areas. Our success will depend to a substantial extent on regulatory approval and availability of eVTOL technology, as well as the willingness of commuters and travelers to widely adopt air mobility as an alternative for ground transportation. If the public does not perceive electric air mobility as beneficial, or chooses not to adopt electric air mobility as a result of concerns regarding safety, affordability, value proposition or for other reasons, then the market for our aircraft may not develop, may develop more slowly than we expect or may not achieve the growth potential we expect. Any of the foregoing could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, prospects, and results of operations.
We are still developing our eVTOL aircraft, have not yet obtained FAA certification of our eVTOL aircraft under development and we have yet to manufacture or deliver any aircraft to customers, which makes evaluating our business and future prospects difficult and increases the risk of investment.
We have a limited operating history in designing, developing, and working to certify an eVTOL aircraft. Our eVTOL aircraft is in the development stage, and we do not expect our first passenger production aircraft to be certified by the TCCA under existing CAR 529 Transport Category Rotorcraft airworthiness rules until 2031 or later and certification of our 33% scaled cargo version to be certified under drone rules until 2027 or later. As a result, we have no experience as an organization in volume manufacturing of aircraft. Many of our current and potential competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than we currently have or expect to have in the future. As a result, those competitors may be able to allocate greater resources to the development of their current and future technologies, the promotion and sale of their offerings, and/or offer their technologies at lower prices. Notably, our competitors may be able to receive Type, Airworthiness or Production certification from the FAA covering their eVTOL aircraft prior to us receiving such certifications. Our current and potential competitors may also establish cooperative or strategic relationships amongst themselves or with third parties that may further enhance their resources and offerings. Further, it is possible that domestic or foreign companies or governments, some with greater experience in the aerospace industry or greater financial resources than we possess, will seek to provide products or services that compete directly or indirectly with ours in the future. Any such foreign competitor, for example, could benefit from subsidies from, or other protective measures by, its home country.
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We cannot assure you that we or our partners will successfully develop manufacturing and supply chain capabilities that will enable us to meet the quality, price, engineering, design and production standards, as well as the production volumes, required to successfully commercialize our aircraft.
There may be reluctance by consumers to adopt a new form of mobility, or an unwillingness to pay aircraft operators’ projected prices.
Our growth is highly dependent upon the adoption by consumers of an entirely new form of mobility offered by eVTOL aircraft and the electric air mobility market. If consumers do not adopt this new form of mobility or are not willing to pay the projected prices for the aerial ridesharing services provided by our customers, our prospects, financial condition and operating results will be harmed. This market is new, rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, new aircraft announcements and changing consumer demands and behaviors. There may be heightened public skepticism of this nascent technology and its adopters. In particular, there could be negative public perception surrounding eVTOL aircraft, including the overall safety and the potential for injuries or death occurring as a result of accidents involving eVTOL aircraft, regardless of whether any such safety incidents involve our aircraft. Any of the foregoing risks and challenges could adversely affect our prospects, business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our success in a given market will depend on our customers’ ability to develop a network of passengers and accurately assess and predict passenger demand and price sensitivity. Demand and price sensitivity may fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including macroeconomic factors, quality of service, negative publicity, safety incidents, corporate reporting related to safety, quality of customer support, perceived political or geopolitical affiliations, or dissatisfaction with our products and offerings in general. If the operators of our aircraft fail to attract passengers or fail to accurately predict demand and price sensitivity, it could reduce demand for our aircraft and harm our financial performance.
In addition, while our aircraft will be operating within the existing aviation airspace and infrastructure, long-term continued adoption of electric air mobility will depend on operators’ ability to develop and operate vertiports in desirable locations in metropolitan locations. Developing and operating vertiport locations will require permits and approvals from federal, state, and local regulatory authorities and government bodies, and operation of our aircraft will depend on such permits and approvals. If our operators are prohibited, restricted, or delayed from developing and operating desirable vertiport locations, then demand for our aircraft could decline and our business could be adversely affected.
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We expect that a large driver of passenger demand for electric air mobility will be time savings when compared with alternative modes of transportation. Should operators of our aircraft be unable to deliver a sufficient level of time savings for passengers, or if expected time savings are impacted by delays or cancellations, it could reduce consumer demand and, in turn, demand for our aircraft. If demand does not materialize or falls, our business, financial conditions, prospects, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Operators of our aircraft may be unable to reduce end-user pricing over time at rates sufficient to stimulate demand for our aircraft, drive expected growth and accomplish planned production.
Operators of our aircraft may not be able to successfully reduce end-user pricing over time to increase demand, address new market segments and develop a significantly broader customer base. We expect that initial end-user pricing may be most applicable to relatively affluent consumers, and operators will need to address additional markets and expand their customer demographic in order to further grow their electric air mobility business. If operators are unable to meet their end-user pricing projections, then demand for our aircraft will decline and we will be unable to meet our production plans, resulting in an increase in our per-unit costs, adversely affecting our results of operations.
Our aircraft may not perform at the level we expect, and may have design or manufacturing deficiencies, such as higher than expected noise profiles, lower payloads than initially estimated, shorter ranges and/or shorter useful lives than we anticipate.
Our aircraft may contain defects in design or manufacture that may cause them not to perform as expected or that may require repair. For example, our aircraft may have a higher noise profile than we expect or carry a lower payload or have a shorter maximum battery range than we estimate. Our aircraft also use a substantial amount of software code to operate. Software products are inherently complex and often contain defects and errors when first introduced. There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix any such defects in these products prior to their use. While we have performed extensive testing, in some instances we are still relying on projections and models to validate the projected performance of our aircraft. To date, we have been unable to validate the performance of our aircraft over the expected lifetime of the aircraft.
Accidents or safety incidents involving eVTOL aircraft, us or our competitors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Test flying prototype aircraft is inherently risky, and accidents or incidents involving our aircraft are possible. Urban environments may present particular challenges to the operators of UAS, such as an increased risk of collisions resulting in property damage, injury or death. As the usage of UAS has increased, the danger of such collisions has increased. Any such occurrence would negatively impact our development, testing and certification efforts, and could result in re-design, certification delay and/or postponements or delays to the sales of our aircraft. In addition, such occurrences could significantly damage the reputation of and support for UAS in general.
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The operation of aircraft is subject to various risks, and we expect demand for our aircraft to be impacted by accidents or other safety issues regardless of whether such accidents or issues involve our aircraft. Such accidents or incidents could also have a material impact on our ability to obtain certification from the Civil Aviation Authorities for our aircraft, or to obtain such certification in a timely manner. Such events could impact confidence in a particular aircraft type or the air transportation services industry as a whole, particularly if such accidents or disasters were due to a safety fault. We believe that regulators and the general public are still forming their opinions about the safety and utility of aircraft that are highly reliant on lithium-ion batteries and/or advanced flight control software capabilities. An accident or other safety incident involving either our aircraft or a competitor’s aircraft during these early stages of opinion formation could have a disproportionate impact on the longer-term view of the emerging electric air mobility market.
Further, if our personnel, our aircraft or other types of aircraft are involved in a public incident, accident, catastrophe or regulatory enforcement action, we could be exposed to significant reputational harm and potential legal liability. The insurance we carry may be inapplicable or inadequate to cover any such incident, accident, catastrophe or action. In the event that our insurance is inapplicable or inadequate, we may be forced to bear substantial losses from an incident or accident, which would adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If we experience harm to our reputation and brand by customers, employees or operators, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Continuing to increase the strength of our reputation and brand for high-performing, sustainable, safe and cost-effective electric air mobility is critical to our ability to attract and retain customers and partners. In addition, our growth strategy includes international expansion through joint ventures or other partnerships with local companies that would benefit from our reputation and brand recognition. The successful development of our reputation and brand will depend on several factors, many of which are outside of our control. Negative perception of our aircraft or company may harm our reputation and brand, including as a result of:
● | complaints or negative publicity or reviews about us, independent third-party aircraft operators, passengers, or other brands or events that we associate with, even if factually incorrect or based on isolated incidents; |
● | our involvement during times of war and other major conflicts, including the current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas; |
● | changes to our operations, safety and security or other policies that customers, end-users or others perceive as overly restrictive, unclear or inconsistent with our values; |
● | illegal, negligent, reckless or otherwise inappropriate behavior by operators or independent third parties involved in the operation of our business or by our management team or other employees; |
● | actual or perceived disruptions or defects in our aircraft; |
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● | litigation over, or investigations by regulators into, our operations or those of our independent third-party aircraft operators; |
● | a failure to operate our business in a way that is consistent with our values; |
● | negative responses by independent third-party aircraft operators to new mobility offerings; or |
● | any of the foregoing with respect to our competitors, to the extent such resulting negative perception affects the public’s perception of us or our industry as a whole. |
Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In order to reach production for our aircraft, we need to develop complex software and technology systems in coordination with our partners and suppliers, and there can be no assurance such systems will be successfully developed.
We anticipate that our aircraft will use a substantial amount of sophisticated software and hardware to operate. The development of such advanced technologies is inherently complex, and we will need to coordinate with our partners and suppliers in order to reach production for our aircraft. Defects and errors may be revealed over time and our control over the performance of third-party services and systems may be limited. If any of our partners and suppliers fail to adequately fulfill their obligations towards us or experience interruptions or disruptions in production or provision of services due to, for example, bankruptcy, natural disasters, labor strikes or disruption of its supply chain, we may experience a significant delay in the delivery of or fail to receive previously ordered systems and parts, which would adversely affect our revenue and profitability and could jeopardize our ability to meet the demands of our program participants or develop the necessary software and technology systems may harm our competitive position.
We are relying on third-party partners to develop a number of emerging technologies for use in our products. These technologies are not currently, and may not ever be, commercially viable. There can be no assurances that our partners will be able to meet the technological requirements, production timing, and volume requirements to support our business plan. In addition, the technology may not comply with the cost, performance, useful life, and warranty characteristics that we anticipate in our business plan or may have performance problems related to mechanical or software defects. As a result, our business plan could be significantly adversely impacted, and we may incur significant liabilities under warranty claims, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, and results of operations.
We may not be able to produce aircraft in the volumes or on the timelines that we anticipate.
There are significant challenges associated with mass producing aircraft in the volumes that we are anticipating. The aerospace industry has traditionally been characterized by significant barriers to entry, including large capital requirements, investment costs of designing and manufacturing aircraft, long lead times to bring aircraft to market from the concept and design stage, the need for specialized design and development expertise, extensive regulatory requirements, difficulty establishing a brand name and image, and the need to establish maintenance and service locations. As a manufacturer of electric aircraft, we face a variety of added challenges to entry that a traditional aircraft manufacturer would not encounter, including additional costs of developing and producing an electric powertrain, regulations associated with the transport of lithium-ion batteries and unproven high-volume consumer demand for a fully electric aerial mobility service. Additionally, we are developing production lines for components and at volumes for which there is little precedent within the traditional aerospace industry. If we are not able to overcome these barriers, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition will be negatively impacted, and our ability to grow our business will be harmed.
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There can also be no assurance that our operator customers will not experience operational or process failures and other problems, including pilot error, cyberattacks or other intentional acts, that could result in potential safety risks. Any actual or perceived safety issues may result in significant reputational harm to the electric air mobility industry and, accordingly, our business, in addition to tort liability, increased safety infrastructure and other costs that may arise. Such issues could result in increased regulation or other systemic consequences. Adverse publicity affecting the industry and our reputation as a result of accidents, operational failures, or other safety incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, prospects, and results of operation. In addition, our aircraft may be grounded by regulatory authorities due to safety concerns that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
We will also need to do extensive testing to ensure that the aircraft is in compliance with applicable TCCA safety regulations and other relevant regulations prior to beginning mass production. In addition to certification of the aircraft, we will be required to obtain TCCA approval to manufacture completed aircraft pursuant to a TCCA-approved type design (e.g., type certificate). Production approval involves initial TCCA manufacturing approval and extensive ongoing oversight of mass-produced aircraft. If we are unable to obtain production approval for the aircraft, or if TCCA imposes unanticipated restrictions as a condition of approval, our projected costs of production could increase substantially.
The timing of our production ramp is dependent upon finalizing certain aspects of the design, engineering, component procurement, testing, build out, and manufacturing plans in a timely manner and upon our ability to execute these plans within the current timeline. It is also dependent on being able to timely obtain TCCA certification. If we experience any delays in the execution of these plans or in obtaining TCCA certification, our business, prospectus, operating results and financial condition will be negatively impacted.
Risks Related to Our U.S. Government Contracts
We are subject to extensive government regulation, and our failure to comply with applicable regulations may subject us to significant financial liability, penalties, and other government actions that restrict our ability to conduct our business.
As a contractor to the U.S. government and provider of various technologies, we are subject to and must comply with various government regulations that impact our revenue, operating costs, profit margins and the internal organization and operation of our business. We also need special security clearances and regulatory approvals to continue working on certain projects with the U.S. government. Our failure to comply with applicable regulations, rules and approvals, changes in the government’s interpretation of such regulations, rules and approvals as have been and are applied to our contracts, proposals or business or misconduct by any of our employees could result in financial liability, the imposition of fines and penalties, the loss of security clearances, a decrease in profitability, the loss of our government contracts or our suspension or debarment from contracting with the U.S. government generally, any of which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We are also subject to certain regulations of comparable government agencies in other countries, and our failure to comply with these non-U.S. regulations could also harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.
U.S. government agencies, including the FAA, the Defense Contract Audit Agency, the Defense Contract Management Agency and various agency Inspectors General, routinely audit and investigate government contractors. These agencies review a contractor’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations and contract terms, regarding, among other things, contract pricing, contract performance, cost structure and business systems. U.S. government audits and investigations often take years to complete, and many result in no adverse action against us. Like many U.S. government contractors, we have received audit and investigative reports recommending the reduction of certain contract prices or that certain payments be repaid, delayed, or withheld, and may involve substantial amounts. Similarly, like other U.S. government contractors, audits and investigations also occur related to cost reimbursements that are based upon our final allowable incurred costs for each year. We have unaudited or unsettled incurred cost claims related to past years, which limits our ability to issue final billings on contracts for which authorized and appropriated funds may be expiring or can result in delays in final billings and our ability to close out a contract.
If an audit or investigation uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including reductions of the value of contracts, contract modifications or terminations, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, penalties, fines or suspension or debarment from doing business with the U.S. government. Suspension or debarment could have a material adverse effect on us because of our dependence on contracts with the U.S. government. In addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us. Similar government oversight and risks to our business and reputation exist in most other countries where we conduct business.
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U.S. government contracts are frequently awarded only after formal, protracted competitive proposal processes and, in many cases, unsuccessful offerors for U.S. government contracts are provided the opportunity to protest contract awards through various agency, administrative and judicial channels. Competing for U.S. government contracts presents a number of risks, including the following:
● | the need to bid on programs in advance of the completion of their design, which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties and cost overruns; |
● | the substantial cost and managerial time and effort that must be spent to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may not be awarded to us; |
● | the need to estimate accurately the resources and cost structure that will be required to service any contract we are awarded; and |
● | the expense and delay that may arise if our competitors protest or challenge contract awards made to us pursuant to competitive bidding. |
The U.S. military chooses winning proposals based on such factors as cost, certainty of fulfilling the needs of a specific task order, safety records, and other criteria stated in solicitations. For example, while our Training segment is an approved provider under U.S. military contracts with a limited number of competitors, the U.S. military periodically releases task order solicitations requesting specific services pursuant to a competitive process.
U.S. government contracts are subject to a competitive bidding process, are generally not fully funded at inception, and contain certain terms that may be unfavorable to us, which could result in contracts and opportunities consuming significant resources without generating revenue or profit.
U.S. government contracts typically involve long lead times for design and development, and are subject to significant changes in scheduling. Congress generally appropriates funds on a fiscal year basis even though a program may continue for several years. Consequently, programs are often only partially funded initially, and additional funds are committed only as Congress makes further appropriations. The termination or reduction of funding for a government program would result in a loss of anticipated future revenue attributable to that program. In addition, U.S. government contracts generally contain provisions permitting termination, in whole or in part, at the government’s convenience. Because a substantial majority of our revenue is dependent on the procurement, performance and payment under our U.S. government contracts, the termination of one or more critical government contracts could have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
We rely to a significant degree on sales to the U.S. government, particularly to agencies of the DoD and a decline in government budgets, funding, changes in spending or budgetary priorities, or delays in contract awards may materially adversely affect our future revenue, business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and equity.
We derive a significant portion of our total sales from the U.S. government and its agencies, either as a prime contractor or subcontractor, particularly in connection with our Drones and Training segments. The DoD is our principal U.S. government customer. We believe that the success and growth of our business for the foreseeable future will continue to depend to a significant degree on our ability to win government contracts, in particular from the DoD. Additionally, the military and defense market is significantly dependent upon government budget trends, particularly the DoD budget. In addition to normal business risks, our supply of products to the U.S. government is subject to unique risks largely beyond our control. DoD budgets could be negatively impacted by several factors, including, but not limited to, a change in defense spending policy as a result of the presidential election or otherwise, the U.S. government’s budget deficits, spending priorities (for example, shifting funds to efforts to combat the impact of the pandemic or efforts to assist Ukraine in the Russia and Ukraine conflict), the cost of sustaining the U.S. military presence internationally, possible political pressure to reduce U.S. government military spending and the ability of the U.S. government to enact appropriations bills and other relevant legislation, each of which could cause the DoD budget to remain unchanged or to decline. In recent years, the U.S. government has been unable to complete its budget process before the end of its fiscal year, resulting in both governmental shutdowns and continuing resolutions providing only enough funds for U.S. government agencies to continue operating at prior- year levels. Further, if the U.S. government debt ceiling is not raised and the national debt reaches the statutory debt ceiling, the U.S. government could default on its debts. A significant decline in U.S. military expenditures could result in a reduction in the amount of our products sold to the various agencies and buying organizations of the U.S. government.
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The U.S. government may modify, curtail or terminate one or more of our contracts.
The U.S. government contracting party may modify, curtail or terminate its contracts with us, without prior notice and either at its convenience or for default based on performance. In addition, funding pursuant to our U.S. government contracts may be reduced or withheld as part of the U.S. Congressional appropriations process due to fiscal constraints, changes in U.S. national security strategy and/or priorities or other reasons. Historically, our Training segment has received some U.S. government contract funding under programs designed to benefit “small businesses” as defined under certain provisions of the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) regulations. The SBA regulations address multiple different programs that have varying eligibility requirements. Moreover, the SBA regulations are subject to different interpretations, and the U.S. government may determine, under a changed interpretation, that we should no longer be classified as small. If the U.S. government made such a determination, it could terminate, cancel, or decide not to award options on existing agreements.
Any loss or anticipated loss or reduction of expected funding and/or modification, curtailment, or termination of one or more of our U.S. government contracts could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flow and/or financial position, as well as our access to government testing facilities and/or our ability to secure pre-certification operating experience and/or revenues.
Our business may benefit in part from government funding, and our inability to receive such financial support could harm our business.
We may receive subsidies and grants from governments in some countries. These programs are subject to periodic review by the relevant governments, and if any of these programs are curtailed or discontinued, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As the availability of government funding is outside our control, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to benefit from government support or that sufficient alternative funding will be available if we lose such support. For example, we previously entered into discussions with the federal and the provincial government of Quebec to provide funding for our aircraft development program and Quebec’s Minister of Economy and Innovation has conditionally agreed to financially support the program. The funding mechanisms have not yet been determined but it is anticipated that they would include grants and/or tax rebates. If we do not receive this funding, our aircraft development program could be adversely affected.
Additionally, a U.S. government contracting party may modify, curtail or terminate its contracts and subcontracts with us, without prior notice and either at its convenience or for default based on performance. In addition, funding pursuant to our U.S. government contracts may be reduced or withheld as part of the U.S. Congressional appropriations process due to changes in U.S. national security strategy and/or priorities, fiscal constraints, including enforceable spending caps, a sequester or a lack of funding available to pay incurred obligations, or for other reasons. Further uncertainty with respect to ongoing programs could result in the U.S. government financing its operations through temporary funding measures such as continuing resolutions rather than full-year appropriations. Any loss or anticipated loss or reduction of expected funding and/or modification, curtailment or termination of one or more large programs could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
Shutdowns of the U.S. federal government could materially impair our business and financial condition.
The U.S. Congress may fund U.S. government departments and agencies with one or more continuing resolutions, which could delay new programs or competitions and/or negatively impact the execution of certain program activities. A lapse in appropriations for government departments or agencies would result in a full or partial government shutdown, which could impact our operations. In the event of a prolonged shutdown, requirements to furlough employees in the U.S. DoD, the Department of Transportation, including the FAA, or other government agencies could result in an impact to our operations, negatively impact future contracts, and/or cause other disruptions or delays. There is uncertainty regarding which government functions would shut down or continue operations during a lapse in appropriations, and corresponding uncertainty regarding the extent or magnitude of potential impacts to our operations. In March 2025, President Trump signed a continuing resolution that funds federal agencies through September 30, 2025. A continuing resolution authorizes federal agencies to operate generally at the same funding levels from the prior year, but typically does not authorize new spending initiatives during this period. If Congress is unable to enact formal fiscal year 2026 appropriation bills by September 30, 2025, it may pass another continuing resolution. However, if Congress fails to pass the formal appropriations bills or a continuing resolution, then the U.S. government would shut down during which federal agencies would cease all non-essential functions.
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Risks Related to Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Many of our products and services are subject to local, state, federal and international regulatory frameworks that are costly to comply with, are subject to interpretation, may be dependent on political pressures and factors and/or are subject to change.
Many of the products we develop and manufacture are highly dependent on our ability to meet local, state, federal and international regulations. In particular, our ability to meet the certification requirements for our products in the United States and abroad could determine the ability to sell, deliver, and manufacture our products, and therefore, could impact our operating results. These regulations include design and manufacture of products and components. While a common framework exists among many regulatory authorities allowing for recognition of different regulatory approvals by other regulatory entities, often times there are differences that require additional validation to meet the requirements of a specific entity. The risk not only lies in the viability of a particular product but also the time to market. Delays in the process are not unusual and can lead to delays in bringing product to market. These delays could result in financial and competitive impacts on AIRO’s operations. For a description of the regulatory frameworks that apply to our products and services, see the section titled “Business— Government Regulation.”
Our business is highly regulated and our ability to generate revenues and profit may be limited by regulatory restrictions and/or changes and the speed with which such restrictions and/or changes occur.
Aerospace manufacturers and aircraft operators are subject to extensive regulatory and legal requirements that involve significant compliance costs. The Civil Aviation Authorities may issue regulations relating to the operation of aircraft that could require significant expenditures. Implementation of the requirements created by such regulations may result in increased costs for our electric air mobility passengers and us. Additional laws, regulations, taxes and airport rates and charges have been proposed from time to time that could significantly increase the cost of our operations or reduce the demand for air travel. If adopted, these measures could have the effect of raising fares, reducing revenue and increasing costs. Moreover, the nature of and the speed with which these regulations are completed and implemented pose a risk for our financial performance and condition, timing of growth and overall potential. As a result, we cannot ensure that these and other laws or regulations enacted in the future will not have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Governments and regulatory agencies in the markets where we manufacture and sell drone products may enact additional regulations relating to product safety and consumer protection in the future, and may also increase the penalties for failure to comply with product safety and consumer protection regulations. In addition, one or more of our customers might require changes in our products, such as the non-use of certain materials, in the future. Complying with any such additional regulations or requirements could impose increased costs on our business. Similarly, increased penalties for non-compliance could subject us to greater expenses in the event any of our products were found to not comply with such regulations. Such increased costs or penalties could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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We are subject to the risks associated with conducting international business operations.
In addition to our U.S. operations, we also have international operations in Canada and Denmark, sell our products and services to international dealers and customers, including foreign governments and engage in sales and marketing efforts in many foreign jurisdictions. In international sales, we face substantial competition from both U.S. manufacturers and international manufacturers whose governments sometimes provide R&D assistance, marketing subsidies and other assistance for their products and services. International sales present risks that are different and potentially greater than those encountered in our U.S. business. In 2023, a majority of our total net sales were from international customers. International sales are subject to numerous political and economic factors, including changes in foreign national priorities, foreign government budgets, global economic conditions, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, the possibility of trade sanctions and other government actions, regulatory requirements, significant competition, taxation, and other risks associated with doing business outside the United States. Sales of military products and services and any associated industrial development (offset) agreements are subject to U.S. export regulations and foreign policy, and there could be significant delays or other issues in reaching definitive agreements for announced programs. See “—We cannot predict the consequences of future macroeconomic conditions or geopolitical events, but they may adversely affect market and economic conditions, the markets in which we operate, our ability to insure against risks, our operations or our profitability.”
Our international business is conducted through foreign military sales (“FMS”) contracted through the U.S. government and by direct commercial sales (“DCS”) to international customers. FMS contracts with the U.S. government are subject to the FAR and the DFARS. Because the U.S. government functions as an intermediary in FMS sales, we are reliant on the capacity and speed of the DoD’s administration of requests from non-U.S. countries to convert requests to sales. In contrast, DCS transactions represent sales directly to international customers and are subject to U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including product testing, import-export control, economic sanctions, technology transfer restrictions, investments, taxation, repatriation of earnings, exchange controls, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-corruption laws and regulations, and the anti-boycott provisions of the U.S. Export Control Reform Act of 2018. While we have extensive policies in place to comply with such laws and regulations, failure by us, our employees or others working on our behalf to comply with these laws and regulations could result in administrative, civil, or criminal liabilities, including suspension, debarment from bidding for or performing government contracts, or suspension of our export privileges, which could have a material adverse effect on us. We frequently team with international subcontractors and suppliers who also are exposed to similar risks.
We believe DCS transactions present a higher level of potential risks because they involve direct commercial relationships with parties with which we typically have less familiarity. Additionally, international procurement and local country rules and regulations, contract laws and judicial systems differ from those in the United States and, in some cases, may be less predictable than those in the United States, which could impair our ability to enforce contracts and increase the risk of adverse or unpredictable outcomes, including the possibility that certain matters that would be considered civil matters in the United States are treated as criminal matters in other countries.
Additionally, changes in regulatory, geopolitical, social, economic, or monetary policies and other factors, including those which may result from the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, if any, may have a material adverse effect on our business in the future, or may require us to exit a particular market or significantly modify our current business practices. Abrupt political change, terrorist activity and armed conflict pose a risk of general economic disruption in affected countries, including economic sanctions and export license requirements, which could also result in an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
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We and the third parties with whom we work are subject to stringent and evolving U.S. and foreign laws, regulations, and rules, contractual obligations, industry standards, policies and other obligations related to data privacy and security. Our (or the third parties with whom we work) actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could lead to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation (including class claims) and mass arbitration demands; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; loss of customers or sales; and other adverse business consequences.
In the ordinary course of business, we collect, receive, store, process, generate, use, transfer, disclose, make accessible, protect, secure, dispose of, transmit, and share (collectively, process) personal data and other sensitive information, including proprietary and confidential business data, intellectual property, and sensitive third-party data. Our data processing activities subject us to numerous data privacy and security obligations, such as various laws, regulations, guidance, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, contractual requirements, and other obligations relating to data privacy and security.
In conjunction with defense procurements, some international customers require contractors to comply with industrial cooperation regulations, including entering into industrial participation, industrial development or localization agreements, sometimes referred to as offset agreements or offset contracts, as a condition to obtaining orders for our products and services. These offset agreements generally extend over several years and obligate the contractor to perform certain commitments, which may include in-country purchases, technology transfers, local manufacturing support, consulting support to in-country projects, investments in joint ventures and financial support projects, and preference for local suppliers or subcontractors. The customer’s expectations in respect of the scope of offset commitments can be substantial, including high-value content, and may exceed existing local technical capability. Failure to meet these commitments, which can be subjective and outside of our control, may result in significant penalties, and could lead to a reduction in sales to a country. Furthermore, some of our existing offset agreements are dependent upon the successful operation of joint ventures that we do not control and involve products and services that are outside of our core business, which may increase the risk of breaching our obligations, exposing us to compliance risks of the joint venture, and impairing our ability to recover our investment. For more information on our industrial development obligations, including the notional value of our remaining industrial development obligations and potential penalties for non-compliance, see the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations.”
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In the United States, federal, state, and local governments have enacted numerous data privacy and security laws, including data breach notification laws, personal data privacy laws, consumer protection laws (e.g., Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act), and other similar laws (e.g., wiretapping laws). In the past few years, numerous U.S. states—including California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah—have enacted comprehensive privacy laws that impose certain obligations on covered businesses, including providing specific disclosures in privacy notices and affording residents with certain rights concerning their personal data. As applicable, such rights may include the right to access, correct, or delete certain personal data, and to opt-out of certain data processing activities, such as targeted advertising, profiling, and automated decision-making. The exercise of these rights may impact our business and ability to provide our products and services. Certain states also impose stricter requirements for processing certain personal data, including sensitive information, such as conducting data privacy impact assessments. These state laws allow for statutory fines for noncompliance. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”) applies to personal data of consumers, business representatives, and employees who are California residents, and requires businesses to provide specific disclosures in privacy notices and honor requests of such individuals to exercise certain privacy rights. The CCPA provides for fines of up to $7,500 per intentional violation and allows private litigants affected by certain data breaches to recover significant statutory damages. Similar laws are being considered in several other states, as well as at the federal and local levels, and we expect more states to pass similar laws in the future.
Outside the United States, an increasing number of laws, regulations, and industry standards govern data privacy and security. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, the United Kingdom’s General Data Protection Regulation (collectively, the “GDPR”), and Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais) (Law No. 13,709/2018) impose strict requirements for processing personal data. In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and various related provincial laws, as well as Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, may apply to our operations.
Our employees and personnel use generative AI technologies to perform their work, and the disclosure and use of personal data in generative AI technologies is subject to various privacy laws and other privacy obligations. Governments have passed and are likely to pass additional laws regulating generative AI. Our use of this technology could result in additional compliance costs, regulatory investigations and actions, and lawsuits. If we are unable to use generative AI, it could make our business less efficient and result in competitive disadvantages. We use AI/machine learning to assist us in making certain decisions, which is regulated by certain privacy laws. Due to inaccuracies or flaws in the inputs, outputs, or logic of the AI/machine learning, the model could be biased and could lead us to make decisions that could bias certain individuals (or classes of individuals), and adversely impact their rights, employment, and ability to obtain certain pricing, products, services, or benefits.
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In the ordinary course of business, we may transfer personal data from Europe and other jurisdictions to the United States or other countries. Europe and other jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring data to be localized or limiting the transfer of personal data to other countries. In particular, the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) and the United Kingdom (the “UK”) have significantly restricted the transfer of personal data to the United States and other countries whose privacy laws it generally believes are inadequate. Other jurisdictions may adopt similarly stringent interpretations of their data localization and cross-border data transfer laws. Although there are currently various mechanisms that may be used to transfer personal data from the EEA and the United Kingdom to the United States in compliance with law, such as the EEA standard contractual clauses, the UK’s International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum, and the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the UK extension thereto (which allows for transfers to relevant U.S.-based organizations who self-certify compliance and participate in the Framework), these mechanisms are subject to legal challenges, and there is no assurance that we can satisfy or rely on these measures to lawfully transfer personal data to the United States. If there is no lawful manner for us to transfer personal data from the EEA, the United Kingdom or other jurisdictions to the United States, or if the requirements for a legally-compliant transfer are too onerous, we could face significant adverse consequences, including the interruption or degradation of our operations, the need to relocate part of or all of our business or data processing activities to other jurisdictions (such as Europe) at significant expense, increased exposure to regulatory actions, substantial fines and penalties, the inability to transfer data and work with partners, vendors and other third parties, and injunctions against our processing or transferring of personal data necessary to operate our business. Additionally, companies that transfer personal data out of the EEA and the United Kingdom to other jurisdictions, particularly to the United States, are subject to increased scrutiny from regulators, individual litigants, and activist groups. Some European regulators have ordered certain companies to suspend or permanently cease certain transfers out of Europe for allegedly violating the GDPR’s cross-border data transfer limitations.
In addition to data privacy and security laws, we are contractually subject to industry standards adopted by industry groups and, we are, or may become subject to such obligations in the future. We are also bound by contractual obligations related to data privacy and security, and our efforts to comply with such obligations may not be successful. We publish privacy policies, marketing materials and other statements regarding data privacy and security. If these policies, materials or statements are found to be deficient, lacking in transparency, deceptive, unfair, or misrepresentative of our practices, we may be subject to investigation, enforcement actions by regulators or other adverse consequences.
Obligations related to data privacy and security (and consumers’ data privacy expectations) are quickly changing, becoming increasingly stringent, and creating uncertainty. Additionally, these obligations may be subject to differing applications and interpretations, which may be inconsistent or conflict among jurisdictions. Preparing for and complying with these obligations requires us to devote significant resources, which may necessitate changes to our services, information technologies, systems, and practices and to those of any third parties that process personal data on our behalf. We may at times fail (or be perceived to have failed) in our efforts to comply with our data privacy and security obligations. Moreover, despite our efforts, our personnel or third parties with whom we work may fail to comply with such obligations, which could negatively impact our business operations.
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If we or the third parties with whom we work fail, or are perceived to have failed, to address or comply with applicable data privacy and security obligations, we could face significant consequences, including but not limited to: government enforcement actions (e.g., investigations, fines, penalties, audits, inspections, and similar); litigation (including class-action claims) and mass arbitration demands; additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; bans or restrictions on processing personal data; and orders to destroy or not use personal data. In particular, plaintiffs have become increasingly active in bringing privacy-related claims against companies, including class claims and mass arbitration demands. Some of these claims allow for the recovery of statutory damages on a per violation basis, and, if viable, carry the potential for monumental statutory damages, depending on the volume of data and the number of violations. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, or financial condition, including but not limited to, loss of customers; inability to process personal data or to operate in certain jurisdictions; limited ability to develop or commercialize our products; expenditure of time and resources to defend any claim or inquiry; adverse publicity; or substantial changes to our business model or operations.
Our international operations require us to comply with U.S. and certain foreign anti-corruption laws and regulations, export and import controls, economic sanctions and embargoes. We could face liability and other serious consequences for violations, which could materially adversely affect our business and reputation.
We are subject to anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act and other state and national anti-bribery laws in the countries in which we currently conduct activities, as well as those of any countries in which we may conduct activities in the future. Anti-corruption laws are interpreted broadly and generally prohibit companies and their employees, agents, contractors and other third-party collaborators from offering, promising, giving, soliciting, receiving, or authorizing others to give, solicit, or receive anything of value, either directly or indirectly through third parties, to any person in the public or private sector to obtain or retain business. The FCPA also requires public companies to make and keep books and records that accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the corporation and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls. We may engage third parties to sell our products or to obtain necessary permits, licenses, patent registrations, and other regulatory approvals outside the United States. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, agents, contractors, and other partners, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of such activities. Any violation of the laws and regulations described above may result in substantial civil and criminal fines and penalties, imprisonment, the loss of export or import privileges, debarment, tax reassessments, breach of contract and fraud litigation, reputational harm, and other consequences.
We are also subject to export control and import laws and regulations and economic and financial sanctions and trade embargoes, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Customs regulations, and various economic and financial trade sanctions regulations administered and enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the EU and other relevant export controls and sanctions authorities.
Pursuant to these laws and regulations, we are required, among other things, to (i) maintain a registration under the ITAR (which controls the export of defense-related items and services), (ii) determine the proper licensing jurisdiction and export classification of products, software, and technology under U.S., EU and other applicable laws, and (iii) obtain licenses or other forms of government authorization to engage in the conduct of our business. Furthermore, U.S. export control laws and economic sanctions prohibit the provision of certain products and services to countries, governments and persons targeted by U.S. sanctions. EU sanctions and export controls operate in a similar manner. Changes in U.S., EU or foreign trade control laws and regulations, or reclassifications of our products or technologies, may restrict our operations. Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements regarding the export of our products may create delays in the introduction of our products in international markets or, in some cases, prevent the export of our products to some countries altogether. The inability to secure and maintain necessary licenses and other authorizations could negatively impact our ability to compete successfully or to operate our business as planned. Any changes in export control laws and regulations or U.S., EU and other government licensing policy may restrict our operations. For example, given the great discretion the government has in issuing or denying such authorizations to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, there can be no assurance we will be successful in our future efforts to secure and maintain necessary licenses, registrations, or other U.S. government regulatory approvals.
Although we maintain written policies, and have implemented procedures and safeguards, that are reasonably designed to maintain compliance with export controls, import laws, and economic and financial sanctions, there is no certainty that all of our employees or agents for which we may be held responsible, suppliers, manufacturers, contractors or collaborators, or those of our affiliates, will comply with all applicable anti-corruption, export and import control, and sanctions laws and regulations. Our global operations expose us to the risk of violating, or being accused of violating, economic and trade sanctions laws and regulations. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in significant penalties, including: civil fines; criminal sanctions against us, our officers, or our employees; imprisonment; the closing down of facilities, including those of our suppliers and manufacturers; disgorgement of profits; injunctions and debarment from government contracts; requirements to obtain export licenses; cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries; implementation of compliance programs; and prohibitions on the conduct of our business. Any such violations could include prohibitions on our ability to offer our products in one or more countries, as well as difficulties in manufacturing or continuing to develop our products, and could materially adversely affect our reputation, our brand, our international expansion efforts, our ability to attract and retain employees, and our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
We may be unable to source and sell our products profitably or at all if new trade protections are imposed or existing protections become more burdensome.
The United States and the countries in which our products are produced or sold have imposed and may impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, or other measures, or may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty, or tariff levels. Such actions could have an adverse effect on our financial statements for the period or periods for which the applicable final determinations are made. Countries impose, modify, and remove tariffs and other trade measures in response to a diverse array of factors, including global and national economic and political conditions, which make it impossible for us to predict future developments regarding tariffs, customs, and other trade measures. Trade protections, including tariffs, quotas, safeguards, duties, and customs restrictions, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of products available to us, could increase shipping times, or may require us to modify our supply chain organization or other current business practices, any of which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
If we fail to protect, or incur significant costs in defending or enforcing, our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially harmed.
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. We rely primarily on patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and unfair competition laws, as well as license agreements and other contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. In addition, a portion of our technology is not patented, and we may be unable or may not seek to obtain patent protection for this technology. In addition, the U.S. government has licenses for certain of our patents and certain other intellectual property that are developed or used in performance of government contracts, and it may use or authorize others to use such patents and intellectual property for government and other purposes. We co-own, with Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali Spca, US patents 9,983,023; 10,782,146; and 11,639,858, which describe technology related to determining angle of attack of an aircraft without a dedicated angle of attack sensor. As co-owner, Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali Spca may make, use, sell, offer for sale, or import the technology protected by these patents or authorize others to do so. If Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali Spca chooses to compete with us or sells any or all of these patents and/or grants licenses to any or all of such patents to our competitors, we would not be able to enforce our rights to the technology protected by these patents against such lawful owners or licensees. A subset of our patents are co-owned, and our co-owner may use or authorize others to use technology protected by such patents. Moreover, existing U.S. legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights offer only limited protection, may not provide us with any competitive advantages, and our rights may be challenged by third parties. The laws of countries other than the United States may be even less protective of our intellectual property rights. Accordingly, despite our efforts, we may be unable to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our intellectual property or otherwise gaining access to our technology. Unauthorized third parties may try to copy or reverse engineer our products or portions of our products or otherwise obtain and use our intellectual property. Moreover, many of our employees have access to our trade secrets and other intellectual property. If one or more of these employees leave our employment to work for one of our competitors, then they may disseminate this proprietary information despite our established procedures and policies to prevent such dissemination, which may as a result damage our competitive position. If we fail to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, then our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially harmed.
In addition, affirmatively defending our intellectual property rights and investigating whether any of our products or services violate the rights of others may entail significant expense. Our intellectual property rights may be challenged by others or invalidated through administrative processes or litigation. If we resort to legal proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the intellectual property or other proprietary rights of others, then the proceedings could result in significant expense to us and divert the attention and efforts of our management and technical employees, even if we prevail.
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We may be sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights, which could be costly, time-consuming and limit our ability to use certain technologies in the future.
We may become subject to claims that our technologies infringe upon the intellectual property or other proprietary rights of third parties. Defending against, or otherwise addressing, any such claims, whether they are with or without merit, could be time-consuming and expensive, and could divert our management’s attention away from the execution of our business plan. Moreover, any settlement or adverse judgment resulting from these claims could require us to pay substantial amounts or obtain a license to continue to use the disputed technology, or otherwise restrict or prohibit our use of the technology. We cannot ensure that we would be able to: obtain from the third party asserting the claim a license on commercially reasonable terms, if at all; develop alternative technology on a timely basis, if at all; or obtain a license to use a suitable alternative technology to permit us to continue offering, and our customers to continue using, our affected product. An adverse determination also could prevent us from offering our products to others. Infringement claims asserted against us may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Risks Related to Tax and Accounting Matters
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain tax credit carryforwards may be subject to limitation.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had aggregate U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $79.0 million and $67.3 million, respectively, which may be available to offset future taxable income for U.S. income tax purposes. If not utilized, a portion of the net operating loss carryforwards may expire. Under Section 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”) an “ownership change” may limit the amount of our pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and certain other pre-change tax attributes that could be utilized annually to offset our future taxable income, if any. This limitation would generally apply in the event of a cumulative change in the equity ownership of certain stockholders of our company of more than 50 percentage points within a rolling three-year period. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, ownership changes as a result of shifts in our stock ownership. As a result, if we earn net taxable income, our ability to use our pre-change U.S. net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset U.S. taxable income may be subject to limitations, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability to us. Sales of our common stock by our existing stockholders or additional sales of our common stock by us could further limit our ability to use our U.S. net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in future years. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to limit our use of accumulated state tax net operating losses. Net operating losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 are not subject to expiration, but may not be carried back to prior taxable years, except that net operating losses generated in 2018, 2019 and 2020 may be carried back five taxable years. Additionally, the deductibility of such U.S. federal net operating losses is limited to no more than 80% of our taxable income (with certain adjustments) in any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2020.
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We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to effectively remediate these material weaknesses, identify additional material weaknesses in the future, or otherwise fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, then we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect our business.
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 GAAP. Any failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could cause us to fail to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations to meet our reporting obligations. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had limited accounting personnel and other resources to address our internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, material weaknesses were identified in the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In 2024, we identified material weaknesses due to ineffective information and communication controls, resulting in lack of timely identification and accounting for certain key debt and other agreements. During the course of the audit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, a significant audit adjustment was identified due to improper application of the guidance under ASC 606, Revenue From Contracts With Customers. Further, we did not timely review our debt agreements and amendments for potential accounting implications, including debt extinguishments and modifications, as well as the potential accounting for other terms such as the stock interest charge. In 2023, we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. As further discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” we acquired six subsidiaries during the first two fiscal quarters of 2022. Several of these subsidiaries did not have adequate personnel to manage their accounting functions and did not maintain a segregation of duties between different roles at their organizations. In addition, in the course of preparing our consolidated financial statements for the periods in which the acquisitions occurred, we did not have an effective risk assessment process that successfully identified and assessed risks of material misstatement to ensure controls were designed and implemented to respond to those risks, and we did not have an effective monitoring process to assess the consistent operation of internal control over financial reporting and remediate known control deficiencies. As a result of these deficiencies, we did not effectively implement and operate process-level control activities related to the accounting and reporting for the six acquisitions, including the fair value of our common stock issued in certain of the transactions, resulting in the restatement of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023. Due to the delays we have experienced in securing funding, we have not been able to hire and train sufficient staff at certain subsidiaries to remediate the previously identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
While we have made changes to our accounting processes and other internal controls and engaged additional accounting personnel in an effort to remediate the foregoing material weaknesses and in preparation for operating as a public company, we cannot assure that the measures we have taken to date, actions we continue to take, and actions we may take in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to these material weaknesses and restatement of our consolidated financial statements or to avoid potential future material weaknesses. If the steps we take do not correct the material weaknesses in a timely manner, we will be unable to conclude that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, there could continue to be a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
If we fail to remediate our existing material weaknesses or identify new material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, if we are unable to conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting when we are no longer an emerging growth company, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. As a result of such failures, we could also become subject to investigations by Nasdaq, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or other regulatory authorities, and become subject to litigation from investors and stockholders, which could harm our reputation and financial condition or divert financial and management resources from our regular business activities.
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A failure to establish and maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, could adversely affect our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations.
As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the rules and regulations of the applicable listing standards of Nasdaq. We expect that the requirements of these rules and regulations will continue to increase our legal, accounting, and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time consuming, and costly, and place significant strain on our personnel, systems, and resources.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act, is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. We are also continuing to improve our internal controls over financial reporting. For example, as we have prepared to become a public company, we have worked to improve controls around our key accounting processes and quarterly close process. To maintain and enhance the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, we anticipate allocating significant resources, including accounting-related costs and investments, to strengthen our accounting systems.
Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business. In addition, changes in accounting principles or interpretations could also challenge our internal controls and require that we establish new business processes, systems, and controls to accommodate such changes. We have limited experience with implementing the systems and controls that will be necessary to operate as a public company, as well as adopting changes in accounting principles or interpretations mandated by the relevant regulatory bodies. Additionally, if these new systems, controls or standards and the associated process changes do not give rise to the benefits that we expect or do not operate as intended, it could adversely affect our financial reporting systems and processes, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial reports or the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Moreover, our business may be harmed if we experience problems with any new systems and controls that result in delays in their implementation or increased costs to correct any post-implementation issues that may arise.
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Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting have occurred in the past and may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our consolidated financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting also could adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that will be filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, we may not be able to remain listed on Nasdaq. We are not currently required to comply with the SEC rules that implement Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. As a public company, we will be required to provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting commencing with our second annual report on Form 10-K.
Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until after we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our internal control over financial reporting is documented, designed or operating. Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition and could cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock.
Our corporate structure and intercompany arrangements are subject to the tax laws of various jurisdictions, which are subject to change, and we could be obligated to pay additional taxes, which would harm our results of operations.
We are or may be subject to income and non-income taxation in the United States under federal, state, and local jurisdictions and in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. The amount of taxes we pay in these jurisdictions could increase substantially as a result of changes in the applicable tax principles, including increased tax rates, new or revised tax laws or revised interpretations of existing tax laws (which may have retroactive effect), policies and precedents by taxing authorities and courts in various jurisdictions. The authorities in these jurisdictions could review our tax returns or require us to file tax returns in jurisdictions in which we are not currently filing and could impose additional tax, interest and penalties. In addition, the authorities could claim that various withholding requirements apply to us or our subsidiaries, assert that benefits of tax treaties are not available to us or our subsidiaries, or challenge our methodologies for valuing developed technology or intercompany arrangements, including our transfer pricing. The relevant taxing authorities may determine that the manner in which we operate our business does not achieve the intended tax consequences. If such a determination were to be made, we could be required to pay additional taxes and interest and penalties. Any increase in the amount of taxes we pay or that are imposed on us could increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our business and results of operations.
Future changes in financial accounting standards or practices may cause adverse and unexpected revenue fluctuations and adversely affect our reported results of operations.
Future changes in financial accounting standards may cause adverse, unexpected revenue fluctuations and affect our reported financial position or results of operations. Financial accounting standards in the United States are constantly under review and new pronouncements and varying interpretations of pronouncements have occurred with frequency in the past and are expected to occur again in the future. As a result, we may be required to make changes in our accounting policies. Those changes could affect our financial condition and results of operations or the way in which such financial condition and results of operations are reported. Compliance with new accounting standards may also result in additional expenses. As a result, we intend to invest all reasonably necessary resources to comply with evolving standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from business activities to compliance activities. See the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Accounting Pronouncements.” As an emerging growth company, the JOBS Act allows us to delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards and as a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates. However, we may elect to early adopt any new or revised accounting standards whenever such early adoption is permitted for non-public companies. We may take advantage of these exemptions up until the time that we are no longer an emerging growth company.
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Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Our Common Stock
As a result of our history of losses and negative cash flows from operations, our audited consolidated financial statements contain a statement regarding a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our history of operating losses and negative cash flows from operations combined with our anticipated use of cash to fund operations raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the 12-month period from the date when our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus are issued. Our future viability as an ongoing business is dependent on our ability to generate cash from our operating activities or to raise additional capital to finance our operations.
If we are unable to raise additional capital as and when needed, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected, and we may be forced to delay our development efforts, limit our activities and reduce research and development costs. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we may have to liquidate our assets, and the values we receive for our assets in liquidation or dissolution could be significantly lower than the values reflected in our financial statements. The inclusion of a going concern explanatory paragraph by our independent registered public accounting firm, our lack of cash resources and our potential inability to continue as a going concern may materially adversely affect our share price, following the completion of this offering and receiving approval for listing on Nasdaq, and our ability to raise new capital, enter into contractual relationships with third parties and otherwise execute our business strategy.
An active trading market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We have applied to list our common stock on Nasdaq under the symbol “AIRO.” An active trading market for our shares may never develop or be sustained after the closing of this offering. In addition, the initial price for our common stock in this offering was determined through negotiations with the underwriters and may vary from the market price of our common stock after the closing of this offering. The lack of an active market may impair the value of your shares, your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them and the prices that you may obtain for your shares. Further, an inactive trading market for our shares may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares of our common stock or enter into strategic partnerships and transactions by issuing our shares of common stock as consideration. If an active trading market for our common stock does not develop, or is not sustained, you may not be able to sell your shares quickly or at the market price, or at all, and it may be difficult for you to sell your shares without depressing the market price for our common stock.
The trading price of our common stock may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The trading price of our common stock after the closing of this offering is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including limited trading volume. In addition to the factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus, these factors include:
● | announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by us or our competitors; |
● | our ability to effectively manage our growth; |
● | actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results; |
● | our cash position; |
● | our failure to meet the estimates and projections of the investment community or that we may otherwise provide to the public; |
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● | changes in the market valuations of similar companies; |
● | overall performance of the equity markets; |
● | sales of our common stock by us or our stockholders in the future; |
● | low trading volume of our common stock, which may impair our ability to raise capital or enter into strategic collaborations and acquisitions by using our common stock as consideration; |
● | changes in accounting practices; |
● | ineffectiveness of our internal controls; |
● | disputes or other developments relating to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters and our ability to obtain patent protection for our technologies; |
● | significant lawsuits, including patent or stockholder litigation; |
● | general political and economic conditions; and |
● | other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control. |
In addition, the stock market in general, and the market for aerospace and defense companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. Broad market and industry factors, as well as local or global socio-economic and political factors, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. If the market price of our common stock after the closing of this offering does not exceed the price you paid for them, you may not realize any return on your investment in us and may lose some or all of your investment. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities. This type of litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock so any returns will be limited to the value of our stock.
We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, future debt or other financing arrangements may contain terms prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or paid on our common stock. Any return to stockholders will therefore be limited to the appreciation of their stock. See the section titled “Dividend Policy” for additional information.
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Our principal stockholders and management will own a significant percentage of our stock after the closing of this offering and will be able to exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval.
Based on 24,887,574 shares outstanding immediately following the closing of this offering, our executive officers, directors, director nominees and their affiliates, as well as our principal stockholders will beneficially hold, in the aggregate, approximately 40.9% of our outstanding voting stock, excluding any shares purchased in this offering. These stockholders, acting together, would be able to significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval. For example, these stockholders would be able to significantly influence elections of directors, amendments of our governing documents, or approval of any merger, sale of assets, or other major corporate transaction. This may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our common stock that you may feel are in your best interest as one of our stockholders.
Our management team has limited experience managing a public company.
Most of the members of our management team have limited to no experience managing a publicly traded company, interacting with public company investors and complying with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies. Our management team has not worked together at prior companies that were publicly traded. Our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage their new roles and responsibilities. Our transition to being a public company subjects it to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under the federal securities laws and the continuous scrutiny of securities analysts and investors. These new obligations and constituents will require significant attention from our senior management and could divert their attention away from the day-to-day management of our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Future issuances of debt or equity securities may adversely affect us, including the market price of our common stock, and may be dilutive to existing stockholders.
In the future, we may incur debt or issue equity-ranking senior to our common stock. Those securities will generally have priority upon liquidation. Such securities also may be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock. Because our decision to issue debt or equity in the future will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, nature or success of our future capital raising efforts. As a result, future capital raising efforts may reduce the market price of our common stock and be dilutive to existing stockholders.
Any issuance of additional capital stock in connection with financings, acquisitions, investments, our stock incentive plan or otherwise will dilute all other stockholders.
We expect to issue additional capital stock in the future that will result in dilution to all other stockholders. We expect to grant equity awards to employees, directors, and consultants under our stock incentive plan. We may also raise capital through equity financings in the future. As part of our business strategy, we may acquire or make investments in complementary companies, products, or technologies and issue equity securities to pay for any such acquisition or investment. Any such issuances of additional capital stock, including as a result of the exercise of any warrants to purchase shares of common stock, may cause stockholders to experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and the per share value of our common stock to decline.
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A significant portion of our total outstanding shares are eligible to be sold into the market in the near future, which could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of stockholders intend to sell shares of our common stock, could reduce the market price of our common stock. After the closing of this offering, we will have 24,887,574 shares of common stock outstanding. This includes the shares that we are selling in this offering, which may be resold in the public market immediately without restriction, unless purchased by our affiliates. Substantially all of the remaining 19,887,574 shares of common stock initially will be restricted as a result of securities laws, market standoff provisions or lock-up agreements, but will become eligible to be sold after the closing of this offering as described in the section titled “Shares Eligible for Future Sale.”
We intend to register all shares of common stock subject to equity awards issued or reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans on a registration statement on Form S-8. Once we register these shares, they can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to volume limitations applicable to affiliates under Rule 144 under the Securities Act and the market standoff provisions and lock-up agreements described above. Any sales of securities by these stockholders could have a negative impact on the trading price of our common stock.
If you purchase common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of your investment.
The initial public offering price of our common stock is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock. Net tangible book value represents the amount by which our total assets (net of goodwill, right-of-use operating lease assets and deferred offering costs) exceed our liabilities. Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), you will experience immediate dilution of $13.80 per share as of December 31, 2024 representing the difference between our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share, after giving effect to this offering and the assumed initial public offering price. This dilution is due to our investors who purchased shares prior to this offering having paid a price for their shares that is substantially less than the price offered to the public in this offering, as well as the exercise of stock options granted to our employees. To the extent any outstanding options are exercised, you will experience further dilution. As a result of this dilution, investors purchasing stock in this offering may receive significantly less than the full purchase price that they paid for the shares purchased in this offering in the event of a liquidation. See the section titled “Dilution” for additional information.
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Future sales, or the perception of future sales, by us or our stockholders in the public market after this offering could cause the market price for our common stock to decline.
The sale of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could harm the prevailing market price of our common stock. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
Pursuant to our 2025 Plan, which will become effective in connection with this offering, our management is authorized to grant stock options and other equity-based awards to our employees, directors and consultants. Additionally, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our 2025 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each calendar year, beginning on January 1, 2026 and continuing through and including January 1, 2035, by 3% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year, or a lesser number of shares determined by our board of directors. Unless our board of directors elects not to increase the number of shares available for future grant each year, our stockholders may experience additional dilution, which could cause our stock price to fall.
The executive chairman of our board of directors, Chirinjeev Kathuria, has indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of $5 million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price and on the same terms as the other purchasers in this offering. Because this indication of interest is not a binding agreement or commitment to purchase, Dr. Kathuria may determine to purchase more, less or no shares in this offering or the underwriters may determine to sell more, less or no shares to Dr. Kathuria. If Dr. Kathuria is allocated all or a portion of the shares in which he has indicated an interest in this offering, or more, and he purchases any such shares, such purchase would reduce the available public float for our shares of common stock.
In addition, up to 250,000 shares of our common stock (or 287,500 shares of our common stock if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) may be issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of the Underwriters’ Warrants (see “Underwriting—Underwriters’ Warrants”).
In the future, we may also issue our securities in connection with investments or acquisitions. The amount of our securities issued in connection with an investment or acquisition could constitute a material portion of the then-outstanding shares of our common stock. Any issuance of additional securities in connection with investments or acquisitions may result in additional dilution to our stockholders.
We are an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and may remain an emerging growth company until the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the closing of this offering. However, if certain events occur prior to the end of such five-year period, including if we become a “large accelerated filer,” our annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period, we will cease to be an emerging growth company prior to the end of such five-year period. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These exemptions include, but are not limited to:
● | being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this prospectus; |
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● | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; |
● | not being required to comply with the requirement of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements; |
● | the ability to elect to defer compliance with new or revised accounting standards until such standards would apply to private companies; |
● | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports, proxy statements and registration statements; and |
● | exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments not previously approved. |
We have taken advantage of the reduced reporting burdens in this prospectus and the information we provide to stockholders will be different than the information that is available with respect to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. For example, in this prospectus we have only included two years of audited financial statements and have not included all of the executive compensation-related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company. It is possible that this may cause investors to find our common stock less attractive. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our share price may be reduced or more volatile.
Even following the termination of our status as an emerging growth company, we may be able to take advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to “smaller reporting companies,” as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and, in particular, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. To the extent that we are no longer eligible to use exemptions from various reporting requirements, we may be unable to realize our anticipated cost savings from these exemptions, which could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.
We have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. We expect that we will use the net proceeds of this offering as set forth in the section titled “Use of Proceeds.” However, our use of these proceeds may differ substantially from our current plans. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a negative impact on our business, cause the price of our common stock to decline and delay the development of our product candidates. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
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Delaware law and provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect at the completion of this offering could make a merger, tender offer or proxy contest difficult, thereby depressing the trading price of our common stock.
Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, respectively, may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in our control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will:
● | permit our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as they may designate (including the right to approve an acquisition or other change in our control); |
● | provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors; |
● | provide that the board of directors or any individual director may only be removed with cause and the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of all of our then outstanding common stock; |
● | provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum; |
● | divide our board of directors into three classes; |
● | require that any action to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and not be taken by written consent; |
● | provide that stockholders seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide notice in writing in a timely manner and also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice; |
● | do not provide for cumulative voting rights, therefore allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose; and |
● | provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of the board, our Chief Executive Officer or by the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors. |
The amendment of any of these provisions, with the exception of the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and designate any rights, preferences and privileges thereto, would require approval by the holders of at least 66-2/3% of our then-outstanding common stock.
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In addition, as a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time. A Delaware corporation may opt out of this provision by express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or by amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out of this provision.
These and other provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult or costly for stockholders or potential acquirors to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by our then-current board of directors, including delay or impede a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving our company. The existence of these provisions could negatively affect the price of our common stock and limit opportunities for you to realize value in a corporate transaction.
For information regarding these and other provisions, see the section titled “Description of Capital Stock.”
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and any appellate court therefrom will be the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative claim or cause of action brought on our behalf; (ii) any claim or cause of action that is based upon a violation of a duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder, to us or our stockholders; (iii) any claim or cause of action against us or any current or former director, officer or other employee, arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our Certificate of Incorporation or our Bylaws; (iv) any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our Certificate of Incorporation or our Bylaws (including any right, obligation, or remedy thereunder); (v) any claim or cause of action as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (vi) any claim or cause of action against us or any current or former director, officer or other employee, governed by the internal-affairs doctrine or otherwise related to our internal affairs, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendant; provided, however, that if the designation of such court as the sole and exclusive forum for a claim or action referred to in foregoing clauses (i) through (vi) would violate applicable law, then the United States District Court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for such claim or cause of action. These provisions would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Furthermore, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all such Securities Act actions. Accordingly, both state and federal courts have jurisdiction to entertain such claims. Additionally, investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. To prevent having to litigate claims in multiple jurisdictions and the threat of inconsistent or contrary rulings by different courts, among other considerations, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will further provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant named in such complaint. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions. In such instance, we would expect to vigorously assert the validity and enforceability of the exclusive forum provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. This may require significant additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions and there is uncertainty as to whether the provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions.
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These choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees and may discourage these types of lawsuits and result in increased costs for investors to bring a claim. If a court were to find the choice of forum provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our common stock or our sector, our common stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will rely in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We will not control these analysts. In addition, some financial analysts may have limited expertise with our model and operations. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrade our common stock or industry, or the stock of any of our competitors, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our common stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases to cover us or fails to initiate coverage or publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our common stock price or trading volume to decline.
General Risk Factors
We will incur increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives and corporate governance practices.
As a public company, and particularly after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, Nasdaq listing requirements and other applicable securities rules and regulations impose various requirements on public companies, including establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, we expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, which in turn could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors.
We are evaluating these rules and regulations, and cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs. These rules and regulations are often subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices.
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Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act we will be required to furnish a report by our management on our internal control over financial reporting beginning with our second filing of an Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC after we become a public company. However, while we remain an emerging growth company or smaller reporting company, we will not be required to include an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. To achieve compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act within the prescribed period, we will be engaged in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which is both costly and challenging. In this regard, we will need to continue to dedicate internal resources, potentially engage outside consultants, adopt a detailed work plan to assess and document the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, continue steps to improve control processes as appropriate, validate through testing whether such controls are functioning as documented and implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we identify one or more material weaknesses as a result of this implementation and evaluation process, it could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.
Our business and financial performance could be adversely affected by inflation.
Until recently, the inflation rate has generally been low in the geographies where we operate. However, recently, the inflation rate in the United States reached a 40-year high, primarily as a result of higher energy costs and global supply chain disruptions. In the event of a significant increase in consumer prices, particularly over an extended period of time, customer demand for our products and services could be adversely affected and we could experience lower than expected sales. In addition, if any of our suppliers implemented price increases in response to higher raw material, labor, and energy costs or otherwise, we may not be able to pass along such price increased to our customers and our profitability may be reduced. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We cannot predict the consequences of future macroeconomic conditions or geopolitical events, but they may adversely affect market and economic conditions, the markets in which we operate, our ability to insure against risks, our operations or our profitability.
The global credit and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruptions in the past several years, including severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, rising inflation and monetary supply shifts, rising interest rates, supply chain constraints, labor shortages, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates, recession risks and uncertainty about economic stability. For instance, ongoing instability and current conflicts in global markets, including in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the potential for other conflicts and future terrorist activities, as well as other recent geopolitical events throughout the world, including new or increased tariffs and potential trade wars, have created and may continue to create economic and political uncertainties and impacts that could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, and profitability. We have not experienced, and do not anticipate, any disruption in our supply chain or other business operations due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the conflict expands or contracts, diminished sales would have little or no impact on our financial position, while increased sales would be reflected in increased revenue. Sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries in response to military conflicts, including the one in Ukraine, may also adversely impact the financial markets and the global economy, and any economic countermeasures by the affected countries or others could exacerbate market and economic instability. If credit in financial markets outside of the United States tightened, it could adversely affect the ability of our international customers and suppliers to obtain financing and could result in a decrease in or cancellation of orders for our products, systems and services or impact the ability of our customers to make payments. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in widespread unemployment, economic slowdown and extreme volatility in the capital markets. However, notwithstanding our current and anticipated position, these types of matters can cause uncertainty in financial markets and may significantly increase the political, economic and social instability in geographic areas in which we operate now or may operate in the future. The extent of the impact of these conditions on our operational and financial performance, including our ability to execute our business strategies and initiatives in the expected timeframe, as well as that of third parties upon whom we rely, will depend on future developments which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. There can be no assurance that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur. Events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. Our general business strategy may be adversely affected by any such economic downturn, volatile business environment or continued unpredictable and unstable market conditions. If the current equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly and more dilutive. Failure to secure any necessary financing in a timely manner and on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy, financial performance and stock price and could require us to delay or abandon clinical development plans. In addition, there is a risk that one or more of our current suppliers or other partners may not survive an economic downturn, which could directly affect our ability to attain our operating goals on schedule and on budget.
Our quarterly results of operations, revenues and cash flows may fluctuate from period to period due to a number of factors, which makes predicting financial results difficult.
We expect our quarterly results of operations to continue to fluctuate due to a number of factors, including as a result of supply chain issues, product introduction schedules, competitive products entering the market and the seasonality and uneven sales patterns of our OEM customers.
For example, a portion of sales in our Avionics segment is expected to be made to OEMs beginning in 2025, and we expect that a large portion of the Avionics segment’s OEM sales in the future will consist of sales of products to a customer operating in the eVTOL market. We are subject to changes in buying patterns among our OEM customers, including unpredictable circumstances such as failed certifications and delayed production schedules. Significant delays to the certification and production of the OEM aircraft could delay revenues to future years and may result in cancelled orders by the OEM’s customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. As a result of these and other factors, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our results of operations may not be reliable indicators of our future performance.
Conflicts of interest may arise because some members of our board of directors are representatives of our principal stockholders.
Certain of our principal stockholders or their affiliates are venture capital funds or other investment vehicles that could invest in entities that directly or indirectly compete with us. As a result of these relationships, when conflicts arise between the interests of the principal stockholders or their affiliates and the interests of other stockholders, members of our board of directors that are representatives of the principal stockholders may not be disinterested.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on estimates and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical facts, including statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to markets, and business trends and other information contained in this prospectus are forward-looking statements, including statements about:
● | our ability to grow and manage growth profitably; |
● | our financial and business performance and business metrics; |
● | our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; |
● | the implementation, market acceptance and success of our business model; |
● | our market opportunity and the potential growth of that market; |
● | our ability to compete effectively in a competitive industry; |
● | our ability to protect and enhance our corporate reputation and brand; |
● | the impact from future regulatory, judicial, and legislative changes in our industry; |
● | our ability to effect our growth strategies, acquisitions or investments successfully; and |
● | our future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash. |
These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or otherwise implied by the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements:
● | our failure to comply with covenants under debt instruments; | |
● | our ability to successfully integrate the businesses and personnel of acquired companies and businesses, including those acquired in the Put-Together Transaction, and our ability to realize the anticipated synergies and benefits of such acquisitions; | |
● | our ability to keep pace with technological advances and our dependance on advances in technology by other companies, many of which have substantially greater resources than we do; | |
● | our inability to acquire additional aircraft to support our Training segment on acceptable terms or at all; | |
● | the impact that our customers may experience from service failures or interruptions due to defects in the software, infrastructure, components or engineering system that comprise our products and services, or due to errors in product installation; | |
● | our dependence on the continuing efforts of our key personnel and on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel and senior management; | |
● | that we have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which, if not corrected, could affect the reliability of our consolidated financial statements; |
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● | our failure to comply with applicable government regulations; |
● | any disruptions or threatened disruptions to our relationships with our distributors, suppliers, customers and employees, including shortages in components for our products; |
● | our significant reliance on sales to the U.S. government, particularly to agencies of the DoD and a decline in government budgets, funding, changes in spending or budgetary priorities, or delays in contract awards, and the effect of the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election; |
● | changes in the supply, demand and/or prices for our products and services and our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new contracts; |
● | the complexities and uncertainty of obtaining and conducting international business, including export compliance and other reporting and compliance requirements; |
● | the impact of potential security and cyber threats or the risk of unauthorized access to our, our customers’ and/or our suppliers’ information and systems; |
● | our ability to respond and adapt to changes in economic, capital market, and political conditions in the U.S. and globally, such as from the global sanctions and export controls with respect to Russia, and any changes therein, and including changes related to financial market conditions, banking industry disruptions, fluctuations in commodity prices or supply (including energy supply), inflation, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, disruptions in global supply chain and labor markets, and geopolitical risks, including in the Middle East and Ukraine; |
● | failure to develop new products or integrate new technology into current products; |
● | unfavorable results in legal proceedings; |
● | our anticipated use of the net proceeds from this offering; |
● | the accuracy of our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and |
● | our expectations regarding the period during which we qualify as an emerging growth company and smaller reporting company. |
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions intended to identify statements about the future. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this prospectus, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
You should read the section titled “Risk Factors” for a discussion of important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties. As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this prospectus will prove to be accurate. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements in this prospectus by these cautionary statements.
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MARKET, INDUSTRY AND OTHER DATA
This prospectus contains statistical data, estimates and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications or other publicly available information, as well as other information based on our internal sources. While we believe the industry and market data included in this prospectus are reliable and are based on reasonable assumptions, these data involve many assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to these estimates. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the data contained in these industry publications and other publicly available information. None of the industry publications referred to in this prospectus were prepared on our or on our affiliates’ behalf or at our expense. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
The sources of certain statistical data, estimates and forecasts contained in this prospectus are the following independent industry publications, reports and other publicly available information:
● | Drone Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Product, By Technology, By Payload Capacity, By Power Source, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024–2030, Grand View Research, 2024 (the “Grand View Drone Report”). |
● | U.S. Pilot Training Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Fixed-wing Pilot Training, Rotary-wing Pilot Training, and UAV Pilot Training), By Application (Civil and Military), and Regional Forecast, 2023–2030, Fortune Business Insights, updated December 30, 2024 (the “Fortune U.S. Pilot Training Report”). |
● | Military Drones Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis: 2024–2034, Precedence Research, updated November 5, 2024 (the “Precedence Military Drones Report”). |
● | Urban Air Mobility eVTOL/Urban Air Mobility TAM Update: A Slow Take-Off, But Sky’s the Limit, Morgan Stanley, May 6, 2021 (the “Morgan Stanley Report”). |
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We have never declared or paid, and do not anticipate declaring or paying, in the foreseeable future, any cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to support our operations and finance the growth and development of our business. Any future determination related to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other factors, our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, business prospects and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant.
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We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $64.8 million (or approximately $75.2 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) from the sale of the shares of our common stock offered by us in this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $4.7 million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each one million share increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $14.0 million, assuming that the assumed initial offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We do not expect that a change in the initial price to the public or the number of shares by these amounts would have a material effect on the uses of the proceeds from this offering, although it may accelerate the time at which we will need to seek additional capital.
We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering as follows: (i) approximately $3.5 million to scale operations of our Avionics segment and to support the production and design of Avionics products; (ii) approximately $4.0 million to support our Electric Air Mobility segment’s business operations and to fund the eVTOL aircraft development program over the next 12 months; (iii) approximately $3.7 million to fund acquisitions in the areas of drone vehicles, AI and networking service in our Drones segment; (iv) approximately $5.6 million to acquire the aircraft and support equipment that is necessary to meet the additional demand under the IDIQ contracts for our Training segment and to fund acquisitions for the Training segment in the areas of training and aircraft maintenance; (v) to repay an aggregate of $11.8 million in Fixed Conversion Obligations that are not being converted into shares of our common stock in connection with this offering, which are payable at the closing of this offering; (vi) to repay an aggregate of $11.7 million of principal, cash premiums and interest under the Investor Notes, which bear interest at rates ranging from 10.5% to 15% and are payable on dates ranging from the closing of this offering to 190 days following the closing of this offering; and (vii) the remainder to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes. As of the date of this prospectus, we do not have any binding agreements or commitments to enter into any material acquisitions.
The amounts to be repaid pursuant to the Fixed Conversion Obligations consist of:
(i) | approximately $0.6 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to the AIRO Drone Promissory Note (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Combinations”), which do not accrue interest and mature at the closing of this offering; | |
(ii) | $5.0 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to the Jaunt Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Combinations”), which accrues interest at the prime interest rate and matures within five days of the closing of this offering; | |
(iii) | $2.2 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to the Aspen Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Combinations”), which does not accrue interest and matures at the closing of this offering; | |
(iv) | $2.0 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to the CDI Promissory Note (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Combinations”), which do not accrue interest and mature at the closing of this offering; | |
(v) | $1.0 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to the Agile Promissory Note (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Combinations”), which does not accrue interest and matures at the closing of this offering; | |
(vi) | $0.1 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to the Amended and Restated Success Fee Arrangement (as described in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Success Fee Arrangement”), which does not accrue interest and is payable at the closing of this offering; and | |
(vii) | $0.9 million to satisfy certain of our obligations pursuant to deferred salary arrangements, which do not accrue interest and are payable at the closing of this offering. |
For more information, see the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Combinations” and Notes 2, 4, 10 and 18 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The amounts to be repaid pursuant to the Investor Notes consist of:
(i) | $4.9 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to certain Investor Notes, which provide for 110% of the principal to be paid at maturity, accrue interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering and mature 190 days after the closing of this offering; | |
(ii) | $2.0 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to certain Investor Notes, which provide for 100% of the principal to be paid at maturity, accrue interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering and mature 190 days after the closing of this offering; | |
(iii) | $0.2 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to certain Investor Notes, which provide for 115% of the principal to be paid at maturity, accrue interest at a rate of 15% per annum from the closing of this offering and mature 190 days after the closing of this offering; | |
(iv) | $0.6 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to certain Investor Notes, which provide for 100% of the principal to be paid at maturity, accrue interest at a rate of 10.5% per annum and mature at the earlier of five days after the closing of this offering or the closing of one or more financing transactions with an aggregate value of at least $35 million; | |
(v) | $0.1 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to a certain Investor Note, which provides for 100% of the principal to be paid at maturity, which accrues an interest charge equal to $50,000, payable in 3,333 shares of common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and is to be paid immediately prior to closing of this offering; | |
(vi) | $0.1 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to a certain Investor Note, which provides for 110% of the principal to be paid at maturity, accrues interest at a rate of 12% per annum and matures 30 days after the closing of this offering; | |
(vii) | $1.7 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to certain Investor Notes, which provide for 100% of the principal to be paid at maturity (which is the earlier of thirty days after the closing of this offering or April 30, 2025), and accrue interest at a rate of 15% per annum; and | |
(viii) | $2.1 million to satisfy our obligations in full pursuant to certain Investor Notes, which provide for 100% of the principal to be paid at maturity, accrue interest at a rate of 12% per annum commencing on March 7, 2024 or April 5, 2024 through the fifth day after the closing of this offering or a financing transaction of at least $10 million or May 31, 2025. |
For more information, see the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Investor Notes” and Notes 2 and 18 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Based on our current operating plan, we estimate that our existing cash and restricted cash as of the date of this prospectus, together with the estimated net proceeds from this offering, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditures through the next 12 months. After this offering, we will require substantial capital in order to advance the development of our aircraft and other products, seek regulatory approvals, and launch and commercialize our products at scale. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we expect.
This expected use of existing cash and restricted cash and our net proceeds from this offering represent our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and business conditions evolve. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including our progress against certification and manufacturing milestones, the speed at which we grow our workforce, government grants and other incentives for which we may qualify, consumer demand, as well as the amount of cash used in our operations. We therefore cannot estimate with certainty the amount of net proceeds to be used for the purposes described above.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of those net proceeds. Pending these uses, we plan to invest these net proceeds in short-term, interest bearing obligations, investment-grade instruments, medium term securities, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States.
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The following table sets forth our cash and restricted cash and capitalization as December 31, 2024:
● | on an actual basis; |
● | on a pro forma basis, giving effect to (i) the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of this offering, (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, in connection with the closing of this offering, (iii) the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement and (iv) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the closing of this offering; and |
● | on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth above and (ii) our sale of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted information below is illustrative only, and our cash and restricted cash and capitalization following the closing of this offering will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. You should read the information in this table together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the sections titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information” and other financial information contained in this prospectus.
As of December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Actual | Pro Forma | Pro Forma As Adjusted(1) | ||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||||||
Cash and restricted cash | $ | 20,911 | $ | 170 | $ | 53,865 | ||||||
Current indebtedness(2) | $ | 51,057 | $ | 17,746 | $ | 17,746 | ||||||
Long term indebtedness(3) | 54,689 | 688 | 688 | |||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.000001 per share; 16,387,180 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 19,887,574 issued and outstanding, pro forma; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized 24,887,574 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted | — | — | — | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 764,691 | 873,592 | 938,342 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (9,509 | ) | (9,509 | ) | (9,509 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (206,453 | ) | (247,685 | ) | (247,685 | ) | ||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 548,729 | 616,398 | 681,148 | |||||||||
Total capitalization(4) | $ | 654,475 | $ | 634,832 | $ | 699,582 |
(1) The pro forma as adjusted information set forth above is illustrative only and will change based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of our cash and restricted cash, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization by approximately $4.7 million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each one million share increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us at the assumed initial public offering price per share of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of our cash and restricted cash, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ (deficit) equity and total capitalization by approximately $14.0 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
(2) Actual column reflects $6.0 million of related party borrowings, $0.1 million of revolving lines of credit, $28.0 million of current maturities of debt, $13.8 million of investor notes at fair value and $3.1 million due to the sellers of Sky-Watch.
(3) Actual column reflects $0.7 million of long-term debt, $11.2 million of accrued deferred compensation and $42.8 million of contingent consideration.
(4) Includes current and long-term indebtedness and stockholders’ equity.
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The information in the table above excludes:
● | 305,367 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2024, under the Legacy Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $8.59 per share; | |
● | up to 58,819 shares of our common stock issuable as additional contingent interest payable pursuant to certain Investor Notes if this offering is not completed by May 31, 2025; | |
● | 254,010 shares of contingent restricted stock awards outstanding as of December 31, 2024; | |
● | 66,026 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024 at a weighted average exercise price of $16.83 per share; | |
● | 104,336 shares of our common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock issued after December 31, 2024 at an exercise price of $0.02 per share; | |
● | 250,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of the Underwriters’ Warrants; and | |
● | 1,900,000 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2025 Plan, as well as any future increases, including annual automatic evergreen increases in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2025 Plan, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering (as more fully described in the section titled “Executive and Director Compensation—Equity Incentive Plans”) and at which time we will cease granting awards under the Legacy Plan. |
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If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our common stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering.
As of December 31, 2024, our historical net tangible book deficit was $(103.4) million, or $(6.31) per share of our common stock. Our historical net tangible book deficit per share represents the amount of our total assets (net of goodwill, intangible assets, right-of-use operating lease assets and deferred offering costs) less our total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, our pro forma net tangible book deficit was $(35.8) million, or $(1.80) per share of our common stock. Our pro forma net tangible book deficit per share represents the amount of our total assets (net of goodwill, intangible assets and right-of-use operating lease assets and deferred offering costs) less our total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024, after giving pro forma effect to (i) the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of this offering, (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, in connection with the closing of this offering, (iii) the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement and (iv) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the closing of this offering.
Net tangible book value dilution per share to new investors represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of shares of our common stock in this offering and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after closing of this offering. After giving further effect to the sale of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock that we are offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2024 would have been $29.8 million, or approximately $1.20 per share. This amount represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $4.51 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of approximately $3.00 per share to new investors participating in this offering.
Dilution per share to new investors is determined by subtracting pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering from the assumed initial public offering price per share paid by new investors. The following table illustrates this dilution:
Assumed initial public offering price per share | $ | 15.00 | ||||||
Historical net tangible book deficit per share as of December 31, 2024 | $ | (6.31 | ) | |||||
Pro forma increase in historical net tangible book deficit per share as of, December 31, 2024, attributable to the pro forma adjustments described above | 4.51 | |||||||
Pro forma net tangible book deficit per share as of December 31, 2024 before this offering | (1.80 | ) | ||||||
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to investors participating in this offering | 3.00 | |||||||
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering | 1.20 | |||||||
Dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering | $ | 13.80 |
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The dilution information discussed above is illustrative only and will change based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Each $1.00 increase or decrease, as applicable, in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by approximately $0.19 and $(0.19), respectively, and dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors by approximately $0.82 and $(0.81), respectively, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each increase of one million shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by approximately $0.49 and decrease the dilution to investors participating in this offering by approximately $(0.49) per share, assuming that the assumed initial public offering price remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each decrease of one million shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would decrease the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by approximately $(0.53) and increase the dilution to investors participating in this offering by approximately $0.54 per share, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.
To the extent that outstanding options with an exercise price per share that is less than the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share are exercised, or if any restricted stock awards vest and settle, new investor will experience further dilution. 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 we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma as adjusted basis as of December 31, 2024, the number of shares of our common stock purchased or to be purchased from us, the total consideration paid or to be paid to us in cash and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders for shares issued prior to this offering and the price to be paid by new investors in this offering. The calculation below is based on the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. As the table below shows, investors participating in this offering will pay an average price per share substantially higher than our existing stockholders paid.
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Shares Purchased | Total Consideration | Weighted- Average Price Per Share | ||||||||||||||||||
Number | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||
Existing stockholders | 19,887,574 | 80 | % | $ | 873,592,350 | 92 | % | $ | 43.93 | |||||||||||
Investors participating in this offering | 5,000,000 | 20 | 75,000,000 | 8 | $ | 15.00 | ||||||||||||||
Total | 24,887,574 | 100 | % | $ | 948,592,350 | 100 | % | $ | 38.12 |
Each $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share would increase total consideration paid by new investors, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the weighted-average price per share paid by all stockholders by $5.0 million, $5.0 million and $0.20, respectively, while each $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, would decrease total consideration paid by new investors, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the average price per share paid by all stockholders by $5.0 million, $5.0 million and $0.20 respectively, and assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Similarly, each one million share increase in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by investors participating in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the weighted-average price per share paid by all stockholders by approximately $15.0 million, $15.0 million and $(0.89), respectively, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each one million share decrease in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by investors participating in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the weighted-average price per share paid by all stockholders by approximately $(15.0) million, $(15.0) million and $0.97, respectively, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The above table assumes no exercise of (i) the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares or (ii) the Underwriters’ Warrants. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock in full in this offering, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after the offering would be $1.57 per share, the increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share to existing stockholders would be $0.37 per share, and the dilution per share to new investors would be $13.43 per share, in each case assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us.
Except as otherwise indicated, the discussion and the tables above exclude:
● | 305,367 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2024, under the Legacy Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $8.59 per share; | |
● | up to 58,819 shares of our common stock issuable as additional contingent interest payable pursuant to certain Investor Notes if this offering is not completed by May 31, 2025; | |
● | 254,010 shares of contingent restricted stock awards outstanding as of December 31, 2024; | |
● | 66,026 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024 at a weighted average exercise price of $16.83 per share; | |
● | 104,366 shares of our common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock issued after December 31, 2024 at an exercise price of $0.02 per share; | |
● | 250,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of the Underwriters’ Warrants; and | |
● | 1,900,000 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2025 Plan, as well as any future increases, including annual automatic evergreen increases in the number of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2025 Plan, which will become effective upon the execution and delivery of the underwriting agreement for this offering (as more fully described in the section titled “Executive and Director Compensation—Equity Incentive Plans”) and at which time we will cease granting awards under the Legacy Plan. |
We may choose to raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities 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 stock options are exercised, restricted stock awards are vested and settled or we issue additional shares of our common stock or other equity or convertible debt securities in the future, there will be further dilution to investors participating in this offering.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA Condensed Consolidated FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. We derived the following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information by applying pro forma adjustments to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. All defined terms used throughout this unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information have the meanings ascribed to such terms elsewhere in this prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 have been presented:
● | On a pro forma basis to reflect payments and issuances of our common stock that will occur in connection with the consummation of this offering, including: |
● | the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of this offering, | |
● | the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, in connection with the closing of this offering, | |
● | the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement, and |
● | the receipt of $64.8 million in estimated net proceeds from the sale of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet gives effect to the pro forma adjustments as if they occurred on December 31, 2024 and the and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations gives effect to the pro forma adjustments as if they occurred on January 1, 2024.
The pro forma adjustments set forth below were based on available information and certain assumptions made by our management and may be revised as additional information becomes available. The pro forma adjustments assume that this offering is completed on the terms described elsewhere in this prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information also reflects a 1-for-1.7 reverse stock split of our common stock effected in March 2025.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information is presented for informational purposes only, and does not purport to represent what our balance sheet and results of operations would actually have been if the offering and related transactions described above had occurred on the dates indicated, nor does it purport to project our results of operations or financial condition that we may achieve in the future.
You should read our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information and the accompanying notes in conjunction with all of the historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the financial and other information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, including information contained in “Risk Factors,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Capitalization,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
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AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024
(in thousands)
Actual | Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments | Unaudited
Pro Forma As Adjusted | ||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 20,741 | $ | (13,391 | ) | (1) | $ | 53,695 | ||||||
(18,405 | ) | (2) | ||||||||||||
64,750 | (4) | |||||||||||||
Restricted cash | 170 | — | 170 | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 8,961 | — | 8,961 | |||||||||||
Related party receivables | 791 | — | 791 | |||||||||||
Inventory | 8,823 | — | 8,823 | |||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 2,309 | — | 2,309 | |||||||||||
Deferred offering costs | 799 | (799 | ) | (4) | — | |||||||||
Total current assets | 42,594 | 32,155 | 74,749 | |||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 6,834 | — | 6,834 | |||||||||||
Right-of-use operating lease assets | 352 | — | 352 | |||||||||||
Goodwill | 557,508 | — | 557,508 | |||||||||||
Intangible assets, net | 93,502 | — | 93,502 | |||||||||||
Other assets | 209 | — | 209 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 700,999 | $ | 32,155 | $ | 733,154 | ||||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 16,440 | $ | (9,977 | ) | (1) | $ | 6,463 | ||||||
Related party payables | 1,100 | (520 | ) | (2) | 580 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses | 17,457 | (1,656 | ) | (1) | 15,002 | |||||||||
(799 | ) | (4) | ||||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, current | 213 | — | 213 | |||||||||||
Deferred revenue | 10,340 | — | 10,340 | |||||||||||
Related party borrowings | 5,971 | (240 | ) | (2) | 5,731 | |||||||||
Revolving lines of credit | 127 | (127 | ) | (2) | — | |||||||||
Current maturities of debt | 27,992 | (20,694 | ) | (2) | 7,298 | |||||||||
Investor notes at fair value | 13,819 | (2,053 | ) | (2) | 1,569 | |||||||||
(10,197 | ) | (6) | ||||||||||||
Due to sellers of Sky-Watch | 3,148 | — | 3,148 | |||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 96,607 | (46,263 | ) | 50,344 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities | 688 | — | 688 | |||||||||||
Deferred compensation | 11,219 | (11,219 | ) | (2) | — | |||||||||
Deferred tax liability | 767 | — | 767 | |||||||||||
Long-term deferred revenue | 10 | — | 10 | |||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent | 147 | — | 147 | |||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 50 | — | 50 | |||||||||||
Contingent consideration | 42,782 | (42,782 | ) | (2) | — | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 152,270 | (100,264 | ) | 52,006 | ||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, $0.000001 par value | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 764,691 | 85,287 | (2) | 938,342 | ||||||||||
6,602 | (3) | |||||||||||||
64,750 | (4) | |||||||||||||
11,600 | (5) | |||||||||||||
5,412 | (6) | |||||||||||||
Stockholder loan | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (9,509 | ) | — | (9,509 | ) | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (206,453 | ) | (1,758 | ) | (1) | (247,685 | ) | |||||||
(26,057 | ) | (2) | ||||||||||||
(6,602 | ) | (3) | ||||||||||||
(11,600 | ) | (5) | ||||||||||||
4,785 | (6) | |||||||||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 548,729 | 132,419 | 681,148 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 700,999 | $ | 32,155 | $ | 733,154 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.
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AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Actual | Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments | Unaudited
Pro Forma As Adjusted | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 86,935 | $ | - | $ | 86,935 | ||||||||
Cost of revenue | 28,618 | - | 28,618 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 58,317 | - | 58,317 | |||||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||
Research and development | 13,133 | - | 13,133 | |||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 6,422 | - | 6,422 | |||||||||||
General and administrative | 18,201 | 1,758 | (1) | 36,360 | ||||||||||
4,801 | (5) | |||||||||||||
11,600 | (7) | |||||||||||||
Goodwill impairment | 37,994 | - | 37,994 | |||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 75,750 | 18,159 | 93,909 | |||||||||||
Loss from operations | (17,433 | ) | (18,159 | ) | (35,592 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (14,225 | ) | (6,602 | ) | (2) | (16,042 | ) | |||||||
4,785 | (4) | |||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 2,173 | (21,256 | ) | (3) | (19,083 | ) | ||||||||
Total other expense | (12,052 | ) | (23,073 | ) | (35,125 | ) | ||||||||
Loss before income tax expense | (29,485 | ) | (41,232 | ) | (70,717 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax expense | (9,209 | ) | - | (9,209 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss | $ | (38,694 | ) | $ | (41,232 | ) | $ | (79,926 | ) | |||||
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | (2.36 | ) | $ | (3.21 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted-average shares of common stock used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted | 16,387,180 | 8,500,394 | (6) | 24,887,574 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1. Basis of Presentation
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 assumes this offering occurred on December 31, 2024. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operation for the year ended December 31, 2024 presents the pro forma effect of this offering as if it had been completed on January 1, 2024, the beginning of the earliest period presented.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and the related notes for the year ended December 31, 2024, included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Management has made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments. As the unaudited pro forma combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented. Significant assumptions include conversions of debt to equity as further described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma combined financial information. These conversion agreements have been executed but do not take effect until no later than two days prior to this offering. As part of the pro forma adjustments, we included adjustments to recognize interest, contingent consideration expense, and additional sales and marketing expense related to the 2021 Management Carveout Plan.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings or cost savings that may be associated with this offering. The unaudited pro forma adjustments, which are described in these notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments, and it is possible the difference may be material.
2. Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
(1) | Represents estimated direct and incremental transaction costs incurred by us related to this offering. This includes the payment of $11.6 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses recognized by us and a $1.8 million payment for advisory services, for a total of $13.4 million. |
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(2) | The following is a detail of the adjustments marked with footnote (2) (in thousands): |
Net Changes | ||||||||||
Cash | Recording of a 10% payment of the Aspen Carveout Contingency | (280 | ) | (18,405 | ) | |||||
Recording of the payment of the Put-Together Transaction Notes | (3,582 | ) | ||||||||
Recording of a 10% payment of the Carter Aviation debt | (4,953 | ) | ||||||||
Recording of a 10% payment of the Aspen Notes | (1,944 | ) | ||||||||
Royalty payment by Aspen Avionics | (520 | ) | ||||||||
Payment of Jaunt Related Party Notes Payable | (240 | ) | ||||||||
Payment of a portion of deferred compensation | (3,452 | ) | ||||||||
Payment of the Muncy Bank & Trust (“Muncy”) promissory notes and the First Citizens Community Bank notes payable | (1,254 | ) | ||||||||
Payment of lines of credit with First Citizens Community Bank | (127 | ) | ||||||||
Investor Note cash payment, including principal, premiums, interest and other required payments due within 5 days of this offering | (2,053 | ) | ||||||||
Contingent consideration | ||||||||||
Recording of the Put-Together Transaction Notes due to now being deemed probable | 5,128 | (42,782 | ) | |||||||
Recording of the Carter Aviation debt due to now being deemed probable | 16,126 | |||||||||
Recording of the Aspen Carveout Contingency | 2,803 | |||||||||
Recording of a 10% payment of the Aspen Carveout Contingency | (280 | ) | ||||||||
Conversion of 90% of the Aspen Carveout Contingency to equity | (2,523 | ) | ||||||||
Conversion of the Put-Together Transaction Notes to equity | (10,928 | ) | ||||||||
Conversion of 90% of the Carter Aviation debt to equity | (44,573 | ) | ||||||||
Recording of payment of the Put-Together Transaction Notes | (3,582 | ) | ||||||||
Recording of a 10% payment of the Carter Aviation debt | (4,953 | ) | ||||||||
Related party payables | Royalty payment by Aspen Avionics | (520 | ) | (520 | ) | |||||
Revolving lines of credit | Payment of the lines of credit with First Citizens Community Bank | (127 | ) | (127 | ) | |||||
Related party borrowings | Payment of Jaunt Related Party Notes Payable | (240 | ) | (240 | ) | |||||
Current maturities of debt | Conversion of 90% of the Aspen Notes | (17,496 | ) | (20,694 | ) | |||||
Payment of 10% of the Aspen Notes | (1,944 | ) | ||||||||
Payment of the Muncy promissory note and the First Citizens Community Bank notes payable | (1,254 | ) | ||||||||
Investor notes at fair value | Cash payment of Investor Notes due within 5 days of this offering | (2,053 | ) | (2,053 | ) | |||||
Deferred compensation | Conversion of accrued compensation to equity | (7,767 | ) | (11,219 | ) | |||||
Payment of accrued compensation | (3,452 | ) | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | Conversion of the Put-Together Transaction Notes to equity | 10,928 | 85,287 | |||||||
Conversion of 90% of the Carter Aviation debt to equity | 44,573 | |||||||||
Conversion of 90% of the Aspen Notes | 17,496 | |||||||||
Conversion of 90% of the Aspen Carveout and Contingent Debt to equity | 2,523 | |||||||||
Conversion of 90% of accrued compensation to equity | 7,767 | |||||||||
Issuance of stock portion of Aspen Carveout Contingency | 2,000 | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit | ||||||||||
Recording of the Put-Together Transaction Notes due to now being deemed probable | (5,128 | ) | (26,057 | ) | ||||||
Recording of the Carter Aviation debt due to now being deemed probable | (16,126 | ) | ||||||||
Recording of the Aspen Carveout Contingency | (4,803 | ) |
(3) | Reflects $6.6 million of contingent stock premiums on certain Investor Notes that will become payable at the closing of this offering. |
(4) | The following is a detail of the adjustments marked with footnote (4) (in thousands) from the sale of 5.0 million shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus: |
Cash | Recording of gross proceeds | 75,000 | 64,750 | |||||||
Recording Cantor offering costs of 7% of gross proceeds | (5,250 | ) | ||||||||
Recording of 10% payment of the NGA Success Fee | (150 | ) | ||||||||
Payment of deferred offering costs | (799 | ) | ||||||||
Recording of other estimated offering expenses payable | (4,051 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred offering cost | Recording Cantor offering cost at 7% of gross proceeds | 5,250 | (799 | ) | ||||||
Recording of the NGA Success Fee Arrangement | 1,500 | |||||||||
Recording of other estimated offering expenses payable | 4,051 | |||||||||
Reclassifying deferred offering cost | (11,600 | ) | ||||||||
Accrued expenses | Payment of deferred offering costs | (799 | ) | (799 | ) | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | Stock issuance | 75,000 | 64,750 | |||||||
Conversion of 90% of NGA fee | 1,350 | |||||||||
Reclassifying deferred offering costs | (11,600 | ) |
(5) | Reflects $3.8 million of expense related to the modification of the restricted stock awards, the vesting of which will become probable at the closing of this offering and $7.8 million of expense pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement, both assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. |
(6) | Reflects settlement of interest feature on Investor Notes at fair value, which includes the issuance of 360,779 shares at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. |
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3. | Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except share and per share data) |
The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:
(1) | Recording our estimated costs that were contingent upon this offering of $1.8 million, which are payable in cash and which had not been deemed probable as of December 31, 2024 and thus had not been recorded as of December 31, 2024. |
(2) | Recording $6.6 million of expense for contingent stock premiums on Investor Notes payable in stock at the closing of this offering. |
(3) | Recording of a $5.1 million charge for contingent promissory notes to the Merger Entities and $16.1 million under the Jaunt Contingent Arrangement. Obligations under the Jaunt Contingent Arrangement total $49.5 million, of which only $33.4 million had been recorded as of December 31, 2024. Contingent promissory note obligations total $14.5 million, of which only $9.4 million had been recorded as of December 31, 2024. |
(4) | Reflecting settlement of interest feature on Investor Notes at fair value, which includes the issuance of 360,779 shares at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. |
(5) | Recording of contingent charges of $1.9 million attributable to Aspen Contingent Debt, $2.0 million related to the Aspen Carveout Stock Obligation, and $0.9 million related to the Aspen Carveout Contingency for a total of $4.8 million. |
(6) | Change in shares outstanding is due to (i) the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common, (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, (iii) the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement, (iv) the issuance of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and (v) a 1-for-1.7 reverse stock split of our common stock effected in March 2025. |
(7) | Reflects $3.8 million of expense related to the modification of restricted stock awards, the vesting of which will become probable at the closing of this offering and $7.8 million of expense pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement, both assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. |
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MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, together with related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the sections titled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” for a discussion of forward-looking statements and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.
Overview
We are a technologically differentiated aerospace, autonomy, and air mobility platform targeting 21st century aerospace and defense opportunities. We leverage decades of industry expertise and connections across the drone, aviation, and avionics markets to provide leading solutions to the aerospace and defense market. We offer connected and diversified solutions providing operational synergies across our segments and are powered by an international footprint as well as supplier and public sector relationships. Supported by complementary and innovative technologies, we believe we bring a unique value proposition to the market and are well-positioned to become a differentiated leader in the industry.
Our business is organized into four operating segments, each of which represents a critical growth vector in the aerospace and defense market: Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility. These four segments collectively target a combined total addressable market estimated to be over $315.4 billion by 2030.
Drones. The Drones segment develops, manufactures, and sells drones and will provide drone services, such as DaaS, for military and commercial end users. Our military drones are sold through our Sky-Watch brand, which is a key supplier to European NATO countries. A critical point of differentiation lies in our drones’ ability to perform in a GPS-denied environment, which is a technology application relevant for both military and commercial end markets.
Avionics. The Avionics segment develops, manufactures, and sells avionics for military and general aviation aircraft, drones, and eVTOLs. Our advanced avionics products include flight displays, Connected Panels, and GPS/GNSS sensors, all of which have been installed on legacy military aircraft and general aviation platforms. We sell our advanced avionics through our Aspen Avionics brand, which is well-recognized in the general aviation aftermarket sector with over 20 years of operating history and long-term customer loyalty for our value proposition. We also serve as an avionics supplier for OEMs, including Robinson Helicopters, Pilatus, and Honeywell. We believe our avionics solutions have a considerable market opportunity as general aviation fleets continue to age, with owners and operators seeking to upgrade the avionics technology on their aircraft.
Training. The Training segment currently provides military pilot training and will provide commercial pilot training in the future. We offer professional training and consulting services to the U.S. military, select NATO countries, and other U.S. allies under our CDI brand. These offerings include adversary air, close air support, ISR, aircraft leasing, pilot training, ground liaison services, and JTAC, as well as full joint theatre ISR and simulated ground strike training. We work closely with special military forces such as SEAL teams, the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center, and USAF Air Combat Command, and are a mandated recipient on a $5.7 billion IDIQ contract. Our personnel’s top security clearances and established relationships at the Pentagon provide us with a differentiated ability to bid on mandates. We also plan to offer commercial pilot training and plan to expand our non-military capabilities in response to the global pilot shortage.
Electric Air Mobility. The Electric Air Mobility segment is developing a rotorcraft eVTOL for cargo and passenger use through our Jaunt brand for fixed route flights, on-demand trips, and cargo operations. Our R&D efforts are focused on developing a cargo eVTOL platform, which will be a scaled-down version of our passenger eVTOL platform, and will target the attractive middle mile delivery cargo market. Meanwhile, our long-term R&D efforts are focused on developing a full-scale multi-role eVTOL platform, which will be able to serve both the cargo and passenger markets. We plan to certify our eVTOLs through existing CAR 529 Rotorcraft standards, with our platform including the best attributes of both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Our patented compound rotorcraft technology, a core point of technological differentiation that will underpin our cargo eVTOL’s commercial capability, has over 300 piloted flight hours on multiple Jaunt demonstrator aircraft. We believe the range and payload capabilities driven by this technology uniquely position us to provide a compelling commercial solution for the eVTOL cargo market. Once developed and certified, we expect our cargo eVTOL program will serve as the foundation of our commercialization efforts, with passenger applications serving as a longer-term secondary initiative.
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Business Combination Agreement
On March 3, 2023, we entered into the Business Combination Agreement. On August 5, 2024, the Business Combination Agreement was terminated and, as a result, none of the BCA Transactions were effectuated. We incurred expenses of $1.4 million and $4.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, in connection with the entry into the Business Combination Agreement and steps to prepare for the BCA Transactions.
Business Combinations
We were formed in August 2021 for the purpose of acquiring and integrating various companies engaged in the aerospace and defense industry. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we completed our Put-Together Transaction to acquire six companies which are now organized into our four reportable segments, each with a diverse set of partners and customers: (i) Drones, through our subsidiaries, AIRO Drone and Sky-Watch; (ii) Avionics, through our subsidiary, Aspen Avionics; (iii) Training, through our subsidiaries, Agile Defense and CDI; and (iv) Electric Air Mobility, through our subsidiary, Jaunt.
We acquired Agile Defense on February 25, 2022, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Agile Defense, AIRO Group, Inc., n/k/a Old AGI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy AIRO”), us, Agile Defense Merger Sub, LLC, and Joseph Burns as target representative, dated as of October 6, 2021, as amended, in exchange for consideration in the form of a promissory note in the amount of $2.3 million (the “Agile Defense Promissory Note”). The Agile Defense Promissory Note bears no interest and was originally payable within five business days following the commencement of public trading of our common stock. On October 2, 2023, the parties signed a promissory note termination agreement (the “Agile Defense Promissory Note Termination Agreement”) whereby six of the seven note holders agreed to convert $1.4 million of the principal owed to them under the Agile Defense Promissory Note into 34,360 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining principal of $0.2 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, in connection with the closing of this offering, we intend to issue 34,360 shares of our common stock and use proceeds of $1.0 million from this offering to satisfy our obligations to the remaining holder under the Agile Defense Promissory Note and the other holders pursuant to the Agile Defense Promissory Note Termination Agreement.
We acquired AIRO Drone on February 25, 2022, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among AIRO Drone, Legacy AIRO, us, AIRO Drone Merger Sub, LLC and Joseph Burns as target representative, dated as of October 6, 2021, as amended, in exchange for consideration in the form of a promissory note in the amount of $2.1 million (the “AIRO Drone Promissory Note”). The AIRO Drone Promissory Note bears no interest and was originally payable within five business days following the commencement of public trading of our common stock. On October 2, 2023, the parties signed a promissory note termination agreement (the “AIRO Drone Promissory Note Termination Agreement”) whereby nine of the ten note holders agreed to convert approximately $1.5 million of the principal owed to them under the AIRO Drone Promissory Note into 37,080 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining principal of $0.2 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, in connection with the closing of this offering, we intend to issue 37,080 shares of our common stock and use proceeds of $0.6 million from this offering to satisfy our obligations to the remaining holder under the AIRO Drone Promissory Note and the other holders pursuant to the AIRO Drone Promissory Note Termination Agreement.
We acquired Jaunt on March 10, 2022, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Jaunt, Legacy AIRO, us, Jaunt Merger Sub, LLC and Martin Peryea as member representative, dated as of October 6, 2021, as amended, in exchange for consideration in the form of 3,143,001 shares of our common stock. As part of this acquisition, we acquired a contingent obligation originating from Jaunt’s acquisition of certain patents, licenses, and other intellectual property from Carter Aviation, a former member of Jaunt, in April 2019 (the “Jaunt Contingent Arrangement”). Under the Jaunt Contingent Arrangement, 10% of any cash receipt, including all income, receipts, proceeds, debt or equity investment, earnings, sales, or winnings, up to $50 million is payable to Carter Aviation. As of the acquisition date, $49.6 million in future payments remained on this obligation. The original terms of the Jaunt Contingent Arrangement provided that upon the completion of a business combination, the contingent consideration assumed from Jaunt would be replaced by promissory notes, the first of which would be for $23.0 million due one day after the closing of such business combination, and the second would be for the remaining portion of the contingent consideration and would be paid over three years subsequent to such closing. On October 27, 2023, we signed a satisfaction of indebtedness and satisfaction of covenant agreement (the “Jaunt Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement”), whereby the holder agreed to convert $44.6 million of the obligations owed to it as part of the Jaunt acquisition into 1,122,437 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining portion of the contingent consideration of $5.0 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, in connection with the closing of this offering, we intend to issue 1,122,437 shares of our common stock and use proceeds of $5.0 million from this offering to satisfy our obligations to the holders under the Jaunt Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement.
We acquired Sky-Watch on March 28, 2022, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Equity Purchase Agreement by and among Sky-Watch, Legacy AIRO, us, Dangroup ApS and Mekan I/S v/Per Pedersen & Claus Bo Jensen, dated as of October 6, 2021, as amended, in exchange for consideration in the form of a promissory note in the amount of $12.9 million (the “Sky-Watch Promissory Note”), 524,064 shares of our common stock and an earnout of up to $6.5 million based on performance commencing on the closing date of the acquisition through June 2024. The $6.5 million earnout was made up of $3 million that was payable on a dollar-for-dollar basis on revenue earned within the first two-year anniversary of the acquisition and $3.5 million would become due and payable if Sky-Watch earns a minimum of $13.8 million in revenue during the period from the acquisition date through June 2024. In December 2022, the Equity Purchase Agreement was amended to increase the second earnout amount from $3.5 million to $7.5 million and to extend the earnout period to include the full fiscal year periods of 2022 through 2024. In March 2023, the Equity Purchase Agreement was further amended to add a third earnout of $4.0 million if revenue during the full fiscal year periods of 2022 through 2024 reaches $17.0 million. In March 2024, the parties further amended the Equity Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the former shareholders of Sky-Watch became eligible for an additional earnout of $1.0 million if Sky-Watch achieves earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) of DKK 127,107,500 or above for fiscal year 2024. On June 28, 2024, the parties signed an amendment to the promissory notes (the “Sky-Watch Promissory Note Amendment”) whereby (i) the remaining principal of $5.7 million payable within five business days of the date that we or our successor closes one or more financing transactions with an aggregate value of at least $35.0 million and (ii) the remaining earnout liability is payable within five business days following the date that the we, or our successor, closes one or more financing transactions with an aggregate value of at least $45.0 million with interest continuing to accrue on the earned but unpaid earnout amounts at the federal discount rate plus 5.0%, compounded quarterly. In December 2024, we made a $13.9 million payment in full satisfaction of the Sky-Watch Promissory Note with the remainder partially funding the earnout consideration. As of December 31, 2024, we have accrued $3.1 million in connection with the unpaid earnout consideration related to this acquisition.
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We acquired Aspen Avionics on April 1, 2022, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Aspen Merger Agreement”) by and among Aspen, Legacy AIRO, us, Aspen Merger Sub, Inc. and John Uczekaj as target representative, dated as of October 6, 2021, as amended, in exchange for consideration in the form of 1,515,151 shares of our common stock. As part of this transaction, we agreed to assume $25.3 million of obligations, which primarily included $19.4 million related to the Aspen Notes, $2.9 million related to the Aspen Carveout Contingency and $1.9 million attributable to future allowable services or to be payable to the former Aspen Avionics shareholders at the closing of this offering (“Aspen Contingent Debt”).
On October 6, 2023, we signed a satisfaction of indebtedness and satisfaction of covenant agreement (the “Aspen Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement”), whereby all of the holders agreed to convert various amounts due, which included $17.5 million under the Aspen Notes, $0.8 million related to the cash portion of Aspen Carveout Contingency, and $1.7 million attributable to the Aspen Contingent Debt into 440,592 shares, 43,512 shares and 20,010 shares, respectively, of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining amount of $2.2 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. The 2021 Management Carveout Plan also provides for a $2.0 million Aspen Carveout Stock Obligation which equates to 51,309 shares that is also due at the closing of a business combination. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, in connection with the closing of this offering, we intend to issue an aggregate of 555,423 shares of our common stock and use proceeds of $2.2 million from this offering to satisfy our obligations to the holders under the Aspen Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement.
We acquired CDI on April 26, 2022, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among CDI, Legacy AIRO, us, Coastal Merger Sub, Inc. and Jeffrey Parker as target representative, dated as of October 6, 2021, as amended, in exchange for consideration in the form of a promissory note in the amount of $10.1 million (the “CDI Promissory Note”) and 1,069,514 shares of our common stock. The CDI Promissory Note bears no interest and was originally payable within five business days following the commencement of public trading of our common stock. On October 17, 2023, the parties signed a promissory note termination agreement (the “CDI Promissory Note Termination Agreement”), as amended on March 7, 2025, whereby all of the holders agreed to convert $8.1 million of the principal owed to them under the CDI Promissory Note into 203,707 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of an initial public offering, with the remaining principal of $2.0 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of an initial public offering.
Key Factors Affecting Our Performance
Our financial condition and results of operations have been, and will continue to be, affected by a number of factors, including the following.
Global Supply Chain
We are dependent on a global supply chain and in recent years have experienced supply chain disruptions that resulted in delays and increased costs which adversely affected our performance. The supply chain disruptions discussed above did not materially impact our outlook, business goals, results of operations or capital resources during 2024. These disruptions impacted our ability to procure raw materials, microelectronics, and certain commodities on a timely basis and/or at expected prices, and have been driven by supply chain market constraints and macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and labor market shortages. Current geopolitical conditions, including conflicts and other causes of strained intercountry relations, as well as sanctions and other trade restrictive activities, continue to contribute to these issues. Furthermore, our suppliers and subcontractors have been impacted by these same issues. We also experience periodic shortages of electronic and mechanical parts. Management continues to proactively manage the supply and transportation of parts during regular sales inventory and operations meetings. This proactive planning is an integral part of our normal operations and has allowed us to anticipate potential shortages and introduce redundancy along our supply chain. These mitigation efforts have not introduced new material risks related to product quality, reliability or regulatory approval of products. We continue to monitor the condition of our supply chain and evaluate our procurement strategy to reduce any negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We have implemented actions and programs designed to mitigate the impacts of supply chain disruptions, but anticipate that we and others in our industry will continue to face such challenges for the foreseeable future.
Geopolitical Matters
We operate in a complex and evolving global security environment, and our business is affected by geopolitical and security issues. Conflicts, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and heightened tension in the Pacific region, have elevated global security concerns resulting in increased interest for our products and services as countries seek to improve their security posture. In addition, security assistance provided by NATO and its allies to Ukraine has increased demand to replenish NATO stockpiles, resulting in additional and potential future orders, including for the ramp-up in production capacity for certain products. We continue to expect additional orders over the next several years attributable to the global threat environment.
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Economic Environment
Our business and financial performance is also affected by elevated levels of inflation and interest rates. Certain costs, including rising labor rates and supplier costs, have increased as a result of inflation, and have adversely affected our margins on certain programs. Due to the nature of our government and commercial aerospace businesses, and their respective customer and supplier contracts, we are not always able to offset cost increases by increasing our contract value or pricing, in particular on our fixed-price contracts. Increasing material, component, and labor prices could subject us to losses in our fixed price contracts in the event of cost overruns. In addition, higher interest rates have increased the cost of borrowing and tightened the availability of capital. Among other things, these effects can affect our ability to acquire equipment and constrain our customers’ purchasing power and decrease orders for our products and services and impact the ability of our customers to make payments and of our suppliers to perform. Moreover, volatility in interest rates and financial markets can lead to economic uncertainty, an economic downturn or recession and impact the demand for our products and services as well as our supply chain.
U.S. Government’s Continuing Resolution
In March 2025, President Trump signed a continuing resolution that funds federal agencies through September 30, 2025. A continuing resolution authorizes federal agencies to operate generally at the same funding levels from the prior year, but typically does not authorize new spending initiatives during this period. If Congress is unable to enact formal fiscal year 2026 appropriation bills by September 30, 2025, it may pass another continuing resolution. However, if Congress fails to pass the formal appropriations bills or a continuing resolution, then the U.S. government would shut down during which federal agencies would cease all non-essential functions.
In the event of a U.S. government shutdown, our business, program performance and results of operations could be impacted by the resulting disruptions to federal government offices, workers, and operations, including risks relating to the funding of certain programs, stop work orders, as well as delays in contract awards, new program starts, payments for work performed, and other actions. We also may experience similar impacts in the event of an extended period of continuing resolutions. Generally, the significance of these impacts will primarily be based on the length of the continuing resolution or shutdown. Furthermore, under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which imposes limits on discretionary spending for defense and non-defense programs in exchange for the lifting of the debt ceiling in June 2023, if Congress fails to enact appropriation bills by April 30, 2025, then the budget caps will be reduced and corresponding automatic reductions to agency budget accounts will be enforced through sequestration.
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Development of the Electric Air Mobility Market
Our revenue will be tied to the continued development of short distance aerial transportation. While we believe the global market for electric air mobility will be large, it remains undeveloped and there is no guarantee of future demand. We anticipate receiving certification of our 33% downscaled cargo eVTOL under drone rules as early as 2027 and expect our first passenger production aircraft to be certified by the TCCA under existing CAR 529 Transport Category Rotorcraft airworthiness rules as early as 2031. Our business will require significant investment leading up to launching these services, including, but not limited to, final engineering designs, prototyping and testing, manufacturing, software development, certification, pilot training, infrastructure and commercialization. We benefit from supplier cost sharing, whereby our suppliers have agreed to defer their non-recurring engineering costs until commercialization, which has reduced our initial funding requirements prior to commercialization.
Key Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
Revenue consists primarily of product sales, fees for consulting services, licensing revenue, warranty sales and after sale services. A majority of our revenue is derived from the Drones segment. To date, our Electric Air Mobility segment has not generated material revenue.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue includes direct labor (including salary, benefits and taxes), material costs and indirect production costs. Indirect production costs include indirect labor, purchasing, quality and manufacturing leadership, consumables, freight, charges for inventory reserves and amortization of intangible assets. We expect our cost of revenue to fluctuate based on a number of factors including, among others, availability and ability to obtain suitable aircraft, availability and cost of raw materials, such as lithium, and fluctuations in the labor market, in particular with respect to individuals who are highly skilled and specialized, such as pilots, and foreign currency exchange rates.
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Operating Expenses
Research and Development
R&D expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, including salaries, benefits, costs of consulting, equipment and materials, direct allocable overhead costs, including staff development cost, travel costs and technology costs, and amortization of intangible assets. We expect our R&D expenses to increase as we continue to invest in our infrastructure and technology and seek to develop new products and services.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses include salary, benefits and taxes, commissions, travel, costs of leased airplanes, advertising, trade shows and amortization of intangible assets. We expect our sales and marketing expenses to increase as we seek to build out our capabilities in these areas to acquire new customers.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses include costs of executive leadership, corporate governance, consulting fees, the accounting and finance operations, travel, and support functions, including human resources and information technology. We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase as we incur additional costs associated with being a public company and certain terms of our consulting and incentive agreements become effective.
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. We manage our business primarily based upon four operating segments: (i) Drones, (ii) Avionics, (iii) Training and (iv) Electric Air Mobility, each of which represents a reportable segment. See “—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Goodwill” for additional information.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net consists primarily of the interest expense from borrowings relating to revolving lines of credit with external banks and third-party notes, net of interest income earned on invested cash balances.
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Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net includes changes in fair value on contingent consideration obligations and foreign currency exchange adjustments based on the terms of payments related an earnout obligation.
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
Income tax (expense) benefit primarily consists of income taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct business.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our consolidated financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, as described below, to facilitate analysis of our financial and business trends and for internal planning and forecasting purposes.
We define (1) EBITDA as net loss before interest expense, income tax expense or provision, depreciation and amortization, (2) Adjusted EBITDA as net loss before interest expense, income tax expense or provision, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, contingent consideration fair value adjustments and impairments, and (3) Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. The above items are excluded from our Adjusted EBITDA measure because these items are either non-cash in nature, or because the amount and timing of these items is unpredictable, or because they are not driven by core results of operations, thereby rendering comparisons with prior periods and competitors less meaningful. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations, as well as provides a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our business performance. Moreover, we have included Adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus because it is a key measurement used by our management internally to make operating decisions, including those related to analyzing operating expenses, evaluating performance, and performing strategic planning and annual budgeting.
These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Our presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by items that are excluded from these metrics. In addition, our definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures may be different from similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider any of these non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are that our non-GAAP financial measures:
● | do not reflect our interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt; |
● | exclude depreciation and amortization expense, and although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being depreciated may have to be replaced in the future, increasing our cash requirements; and |
● | do not reflect provision for or benefit from income taxes that reduces cash available to us. |
Because of these limitations, we consider, and you should consider, the non-GAAP financial measures alongside other financial performance measures, including net loss and our other GAAP results. A reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to net loss margin, the most directly comparable financial measures stated in accordance with GAAP, is provided below. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
Year Ended | ||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (38,694 | ) | $ | (32,456 | ) | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 12,640 | 12,731 | ||||||
Income tax expense | 9,209 | 2,294 | ||||||
Interest expense, net | 14,225 | 2,137 | ||||||
EBITDA | (2,620 | ) | (15,294 | ) | ||||
Stock-based compensation | 716 | 1,815 | ||||||
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments | (2,400 | ) | 18,009 | |||||
Impairments | 37,994 | — | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 33,690 | $ | 4,530 | ||||
Net loss margin | (44.5 | )% | (75.0 | )% | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 38.8 | % | 10.5 | % |
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Results
of Operations Years
Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 The
following table shows our consolidated financial results for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year Ended December 31,
Period over period change
(in thousands)
2024
2023
($)
(%)
Revenue
$ 86,935
$ 43,254
$ 43,681
101.0 %
Cost of revenue
28,618
18,340
10,278
56.0 %
Gross profit
58,317
24,914
33,403
134.1 %
Operating expenses:
Research and development
13,133
11,871
1,262
10.6 %
Sales and marketing
6,422
5,374
1,048
19.5 %
General and administrative
18,201
17,601
600
3.4 %
Impairment
37,994
-
37,994
N/A
Total operating expenses
75,750
34,846
40,904
117.4 %
Loss from operations
(17,433 )
(9,932 )
(7,501 )
(75.5 )%
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net
(14,225 )
(2,137 )
(12,088 )
(565.7 )%
Other income (expense), net
2,173
(18,093 )
20,266
112.0 %
Total other expense
(12,052 )
(20,230 )
8,178
40.4 %
Loss before income tax expense
(29,485 )
(30,162 )
677
2.2 %
Income tax expense
(9,209 )
(2,294 )
(6,915 )
(301.4 )%
Net loss
$ (38,694 )
$ (32,456 )
$ (6,238 )
(19.2 )%
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Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, the $43.7 million increase in revenue was primarily due to a $46.7 million increase in the Drones segment, largely caused by an increase in drone shipments and support revenue. Increased drone sales were driven by market entry strategies to target NATO member countries, as we believe that drones can be a key component of NATO countries’ defense spending plans to meet their 2% GDP contribution target. This increase was partially offset primarily by a $2.1 million decrease from the Training segment due to a decrease in contracts resulting from our inability to obtain assets required to conduct trainings due to lack of funding as well as timing of training exercises and a $0.7 million decrease in the Avionics segment due to product mix and a general reduction in market demand of existing products.
Cost of Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, cost of revenue increased by $10.3 million primarily due to an $11.5 million increase in the Drones segment due to increased sales, partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease from the Training segment due to the decrease in revenue described above. Gross margin was 67.1% in 2024 compared to 57.6% in 2023. This 9.5% point improvement in gross margin was primarily attributable to the Drones segment which improved its margin by 3.1% points due to economies of scale with both production efficiencies and negotiating better pricing with suppliers.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development
For the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, R&D expense increased $1.3 million primarily due to a $1.0 million increase in personnel costs and a $0.2 million increase in consulting fees for product development within the Drones segment.
Sales and Marketing
For the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, sales and marketing expense increased $1.0 million primarily due to a $0.5 million increase in personnel costs and a $0.8 million increase in sales commissions and bonuses within the Drones segment, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease within Avionics due to cost reduction initiatives in the business.
General and Administrative
For the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, general and administrative expense increased $0.6 million primarily due to a $5.0 million increase within the Drones segment, partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease within the Avionics segment, a $0.7 million decrease within the Training segment, a $1.2 million decrease within the Electric Air Mobility segment and a $2.1 million decrease in corporate costs. Increases within the Drones segment were primarily due to a $1.3 million increase in personnel costs, a $1.4 million increase in bonuses, a $1.1 million increase in consulting fees for assistance in branding and rolling out products and services into new markets and other expansion costs. Decreases within the Avionics, Training and Electric Air Mobility segments and corporate costs were due to cost reduction initiatives in the business.
Goodwill Impairment
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded $38.0 million of goodwill impairment. Primary factors leading to the impairment were the continuation of funding delays which resulted in the change of projected cash flows within the Training and Electric Air Mobility segments. See “—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Goodwill” for additional information.
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Interest Expense, Net
For the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, interest expense, net, increased $12.1 million primarily due to a $10.5 million debt extinguishment charge and a $0.4 million fair value adjustment on Investor Notes at fair value. During 2024, certain Investor Notes were amended which resulted in significant modifications of these Investor Notes. In accordance with ASC 470-50, as this significant modification created an election date for the fair value option and as the fair value election is applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis, we chose to record such Investor Notes at fair value beginning on the modification date in October 2024. See further details of the Investor Notes at fair value in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Remaining changes included a $1.9 million increase in interest within the Drones segment, offset primarily by a $0.5 million decrease in the Electric Air Mobility segment for non-recurring accretion of deferred compensation assumed as part of the Jaunt acquisition and a $0.3 million decrease in both the Training and Avionics segments as amounts owed to FCCB and amounts owed under Aspen’s credit facility were reduced by payments during 2024. The interest in the Drones segment is attributable to amendments to the Sky-Watch Promissory Note, entered into in March and June of 2024, and earnouts requiring us to pay interest on the amounts due to the holders of the Sky-Watch Promissory Note beginning on January 1, 2024 and payments to the holders of the Sky-Watch earnouts beginning on April 1, 2024, as well as the accretion of the most recent earnout as described in Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Other Income (Expense), Net
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had $2.2 million of other income, primarily due to the decrease in the fair value of the Jaunt Contingent Arrangement, as compared to $18.1 million of other expense during the year ended December 31, 2023, which was primarily due to the increase in the fair value of the Sky-Watch earnouts. Other income (expense), net also includes the change in the fair value of the contingent promissory notes with certain of the Acquired Companies.
Income Tax Expense
For the year ended December 31, 2024, our income tax expense was $9.2 million and our effective tax rate was 39.9%. The $9.2 million tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to Sky-Watch generating positive pre-tax income. The primary drivers of our effective tax rate consisted of the full valuation allowance positions taken by our U.S. and Canadian entities and the profit generated by our entities in other jurisdictions, mainly Denmark. On a worldwide basis, while our profit before tax was minimal, it represented significant losses in the United States and significant profits in Denmark, resulting in a high effective tax rate. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s income tax expense was $2.3 million and the effective tax rate was 7.6%.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and restricted cash of $20.9 million, of which $0.2 million was either restricted or was designated exclusively for Sky-Watch operations, and a working capital deficit of $54.0 million. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Over the next twelve months, we expect to finance our operations with operating revenue from our commercial operations, subsidiary financing of operations, short-term debt financing, private sales of equity securities, and the proceeds from this offering. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of their acquisition agreements, our subsidiaries are obligated to obtain independent financing, such as through credit facilities, as necessary for their operations on a subsidiary level. Debt at the subsidiary level will be refinanced and consolidated in connection with this offering.
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Pending the closing of this offering, we will continue to operate with nominal cash flow, as we have historically. We believe the proceeds of this offering, together with our cash and restricted cash, is expected to fund our growth strategies and business objectives into through the next 12 months. If we are unable to obtain a sufficient amount of financing to support all of our operations, we will prioritize deploying resources to the segments that generate the most revenue and have the potential for the greatest long-term growth. Specifically, we will focus on Drones, Avionics and Training for short-term revenue production and Electric Air Mobility as the driver of long-term growth.
Investor Notes
As of December 31, 2024, our Investor Notes include third party obligations of $3.0 million of Investor Notes as described within Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, $4.2 million of Investor Notes as described in Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, and $13.8 million of Investor Notes which we have elected to record using the fair value election as further described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. These Investor Notes consist of the following:
● | Notes totaling $3.2 million that include a one-time interest charge equal to 100% of the principal amount, contingently payable in 222,467 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with 110% of the principal to be paid in cash on the maturity date, which is 190 days following the closing of this offering, and accruing interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering. | |
● | Notes totaling $1.0 million that included a one-time interest charge equal to 100% of the principal amount as of December 31, 2024, which was modified to be 110% of the principal amount in February 2025, contingently payable in 73,333 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with 110% of the principal to be paid in cash on the maturity date, which is 190 days following the closing of this offering, and accruing interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering. | |
● | Notes totaling $0.6 million that include a one-time interest charge equal to 100% of the principal amount, contingently payable in 37,333 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with 100% of the principal to be paid in cash on the maturity date, which is 190 days following the closing of this offering and accruing interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering. | |
● | Notes totaling $0.2 million that include a one-time interest charge equal to 115% of the principal amount, contingently payable in 15,333 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with the principal to be paid on the maturity date, which is 190 days following the closing of this offering and accruing interest at a rate of 15% per annum from the closing of this offering. | |
● | Notes totaling $0.5 million that include a one-time interest charge equal to 125% of the aggregate principal amount, contingently payable in 43,750 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with the principal to be paid on the maturity date, which is 190 days following the closing of this offering and accruing interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering. | |
● | Notes totaling $0.6 million that include a one-time interest charge equal to 50% of the principal amount, contingently payable in 21,333 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with the principal, to be paid on the maturity date, which is 190 days following the closing of this offering and accruing interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering. | |
● | Notes totaling $0.2 million that include a one-time interest charge equal to 150% of the aggregate principal amount, contingently payable in 20,000 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with the principal to be paid on the maturity date, which is 190 days following the closing of this offering and accruing interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering. | |
● | Notes totaling $0.1 million that include a one-time interest charge equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, contingently payable in 6,667 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with 110% of the principal to be paid on the maturity date, which is 30 days following the closing of this offering and accruing interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the closing of this offering. | |
● | A note totaling $0.1 million that includes a one-time interest charge equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, contingently payable in 6,667 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with 120% of the principal to be paid on the earlier of a March 31, 2025 maturity date or 30 days subsequent to the closing of this offering, and accruing interest at a rate of 15% per annum from either the date of the note through March 31, 2025 if this offering is not completed or for the 30 days subsequent to the closing of this offering. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note was extended to April 30, 2025. | |
● | Notes with a fair value of $2.9 million, of which 120% of the $1.0 million principal is due at the earlier of March 31, 2025 or 30 days subsequent to the closing of this offering, with a stock premium of $1.0 million, payable in 66,666 shares of our common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) immediately prior to the closing of this offering. Interest accrues at a rate of 15% per annum from the date of the note through March 31, 2025 and is payable 30 days after the closing of this offering. In March 2025, the maturity date of these notes was extended to April 30, 2025. | |
● | Notes with a fair value of $11.0 million, of which include a one-time interest charge equal to $7.5 million, payable in 294,113 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering, with $1.6 million in principal plus $0.2 million in other cash payments to be paid on the earlier of (a) 5 days subsequent the closing of this offering or capital raise of at least $10 million and (b) March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the notes at a rate of 12% per annum through the maturity date. Such notes at fair value have a term whereby the number of shares issued as interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if our valuation is less than $770 million at the closing of this offering. An additional 0.1 million shares of our common stock will be issued if this offering is not completed prior to May 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of these notes was extended to May 31, 2025. | |
● | Notes totaling $0.5 million, which accrue interest at a rate of 10.5% per annum, with the principal and interest to be paid in cash on the maturity date, which is the earlier of the fifth business day following the closing of this offering or the closing of one or more financing transactions with an aggregate value of at least $35 million. | |
● | A note totaling $0.1 million with a maturity date of March 31, 2025, which includes a contingent interest charge equal to $50,000 payable in 3,333 shares of common stock (assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) which is to be paid immediately prior to the closing of this offering. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note was extended to April 30, 2025. |
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Dangroup Incentive Agreement
In June 2024, we entered the Dangroup Incentive Agreement with Dangroup, whereby we agreed to pay Dangroup 20% of Sky-Watch’s EBITDA as an incentive bonus for their continued involvement in Sky-Watch’s governance, management and/or other operations, commencing on January 1, 2025 for an initial term of five years, which shall renew upon mutual agreement of the parties. In December 2024, we amended the Dangroup Incentive Agreement, whereby we agreed to transfer to Dangroup shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering such that Dangroup’s ownership would be increased to 5% of our capital stock on a fully diluted basis.
Cash Flows
The following summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 21,485 | $ | 22,106 | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (789 | ) | (836 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (10,583 | ) | (9,288 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $21.5 million, and was primarily due to positive non-cash adjustments, including goodwill impairment, depreciation and amortization, non-cash loss on debt extinguishment, and stock-based compensation, net of a negative non-cash adjustment for change in fair value of contingent consideration, offset by working capital adjustments, primarily consisting of the changes in accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses, net of changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities and deferred compensation partially offset by a net loss of $38.7 million. Net cash provided by operations of $22.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to positive non-cash adjustments, primarily the change in fair value of contingent consideration and depreciation and amortization, and working capital adjustments, primarily from increases in deferred revenue and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, partially offset by a net loss of $32.5 million.
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Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Cash of $0.8 million was used in investing activities during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 to purchase property and equipment and intangible assets.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $10.6 million, primarily due to payments made to the sellers of Sky-Watch that were partially offset primarily by the proceeds from borrowings (including related party borrowings), net of repayments. Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 of $9.3 million was primarily due to payments on contingent consideration and amounts due to the sellers of Sky-Watch.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses, and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 1 “The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, the following accounting policies and specific estimates involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, these are the policies and estimates we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial condition and results of operations:
● | the standalone selling price (“SSP”) of performance obligations for revenue contracts with multiple performance obligations; | |
● | the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for business combinations; |
● | goodwill impairment; |
● | impairment of indefinite lived and long-lived assets; | |
● | valuation of debt; |
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● | stock-based compensation; | |
● | inventory valuation; and |
● | the recognition, measurement and valuation of current and deferred income taxes and uncertain tax positions. |
As described more fully below, these estimates bear the risk of change due to the inherent uncertainty of the estimate. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience, industry benchmarking information, and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
These estimates may change, as new events occur and additional information is obtained, and such changes will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements as soon as they become known. Actual results could differ from these estimates and any such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when, or as, we satisfy performance obligations by transferring promised products or services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive. We apply the following five steps: (i) identify the contract with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied. We account for a contract with a customer when there is a legally enforceable contract, the rights of the parties are identified, the contract has commercial terms, and collectability of the contract consideration is probable.
For certain sales, we have contracts with customers that include multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately, by allocating the contract’s total transaction price to each performance obligation in an amount based on the relative SSP of each distinct good or service in the contract. We determine the SSP based on our overall pricing objectives, taking into consideration market conditions. Determining whether products or services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for those services. Our contracts do not include highly variable components. The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collections can result in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and deferred revenue (contract liabilities). The costs to obtain contracts, primarily commission expenses, are expensed when incurred.
Amounts that are invoiced are recorded in accounts receivable and revenue or deferred revenue, depending on whether the revenue recognition criteria have been met. A large portion of our sales result in partial prepayments prior to shipment from customers. Otherwise, customer invoices generally have payment terms of net 30 days and do not have a significant financing component.
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Our revenue is derived from various sources: (i) avionics products consisting primarily of hardware with embedded firmware sold to an authorized dealer network and avionics and GNSS products sold to OEMs, (ii) R&D projects, (iii) sales-based royalties related to GNSS technology licensed to OEMs, (iv) consultation and training services related to aerial integration and close air support providing the latest tactics, technique, and procedures to incorporate contract close air support/intelligence surveillance reconnaissance with video downlink systems into tactical operations, (v) technology and equipment sales (vi) mUAS, commonly referred to as “commercial drones,” sales, including hardware, software, training, support and product service, and (vii) drone services, including surveys, imaging, security, and other drone applications.
Business Combinations
We account for acquired businesses using the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method, our consolidated financial statements include the financial results of an acquired business starting from the date the acquisition is completed. In addition, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any contingent consideration must be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective estimated fair values, with any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of contingent consideration and intangible assets and in assigning their respective useful lives. Accordingly, we typically obtain the assistance of third-party valuation specialists for significant acquisitions. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management but are inherently uncertain.
We use a discounted cash flow analysis given probability and estimated timing of payout to determine the fair value of contingent consideration on the date of acquisition. Significant changes in the discount rate used could affect the accuracy of the fair value calculation. Contingent consideration is adjusted based on experience in subsequent periods and the impact of changes related to assumptions are recorded in operating expenses as incurred.
We typically use an income method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates and profitability), the underlying product or technology life cycles, the economic barriers to entry, and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may result in a triggering event for which we would test for impairment.
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Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. We manage our business primarily based upon four operating segments: (i) Drones, (ii) Avionics, (iii) Training and (iv) Electric Air Mobility, each of which represents a reportable segment. We have determined that each reportable segment represents a reporting unit and, in accordance with ASC 350, each reporting unit requires an allocation of goodwill. We will continue to reevaluate reportable and operating segments.
Goodwill is not amortized and is tested at the reporting unit level for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We have selected October 1st as the date to perform our annual impairment test. In the valuation of goodwill, management must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows to be derived from our business. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record an impairment for these assets. Management may first evaluate qualitative factors to assess if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and to determine if an impairment test is necessary. Management may choose to proceed directly to the evaluation, bypassing the initial qualitative assessment. The impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to which goodwill is allocated to its net book value, including goodwill. A goodwill impairment loss would be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $38.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 as described within Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023.
2023 Impairment Test
In 2023, due to delays we experienced in securing financing, we performed a quantitative assessment on goodwill for all of our reporting units except Avionics, as no goodwill had been allocated to this reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting units for which we performed quantitative impairment tests was estimated using an income approach, which incorporates the use of the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method. Financial projections used by management in performing quantitative impairment tests required the use of significant estimates and assumptions specific to the reporting unit as well as those based on general economic conditions. Factors specific to each reporting unit included revenue growth, profit margins, terminal value growth rates, capital expenditures projections, assumed tax rates, discount rates and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management.
The table below displays the fair value for each reporting unit tested in the 2023 annual impairment test. We determined that the fair value of the Drones and Training reporting units substantially exceeded their respective carrying values. While the Electric Air Mobility reporting unit fair value was not substantially in excess of its carrying value, the fair value of the Electric Air Mobility reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by $11.8 million, or 2.2%, and accordingly, our goodwill was not impaired.
Drones |
Electric Air Mobility |
Training |
||||||||||
Goodwill carrying value as of October 1, 2023 | $ | 109.9 million | $ | 451.4 million | $ | 36.5 million | ||||||
Fair value of reporting unit as of October 1, 2023 | $ | 151.3 million | $ | 545.2 million | $ | 97.0 million | ||||||
Carrying value of reporting unit as of October 1, 2023 | $ | 96.1 million | $ | 533.4 million | $ | 46.6 million |
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Estimates and assumptions varied between each reporting unit depending on the facts and circumstances specific to that reporting unit. The discount rate for each reporting unit was influenced by general market conditions as well as factors specific to the reporting unit. For the 2023 impairment test, the WACC discount rate we used for our reporting units was 25% to 40% and the terminal value growth rate was 4%. The terminal value growth rate represented the expected long-term growth rate for our industry, which incorporated the type of services each reporting unit provided as well as the global economy. Other factors influencing the revenue growth rates included the nature of the services the reporting unit provided for its clients, the geographic locations in which the reporting unit conducted business and the maturity of the reporting unit.
Specific to the Electric Air Mobility segment’s projections as of our October 1, 2023 testing date, projected revenue was primarily updated from our initial revenue estimates to reflect projected aircraft production from 2027 to 2028. As of our October 1, 2023 testing date, no R&D revenue was assumed for the period 2024 to 2027 as the Electric Air Mobility segment had been informed that it was not selected for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program. Our projected revenue estimates in years 1 and 2 of commercialization as of October 1, 2023 increased as compared to initial revenue estimates for the same two-year period. Current projections were updated to reflect an assumed selling price in line with the negotiated pricing noted in nonbinding letters of intent and revised production levels based on expected capacity over the same two-year period.
Revenue projections were based on increasing production quantities year-over-year that max out at approximately 3,000 units per year at a single facility, and a per-unit sales price that increases over time, assuming a 1.5% escalation rate per year.
EBITDA projections as of October 1, 2023 during the two years post commercialization were developed using revised estimates of manufacturing costs, production hours per unit, learning curves and subsequent efficiencies, and operating costs.
Mid-term and long-term EBITDA projections incorporated economies of scale and synergies, however, changes between projections as of October 1, 2023 and our initial projections are not significant once maximum manufacturing conditions are reached.
As to the degree of uncertainty associated with our assumptions, we believed our long-term projected revenue was reasonable given a sales price supported by non-binding letters of intent and a relatively small number of units in comparison to, according to the Morgan Stanley Report, an anticipated global market ranging between an expected $1 trillion with an upside of $4.4 trillion by 2040. There was a higher degree of uncertainty in projected EBITDA as compared to projected revenue, as projected EBITDA included estimates as to future labor and material costs, efficiency rates as to the number of production hours required over time, and synergies.
The most sensitive factor in our analysis was the WACC discount rate. As of October 1, 2023, a 35% WACC discount rate was applied to the Electric Air Mobility segment, which was fairly consistent but still more conservative than the 34% WACC discount rate used as of the acquisition date. The 100 basis-point increase was deemed appropriate due to the development stage of the Electric Air Mobility segment, however, a larger increase was not deemed appropriate due to positive market changes including proof of concept in the market and observations of timing to certification by TCCA. As to the sensitivity of the WACC rate, another hypothetical 100 basis-point increase in the WACC discount rate would have yielded an estimated fair value for the Electric Air Mobility segment below carrying value.
We believe the factors considered in the impairment analysis were reasonable; however, significant changes in any one of our assumptions could have produced a different result and resulted in impairment charges that could have been material to our consolidated financial statements. The fair value of the Electric Air Mobility segment exceeded the carrying value as of October 1, 2023 by $11.8 million, or 2.2%. While the goodwill of this reporting unit was not currently impaired, we noted that there could be an impairment in the Electric Air Mobility segment in the future as a result of changes in certain assumptions. For example, the fair value of the Electric Air Mobility segment could be adversely affected and may result in an impairment of goodwill if this reporting unit is not able to advance the development of our aircraft and other products, obtain regulatory approvals, and launch and commercialize our products at scale, if the estimated production costs are significantly higher than estimated or if the WACC discount rate is increased.
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2024 Impairment Test
As a result of the BCA Transactions being terminated in August 2024 and the continued delays in securing financing, we determined it appropriate to test the fair value of each reporting unit for goodwill impairment as of September 30, 2024 for all of our reporting units except Avionics as no goodwill had been allocated to this reporting unit. We determined that the fair value of the Drones reporting unit substantially exceeded its respective carrying value. The Electric Air Mobility and Training reporting unit fair values indicated goodwill impairment as detailed below.
Drones | Electric Air Mobility |
Training | ||||||||||
Goodwill carrying value as of September 30, 2024 | $ | 115.8 million | $ | 451.4 million | $ | 36.5 million | ||||||
Fair value of reporting unit as of September 30, 2024 | $ | 185.1 million | $ | 510.2 million | $ | 25.1 million | ||||||
Carrying value of reporting unit as of September 30, 2024 | $ | 133.5 million | $ | 527.2 million | $ | 46.1 million | ||||||
Impairment as of September 30, 2024 | $ | — | $ | 17.0 million | $ | 21.0 million |
Estimates and assumptions varied between each reporting unit depending on the facts and circumstances specific to that reporting unit. The discount rate for each reporting unit is influenced by general market conditions as well as factors specific to the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting units for which we performed quantitative impairment tests was estimated using an income approach, which incorporates the use of the discounted cash flow method. Projections used require the use of significant estimates and assumptions specific to the reporting unit as well as those based on general economic conditions. Factors specific to each reporting unit include revenue growth, profit margins, terminal value growth rates, capital expenditures projections, assumed tax rates, discount rates and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management. For the 2024 impairment test, the WACC discount rates we used for our reporting units was 30%-35% and the terminal value growth rate was 4%. The terminal value growth rate represents the expected long-term growth rate for our industry, which incorporates the type of services each reporting unit provides as well as the global economy. Other factors influencing the revenue growth rates include the nature of the services the reporting unit provides for its clients, the geographic locations in which the reporting unit conducts business and the maturity of the reporting unit.
Specific to the Electric Air Mobility segment’s projections as of September 30, 2024, projected revenue was revised to include projected aircraft production timing for the Jaunt Journey in 2031 as compared to a previous estimate of 2028 and further incorporated production of a cargo UAV (a smaller cargo derivative of the Jaunt Journey) in 2027. Projected revenue in years 1 and 2 of commercialization of the cargo UAV as of September 30, 2024 were added to our September 30, 2024 projections based on an estimated assumed selling price and expected production levels of approximately 240 units over the two-year period. Projected revenue in years 1 and 2 of commercialization (i.e., 2028 and 2029) of the Jaunt Journey as of October 1, 2023 was based on a sales price that was in line with the negotiated pricing contained in our non-binding letters of intent and projected volume of 630 units over the same two-year period. Following the revision of the estimated commercialization date to 2031, the escalation rate utilized in our original projections continued to be consistently applied. Accordingly, such escalation rate was applied to the original estimated selling price in 2028 for a period of three additional years (i.e., 2028 to 2031). As a result, the sales price in the revised estimated first year of commercialization (2031) increased compared to prior projections. Revenue projections for both programs were based on increasing production quantities year-over-year that max out at approximately 400 units per year for the cargo UAV and 3,000 units per year for the Jaunt Journey at a single production facility, and a per-unit sales price that increases over time assuming a 1.5% escalation rate. The foregoing escalation rate and production volume of the Jaunt Journey remained consistent with prior year projections.
EBITDA projections as of September 30, 2024 and October 1, 2023 were developed using estimates of manufacturing costs, production hours per unit, learning curves and subsequent efficiencies, and operating costs. While mid-term and long-term EBITDA projections at maximum capacity have not significantly changed compared to our prior year testing date of October 1, 2023, the impact of delaying the projected cash flows from the Jaunt Journey as a result of a later expected commercialization date resulted in a decrease in the fair value of the Electric Air Mobility segment, which indicated impairment. Projected EBITDA as of October 1, 2023 gave effect to net research and development costs expected to be incurred between 2024 and 2027 leading up to the commercialization of the Jaunt Journey aircraft and assumed positive EBITDA during the two years following commercialization. Projected EBITDA as of September 30, 2024 gave effect to net research and development costs expected to be incurred (i) between 2025 and 2028 leading up to the commercialization of the cargo UAV and (ii) between 2029 and 2031 leading up to the commercialization of the Jaunt Journey and assumed positive EBITDA during the two years following commercialization. Mid-term and long-term EBITDA margin projections at full rate production were reduced slightly (1-2%) compared to our prior year testing date of October 1, 2023.
EBITDA projections as of September 30, 2024 were also revised to incorporate estimates of manufacturing costs of the cargo UAV, which reduced mid-term and long-term gross margins by approximately 2% at full rate production, as well as estimated efficiencies, which resulted in reduced operating expenses slightly (0.5%-1%) as a percentage of revenue as compared to the October 1, 2023 projections.
While the timing of projected cash flows from the Jaunt Journey has been delayed and as operations now include a plan to produce a cargo UAV, profitability of the Electric Air Mobility segment post-commercialization of the Jaunt Journey has always been part of our projections. We anticipate profitability in the Electric Air Mobility segment commencing in year two following commercialization of the cargo UAV. As to the degree of uncertainty associated with our assumptions, we believe our long-term projected revenue is reasonable given a sales price supported by non-binding letters of intent and a relatively small number of units in comparison to, according to the Morgan Stanley Report, an anticipated global market ranging between an expected $1 trillion and with an upside $4.4 trillion by 2040. There is a higher degree of uncertainty in projected EBITDA, as compared to projected revenue as projected EBITDA includes estimates as to future labor and material costs, efficiency rates as to the number of production hours required over time, and synergies.
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The most sensitive factor in our analysis was the WACC discount rate. As of September 30, 2024, a 33% WACC discount rate was applied to the Electric Air Mobility segment, which is fairly consistent with the 35% WACC discount rate used as of our prior year testing date of October 1, 2023. The 200 basis-point decrease from prior year was deemed appropriate due to more conservative projected long term EBITDA margins as compared to sales in the prior year, regulatory harmonization that has occurred for the industry between the FAA, TCCA, and EASA, advances in electric propulsion, battery density, and autonomous systems which lower remaining technical development risk. While these factors reduce risk to the Electric Air Mobility segment, a larger decrease in the WACC was not deemed appropriate due to delays in funding for development efforts and overall implementation risk that remains similar to October 1, 2023. As to the sensitivity of the WACC rate, another hypothetical 100 basis-point increase in the WACC discount rate would have yielded an additional $46.0 million in goodwill impairment.
We believe the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable; however, significant changes in any one of our assumptions could produce a different result and result in additional impairment charges that could be material to our consolidated financial statements. For example, the fair value of the Electric Air Mobility segment could be adversely affected and may result in an additional impairment of goodwill if this reporting unit is not able to advance the development of our aircraft and other products, obtain regulatory approvals, and launch and commercialize our products at scale, if the estimated production costs are significantly higher than estimated or if the WACC discount rate is increased.
Specific to the Training segment’s projections as of September 30, 2024, we noted a significant decrease in sales and gross margins as a result of not being able to meet contractual demands due to delays in the funding of aircraft. In prior years, government ISR aircraft contracts did not require that the aircraft be able to employ weapons. As those contracts have aged-out, the new requirements for the re-competitions require assets that have the ability to employ training munitions and have been approved by the government to do so. CDI does not possess aircraft that can achieve this requirement; thus, we have either not been awarded or chose not to bid on certain contracts. The projected revenue and margins were revised to include the timing of projected aircraft and investments to be made in flight schools in the short-term (between 2025 and 2028) and then the acquisition of additional aircraft beginning in years after 2029.
EBITDA projections as of September 30, 2024 have not significantly changed compared to our prior year testing date of October 1, 2023, and we do not anticipate any changes until we are able to make more significant investments in aircraft, and at which time we can better leverage our operating expenses. At that point, we anticipate that mid-term and long-term EBITDA margins would increase. The shifting and corresponding discounting of these projections resulted in a significant decrease in the fair value of the Training segment, which indicated impairment.
As to the degree of uncertainty associated with our assumptions, we believe our short-term projected revenue is reasonable given our history with military contract practices and the historical results of flight schools, while our long-term projected revenue is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty. To mitigate this risk, a 30% WACC discount rate was applied to these projections which was consistent with our prior year testing date of October 1, 2023. As to the sensitivity of the WACC rate, another hypothetical 100-basis-point increase in the WACC discount rate would have yielded an additional $3.4 million in goodwill impairment.
We believe the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable; however, significant changes in any one of our assumptions could produce a different result and result in additional impairment charges that could be material to our consolidated financial statements. For example, the fair value of the Training segment could be adversely affected and may result in an additional impairment of goodwill if this reporting unit is not able to purchase the needed aircraft, if the estimated costs for managing the flight schools are significantly higher than estimated or if the WACC discount rate is increased.
Intangible Assets
We perform valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination and allocates the purchase price of the acquired business to the respective net tangible and intangible assets. We determine the appropriate useful life by performing an analysis of expected cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed. We capitalize third-party legal costs and filing fees, if any, associated with obtaining patents. Once the patent asset has been placed in service, we amortize these costs over the shorter of the asset’s legal life, generally 20 years from the initial filing date, or its estimated economic life using the straight-line method.
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The estimated useful lives for our intangible assets are as follows:
Estimated useful life | ||
Developed technology | 8 to 13 years | |
Tradenames – definite-lived | 4 to 8 years | |
Customer relationships | 3 to 7 years | |
Patents | up to 20 years |
In addition to the long-lived intangible assets, we also had $8.8 million of indefinite lived intangible assets which is primarily the $8.7 million tradename obtained in conjunction with the Jaunt acquisition.
Impairment of Indefinite Lived Assets
Under ASC 350-30-35-18, an intangible asset that is not subject to amortization shall be tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. In testing for impairment, we define our Asset Groups at the reporting unit level. Under ASC 360-10-35-26 when an asset group is a reporting unit, the asset group includes goodwill. When goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles are included in the long-lived asset group being tested for impairment, the indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment in accordance with ASC 350-30 first, then the long-lived assets (groups) are tested for impairment in accordance with ASC 360-10, and goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level in accordance with ASC 350-20 last.
ASC 350-30-35-18A specifies that an entity may first perform a qualitative assessment, as described in this paragraph and paragraphs 350-30-35-18B through 35-18F, to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test.
When performing the annual impairment test in 2023, we used a qualitative assessment to determine if any facts or circumstances during the period could require a quantitative analysis. When performing a qualitative assessment, we considered factors listed in ASC 350 which includes cost factors, financial performance, legal, regulatory, contractual, political, business, or other factors. Based on our review of these factors, there was no impairment of indefinite lived assets recorded during the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2023.
As a result of the BCA Transactions being terminated in August 2024 and the continued delays in financing, we determined it appropriate to perform a qualitative assessment considering factors listed in ASC 350, which includes cost factors, financial performance, legal, regulatory, contractual, political, business, or other factors. Based on our review of these factors, there was no indication of impairment for the Avionics or Drones segments. However, we determined it appropriate to perform a quantitative analysis on intangible and long-lived assets within the Electric Air Mobility and Training segments. The fair value of the undiscounted cashflows of both the Electric Air Mobility and Training segments was significantly higher than the respective asset group’s carrying value and therefore no impairment charges were required to be recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets, for impairment in accordance with ASC 360 whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or an asset group to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such evaluation indicates that the carrying amount of the asset or the asset group is not recoverable, any impairment loss would be equal to the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Our 2023 evaluation was performed in accordance with ASC 360 and included considerations related to market price, use and condition of the asset, business climate, projections of losses and other factors. While each of these reporting units had an operating loss through October 1, 2023, they continued to project increases in operating performance.
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We therefore determined that, given this fact pattern and other considerations, the financial performance did not indicate that it is more likely than not that the long-lived assets of the reporting units were impaired. As such, there was no impairment recorded during the year ended 2023.
As a result of the BCA Transactions being terminated in August 2024 and the continued delays in financing, we determined it was appropriate to perform a qualitative assessment considering factors listed in ASC 350 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”) which includes cost factors, financial performance, legal, regulatory, contractual, political, business, or other factors. Based on our review of these factors, there was no indication of impairment for the Avionics or Drones segments. However, we determined it was appropriate to perform a quantitative analysis on intangible and long-lived assets within the Electric Air Mobility and Training segments. The fair value of the undiscounted cashflows of both the Electric Air Mobility and Training segments was significantly higher than the respective asset group’s carrying value and therefore no impairment charges were required to be recorded in 2024.
Valuation of Debt
During 2024, certain Investor Notes were amended which resulted in significant modifications of debt. In accordance with ASC 470-50, as this significant modification was considered an extinguishment and created an election date for the fair value option and as the fair value election is applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis, we chose to record these Investor Notes at fair value beginning on the modification date in October 2024. Investor Notes have historically included various interest features in the form of both stock and cash upon the closing of an initial public offering or qualified financing.
Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of debt. Accordingly, we typically obtain the assistance of third-party valuation specialists for valuations. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management but are inherently uncertain.
To determine the fair value of Investor Notes, we incorporated the probability of both an IPO and non-IPO scenario and estimated stock pricing through a lattice model. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants and include the amount and timing of future cash flows. Significant changes to our assumptions used could affect the accuracy of the fair value calculation.
Inventory Valuation
We write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Reductions to the carrying value of inventory are charged to cost of revenue and a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established. Subsequent changes to facts or circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in the related inventory value. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Stock-based Compensation
We recognize compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the grant-date estimated fair value of the awards. Options and restricted stock awards may be granted as time-based awards, performance-based awards or combinations of the time-based and performance-based awards. We expense the fair value of its options to employees and non-employees on a straight-line basis over the associated service period for time-based awards, which is generally the vesting period. The performance-based awards begin their period of ratable vesting at the time that we determine that the achievement of the performance thresholds is probable. We account for forfeitures as they occur and does not estimate forfeitures at the time of grant. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will be for only those options that vest.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability approach method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as for net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax amounts are determined by using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance reduces the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized.
We evaluate our tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing our tax returns to determine whether the tax positions will more-likely-than-not be sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are not recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Interest and penalties, if applicable, are recorded in the period assessed as income tax expense.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we have not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements.
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Overview
We are a technologically differentiated aerospace, autonomy, and air mobility platform targeting 21st century aerospace and defense opportunities. We leverage decades of industry expertise and connections across the drone, aviation, and avionics markets to provide leading solutions to the aerospace and defense market. We offer connected and diversified solutions providing operational synergies across our segments and are powered by an international footprint as well as supplier and public sector relationships. Supported by complementary and innovative technologies, we believe we bring a unique value proposition to the market and are well-positioned to become a differentiated leader in the industry.
Our business is organized into four operating segments, each of which represents a critical growth vector in the aerospace and defense market: Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility. These four segments collectively target a combined total addressable market estimated to be over $315.4 billion by 2030.
Drones. The Drones segment develops, manufactures, and sells drones and will provide drone services, such as DaaS, for military and commercial end users. Our military drones are sold through our Sky-Watch brand, which is a key supplier to European NATO countries. A critical point of differentiation lies in our drones’ ability to perform in a GPS-denied environment, which is a technology application relevant for both military and commercial end markets.
Avionics. The Avionics segment develops, manufactures, and sells avionics for military and general aviation aircraft, drones, and eVTOLs. Our advanced avionics products include flight displays, Connected Panels, and GPS/GNSS sensors, all of which have been installed on legacy military aircraft and general aviation platforms. We sell our advanced avionics through our Aspen Avionics brand, which is well-recognized in the general aviation aftermarket sector with over 20 years of operating history and long-term customer loyalty for our value proposition. We also serve as an avionics supplier for OEMs, including Robinson Helicopters, Pilatus, and Honeywell. We believe our avionics solutions have a considerable market opportunity as general aviation fleets continue to age, with owners and operators seeking to upgrade the avionics technology on their aircraft.
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Training. The Training segment currently provides military pilot training and will provide commercial pilot training in the future. We offer professional training and consulting services to the U.S. military, select NATO countries, and other U.S. allies under our CDI brand. These offerings include adversary air, close air support, ISR, aircraft leasing, pilot training, ground liaison services, and JTAC, as well as full joint theatre ISR and simulated ground strike training. We work closely with special military forces such as SEAL teams, the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center, and USAF Air Combat Command and are a mandated recipient on a $5.7 billion IDIQ contract. Our personnel’s top security clearances and established relationships at the Pentagon provide us with a differentiated ability to bid on mandates. We also plan to offer commercial pilot training and plan to expand our non-military capabilities in response to the global pilot shortage.
Electric Air Mobility. The Electric Air Mobility segment is developing a rotorcraft eVTOL for cargo and passenger use through our Jaunt brand for fixed route flights, on-demand trips, and cargo operations. Our R&D efforts are focused on developing a cargo eVTOL platform, which will be a scaled-down version of our passenger eVTOL platform, and will target the attractive middle mile delivery cargo market. Meanwhile, our long-term R&D efforts are focused on developing a full-scale multi-role eVTOL platform, which will be able to serve both the cargo and passenger markets. We plan to certify our eVTOLs through existing CAR 529 Rotorcraft standards, with our platform including the best attributes of both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Our patented compound rotorcraft technology, a core point of technological differentiation that will underpin our cargo eVTOL’s commercial capability, has over 300 piloted flight hours on multiple Jaunt demonstrator aircraft. We believe the range and payload capabilities driven by this technology uniquely position us to provide a compelling commercial solution for the eVTOL cargo market. Once developed and certified, we expect our cargo eVTOL program will serve as the foundation of our commercialization efforts, with passenger applications serving as a longer-term secondary initiative.
Our Platform
Our business is thoughtfully interconnected as we seek to leverage each segment’s full capabilities and drive synergies, creating a significant competitive advantage. We are synergistically leveraging our field-proven product track record – particularly through our Drone and Avionics brands – to drive opportunities across our platform. The manufacturing capabilities of our Avionics segment enable us to supply most of our own components for our drone and aircraft systems, including our eVTOL aircraft, which enhances our product quality and reduces production costs. Our deep, long-term relationships with the U.S. government and NATO countries that underpin our Training and Drones segments provide us with access to key decisionmakers, which provides us with new business opportunities. Our Electric Air Mobility platform represents a significant future growth opportunity to expand into cargo and passenger eVTOLs while also providing an OE platform for new products and services across our other segments.
In addition, we are able to utilize our certification capabilities to improve time to market for the introduction of products and services. These offerings leverage our U.S. and international sales and manufacturing capabilities to reduce costs and expand our market footprint. This capability also helps us swiftly integrate new avionics, electronics, and AI into our products, all while sharing the intra-segment R&D insights that drive our high-quality, interconnected products and services.
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Our Competitive Strengths
We are an at scale, integrated aerospace and defense platform with multiple solutions and services in the high-growth aerospace and defense categories. Our competitive advantages include:
Cross-Platform Strategy Generates Operational and Product Synergies
Our business is thoughtfully interconnected to leverage each segment’s full capabilities, with synergies driving growth in new customer categories, geographies, and product lines that would not be attainable as standalone entities. Each of our segments benefits from operational synergies in certification, economies of scale, shared R&D insights and integration of products and services across a global platform with operations in the United States, Canada and Denmark. Accordingly, our platform generates a considerable positive network effect, with shared access to commercial, technological, and public sector relationship resources, including the United States, EU members, NATO countries and other international allies of the United States, which drive growth and innovation to meet customer needs.
Fulsome Product Assortment Targeting Actionable Market Opportunities
We offer differentiated technologies and diversified product offerings across the Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility segments for both military and commercial end users. Our product lineup is competitively designed to take advantage of key opportunities in the aerospace and defense sector, focusing on areas with potential for future growth. Additionally, the collaboration between our R&D and commercial teams ensures that our products are both market-relevant and commercially available. With offerings ranging from training to drones to services to avionics, we address the marketplace of tomorrow.
Talented Management Team Possesses Robust Operational Experience and Deep Private and Public Sector Relationships
Our robust leadership team possesses over 150 years of combined operating experience and industry success in the aerospace and defense market. We maintain strong relationships with key contacts within the U.S. government and NATO, as well as regulatory agencies, such as the FAA, DHS, and NASA, which has provided us with access to key decisionmakers to secure new business and enable us to build the trust necessary to offer additional functions and features for our products and services. For example, certain members of our management team currently serve on various boards for several government agencies and have held military leadership positions in the past. These relationships are critical to this industry and have enabled us to initiate discussions with key government officials, which is a significant barrier to entry. We believe our established relationships are a core point of differentiation that will support our future success.
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Exceptional Research and Development that Supports the Potential for Industry-Leading Products
We have a history of developing and launching innovative products, with our product advantage rooted in our exceptional R&D capabilities. From prototyping to certification to commercialization, our ability to launch solutions with strongly differentiated technology and direct product market fit is core to our platform. Our innovative, technology-additive solutions are underpinned by a robust new product development pipeline supported by our platform. Moreover, critical human capital interdependencies between our various segments have provided a positive network effect, increasing the quality and efficiency of our development process. This has been proven out particularly in our Drones and Avionics segments, where the RQ-35 Heidrun and Connected Panel solutions, respectively, have proven to be compelling value propositions in their end markets.
Market Opportunity
The defense industry is affected by geopolitical and security issues. Conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and heightened geopolitical tension in the Pacific region have elevated global security concerns. This has caused many governments to increase their focus on defense and security, leading to a rise in defense spending and a growing willingness to adopt new technologies and solutions. Specifically, beginning in 2014 in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and amid broader instability in the Middle East, NATO countries agreed to commit 2% of their national GDP to defense spending to help ensure the continued military readiness of NATO allies. According to NATO, 23 NATO countries are expected to meet or exceed the target of investing at least 2% of GDP in defense in 2024, compared to only three NATO countries in 2014. Over the past decade, European allies of the United States and Canada have steadily increased their collective investment in defense by 41.3%, and are investing a combined total of more than $430 billion in defense spending in 2024. Moreover, NATO has recently signaled it will increase its defense spending benchmark from its current 2% of GDP target. Current NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, has acknowledged the “goal of 2%, set a decade ago, will not be enough to meet the challenges of tomorrow” and that NATO members will have to increase spending by “considerably more than 3%.” In order to ensure that these funds are spent in the most effective and efficient way to acquire and deploy modern capabilities, NATO countries have also agreed that at least 20% of defense expenditure should be devoted to major new equipment, including associated R&D perceived as a crucial indicator for the scale and pace of modernization. These tailwinds support the development of a new market leader in the aerospace and defense market, with the emergence of new technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and advanced autonomous vehicles creating new commercial opportunities.
Drones. Global conflicts, particularly the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have led to an increase in military spending and investment in new technologies solutions such as drones. According to the Precedence Military Drones Report, the military drone market size is expected to reach approximately $24.75 billion by 2030. Key demand drivers include the rise of asymmetrical warfare, new avionics, and the inherent user safety advantages of drones over manned systems. We believe that our products will continue to play a role in the arsenals of the future, including through NATO countries. In addition, we believe that the U.S. military’s transformation into a smaller, more agile force that operates via a network of observation, communication, and precision targeting technologies will continue to accelerate the acceptance and use of small drone military operations around the world.
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In addition, commercial drone use is gaining momentum as multiple industries are incorporating drones into their daily business functions, given the wide range of applications, including monitoring, inspection and surveillance. According to the Grand View Drone Report, it is anticipated that worldwide commercial drone revenues will reach $163.5 billion by 2030. For example, farmers are using drones to inspect and spray their crops, which improves yields, construction sites are adopting drones to survey and monitor land, which improves workplace safety, and companies are using drones to inventory product in factories and warehouses, which improves efficiency. Additionally, drones are being used increasingly to transport and deliver goods. For example, hospitals are deploying drones to deliver critical medicine and other medical supplies to remote and underserved regions, while logistics companies are using drones to transport cargo between locations, expediting deliveries. As the commercial drone industry matures, we believe that aircraft and their components subsystems will become more commoditized, with additional pockets of growth expected in services and service-derivative revenues. The trajectory of commercial drone applications is well-aligned with our business strategy, which includes a focus on commercializing multiple types of value-added drone solutions to meet various end user and industry needs.
Avionics. New aircraft production and upgrades to existing aircraft are driving demand for our avionics solutions. We believe the market places a premium on avionics solutions like ours that have capabilities such as improved flight controls, communications and navigation capabilities, and flight monitoring. Continued technological advances in avionics and aging general aviation fleets are expected to drive growth for the general aviation avionics aftermarket.
Training. Overall demand for military flight training is expected to grow as countries around the world increase defense spending and outsource flight training to the private sector. Key market drivers include outsourcing of military training, technological advancement, and the ongoing pilot shortage. Additionally, the DoD has awarded over $13.7 billion in military aviation training contracts since 2015, representing a new public-private sector market norm. In the commercial market, the same shortage of trained pilots serves as the main driver of demand. According to the Fortune U.S. Pilot Training Report, the commercial training market is projected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2023 to over $4.9 billion in 2030, representing a CAGR of 15.4%.
Electric Air Mobility. According to the Morgan Stanley Report, it is estimated that the global electric air mobility market may grow to be approximately $55 billion by 2030 and to approximately $1 trillion by 2040. We believe that autonomous aerial cargo is one of the largest unaddressed segments within the EAM market, with an additional actionable opportunity in passenger transportation. We expect both of these segments will provide a substantial market opportunity. While the electric air mobility market is in its nascent stage, we believe that the growing prevalence of e-commerce, rising labor costs in traditional ground transportation, traffic congestion and the continued advancement in AAV technology will lead to growing demand for cargo solutions based on AAVs. In addition, the implementation of government regulations and creation of federal and state incentives has started to meaningfully influence consumer behavior by increasing the focus on emissions standards and targets and leading to greater interest in aircraft electrification. Ultimately, cargo represents the most actionable near-term end market owing to its large commercial opportunity and reduced technological hurdles.
Our Growth Strategies
We are a growing platform built off a successful M&A strategy, with a robust pipeline of future commercial opportunities. Our growth strategies are rooted in a bold and focused vision for the future, with a mix of organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Within each of our segments, there are several opportunities to increase market share and penetrate new business areas.
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Organically grow existing business line capabilities.
We intend to make substantial investments in our sales and marketing, analytics, and communications functions to support our expansion within current markets and into future and specialized markets within each of our segments. We have identified specific opportunities to invest in organic growth, including procuring additional aircraft to expand the capabilities of the Training segment, launching larger screen form factor avionics with increased functionality, and iteratively developing our existing drone technology to enter new commercial end markets. With strong customer relationships and a focus on loyalty and satisfaction, we will continue to upsell and cross-sell across our portfolio, which in conjunction with investments in marketing and brand positioning will bolster our brand awareness. Finally, we are planning on both measured geographic expansion and targeting new customer end markets, which will further expand our addressable market.
Develop and commercialize new products and services and expand certification of new and future products and services.
Our segment specific initiatives are as follows:
● | Drones. We intend to launch U.S. production of our military drones and subsequently seek DoD Blue UAS drone certification, which we currently estimate will take approximately six months to achieve and will allow us to sell drones to the DoD. This certification process involves sponsors in various U.S military branches supporting our product, with full certification essentially contingent on U.S-domiciled production. In addition, we intend to expand our drone and DaaS offerings into new verticals, including agricultural, security, and industrial applications, leveraging our GPS denied technology proposition as the leading edge of our value proposition owing to its inherent product-market fit. |
● | Avionics. We intend to focus our R&D activities on integrated avionics for our cargo eVTOL platform, the Jaunt Journey, and other eVTOLs as well as training aircraft in current markets. We believe focusing on in-flight controls, navigation, and communications will lead us to experience strong growth through organic expansion opportunities designed to expedite the development of integrated systems for both internal platforms and external OEM initiatives. With a history of providing innovative avionics for over 20 years, Aspen Avionics is primed to launch products for the aircraft of tomorrow. |
● | Training. We intend to expand our current training capabilities through the acquisition of a flight school for commercial flight training and the launch of a fixed wing military simulation service offering. Our training capabilities will be further enhanced by the acquisition of additional training aircraft through our acquisition of a flight school or otherwise. Additionally, we plan to offer drone and electric air mobility flight training to take advantage of these rapidly growing markets. |
● | Electric Air Mobility. We intend to develop, certify, and commercialize our eVTOL aircraft. We anticipate certification of our 33% downscaled cargo eVTOL under drone rules as early as 2027 and expect our first passenger production aircraft to be certified by the TCCA under existing CAR 529 Transport Category Rotorcraft airworthiness rules as early as 2031. |
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Leverage Public Sector Relationships and Security Clearances to Drive Business.
Our deep public sector relationships and security clearances enable us to bid on government RFPs and drive brand awareness of our drone, eVTOL, avionics, and training solutions with key military decision makers. For example, members of our management team maintain close relationships with the highest levels of government around the world, including military leaders, ambassadors, and defense attachés from NATO and its allies. Our senior leadership team has also held and/or currently holds positions on various government committees across the FAA, Pentagon, and White House. Key employees also possess extensive military leadership experience having served in U.S. special forces units. This competitive moat grants us enviable access to key growth end markets and unlocks commercial synergies between our various segments.
Partnering with other firms on commercial ventures to drive technology convergence.
Partnerships allow us to expedite development of customer solutions by bringing together critical technologies across the aerospace and defense marketplace. For example, our Sky-Watch brand has critical partnerships with companies such as Palantir and Helsing that have boosted our drone’s capabilities. For our Electric Air Mobility segment, partnerships with have been and will be at the forefront of our eVTOL platform’s integrated and convergent technology advantage - not only for the end-product but also in the areas of manufacturing, engineering and supply chain. New partnerships in AI and machine learning are also being explored in the Drones segment as well as virtual training system partnerships in the Training segment.
Strategically acquire businesses and technologies to enhance our offerings.
We were formed in August 2021 for the purpose of acquiring and integrating various companies engaged in the aerospace and defense industry. Since our founding, including the Put-Together Transaction, we have gained experience in successfully integrating businesses, and will continue to focus on thoughtful strategic acquisitions as a key component of our business growth strategy. For example, the drone and avionics markets are primed for consolidation due to the lack of scale, capital, and resources necessary for expansion by many drone and avionics companies, and we have identified and are actively evaluating a wide range of strategic opportunities for expansion. We believe our acquisition strategy will enable us to expand our footprint and opportunities in new and existing areas, strengthen our customer base and market share and improve overall brand recognition.
Continual investment in software, AI, and machine learning to expand solutions capabilities and increase operational efficiencies.
We plan on building out our software, AI, and machine learning capabilities to help our customers solve more complex problems and bring additional capabilities to the marketplace. In addition, we intend to offer new product and service lines to ensure our customers are equipped with the proper tools for their evolving needs. These investments are expected to further bolster our cross-platform network effort to help support future R&D and new product development. These initiatives will also help us streamline our internal processes and optimize our supply chain, which will support further growth.
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Segment Summary
Drones
The Drones segment develops, manufactures and sells drones and will provide drone services, such as DaaS, for military and commercial end users. Our military drones are sold through our Sky-Watch brand, which is a key supplier to European NATO countries. Military applications include reconnaissance, surveillance, and defense services, while commercial applications currently include inspection, survey, mapping, and photography, with future potential expansion into agriculture, weather analysis, conservation, healthcare, search and rescue and construction applications. A critical point of differentiation lies in our drones’ ability to perform in a GPS denied environment, which has numerous military and commercial applications. Moreover, our close feedback loop with in-field operators supports a battlefield relevant capability set. Key market tailwinds include heightened geopolitical instability, increased defense spending, and the evolving realities of the 21st century battlefield. Our core future initiatives include military manufacturing in the United States to sell our drones to the DoD and expansion of the DaaS business.
Our primary military product, the RQ-35 Heidrun, offers significant advantages over existing micro-ISR drones, because of the combination of its full-autonomy, demonstrated ability to operate in harsh electronic warfare and GPS-denied battlespaces, its long flight time, ease of operation, and robust supply chain. Our RQ-35 Heidrun drones operate in EU and NATO countries, having been tested and deployed in international markets in the EMEA region, including in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. These drones have hundreds of thousands of hours operating successfully in these harsh environments, and via integrations with other battlespace partners, and has proven to be an essential link between intelligence gathering and decision making for military customers around the world.
We also have three cargo drone platforms, including the Sentinel 30 km short-distance drone, the Chaos 60 km medium distance drone, and a downscaled cargo version of the Electric Air Mobility segment’s Jaunt Journey that can carry up to 250 pounds. All of these platforms are currently in the prototype stage and we are working to obtain FAA certification, which has been granted by the FAA for cargo oriented drones, for our cargo drones before going to market.
Our drone assortment has critical points of parity with other drones along parameters such as wingspan, weight, payload, and endurance, with our critical point of differentiation being our drone’s ability to autonomously operate in GPS-denied environments. This core attribute expands the solutions scope of our offerings while reducing the need for human input. This technology has critical applications across military and commercial use cases, and we believe we are uniquely suited to capitalize on this opportunity.
We also plan to provide DaaS offerings, including surveillance services for businesses interested in monitoring, surveying, and evaluating their properties. Our DaaS strategy is rooted in our GPS-denied technology, which has strong commercial potential in agriculture, security, and industrials applications. We plan to offer an extensive suite of capabilities for a wide range of commercial use cases, including mapping, surveying, inspecting, photographing and filming, dispensing and spraying, warehousing, monitoring. We will expand our commercial capabilities by offering drone maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, which would allow us expand the breadth of our commercial offerings.
Sales of our drones to the DoD is a key future initiative. Our production facilities in Albuquerque and Phoenix are currently in the process of obtaining Blue UAS certification, which will enable us to manufacture and sell our RQ-35 drone to the DoD. This certification process involves sponsors in various U.S military branches supporting our product, with full certification essentially contingent on U.S.-domiciled production. A version of the RQ-35 intended for Blue UAS certification, the RQ-35 v.251, is currently in our development plan, along with a follow-on certification program. We currently estimate that it will take approximately six months to achieve Blue UAS certification. We are leveraging the full breadth of our product development excellence, public sector relationships, and our platform to penetrate the U.S. military drone market.
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To support future new product development, we are designing and engineering efficient, reliable, and low-carbon-emission unmanned aircraft systems for both commercial and military markets. We are actively developing improvements for our existing RQ-35 Heidrun drone while also designing the next generation of fully autonomous, fixed-wing mini drones.
Finally, we are developing a global command, control and communications network for safe, efficient and seamless air platform interoperability called “AIRO Link.” This network would be designed to enable ground operators to establish a data link to unmanned aircraft systems, providing valuable flight analytics and support the development of drone flights performed in BVLOS. Currently, we are researching the requirements and framework that will enable multiple BVLOS drone operations at low altitudes in airspace where FAA air traffic services are not provided. We are also working to demonstrate the feasibility of using small radio or communication links on drone airframes.
Avionics
The Avionics segment develops, manufactures, and sells avionics for military and general aviation aircraft, drones, and eVTOLs. Our advanced avionics products include flight displays, Connected Panels, and GPS/GNSS sensors, all of which have been installed on legacy military aircraft and general aviation platforms. With technology constantly advancing and general aviation fleets aging, we believe there is considerable potential for military and general aviation aircraft to be upgraded with our solutions. Key market tailwinds include technological advancements, robust general aviation delivery numbers, and an aging general aviation fleet.
Our Aspen Avionics brand provides avionics solutions to the general aviation aftermarket, including Connected Panels and OEM displays and integrations for select partners. Our Aspen Avionics brand is well-known in the avionics market, given its extensive presence on older military, general aviation, and rotary wing platforms. In addition, our Aspen Avionics brand possesses over 20 years of experience and strong, long-term customer acceptance of its value proposition. We also supply parts to OEMs, including displays to Robinson Helicopters, our Connected Panels to Pilatus and Honeywell, and are developing solutions for our Jaunt eVTOL platforms and other eVTOL operators like Joby Aviation.
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Our product assortment is built on our Connected Panels, Evolution Flight Display System, and NexNAV offerings depicted below:
The Avionics segment uses a book and bill model, leveraging our strong relationships with more than 650 dealers worldwide. We primarily use contract manufacturers based in the United States for our advanced avionics product. Product-market fit has been robust with our flight display system, our Connected Panels, and NexNav, which have been well received by consumers.
Our solutions demonstrate strong points of parity with products manufactured by competitors Garmin Ltd., Dynon Avionics, Inc., and Avidyne Corporation along many core product functionality attributes such as Primary Flight (“PFD”) and Multi-functional Displays, PFD Backup, Vacuum Removal, Small Form Factor, and GPS / GNSS Integration. Our key point of differentiation is our products’ easy-use, low-cost installation, and unique upgradeability, with our avionics engineered ground-up to allow for value-added features to be added seamlessly throughout the ownership lifecycle.
We are developing new avionics systems with additional capabilities. These systems are being designed to improve detection and avoidance with obstacles that could enable manned and unmanned BVLOS operations and enhance connectivity and health monitoring between ground-based and flight-based systems. We are also developing sensor payloads for specific missions and researching the use of advanced light field and near-eye optics for display systems.
We are also developing larger screen displays which will allow us to serve as an OEM supplier for a variety of platforms. Additionally, these larger screen displays will also be used on our Jaunt cargo and passenger aircraft, which we expect will significantly reduce total eVTOL and Avionics production costs.
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Training
The Training segment provides military and commercial pilot training for the military and commercial sectors. We offer professional training and consulting services to the U.S. military, select NATO countries, and other U.S. allies under our CDI brand. These offerings include adversary air, close air support, ISR, aircraft leasing, pilot training, ground liaison services, JTAC training, as well as full joint theatre ISR and simulated ground strike training. We work closely with special military forces such as SEAL teams, the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center, and USAF Air Combat Command. Our top security clearances and established relationships at the Pentagon provide us a differentiated ability to bid on mandates. We also offer commercial pilot training for individuals looking to satisfy their training requirements to earn their commercial pilot license and are actively expanding our non-military capabilities. Our leased aircraft platforms include the Cessna-310, Cessna-206, and L-39 Albatros with plans to also procure the Marchetti S-211, enabling us to provide a wide variety of training services.
Coastal Defense Incorporated. CDI provides a full suite of services including close air support, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance and simulated ground strike training. We are highly experienced in special forces and possess top secret clearance for our facility, which enables us to bid on contracts with special clearance requirements. CDI is an approved participant under certain multiple award IDIQ contracts issued by the U.S. military. Approved IDIQ contract participants such as CDI bid on task orders as they are issued by the U.S. military pursuant to such IDIQ contracts. The U.S. military chooses winning bids based on such factors as cost, certainty of fulfilling the requirements of a specific task order, safety records, and other factors.
CDI is a current participant under two such IDIQ contracts. The first is for Combat Air Force CAS services, which was awarded in September 2024 and expected to be completed by September 2029, with a combined not-to-exceed aggregate award of $5.7 billion across all task orders and participants. The Combat Air Force CAS contract is still active and is expected to continue through 2029. We plan to compete for task orders under this contract that we qualify for based on our fleet of aircraft. The second contract is for terminal air attack controller trainer services (“TAACTS”). The TAACTS contract will be active through 2028, with a combined not-to-exceed aggregate award of $249 million across all task orders and participants. We plan to compete for task orders under this contract as they are released. In addition to the IDIQ contracts, CDI also bids quarterly on individual contracts and purchase orders to provide ISR support services, including a current contract award until April 30, 2029.
Our staff includes a large network of Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots. CDI is a mandated participant in a $5.7 billion IDIQ contract from 2024 through 2029 as one of seven companies approved by U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command to bid for contract military training contracts. Key market tailwinds include a persistent military pilot shortage and the DoD outsourcing pilot training to the private sector.
Commercial Flight School. In November 2023, we signed non-binding letters of intent to acquire two businesses for the Training segment, including a flight training school. Over time, we plan to expand into other airports by leveraging the flight school’s FAA certification and grow our base of flight instructors, while competing with other commercial pilot training centers in the United States. There can be no assurance that we will acquire the flight school on the terms described herein or at all.
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Electric Air Mobility
The Electric Air Mobility segment is developing a rotorcraft eVTOL for cargo and passenger applications through our Jaunt brand. Use cases including fixed route flights, on-demand trips, and cargo operations. Our R&D efforts are focused on developing the cargo eVTOL platform, targeting the attractive middle mile delivery cargo market. We plan to certify our platforms through existing CAR 529 Rotorcraft standards, with our eVTOL platform including the best attributes of both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. This certification process does not require us to modify existing rules to get certified, which we believe is a distinct advantage versus our competitors who are certifying under FAA Part 21.17(B) rules. Our patented compound rotorcraft technology is a core point of technological differentiation that will underpin our cargo eVTOL’s commercial capability and it has over 300 piloted flight hours on multiple Jaunt demonstrator aircraft. We believe the range and payload capabilities driven by this technology uniquely positions us to provide a compelling commercial solution for the eVTOL cargo market. Once developed and certified, our cargo eVTOL will serve as the foundation of our commercialization efforts, with passenger applications as a longer-term secondary initiative.
Our R&D efforts are focused on designing efficient energy management systems, flight control computers, and fly-by-wire systems capable of delivering cargo and passengers. Additionally, we are collaborating with other technology companies to provide high-fidelity virtual-reality flight simulators to eventually support eVTOL aircraft testing and pilot training. We are also researching robotic automation technologies for thermoplastic airframe manufacturing to accelerate the mass production of electric air mobility aircraft and reduce overall production costs. Key growth tailwinds include increasing demand for mid mile cargo, urban mobility access, and the inherent commercial efficiency advantages of electric platforms vis-à-vis traditional propulsion systems. Our four big target markets include cargo, passenger, emergency response, and the military, with cargo being our initial focus due to its readily addressable market potential.
We believe we are well-positioned to penetrate the eVTOL cargo market due to our certification approach and funding support. We anticipate that our certification strategy under CAR 529 Rules through the TCCA will significantly expedite the certification process. Once certified, our cargo aircraft will immediately be recognized by U.S. and European aviation authorities via FAA/EASA reciprocity, allowing us to bring our eVTOL aircraft to market in both the United States, Europe, and Canada concurrently. We expect to receive significant funding support from multiple sources, including the Canadian government, suppliers, and customer deposits. Additionally, we benefit from supplier cost sharing, whereby our suppliers have agreed to defer the costs of non-recurring engineering expenses until commercialization, which reduces our initial funding requirements prior to commercialization. As a result, we believe we have access to funding to cover most of our aircraft development.
We started developing our cargo eVTOL platform in 2024 and expect to enter the preliminary design review phase in 2025. Following completion of preliminary design review, we expect to enter the critical design review phase as early as 2027 and then plan to obtain cargo UAS certification as early as 2028. Once we receive cargo UAS certification, we expect to begin production of our cargo eVTOL. In parallel, we are planning to develop our passenger eVTOL platform, which we estimate will overlap with approximately 75% of our cargo eVTOL platform. Nevertheless, we expect the timeline from program launch through production to take longer. This is due to both our initial focus on launching our cargo eVTOL platform and the generally more stringent development requirements for a passenger version. We expect our initial product will be a downscaled cargo-only eVTOL, to be followed by a fullscale multi-role cargo and passenger eVTOL.
We have approximately 300 aircraft in our backlog to date, all of which are for our dual-use model that is configurable for both cargo and passenger transportation. Configuration change can be accomplished in less than 15 minutes, which gives operators flexibility to perform either mission from any base of operation.
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Customers
Our customer relationships underpin the strength and growth potential of our business. We service a wide variety of end markets, with a diverse mix of customers ranging from blue-chip OEMs to NATO. Our track record of success, innovative products, tight customer relationships, and excellent service have driven strong customer retention.
Drones. We sell our drones to military and defense entities worldwide, including NATO member countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, which procure the drones through their sovereign funds at the country level, and then donate the majority of the drones to Ukraine. European demand is robust, as NATO countries continue to procure RQ-35s for their own use with the majority of drones subsequently donated to Ukraine for in-field use. We have over $200 million of bookings in process for the RQ-35 over 2025 and 2026, which will be spread among several NATO countries. These bookings are not dependent on additional U.S. funding to Ukraine. We believe that drones can be a key component of NATO countries’ defense spending plans to meet their 2% GDP contribution target and that we have a unique opportunity for our products to take a share of these countries’ defense spending, particularly with our mUAS. Expansion of the RQ-35 into the U.S. market is in process, and we believe we will obtain certification as we have already demonstrated the RQ-35’s capabilities to U.S. forces overseas in Europe. We plan to use the funds from this offering to begin manufacturing in the United States to certify for sales to the DoD. In the future, we aim to serve the commercial end markets through our drone services and AIRO Link offerings, targeting Fortune 500 companies.
Avionics. We sell our avionics solutions through our network of more than 650 dealers to sell products to owner-operators of general aviation aircraft and directly as an OEM solution to Robinson Helicopters, Pilatus, and Honeywell. In addition, the Drones and Electric Air Mobility segments use our avionics and electronics components on their platforms.
Training. We have contracts with the U.S. government to provide military training and simulation services.
Electric Air Mobility. We intend to sell directly to middle mile cargo logistics providers and UAM operators.
Corporate History
We were formed on August 30, 2021 for the purpose of acquiring and integrating various companies engaged in the aerospace and defense industry. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we completed our “Put-Together Transaction” to acquire six companies which are now organized into our four reportable segments: (i) Drones, through our subsidiaries, AIRO Drone and Sky-Watch; (ii) Avionics, through our subsidiary, Aspen Avionics; (iii) Training, through our subsidiaries, Agile Defense and CDI; and (iv) Electric Air Mobility, through our subsidiary, Jaunt.
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Competition
We operate in highly competitive markets that are sensitive to technological advances. In each of our market segments, some of our competitors are larger and can maintain higher levels of expenditures for R&D. In each of our markets, we concentrate on the opportunities that we believe suit our resources, overall technological capabilities, and objectives. Principal competitive factors in these markets are product quality and reliability; technological capabilities, including reliable, resilient, and innovative cyber capabilities; service; past performance; ability to develop and implement complex, integrated solutions; ability to meet delivery schedules; the effectiveness of third-party sales channels in international markets; and cost-effectiveness. We frequently “partner” or are involved in subcontracting and teaming relationships with companies that are, from time to time, competitors on other programs.
Avionics. We have several competitors in the avionics market. Those major competitors include companies such as Honeywell International Inc. (HON), Avidyne Corporation, Collins Aerospace, Dynon Avionics, Inc., uAvionix Corporation, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., and Garmin Ltd. (“Garmin”). In the display and integrated avionics segment, the primary competitor is Garmin, which has the largest market share in the aftermarket segment. Garmin, Honeywell, and Collins Aerospace are the leaders in the OEM segment. As the eVTOL market emerges, we expect new market competitors as well as the existing competitors in the avionics segment. Our primary competitors in the Connected Panel market include Honeywell, Garmin, and Teledyne. In the GPS market space, the NexNav system has few direct competitors. NexNav products include licensing, Circuit Card Assemblies (“CCA”), and Line Replaceable Units or boxes (“LRU”). Competitors include Honeywell’s wholly owned division, Bendix/King, CMC Electronics Inc./Esterline Technologies Corp., FreeFlight Systems Inc. (“FreeFlight”) Trig Avionics Ltd. (“Trig Avionics”), and uAvionix Corporation. FreeFlight and Trig Avionics also license our design. Other manufacturers of GPS components such as Garmin, Honeywell, and Collins Aerospace do not sell standalone GPS devices in our markets and typically provide that functionality embedded in an integrated product.
Training. Our Training segment is part of an industry that is highly concentrated with several well capitalized competitors including, without limitation, Draken International, Inc. (“Draken”), Top Aces Inc. (“Top Aces”), Airborne Tactical Advantage Company, LLC (“ATAC”), and Tactical Air Defense Services Inc. (“TacAir”). Draken has a large inventory of domestic and foreign-built aircraft including A4 Skyhawk, L-159G Alca, Aermacchi MB 339, MiG 21, L-39 Albatros, F1 Mirage, and Atlas Cheetah. A current contractor with the U.S. Air Force (“USAF”) and the U.S. Navy (“Navy”), Top Aces, is a Canadian-based company with an inventory of domestic and foreign-built aircraft, including A4 Skyhawk and Dornier Alpha Jet, and is set to acquire F-16 Falcons through its acquisition of Advanced Training Systems International in Mesa, Arizona. ATAC is a current contractor with the USAF and Navy, and has a large inventory of foreign-built fighter jets, including F21 Kfir, MK-58 Hawker, L-39 Albatros, and F1 Mirage, of which the newest aircraft was operational in 1968. TacAir has a medium inventory of domestic built F-5 Freedom Fighters and also operates customer-owned domestic and foreign-built aircraft, including F-16 Falcon and SU-27. We also compete with simulation training.
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Drones. We anticipate the defense market for sUAS continues to evolve in response to changing technologies, shifting customer needs and expectations, and the potential introduction of new products. We believe that a number of established domestic and international defense contractors have developed or are developing sUAS that continue to compete, or will compete, directly with our products. Some of these contractors have significantly greater financial and other resources than we possess. Our current principal sUAS competitors include Elbit Systems Ltd., Teledyne Technologies, Inc., L3 Technologies, Inc., and Lockheed Martin Corporation. The U.S. defense market for mUAS has been addressed primarily by Boeing’s ScanEagle and Textron Inc.’s Shadow UAS. Our current principal mUAS competitors include those competing with us for the U.S. Army’s Future Tactical UAS Program: Martin UAV, LLC and Northrop Grumman Corporation’s V-Bat, Textron Inc.’s Aerosonde, and L3Harris Technologies, Inc.’s FVR-90. International mUAS competitors include Elbit Systems Ltd. and Israel Aircraft Industries International, Inc. We do not view large UAS, such as Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Global Hawk or General Atomics, Inc.’s Predator and its derivatives, as direct competitors to the sUAS because they perform different missions, do not typically deliver their information directly to front-line ground forces, and are not hand launched and controlled. However, we cannot be certain that these platforms will not become direct competitors in the future. Potential competition from consumer-focused drone manufacturers is emerging as their capabilities increase and their prices remain low relative to existing defense solutions, which is resulting in some level of military consideration even if such drones do not meet traditional military performance or security specifications. Such potential competitors include Skydio Inc. and Shield AI, Inc.
The market for commercial UAS products and services is in an early stage of development, but is evolving rapidly, generating a great deal of interest as government regulations evolve to accommodate commercial UAS operations in the NAS and in the airspace systems of other countries. Given the breadth of applications and the diversity of industries that could benefit from UAS technology, a growing number of potential competitors in this market include consumer drone manufacturers such as Da Jiang Innovations (although regulation is trending toward further restrictions against Chinese made drones, Da Jiang Innovations remains a global industry leader and continues to serve markets on which we are focused), who seek to enhance their systems’ capabilities over time; other sUAS manufacturers, including large aerospace companies such as Lockheed Martin Corporation, and drone and aerial surveying and mapping service providers such as PrecisionHawk, Inc., Sentera LLC, and SlantRange, Inc.; ground-based surveying and mapping service providers; satellite imagery providers; and specialty system manufacturers, software as a service and other service providers aiming to address specific market segments. The emerging non-military market is attracting numerous additional competitors and significant venture capital funding given perceived lower barriers to entry and a much more fragmented marketplace as compared to the military market. Potential additional competitors include start-up companies providing low-cost solutions.
Electric Air Mobility. Unlike our competitors, we anticipate utilizing existing certification rules for our aircraft configuration, which we believe will give us a clearer path to commercial service. The Jaunt Journey air taxi is certifying at the highest level of commercial transport, allowing it to fly under existing rotorcraft rules and to utilize existing aviation infrastructure.
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Our main sources of competition in the Electric Air Mobility segment fall into three categories:
● | companies, including other eVTOL manufacturers and UAM service providers, that have entered, or plan to enter, the commercial electric vehicle market, such as publicly traded competitors Archer Aviation Inc., Eve UAM, LLC (an Embraer S.A. company), Joby Aviation, Inc., Lilium N.V., and Vertical Aerospace Ltd.; | |
● | incumbent aircraft charter services that have served a similar market for years with hydro-carbon-based combustion engines; and | |
● | ground vehicle transportation, including personal vehicles and asset-light businesses, such as Uber Technologies, Inc. and Lyft, Inc., with whom we expect some amount of competitive overlap despite our belief that the traditional ground vehicle will be largely complementary to our electric air mobility offerings. |
We believe the principal competitive factors in this market include, but are not limited to:
● | certification approach and timeline; | |
● | cost; | |
● | customer experience; | |
● | integrated business model; | |
● | manufacturing efficiency; | |
● | product quality, reliability, and safety; | |
● | product performance; | |
● | service capabilities; | |
● | supplier partnerships and cost sharing; and | |
● | technological innovation. |
Because of our focus on eVTOL aircraft design for safety and commercialization, we believe that we are able to compete favorably across these factors.
Research and Development
We benefit from the intellectual experience and capacity of visionary leadership and a robust R&D culture linked directly to our operating business model. We leverage this to continue our thought and innovation leadership among industries, government, military, academic, aviation, and other market segments.
Business survival and evolution of best systems demand comprehensive self-assessment and disruption analysis to be a true leader in the industry. Accordingly, we characterize our company and our people as an “innovation and invention machine.”
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To this end, we promote company-wide experimentation, partnering and client/customer collaboration to assimilate and harness the best ideas. We plan to induce R&D through big data collection, an internal architecture for participation and an enablement process to absorb external innovation resources extensively and assimilate them into our indigenous business. Our R&D process is matrixed internally with operating segments and engineering efforts. It involves management and oversight from idea conception to prototyping, to commercialization and sales; then cycles to improve products and services continuously.
Additionally, we partner with appropriate industry leaders, scientific and technology communities, academia, government entities and others to foster simultaneous research, design, development, and maintenance of both new and existing products.
Our R&D focuses in five areas that correspond to government and industry needs: (1) Advanced Avionics and Sensors, Displays and Integrations; (2) Electric Air Mobility System; (3) UAS and sUAS Critical Systems; (4) Drone Command, Control, and Communication Systems; and (5) U.S. and Global Standards.
Advanced Avionics and Sensors, Displays and Integration. We design and engineer advanced systems that include, but are not limited to:
● | Cockpit display system functions for primary flight and multi-functional devices installed in general aviation cockpits; | |
● | connectivity and health monitoring between ground-based and flight-based systems; and | |
● | sensor payloads for specific missions. |
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Electric Air Mobility Systems. We design and engineer safe, efficient, low-carbon, reliable and functional platforms and systems for passengers through stringent flight testing and evaluation. This includes, but is not limited to the research, development or analysis of:
● | efficient energy management system, flight control computers, and fly-by-wire systems with industry partners to enable the development of our all-electric aircraft; and | |
● | robotic automation technologies for thermoplastic airframe manufacturing to accelerate the mass production of electric air mobility aircraft and reduce production costs. |
UAS and sUAS Critical Systems. We design and engineer safe, efficient, low-carbon-emission, reliable and functional platforms and systems for multi-mission roles through stringent flight testing and evaluation. This includes, but is not limited to the research, development or analysis of:
● | sense and avoid systems and standards necessary to comply with the Code of Federal Regulations that apply to operating and flight rules (14 C.F.R. pt. 91); | |
● | de-risking operations by AI-enhanced on-board autonomy and decision-making for collision avoidance, mapping and path-planning, particularly in confined and largely inaccessible areas; | |
● | enabling the scale of UAS missions and services by minimizing UAS training lead-time via on-board AI/algorithm modification and hardware modularity to enhance flight safety and performance across broader applications; | |
● | disposable and recyclable drones; and | |
● | partner to design leading-edge vertiports and operations. |
Drone Command, Control and Communications Systems. We develop a global Command, Control and Communications network for safe, efficient and seamless air platform interoperability termed, “AIRO-NET;” through which we will:
● | explore operation, data exchange requirements and the supporting framework to enable multiple BVLOS drone operations at low altitudes (under 400 feet above ground level) in airspace where FAA air traffic services are not provided; | |
● | demonstrate and prove the feasibility of using a small radio or communications link in sUAS, UAS, and UAM airframes, while evaluating the operating compatibility with existing avionics equipment; | |
● | develop secure Command and Control links with interference mitigation among satellite, drone-to-drone, and drone-to-controllers; | |
● | design command centers for BVLOS Drone and Advanced Air Mobility missions and services; and | |
● | absorb, assimilate and develop best services, roles and responsibilities, information architecture, data exchange protocols, software functions, infrastructure, and performance requirements systems for a drone “traffic management” ecosystem for uncontrolled operations complementary to FAA’s Air Traffic Management system. |
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U.S. and Global Standards. Our goal is to be a leader of standard setting in the new aerosphere, such that it will support the development of regulations, policies, procedures, guidance, and standards for manned and unmanned aircraft operations, including but not limited to function allocation, control station requirements, pilot training and certification requirements. To accomplish that goal, we:
● | provide information from flight tests, modeling and simulation, technology evaluations, risk assessments, and data gathering and analysis to provide the FAA and other global authorities with critical information in areas such as Detect and Avoid, UAS communications, Human Factors, System Safety, and Certification; | |
● | support the FAA and industry with ongoing participation with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the American Society for Testing and Materials in the development of standards for UAS and electric aircraft systems; and | |
● | address human factors, maintenance and safety concerns that are unique to manned and unmanned aircraft. |
Intellectual Property and Brand Protection
Our success depends in part upon our ability to protect our core technology and intellectual property. To establish and protect our proprietary rights, we rely on a combination of intellectual-property rights (e.g., patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets including know-how and expertise) and contracts (e.g., license agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with third parties, and employee and contractor disclosure and invention assignment agreements).
We own or have exclusive rights to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and/or other intellectual property rights in the United States and abroad that support us and the respective brands, products and services of each of our four segments. We have 34 issued patents worldwide (of which 27 are U.S. patents and 7 of which are British, French, German, and Italian validations of European patents). Without accounting for any potential patent term adjustments or extensions or other forms of exclusivity with respect to our U.S. issued patents, 4 expire before 2026, 13 expire between the beginning of 2026 and the end of 2030, and 10 expire between the beginning of 2031 and the end of 2039. The European patents are expected to expire between the beginning of 2027 and the end of 2032.
Of the above referenced patents and applications, approximately 20 of the issued U.S. patents are related to electronic flight display technologies. Approximately 7 of the issued U.S. patents are related to vertical take-off and landing aircraft technologies. We also have 5 U.S. trademark registrations and 1 pending U.S. trademark applications. Our various portfolio companies regularly file for patent and trademark protection, and we have also acquired intellectual property by way of corporate acquisition.
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We believe that our differentiated and balanced portfolio of intellectual property rights in the aerospace, defense and drone technologies spaces, our diversified product portfolio, ranging from established and mature product offerings to innovative drone and eVTOL solutions, and the brand reputation of our companies, provide us with a competitive advantage.
In the future, we intend to continue to seek intellectual property protection for our new products, technologies and designs, and exercise our rights to exclusively use these valuable assets.
Properties
Our corporate headquarters and U.S. manufacturing plant are located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our manufacturing plant is leased and comprises approximately 18,000 square feet and primarily supports our Avionics segment. In addition, our Drones segment leases property in Soevring, Denmark that is used for office space, manufacturing and inventory storage which comprises approximately 43,185 square feet. Over time, we expect that we will need additional engineering and manufacturing facilities to support the design and production of our Electric Air Mobility and Avionics segments products.
Employees and Human Capital Management
As of December 31, 2024, we had 151 full-time employees across our platform, including 99 in the Drones segment, 34 in the Avionics segment, nine in the Training segment, and nine in the Electric Air Mobility segment. Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating existing and new employees, advisors and consultants. We anticipate additional hiring activity across our four segments as we continue to scale our operations.
Fifty-one employees based in Denmark in the Drones segment are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Danish Industry union. Apart from such employees, no other employees are currently covered by collective bargaining agreements or represented by labor unions.
We anticipate increased hiring activity as we continue to scale operations. In particular, our Electric Air Mobility segment anticipates substantial hiring activity, although it will also augment staffing using third-party service providers. We intend to hire operational management and engineering staff for R&D.
Government Regulation
We are subject to various local, state, federal and international laws and regulations relating to the development, manufacturing, sale and distribution of our products, systems and services, and it is our policy to comply with the applicable laws in each jurisdiction in which we conduct business. Regulations include but are not limited to those related to import and export controls, corruption, bribery, environment, government procurement, wireless communications, competition, product safety, workplace health and safety, employment, labor and data privacy.
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Drones
Because it contracts with the DoD and other agencies of the U.S. government—and, for certain of those contracts, requires access to classified information—our Drones segment is subject to extensive federal statutes and regulations, including the FAR, the DFARS, the Truthful Cost and Pricing statute, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, and the regulations implementing the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (“NISPOM”). The NISPOM regulations establish the security requirements applicable to classified contracts and programs, facility security clearances, and personnel security clearances. The federal government audits and reviews contractors’ performance on contracts, pricing practices, cost accounting systems and practices, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. Like most government contractors, the Drones segment’s contracts are audited and reviewed regularly by federal agencies, including the Defense Contract Management Agency and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.
Certain of these statutes and regulations impose substantial penalties for violations, including significant financial liability and suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time. Our management monitors its government business to reduce the risk of such violations occurring.
In addition, the Drones segment is subject to industry-specific regulations due to the nature of the products and services it provides. For example, certain aspects of its business are subject to further regulation by additional U.S. government authorities, including: (i) the FAA, which regulates airspace for all air vehicles in the NAS; (ii) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission, which regulate the wireless communications upon which its UAS depend in the U.S.; (iii) the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the U.S. Department of State, which administers the International Traffic in Arms Regulations that regulate the export of controlled technical data, defense articles and defense services and (iv) the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which regulates matters relating to U.S. national security and technology.
On June 21, 2016, the FAA released its final rules that allow routine use of certain sUAS in the NAS. The FAA rules, which went into effect in August 2016, provide safety rules for sUAS (under 55 pounds) conducting non-recreational operations. The rules limit flights to visual-line-of-sight daylight operation, unless the UAS has anti-collision lights in which case twilight operation is permitted. The final rule also addresses height and speed restrictions, operator certification, optional use of a visual observer, aircraft registration and marking and operational limits, including prohibiting flights over unprotected people on the ground who are not directly participating in the operation of the UAS. Current FAA regulations require drone operators to register their systems with the FAA and secure operating licenses for their drones as per the Part 107 specifications. These regulations continue to evolve to accommodate the integration of UAS into the NAS for commercial applications, including High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite UAS.
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In December 2019, the FAA proposed rules requiring the remote identification of UAS. Remote identification, which provides for a UAS in flight to provide identification that can be received by other parties, is designed to enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA and other agencies to identify a UAS that appears to be flying unsafely or in an area in which flight is not permitted. The public comment period for the proposed rules expired on March 2, 2020. On April 21, 2021, the final rule for remote identification of UAS went into effect. On the same day, the final rule for operation of sUAS over people also went into effect. This rule permits routine operations of sUAS over people, moving vehicles, and at night under certain conditions. The final rule also makes changes to the recurrent testing framework and expands the list of persons who may request the presentation of a remote pilot certificate. Additionally, in February 2020, the FAA issued a public request for comment on its proposed policy for the creation of a new type certification of certain UAS as a special class of aircraft under FAA regulations. Currently the Part 107 Rules allow for the operation of sUAS without the need for FAA airworthiness certification as long as the UAS meets certain specified criteria and certain flight rules are followed; larger UAS and operations of sUAS outside the scope of the Part 107 Rules require a waiver from the FAA. The FAA’s proposed policy proposes a new special class of UAS for which airworthiness certification can be obtained, however, the proposed policy only applies to the procedures for the type certification of the new class of UAS, not the criteria that will be needed for the UAS or the flight operations to be followed to operate. Further rulemaking by the FAA is anticipated regarding the particular criteria for the airworthiness certification standards under the new special class proposed by the new policy. The comment period for the FAA’s proposed policy expired on March 4, 2020.
While it is currently anticipated that the enactment of remote identification, operation of sUAS over people, and a new airworthiness certification process for a newly created special class of UAS will help formalize the process for manufacturing and obtaining airworthiness certification for UAS within the newly created class and accelerate the development of commercial UAS in the U.S., it is uncertain whether the FAA’s actions, if any, will have such effects. Additionally, it is unclear when, if ever, the FAA will implement final rules regarding remote UAS identification and whether they will differ from the proposed rules. It is also unclear when, if at all, the FAA will create a new class of UAS and what the final rules regarding the certification of such UAS will look like. We cannot be certain as to how its business will be affected by the FAA’s proposals until the final rules for such matters are issued by the FAA.
Furthermore, our non-U.S. operations are subject to the laws and regulations of foreign jurisdictions, which may include regulations that are more stringent than those imposed by the U.S. government on our U.S. operations.
The defense and security mUAS segment, most often represented by government clients, has, in our opinion, the best possibility to utilize mUAS systems, as both armed forces and security agencies often times have access to restricted airspace in which to train, build capabilities, and operate. Nevertheless, the extent to which the mUAS market—defense, security and civilian professional—can be accessed, expanded, and commercially exploited is tied to clients’ ability to fly in non-restricted airspace and, moreover, the ability to fly BVLOS. National and international regulation, such as the Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management initiative implemented by the FAA and NASA in the U.S. or the “U-Space” initiative implemented by the EASA to address UAS traffic management in the EU, is still underway, as is standardization of operator certification and platform (airworthiness) certification. Until these standards, certifications, and traffic management are effectively clarified and ratified systematically and internationally, certain clients of the targeted customer segment may be hesitant, or even prevented, in acquiring and utilizing our mUAS solutions. Accordingly, the nature of and the speed with these regulations are completed and implemented pose a risk for both our financial performance and condition, timing of growth and (short-term) growth potential.
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Government Contracting Process
Our Drones segment sells the significant majority of its small and medium UAS and traffic management system products and services as the prime contractor under contracts with the U.S. government. Certain important aspects of its government contracts are described below.
Proposal Process
Most of the Drones segment’s current government contracts were awarded through a competitive proposal process. The U.S. government awards competitive contracts based on solicitations that describe the procuring agency’s needs and establish proposal evaluation and source selection criteria. Each interested supplier prepares a proposal in response to the agency’s solicitation. Proposals usually must be prepared in a short time period in response to a deadline identified in the solicitation, and the proposal effort requires extensive involvement of numerous technical and administrative personnel. Following award announcements, unsuccessful offerors may challenge the agency’s award decision in a proceeding known as a “bid protest.”
Funding
The funding of U.S. government programs is subject to congressional appropriations. Although multi-year contracts may be authorized in connection with major procurements, Congress generally appropriates funds on a fiscal year basis, even though a program may continue for many years. Consequently, programs are often only partially funded initially, and additional funds are committed only as Congress makes further appropriations.
The U.S. military funds its contracts for full-rate production UAS either through operational need statements or as programs of record. Operational need statements require allocations of discretionary spending or reallocations of funding from other government programs. We define a program of record as a program that, after undergoing extensive DoD review and product testing, is included in the five-year government budget cycle, meaning that funding is allocated for purchases under these contracts during the five-year cycle, absent affirmative action by the customer or Congress to change the budgeted amount. Despite being included in the five-year budget cycle, funding for these programs is subject to annual approval.
Material Government Contract Clauses
All contracts with the U.S. government contain clauses, and are subject to laws and regulations, that give the government rights and remedies not typically found in commercial contracts, including rights that allow the government to:
● | terminate existing contracts for convenience, in whole or in part, when it is in the interest of the government to do so; | |
● | terminate contracts for default upon the occurrence of certain enumerated events; | |
● | unilaterally modify contracts with regard to certain performance requirements; | |
● | terminate contracts (including multi-year contracts) and related orders if funds for contract performance become unavailable; | |
● | obtain rights in, or potentially ownership of, intellectual property developed or delivered by a contractor as a result of its performance of the contract; | |
● | adjust contract costs and fees on the basis of audits completed by its agencies; | |
● | suspend or debar a contractor from doing business with the U.S. government; and | |
● | control or prohibit the export of certain items. |
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Generally, government contracts are subject to oversight audits by government representatives. Compensation, if any, in the event of a termination for default is limited to payment for work completed at the time of termination. In the event of a termination for convenience, the contractor may receive the contract price for completed work, as well as its costs of performance of terminated work including an allowance for profit and reasonable termination settlement costs.
NATO Foreign Drone Contracting Process
While similar to U.S. government processing, the NATO acquisition process for defense products and services differs in a few key ways, as discussed below. NATO coordinates capability development and engagement with the defense industry through the Conference of National Armaments Directors (“CNAD”), the principal committee that brings together the top national officials responsible for defense procurement in NATO member and partner countries. The CNAD is the senior NATO committee responsible for promoting cooperation between countries in the armaments field. The CNAD implements decisions taken by member countries as part of the NATO Defense Planning Process (“NDPP”). Through the NDPP, NATO identifies the capabilities that it requires and promotes their development and acquisition by member countries. It facilitates the timely identification, development and delivery of the necessary range of forces that are interoperable and adequately prepared, equipped, trained and supported, as well as the associated military and non-military capabilities, to undertake NATO’s full spectrum of missions.
The Defense Industrial Production Board (“DIPB”), created as a result of the Defense Production Action Plan in 2023, brings together experts from NATO member countries on defense industrial planning and procurement, to share best practices on defense planning and other relevant issues such as procurement and supply chains. The DIPB meets regularly and reports to the CNAD. The DIPB addresses challenges related to defense industrial capacity, integration of industry into defense planning, as well as broader obstacles related to enhancing defense industrial cooperation. The DIPB also serves as a forum for identifying measures to step up defense production and increase national capabilities for deterrence and defense, replenish depleted stockpiles and operationalize NATO’s support for Ukraine.
The NATO Industrial Advisory Group is a high-level consultative body comprised of senior industrialists from NATO member countries and partner countries. It advises the CNAD on how to foster government-to-industry and industry-to-industry armaments co-operation within NATO. Furthermore, it provides advice to the CNAD on how to foster government-to-industry and industry-to-industry armaments co-operation within NATO.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (“NSPA”) also plays a role in NATO’s logistics and procurement activities. It acquires, operates and maintains a wide range of capabilities that support NATO, its member countries, partners and other international organizations. The NSPA brings together NATO’s logistics support and procurement activities, providing effective and cost-efficient multinational support solutions. The NSPA is a sponsoring country customer-funded agency, operating on a “no profit - no loss” basis.
Government Contract Categories
There are three primary types of government contracts in the commercial drones industry, each of which involves a different payment methodology and level of risk related to the cost of performance. These basic types of contracts are typically referred to as fixed-price contracts, cost reimbursable contracts (including cost-plus-fixed fee, cost-plus-award fee, and cost-plus-incentive fee), and time-and-materials contracts.
In some cases, depending on the urgency of the project and the complexity of the contract negotiation, one of our Drones segment subsidiaries will enter into a Letter Contract prior to finalizing the terms of a definitive fixed-price, cost reimbursable or time-and-materials contract. A Letter Contract is a written preliminary contractual instrument that provides limited initial funding and authorizes the contractor to begin immediately performing while negotiating the definitive terms of the definitive contract.
Fixed-Price. These contracts are not subject to adjustment by reason of costs incurred in the performance of the contract. With this type of contract, the contractor assumes the risk that it will not be able to perform at a cost below the fixed price, except for costs incurred because of contract changes ordered by the customer. Upon the U.S. government’s termination of a fixed-price contract, generally the contractor would be entitled to payment for items delivered to and accepted by the U.S. government and, if the termination is at the U.S. government’s convenience, for payment of fair compensation for work performed plus the costs of settling and paying claims by any terminated subcontractors, other settlement expenses and a reasonable allowance for profit on the costs incurred.
Cost Reimbursable. Cost reimbursable contracts include cost-plus-fixed fee contracts, cost-plus-award fee contracts and cost-plus-incentive fee contracts, each of which is described below. Under each type of cost reimbursable contract, the contractor may recover allowable and allocable costs incurred in performing the contract, but it assumes the risk that it may not be able to recover costs if they are not allowable or allocable under the contract terms or applicable regulations, or if the costs exceed the contract funding.
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● | A cost-plus-fixed fee contract is a cost reimbursable contract that provides for payment of a negotiated fee that is fixed at the inception of the contract. This fixed fee does not vary with actual cost of the contract, but may be adjusted as a result of changes in the work to be performed under the contract. This contract type poses less risk of loss than a fixed-price contract, but a contractor’s ability to win future contracts from the procuring agency may be adversely affected if it fails to perform within the maximum cost set forth in the contract. | |
● | A cost-plus-award fee contract is a cost reimbursable contract that provides for a fee consisting of a base amount, which may be zero, fixed at inception of the contract and an award amount, based upon the government’s satisfaction with the performance under the contract. With this type of contract, the contractor assumes the risk that it may not receive the award fee, or only a portion of it, if it does not perform satisfactorily. | |
● | A cost-plus-incentive fee contract is a cost reimbursable contract that provides for an initially negotiated fee to be adjusted later by a formula based on the relationship of total allowable costs to total target costs. |
Our Drones segment typically experiences lower profit margins and lower risk under cost reimbursable contracts than under fixed-price contracts. Upon the termination of a cost reimbursable contract, generally the contractor would be entitled to reimbursement of its allowable costs and, if the termination is at the U.S. government’s convenience, a total fee proportionate to the percentage of work completed under the contract.
Time-and-Materials. Under a time-and-materials contract, compensation is based on a fixed hourly rate established for specified labor or skill categories. Contractors are paid at the established hourly rates for the hours it expends performing the work specified in the contract. Labor costs, overhead, general and administrative costs and profit are included in the fixed hourly rate. Materials, subcontractors, travel and other direct costs are reimbursed at actual costs plus an amount for material handling. Contractors make critical pricing assumptions and decisions when developing and proposing time-and-materials labor rates, risking reduced profitability if actual costs exceed the costs incorporated into the fixed hourly labor rate. One variation of a standard time-and-materials contract is a time-and-materials, award fee contract. Under this type of contract, a positive or negative incentive can be earned based on achievement against specific performance metrics.
Electric Air Mobility
A transport category type certification is the highest level in safety provided by the Civil Aviation Authorities. Jaunt intends to certify under CAR 529, single pilot IFR (instrument flight rules) and comply with Category Enhanced of EASA SC-VTOL-01 by:
● | using System Safety Assessment processes (Aerospace Recommended Practice “ARP” 4761 with ARP 4754A) that are industry standard for commercial transport aircraft (Exposure Draft (ED) 79A); | |
● | designing flight critical systems to meet the requirements of a probability of catastrophic failure of less than 10-9 per flight hour (less than once every billion flight hours); | |
● | developing robust software design processes to meet Development Assurance Level A for functions that could exhibit catastrophic failures; and | |
● | meeting requirements for bird strike, fatigue and damage tolerance, lightning strike, fire protection, and designing and incorporating elements for crashworthiness right from conceptual stage. |
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We believe that this approach puts the design of the Jaunt Journey air taxi in line with the commercial transport category aircraft and rotorcraft in terms of safety and robustness. We also believe it provides Jaunt with a clear, low risk path to certification by using existing eVTOL regulations, thereby removing any guesswork from the certification approach.
Government Regulations and Compliance
In the near-term, the efforts of the Electric Air Mobility segment will focus on obtaining FAA certification of its aircraft and engaging with key decision makers in the cities in the United States in which it anticipates its aircraft and UAM service will initially operate. Its aircraft will be required to comply with regulations governing aircraft design, production and airworthiness. In the United States, this primarily includes regulations put forth by the FAA and the Department of Transportation (“DOT”). Outside the United States, similar requirements are generally administered by the national civil aviation and transportation authorities of each country.
Producing the Aircraft
Production certification is the FAA’s approval for aircraft manufacturers to be able to manufacture aircraft under an FAA approved type design. To obtain production certification from the FAA, the manufacturer must demonstrate that its organization and its personnel, facilities, and quality system can produce the aircraft such that they conform to the approved design. Jaunt is working to develop the systems and processes it will need to obtain FAA production certification with the goal of obtaining such certification shortly following completion of the aircraft type certificate.
Operating the Aircraft
Airworthiness certification from the FAA signifies that an aircraft meets its approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation in the NAS. As is the industry standard, each of the aircraft manufactured by Jaunt will need to be issued an airworthiness certificate. We expect that the airworthiness certificates issued to Jaunt’s aircraft will be a Standard Airworthiness certificate in the Normal Category, as such terms are defined by the FAA.
Operating the UAM Service
The DOT and the FAA have regulatory authority over air transportation operations in the United States. To operate its UAM in air taxi service, Jaunt will be required to hold an FAA Air Carrier Certificate and operate under Part 135 of the FARs and register as an air taxi operator at the DOT. In addition, takeoff and landing locations (e.g., airports and heliports) typically require state and local approval for zoning and land use and their ongoing use are subject to regulations by local authorities. We expect that as Jaunt builds out its UAM service there will be additional local, state and federal laws, regulations and other requirements that will cover its operations. Therefore, Jaunt has already begun and will continue to grow its engagement and collaboration with the cities in which it intends to operate its service in an effort to ensure that it operates in a safe and sustainable manner.
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Regulatory Approvals Relating to Passenger-grade AAVs
Jaunt operates in a new and rapidly evolving industry, which is subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements. While regulations governing this industry are evolving, currently in the jurisdictions where Jaunt plans to sell its products, the commercial use of its passenger-grade AAVs, if approved, and in some cases its non-passenger-grade AAVs, is subject to an uncertain or lengthy approval process. In order for customers to use Jaunt’s passenger-grade AAVs, Jaunt is working on obtaining, or working closely with customers to obtain, relevant approvals and permits in the jurisdictions where it sells and plans to sell its products. We are unable to estimate the average length of time required to obtain the applicable regulatory approvals due to the nascent nature of AAV-related regulations and the lack of relevant precedents. For example, we are not aware of any operator having been granted all required approvals for the commercial operations of passenger-grade AAVs in China or the United States. See the section titled “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business.” In the jurisdictions where Jaunt plans to sell its products, the commercial use of its passenger-grade AAVs, and in some cases of its non-passenger-grade AAVs, is subject to an uncertain or lengthy approval process. We cannot predict when regulations will change, and any new regulations may impose onerous requirements and restrictions with which Jaunt, its AAVs and its potential customers may be unable to comply. As a result, Jaunt may be limited in, or completely restricted from, growing its business in the foreseeable future.
Avionics
Aspen Avionics designs and manufactures equipment under worldwide aviation regulatory agency approvals. These include but are not limited to FAA, EASA, TCCA, and ENAC (Brazil) regulations. These govern the design test, certification, installation, and manufacturing of Aspen’s equipment.
The FAA regulates the manufacture, repair and operation of all aircraft and aircraft parts operated in the United States. Its regulations are designed to ensure that all aircraft and aviation equipment are continuously maintained in proper condition to ensure safe operation of the aircraft. Similar rules apply in other countries. All aircraft must be maintained under a continuous condition monitoring program and must periodically undergo thorough inspection and maintenance. The inspection, maintenance and repair procedures for the various types of aircraft and equipment are prescribed by regulatory authorities and can be performed only by certified repair facilities utilizing certified technicians. Certification and conformance is required prior to installation of a part on an aircraft. Aircraft operators must maintain logs concerning the utilization and condition of aircraft engines, life-limited engine parts and airframes. In addition, the FAA requires that various maintenance routines be performed on aircraft engines, some engine parts, and airframes at regular intervals based on cycles or flight time. Engine maintenance must also be performed upon the occurrence of certain events, such as foreign object damage in an aircraft engine or the replacement of life-limited engine parts. Such maintenance usually requires that an aircraft engine be taken out of service. Aspen Avionics’ operations may in the future be subject to new and more stringent regulatory requirements. In that regard, Aspen Avionics closely monitors the FAA and industry trade groups in an attempt to understand how possible future regulations might impact it. Our businesses that sell defense products directly to the U.S. government or for use in systems delivered to the U.S. government can be subject to various laws and regulations that govern pricing and other factors.
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Import/Export Regulations. Aspen Avionics sells products and solutions to customers all over the world and is required to comply with U.S. Export Administration Regulations and U.S., EU and other economic and trade sanctions programs limiting or banning sales into certain countries. Countries outside of the United States have implemented similar controls and sanction regulations. Together these controls and regulations may impose licensing requirements on exports of certain technology and software from the United States and the EU and may impact Aspen Avionics’ ability to transact business in certain countries or with certain customers. Aspen Avionics has developed compliance programs and training to prevent violations of these programs and regulations, and regularly monitors changes in the law and regulations and create strategies to deal with changes. Changes in the law may restrict or further restrict Aspen’s ability to sell products and solutions.
Anti-Corruption Regulations. Because Aspen Avionics has significant international operations, it must comply with complex regulations, including U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and other local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials, and anticompetition regulations. Aspen Avionics has compliance policies, programs and training to prevent non-compliance with such anti-corruption regulations in the United States and outside the United States. Aspen Avionics monitors pending and proposed legislation and regulatory changes that may impact its business and develops strategies to address the changes and incorporate them into existing compliance programs.
Environmental Regulations. Aspen Avionics’ facilities and operations are subject to numerous domestic and international laws and regulations designed to protect the environment, particularly with regard to waste and emissions. The applicable environmental laws and regulations are common within the industries and markets in which Aspen Avionics operates and serves. Aspen Avionics believes that it has complied with these requirements and that such compliance has not had a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or equity. Aspen Avionics has installed waste treatment facilities and pollution control equipment to satisfy legal requirements and to achieve its waste minimization and prevention goals.
Electronic products are subject to governmental environmental regulation in a number of jurisdictions, such as domestic and international requirements requiring end-of-life management and/or restricting materials in products delivered to customers, including the European Union’s Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Directive 2011/65/EU on the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment, as amended. Other jurisdictions have adopted similar legislation. Such requirements typically are not applicable to most equipment produced by Aspen Avionics. Aspen Avionics believes that it has complied with such rules and regulations, where applicable, with respect to its existing products sold into such jurisdictions. Aspen Avionics intends to comply with such rules and regulations with respect to its future products.
Wireless Communications Regulations. Wireless communications, whether radio, satellite or telecommunications, are also subject to governmental regulation. Equipment produced in Aspen Avionics’ Communication Systems and Space and Airborne Systems segments, in particular, is subject to domestic and international requirements to avoid interference among users of radio and television frequencies and to permit interconnection of telecommunications equipment. Aspen Avionics is also required to comply with technical operating and licensing requirements that pertain to its wireless licenses and operations. Aspen Avionics believes that it has complied with such rules and regulations and licenses with respect to its existing products and services, and it intends to comply with such rules and regulations and licenses with respect to its future products and services. Governmental reallocation of the frequency spectrum could impact Aspen Avionics’ business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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Environmental Regulation
Operations in all of our segments are subject to extensive, and frequently changing, federal, state and local environmental laws and substantial related regulation by government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency. Among other matters, these regulatory authorities impose requirements that regulate the operation, handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials; protect the health and safety of workers; and require us to obtain and maintain licenses and permits in connection with our operations. This extensive regulatory framework imposes significant compliance burdens and risks on us. Notwithstanding these burdens, we believe that we are in material compliance with all federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing our operations. To date, there have been no material adverse effect to our consolidated financial statements nor competitive positions as a result of these environmental regulations.
Other Regulation
We are also subject to a variety of other regulations including work-related and community safety laws. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 mandates general requirements for safe workplaces for all employees and established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) in the Department of Labor. In particular, OSHA provides special procedures and measures for the handling of certain hazardous and toxic substances. In addition, specific safety standards have been promulgated for workplaces engaged in the treatment, disposal or storage of hazardous waste. Requirements under state law, in some circumstances, may mandate additional measures for facilities handling materials specified as extremely dangerous. We believe that our operations are in material compliance with OSHA’s health and safety requirements.
Legal Proceedings
A civil action was filed against Old AGI, Inc. in the Circuit Court of Cook County, State of Illinois in February 2022. The claimant alleges that an agreement for certain services entered into in March 2020 was breached and resulted in damages to claimant. This case was dismissed on July 5, 2022. However, the court allowed the claimant to amend its complaint. On August 5, 2022, the claimant filed its amended complaint, and we filed our response on October 12, 2022. The parties have engaged in discovery and mandatory arbitration. The arbitration resulted in an award in our favor, which was contested by the claimant. On December 19, 2024, the Circuit Court denied our motion for summary judgment. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or probable losses, if any, that might result from an adverse resolution of this matter. We intend to continue to vigorously defend against the complaint.
Civil actions were filed against CDI and individual guarantors in the Tioga County Court, State of Pennsylvania, in July 2023. The claimant, FCCB, alleges that payment under certain promissory notes is due, and the claimant is seeking recovery of the outstanding amounts. The claimant obtained judgments against all named defendants. We are in negotiations with the claimant and, in the meantime, has negotiated forbearance agreements to prevent the claimant from enforcing the judgments. On March 27, 2025, we and FCCB agreed to payment terms and a release whereby $0.2 million in amounts due would be paid by April 30, 2025.
A civil action was filed against us, Old AGI, Inc., AIRO Group (Illinois), AIRO Drone, Agile Defense, Joseph Burns, Chirinjeev Kathuria and John Uczekaj in Chancery Court in Delaware in September 2023. The claimant, Robert Perrin, one of our stockholders, alleges that these entities failed to pay him for services allegedly rendered under an Employment Agreement with AIRO Group (Illinois), that the individual defendants have breached their fiduciary duties as members of our board of directors, and that defendants violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. On November 17, 2023, we filed a motion to dismiss. In response, the claimant filed an Amended Complaint on February 22, 2024 in which he dropped AIRO Group (Illinois) as a defendant, dropped the breach of contract claim and added a wage claim under Delaware statute. On April 5, 2024, we filed a Partial Answer and Affirmative Defenses as well as a Partial Motion to Dismiss. In response, the claimant filed a Second Amended Complaint on May 16, 2024 in which he dropped the wage claim under Delaware statute and added a civil conspiracy claim against all defendants. We filed an Amended Answer on November 15, 2024. In March 2025, we agreed to settle Mr. Perrin’s individual claims in the lawsuit for $0.75 million, contingent upon the closing of this offering, which will be paid over six quarters beginning the quarter following the closing of this offering.
Aside from the above matters, we are not a party to any material legal proceedings and are not aware of any pending or threatened claims. From time to time, we may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business activities. Legal contingencies are subject to significant uncertainties and, therefore, determining the likelihood of a loss or the measurement of a loss can be complex. To the extent applicable, we will accrue losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no accruals related to litigation.
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Executive Officers and Directors
The following table provides information regarding our current executive officers, directors and director nominees as of March 7, 2025:
Name |
Age |
Position | ||
Executive Officers | ||||
Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria | 60 | Executive Chairman, Co-Founder and Director | ||
Captain Joseph D. Burns | 63 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||
John Uczekaj | 66 | President, Chief Operating Officer and Director | ||
Dr. Mariya Pylypiv | 36 | Chief Financial Officer | ||
Non-Employee Director and Director Nominees | ||||
John M. Belcher(2) | 83 | Director | ||
Brian Nelson(1)(2) | 54 | Director Nominee | ||
Elizabeth Ng(1)(2)(3)(4) | 68 | Director Nominee | ||
Per Erik Edvard Svehag(1) | 56 | Director Nominee | ||
Gregory Winfree(1)(4) | 59 | Director Nominee | ||
Sherrie McCandless(1)(3)(4) | 55 | Director Nominee |
(1) Appointed to serve as a director effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
(2) Member of our audit committee.
(3) Member of our compensation committee.
(4) Member of our nominating and corporate governance committee.
Executive Officers
Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria has served our Executive Chairman since our inception in 2020. Dr. Kathuria is an Indian-American investor, businessperson, and philanthropist. He is co-founder and serves on the board of directors of UpHealth, Inc. (OTC: UPH), a digital health company founded in 2020. Dr. Kathuria also co-founded Ocean Biomedical, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCEA), a biopharmaceutical company, and serves as the executive chairman of its board of directors, a position he has held since its inception in 2019. In addition, Dr. Kathuria co-founded New Generation Power, an energy company, in February 2009 and American Teleradiology NightHawks, Inc., a telemedicine company, in March 2003. American Teleradiology NightHawks, Inc. merged with NightHawk Radiology Holdings, Inc. and the combined company went public on Nasdaq in October 2006. From March 1998 to March 2000, Dr. Kathuria served as a director of The X-Stream Networks Inc., an internet service provider, that was sold to Liberty Surf Group S.A. and subsequently went public on the Paris Stock Exchange. Dr. Kathuria has also been involved in space exploration and, in January 1999, became the founding director of MirCorp, the first commercial company to privately launch and fund manned space programs. Dr. Kathuria received a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University.
We believe that Dr. Kathuria is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive knowledge of our business and public company experience.
Captain Joseph D. Burns has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors since our inception in 2020. Captain Burns is a 40-year veteran of the aviation, technology, and communications industries. Captain Burns was an executive at United Airlines from 1992 to 2020, most recently serving as the Managing Director of Technology and Flight Test at United Airlines responsible for over $250 million in annual NextGen programs. Captain Burns held several positions at United Airlines, including Managing Director – Flight Standards, FAA Certificate Director of Operations, Director Flight Standards, Chief Pilot FFDO Program, Manager Automation Systems, and Pilot Instructor. His engineering and management experience also includes CEO positions at Sensurion Aerospace, an avionics company, from 2014 to 2018 and ATN Systems, Inc., an optics company, from 2001 to 2014. Captain Burns currently serves on the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board and Emeritus for EMS Technologies. He is also a prior member of the NextGen Advisory Council Subcommittee and he is the Chairman Emeritus for the Airline Operations Committee and the Air Traffic Control Council of Airlines for America, formerly known as the Air Transport Association of America. Captain Burns received a Master of Business Administration in Management from the Miami University Farmer School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics/Aeronautical Engineering from Miami University.
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We believe that Captain Burns is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his aerospace experience, including regulations governing the aerospace industry.
John Uczekaj has served as our President and Chief Operating Officer since July 2022. In addition to his position as our President and Chief Operating Officer, he has led Aspen Avionics as Chief Executive Officer since February 2007. Prior to joining Aspen Avionics, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of The NORDAM Group. He received the Aviation Industry Leader of the Year in 2012 from the Living Legends of Aviation and was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation in 2013. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Mr. Uczekaj has over 35 years of experience in the avionics industry, starting out as an engineer at The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) and moving into key management positions at Sperry and Honeywell International Inc. (Nasdaq: HON). Mr. Uczekaj holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Oregon State University and an M.B.A. from City University, Seattle, Washington.
We believe that Mr. Uczekaj is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive industry and management experience, his previous board memberships, and his officer-level corporate experience.
Dr. Mariya Pylypiv has served as our Chief Financial Officer since May 2024 and, prior to that, as our interim Chief Financial Officer from June 2023 to May 2024. She also served as Director and President of Maven Execs, a CFO services firm she co-founded, from September 2022 to May 2024. In addition, she currently serves as a director for UpHealth, Inc. (OTC: UPH), a digital health company, where she previously held several executive positions, including Vice President of Finance from May 2022 to August 2022 and Chief Strategy Officer from June 2021 to May 2022. Prior to that, she served as Vice President of Investment Banking and Corporate Development at Sikich LLP, a professional services firm specializing in accounting, technology, investment banking and advisory services, from January 2021 to August 2021 and as an Investment Banking and Corporate Development Associate from March 2018 to December 2020. Her early career includes roles as Senior Research Analyst at Acrospire Investment Management LLC, from February 2016 to March 2018, and Quantitative Research Analyst at Rotella Capital Management from, July 2014 to January 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Business Economics in Accounting and Audit and a Master’s in Accounting and Audit from Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, as well as B.A. and M.A. degrees in International Economics from Ternopil National Economic University. Additionally, she earned her Ph.D. in Consumer and Family Economics with a focus on Finance from Purdue University. She has also completed multiple certifications in financial accounting, ESG, corporate governance, and cybersecurity.
Non-Employee Directors and Director Nominees
John M. Belcher has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2024. Mr. Belcher currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of JMCB Enterprise Solutions, a management consulting firm, which he founded in 2017. He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ARINC, a provider of transport communications and systems engineering solutions, from 1998 to 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Belcher served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hughes Aircraft of Canada and the President/Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Hickling Aviation. He held several executive positions with Canada’s Federal Government, including Executive Director of Facilities, Engineering and Systems Development, Transport Canada, Director General of Office Automation Services and Information Systems, and Director General of Corporate Systems, Supply and Services Canada. He has over 40 years of experience in aviation, aerospace, airports, information technology, communications, and defense. He previously served as Chairman of the Canadian Advanced Technology Association and Chairman of the Advisor Board for the University of Waterloo. He also served on the board of directors for several trade associations and aerospace technology companies. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Canadian National Transportation Award, the Maryland International Business Leadership Award, Business Leader of the Year for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, the Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Excellence Award, and the Anne Arundel Excellence in Leadership Award. He is a member of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame. Most recently he was awarded the USA Ellis Island Medals of Honor for his contribution to aviation, aerospace, and information technology as well as his successes as an entrepreneur and community leader. He graduated from the University of Ottawa with a B.S.C. in Applied Science and earned a graduate degree in Systems Engineering and Business Management from Queens University.
We believe that Mr. Belcher is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive industry and regulatory experience, his previous board memberships, and his officer-level corporate experience.
Brian Nelson has been appointed to serve as a member of our board of directors, effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Mr. Nelson has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Precision Surfacing Solutions Group (formerly known as the Lapmaster Group), a manufacturing company, since 2003 and as the President since 2002. Mr. Nelson also currently serves on the board of directors of Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DFLI), a public battery manufacturing company, since October 2022. Mr. Nelson holds an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship from the DePaul University Charles H. Kellstadt School of Business and a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Marquette University. He is a member of the Association of Manufacturing Technology and Young President’s Organization.
We believe that Mr. Nelson is qualified to serve on our board of directors based on his years of business experience as a president and chief executive officer and public company board membership.
Elizabeth Ng has been appointed to serve as a member of our board of directors, effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Ms. Ng previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Biomedical, Inc., a public biopharmaceutical company, from January 2019 to October 2024 and currently serves as a member of the Ocean Biomedical, Inc.’s board of directors since January 2019. Ms. Ng previously served as Vice President/Head of Strategy and Business Development at Bioelectric Devices Inc. starting in 2018. Previously, she served as Senior Director of Portfolio Strategy at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. from 2010 to 2017 and prior to that, as Director Strategy Development Group at Merck & Co. Inc., and Director of Commercial/Portfolio Strategy at Gilead Sciences. Ms. Ng holds a B.S. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from Stanford University.
We believe Ms. Ng is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of her business experience as a chief executive officer and her public company board membership.
Per Erik Edvard Svehag has been appointed to serve as a member of our board of directors, effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Mr. Svehag currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Dangroup Invest, an investment firm, a role he has held since 2017. Mr. Svehag co-founded Sky-Watch and has served as the chairman of its board of directors since 2011. He has also served as a member of the board of directors of Danoffice IT ApS, a supplier of IT infrastructure, since 2001, and as chairman of the board of directors of GSOL Energy Global A/S, a supplier of solar solutions, since 2018. Mr. Svehag holds a B.Sc. from Syddansk Universitet and a M.B.A. from the University of Reading Henley Business School.
We believe that Mr. Svehag is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive business and product experience and his board membership.
Gregory Winfree has been appointed to serve as member of our board of directors, effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Mr. Winfree currently serves as an Agency Director and the Chief Execute Officer of Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a transportation research agency, since December 2016. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Texas A&M University School of Law, since January 2017. Mr. Winfree previously served as Assistant Secretary for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology of the United States Department of transportation, from January 2014 to November 2016. Mr. Winfree holds a Sc.B. in Communications from St. John’s University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
We believe Mr. Winfree is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive industry and regulatory expertise and his previous government experience.
Sherrie McCandless has been appointed to serve as member of our board of directors, effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Ms. McCandless currently serves as a member of the board of directors for The Old Soldiers Home Foundation since December 2023. Ms. McCandless previously served as Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard, from April 2021 until September 2023. Ms. McCandless previously served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Guard Bureau, from May 2019 until April 2021. Ms. McCandless holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Miami and an M.S. in National Security Strategy from the National War College.
We believe Ms. McCandless is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of her extensive industry experience and her previous government experience.
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Family Relationships and Other Arrangements
There are no family relationships among our directors, director nominees and executive officers.
Board Composition
Our business and affairs are organized under the direction of our board of directors, which currently consists of four members and will consist of nine members effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The primary responsibilities of our board of directors are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling and direction to our management. Our board of directors meets on a regular basis and on an ad hoc basis as required.
In accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each of which will become effective immediately prior to the closing of this offering, we will divide our board of directors into three classes, as follows:
● | Class I, which will consist of Gregory Winfree, Brian Nelson and Sherrie McCandless, whose terms will expire at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2026; | |
● | Class II, which will consist of John Uczekaj, Per Erik Edvard Svehag and Elizabeth Ng, whose terms will expire at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2027; and | |
● | Class III, which will consist of Captain Joseph D. Burns, Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria and John Belcher, whose terms will expire at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2028. |
At each annual meeting of stockholders to be held after the initial classification, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will serve until the third annual meeting following their election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Our amended and restated bylaws that will become effective immediately prior to the closing of this offering will provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of a majority of our board of directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed between the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of our board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in our control or management. Our directors may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of our voting stock.
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Director Independence
Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the independence of our directors and considered whether any director has a relationship that, in the opinion of the board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a member of our board. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning such director’s background, employment, and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that Gregory Winfree, John Belcher, Brian Nelson, Elizabeth Ng and Sherrie McCandless, representing five of our nine directors following this offering, are “independent directors” as defined under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that each director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances that our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director and the transactions described in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” Our board of directors has determined that Dr. Kathuria, Captain Burns and Mr. Uczekaj, by virtue of their roles as our executive officers, are not independent directors under the current rules and regulations of the SEC and the Nasdaq Listing Rules.
Board Leadership Structure
Our board of directors is currently chaired by Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria who has authority, among other things, to call and preside over board of directors meetings, to set meeting agendas and to determine materials to be distributed to the board of directors. Accordingly, the Chairperson has substantial ability to shape the work of the board of directors. We believe that separation of the positions of Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer reinforces the independence of the board of directors in its oversight of our business and affairs. In addition, we intend to have a separate chair for each committee of our board of directors. The chair of each committee is expected to report annually to our board of directors on the activities of their committee in fulfilling their responsibilities as detailed in their respective charters or specify any shortcomings should that be the case.
Role of the Board in Risk Oversight
The audit committee of our board of directors, which we will establish in connection with this offering, will be primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes on behalf of our board of directors. Going forward, we expect that our audit committee will receive reports from management periodically regarding our assessment of risks. In addition, our audit committee will report regularly to our board of directors, which also considers our risk profile. Our audit committee and our board of directors will focus on the most significant risks we face and our general risk management strategies. While our board of directors oversees our risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. Our board of directors expects management to consider risk and risk management in each business decision, to proactively develop and monitor risk management strategies and processes for day-to-day activities and to effectively implement risk management strategies adopted by our audit committee and our board of directors. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most effective approach for addressing the risks we face and that our board of directors’ leadership structure, which also emphasizes the independence of our board of directors in its oversight of its business and affairs, supports this approach.
Board Committees
Our board of directors will establish an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors may establish other committees to facilitate the management of our business. The composition and functions of each committee are described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors. Each committee will operate under a written charter, to be effective immediately prior to the closing of this offering, that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the SEC and Nasdaq Listing Rules.
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Audit Committee
Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, our audit committee will consist of Brian Nelson, John Belcher and Elizabeth Ng. Our board of directors has determined that each of the members of our audit committee satisfies the Nasdaq and SEC independence requirements. Brian Nelson will serve as the chair of our audit committee. The functions of this committee include, among other things:
● | evaluating the performance, independence and qualifications of our independent registered public accounting firm and determining whether to retain our existing independent registered public accounting firm or engage a new independent registered public accounting firm; | |
● | reviewing and approving the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm to perform audit services and any permissible non-audit services; | |
● | monitoring the rotation of partners of our independent registered public accounting firm on our engagement team as required by law; | |
● | prior to engagement of any independent registered public accounting firm, and at least annually thereafter, reviewing relationships that may reasonably be thought to bear on their independence, and assessing and otherwise taking the appropriate action to oversee the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm; | |
● | reviewing our annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements and reports, including the disclosures contained under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and discussing the statements and reports with our independent registered public accounting firm and management; | |
● | reviewing, with our independent registered public accounting firm and management, significant issues that arise regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentation and matters concerning the scope, adequacy and effectiveness of our financial controls; | |
● | reviewing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm any earnings announcements and other public announcements regarding material developments; | |
● | establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding financial controls, accounting or auditing matters and other matters; | |
● | preparing the report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement; | |
● | reviewing and providing oversight of any related-person transactions in accordance with our related-person transaction policy and reviewing and monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory responsibilities, including our code of business conduct and ethics; | |
● | reviewing our major financial, information security and cybersecurity risk exposures, including the guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and risk management are implemented; | |
● | reviewing on a periodic basis our investment policy and related-person transactions policy; and | |
● | reviewing and evaluating on an annual basis the performance of our audit committee and the charter of our audit committee. |
Our board of directors has determined that each of Elizabeth Ng and John Belcher qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations and meets the financial sophistication requirements of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. In making this determination, our board has considered prior experience, business acumen and independence. Both our independent registered public accounting firm and management will periodically meet privately with our audit committee.
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We believe that the composition and functioning of our audit committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.
Compensation Committee
Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, our compensation committee will consist of John Belcher, Elizabeth Ng and Sherrie McCandless. John Belcher will serve as the chair of our compensation committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of the members of our compensation committee is a non-employee director, as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and satisfies the Nasdaq independence requirements. The functions of this committee include, among other things:
● | reviewing, modifying and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) our overall compensation strategy and policies; | |
● | reviewing and approving or, in the case of our chief executive officer’s compensation, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding the compensation and other terms of employment of our executive officers; | |
● | reviewing and approving (or if it deems it appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our executive officers and assessing their performance against these goals and objectives; | |
● | reviewing and approving (or if it deems it appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) the equity incentive plans, compensation plans and similar programs advisable for us, as well as modifying, amending or terminating existing plans and programs; | |
● | evaluating risks associated with our compensation policies and practices and assessing whether risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us; | |
● | overseeing workplace diversity initiatives and progress; | |
● | reviewing and making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding the type and amount of compensation to be paid or awarded to our non-employee board members; | |
● | establishing policies with respect to votes by our stockholders to approve executive compensation as required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act and determining our recommendations regarding the frequency of advisory votes on executive compensation, to the extent required by law; |
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● | reviewing and assessing the independence of compensation consultants, legal counsel and other advisors as required by Section 10C of the Exchange Act; | |
● | administering our equity incentive plans; | |
● | establishing policies with respect to equity compensation arrangements; | |
● | reviewing the competitiveness of our executive compensation programs and evaluating the effectiveness of our compensation policy and strategy in achieving expected benefits to us; | |
● | reviewing and making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding the terms of any employment agreements, severance arrangements, change in control protections and any other compensatory arrangements for our executive officers; | |
● | reviewing with management and approving our disclosures under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in our periodic reports or proxy statements to be filed with the SEC, to the extent such caption is included in any such report or proxy statement; | |
● | preparing the report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement; and | |
● | reviewing and assessing on an annual basis the performance of our compensation committee and the charter of our compensation committee. |
We believe that the composition and functioning of our compensation committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Gregory Winfree, Elizabeth Ng and Sherrie McCandless. Gregory Winfree will serve as the chair of our nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of the members of this committee satisfies the Nasdaq independence requirements. The functions of this committee include, among other things:
● | identifying, reviewing and evaluating candidates to serve on our board of directors consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors; | |
● | determining the minimum qualifications for service on our board of directors; | |
● | evaluating director performance on the board and applicable committees of the board and determining whether continued service on our board is appropriate; | |
● | evaluating, nominating and recommending individuals for membership on our board of directors; | |
● | evaluating nominations by stockholders of candidates for election to our board of directors; |
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● | considering and assessing the independence of members of our board of directors; | |
● | reviewing and recommending updates to the list of executive officers who are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act; | |
● | developing a set of corporate governance policies and principles, including a code of business conduct and ethics, periodically reviewing and assessing these policies and principles and their application and recommending to our board of directors any changes to such policies and principles; | |
● | reviewing and recommending updates to our insider trading policy; | |
● | overseeing our environmental, social and governance strategies, targets, policies, performance and reporting; | |
● | considering questions of possible conflicts of interest of directors as such questions arise; and | |
● | reviewing and assessing on an annual basis the performance of the nominating and corporate governance committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee charter. |
We believe that the composition and functioning of our nominating and corporate governance committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our current or former executive officers serve as a member of our compensation committee. None of our officers serve, or have served during the last completed fiscal year, on the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any other entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or our compensation committee. For a description of transactions between us and members of our compensation committee and affiliates of such members, see the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
In connection with this offering, we intend to amend our written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or person performing similar functions. Following this offering, a current copy of the code will be available on the Corporate Governance section of our website, www.theairogroup.com.
Director Independence
Under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules, independent directors must comprise a majority of our board of directors as a public company within one year of listing.
Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the independence of each director. Based on information provided by each director concerning the director’s background, employment and affiliations, our board of directors has determined that, with the exception of Captain Joseph D. Burns, Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, John Uczekaj and Per Erik Edvard Svehag, none of our directors have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that all directors are “independent” as that term is defined under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director, and the transactions involving them described in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”
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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 were:
● | Captain Joseph D. Burns, Chief Executive Officer; | |
● | John Uczekaj, President and Chief Operating Officer; and | |
● | Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, Executive Chairman. |
Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024
The following table presents all of the compensation awarded to our named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Option Awards ($) | Nonequity
Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | All
Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Captain
Joseph D. Burns Chief Executive Officer(1) | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
John Uczekaj President and Chief Operating Officer | 2024 | 261,994 | (3) | — | — | — | — | 261,994 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dr.
Chirinjeev Kathuria Executive Chairman(2) | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
(1) Captain Burns did not receive a base salary, was not granted equity, and did not receive any compensation during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
(2) Dr. Kathuria did not receive a base salary, was not granted equity, and did not receive any compensation during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
(3) Amount disclosed represents the base salary earned by Mr. Uczekaj with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. However, as of December 31, 2024, $46,153 of this amount had not yet been, but will be, paid to Mr. Uczekaj. In addition, Mr. Uczekaj was entitled to a $300,000 base salary pursuant to the Uczekaj Employment Agreement, which is discussed further below, but agreed to a reduction in salary and earned $261,994 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Other than base salary, Mr. Uczekaj did not receive any compensation during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
Narrative to the Summary Compensation Table
Annual Base Salary
The 2024 annual base salary rates for our named executive officers are set forth in the table below. As noted above, neither Captain Burns nor Dr. Kathuria received a base salary in 2024.
Name | 2024 Base Salary | |||
Captain Joseph D. Burns | — | |||
John Uczekaj | $ | 300,000 | (1) | |
Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria | — |
(1) As discussed above in the Summary Compensation Table, Mr. Uczekaj was entitled to a $300,000 base salary for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, but agreed to a reduction in his base salary and earned $261,994 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
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Equity-Based Incentive Awards
Our equity-based incentive awards are designed to align our interests and those of our stockholders with those of our employees, including our executive officers. The board of directors or an authorized committee thereof is responsible for approving equity grants.
We did not grant any equity awards to our named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Following this offering, we will grant equity awards under the terms of our 2025 Plan. The terms of our equity plans are described below under the subsection titled “—Equity Benefit Plans.”
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2024
None of our named executive officers have outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2024.
Employment Arrangements with our Named Executive Officers
In 2022, we entered into offer letters with each of Captain Burns, Mr. Uczekaj and Dr. Kathuria, each of which will become effective upon the completion of this offering. In 2007, Mr. Uczekaj entered into an employment agreement with Aspen Avionics that governs the current terms of his employment with us. The terms of these offer letters and this employment agreement are described below. Following the completion of this offering, we expect to enter into new employment agreements with Captain Burns, Mr. Uczekaj and Dr. Kathuria.
Captain Burns
On May 18, 2022, we entered into an at-will employment offer letter with Captain Burns (the “Burns Offer Letter”), which will become effective upon the completion of this offering. The Burns Offer Letter provides that, subject to approval by our compensation committee, Captain Burns will be entitled to annual total compensation of $825,000, of which 60% will be comprised of annual base salary and 40% will be comprised of annual equity awards under our then current equity plan. The Burns Offer Letter further provides that subject to approval by our compensation committee, the finalized terms of Captain Burns’ employment will be memorialized in a formal employment agreement, with such agreement controlling the terms of his employment.
Mr. Uczekaj
On January 12, 2007, Aspen Avionics and Mr. Uczekaj entered into an employment agreement (the “Uczekaj Employment Agreement”), which governs the terms of his employment with us. The Uczekaj Employment Agreement provided for an initial base salary of $250,000 and an annual bonus of up to $50,000 based on the achievement of objectives mutually determined by Mr. Uczekaj and the board of directors, with his base salary subsequently increased by Aspen Avionics to $300,000 and his annual bonus opportunity removed. The Uczekaj Employment Agreement also provided Mr. Uczekaj an initial option grant, which vested in full in 2011 and which Mr. Uczekaj subsequently exercised in full. In addition, in the event Mr. Uczekaj is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason” (each as defined in the Uczekaj Employment Agreement) within 12 months of a “change of control” (as defined in the Uczekaj Employment Agreement), Mr. Uczekaj will be eligible to receive a cash severance payment equal to six months of his then current base salary. If Mr. Uczekaj is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason other than in connection with a change in control, Mr. Uczekaj will be eligible to receive a cash severance payment equal to six months of his then current base salary and COBRA premiums for up to six months following his termination or resignation.
On April 1, 2022, we entered into an at-will employment offer letter with Mr. Uczekaj (the “Uczekaj Offer Letter”), which will become effective upon the completion this offering and supersede the Uczekaj Employment Agreement once effective. The Uczekaj Offer Letter provides that, subject to approval by our compensation committee, Mr. Uczekaj will be entitled to annual total compensation of $550,000, of which 60% will be comprised of annual base salary and 40% will be comprised of annual equity awards under our then current equity plan. The Uczekaj Offer Letter further provides that subject to approval by our compensation committee, the finalized terms of Mr. Uczekaj’s employment will be memorialized in a formal employment agreement, with such agreement controlling the terms of his employment.
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Dr. Kathuria
On May 18, 2022, we entered into an at-will employment offer letter with Dr. Kathuria (the “Kathuria Offer Letter”), which will become effective upon the completion of this offering. The Kathuria Offer Letter provides that, subject to approval by our compensation committee, Dr. Kathuria will be entitled to annual total compensation of $500,000, of which 60% will be comprised of annual base salary and 40% will be comprised of annual equity awards under our then current equity plan. The Kathuria Offer Letter further provides that following approval by our compensation committee, the finalized terms of Dr. Kathuria’s employment will be memorialized in a formal employment agreement, with such agreement controlling the terms of his employment.
2021 Management Carveout Plan
In December 2021, Aspen Avionics adopted the 2021 Management Carveout Plan, which was most recently amended in March 2025 (as amended, the “Management Carveout Plan”). The Management Carveout Plan establishes a benefit pool for designated employees and consultants, including Mr. Uczekaj, payable upon the occurrence of a change in control, which is defined as two steps consisting of (1) the closing of the merger of between us and Aspen and (2) our initial public offering or merger with a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) by April 30, 2025. The amount to be paid as benefits under the Management Carveout Plan is determined by the plan administrator pursuant to Section 2(e) therein and is based upon percentages of the total net proceeds calculated at the closing of our initial public offering or a SPAC, ranging from 0% to 5%. The net proceeds are calculated as the net sum of cash and the fair value of equity securities available for distribution to the stockholders of Aspen after all liabilities, exclusive of the subordinated convertible notes or other loans from the stockholders and transaction costs are paid, capped at $2.3 billion. As amended, all participants in the Management Carveout Plan have agreed to convert a portion of the amount owed to them under the Management Carveout Plan into an aggregate 71,320 shares of common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering which includes the conversion of $0.8 million of the principal owed to certain former Aspen Avionics shareholders pursuant to the Aspen Merger Agreement into an aggregate of 20,010 shares of our common stock, with the remaining amount to be paid in cash at the closing of this offering. Our merger with Aspen closed on April 1, 2022, and the closing of this offering will constitute an initial public offering for purposes of the Management Carveout Plan. Therefore, upon closing of this offering, in satisfaction of his award opportunity under the Management Carveout Plan, we expect to issue Mr. Uczekaj approximately 28,528 shares of our common stock and pay Mr. Uczekaj approximately $35,318 in cash. None of our other named executive officers participate in the Management Carveout Plan.
Other Compensation and Benefits
Mr. Uczekaj is eligible to participate, and following the closing of our initial public offering, our other named executive officers will be eligible to participate, in our employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, health savings and flexible spending accounts, and life and accidental dismemberment insurance plans, in each case on the same basis as all of our other employees. We pay a portion of the premiums for the medical, dental and short-term disability insurance, and the full premiums for life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance for all our employees, including Mr. Uczekaj. We generally do not provide perquisites or personal benefits to our named executive officers. In addition, we provide the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) plan to our employees, including Mr. Uczekaj, as discussed in the subsection titled “—401(k) Plan” below.
Dr. Kathuria may also be entitled to certain stock and cash amounts pursuant to the Amended and Restated Success Fee Arrangement in connection with this offering. For more information, see the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Success Fee Arrangement.”
401(k) Plan
Mr. Uczekaj is eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan that provides eligible employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged basis. Eligible employees may defer eligible compensation on a pre-tax or after-tax (“Roth”) basis, up to the statutorily prescribed annual limits on contributions under the Code. Contributions are allocated to each participant’s individual account and are then invested in selected investment alternatives according to the participants’ directions. The 401(k) plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code with the 401(k) plan’s related trust intended to be tax exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, contributions to the 401(k) plan (except for Roth contributions) and earnings on those contributions are not taxable to the employees until distributed from the 401(k) plan. Our board of directors may elect to adopt qualified or nonqualified benefit plans in the future, if it determines that doing so is in our best interests.
Equity Benefit Plans
The principal features of our equity incentive plans are summarized below. These summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual text of the applicable plan, each of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
2025 Equity Incentive Plan
Our board of directors adopted, and our stockholders approved, our 2025 Plan in March 2025. Our 2025 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) to employees, including employees of any parent or subsidiary, and for the grant of non-statutory stock options (“NSOs”), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance awards and other forms of stock awards to employees, directors, and consultants, including employees and consultants of our affiliates. Our 2025 Plan is a successor to our Legacy Plan (referred to in the 2025 Plan as our Prior Plan) and will become effective on the execution of the underwriting agreement related to this offering.
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Authorized Shares
Initially, the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued under our 2025 Plan after it becomes effective will not exceed 1,900,000 shares of our common stock (the “Share Reserve”). In addition, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our 2025 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year, starting on January 1, 2026, through and including January 1, 2035, in an amount equal to (1) 3% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding on the last day of the preceding calendar year, or (2) a lesser number of shares of our common stock determined by our board of directors prior to the date of the increase. The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs under our 2025 Plan will be three times the Share Reserve.
Shares subject to stock awards granted under our 2025 Plan that expire or terminate without being exercised or otherwise issued in full or that are paid out in cash rather than in shares do not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under our 2025 Plan. Shares withheld under a stock award to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of a stock award or to satisfy a tax withholding obligation do not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under our 2025 Plan. If any shares of our common stock issued pursuant to a stock award are forfeited back to or repurchased or reacquired by us (1) because of the failure to vest, (2) to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price, or (3) to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an award, the shares that are forfeited or repurchased or reacquired will revert to and again become available for issuance under the 2025 Plan.
Plan Administration
Our board of directors, or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors, will administer our 2025 Plan and is referred to as the “plan administrator” herein. Our board of directors may also delegate to one or more persons or bodies the authority to (1) designate recipients (other than officers) to receive specified stock awards; (2) determine the number of shares subject to such stock awards; and (3) determine the terms of such awards. Under our 2025 Plan, our board of directors has the authority to determine award recipients, grant dates, the numbers and types of stock awards to be granted, the applicable fair market value, and the provisions of each stock award, including the period of exercisability and the vesting schedule applicable to a stock award.
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Under the 2025 Plan, the board of directors also generally has the authority to effect, with the consent of any materially adversely affected participant, (1) the reduction of the exercise, purchase, or strike price of any outstanding option or stock appreciation right; (2) the cancellation of any outstanding option or stock appreciation right and the grant in substitution therefore of other awards, cash, or other consideration; or (3) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.
Stock Options
ISOs and NSOs are granted under stock option agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the exercise price for stock options, within the terms and conditions of the 2025 Plan, provided that the exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2025 Plan vest at the rate specified in the stock option agreement as determined by the plan administrator.
The plan administrator determines the term of stock options granted under the 2025 Plan, up to a maximum of 10 years. Unless the terms of an optionholder’s stock option agreement provide otherwise, if an optionholder’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases for any reason other than disability, death, or cause, the optionholder may generally exercise any vested options for a period of three months following the cessation of service. This period may be extended in the event that exercise of the option is prohibited by applicable securities laws. If an optionholder’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases due to death, or an optionholder dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the optionholder or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested options for a period of 18 months following the date of death. If an optionholder’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases due to disability, the optionholder may generally exercise any vested options for a period of 12 months following the cessation of service. In the event of a termination for cause, options generally terminate upon the termination date. In no event may an option be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.
Acceptable consideration for the purchase of our common stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option will be determined by the plan administrator and may include (1) cash, check, bank draft or money order, (2) a broker-assisted cashless exercise, (3) the tender of shares of our common stock previously owned by the optionholder, (4) a net exercise of the option if it is an NSO, or (5) other legal consideration approved by the plan administrator.
Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise, options and stock appreciation rights generally are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Subject to approval of the plan administrator or a duly authorized officer, an option may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order, official marital settlement agreement, or other divorce or separation instrument.
Tax Limitations on ISOs
The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of our common stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by an award holder during any calendar year under all of our stock plans may not exceed $100,000. Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit will generally be treated as NSOs. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of our total combined voting power or that of any of our parent or subsidiary corporations unless (1) the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant, and (2) the term of the ISO does not exceed five years from the date of grant.
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Restricted Stock Unit Awards
Restricted stock unit awards are granted under restricted stock unit award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. Restricted stock unit awards may be granted in consideration for any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to our board of directors and permissible under applicable law. A restricted stock unit award may be settled by cash, delivery of shares of our common stock, a combination of cash and shares of our common stock as determined by the plan administrator, or in any other form of consideration set forth in the restricted stock unit award agreement. Additionally, dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares covered by a restricted stock unit award. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock unit awards that have not vested will be forfeited once the participant’s continuous service ends for any reason.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards are granted under restricted stock award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. A restricted stock award may be awarded in consideration for cash, check, bank draft or money order, past services to us, or any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to our board of directors and permissible under applicable law. The plan administrator determines the terms and conditions of restricted stock awards, including vesting and forfeiture terms. If a participant’s service relationship with us ends for any reason, we may receive any or all of the shares of common stock held by the participant that have not vested as of the date the participant terminates service with us through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock appreciation rights are granted under stock appreciation right agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the strike price for a stock appreciation right, which generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. A stock appreciation right granted under the 2025 Plan vests at the rate specified in the stock appreciation right agreement as determined by the plan administrator. Stock appreciation rights may be settled in cash or shares of our common stock or in any other form of payment, as determined by our board of directors and specified in the stock appreciation right agreement.
The plan administrator determines the term of stock appreciation rights granted under the 2025 Plan, up to a maximum of 10 years. If a participant’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases for any reason other than cause, disability, or death, the participant may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of three months following the cessation of service. This period may be further extended in the event that exercise of the stock appreciation right following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws. If a participant’s service relationship with us, or any of our affiliates, ceases due to disability or death, or a participant dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the participant or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of 12 months in the event of disability and 18 months in the event of death. In the event of a termination for cause, stock appreciation rights generally terminate immediately upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to the termination of the individual for cause. In no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.
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Performance Awards
The 2025 Plan permits the grant of performance awards that may be settled in stock, cash or other property. Performance awards may be structured so that the stock or cash will be issued or paid only following the achievement of certain pre-established performance goals during a designated performance period. Performance awards that are settled in cash or other property are not required to be valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, our common stock.
The performance goals may be based on any measure of performance selected by our board of directors. The performance goals may be based on company-wide performance or performance of one or more business units, divisions, affiliates, or business segments, and may be either absolute or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise by our board of directors when the performance award is granted, our board of directors will appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of performance goals as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of items that are “unusual” in nature or occur “infrequently” as determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any portion of our business which is divested achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a performance period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of our common stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common stockholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under our bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles; and (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles.
Other Stock Awards
The plan administrator may grant other awards based in whole or in part by reference to our common stock. The plan administrator will set the number of shares under the stock award (or cash equivalent) and all other terms and conditions of such awards.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit
The aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid to any non-employee director with respect to any calendar year that begins on or after the effective date of this offering, including awards granted and cash fees paid by us to such non-employee director, will not exceed (1) $750,000 in total value or (2) if such non-employee director is first appointed or elected to our board of directors during such calendar year, $1,000,000 in total value.
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Changes to Capital Structure
In the event there is a specified type of change in our capital structure, such as a stock split, reverse stock split, or recapitalization, appropriate adjustments will be made to (1) the class and maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2025 Plan, (2) the class and maximum number of shares by which the share reserve may increase automatically each year, (3) the class and maximum number of shares that may be issued on the exercise of ISOs, and (4) the class and number of shares and exercise price, strike price, or purchase price, if applicable, of all outstanding stock awards.
Corporate Transactions
The following applies to stock awards under the 2025 Plan in the event of a corporate transaction (as defined in the 2025 Plan), unless otherwise provided in a participant’s stock award agreement or other written agreement with us or one of our affiliates or unless otherwise expressly provided by the plan administrator at the time of grant.
In the event of a corporate transaction, any stock awards outstanding under the 2025 Plan may be assumed, continued or substituted for by any surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to the stock award may be assigned to our successor (or its parent company). If the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume, continue or substitute for such stock awards, then (i) with respect to any such stock awards that are held by participants whose continuous service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, or current participants, the vesting (and exercisability, if applicable) of such stock awards will be accelerated in full (or, in the case of performance awards with multiple vesting levels depending on the level of performance, vesting will accelerate at 100% of the target level) to a date prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction (contingent upon the effectiveness of the corporate transaction), and such stock awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to such stock awards will lapse (contingent upon the effectiveness of the corporate transaction), and (ii) any such stock awards that are held by persons other than current participants will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, except that any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to such stock awards will not terminate and may continue to be exercised notwithstanding the corporate transaction.
In the event a stock award will terminate if not exercised prior to the effective time of a corporate transaction, the plan administrator may provide, in its sole discretion, that the holder of such stock award may not exercise such stock award but instead will receive a payment equal in value to the excess (if any) of (i) the per share amount payable to holders of common stock in connection with the corporate transaction, over (ii) any per share exercise price payable by such holder, if applicable. In addition, any escrow, holdback, earn-out or similar provisions in the definitive agreement for the corporate transaction may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to the holders of our common stock.
Under the 2025 Plan, a corporate transaction is generally defined as the consummation of: (1) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, (2) the sale or disposition of at least 50% of our outstanding securities, (3) a merger or consolidation where we do not survive the transaction, or (4) a merger or consolidation where we do survive the transaction but the shares of our common stock outstanding immediately before such transaction are converted or exchanged into other property by virtue of the transaction.
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Change in Control
Awards granted under the 2025 Plan may be subject to acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a change in control as may be provided in the applicable stock award agreement or in any other written agreement between us or any affiliate and the participant, but in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration will automatically occur.
Under the 2025 Plan, a change in control is generally defined as: (1) the acquisition by any person or company of more than 50% of the combined voting power of our then outstanding stock; (2) a consummated merger, consolidation or similar transaction in which our stockholders immediately before the transaction do not own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity (or the parent of the surviving entity) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such transaction; (3) a consummated sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets other than to an entity more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned by our stockholders in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of our outstanding voting securities immediately prior to such transaction; or (4) when a majority of our board of directors becomes comprised of individuals who were not serving on our board of directors on the date the 2025 Plan was adopted by the board of directors, or the incumbent board, or whose nomination, appointment, or election was not approved by a majority of the incumbent board still in office.
Plan Amendment or Termination
Our board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate our 2025 Plan at any time, provided that such action does not materially impair the existing rights of any participant without such participant’s written consent. Certain material amendments also require the approval of our stockholders. No ISOs may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the date our board of directors adopts our 2025 Plan. No stock awards may be granted under our 2025 Plan while it is suspended or after it is terminated.
Legacy Plan
In connection with the acquisition of Jaunt on March 10, 2022, we assumed the Jaunt Air Mobility, LLC 2021 Option Plan, which was renamed the AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. Option Plan (the “Legacy Plan”). The Legacy Plan provides for the grant of options to employees, directors and consultants, including employees and consultants of our affiliates. No further grants have been made under our Legacy Plan since it was assumed, and no further grants will be made once our 2025 Plan becomes effective. Any outstanding awards granted under our Legacy Plan will remain subject to the terms of our Legacy Plan and applicable award agreements.
Authorized Shares
Subject to certain capitalization adjustments, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to stock awards under the Legacy Plan will not exceed shares. Shares subject to stock awards granted under our Legacy Plan that expire, are forfeited or otherwise terminate without being exercised in full do not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under our Legacy Plan.
Plan Administration
Our board of directors administers our Legacy Plan and is referred to as the “plan administrator” herein. Under our Legacy Plan, the plan administrator has the authority to, among other things, in consultation with our chief executive officer, determine who will be granted options, determine the number of shares subject to the options and when the options will vest and become exercisable, and to construe and interpret the terms of our Legacy Plan.
Options
The plan administrator determines the exercise price for stock options, within the terms and conditions of the Legacy Plan, provided that the exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the Legacy Plan vest at the rate specified in the stock option agreement as determined by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the term of stock options granted under the Legacy Plan, up to a maximum of 10 years.
Acceptable consideration for the purchase of common stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option will be determined by the plan administrator as specified in the award agreement and may include payment by delivery of cash, shares of our common stock or other consideration having a fair market value equal to the exercise price, or any combination thereof, including exercise by means of a cashless exercise arrangement.
Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise in an award agreement, options may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated or otherwise disposed of in any way.
Changes in Capital Structure
In the event of any change in our capitalization by reason of any dividend, split, spin-off, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination, reorganization or other similar change, the terms and number of any outstanding awards under the Legacy Plan shall be adjusted by the plan administrator if it determines that the change in capitalization would adversely impact such awards.
Change in Control
Upon a change in control, options may be cancelled for the amount paid in connection with the change in control for a share of common stock less the exercise price. If the acquisition price is less than the exercise price, the option may be cancelled for no consideration. In addition, the plan administrator may provide for the substitution or assumption of options by the acquiror in a change in control.
Plan Amendment or Termination
The plan administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the Legacy Plan at any time. No amendment, suspension or termination of the Legacy Plan will alter or impair any awards in an adverse manner to the applicable participation without the consent of the participant. Unless terminated sooner, the Legacy Plan will automatically terminate on July 27, 2031. No stock awards may be granted under our Legacy Plan while it is suspended or after it is terminated. Once the 2025 Plan is effective, no further grants will be made under the Legacy Plan.
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Director Compensation
None of our directors received compensation for their services on our board of directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
Post-IPO Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy
We intend to adopt a non-employee director compensation policy, pursuant to which our non-employee directors will be eligible to receive compensation for service on our board of directors and committees of our board of directors, following the completion of this offering.
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification Matters
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will become effective immediately prior to the closing of this offering, will contain provisions that limit the liability of our current and former directors and officers for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that directors and officers of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors or officers, except liability for:
● | any breach of the director’s or officer’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; | |
● | any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; | |
● | as a director, unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; | |
● | as an officer, derivative claims brought on behalf of the corporation by a stockholder; or | |
● | any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit. |
Such limitation of liability does not apply to liabilities arising under federal securities laws and does not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
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Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering will authorize us to indemnify our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering will provide that we are required to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law and may indemnify our other employees and agents. Our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering will also provide that, on satisfaction of certain conditions, we will advance expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding, and permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee, or other agent for any liability arising out of his or her actions in that capacity regardless of whether we would otherwise be permitted to indemnify him or her under the provisions of Delaware law. We have entered into, or will enter into in connection with this offering, agreements to indemnify our directors, executive officers and other employees as determined by the board of directors. With certain exceptions, these agreements provide for indemnification for related expenses including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any of these individuals in connection with any action, proceeding or investigation.
We believe that our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and these amended and restated bylaw provisions and indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers. We also maintain customary directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect immediately prior to the closing of this offering may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Further, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required by these indemnification provisions.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted for directors, executive officers, or persons controlling us, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following includes a summary of transactions since January 1, 2022, to which we have been a party, in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeded the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock at the time of such transaction, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described under “Executive and Director Compensation.”
Success Fee Arrangement
In June 2022, we executed a previously arranged contingent fee agreement with New Generation Aerospace, Inc. (“NGA”) to compensate NGA for past services rendered and future services rendered through December 31, 2022 related to the acquisitions and financing of the Acquired Companies in the amount of $1.5 million (the “Contingent Fee”). The Contingent Fee is payable upon the closing of an initial public offering. In October 2023, we signed an Amended and Restated Success Fee Agreement, whereby all of the holders agreed to convert $1.4 million of the principal owed to them into 33,995 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining principal of $0.1 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, in connection with the closing of this offering, we intend to issue 33,995 shares of our common stock and use proceeds of $0.1 million to satisfy our obligations to the holders under the Amended and Restated Success Fee Agreement. Dr. Kathuria, our Executive Chairman, Co-Founder and a member of our board of directors, is the managing member of NGA and beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock.
Participation in Our Initial Public Offering
Dr. Kathuria, our Executive Chairman, Co-Founder, a member of our board of directors, and the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, has indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of $5 million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price and on the same terms as the other purchasers in this offering. Because this indication of interest is not a binding agreement or commitment to purchase, Dr. Kathuria may determine to purchase more, less or no shares in this offering or the underwriters may determine to sell more, less or no shares to Dr. Kathuria. The underwriters will receive the same discount on any of these shares of common stock purchased by Dr. Kathuria as they will from any other shares sold to the public in this offering.
Dangroup Incentive Agreement
In June 2024, we entered the Dangroup Incentive Agreement with Dangroup, whereby we agreed to pay Dangroup 20% of Sky-Watch’s EBITDA as an incentive bonus for their continued involvement in Sky-Watch’s governance, management and/or other operations, commencing on January 1, 2025 for an initial term of five years, which shall renew upon mutual agreement of the parties. In December 2024, we amended the Dangroup Incentive Agreement, whereby we agreed to transfer to Dangroup shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering such that Dangroup’s ownership would be increased to 5% of our capital stock on a fully diluted basis. Per Erik Edvard Svehag, a nominee for our board of directors, is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Dangroup.
Svehag Consulting Agreement
In June 2024, we entered into a consulting agreement (the “Svehag Consulting Agreement”) with Svehag Invest S.L., a Spanish limited liability company (“Svehag”), pursuant to which Per Erik Edvard Svehag, a nominee for our board of directors, would personally provide us with services relating to our preparation and implementation of our European, African, and Asian market strategy (the “Svehag Services”). The Svehag Services include, without limitation, assistance with our branding as well as the roll-out of our products and services into new additional markets. In consideration for the Svehag Services, we have agreed to pay Svehag an incentive fee equal to 2.5% of the fiscal year EBITDA of Sky-Watch, paid no later than 10 business days following the date that Sky-Watch’s audited financial statements for the relevant fiscal year have been approved and signed by Sky-Watch’s auditor and board of directors. The Svehag Consulting Agreement became effective for the Sky-Watch fiscal year commencing on January 1, 2024, and shall continue until terminated.
Employment Arrangements and Indemnification Agreements
In connection with the closing of this offering, we will enter into employment agreements with certain of our executive officers. For more information regarding these agreements with our named executive officers, see the section titled “Executive and Director Compensation—Employment Arrangements with our Named Executive Officers.”
We have entered, and intend to continue to enter, into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. For more information, see the section titled “Executive and Director Compensation—Limitations on Liability and Indemnification.”
Policies and Procedures for Transactions with Related Persons
Prior to the closing of this offering, we will adopt a written related person transactions policy that sets forth our policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and continuing oversight of “related person transactions.” For purposes of our policy only, a “related person transaction” is a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which we and any “related person” are participants involving an amount that exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee, consultant or director are not considered related person transactions under this policy. A related person is any executive officer, director, nominee to become a director or a holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, including any of their immediate family members and affiliates, and entities owned or controlled by such persons or entities in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
Under the policy, where a transaction has been identified as a related person transaction, management must present information regarding the proposed related person transaction to our audit committee (or, where review by our audit committee would be inappropriate for reasons of conflict of interest or otherwise, to another independent body of our board of directors) for review. The presentation must include a description of, among other things, all of the parties thereto, the direct and indirect interests of the related persons, the purpose of the transaction, the material facts, the benefits of the transaction to us and whether any alternative transactions are available, an assessment of whether the terms are comparable to the terms available from unrelated third parties or to employees generally and management’s recommendation. To identify related person transactions in advance, we rely on information supplied by our executive officers, directors and certain significant stockholders. In considering related person transactions, our audit committee or another independent body of our board of directors takes into account the relevant available facts and circumstances including, but not limited to:
● | the risks, costs and benefits to us; | |
● | the impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, immediate family member of a director or an entity with which a director is affiliated; | |
● | the terms of the transaction; | |
● | the availability of other sources for comparable services or products; and | |
● | the terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third parties. |
In the event a director has an interest in the proposed transaction, the director must recuse himself or herself from the deliberations and approval.
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The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 7, 2025, and as adjusted to give effect to this offering by:
● | each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock; | |
● | each of our directors and director nominees; | |
● | each of our named executive officers; and | |
● | all of our current executive officers and directors as a group. |
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares of our common stock as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. Applicable percentage ownership before this offering is based on 16,387,180 shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024. Applicable percentage ownership after this offering is based on shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024, that gives effect to (i) the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of this offering, (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, in connection with the closing of this offering; (iii) the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement and (iv) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the closing of this offering. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by an individual or entity and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of our common stock subject to options held by such person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of January 31, 2025, are considered outstanding, although these shares are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Dr. Kathuria, our Executive Chairman, Co-Founder, a member of our board of directors, and the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, has indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of $5 million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price and on the same terms as the other purchasers in this offering. Because this indication of interest is not a binding agreement or commitment to purchase, Dr. Kathuria may determine to purchase more, less or no shares in this offering or the underwriters may determine to sell more, less or no shares to Dr. Kathuria. If any shares are purchased by Dr. Kathuria the number and percentage of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by him after this offering will be higher than those set forth in the table below.
Unless noted otherwise, the address of all listed stockholders is c/o AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., 5001 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110.
Each of the stockholders listed has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by the stockholder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable.
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Number
of Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percentage
of Shares Beneficially Owned |
|||||||||||||||
Before Offering |
After Offering |
Before Offering |
After Offering |
|||||||||||||
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | ||||||||||||||||
Greater than 5% Stockholders: | ||||||||||||||||
New Generation Aerospace, LLC(1) | 4,056,344 | 4,056,344 |
24.8 |
% | 16.3 | % | ||||||||||
Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC(2) | 2,905,168 | 2,905,168 | 17.7 | % | 11.7 | % | ||||||||||
Brian Haynes(3) | 1,003,465 |
1,003,465 |
6.1 | % | 4.0 | % | ||||||||||
Directors, Director Nominees and Named Executive Officers: | ||||||||||||||||
Captain Joseph D. Burns(4) | 1,828,242 | 1,828,242 |
11.2 | % | 7.3 | % | ||||||||||
John Uczekaj(5) | 893,585 |
893,585 | 5.5 | % | 3.6 | % | ||||||||||
Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria(6) | 5,093,675 | 5,093,675 | 31.1 | % | 20.5 | % | ||||||||||
John Belcher | 11,778 | 11,778 | * | % | * | % | ||||||||||
Gregory Winfree | — | — | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||
Brian Nelson | — | — | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||
Elizabeth Ng | — | — | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||
Per Erik Edvard Svehag(7) | 1,043,365 | 1,043,365 | 6.4 | % | 4.2 | % | ||||||||||
Sherrie McCandless | — | — | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||
All current executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons) | 8,870,645 | 8,870,645 | 54.1 | % | 35.6 | % |
* | Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. |
(1) | Consists of (i) 4,022,349 shares of our common stock held by NGA and (ii) 33,995 shares of our common stock issuable to NGA at the closing of this offering pursuant to the Amended and Restated Success Fee Agreement. Dr. Kathuria is the managing member and may be deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the shares of our common stock held by NGA. Dr. Kathuria disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The principal business address for NGA is 19W060 Avenue LaTour, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523. |
(2) | Consists of (i) 1,782,731 shares of our common stock held by Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC and (ii) 1,122,437 shares of our common stock held by Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC issuable, in connection with the completion of this offering, upon the conversion of $44.6 million of the obligations owed to Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC in partial satisfaction of the Jaunt Contingent Arrangement. The principal business address for Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC is 2730 Commerce St., Ste 600, Wichita Falls, Texas 76301. |
(3) | Consists of (i) 972,512 shares of our common stock held by Mr. Haynes, (ii) 18,301 shares of our common stock issuable to Mr. Haynes at the closing of this offering pursuant to the Agile Defense Promissory Note Termination Agreement, and (iii) 12,652 shares of our common stock issuable to Mr. Haynes at the closing of this offering pursuant to the AIRO Drone Promissory Note Termination Agreement. |
(4) | Consists of (i) 1,797,002 shares of our common stock held by the Joe and Kim Burns Trust (the “Burns Trust”), (ii) 14,877 shares of our common stock issuable to Captain Burns at the closing of this offering pursuant to the Agile Defense Promissory Note Termination Agreement, (iii) 14,697 shares of our common stock issuable to Captain Burns at the closing of this offering pursuant to the AIRO Drone Promissory Note Termination Agreement and (iv) 1,666 shares issuable to the Burns Trust pursuant to the Investor Notes. Captain Burns is the trustee of the Burns Trust and has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by the Burns Trust. |
(5) | Consists of (i) 356,506 shares of our common stock held by the JS DM Uczekaj Family Trust (the “Uczekaj Trust”), (ii) 1,666 shares of our common stock issuable to the Uczekaj Trust pursuant to the Investor Notes, and in escrow in his capacity as shareholder representative, (iii) 51,309 shares of our common stock issuable at the closing of this offering pursuant to the 2021 Management Carveout Plan and (iv) 43,512 shares issuable at the closing of this offering pursuant to the Aspen Contingent Debt and (v) 440,592 shares of our common stock issuable at the closing of this offering pursuant to the conversion of the Aspen Notes (the shares referred to in (iv) and (v), the “Aspen Shares”). Mr. Uczekaj is the trustee of the Uczekaj Trust and has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares of our common stock held by the Uczekaj Trust. With respect to the Aspen Shares, Mr. Uczekaj has sole voting power, but not dispositive power, over all of the Aspen Shares prior to the completion of this offering. Following the completion of this offering, Mr. Uczekaj will have sole voting and dispositive power over 1,300 Aspen Shares. Mr. Uczekaj disclaims beneficial ownership of the Aspen Shares prior to the completion of this offering except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. |
(6) | Consists of (i) 1,037,331 shares of our common stock held by Dr. Kathuria, (ii) 4,022,349 shares of our common stock held by NGA and (ii) 33,995 shares of our common stock issuable at the closing of this offering pursuant to the Amended and Restated Success Fee Agreement. Dr. Kathuria is the managing member of NGA and may be deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by NGA. Dr. Kathuria disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. |
(7) | Consists of (i) 524,064 shares of our common stock held by Dangroup and (ii) 519,301 shares of our common stock issuable at the closing of this offering to Dangroup pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement. Mr. Svehag is a director of Dangroup and may be deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Dangroup. Mr. Svehag disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. |
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Upon the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the closing of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 1,000,000,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.000001 per share. All of our authorized preferred stock upon the closing of this offering will be undesignated. The following is a summary of the rights of our common and preferred stockholders and some of the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each of which will become effective immediately prior to the closing of this offering, and of the Delaware General Corporation Law. This summary is not complete. For more detailed information, see our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, as well as the relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Common Stock
Outstanding Shares
As of December 31, 2024, there were 19,887,574 shares of our common stock outstanding, that gives effect to (i) the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of this offering, (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, in connection with the closing of this offering and (iii) the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement. Our common stock was held by 78 stockholders of record as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 305,367 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding options under the Legacy Plan and 254,010 shares of our common stock underlying restricted stock awards outstanding under the Legacy Plan.
Additionally, up to an aggregate of 250,000 shares of our common stock (or 287,500 shares of our common stock if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) are issuable upon the exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants, which are exercisable at an exercise price equal to 110% of the initial public offering price of the shares of common stock sold in this offering.
Voting
Our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors, and does not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election.
Dividends
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then-outstanding preferred stock, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of legally available funds.
Liquidation
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities, subject to the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
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Rights and Preferences
Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or subscription rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
Fully Paid and Nonassessable
All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are, and the shares of our common stock to be issued in this offering will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
Convertible Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2024, there were no shares of convertible preferred stock outstanding.
Immediately prior to the closing of this offering, our certificate of incorporation will be amended and restated. Under the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors will have the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, to fix the rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of each wholly unissued series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon and to increase or decrease the number of shares of any such series, but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding.
Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control that may otherwise benefit holders of our common stock and may adversely affect the market price of the common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. We have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Stock Options
As of December 31, 2024, 305,367 shares of our common stock were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, issued under the Legacy Plan, at a weighted-average exercise price of $8.59 per share. For information regarding the terms of our equity incentive plans, see the section titled “Executive and Director Compensation—Equity Incentive Plans.”
Restricted Stock Awards
As of December 31, 2024, 254,010 shares of our common stock were subject to outstanding restricted stock awards issued under the Legacy Plan. For information regarding the terms of our equity incentive plans, see the section titled “Executive and Director Compensation—Equity Incentive Plans.”
Warrants
As of December 31, 2024, we had 66,026 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $16.83 per share (the “Jaunt Warrants”). The Jaunt Warrants were issued in exchange for warrants to purchase equity in Jaunt pursuant to a Warrant Exchange Agreement between us, Jaunt and the individual warrant holders. The Jaunt Warrants may be exercised within ten years of the issue date.
Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, 104,336 shares of our common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, will be issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock at an exercise price of $0.02 per share (the “Libertas Warrants”). Half of the Libertas Warrants were issued on January 31, 2025 and the remaining warrants were issued February 28, 2025. The Libertas Warrants may be exercised within five years of their respective issue dates.
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Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Our Amended and Restated Bylaws and Delaware Law
Delaware Anti-Takeover Law
We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“Section 203”). Section 203 generally prohibits a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
● | prior to such time the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; | |
● | upon consummation of the transaction which 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 voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (1) by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) 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 | |
● | at or subsequent to such time, 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 which is not owned by the interested stockholder. | |
Section 203 defines a “business combination” to include: | ||
● | any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; | |
● | any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition involving the interested stockholder of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation; | |
● | subject to exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; | |
● | subject to exceptions, 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; and | |
● | the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. |
In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person who beneficially owns, or within the three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.
A Delaware corporation may “opt out” of these provisions with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an express provision in its amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws resulting from a stockholders’ amendment approved by at least a majority of the outstanding voting shares. We have not opted out of these provisions. As a result, mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts of us may be discouraged or prevented.
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws
Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each of which will become effective immediately prior to the closing of this offering, may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in our control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws:
● | permit our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as they may designate (including the right to approve an acquisition or other change in our control); | |
● | provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors; | |
● | provide that the board of directors or any individual director may only be removed with cause and the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of all of our then outstanding common stock; | |
● | provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum; | |
● | divide our board of directors into three classes; | |
● | require that any action to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and not be taken by written consent; | |
● | provide that stockholders seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide notice in writing in a timely manner and also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice; | |
● | do not provide for cumulative voting rights (therefore allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose); | |
● | provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the Chairperson of the board, our Chief Executive Officer or by the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors; |
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● | provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative claim or cause of action brought on our behalf, (ii) any claim or cause of action that is based upon a violation of a duty owed by any of our current or former director, officer, employees or stockholder, to us or our stockholders; (iii) any claim or cause of action against us or any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees, arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws; (iv) any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws; (v) any claim or cause of action as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (vi) any claim or cause of action or proceeding asserting a claim against us or any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees governed by the internal-affairs doctrine or otherwise related to our internal affairs, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants; provided, however, that if the designation of such court as the sole and exclusive forum for a claim or action referred to in foregoing clauses (i) through (vi) would violate applicable law, then the United States District Court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for such claim or cause of action; and | |
● | provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant named in such complaint. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by us, our officers and directors, the underwriters for any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person or entity and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering. |
The amendment of any of these provisions, with the exception of the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and designate any rights, preferences and privileges thereto, would require approval by the holders of at least 66-2/3% of our then-outstanding common stock.
Exchange Listing
We have applied to list our common stock on Nasdaq under the symbol “AIRO.” We believe that upon the closing of this offering, we will meet the standards for listing on Nasdaq, and the closing of this offering is contingent upon such listing.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification Matters
See the section titled “Executive Compensation—Limitations on Liability and Indemnification.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Equiniti Trust Company, LLC. The transfer agent and registrar’s address is 48 Wall Street, Floor 23, New York, New York 10005.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Immediately prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices. Furthermore, since only a limited number of shares will be available for sale shortly after this offering because of contractual and legal restrictions on resale described below, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after the restrictions lapse could adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock as well as our ability to raise equity capital in the future.
Based on the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024, upon the closing of this offering and giving effect to (i) the conversion of the Fixed Conversion Obligations into an aggregate of 2,182,584 shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of this offering, (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of 798,509 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Investor Notes, assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, in connection with the closing of this offering, (iii) the issuance of an aggregate of 519,301 shares of our common stock pursuant to the Dangroup Incentive Agreement (iv) no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of our common stock and (v) no exercise of outstanding options, or the vesting and settlement of outstanding restricted stock awards, an aggregate of 24,887,574 shares of our common stock will be outstanding. All of the shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable in the public market without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless held by an affiliate of ours. Except as set forth below, the remaining shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering will be restricted as a result of securities laws or lock-up agreements. In addition, any shares sold in this offering to entities affiliated with our existing stockholders and directors will be subject to lock-up agreements. These remaining shares will generally become available for sale in the public market as follows:
● | 333,073 restricted shares will be eligible for immediate sale upon the closing of this offering; | |
● | approximately 100,000 restricted shares will be eligible for sale under Rule 144 or Rule 701 90 days after the date of this prospectus; | |
● | 20,583,739 shares of our common stock will be eligible for sale in the public market beginning 180 days after the date of this prospectus and from time to time thereafter, subject in some cases to the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144, as described below; and | |
● | the remainder of the restricted shares will be eligible for sale from time to time thereafter upon expiration of their respective holding periods under Rule 144, as described below. |
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Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, any person who is an affiliate of ours and has held their shares for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, may sell shares without restriction, provided current public information about us is available. In addition, under Rule 144, any person who is not an affiliate of ours and has held their shares for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, would be entitled to sell an unlimited number of shares immediately upon the closing of this offering without regard to whether current public information about us is available. Beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, a person who is an affiliate of ours and who has beneficially owned restricted securities for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, is entitled to sell a number of restricted shares within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of:
● | 1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 248,875 shares immediately after this offering; or | |
● | the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on Nasdaq during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale. |
Sales of restricted shares under Rule 144 held by our affiliates are also subject to requirements regarding the manner of sale, notice and the availability of current public information about us. Rule 144 also provides that affiliates relying on Rule 144 to sell shares of our common stock that are not restricted shares must nonetheless comply with the same restrictions applicable to restricted shares, other than the holding period requirement.
Notwithstanding the availability of Rule 144, the holders of substantially all of our restricted shares have entered into lock-up agreements as described below and their restricted shares will become eligible for sale at the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements.
Rule 701
Under Rule 701, shares of our common stock acquired upon the exercise of currently outstanding options or pursuant to other rights granted under our stock plans may be resold by:
● | persons other than affiliates, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, subject only to the manner-of-sale provisions of Rule 144; and | |
● | our affiliates, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, subject to the manner-of-sale and volume limitations, current public information and filing requirements of Rule 144, in each case, without compliance with the six-month holding period requirement of Rule 144. |
As of December 31, 2024, options to purchase a total of 305,367 shares of our common stock were outstanding, of which 255,847 were vested. Of the total number of shares of our common stock issuable under these options, substantially all are subject to contractual lock-up agreements with us or the underwriters described below under “Underwriting” and will become eligible for sale at the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements unless held by an affiliate of ours.
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Lock-Up Agreements
We and our officers, directors, and holders of substantially all of our common stock have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. These agreements are described in more detail in the section titled “Underwriting”. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. advised us that they have no current intent or arrangement to release any of the shares subject to the lock-up agreements prior to the expiration of the lock-up agreements.
After this offering, certain of our employees, including our executive officers and/or directors, may enter into written trading plans that are intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. Sales under these trading plans would not be permitted until the expiration of the lock-up agreements relating to the offering described above.
Equity Incentive Plans
We intend to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering the shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the Legacy Plan and the 2025 Plan. The registration statement is expected to be filed and become effective as soon as practicable after the closing of this offering. Accordingly, shares registered under the registration statement will be available for sale in the open market following its effective date, subject to Rule 144 volume limitations and the lock-up agreements described above, if applicable.
Underwriters’ Warrants
We have agreed to issue to certain of the underwriters, upon the closing of this offering, warrants exercisable for the number of shares of our common stock equal to 5% of the total number of shares of our common stock sold in this offering (which we refer to as the “Underwriters’ Warrants”). The Underwriters’ Warrants will be exercisable at an exercise price equal to 110% of the initial public offering price of our common stock sold in this offering, will be exercisable, in whole or in part, from time to time after six months following the date of this prospectus, and will expire on the date that is five years following the date of this prospectus. The Underwriters’ Warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants are also being registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Underwriting—Underwriters’ Warrants.”
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders (as defined below) of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock issued pursuant to this offering. This discussion is not a complete analysis of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences relating thereto, does not address the potential application of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, or the alternative minimum tax, and does not address any estate or gift tax consequences or any tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign tax laws, or any other U.S. federal tax laws. This discussion is based on the Code, and applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), all as in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities are subject to differing interpretations and may change, possibly retroactively, resulting in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with such statements and conclusions.
This discussion is limited to non-U.S. holders who purchase our common stock pursuant to this offering and who hold our common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular holder in light of such holder’s circumstances. This discussion also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may be relevant to holders subject to special rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including:
● | U.S. expatriates and certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; | |
● | partnerships or other pass-through entities (and investors therein); | |
● | “controlled foreign corporations”; | |
● | “passive foreign investment companies”; | |
● | corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; | |
● | banks, other financial institutions, investment funds, insurance companies, brokers, dealers or traders in securities; | |
● | tax-exempt organizations and governmental organizations; | |
● | tax-qualified retirement plans; | |
● | “qualified foreign pension funds” as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds; |
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● | persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code; | |
● | persons who hold or receive our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; | |
● | persons that own, or have owned, actually or constructively, more than 5% of our common stock at any time; and | |
● | persons holding our common stock as part of a hedging or conversion transaction, straddle, synthetic security, constructive sale, or other risk reduction strategy or integrated investment. |
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Partnerships holding our common stock and the partners in such partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisors about the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of holding and disposing of our common stock.
THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON STOCK, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS AND ANY OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS AND UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
Definition of Non-U.S. Holder
For purposes of this discussion, a non-U.S. holder is any beneficial owner of our common stock that is not a “U.S. person” or a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. person is any person that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as any of the following:
● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; | |
● | a corporation (or entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; | |
● | an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or | |
● | a trust (i) whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a United States person. |
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Distributions on Common Stock
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and we do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. However, if we do make cash or other property distributions on our common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and will first be applied against and reduce a non-U.S. holder’s tax basis in our common stock, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of our common stock and will be treated as described under the section titled “Gain on Disposition of Common Stock” below.
Subject to the discussions below regarding effectively connected income, backup withholding and Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (commonly referred to as FATCA), dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must furnish us or our paying agent with a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or applicable successor form) and satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. This certification must be provided to us or our paying agent before the payment of dividends and must be updated periodically. If the non-U.S. holder holds the stock through a financial institution or other intermediary, the non-U.S. holder will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the intermediary, which then will be required to provide certification to us or our paying agent, either directly or through other intermediaries.
Non-U.S. holders that do not provide the required certification on a timely basis, but that qualify for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.
If a non-U.S. holder holds our common stock in connection with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and dividends paid on our common stock are effectively connected with such holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and are attributable to such holder’s permanent establishment in the United States if required by an applicable tax treaty), the non-U.S. holder will be exempt from the U.S. federal withholding tax described above. To claim the exemption, the non-U.S. holder must generally furnish a valid IRS Form W-8ECI (or applicable successor form) to the applicable withholding agent, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business within the United States.
However, any such effectively connected dividends paid on our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such holder were a resident of the United States. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to 30% (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for different treatment) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Gain on Disposition of our Common Stock
Subject to the discussions below regarding backup withholding and FATCA, a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of our common stock, unless:
● | the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States; |
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● | the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition, and certain other requirements are met; or | |
● | our common stock constitutes a “United States real property interest” by reason of our status as a United States real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period for our common stock, and our common stock is not “regularly traded” on an established securities market (as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations). |
Determining whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property interests relative to the fair market value of our worldwide real property interests and our other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. We believe that we are not currently and do not anticipate becoming a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although there can be no assurance we will not in the future become a USRPHC. If we are or become a USRPHC and the “regularly traded” exception noted above does not apply to the disposition, a non-U.S. holder will generally be taxed on any gain in the same manner as gain that is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, except that the branch profits tax generally will not apply. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible consequences to them if we are, or were to become, a USRPHC.
Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such holder were a resident of the United States. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to 30% (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for different treatment) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. A non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a flat 30% rate (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for different treatment) on gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock, but may be offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Annual reports are required to be filed with the IRS and provided to each non-U.S. holder indicating distributions on our common stock paid to such holder and the amount of any tax withheld with respect to those distributions. These information reporting requirements apply regardless of whether such distributions constitute dividends and even if no withholding was required because the distributions were effectively connected with the holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, or withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. This information also may be made available under a specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established. Backup withholding, currently at a 24% rate, generally will not apply to payments to a non-U.S. holder of dividends on or the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock provided the non-U.S. holder furnishes the required certification for its non-U.S. status, such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or IRS Form W-8ECI, or certain other requirements are met. Backup withholding may apply if the payor has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. If any amount is withheld under the backup withholding rules, the non-U.S. holder should consult with a U.S. tax advisor regarding the possibility of and procedure for obtaining a refund or a credit against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any.
Withholding on Foreign Entities
Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or “FATCA”) imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain payments made to a “foreign financial institution” (as specially defined under these rules) unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities certain information regarding certain U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) or an exemption applies. FATCA also generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain payments made to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent a certification certifying it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or identifying certain direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity or an exemption applies. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements. FATCA currently applies to dividends paid on our common stock. The U.S. Treasury released proposed Treasury Regulations which, if finalized in their present form, would eliminate the federal withholding tax of 30% applicable to the gross proceeds of a sale or other disposition of our common stock. In its preamble to such proposed Treasury Regulations, the U.S. Treasury Department stated that taxpayers may generally rely on such proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.
Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the potential implications of FATCA on their investment in our common stock.
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Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, dated , 2025 between us and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”), as representative of the underwriters named below (the “Representative”), we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the shares of our common stock shown opposite its name below:
Underwriter | Number of Shares | |||
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. | ||||
BTIG, LLC | ||||
Mizuho Securities USA LLC | ||||
Bancroft Capital, LLC | ||||
Total | 5,000,000 |
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent such as the receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates and legal opinions and approval of certain legal matters by their counsel. The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters will purchase all of the shares of our common stock if any of them are purchased. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and certain of their controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the shares of our common stock subject to their acceptance of the shares of our common stock from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part. In addition, the underwriters have advised us that they do not intend to confirm sales to any account over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Option to Purchase Additional Shares
We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase, from time to time, in whole or in part, up to an aggregate of 750,000 shares from us at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions. If the underwriters exercise this option, each underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase a number of additional shares approximately proportionate to that underwriter’s initial purchase commitment as indicated in the table above.
Indication of Interest
The executive chairman of our board of directors, Chirinjeev Kathuria, has indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of $5 million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price and on the same terms as the other purchasers in this offering. Because this indication of interest is not a binding agreement or commitment to purchase, Dr. Kathuria may determine to purchase more, less or no shares in this offering or the underwriters may determine to sell more, less or no shares to Dr. Kathuria. The underwriters will receive the same discount on any of these shares of common stock purchased by Dr. Kathuria as they will from any other shares sold to the public in this offering.
Commission and Expenses
The underwriters have advised us that they propose to offer the shares of our common stock to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers, which may include the underwriters, at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share of our common stock. The underwriters may allow, and certain dealers may reallow, a discount from the concession not in excess of $ per share of our common stock to certain brokers and dealers. After the initial offering, the Representative may change the offering price and other selling terms.
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The following table shows the public offering price, the underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay the underwriters and the proceeds, before expenses, to us in connection with this offering. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.
Per Share | Total | |||||||||||||||
Without Option to Purchase Additional Shares | With Option to Purchase Additional Shares | Without Option to Purchase Additional Shares | With Option to Purchase Additional Shares | |||||||||||||
Public offering price | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Proceeds to us, before expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ |
(1) The underwriting discounts and commissions reflected in this table do not include (i) the issuance by us of the Underwriters’ Warrants to certain of the underwriters (see “—Underwriters’ Warrants” below) or (ii) the reimbursement by us of certain expenses as described below.
We estimate expenses payable by us in connection with this offering, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions referred to above, will be approximately $5.0 million, which includes our agreement to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses up to $240,000.
Determination of Offering Price
Prior to this offering, there has not been a public market for our common stock. Consequently, the initial public offering price for our common stock will be determined by negotiations between us and the representative. Among the factors to be considered in these negotiations will be prevailing market conditions, our financial information, market valuations of other companies that we and the underwriters believe to be comparable to us, estimates of our business potential, the present state of our development and other factors deemed relevant.
We offer no assurances that the initial public offering price will correspond to the price at which the common stock will trade in the public market subsequent to the offering or that an active trading market for the common stock will develop and continue after the offering.
Underwriters’ Warrants
We have agreed to issue to certain of the underwriters, upon the closing of this offering, warrants exercisable for the number of shares of our common stock equal to 5% of the total number of shares of common stock sold in this offering (which we refer to as the “Underwriters’ Warrants”). The Underwriters’ Warrants will be exercisable at an exercise price equal to 110% of the initial public offering price of the shares of common stock sold in this offering. Subject to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1), the Underwriters’ Warrants will be exercisable, in whole or in part, from time to time after six months following the date of this prospectus, until the expiration of the Underwriters’ Warrants on the date that is five (5) years following the commencement of this offering, in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(A). The Underwriters’ Warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants are also being registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and this prospectus also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants.
In addition, pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110, the Underwriters’ Warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the Underwriters’ Warrants are deemed by FINRA to be underwriting compensation for this offering, and, as such, they will be subject to lock-up restrictions, as required by FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1), and may not be sold during this offering, or sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of such securities by any person, for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or the commencement of sales under this offering, except as provided in FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2).
The exercise price and the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances, including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, or recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. You should review a copy of the form of the Underwriters’ Warrants, which is included as Exhibit 4.2 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the Underwriters’ Warrants.
Listing
We have applied to list our common stock on Nasdaq under the trading symbol “AIRO.” The approval of our common stock for listing on Nasdaq is a condition to the closing of this offering.
No Sales of Similar Securities
We, our officers and our directors have agreed, subject to certain specified exceptions, not to directly or indirectly, for a period of 180 days after the date of the underwriting agreement:
● | sell, offer, contract or grant any option to sell (including any short sale), pledge, transfer, establish an open “put equivalent position” within the meaning of Rule 16a-l(h) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise dispose of, any shares of common stock, options or warrants to acquire shares of common stock, or securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into shares of common stock currently or hereafter owned either of record or beneficially, | |
● | enter into any swap, hedge or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of common stock, or securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into shares of common stock, or | |
● | publicly announce an intention to do any of the foregoing for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of the Representative. |
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In addition, we and each such person agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative, we or such other person will not, during the restricted period, make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of our common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock.
The restrictions in the immediately preceding paragraph do not apply to, among other things, and subject in certain cases to various conditions:
(a) transfers in certain circumstances, including:
(i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, or charitable contribution, or for bona fide estate planning purposes,
(ii) by will or intestacy or any other testamentary document,
(iii) to any member of the holder’s immediate family,
(iv) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the holder or the immediate family of the holder,
(v) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (i) through (iv) above,
(vi) by a business entity (A) to an affiliated or controlled entity or (B) as part of a distribution to current or former general or limited partners, managers or members, shareholders or other equityholders,
(vii) by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree or separation agreement,
(viii) to us upon death, disability, or if the holder is our employee, termination of employment,
(ix) as part of a sale of common stock acquired (A) from the underwriters in this offering or (B) in open market transactions after the closing date of this offering,
(x) to us in connection with the vesting, settlement, or exercise of restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of common stock (including, in each case, by way of “net” or “cashless” exercise), including for the payment of exercise price and tax and remittance payments due as a result of the vesting, settlement, or exercise of such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights, held pursuant to an agreement or equity awards granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan described in this prospectus, or
(xi) pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, that is approved by our board of directors and made to all holders of our capital stock;
(b) the exercise of outstanding options, settle restricted stock units or other equity awards or the exercise of warrants pursuant to plans described in this prospectus;
(c) the conversion of outstanding preferred stock, warrants to acquire preferred stock or convertible securities into shares of common stock or warrants to acquire shares of common stock;
(d) the establishment or amendment of trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act; provided that (1) no transfers occur under such plan during such lock-up period and (2) no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be made voluntarily in connection with the establishment or amendment of such trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1, provided that if a filing under the Exchange Act or other public announcement is required, such announcement or filing shall include a statement that a transfer, sale or other disposition is not permitted under such trading plan during the lock-up period; and
(e) the transfer or disposition of shares of common stock pursuant to “sell-to-cover” transactions in connection with the issuance of shares pursuant to a benefit pool or as deferred compensation described in this prospectus, provided that, any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of common stock in connection with such sell-to-cover transaction that is legally required during the lock-up period shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature and conditions of such transaction.
The Representative may, in its sole discretion and at any time or from time to time before the termination of the 180-day period release all or any portion of the securities subject to lock-up agreements.
Market Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions
The underwriters may make a market in the common stock as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. However, the underwriters are not obligated to do so, and the underwriters may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice in their sole discretion. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the common stock, that you will be able to sell any of the common stock held by you at a particular time or that the prices that you receive when you sell will be favorable.
The underwriters have advised us that they, pursuant to Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and certain persons participating in the offering, may engage in short sale transactions, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions or the imposition of penalty bids in connection with this offering. These activities may have the effect of stabilizing or maintaining the market price of the common stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Establishing short sales positions may involve either “covered” short sales or “naked” short sales.
“Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of our common stock in this offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock or purchasing shares of our common stock in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered 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 the option to purchase additional shares.
“Naked” short sales are sales in excess of the option to purchase additional shares of our common stock. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering.
A stabilizing bid is a bid for the purchase of shares of our common stock on behalf of the underwriters for the purpose of fixing or maintaining the price of the common stock. A syndicate covering transaction is the bid for or the purchase of shares of our common stock on behalf of the underwriters to reduce a short position incurred by the underwriters in connection with the offering. Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales 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 our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. A penalty bid is an arrangement permitting the underwriters to reclaim the selling concession otherwise accruing to a syndicate member in connection with the offering if the common stock originally sold by such syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction and therefore have not been effectively placed by such syndicate member.
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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. The underwriters are not obligated to engage in these activities and, if commenced, may end any of these activities at any time.
Passive Market Making
The underwriters may also engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock on Nasdaq in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of shares of our common stock in this offering and extending through the completion of distribution. A passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of that security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, that bid must then be lowered when specified purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may cause the price of our common stock to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of those transactions. The underwriters are not required to engage in passive market making and, if commenced, may end passive market making activities at any time.
Electronic Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available by e-mail or on the web sites or through online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters, selling group members (if any) or their affiliates. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a specific number of shares of our common stock for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the underwriters 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 web site maintained by any of the underwriters is not part of this prospectus, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the underwriters and should not be relied upon by investors.
Other Activities and Relationships
The underwriters and certain of their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in a wide range of activities for their own accounts and the accounts of customers, which may include, among other things, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, merchant banking, equity and fixed income sales, trading and research, derivatives, foreign exchange, futures, asset management, custody, clearance and securities lending. The underwriters and certain of their affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various investment banking and financial advisory services for us and our affiliates, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.
In addition, in the ordinary course of its business, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may, directly or indirectly, hold long or short positions, trade and otherwise conduct such activities in or with respect to debt or equity securities and/or bank debt of, and/or derivative products. Such investment and securities activities may involve our securities and instruments. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long or short positions in such securities and instruments.
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Stamp Taxes
If you purchase shares of our common stock offered in this prospectus, you may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges under the laws and practices of the country of purchase, in addition to the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus.
Selling Restrictions
No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of the securities, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus or any other material relating to us or the securities in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this prospectus nor any other material or advertisements in connection with the securities may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable laws, rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.
United Arab Emirates
The securities have not been offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the United Arab Emirates, except: (1) in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates; and (2) through persons or corporate entities authorized and licensed to provide investment advice and/or engage in brokerage activity and/or trade in respect of foreign securities in the United Arab Emirates. The information contained in this prospectus does not constitute a public offer of securities in the United Arab Emirates in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1984 (as amended)) or otherwise and is not intended to be a public offer and is addressed only to persons who are sophisticated investors.
Canada
This prospectus constitutes an “exempt offering document” as defined in and for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws. No prospectus has been filed with any securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada in connection with the offer and sale of the securities. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada has reviewed or in any way passed upon this prospectus or on the merits of the securities and any representation to the contrary is an offence.
Canadian investors are advised that this prospectus has been prepared in reliance on section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (“NI 33-105”). Pursuant to section 3A.3 of NI 33-105, this prospectus is exempt from the requirement that the issuer and the underwriters provide investors with certain conflicts of interest disclosure pertaining to “connected issuer” and/or “related issuer” relationships that may exist between the issuer and the underwriters as would otherwise be required pursuant to subsection 2.1(1) of NI 33-105.
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Resale restrictions
The offer and sale of the securities in Canada is being made on a private placement basis only and is exempt from the requirement that the issuer prepares and files a prospectus under applicable Canadian securities laws. Any resale of the securities acquired by a Canadian investor in this offering must be made in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, which may vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made in accordance with Canadian prospectus requirements, pursuant to a statutory exemption from the prospectus requirements, in a transaction exempt from the prospectus requirements or otherwise under a discretionary exemption from the prospectus requirements granted by the applicable local Canadian securities regulatory authority. These resale restrictions may under certain circumstances apply to resales of the securities outside of Canada.
Representations of purchasers
Each Canadian investor who purchases the securities will be deemed to have represented to the issuer and the underwriters that the investor (i) is purchasing the securities as principal, or is deemed to be purchasing as principal in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, for investment only and not with a view to resale or redistribution; (ii) is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in section 1.1 of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions (“NI 45-106”) or, in Ontario, as such term is defined in section 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario); and (iii) is a “permitted client” as such term is defined in section 1.1 of National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations.
Taxation and eligibility for investment
Any discussion of taxation and related matters contained in this prospectus does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a Canadian investor when deciding to purchase the securities and, in particular, does not address any Canadian tax considerations. No representation or warranty is hereby made as to the tax consequences to a resident, or deemed resident, of Canada of an investment in the securities or with respect to the eligibility of the securities for investment by such investor under relevant Canadian federal and provincial legislation and regulations.
Rights of action for damages or rescission
Securities legislation in certain of the Canadian jurisdictions provides certain purchasers of securities pursuant to an offering memorandum (such as this prospectus), including where the distribution involves an “eligible foreign security” as such term is defined in Ontario Securities Commission Rule 45-501 Ontario Prospectus and Registration Exemptions and in Multilateral Instrument 45-107 Listing Representation and Statutory Rights of Action Disclosure Exemptions, as applicable, with a remedy for damages or rescission, or both, in addition to any other rights they may have at law, where the offering memorandum, or other offering document that constitutes an offering memorandum, and any amendment thereto, contains a “misrepresentation” as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. These remedies, or notice with respect to these remedies, must be exercised or delivered, as the case may be, by the purchaser within the time limits prescribed under, and are subject to limitations and defenses under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. In addition, these remedies are in addition to and without derogation from any other right or remedy available at law to the investor.
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Language of documents
Upon receipt of this document, each Canadian investor hereby confirms that it has expressly requested that all documents evidencing or relating in any way to the sale of the securities described herein (including for greater certainty any purchase confirmation or any notice) be drawn up in the English language only. Par la réception de ce document, chaque investisseur Canadien confirme par les présentes qu’il a expressément exigé que tous les documents faisant foi ou se rapportant de quelque manière que ce soit à la vente des valeurs mobilières décrites aux présentes (incluant, pour plus de certitude, toute confirmation d’achat ou tout avis) soient rédigés en anglais seulement.
Australia
This document does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Australia’s Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Corporations Act”) of Australia. This document has not been lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission and is only directed to the categories of exempt persons set out below. Accordingly, if you receive this document in Australia:
You confirm and warrant that you are either:
● | a “sophisticated investor” under section 708(8)(a) or (b) of the Corporations Act; | |
● | a “sophisticated investor” under section 708(8)(c) or (d) of the Corporations Act and that you have provided an accountant’s certificate to the company 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; or | |
● | a “professional investor” within the meaning of section 708(11)(a) or (b) of the Corporations Act. |
To the extent that you are unable to confirm or warrant that you are an exempt sophisticated investor or professional investor under the Corporations Act any offer made to you under this document is void and incapable of acceptance.
You warrant and agree that you will not offer any of the securities issued to you pursuant to this document 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.
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European Economic Area
In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area (each a “Member State”), no securities have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offer described herein in that Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation, except that the securities may be offered to the public in that Member State at any time:
(i) | to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation; | |
(ii) | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters for any such offer; or | |
(iii) | in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation, |
provided that no such offer of securities shall require the issuer or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.
Each person in a Member State who acquires any securities in the offer or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the issuer and the underwriters that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.
In the case of any securities being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the issuer and the underwriters that the securities acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in a Member State to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriters has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale. Neither the issuer nor the underwriters have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of securities through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the underwriters which constitute the final placement of securities contemplated in this document.
The issuer and the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any securities in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase, or subscribe for, any securities and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
In Member States, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). This document must not be acted on or relied on in any Member State by persons who are not Qualified Investors. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available in any Member State only to Qualified Investors and will be engaged in only with such persons.
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France
The securities are being issued and sold outside the Republic of France and that, in connection with their initial distribution, the underwriters have not offered or sold and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any securities to the public in the Republic of France, and that they has not distributed and will not distribute or cause to be distributed to the public in the Republic of France this prospectus or any other offering material relating to the securities, and that such offers, sales and distributions have been and will be made in the Republic of France only to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) in accordance with Article L.411-2 of the Monetary and Financial Code and decrét no. 98-880 dated October 1, 1998.
Germany
Each person who is in possession of this prospectus is aware that no German sales prospectus (Verkaufsprospekt) within the meaning of the Securities Sales Prospectus Act (Wertpapier-Verkaufsprospektgesetz, the “Act”) of the Federal Republic of Germany has been or will be published with respect to the securities. In particular, the underwriters have represented that they have not engaged and have agreed that they will not engage in a public offering (offentliches Angebot) within the meaning of the Act with respect to any of the securities otherwise then in accordance with the Act and all other applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Peoples’ Republic of China
This prospectus may not be circulated or distributed in the PRC and the securities may not be offered or sold, and will not offer or sell to any person for re-offering or resale directly or indirectly to any resident of the PRC except pursuant to applicable laws, rules and regulations of the PRC. For the purpose of this paragraph only, the PRC does not include Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
Hong Kong
No securities have been, may be or will be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than to persons whose ordinary business is to buy or sell securities or debentures, whether as principal or agent; or to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (the “SFO”) and any rules made thereunder; or in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong (the “C(WUMP)O”), or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the C(WUMP)O. No document, invitation or advertisement relating to the securities has been issued or may be issued or will 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 of Hong Kong (except if permitted under the securities 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” as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder.
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This document has not been and will not be registered with the Registrar of Companies in Hong Kong. Accordingly, this document may not be issued, circulated or distributed in Hong Kong, and the securities may not be offered for subscription to members of the public in Hong Kong. Each person acquiring the securities will be required, and is deemed by the acquisition of the securities, to confirm that he is aware of the restriction on offers of the securities described in this document and the relevant offering documents and that he is not acquiring, and has not been offered any securities in circumstances that contravene any such restrictions.
Japan
The offering has not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948 of Japan, as amended) (the “FIEA”). The securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means, unless otherwise provided herein, any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the FIEA and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.
Singapore
This document has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this document 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 (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act 2001 of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time (the “SFA”)) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where the securities are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is, amongst others:
(a) | a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or | |
(b) | a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, |
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the securities (as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the securities pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
(1) | to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(c)(ii) of the SFA; | |
(2) | where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; | |
(3) | where the transfer is by operation of law; | |
(4) | as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or | |
(5) | as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018. |
Solely for the purposes of its obligations pursuant to Sections 309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the SFA, we have determined, and hereby notify all relevant persons (as defined in Section 309A(1) of the SFA) that the securities are “prescribed capital markets products” (as defined in the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018 of Singapore) and “Excluded Investment Products” (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).
Switzerland
The securities may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document 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, the issuer 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 securities will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, or FINMA, and the offer of securities has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of securities.
Israel
This document does not constitute a prospectus under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, or the Securities Law, and has not been filed with or approved by the Israel Securities Authority. In the State of Israel, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer of the securities is directed only at, investors listed in the first addendum, or the Addendum, to the Israeli Securities Law, consisting primarily of joint investment in trust funds, provident funds, insurance companies, banks, portfolio managers, investment advisors, members of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, underwriters, venture capital funds, entities with equity in excess of NIS 50 million and “qualified individuals”, each as defined in the Addendum (as it may be amended from time to time), collectively referred to as qualified investors (in each case purchasing for their own account or, where permitted under the Addendum, for the accounts of their clients who are investors listed in the Addendum). Qualified investors will be required to submit written confirmation that they fall within the scope of the Addendum, are aware of the meaning of same and agree to it.
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United Kingdom
In relation to the United Kingdom, no securities have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offer described herein to the public in the United Kingdom prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, except that the securities may be offered to the public in the United Kingdom at any time:
(i) | to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation; | |
(ii) | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters for any such offer; or | |
(iii) | in any other circumstances falling within Section 86 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) (the “FSMA”), |
provided that no such offer of the securities shall require the issuer or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
Each person in the United Kingdom who acquires any securities in the offer or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the issuer and the underwriters that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
In the case of any securities being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the issuer and the underwriters that the securities acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in the United Kingdom to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriters has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale. Neither the issuer nor the underwriters have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of securities through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the underwriters which constitute the final placement of securities contemplated in this document.
The issuer and the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to the securities in the United Kingdom means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any securities and the expression “UK Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of United Kingdom law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
In the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the UK Prospectus Regulation who are also: (i) persons who fall within the definition of “investment professionals” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”); (ii) persons falling within Article 49(2) of the Order; or (iii) persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available in the United Kingdom only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with such persons.
Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) may only be communicated or caused to be communicated in connection with the issue or sale of the securities in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. All applicable provisions of the FSMA and the Order must be complied with in respect of anything done by any person in relation to the securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
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The validity of the shares of our common stock being offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Cooley LLP. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Latham & Watkins LLP.
The consolidated financial statements of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus) of BPM 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 have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of our common stock being offered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information in the registration statement and its exhibits. For further information with respect to us and the common stock offered by this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Each of these statements is qualified in all respects by this reference.
You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement, over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing us at 5001 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110, or calling us at (505) 338-2434.
Upon the closing of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we will file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information will be available for inspection and copying at the public reference room and website of the SEC referred to above. We also maintain a website at www.theairogroup.com, at which, following the closing of this offering, you may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference in, and is not part of, this prospectus.
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page | |
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 207) | F-2 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | F-3 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations | F-4 |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss | F-5 |
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity | F-6 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | F-7 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-8 |
F-1 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s cash and working capital as of December 31, 2024 are not sufficient to complete its planned activities for the next twelve months. These conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s evaluation of the events and conditions and management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ BPM LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.
San Jose, California
April 9, 2025
F-2 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 20,740,590 | $ | 4,117,875 | ||||
Restricted cash | 170,088 | 8,984,437 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 8,960,705 | 1,377,388 | ||||||
Related party receivables | 790,967 | 445,033 | ||||||
Inventory | 8,822,721 | 2,864,170 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 2,309,676 | 1,368,123 | ||||||
Deferred offering costs | 798,796 | - | ||||||
Total current assets | 42,593,543 | 19,157,026 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 6,833,817 | 10,132,103 | ||||||
Right-of-use operating lease assets | 352,486 | 329,957 | ||||||
Goodwill | 557,508,331 | 602,602,501 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net | 93,502,277 | 105,054,245 | ||||||
Other assets | 208,333 | 246,786 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 700,998,787 | $ | 737,522,618 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 16,439,760 | $ | 17,229,424 | ||||
Related party payables | 1,099,970 | 993,023 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | 17,457,155 | 6,974,174 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities, current | 212,591 | 328,560 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 10,339,978 | 11,088,153 | ||||||
Related party borrowings | 5,971,281 | 4,371,239 | ||||||
Revolving lines of credit | 126,589 | 743,227 | ||||||
Current maturities of debt | 27,992,450 | 25,014,151 | ||||||
Investor notes at fair value | 13,819,000 | - | ||||||
Due to seller | 3,147,762 | 18,766,921 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 96,606,536 | 85,508,872 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities | 688,270 | 500,000 | ||||||
Deferred compensation | 11,218,573 | 9,327,168 | ||||||
Deferred tax liability | 767,331 | 1,475,102 | ||||||
Long-term deferred revenue | 10,158 | 14,649 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent | 146,214 | 8,853 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 50,000 | 50,000 | ||||||
Contingent consideration | 42,782,276 | 45,182,276 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 152,269,358 | 142,066,920 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) | ||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Common stock, $0.000001 par value; 35,000,000 shares authorized; 16,387,180 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (1) | 16 | 16 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 764,691,988 | 763,975,896 | ||||||
Stockholder loan | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (9,509,285 | ) | (761,163 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit | (206,453,285 | ) | (167,759,046 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 548,729,429 | 595,455,698 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 700,998,787 | $ | 737,522,618 |
(1) Share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of a 1-for-1.7 reverse stock split effected on March 7, 2025, as discussed in Note 1.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Revenue | $ | 86,935,059 | $ | 43,253,815 | ||||
Cost of revenue | 28,618,322 | 18,339,915 | ||||||
Gross profit | 58,316,737 | 24,913,900 | ||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Research and development | 13,133,488 | 11,870,771 | ||||||
Sales and marketing | 6,422,000 | 5,374,332 | ||||||
General and administrative | 18,200,677 | 17,600,953 | ||||||
Goodwill impairment | 37,994,000 | - | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 75,750,165 | 34,846,056 | ||||||
Loss from operations | (17,433,428 | ) | (9,932,156 | ) | ||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||
Interest expense, net | (14,225,089 | ) | (2,137,234 | ) | ||||
Other income (expense), net | 2,172,925 | (18,093,226 | ) | |||||
Total other expense | (12,052,164 | ) | (20,230,460 | ) | ||||
Loss before income tax expense | (29,485,592 | ) | (30,162,616 | ) | ||||
Income tax expense | (9,208,647 | ) | (2,293,807 | ) | ||||
Net loss | $ | (38,694,239 | ) | $ | (32,456,423 | ) | ||
Net loss per share - basic and diluted (1) | $ | (2.36 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) | ||
Weighted-average number of common shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted (1) | 16,387,180 | 16,387,180 |
(1) Share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of a 1-for-1.7 reverse stock split effected on March 7, 2025, as discussed in Note 1.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4 |
Consolidated Statements of comprehensive loss
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Net loss | $ | (38,694,239 | ) | $ | (32,456,423 | ) | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | (8,748,122 | ) | 3,099,837 | |||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | (8,748,122 | ) | 3,099,837 | |||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | (47,442,361 | ) | $ | (29,356,586 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5 |
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock | Additional Paid-In | Stockholder | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | Accumulated | Total Stockholders’ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares (1) | Amount (1) | Capital (1) | Loan | Loss | Deficit | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2023 | 16,387,180 | $ | 16 | $ | 762,160,671 | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (3,861,000 | ) | $ | (135,302,623 | ) | $ | 622,997,059 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 1,815,225 | - | - | - | 1,815,225 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | - | - | - | 3,099,837 | - | 3,099,837 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (32,456,423 | ) | (32,456,423 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 16,387,180 | 16 | 763,975,896 | (5 | ) | (761,163 | ) | (167,759,046 | ) | 595,455,698 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 716,092 | - | - | - | 716,092 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | - | - | - | (8,748,122 | ) | - | (8,748,122 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (38,694,239 | ) | (38,694,239 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2024 | 16,387,180 | $ | 16 | $ | 764,691,988 | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (9,509,285 | ) | $ | (206,453,285 | ) | $ | 548,729,429 |
(1) Share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of a 1-for-1.7 reverse stock split effected on March 7, 2025, as discussed in Note 1.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (38,694,239 | ) | $ | (32,456,423 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 716,092 | 1,815,225 | ||||||
Provision (recovery of) for credit losses | (42,237 | ) | 12,965 | |||||
Non-cash interest | 1,421,691 | 635,684 | ||||||
Non-cash loss on debt extinguishment | 10,461,137 | — | ||||||
Change in investor notes at fair value | 353,284 | — | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 12,640,166 | 12,730,779 | ||||||
Accretion of deferred compensation assumed | - | 478,993 | ||||||
Amortization of right-of-use lease assets | 351,704 | 516,800 | ||||||
Change in fair value of contingent consideration | (2,400,000 | ) | 18,009,278 | |||||
Change in deferred taxes | (653,876 | ) | 974,754 | |||||
Goodwill impairment | 37,994,000 | - | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (7,908,375 | ) | 279,539 | |||||
Related party receivables | (345,934 | ) | (53,956 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | (1,523,801 | ) | (281,898 | ) | ||||
Inventory | (6,362,573 | ) | (663,522 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities | 13,878,887 | 8,914,658 | ||||||
Related party payables | 143,357 | 55,483 | ||||||
Lease liabilities | (359,555 | ) | (516,298 | ) | ||||
Deferred revenue | (75,975 | ) | 10,251,760 | |||||
Deferred compensation | 1,891,405 | 1,402,122 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 21,485,158 | 22,105,943 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment and investment in intangible assets | (789,131 | ) | (835,922 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (789,131 | ) | (835,922 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Change in lines of credit | (620,805 | ) | (422,333 | ) | ||||
Change in related party lines of credit | - | (1,598,188 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from borrowings | 6,950,000 | 1,184,500 | ||||||
Repayments on borrowings | (1,542,179 | ) | (796,665 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from related party borrowings | 1,373,750 | 1,580,000 | ||||||
Repayments on related party borrowings | (50,000 | ) | (25,000 | ) | ||||
Debt issuance costs paid | (475,000 | ) | (25,000 | ) | ||||
Payment of contingent consideration | - | (3,010,000 | ) | |||||
Payment to seller | (16,218,551 | ) | (6,175,808 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (10,582,785 | ) | (9,288,494 | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes | (2,304,876 | ) | 292,133 | |||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and restricted cash | 7,808,366 | 12,273,660 | ||||||
Cash and restricted cash as of beginning of period | 13,102,312 | 828,652 | ||||||
Cash and restricted cash as of end of period | $ | 20,910,678 | $ | 13,102,312 | ||||
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash information: | ||||||||
Financing of insurance premiums | $ | 268,300 | $ | 297,351 | ||||
Return of property and cancellation of corresponding accounts payable | $ | 2,593,740 | $ | — | ||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | $ | 380,947 | $ | 129,109 | ||||
Conversion of accounts payable to debt | $ | 356,795 | $ | — | ||||
Extinguishment of the carrying value of principal and interest | $ | 1,405,000 | — |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. | The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Nature of Operations
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” or the “Company”), is a technologically differentiated aerospace, autonomy, and air mobility platform targeting 21st century aerospace and defense opportunities. The Company is organized into four operating segments: (i) Drones, (ii) Avionics, (iii) Training and (iv) Electric Air Mobility. The Drones segment develops, manufactures, and sells drones and expects to provide drone services, such as Drone as a Service (“DaaS”), for military and commercial end users. The Avionics segment develops, manufactures, and sells avionics for military and general aviation aircraft, drones, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft. The Training segment currently provides military pilot training and expects to provide commercial pilot training in the future. The Electric Air Mobility segment is developing a rotorcraft eVTOL for cargo and passenger use for fixed route flights, on-demand trips, and cargo operations.
In October 2021, Holdings entered into agreements and plans of merger (the “Merger Agreements”) with AIRO Drone, LLC (“AIRO Drone”), Agile Defense, LLC (“Agile Defense”), Coastal Defense, Inc. (“Coastal Defense”), Jaunt Air Mobility, LLC (“Jaunt”), and Aspen Avionics, Inc. (“Aspen Avionics”). Holdings also entered into an equity purchase agreement (“Equity Purchase Agreement”) with Sky-Watch A/S (“Sky-Watch”). AIRO Drone, Agile Defense, Coastal Defense, Jaunt, Aspen Avionics and Sky-Watch together represent the “Merger Entities.” Under the Merger Agreements and Equity Purchase Agreement, the parties entered into a series of transactions in which Holdings acquired all of the equity of the Merger Entities. The acquisitions of the Merger Entities by Holdings were completed between February and April 2022.
On March 3, 2023, the Company entered into a Business Combination Agreement, as amended by that certain First Amendment to the Business Combination Agreement, dated August 29, 2023, that certain Second Amendment to the Business Combination Agreement, dated January 16, 2024, that certain Third Amendment to the Business Combination Agreement, dated February 5, 2024, and that certain Fourth Amendment to the Business Combination Agreement, dated June 24, 2024, with Kernel Group Holdings, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Kernel”), AIRO Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ParentCo”), Kernel Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of ParentCo, AIRO Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of ParentCo, VKSS Capital, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in the capacity as the representative for the stockholders of Kernel and ParentCo and also in the capacity as Kernel’s sponsor, and Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, in the capacity as the representative for the stockholders (the “Business Combination Agreement”), pursuant to which a series of transactions would have occurred that would have resulted in the Company becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of ParentCo with ParentCo becoming a publicly listed company (collectively, the “BCA Transactions”). On August 5, 2024, the Business Combination Agreement was terminated and, as a result, none of the BCA Transactions were effectuated.
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Old AGI, Inc. f/k/a AIRO Group, Inc. (“AIRO Group”), AIRO Drone, Agile Defense, Jaunt, Sky-Watch, Coastal Defense, and Aspen Avionics. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reverse Stock Split
On March 7, 2025, the Board of Directors approved a 1-for-1.7 reverse stock split (“Stock Split”) of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock and options to purchase common stock. The Stock Split reduced the number of shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, as well as the numbers of shares reserved and available for future issuance and underlying outstanding options to purchase common stock. No fractional shares were distributed as a result of the reverse stock split, and stockholders were entitled to a cash payment in lieu of fractional shares. The Stock Split did not affect the par values per share or total authorized common stock. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements have been adjusted retroactively, where applicable, to reflect this Stock Split.
F-8 |
Liquidity and Management’s Plans
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred losses since inception. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and restricted cash of $20.9 million, of which $0.2 million was either restricted or was designated solely for use in Sky-Watch operations, and a working capital deficit of $54.0 million. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company is actively seeking additional funding through equity and debt financing, including an initial public offering. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. Failure to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, raise additional capital and reduce discretionary spending could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve its intended business objectives. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These judgments, estimates and assumptions are used to determine litigation and claims and other asset and liability amounts. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience along with other pertinent information available at the time the estimate is made. However, future events are subject to change and the estimates and judgments may require adjustments. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and these differences may be material.
Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions
The Company recognizes identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed, these estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. Examples of estimates and assumptions in valuing certain of the intangible assets and goodwill the Company has acquired include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired developed technologies, customer relationships, and tradenames. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
The authoritative guidance allows a measurement period of the purchase price allocation that ends when the entity has obtained all relevant information about facts that existed at the acquisition date, and that cannot exceed one year from the date of acquisition. As a result, during the measurement period, the Company may record adjustments to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill to the extent that it identifies adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation. Upon conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments will be recorded to the consolidated statements of operations.
F-9 |
Where the purchase of an entity or net assets does not meet the definition of a business, the Company accounts for the transaction as an asset acquisition. In an asset acquisition, the purchase price is allocated to the net assets acquired on a relative fair value basis, and no goodwill is recognized in the transaction. Direct costs for asset acquisitions are generally considered part of the purchase price.
Business Risk and Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. Cash is maintained with financial institutions and the composition and maturities are regularly monitored by management. Deposits at any time may exceed federally insured limits. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral for accounts receivable. A large portion of the Company’s sales result in partial prepayments prior to shipment from customers. Otherwise, customer invoices generally have payment terms of net 30 days and do not have a significant financing component. During the year ended December 31, 2024, two customers accounted for 72% of the Company’s revenue. During the year ended December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for 61% of the Company’s revenue. As of December 31, 2024, one customer accounted for 86% of accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for 52% of accounts receivable.
The Company’s operational structure includes an existing operating business and early-stage businesses in emerging and developing markets that are concentrated in an industry characterized by rapid technological advances, changes in customer requirements, and evolving regulatory requirements and industry standards. Any significant delays in the development or introduction of products or services, or any failure by the Company to anticipate or to respond adequately to technological developments in its industry, changes in customer requirements, or changes in regulatory requirements or industry standards, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and operating results.
The Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition for the foreseeable future will likely continue to depend on sales to a relatively small number of customers. In the future, these customers may decide not to purchase the Company’s products, may purchase fewer products than in previous years, or may alter their purchasing patterns. Further, the amount of revenue attributable to any single customer or customer concentration generally may fluctuate in any given period. In addition, a decline in the production levels of one or more of the Company’s major customers could reduce revenue. The loss of one or more key customers, a reduction in sales to any key customer, or the Company’s inability to attract new significant customers could negatively impact revenue and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Supply Risk
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, purchases from three vendors constituted 61% and 51%, respectively, of total inventory purchases.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company had no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Restricted Cash
The Company had $0.2 million and $9.0 million in restricted cash as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, restricted cash was primarily collateral held for credit cards. As of December 31, 2023, restricted cash was primarily deposits from a customer contract that have been placed in an escrow account to be released upon shipment of orders.
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable are reported on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the gross outstanding amount adjusted for a provision for credit losses. The Company determines the provision for credit losses by regularly evaluating expected loss as well as individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history, and current economic conditions. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company provided a provision for credit losses of $0.1 million for amounts that may ultimately be uncollectible. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received.
F-10 |
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is primarily determined based on standard cost and approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. Work-in-process and finished goods include materials, labor and allocated overhead. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Reductions to the carrying value of inventory are charged to cost of revenue and a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established. Subsequent changes to facts or circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in the related inventory value. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Deferred Offering Costs
The Company capitalizes certain legal, professional, accounting, and other third-party fees that are directly associated with in-process equity issuances as deferred offering costs until such equity issuances are consummated. After consummation of the equity issuance, these costs are recorded as a reduction in the capitalized amount associated with the equity issuance. Should the equity issuance be delayed or abandoned, the deferred offering costs will be expensed immediately as a charge to operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2024, $0.8 million of offering related costs were capitalized and included on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company applies the requirements of the fair value measurements framework, which establishes a hierarchy for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. The fair value measurement guidance clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement guidance also requires disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy in which these assets and liabilities must be grouped based on significant levels of inputs as follows:
Level 1: | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. | |
Level 2: | Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability. | |
Level 3: | Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which requires the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. |
The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following is a summary of the financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by caption and by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Fair value as of December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 42,782,276 | $ | 42,782,276 | ||||||||
Investor Notes at fair value | — | — | 13,819,000 | 13,819,000 | ||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 56,601,276 | $ | 56,601,276 |
Fair value as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Debt | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 19,426,848 | $ | 19,426,848 | ||||||||
Contingent consideration | — | — | 45,182,276 | 45,182,276 | ||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 64,609,124 | $ | 64,609,124 |
There were no financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, or 3 within the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Debt
As discussed in Note 2. Revolving Lines of Credit and Long-Term Debt, the Company modified certain debt arrangements as of March 31, 2022. The debt was recorded at present value to estimate the fair value of the debt obligation as of December 31, 2023. The effective interest rate in the fair value shown above for December 31, 2023 was 12.5%. Since the debt was fully accreted to its expected value during the year ended December 31, 2024, the debt is no longer measured at fair value on a recurring basis and was transferred out of Level 3 fair value measurements.
F-11 |
Contingent Consideration
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, contingent consideration includes an obligation assumed from the Jaunt acquisition that is contingent on future cash receipts (the “Jaunt Contingent Arrangement”) and promissory notes issued in conjunction with the acquisitions of Agile Defense, Airo Drone, and Coastal Defense.
The contingent consideration liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which there was no available quoted market prices or principal markets. The inputs for this measurement were unobservable and were, therefore, classified as Level 3 inputs.
The Jaunt Contingent Arrangement was valued using discounted cash flow models. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the significant inputs included discount factors ranging from 21% to 45% and a 67% initial public offering (“IPO”) likelihood to arrive at a total fair value of $33.4 million and $35.8 million, respectively.
The fair value of the contingent consideration promissory notes issued to the former equity holders of Agile Defense, AIRO Drone and Coastal Defense totaled $9.4 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Valuations were based on a 67% probability of an IPO closing and a discount rate of 3% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 based on proximity to an estimated closing date.
As of January 1, 2023, the contingent consideration liabilities included an earnout liability with a fair value of $5.9 million and a promissory note issued in conjunction with the acquisition of Sky-Watch with a fair value of $7.8 million. During the first quarter of 2023, the contingent promissory note was amended such that it was payable no later than December 31, 2023. As the contingency was resolved, the difference between the December 31, 2022 fair value of $7.8 million and the face value of the promissory note of $12.9 million was recorded to other income (expense), net during the year ended December 31, 2023 and the $12.9 million liability was reclassified to due to seller. See Note 18 for additional considerations related to due to seller.
The Sky-Watch earnout liability was originally payable up to $6.5 million, of which up to a maximum of $3.0 million was payable on a dollar-for-dollar basis on revenue earned within the first two years following the acquisition and $3.5 million would become due and payable if Sky-Watch earned a minimum of $13.8 million in revenue during the period from the acquisition date through June 2024. In December 2022, the Equity Purchase Agreement was amended to increase the second earnout amount to $7.5 million and to extend the earnout period to include the full fiscal year periods of 2022 through 2024. In March 2023, the Equity Purchase Agreement was further amended to add a third earnout of $4.0 million if revenue during the full fiscal year periods of 2022 through 2024 reached $17.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the change in fair value related to this earnout totaled $8.7 million. As of December 31, 2023, the earnout liability was recorded to the full amount owed net of $3.0 million in payments made to date totaling $11.5 million and was classified as due to seller as all contingencies had been resolved. See Note 18 for additional considerations related to due to seller.
F-12 |
Investor Notes at fair value
The Company has historically issued unsecured promissory notes to certain investors (“the Investor Notes”), which have included various interest features in the form of both stock and contingently payable upon the closing of an IPO or qualified financing. The Company has evaluated these features and determined that they do not meet the criteria for being accounted as an embedded derivative under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815. During 2024, certain Investor Notes were amended such that when the Company performed a significance test as of the modification date in accordance with ASC 470-50. The Company determined that the change in terms of these Investor Notes were substantially different than the previous terms such that the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of $10.5 million.
As this significant modification created an election date for the fair value option and as the fair value election is applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis, the Company chose to record these Investor Notes at fair value beginning on the modification date in October 2024. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of debt. Accordingly, we typically obtain the assistance of third-party valuation specialists for valuations. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management but are inherently uncertain.
To determine the fair value of Investor Notes, we incorporated the probability of both an IPO and non-IPO scenario of 67% and 33%, respectively, as of October 14, 2024 and December 31, 2024 and estimated stock pricing. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants and include the amount and timing of future cash flows. The Company used a a present value model for the expected cash payments, and a probability- weighted calculation to fair value the contingent interest shares to be paid. This probability-weighted calculation incorporated expectations to complete an IPO as well as a probability derived from a lattice model with key assumptions being equity volatility and discount for lack of marketability (“DLOM”). Equity volatility rates utilized were 65% and 70% and DLOM rates selected were 13% and 10% for October 14, 2024 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The increase in equity volatility was determined reasonable given that the upper quartile of the peer group increasing by 5% from October 14, 2024 to December 31, 2024 while the decrease in DLOM was determined appropriate given the midpoint of put option models and the closer proximity to an IPO.
The changes in fair value of the Level 3 financial liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Debt | Investor Notes at fair value | Contingent Consideration | ||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2023 | $ | 19,098,741 | $ | — | $ | 54,807,319 | ||||||
Change in fair value | 328,107 | — | 17,764,957 | |||||||||
Settlement | — | — | (3,010,000 | ) | ||||||||
Transfers to due to seller liability | — | — | (24,380,000 | ) | ||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 19,426,848 | — | 45,182,276 | |||||||||
Addition | — | 13,465,716 | — | |||||||||
Change in fair value | 13,672 | 353,284 | (2,400,000 | ) | ||||||||
Transfers out | (19,440,520 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $ | — | $ | 13,819,000 | $ | 42,782,276 |
The change in the fair value of the debt, which represents the amortization of the debt discount is included in “Interest expense, net” on the consolidated statements of operations. The change in the fair value of the Investor Notes at fair value is included in “Interest expense, net” on the consolidated statements of operations. The change in the fair value of the contingent consideration for 2023 includes the effect of translating the contingent consideration with Sky-Watch from local currency to reporting currency and is included in “Other income (expense), net” on the consolidated statements of operations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short time to maturity. The carrying value of the Company’s borrowings approximates fair value based on current rates available to the Company.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of accounting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as for net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax amounts are determined by using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance reduces the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized.
F-13 |
The Company evaluates its tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions will more-likely-than-not be sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are not recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Interest and penalties, if applicable, are recorded in the period assessed as income tax expense. No interest or penalties have been accrued for as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided primarily utilizing the straight-line method for consolidated financial statement purposes at rates based on the following useful lives:
Aircraft equipment | 5 - 20 years | |
Machinery and equipment | 2 - 15 years | |
Furniture and fixtures | 3 - 10 years | |
Leasehold improvements | The shorter of the useful life or term of the lease | |
Software | 3 - 7 years |
Additions, improvements, and expenditures that significantly add to the productivity or extend the economic life of assets are capitalized. Any amounts incurred as recurring expenditures or that do not extend or improve the economic life of the asset are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested at the reporting unit level for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has selected October 1st as the date to perform its annual impairment test. In the valuation of goodwill, management must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows to be derived from the Company’s business. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment for these assets. Management may first evaluate qualitative factors to assess if it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and to determine if an impairment test is necessary. Management may choose to proceed directly to the evaluation, bypassing the initial qualitative assessment. The impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to which goodwill is allocated to its net book value, including goodwill. A goodwill impairment loss would be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. See Note 5 for additional considerations related to goodwill impairment recorded in 2024.
Definite-lived Intangible Assets
The Company performs valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination and allocates the purchase price of the acquired business to the respective net tangible and intangible assets. The Company determines the appropriate useful life by performing an analysis of expected cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed. The Company capitalizes third-party legal costs and filing fees, if any, associated with obtaining patents. Once the patent asset has been placed in service, the Company amortizes these costs over the shorter of the asset’s legal life, generally 20 years from the initial filing date, or its estimated economic life using the straight-line method.
F-14 |
The estimated useful lives for the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:
Estimated useful life | ||
Developed technology | 8 to 13 years | |
Tradenames - definite-lived | 4 to 8 years | |
Customer relationships | 3 to 7 years | |
Patents | up to 20 years |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or an asset group to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such evaluation indicates that the carrying amount of the asset or the asset group is not recoverable, any impairment loss would be equal to the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value. See Note 6 for additional considerations related to impairment.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when, or as, it satisfies performance obligations by transferring promised products or services to its customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive. The Company applies the following five steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied. The Company accounts for a contract with a customer when there is a legally enforceable contract, the rights of the parties are identified, the contract has commercial terms, and collectibility of the contract consideration is probable.
For certain sales, the Company has contracts with customers that include multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately, by allocating the contract’s total transaction price to each performance obligation in an amount based on the relative standalone selling price (“SSP”) of each distinct good or service in the contract. The Company determines the SSP based on its overall pricing objectives, taking into consideration market conditions. Determining whether products or services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those services. The Company’s contracts do not include highly variable components. The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collections can result in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and deferred revenue (contract liabilities). The costs to obtain contracts, primarily commission expenses, are expensed when incurred.
Amounts that are invoiced are recorded in accounts receivable and revenues or deferred revenue, depending on whether the revenue recognition criteria have been met. A large portion of the Company’s sales result in partial prepayments prior to shipment from customers. Otherwise customer invoices generally have payment terms of net 30 days and do not have a significant financing component.
The Company’s revenues are derived from various sources: (i) avionics products consisting primarily of hardware with embedded firmware sold to an authorized dealer network and avionics and global navigation satellite system technologies (“GNSS”) products sold to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), (ii) research and development (“R&D”) projects, (iii) sales-based royalties related to GNSS technology licensed to OEMs, (iv) consultation and training services related to aerial integration and close air support providing the latest tactics, technique, and procedures (“TTP”) to incorporate contract close air support/intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (“CCAS/ISR”) with video downlink systems into tactical operations, (v) technology and equipment sales (vi) mini unmanned aerial systems (“MUAS” or “commercial drones”) sales, including hardware, software, training, support and product service, and (vii) drone services, including surveys, imaging, security, and other drone applications.
F-15 |
The Company expenses costs to obtain a contract as incurred when the amortization period is one year or less.
In general, revenue is disaggregated by segment and geography. See Note 13. Segment Information.
Product Revenue
Product revenue, which includes avionics, MUAS/commercial drones and other equipment sales, is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised products to the customer in an amount that represents the consideration the Company is entitled to for the related products. Product revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery and title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer.
Service and Extended Warranty Revenue
Service revenue includes drone services, support, training, consultations, and out-of-warranty repairs. Revenue from services rendered is recognized over time in amounts that correspond directly with the value to the customer when performance is completed. Support revenue is recognized on a straight line basis over the support period, which is generally one year.
Extended warranties are service-type warranties and are typically sold under separate contracts. Revenue for those extended warranties is recognized over the contractual service period, which is typically two or three years.
Research and Development Contracts
Revenue from engineering development projects is recognized over a period of time based on the input method and is measured by the percentage of total labor and materials cost incurred to date to estimated total labor and materials cost at completion for each contract. The input method of accounting involves considerable use of estimates in determining revenues, costs, and profits and in assigning the amounts to accounting periods; as a result, there can be a significant disparity between earnings as reported and actual cash received by the Company during any reporting period.
Sales-based Royalties
Revenue for sales-based royalties is recognized at a point in time as subsequent sales occur.
The following table summarizes the revenue recognition based on time periods:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Point in time | $ | 84,052,553 | $ | 41,979,671 | ||||
Over time | 2,882,506 | 1,274,144 | ||||||
$ | 86,935,059 | $ | 43,253,815 |
The contract liabilities as of December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 were $10.4 million, $11.1 million, and $0.7 million respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $10.9 million in revenue previously included in contract liabilities as of December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $0.5 million in revenue previously included in contract liabilities as of December 31, 2022. The Company had no significant contract assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue includes labor cost and direct material cost, including freight and duties. Indirect production costs comprise of consumables, cost of sales freight, quality related costs and production maintenance costs are also included in cost of revenue.
Advertising Costs
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $0.1 million.
F-16 |
Shipping and Handling
Shipping charges billed to customers are included in revenue and related costs are included in cost of revenue.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed when incurred.
Product Warranty
Drone Product Warranty
The Company provides a one-year warranty on drone sales. Estimated future warranty obligations related to those products are recorded as a component of cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations at the time of sale.
Avionics Product Warranty
The Company establishes warranty reserves based on estimates of avionics product warranty return rates over two or three years depending on the product and the related warranty period and the expected costs to repair or to replace the avionics products under warranty. The warranty provision is recorded as a component of cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not offer returns unless special circumstances exist and the return is approved by the Company.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the grant-date estimated fair value of the awards. Options and restricted stock awards may be granted as time-based awards, performance-based awards or combinations of the time-based and performance-based awards. The Company expenses the fair value of its options to employees and non-employees on a straight-line basis over the associated service period for time-based awards, which is generally the vesting period. The performance-based awards begin their period of ratable vesting at the time that the Company determines that the achievement of the performance thresholds is probable. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur and does not estimate forfeitures at the time of grant. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will be for only those options that vest.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss generally represents all changes in the equity of a business except those resulting from investments or contributions by stockholders. Unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax are included in the Company’s components of comprehensive loss, which are excluded from net loss.
Lease Accounting
At contract inception, the Company determines whether the contract is, or contains, a lease and whether the lease should be classified as an operating or a financing lease and reassesses that conclusion if the contract is modified. Operating leases are recorded in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, lease liability, current and lease liability, noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company did not have any finance leases during the periods presented.
The Company recognizes operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The lease ROU asset is reduced for tenant incentives, if any, and excludes any initial direct costs incurred, if any. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments and the appropriate lease classification. In determining the inputs to the incremental borrowing rate calculation, the Company makes judgments about the value of the leased asset, its credit rating and the lease term including the probability of its exercising options to extend or terminate the underlying lease. The Company defines the initial lease term to include renewal options determined to be reasonably certain. If the Company determines the option to extend or terminate is reasonably certain, it is included in the determination of lease assets and liabilities. The Company reassesses the lease term if and when a significant event or change in circumstances occurs within the control of the Company, such as construction of significant leasehold improvements that are expected to have economic value when the option becomes exercisable.
F-17 |
The Company recognizes a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, and the Company classifies all cash payments within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which it has elected to not combine for all asset classes. In addition, the Company does not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less of all asset classes.
Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is based on the treasury stock method and computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. The potentially dilutive shares are considered to be common stock equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share when the effect is dilutive.
The potentially dilutive shares of common stock that have been excluded from the calculation of net loss per share because of the anti-dilutive effect are as follows as of December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Outstanding stock options | 305,367 | 356,015 | ||||||
Warrants to purchase common stock | 66,026 | 66,026 | ||||||
Contingent restricted stock awards | 254,010 | 254,010 | ||||||
Potential stock issuable for contingent interest payment | 665,935 | 148,894 | ||||||
Potential stock issuable for default shares | 58,819 | - | ||||||
Potential shares issuable under debt conversion agreements | 2,207,790 | 2,130,774 | ||||||
Total anti-dilutive securities | 3,557,947 | 2,955,719 |
The number of potentially dilutive shares is based on the maximum number of shares issuable on exercise or conversion of the related securities as of the period end. Such amounts have not been adjusted for the treasury stock method or weighted-average outstanding calculations as required if the securities were dilutive.
Debt Discounts
Debt issuance costs are presented as a discount to the related debt and are amortized over the term of the related loan for which the fees were incurred using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. As of December 31, 2024, unamortized debt discount totaled $0.3 million. As of December 31, 2023, unamortized debt discount was not significant.
Foreign Currency
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary is its local currency. As such, assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates on the date of consolidation and related revenues and expenses are generally translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period included in results of operations. Adjustments resulting from foreign currency translation are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations. Losses from foreign currency transactions were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
F-18 |
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), requiring public entities to disclose information about their reportable segments’ significant expenses and other segment items on an interim and annual basis. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 during the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 13. Segment Information for further detail.
On August 5, 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06 Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging— Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The Company adopted this new standard on January 1, 2024 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
On October 28, 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 to require acquiring entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The Company adopted this new standard on January 1, 2024 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU is intended to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The ASU’s amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Entities are permitted to early adopt the standard for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. Adoption is either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company will adopt this ASU on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, “Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income — Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses” (“ASU 2024-03”), which requires disclosure of certain costs and expenses on an interim and annual basis in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied either (1) prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date or (2) retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
2. | Revolving Lines of Credit and Long-Term Debt |
Revolving Lines of Credit
In February 2020, Aspen Avionics entered into a Loan and Security Agreement for an asset-based loan facility (the “Facility”) with Crestmark, a Division of Pathward (formerly known as Metabank), with a maximum advance limit of $2.5 million. The Facility was due on demand. The Facility carried variable interest at the greater of 9% or prime plus 4.25% (12.75% as of December 31, 2023) and was collateralized by substantially all assets of Aspen Avionics. Cash receipts of Aspen Avionics were submitted to a lockbox, which was subject to a control agreement whereby all cash receipts were received by the lender and applied against the balance of the loan. Aspen Avionics obtained additional advances on the Facility based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory collateral.
The terms of the Facility included reporting requirements and a tangible net worth covenant, which Aspen Avionics was not in compliance with as of December 31, 2023. In May 2024, the lender waived compliance with the tangible net worth threshold. The Facility was guaranteed by three subsidiaries of Aspen Avionics: Accord Technology, LLC, Accord Software and Systems, Inc., and AvValues, LLC.
As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding balance on the Facility, net of unamortized debt issuance costs, was $0.3 million. In October 2024, Aspen Avionics terminated the Facility and repaid the Facility in full.
F-19 |
In November 2018, Coastal Defense obtained two variable rate non-disclosable revolving lines of credit of up to $0.5 million and $0.2 million, due on demand, from First Citizens Community Bank (“FCCB”). These arrangements are collateralized by aircraft security agreements, assignments of life insurance, an assignment of a deposit account, and commercial security agreements dated November 15, 2018, and all associated financing statements. Interest was initially set at the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal plus 0.50 percentage points. Commencing in 2022, the Company was in default on these facilities, resulting in an additional 4% in interest per annum. The annual interest rate was 12% and 13% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Jeffrey F. Parker, Coastal Defense’s former Vice-President and Treasurer, and stockholder of Holdings; Kenneth Parker, stockholder of Holdings; and Kyle Stanbro, Coastal Defense’s President and stockholder of Holdings have guaranteed these notes. As part of the Coastal Defense acquisition, the maturity dates of these notes were modified to be in 2022 as opposed to the original maturity date in 2069. No withdrawals were made during the year ended December 31, 2024 or 2023. The total amount outstanding on the lines of credit as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
The two lines of credit with FCCB contain certain financial covenants. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company was not in compliance with these financial covenants. However, the Company has entered into a series of forbearance agreements with FCCB, under which FCCB has agreed not to exercise its rights and remedies arising from such noncompliance through March 31, 2025, subject to the Company’s adherence to the terms of said forbearance agreements. On March 27, 2025, the Company and FCCB agreed to payment terms and a release whereby $0.2 million in amounts due would be paid by April 30, 2025. The lines of credit are due on demand and are shown as a current liability under “Revolving lines of credit” on the consolidated balance sheets.
Current Maturities of Debt and Long-Term Debt
Current maturities of debt and long-term debt consist of the following as of December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Bridge Loans | $ | 2,959,500 | $ | 3,609,500 | ||||
Libertas | 2,791,691 | - | ||||||
WebBank | 1,510,179 | - | ||||||
Muncy Bank & Trust Company 2021-1 | 651,000 | 651,000 | ||||||
Muncy Bank & Trust Company 2021-2 | 450,000 | 450,000 | ||||||
SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) | 500,000 | 500,000 | ||||||
Code 1 | 331,795 | - | ||||||
Financed Insurance Premiums | 173,348 | 185,619 | ||||||
First Citizens Community Bank 2018 | 121,287 | 535,041 | ||||||
First Citizens Community Bank 2019-1 | 16,430 | 81,729 | ||||||
First Citizens Community Bank 2019-2 | 14,989 | 74,414 | ||||||
2022 Notes | 2,066,396 | 2,066,396 | ||||||
2019 Notes | 5,022,353 | 5,022,353 | ||||||
2018 Notes | 12,351,771 | 12,351,771 | ||||||
28,960,739 | 25,527,823 | |||||||
Less: unamortized debt discount | (280,019 | ) | (13,672 | ) | ||||
Less: current maturities of long-term debt | (27,992,450 | ) | (25,014,151 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities | $ | 688,270 | $ | 500,000 |
Aggregate maturities required on long-term debt as of December 31, 2024 are due in future years as follows:
Amount | ||||
2025 | $ | 28,272,469 | ||
2026 | 188,270 | |||
2027 | 6,974 | |||
2028 | 10,891 | |||
2029 | 11,358 | |||
Thereafter | 470,777 | |||
Total | $ | 28,960,739 |
F-20 |
Bridge Loans
Since May 2022, the Company has issued unsecured promissory notes, with no collateral or guarantees, to third parties for purposes of funding its operations. The aggregate principal balance of these notes was $3.0 million and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Prior to August 2024, interest was payable in shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions and principal amounts were due within a certain number of days following the closing of the BCA Transactions. During the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the notes below except for $0.1 million, were amended such that interest would be payable in shares of common stock at the closing of an IPO (“Closing Date”) whereby the number of shares would be based on the trading price and the principal amounts due would be payable within the same number days subsequent to the closing of an IPO as stated in the prior amended note agreements. Bridge Loans were primarily made up of the following as of December 31, 2024:
Notes totaling $1.9 million, as amended, accrue an interest charge equal to 100% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock at the Closing Date, with 110% of the principal paid 190 days following the Closing Date plus 12% interest per annum accruing from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.2 million carry the same terms except only 100% of the principal is paid 190 days following the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.1 million which include a one-time interest charge equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, contingently payable in shares of common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with 110% of the principal to be paid on the maturity date, which is 30 days following the closing of this offering and accruing interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.5 million accrue an interest charge equal to 50% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock at the Closing Date with 100% of the principal paid 190 days following the Closing Date plus 12% interest per annum accruing from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.1 million accrue an interest charge equal to 150% of the principal amount, payable in shares of the Company’s common stock at the Closing Date, with the principal to be paid 190 days following the Closing Date and accruing interest at a rate of 12% interest per annum from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.1 million accrue an interest charge equal to 125% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock on the Closing Date, with 100% of the principal paid 190 days following the Closing Date plus 12% interest per annum accruing from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.1 million due at the earlier of March 31, 2025 or 30 days subsequent to an IPO, with 120% contingent stock premium, contingently payable in shares of our common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date with an interest rate of 15% per annum from either the date of the note through March 31, 2025 or from the Closing Date to 30 days subsequent to the Closing Date. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note was extended to April 30, 2025.
First Citizens Community Bank 2018
On November 15, 2018, Coastal Defense entered into a $2.6 million note payable agreement with FCCB. This arrangement is collateralized by aircraft security agreements, assignments of life insurance, an assignment of a deposit account, a commercial security agreement dated November 15, 2018, and all associated financing statements. The loan includes a provision for a prepayment penalty in the amount of 5% on the current principal balance in year one, 4% of the current principal balance in year two, 3% of the current principal balance in year three, and 2% of the current principal balance in year four. The loan requires that Coastal Defense maintain a debt service coverage ratio of 1.20 to 1.00 and had an initial interest rate of 5.75% per year. As part of the Coastal Defense acquisition, the maturity dates of these notes were modified to be in 2022 as opposed to the original maturity date in 2023. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Coastal Defense was in default on the debt service coverage ratio covenant, and the term note became due on demand and is shown as a component of “Current maturities of debt” on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the interest rate was 10.49% per year. Civil actions were filed against Coastal Defense and individual guarantors in the Tioga County Court, State of Pennsylvania, in July 2023. The claimant, FCCB, alleges that payment under certain promissory notes is due, and FCCB seeks recovery of the outstanding amounts. FCCB obtained judgments against all named defendants. The Company has negotiated forbearance agreements to prevent FCCB from enforcing the judgments through March 31, 2025. On March 27, 2025, the Company and FCCB agreed to payment terms and a release whereby $0.2 million in amounts due would be paid by April 30, 2025. Jeffrey F. Parker, Coastal Defense’s former Vice President and Treasurer and stockholder of Holdings; the estate of Kenneth Parker, stockholder of Holdings; and Kyle Stanbro, Coastal Defense’s President and stockholder of Holdings have guaranteed this note.
First Citizens Community Bank 2019-1
On February 25, 2019, Coastal Defense entered into a $0.2 million note payable agreement with FCCB with an initial interest rate of 5.75% per year. The loan is collateralized by aircraft security agreements, an assignment of life insurance, an assignment on a deposit account, commercial security agreements dated February 25, 2019, and all associated financing statements. The loan includes a provision for a prepayment penalty in the amount of 5% of the current principal balance in year one, 4% of the current principal balance in year two, 3% of the current principal balance in year three and 2% of the current principal balance in year four. The loan requires that Coastal Defense maintain a debt service coverage ratio of 1.20 to 1.00. As part of the Coastal Defense acquisition, the maturity dates of these notes were modified to be in 2022 as opposed to the original maturity date in 2026. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Coastal Defense was in default on the debt service coverage ratio covenant, and the term note became due on demand and is shown as a component of “Current maturities of debt” on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the interest rate was 10.49% per year. Civil actions were filed against Coastal Defense and individual guarantors in the Tioga County Court, State of Pennsylvania, in July 2023. The claimant, FCCB, alleges that payment under certain promissory notes is due, and FCCB seeks recovery of the outstanding amounts. FCCB obtained judgments against all named defendants. The Company has negotiated forbearance agreements to prevent FCCB from enforcing the judgments through March 31, 2025. On March 27, 2025, the Company and FCCB agreed to payment terms and a release whereby $0.2 million in amounts due would be paid by April 30, 2025. Jeffrey F. Parker, Coastal Defense’s former Vice President and Treasurer, and stockholder of Holdings; the estate of Kenneth Parker, stockholder of Holdings; and Kyle Stanbro, stockholder of Holdings have guaranteed this note.
F-21 |
First Citizens Community Bank 2019-2
On May 15, 2019, Coastal Defense entered into a $0.2 million note payable agreement with FCCB. The loan is collateralized by aircraft security agreements, an assignment of life insurance, an assignment on a deposit account, commercial security agreements dated May 15, 2019 and all associated financing statements. The loan includes a provision for a prepayment penalty in the amount of 5% of the current principal balance in year one, 4% of the current principal balance in year two, 3% of the current principal balance in year three and 2% of the current principal balance in year four. The loan requires that Coastal Defense maintain a debt service coverage ratio of 1.20 to 1.00 and had an initial interest rate of 5.75% per year. As part of the Coastal Defense acquisition, the maturity dates of these notes were modified to be in 2022 as opposed to the original maturity date in 2026. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Coastal Defense was in default on the debt service coverage ratio covenant, and the term note became due on demand and is shown as a component of “Current maturities of debt” on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the interest rate was 10.49% per year. Civil actions were filed against Coastal Defense and individual guarantors in the Tioga County Court, State of Pennsylvania, in July 2023. The claimant, FCCB, alleges that payment under certain promissory notes is due, and FCCB seeks recovery of the outstanding amounts. FCCB obtained judgments against all named defendants. The Company has negotiated forbearance agreements to prevent FCCB from enforcing the judgments through March 31, 2025. On March 27, 2025, the Company and FCCB agreed to payment terms and a release whereby $0.2 million in amounts due would be paid by April 30, 2025. Jeffrey F. Parker, Coastal Defense’s former Vice President and Treasurer, and stockholder of Holdings; the estate of Kenneth Parker, stockholder of Holdings; and Kyle Stanbro, stockholder of Holdings have guaranteed this note.
2018, 2019 and 2022 Notes
The maturity date of the $19.4 million of debt related to that certain (i) Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of March 9, 2018, as amended (the “2018 Notes”), (ii) Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 18, 2019, as amended (the “2019 Notes”), and (iii) Note Purchase Agreement dated as of January 31, 2022, as amended (the “2022 Notes” and, together with the 2018 Notes and the 2019 Notes, the “Bridge Notes”) was extended to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of the Bridge Notes was extended to April 30, 2025. On October 6, 2023, the Company signed a Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement, whereby all of the holders agreed to convert $17.5 million of the principal owed to them under the Bridge Notes into 440,592 shares of common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining principal of $1.9 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, the Company intends to issue 440,592 shares of common stock and use proceeds of $1.9 million to satisfy the obligations to the holders at the closing of an IPO.
Muncy Bank & Trust Company 2021-1
On September 15, 2021, Coastal Defense entered into a $0.7 million commercial promissory note agreement with Muncy Bank & Trust Company (“Muncy”) for continuing operations. The loan originally carried an annual interest rate of 4.5% per year and matured in March 2022. The maturity date of this promissory note was extended such that the principal amount of $0.7 million is due and payable on April 15, 2025 with interest payments at a rate of 8.5% per year due monthly. This arrangement is collateralized by a life insurance policy and a contract with the Air Force. Jeffrey F. Parker, Coastal Defense’s former Vice President and Treasurer, and stockholder of Holdings, and Alison D. Parker, Corporate Secretary of Coastal Defense, have guaranteed this note.
Muncy Bank & Trust Company 2021-2
On January 21, 2021, Coastal Defense entered into a $0.4 million commercial promissory note agreement with the Muncy for continuing operations and for the execution of the Naval Special Warfare task orders. The loan originally carried an annual interest rate of 4.5% per year and matured in October 2021. The maturity date of this promissory note was extended such that the principal amount of $0.4 million is due and payable on April 20, 2025 with interest payments at a rate of 8.5% per year due monthly. This arrangement is collateralized by a contract with the Naval Special Warfare Command. Jeffrey F. Parker, Coastal Defense’s former Vice President and Treasurer, and stockholder of Holdings has guaranteed this note.
F-22 |
U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”)
On May 28, 2020, Coastal Defense entered into a $0.5 million EIDL agreement with the SBA. The loan matures on May 28, 2050 and has an interest rate of 3.75% per year. The SBA granted a payment deferral and amended the first payment due date to November 2022. These payments first reduce the interest accrued prior to reducing the principal owed. As such, the outstanding loan balance was included as a component of “Long-term debt, net of current maturities” on the consolidated balance sheets. The EIDL is collateralized by all assets of Coastal Defense. Jeffrey F. Parker, Coastal Defense’s former Vice President and stockholder of Holdings; Kenneth Parker, stockholder of Holdings; and Kyle Stanbro, Coastal Defense’s President and Treasurer, and stockholder of Holdings have guaranteed this note.
Financed Insurance Premiums
During 2023, Coastal Defense entered into financing agreements which totaled $0.4 million in relation to financing its insurance premiums. The financings have various maturity dates during 2023 and 2024 and have interest rates ranging from 8.0% to 13.3% per year. These agreements are collateralized by a security interest in the premium refund due under the policies being purchased.
During 2024, Coastal Defense entered into financing agreements which totaled $0.3 million in relation to financing its insurance premiums. The financings have various maturity dates during 2025 and have interest rates ranging from 8.27% to 13.75% per year. These agreements are collateralized by a security interest in the premium refund due under the policies being purchased.
Danish Tax Agency Loans
Between April and June 2021, Sky-Watch received three interest free loans from the Danish Tax Agency for total proceeds of $0.3 million (DKK 2.1 million). In September 2022, $0.2 million (DKK 1.1 million) was repaid. The amounts were fully repaid during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Libertas
On October 2, 2024, the Company entered into an Agreement of Sale of Future Receipts (the “Libertas Agreement”) with Libertas Funding, LLC (“Libertas”). Under the terms of the Libertas Agreement, the Company sold $4.1 million of its future receivables with a factor rate of 1.25 in exchange for immediate cash proceeds net of origination fees of $3.2 million. While there is no repayment term, based on historical revenues, the Company estimates receivables to be remitted in one year. The receivables will be remitted to Libertas as they are collected, subject to a specific percentage deduction from weekly receipts. The Company has the right to pay to end this financing transaction early by repurchasing the future receipts sold to Libertas but not yet delivered. The agreement is collateralized by all Accounts, as defined by Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) Article 9.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $0.4 million in interest expense including amortization of the debt discount. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance under the Libertas Agreement was $2.6 million, net of a debt discount of $0.2 million.
WebBank
On October 2, 2024, the Company entered into a Business Loan and Security Agreement (the “WebBank Agreement”) with WebBank, with Libertas acting as its servicer. Under the WebBank Agreement, the Company received a loan of $1.8 million collateralized by an interest on the Company’s Accounts, Payment Intangibles and Letter of Credit Rights, as defined under UCC Article 9. The repayment terms are structured to deduct a fixed amount from collected receivables on a weekly basis with maximum term of one year and a factor rate of 1.25. The Company has the right to pay to end this financing transaction early by repurchasing the future receipts sold to WebBank but not yet delivered.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $0.2 million in interest expense including amortization of the debt discount. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance under the WebBank Agreement was $1.4 million, net of a debt discount of $0.1 million.
Code 1
On November 18, 2024, the Company entered into a Receivables Financing Agreement with Code 1 Aviation, LLC (“Code 1”) whereby the Company financed aircraft maintenance services provided by Code 1 between January 2018 and August 2024 which totaled $0.4 million. The Receivables Financing Agreement has a payment term of two years, an interest rate of 15%, requires monthly payments and can be prepaid without penalty. Code 1 obtained mechanic’s liens and other similar encumbrances on certain Coastal Defense aircraft.
F-23 |
Investor Notes at Fair Value
During 2022, 2023 and 2024, the Company entered into a number of Investor Notes, which included a contingent interest payment to be paid in shares of the Company’s common stock upon the closing of an IPO or financing transaction, and in some instances a cash premium on the principal and shares issuable upon a default (“Default Shares”). The Investor Notes that were entered into prior to December 31, 2023, were included within current maturities of long-term debt on our consolidated balance and more specifically within the “Bridge Loans” balance noted above.
In October 2024, certain Investor Notes were amended, and the Company performed a significance test as of the modification date in accordance with ASC 470-50. The Company determined that the modified terms of these Investor Notes were substantially different than the previous terms such that the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $10.5 million.
A summary of key terms of the Investor Notes as originally issued and as subsequently modified, as well as details of the loss on debt extinguishment, are as follows:
Note | Principal Original and Modified | Original Agreement Date | Original Maturity Date | Principal Premium Original and Modified | Stock Premium Original and Modified | Interest Rate Original and Modified | Default Shares Original and Modified | Modification Date | Modified Maturity Date | Net Carrying Amount as of Modification Date | Fair Value as of Modification Date | Extinguishment Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note A | $ | 750,000 | April 5, 2024 | August 5, 2024 or 190 days post SPAC or 5 business days following closing of $10 million financing transaction | 100 | % | 750,000 / 1,256,250 with 1.25 antidilutive factor | 12 | % | 22,058 / 22,058 | October 14, 2024 | March 31, 2025 or 5 days post IPO or $10 million financing | $ | 791,231 | $ | 3,609,229 | $ | 2,817,998 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note B | $ | 100,000 | April 5, 2024 | August 5, 2024 or 190 days post SPAC or 5 business days following closing of $10 million financing transaction | 100 | % | 775,000 / 1,053,650 with 1.25 antidilutive factor | 12 | % | 2,941 / 12,867 | October 14, 2024 | March 31, 2025 or 5 days post IPO or $10 million financing | $ | 105,584 | $ | 2,391,381 | $ | 2,285,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note C | $ | 150,000 | March 27, 2024 | August 5, 2024 or 190 days post SPAC or 5 business days following closing of $10 million financing transaction | 100 | % | 225,000 / 551,560 with 1.25 antidilutive factor | 12 | % | 4,411 / 5,514 | October 14, 2024 | March 31, 2025 or 5 days post IPO or $10 million financing | $ | 158,967 | $ | 1,474,682 | $ | 1,315,715 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note D | $ | 200,000 | April 5, 2024 | August 5, 2024 or 190 days post SPAC or 5 business days following closing of $10 million financing transaction | 100 | % | 200,000 / 335,000 with 1.25 antidilutive factor | 12 | % | 5,882 / 5,882 | October 14, 2024 | March 31, 2025 or 5 days post IPO or $10 million financing | $ | 211,233 | $ | 962,634 | $ | 751,401 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note E | $ | 150,000 | April 5, 2024 | August 5, 2024 or 190 days post SPAC or 5 business days following closing of $10 million financing transaction | 100 | % | 150,000 / 251,250 with 1.25 antidilutive factor | 12 | % | 4,411 / 4,411 | October 14, 2024 | March 31, 2025 or 5 days post IPO or $10 million financing | $ | 158,375 | $ | 721,975 | $ | 563,600 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note F | $ | 100,000 | March 27, 2024 | August 5, 2024 or 190 days post SPAC or 5 business days following closing of $10 million financing transaction | 100 | % | 150,000 / 301,040 with 1.25 antidilutive factor | 12 | % | 2,941 / 3,676 | October 14, 2024 | March 31, 2025 or 5 days post IPO or $10 million financing | $ | 105,978 | $ | 800,000 | $ | 694,022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note G | $ | 100,000 | April 5, 2024 | August 5, 2024 or 190 days post SPAC or 5 business days following closing of $10 million financing transaction | 100 | % | 100,000 / 167,500 with 1.25 antidilutive factor | 12 | % | 2,941 / 2,941 | October 14, 2024 | March 31, 2025 or 5 days post IPO or $10 million financing | $ | 105,584 | $ | 481,316 | $ | 375,732 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note H | $ | 50,000 | April 5, 2024 | August 5, 2024 or 190 days post SPAC or 5 business days following closing of $10 million financing transaction | 100 | % | 50,000 / 83,750 with 1.25 antidiultive factor | 12 | % | 1,470 / 1,470 | October 14, 2024 | March 31, 2025 or 5 days post IPO or $10 million financing | $ | 52,808 | $ | 240,659 | $ | 187,851 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note I | $ | 500,000 | March 29, 2023 | December 31, 2023 or 190 days post SPAC | 110%/120 | % | 500,000 | 12%/15 | % | N/A | October 2, 2024 | December 31, 2024 or 30 days post IPO | $ | 658,940 | $ | 1,391,920 | $ | 732,980 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note J | $ | 500,000 | November 1, 2023 | December 31, 2023 or 190 days post SPAC | 110%/120 | % | 500,000 | 12%/15 | % | N/A | October 2, 2024 | December 31, 2024 or 30 days post IPO | $ | 655,879 | $ | 1,391,920 | $ | 736,041 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,600,000 | $ | 3,004,579 | $ | 13,465,716 | $ | 10,461,137 |
As described in Note 1, the Company determined it appropriate to elect the fair value option for ten individual Investor Notes which had significantly different terms established during the fourth quarter of 2024. Investor Notes at fair value are issued unsecured promissory notes, with no collateral or guarantees, to third parties for purposes of funding the Company’s operations. Investor Notes at fair value were made up of the following as of December 31, 2024:
● | Note A with a fair value of $3.7 million which includes a one-time interest charge equal to the issuance of 0.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the $0.8 million principal paid on the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the note through the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 at a rate of 12% per annum. This note has a term whereby the number of shares issued as interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if the Company’s valuation is less than $770 million at the Closing Date. An additional 22,058 shares of common stock will be issued if an IPO is not completed prior to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note as well as the requirement to issue additional default shares was extended to May 31, 2025. |
F-24 |
● | Note B with a fair value of $2.5 million which includes a one-time interest charge equal to 0.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the $0.2 million principal to be paid on the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the note through the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 at a rate of 12% per annum. This note has a term whereby the number of shares issued as an interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if the Company’s valuation is less than $770 million at the Closing Date. An additional 12,867 shares of common stock will be issued if an IPO is not completed prior to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note as well as the requirement to issue additional default shares was extended to May 31, 2025. |
● | Note C with a fair value of $1.5 million which includes a one-time interest charge equal to 0.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the $0.2 million principal and a $0.2 million additional cash payment to be paid on the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the note through the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 at a rate of 12% per annum. This note has a term whereby the number of shares issued as an interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if the Company’s valuation is less than $770 million at the Closing Date. An additional 5,514 shares of common stock will be issued if an IPO is not completed prior to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note as well as the requirement to issue additional default shares was extended to May 31, 2025. |
● | Note D with a fair value of $1.0 million which includes a one-time interest charge equal to 0.03 million shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the $0.2 million principal to be paid on the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the note through the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 at a rate of 12% per annum. This note has a term whereby the number of shares issued as an interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if the Company’s valuation is less than $770 million at the Closing Date. An additional 5,882 shares of common stock will be issued if an IPO is not completed prior to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note as well as the requirement to issue additional default shares was extended to May 31, 2025. |
● | Note E with a fair value of $0.7 million which includes a one-time interest charge equal to 0.03 million shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the $0.2 million principal to be paid on the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the note through the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 at a rate of 12% per annum. This note has a term whereby the number of shares issued as an interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if the Company’s valuation is less than $770 million at the Closing Date. An additional 4,411 shares of common stock will be issued if an IPO is not completed prior to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note as well as the requirement to issue additional default shares was extended to May 31, 2025. |
● | Note F with a fair value of $0.8 million which includes a one-time interest charge equal to 0.03 million in shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the $0.1 million principal to be paid on the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the note through the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 at a rate of 12% per annum. This note has a term whereby the number of shares issued as an interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if the Company’s valuation is less than $770 million at the Closing Date. An additional 3,676 shares of common stock will be issued if an IPO is not completed prior to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note as well as the requirement to issue additional default shares was extended to May 31, 2025. |
● | Note G with a fair value of $0.5 million which includes a one-time interest charge equal to 0.02 million in shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the $0.1 million principal to be paid on the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the note through the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 at a rate of 12% per annum. This note has a term whereby the number of shares issued as an interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if the Company’s valuation is less than $770 million at the Closing Date. An additional 2,941 shares of common stock will be issued if an IPO is not completed prior to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note as well as the requirement to issue additional default shares was extended to May 31, 2025. |
● | Note H with a fair value of $0.2 million which includes a one-time interest charge equal to 0.01 million in shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the $0.05 million principal to be paid on the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 and with interest accruing from the date of the note through the earlier of 5 days subsequent to the Closing Date or a capital raise of at least $10 million or March 31, 2025 at a rate of 12% per annum. This note has a term whereby the number of shares issued as an interest charge is calculated using an enterprise value of $770 million, which shall be increased by a factor of 1.25x if the Company’s valuation is less than $770 million at the Closing Date. An additional 1,470 shares of common stock will be issued if an IPO is not completed prior to March 31, 2025. In March 2025, the maturity date of this note as well as the requirement to issue additional default shares was extended to May 31, 2025. |
● | Notes I and J with a combined fair value of $2.9 million which each includes a one-time interest charge equal to 0.1 million in shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the Closing Date, with the 120% of the combined $1.0 million principal to be paid on the earlier of 30 days subsequent to the Closing Date or December 31, 2024 and with interest accruing from the date of the note or from October 31, 2022 through the earlier of 30 days subsequent to the Closing Date or December 31, 2024 at a rate of 15% per annum. During the first quarter of 2025, the maturity date of Notes I and J were extended to March 31, 2025 and then further extended to April 30, 2025. |
F-25 |
3. | Common Stock and Warrants |
Common Stock
The Company has reserved the following shares of authorized but unissued common stock as of December 31, 2024: 0.3 million stock options, 0.1 million warrants, 0.3 million of contingent restricted stock awards, 2.2 million shares to be issued in connection with the debt conversion agreements, 0.1 million of default shares on certain Investor Notes at fair value, and 0.7 million of potential shares that are issuable for contingent interest on investor notes based on either (i) a fixed price of $10.00 as specified in certain agreements, (ii) an exact number of shares as stipulated in other agreements, or (iii) a fixed dollar amount to be converted into shares upon issuance. For purposes of these consolidated financial statements, the Company has assumed a price of $10.00 for agreements where a fixed price or conversion methodology has not been determined.
Between January 1, 2025 and April 9, 2025, $7.3 million of Investor Notes were amended such that interest would be payable in shares of common stock at the closing of an IPO (“Closing Date”) whereby the number of shares would be based on the trading price.
Warrants
The Company assumed warrants to purchase 0.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock as part of the merger with Jaunt. These warrants expire ten years from March 10, 2022, the date of issuance, have an exercise price of $16.83 per share and were outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company determined that these warrants are equity classified.
4. | Management Carveout Plan |
In December 2021, the Company adopted the 2021 Management Carveout Plan (the “Aspen Carveout Plan”), which establishes a benefit pool for designated employees and consultants payable upon the occurrence of a change in control, which is defined as two steps consisting of 1) the closing of the merger with Holdings and 2) an IPO of Holdings or merger with a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) by June 30, 2023. The amount to be paid as benefits under the Aspen Carveout Plan are determined based upon percentages of the total net proceeds calculated at the closing of the Holdings’ IPO or a SPAC merger, ranging from 0% to 5%. The net proceeds are calculated as the net sum of cash and the fair value of equity securities available for distribution to the stockholders of the Company after all liabilities, exclusive of the subordinated convertible notes or other loans from the stockholders and transaction costs are paid, capped at $2.3 billion. The benefit payments to the participants in the Aspen Carveout Plan are to be made in the form or forms of payment and in the same proportions as the consideration paid by the purchaser. On October 6, 2023, the Company signed a Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement, whereby all of the holders agreed to convert $0.8 million of the amount owed to them under the Aspen Carveout Plan into 20,010 shares of common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining amount of $0.1 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, the Company intends to issue 20,010 shares of common stock and use proceeds of $0.1 million to satisfy the obligations to the holders under the Aspen Carveout Plan at the closing of an IPO. In addition to the $0.8 million cash payment, the Aspen Carveout Plan also includes a $2.0 million payment in stock which equates to 51,309 shares. In March 2025, the Aspen Carveout Plan was amended to extend the termination date to April 30, 2025. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no amounts have been expensed or accrued in connection with the Aspen Carveout Plan as a change in control was not deemed probable as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.
5. | Goodwill |
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill were as follows:
Avionics | Drones | Electric
Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2023 | $ | - | $ | 111,560,480 | $ | 451,370,520 | $ | 36,511,468 | $ | 599,442,468 | ||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate | - | 3,160,033 | - | - | 3,160,033 | |||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2023 | - | 114,720,513 | 451,370,520 | 36,511,468 | 602,602,501 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment | - | - | (17,024,000 | ) | (20,970,000 | ) | (37,994,000 | ) | ||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate | - | (7,100,170 | ) | - | - | (7,100,170 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $ | - | $ | 107,620,343 | $ | 434,346,520 | $ | 15,541,468 | $ | 557,508,331 |
F-26 |
As a result of the BCA Transactions being terminated in August 2024 and the continued delays in securing financing, the Company determined it appropriate to test the fair value of each reporting unit for goodwill impairment as of September 30, 2024 for all of its reporting units except Avionics as no goodwill had been allocated to this reporting unit. Management determined that the fair value of the Drones reporting unit substantially exceeded its respective carrying value. The Electric Air Mobility and Training reporting unit fair values indicated goodwill impairment as detailed below.
Drones | Electric Air Mobility |
Training | ||||||||||
Goodwill carrying value as of September 30, 2024 | $ | 115.8 million | $ | 451.4 million | $ | 36.5 million | ||||||
Fair value of reporting unit as of September 30, 2024 | $ | 185.1 million | $ | 510.2 million | $ | 25.1 million | ||||||
Carrying value of reporting unit as of September 30, 2024 | $ | 133.5 million | $ | 527.2 million | $ | 46.1 million | ||||||
Impairment as of September 30, 2024 | $ | - | $ | 17.0 million | $ | 21.0 million |
Estimates and assumptions varied between each reporting unit depending on the facts and circumstances specific to that reporting unit. The discount rate for each reporting unit is influenced by general market conditions as well as factors specific to the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting units for which the Company performed quantitative impairment tests was estimated using an income approach, which incorporates the use of the discounted cash flow method. Projections used require the use of significant estimates and assumptions specific to the reporting unit as well as those based on general economic conditions. Factors specific to each reporting unit include revenue growth, profit margins, terminal value growth rates, capital expenditures projections, assumed tax rates, discount rates and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management. For the 2024 impairment test, the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) discount rates the Company used for its reporting units was 30%-35% and the terminal value growth rate was 4%. The terminal value growth rate represents the expected long-term growth rate for the Company’s industry, which incorporates the type of services each reporting unit provides as well as global economic conditions. Other factors influencing the revenue growth rates include the nature of the services the reporting unit provides for its customers, the geographic locations in which the reporting unit conducts business and the maturity of the reporting unit.
Specific to the Electric Air Mobility segment’s projections as of September 30, 2024, projected revenue was revised to include projected aircraft production timing for the Jaunt Journey in 2031 and a downscaled cargo version of the Jaunt Journey in 2028. Projected revenue in years 1 and 2 of commercialization of the downscaled cargo version of the Jaunt Journey as of September 30, 2024 were increased as compared to prior revenue estimates from the Company’s prior year testing date of October 1, 2023 for the same two-year period. Projected revenue in years 1 and 2 of commercialization of the Jaunt Journey as of September 30, 2024 also increased as compared to prior revenue estimates from the Company’s prior year testing date of October 1, 2023 for the same two-year period.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) projections as of September 30, 2024 were developed using revised estimates of manufacturing costs, production hours per unit, learning curves and subsequent efficiencies, and operating costs.
F-27 |
Mid-term and long-term EBITDA projections at maximum capacity have not significantly changed compared to the Company’s prior year testing date of October 1, 2023, but the shifting and corresponding discounting of these projections resulted in a significant decrease in the fair value of the Electric Air Mobility segment, which indicated impairment.
As to the degree of uncertainty associated with the Company’s assumptions, the Company believes its long-term projected revenue is reasonable given a sales price supported by non-binding letters of intent and a relatively small number of units. There is a higher degree of uncertainty in projected EBITDA, as compared to projected revenue as projected EBITDA includes estimates as to future labor and material costs, efficiency rates as to the number of production hours required over time, and synergies.
The most sensitive factor in the Company’s analysis was the WACC discount rate. As of September 30, 2024, a 33% WACC discount rate was applied to the Electric Air Mobility segment, which is fairly consistent with the 35% WACC discount rate used as of the Company’s prior year testing date of October 1, 2023. The 200 basis-point decrease from prior year was deemed appropriate due to more conservative projected long term EBITDA margins as compared to sales in the prior year, regulatory harmonization that has occurred for the industry between the Federal Aviation Association, Transport Canada Civil Aviation, and European Union Aviation Safety Agency, advances in electric propulsion, battery density, and autonomous systems which lower remaining technical development risk. While these factors reduce risk to the Electric Air Mobility segment, a larger decrease in the WACC was not deemed appropriate due to delays in funding for development efforts and overall implementation risk that remains similar to October 1, 2023. As to the sensitivity of the WACC rate, another hypothetical 100-basis-point increase in the WACC discount rate would have yielded an additional $46.0 million in goodwill impairment.
The Company believes the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable; however, significant changes in any one of its assumptions could produce a different result and result in additional impairment charges that could be material to its consolidated financial statements. For example, the fair value of the Electric Air Mobility segment could be adversely affected and may result in an additional impairment of goodwill if this reporting unit is not able to advance the development of its aircraft and other products, obtain regulatory approvals, and launch and commercialize its products at scale, if the estimated production costs are significantly higher than estimated or if the WACC discount rate is increased.
Specific to the Training segment’s projections as of September 30, 2024, the Company noted a significant decrease in sales and gross margins as a result of not being able to meet contractual demands due to delays in the funding of aircraft. In prior years, government intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (“ISR”) aircraft contracts did not require that the aircraft be able to employ weapons. As those contracts have aged-out, the new requirements for the re-competitions require assets that have the ability to employ training munitions and have been approved by the government to do so. Coastal Defense does not possess aircraft that can achieve this requirement; thus, the Company has either not been awarded or chose not to bid on certain contracts. The projected revenue and margins were revised to include the timing of projected aircraft and investments to be made in flight schools in the short-term (between 2025 and 2028) and then the acquisition of additional aircraft beginning in years after 2029.
EBITDA projections as of September 30, 2024 did not significantly change compared to the Company’s prior year testing date of October 1, 2023, and the Company does not anticipate any changes until the Company is able to make more significant investments in aircraft, and at which time the Company can better leverage its operating expenses. At that point, the Company anticipates that mid-term and long-term EBITDA margins would increase. The shifting and corresponding discounting of these projections resulted in a significant decrease in the fair value of the Training segment, which indicated impairment.
As to the degree of uncertainty associated with the Company’s assumptions, the Company believes its short-term projected revenue is reasonable given its history with military contract practices and the historical results of flight schools, while the Company’s long-term projected revenue is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty. To mitigate this risk, a 30% WACC discount rate was applied to these projections which was consistent with the Company’s prior year testing date of October 1, 2023. As to the sensitivity of the WACC rate, another hypothetical 100-basis-point increase in the WACC discount rate would have yielded an additional $3.4 million in goodwill impairment.
The Company believes the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable; however, significant changes in any one of its assumptions could produce a different result and result in additional impairment charges that could be material to its consolidated financial statements. For example, the fair value of the Training segment could be adversely affected and may result in an additional impairment of goodwill if this reporting unit is not able to purchase the needed aircraft, if the estimated costs for managing the flight schools are significantly higher than estimated or if the WACC discount rate is increased.
F-28 |
6. | Intangible Assets, Net |
Intangible assets acquired through business combinations were as follows:
As of December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | Gross | Accumulated Amortization | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||
Developed technology-definite lived | 9.9 | $ | 99,377,209 | $ | 24,818,823 | $ | 74,558,386 | |||||||||
Patents pending | N/A | 66,216 | - | 66,216 | ||||||||||||
Tradenames - definite lived | 4.1 | 1,892,631 | 824,044 | 1,068,587 | ||||||||||||
Tradenames - indefinite lived | N/A | 8,737,607 | - | 8,737,607 | ||||||||||||
Customer relationships | 4.2 | 20,014,349 | 11,208,224 | 8,806,125 | ||||||||||||
Patents | 7.5 | 569,347 | 303,991 | 265,356 | ||||||||||||
$ | 130,657,359 | $ | 37,155,082 | $ | 93,502,277 |
As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | Gross | Accumulated Amortization | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||
Developed technology - definite lived | 10.8 | $ | 99,779,550 | $ | 16,922,028 | $ | 82,857,522 | |||||||||
Patents pending | N/A | 83,713 | - | 83,713 | ||||||||||||
Tradenames - definite-lived | 4.9 | 1,911,000 | 519,006 | 1,391,994 | ||||||||||||
Tradenames - indefinite-lived | N/A | 8,737,607 | - | 8,737,607 | ||||||||||||
Customer relationships | 5.0 | 20,175,918 | 8,511,311 | 11,664,607 | ||||||||||||
Patents | 7.3 | 652,310 | 333,508 | 318,802 | ||||||||||||
$ | 131,340,098 | $ | 26,285,853 | $ | 105,054,245 |
Amortization expense is reported on the consolidated statements of operations line items as shown in the table below for the years ended December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 426,667 | $ | 426,667 | ||||
Research and development | 7,585,985 | 7,600,294 | ||||||
Sales and marketing | 2,827,390 | 2,828,058 | ||||||
General and administrative | 351,604 | 352,529 | ||||||
$ | 11,191,646 | $ | 11,207,548 |
F-29 |
Total estimated future amortization expense as of December 31, 2024 is as follows:
2025 | $ | 10,480,584 | ||
2026 | 10,182,806 | |||
2027 | 9,959,172 | |||
2028 | 9,787,446 | |||
2029 | 8,318,687 | |||
Thereafter | 35,969,759 | |||
$ | 84,698,454 |
As a result of the BCA Transactions being terminated in August 2024 and the continued delays in financing, the Company determined it appropriate to perform a qualitative assessment considering factors listed in ASC 350 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”) which includes cost factors, financial performance, legal, regulatory, contractual, political, business, or other factors. Based on the Company’s review of these factors, there was no indication of impairment for Avionics or Drones. However, the Company determined it appropriate to perform a quantitative analysis on intangible and long-lived assets within the Electric Air Mobility and Training segments. The fair value of the undiscounted cashflows of both Electric Air Mobility and Training was significantly higher than the respective asset group’s carrying value and therefore no impairment charges were required to be recorded.
7. | Inventory |
Inventory consisted of the following as of December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Raw materials | $ | 8,150,164 | $ | 2,292,513 | ||||
Work in process | 32,449 | 355,052 | ||||||
Finished goods | 640,108 | 216,605 | ||||||
Total | $ | 8,822,721 | $ | 2,864,170 |
8. | Property and Equipment, Net |
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following as of December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Aircraft equipment | $ | 5,220,983 | $ | 5,220,983 | ||||
Equipment | 6,408,031 | 8,426,113 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures | 244,016 | 244,016 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements | 398,747 | 328,018 | ||||||
12,271,777 | 14,219,130 | |||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation | (5,437,960 | ) | (4,087,027 | ) | ||||
$ | 6,833,817 | $ | 10,132,103 |
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
9. | Balance Sheet Details |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following as of December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Prepaid insurance | $ | 295,462 | $ | 334,333 | ||||
Value added tax | 651,003 | 416,167 | ||||||
Vendor prepayments | 1,008,759 | 262,303 | ||||||
Other | 354,452 | 355,320 | ||||||
$ | 2,309,676 | $ | 1,368,123 |
Accrued expenses consisted of the following as of December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Accrued legal and professional fees | $ | 2,656,421 | $ | 1,444,470 | ||||
Payroll related expenses | 3,380,449 | 1,693,475 | ||||||
Accrued warranty | 286,874 | 159,610 | ||||||
Accrued taxes | 9,669,506 | 1,368,971 | ||||||
Other accrued expenses | 1,463,905 | 2,307,648 | ||||||
$ | 17,457,155 | $ | 6,974,174 |
10. | Deferred Compensation |
The Company has deferred salary arrangements with various employees that allow for a portion of their compensation to be deferred and paid upon a single outside investment of no less than $25 million, or such earlier time as the Company determines in its sole discretion that sufficient funds are available to commence payment of the deferred amounts. Employees must be actively employed, including approved leave, or if a consultant, providing services to the Company. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the accrued deferred compensation was $11.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not expect the deferred salary arrangements to be paid out in the next 12 months unless the Company completes an IPO. Any unpaid amounts are forfeited upon termination of employment or consultancy with the Company.
In October 2023 and July 2024, the Company signed various deferred compensation agreements whereby the holders agreed to convert $7.8 million of the principal owed to them into 195,582 shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining principal of $0.9 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, the Company intends to issue 195,582 shares of common stock and use proceeds of $0.9 million to satisfy the obligations to the holders under the Jaunt merger agreement at the closing of an IPO. The deferred compensation balance as of December 31, 2024 also includes an additional accrual of $2.5 million related to amounts earned subsequent to September 30, 2023, which was the date the amount of unpaid compensation started accruing under the deferred compensation agreements, and the estimated taxes for the deferred compensation.
F-30 |
11. | Warranty |
The following table summarizes the Company’s accrued warranty during the years ended December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Accrued warranty - beginning of period | $ | 159,610 | $ | 197,405 | ||||
Warranty cost incurred | (87,989 | ) | (61,490 | ) | ||||
Provision for warranty | 215,253 | 23,695 | ||||||
Accrued warranty - end of period | $ | 286,874 | $ | 159,610 |
12. | Commitments and Contingencies |
Consulting Agreement
In October 2020, the Company entered into an agreement for market analysis and business strategy consulting. The services were performed in prior periods. The agreement provides for a fee of $0.5 million for the services, due upon the completion of an IPO, SPAC merger, financing raise of at least $100 million or an acquisition of at least 50% of the equity of the Company. The fee for these consulting services was included in “Accrued expenses” on the consolidated balance sheets.
Contingent Fee Arrangement
In June 2022, the Company executed a previously arranged contingent fee agreement with New Generation Aerospace, Inc. (“NGA”) to compensate NGA for past services rendered and future services rendered through December 31, 2022 related to the acquisitions and financing of the Merger Entities in the amount of $1.5 million (the “Contingent Fee”). The Contingent Fee is payable upon the closing of an IPO. On October 2, 2023, the Company signed an Amended and Restated Success Fee Agreement, whereby NGA agreed to convert $1.4 million of the amounts owed to it into 33,995 shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining amount of $0.1 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, the Company intends to issue 33,995 shares of common stock and use proceeds of $0.1 million to satisfy the obligations under the Amended and Restated Success Fee Agreement at the closing of an IPO. As the payment of the Contingent Fee was not deemed probable as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Contingent Fee was not accrued in accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies (“ASC 450”).
Contingent Financing Fee Arrangement
In September 2024, the Company executed a financing advisor agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. as compensation for assistance with an IPO which totals the greater of $2 million and 7% of the gross proceeds in conjunction with an IPO (the “Cantor Contingent Financing Fee”). As the payment of the contingent financing fee was not deemed probable as of December 31, 2024, the Cantor Contingent Financing Fee Arrangement has not been accrued in accordance with ASC 450.
KDC IPO Payment Agreement
In April 2022, Aspen Avionics and KippsDeSanto & Co. (“KDC”) entered into an amendment (the “KDC IPO Payment Agreement”) to the parties’ prior engagement letter dated August 7, 2018 (the “KDC Agreement”), pursuant to which Aspen Avionics engaged KDC to provide financial advisory services in connection with Holding’s potential acquisition of Aspen Avionics. Pursuant to the terms of the KDC IPO Payment Agreement upon the closing of an IPO, Aspen Avionics is obligated to cause a one-time, final payment of $1.0 million to be made to KDC in satisfaction of Aspen Avionics’ obligations under the KDC Agreement. As the payment of the KDC IPO Payment Agreement was not deemed probable as of December 31, 2024 or 2023, the KDC IPO Payment Agreement has not been accrued in accordance with ASC 450.
Non-binding Letters of Intent
In November 2023, the Company signed non-binding letters of intent to acquire two businesses for the Training segment, including a flight training school. The parties have undertaken due diligence to determine whether a binding purchase agreement will be negotiated. The total anticipated purchase price for the acquisitions is expected to range from $5.1 million to $7.7 million, which would be paid in a combination of cash and the issuance of equity.
Litigation
A civil action was filed against Old AGI, Inc. in the Circuit Court of Cook County, State of Illinois in February 2022 (the “2022 Lawsuit”). The claimant alleges that an agreement for certain services entered into in March 2020 was breached and resulted in damages to claimant. This case was dismissed on July 5, 2022. However, the court allowed the claimant to amend its complaint. On August 5, 2022, the claimant filed its amended complaint, and the Company filed its response on October 12, 2022. The parties have engaged in discovery and mandatory arbitration. The arbitration resulted in an award in favor of the Company, which was contested by the claimant. On December 19, 2024, the Circuit Court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgment. In March 2025, the Company agreed to settle Mr. Perrin’s individual claims in the lawsuit for $0.75 million, contingent upon the closing of an IPO, which will be paid over six quarters beginning the quarter following the closing of an IPO.
F-31 |
Civil actions were filed against Coastal Defense and individual guarantors in the Tioga County Court, State of Pennsylvania, in July 2023. The claimant, FCCB, alleges that payment under certain promissory notes is due, and the claimant is seeking recovery of the outstanding amounts. The claimant obtained judgments against all named defendants. The Company is in negotiations with the claimant and, in the meantime, has negotiated forbearance agreements to prevent the claimant from enforcing the judgments. On March 27, 2025, the Company and FCCB agreed to payment terms and a release whereby $0.2 million in amounts due would be paid by April 30, 2025.
A civil action was filed against Holdings, AIRO Group, AIRO Group (Illinois), AIRO Drone, Agile Defense, Joseph Burns, Chirinjeev Kathuria and John Uczekaj in Chancery Court in Delaware in September 2023. The claimant, Robert Perrin, a stockholder of the Company alleges that the Company’s entities failed to pay him for services allegedly rendered under an Employment Agreement with AIRO Group (Illinois), that the individual defendants have breached their fiduciary duties as members of the Company’s board of directors, and that defendants violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. On November 17, 2023, the Company filed a motion to dismiss. In response, the claimant filed an Amended Complaint on February 22, 2024 in which he dropped AIRO Group (Illinois) as a defendant, dropped the breach of contract claim and added a wage claim under Delaware statute. On April 5, 2024, the Company filed a Partial Answer and Affirmative Defenses as well as a Partial Motion to Dismiss. In response, the claimant filed a Second Amended Complaint on May 16, 2024 in which he dropped the wage claim under Delaware statute and added a civil conspiracy claim against all defendants. The Company filed an Amended Answer on November 15, 2024 and intends to continue to vigorously defend against all claims asserted in the complaint.
Aside from the above matters, the Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings and is not aware of any pending or threatened claims. From time to time, the Company may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. Legal contingencies are subject to significant uncertainties and, therefore, determining the likelihood of a loss or the measurement of a loss can be complex. The Company will accrue losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no amounts accrued related to litigation.
13. | Segment Information |
The Company reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable segments. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) has been identified as the chief executive officer. The Company will continue to reevaluate reportable and operating segments. The Company manages its business primarily based upon four operating segments: Avionics, Drones, Electric Air Mobility and Training. In accordance with the segment reporting accounting standard, the Company evaluated the economic similarity of its operating segments and determined that each of these operating segments represents a reportable segment.
The Company has determined that each reportable segment represents a reporting unit and, in accordance with ASC 350, each reporting unit requires an allocation of goodwill.
● | Avionics: This segment develops, manufactures, and sells avionics and GPS sensors for the GA, UAS and eVTOL market segments. The Company’s advanced avionics products are focused on GA aftermarket, OEM display, integration and connected panel solutions. |
● | Drones: This segment offers direct operation of drones and drone systems, provision of drone-derived information, and the development of drone-optimized communication services. Additionally, it consists of development and commercialization of market leading MUAS for professional users, primarily in the defense and security markets. The MUAS includes internally developed software, hardware, and mechanical system components. Operations cover sourcing, manufacturing, assembly, quality assurance testing activities and logistics. |
● | Electric Air Mobility: This segment includes designing, licensing and ultimately the manufacturing of air vehicles incorporating slowed rotor compound technology that is capable of transporting people and packages operated by pilots or autonomous flight systems. |
● | Training: This segment provides and operates military aircraft for U.S. military services and Department of Defense (“DOD”) contractors. Segment revenues are earned from 1) flying training missions as part of armed forces training groups, and 2) providing aircraft and support services to DOD contractors. |
F-32 |
The Company evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on the net income (loss) for each reporting segment. Presented below are reconciliations of the reportable segment total revenues to the consolidated revenues and the reportable segment total net income (loss) to the consolidated net loss for the years ended December 31:
December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 8,665,292 | $ | 74,690,908 | $ | - | $ | 3,578,859 | $ | 86,935,059 | ||||||||||
Cost of revenue | 5,763,876 | 19,854,051 | - | 3,000,395 | 28,618,322 | |||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 2,901,416 | 54,836,857 | - | 578,464 | 58,316,737 | |||||||||||||||
Research and development | 1,028,119 | 4,512,054 | 7,593,315 | - | 13,133,488 | |||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 1,286,161 | 3,145,812 | - | 1,990,027 | 6,422,000 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 1,868,354 | 8,190,364 | 2,114,589 | 2,599,441 | 14,772,748 | |||||||||||||||
Goodwill impairment | - | - | 17,024,000 | 20,970,000 | 37,994,000 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 128,536 | 2,149,874 | - | 278,757 | 2,557,167 | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | - | (271,322 | ) | - | - | (271,322 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other expense (income), net | 77,023 | 204,573 | (2,400,756 | ) | (74,176 | ) | (2,193,336 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | (7,528,076 | ) | (9,050,789 | ) | 4,034,530 | 4,244,251 | (8,300,084 | ) | ||||||||||||
Segment (loss) profit | $ | (9,014,853 | ) | $ | 27,854,713 | $ | (20,296,618 | ) | $ | (20,941,334 | ) | (22,398,092 | ) | |||||||
Unallocated amounts: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate expenses | 3,427,929 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 11,939,244 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other expense, net | 20,411 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 908,563 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (38,694,239 | ) |
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 9,387,326 | $ | 27,975,073 | $ | 258,869 | $ | 5,632,547 | $ | 43,253,815 | ||||||||||
Cost of revenue | 5,931,393 | 8,313,356 | 182,394 | 3,912,772 | 18,339,915 | |||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 3,455,933 | 19,661,717 | 76,475 | 1,719,775 | 24,913,900 | |||||||||||||||
Research and development | 1,177,638 | 3,047,683 | 7,645,450 | - | 11,870,771 | |||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 1,557,924 | 1,826,612 | - | 1,989,796 | 5,374,332 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 2,262,399 | 3,212,414 | 3,268,710 | 3,283,761 | 12,027,284 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 422,663 | 255,195 | 480,203 | 544,316 | 1,702,377 | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | - | (255,838 | ) | - | - | (255,838 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other expense, net | 42,357 | 14,155,835 | 3,407,702 | 469,119 | 18,075,013 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | (341,151 | ) | (2,258,067 | ) | 1,250,339 | 670,775 | (678,104 | ) | ||||||||||||
Segment loss | $ | (2,348,199 | ) | $ | (4,838,251 | ) | $ | (13,475,251 | ) | $ | (3,896,442 | ) | $ | (24,558,143 | ) | |||||
Unallocated amounts: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate expenses | 5,573,669 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 690,695 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other expense, net | 18,213 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (1,615,703 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (32,456,423 | ) |
The following table presents revenues by geographic area for the years ended December 31:
2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 5,318,469 | $ | 1,168,409 | $ | - | $ | 3,578,859 | $ | 10,065,737 | ||||||||||
Europe | 1,792,745 | 73,522,499 | - | - | 75,315,244 | |||||||||||||||
Other | 1,554,078 | - | - | - | 1,554,078 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 8,665,292 | $ | 74,690,908 | $ | - | $ | 3,578,859 | $ | 86,935,059 |
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 5,575,460 | $ | - | $ | 258,869 | $ | 5,632,547 | $ | 11,466,876 | ||||||||||
Europe | 2,328,800 | 27,975,073 | - | - | 30,303,873 | |||||||||||||||
Other | 1,483,066 | - | - | - | 1,483,066 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 9,387,326 | $ | 27,975,073 | $ | 258,869 | $ | 5,632,547 | $ | 43,253,815 |
The Company identified classification errors in the revenues by geographic area table above for the Avionics segment for the year ended December 31, 2023 and corrected these classification errors for comparability to the current period presentation. The Company determined that the errors corrected were not material to any previously issued consolidated financial statements and did not change the Company’s previously reported consolidated financial statements.
F-33 |
The following table presents revenues by products and services for the years ended December 31:
2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Products | $ | 8,617,937 | $ | 71,855,758 | $ | - | $ | 202,010 | $ | 80,675,705 | ||||||||||
Services | 47,355 | 2,835,150 | - | 3,376,849 | 6,259,354 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 8,665,292 | $ | 74,690,908 | $ | - | $ | 3,578,859 | $ | 86,935,059 |
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Products | $ | 9,341,673 | $ | 26,971,641 | $ | - | $ | 1,123,933 | $ | 37,437,247 | ||||||||||
Services | 45,653 | 1,003,432 | 258,869 | 4,508,614 | 5,816,568 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 9,387,326 | $ | 27,975,073 | $ | 258,869 | $ | 5,632,547 | $ | 43,253,815 |
The following table presents capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and contingent consideration fair value adjustments for the years ended December 31:
2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 496,268 | $ | 1,943,161 | $ | 6,801,323 | $ | 3,399,414 | $ | 12,640,166 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 716,092 | - | 716,092 | |||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments | - | - | (2,400,000 | ) | - | (2,400,000 | ) | |||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 6,570 | 782,561 | - | - | 789,131 |
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 509,848 | $ | 1,773,524 | $ | 6,801,319 | $ | 3,646,088 | $ | 12,730,779 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 1,815,225 | - | 1,815,225 | |||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments | - | 14,102,326 | 3,410,000 | 496,952 | 18,009,278 | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 3,410 | 832,512 | - | - | 835,922 |
The following table presents tangible long-lived assets by geographic area as of December 31:
2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 201,112 | $ | - | $ | 1,822 | $ | 5,338,936 | $ | 5,541,870 | ||||||||||
Europe | - | 1,291,947 | - | - | 1,291,947 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 201,112 | $ | 1,291,947 | $ | 1,822 | $ | 5,338,936 | $ | 6,833,817 |
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Total | ||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 218,291 | $ | - | $ | 3,142 | $ | 9,089,428 | $ | 9,310,861 | ||||||||||
Europe | - | 821,242 | - | - | 821,242 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 218,291 | $ | 821,242 | $ | 3,142 | $ | 9,089,428 | $ | 10,132,103 |
Total segment assets reconciled to consolidated amounts are as follows as of December 31:
Total Segment assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Avionics | Drones | Electric Air Mobility | Training | Corporate | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
2024 | $ | 1,208,363 | $ | 150,721,804 | $ | 514,151,757 | $ | 32,377,740 | $ | 2,539,123 | $ | 700,998,787 | ||||||||||||
2023 | $ | 3,445,763 | $ | 137,523,227 | $ | 537,164,290 | $ | 58,859,429 | $ | 529,909 | $ | 737,522,618 |
Government Regulation
The Company is subject to various local, state, federal and international laws and regulations relating to the development, manufacturing, sale and distribution of its products, systems and services, and it is the Company’s policy to comply with the applicable laws in each jurisdiction in which it conducts business. Regulations include but are not limited to those related to import and export controls, corruption, bribery, environment, government procurement, wireless communications, competition, product safety, workplace health and safety, employment, labor and data privacy.
Drones
Because it contracts with the DoD and other agencies of the U.S. government—and, for certain of those contracts, requires access to classified information—the Company’s Drones segment is subject to extensive federal statutes and regulations, including the FAR, the DFARS, the Truthful Cost and Pricing statute, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, and the regulations implementing the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (“NISPOM”). The NISPOM regulations establish the security requirements applicable to classified contracts and programs, facility security clearances, and personnel security clearances. The federal government audits and reviews contractors’ performance on contracts, pricing practices, cost accounting systems and practices, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. Like most government contractors, the Drones segment’s contracts are audited and reviewed regularly by federal agencies, including the Defense Contract Management Agency and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.
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In addition, the Drones segment is subject to industry-specific regulations due to the nature of the products and services it provides. For example, certain aspects of its business are subject to further regulation by additional U.S. government authorities, including: (i) the FAA, which regulates airspace for all air vehicles in the NAS; (ii) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission, which regulate the wireless communications upon which its UAS depend in the U.S.; (iii) the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the U.S. Department of State, which administers the International Traffic in Arms Regulations that regulate the export of controlled technical data, defense articles and defense services and (iv) the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which regulates matters relating to U.S. national security and technology.
Electric Air Mobility
A transport category type certification is the highest level in safety provided by the Civil Aviation Authorities. Jaunt intends to certify under CAR 529, single pilot IFR (instrument flight rules) and comply with Category Enhanced of EASA SC-VTOL-01 by:
● | using System Safety Assessment processes (Aerospace Recommended Practice “ARP” 4761 with ARP 4754A) that are industry standard for commercial transport aircraft (Exposure Draft (ED) 79A); | |
● | designing flight critical systems to meet the requirements of a probability of catastrophic failure of less than 10-9 per flight hour (less than once every billion flight hours); | |
● | developing robust software design processes to meet Development Assurance Level A for functions that could exhibit catastrophic failures; and | |
● | meeting requirements for bird strike, fatigue and damage tolerance, lightning strike, fire protection, and designing and incorporating elements for crashworthiness right from conceptual stage. |
In the near-term, the efforts of the Electric Air Mobility segment will focus on obtaining FAA certification of its aircraft and engaging with key decision makers in the cities in the United States in which it anticipates its aircraft and UAM service will initially operate. Its aircraft will be required to comply with regulations governing aircraft design, production and airworthiness. In the United States, this primarily includes regulations put forth by the FAA and the Department of Transportation (“DOT”). Outside the United States, similar requirements are generally administered by the national civil aviation and transportation authorities of each country.
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Avionics
Aspen Avionics designs and manufactures equipment under worldwide aviation regulatory agency approvals. These include but are not limited to FAA, EASA, TCCA, and ENAC (Brazil) regulations. These govern the design test, certification, installation, and manufacturing of Aspen’s equipment.
The FAA regulates the manufacture, repair and operation of all aircraft and aircraft parts operated in the United States. Its regulations are designed to ensure that all aircraft and aviation equipment are continuously maintained in proper condition to ensure safe operation of the aircraft. Similar rules apply in other countries. All aircraft must be maintained under a continuous condition monitoring program and must periodically undergo thorough inspection and maintenance. The inspection, maintenance and repair procedures for the various types of aircraft and equipment are prescribed by regulatory authorities and can be performed only by certified repair facilities utilizing certified technicians. Certification and conformance is required prior to installation of a part on an aircraft. Aircraft operators must maintain logs concerning the utilization and condition of aircraft engines, life-limited engine parts and airframes. In addition, the FAA requires that various maintenance routines be performed on aircraft engines, some engine parts, and airframes at regular intervals based on cycles or flight time. Engine maintenance must also be performed upon the occurrence of certain events, such as foreign object damage in an aircraft engine or the replacement of life-limited engine parts. Such maintenance usually requires that an aircraft engine be taken out of service. Aspen Avionics’ operations may in the future be subject to new and more stringent regulatory requirements. In that regard, Aspen Avionics closely monitors the FAA and industry trade groups in an attempt to understand how possible future regulations might impact it. Our businesses that sell defense products directly to the U.S. government or for use in systems delivered to the U.S. government can be subject to various laws and regulations that govern pricing and other factors.
14. | Employee Benefit Plan |
The employees of Aspen Avionics and Coastal Defense in the U.S. are eligible to participate in a profit-sharing plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k). Participants in the profit-sharing plan may elect to have Aspen Avionics and Coastal Defense contribute a portion of their compensation to the profit-sharing plan. Contributions to be made by Aspen Avionics and Coastal Defense will be at their discretion. No significant contributions were made for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
15. | Stock-Based Compensation |
Option Plan
On April 1, 2022, as part of the reverse acquisition with Holdings, the Company adopted the AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. Option Plan (the “Plan”), and assumed the outstanding options previously granted prior to the acquisition. The option agreements provide for the purchase of a total of 0.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $8.59 per share. There were no additional common shares available for future grants under the Plan. The options vesting periods range from immediate to four years and expire as determined by the Board of Directors, but not more than 10 years from the date of grant. The exercise price and grant amounts are determined in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and by the Board of Directors.
The total stock-based compensation expense for the Plan during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $0.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
Unamortized expense as of December 31, 2024 was $0.2 million and will be recognized over an estimated weighted-average period of 0.3 years.
A summary of option activity under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Number of Shares | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) | ||||||||||
Options outstanding, January 1, 2023 | 356,015 | $ | 8.59 | 7.4 | ||||||||
Options granted | - | $ | - | |||||||||
Options outstanding, December 31, 2023 | 356,015 | $ | 8.59 | 6.4 | ||||||||
Options forfeited | (50,648 | ) | $ | 8.59 | ||||||||
Options outstanding, December 31, 2024 | 305,367 | $ | 8.59 | 6.6 | ||||||||
Vested and exercisable, December 31, 2024 | 255,847 | $ | 8.59 | 6.6 | ||||||||
Vested and exercisable and expected to vest, December 31, 2024 | 305,367 | $ | 8.59 | 6.6 |
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the use of a number of complex assumptions including expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends of the option.
The expected volatility assumption used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are based on estimates derived from both historical and implied volatility from a group of comparable public companies operating in the same or similar lines of businesses as the Company.
The expected term of employee options represents the weighted-average period the options are expected to remain outstanding and was derived using the simplified method for awards that qualify as its “plain-vanilla” options. All awards that are outstanding are qualified for “plain-vanilla” options.
The risk-free rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected term of the option.
The dividend yield is set to zero as the Company has never paid cash dividends and has no present intention to pay cash dividends.
Restricted Stock Awards
In May 2022, the Company granted restricted stock awards for 0.3 million shares of common stock with performance-based vesting criteria with a grant date fair value of $41.95 per share. The recognition of vesting on the restricted stock awards can vary by reporting period as the recognition of vesting expense is based on the probable outcome of the performance threshold condition and the cumulative progress to those performance conditions. The Company reassesses at each reporting date whether the achievement of the performance threshold condition is probable and accrues compensation expense if and when achievement of the performance threshold condition is probable and the expected achievement and vesting date for the performance tranche.
The restricted stock awards granted in May 2022 were granted with three separate performance thresholds with specific amounts of restricted shares attached that vest based on the probable achievement of those performance thresholds. The performance thresholds are attached to contract dollar volumes on Adversary Air task orders from the United States Department of Defense. The restricted stock awards vest ratably at each performance tranche level of aggregate amounts of (1) $25.0 million, (2) $50.0 million and (3) $75.0 million.
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As of December 31, 2022, the Company had concluded that the achievement of the performance thresholds within the measurement period was not probable. Accordingly, during the period from the grant date to December 31, 2022, no compensation expense was recognized. On August 2, 2023, the terms of the restricted stock awards were modified whereby the vesting of the 0.3 million shares of common stock became contingent upon the Company’s common stock being publicly traded. As this contingency was not probable as of the modification date, no charge was recorded as of a result of the modification. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there was no compensation expense recognized as the contingency was not probable.
16. | Leases |
Commercial real estate
Sky-Watch leases two commercial real estate locations used primarily as office space and for production. One location is leased month to month while the other has terms that end on March 1, 2028.
Aspen Avionics has a lease for its office and assembly facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with terms extending through June 30, 2025 and an additional lease for office space in Phoenix, Arizona through April 30, 2025.
Coastal Defense has one hangar lease that terminates on February 28, 2026. Other hangar leases are leased on a month-to-month basis.
Additional office leases are leased on a month-to-month basis. All of the commercial real estate leases with terms greater than one year described above are classified as operating leases and are included within ROU assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Automobiles and Aircraft
Sky-Watch leases one automobile with a term ending in 2026 and various automobile leases with lease terms of less than one year. All of the automobile and aircraft leases with lease terms greater than one year described above are classified as operating leases and are included within ROU assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to the Company’s operating leases:
Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | ||||||||
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 380,947 | $ | 516,801 |
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:
2025 | $ | 218,669 | ||
2026 | 75,653 | |||
2027 | 70,717 | |||
2028 | 18,121 | |||
Total | 383,160 | |||
Less: interest | (24,355 | ) | ||
Present value of lease liabilities | $ | 358,805 |
Total lease expense was $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the weighted-average remaining lease term for the operating leases was 2.1 years and the weighted-average discount rate was 6.22%. As of December 31, 2023, the weighted-average remaining lease term for the operating leases was 0.9 years and the weighted-average discount rate was 5.21%. Short-term lease expense for 2024 and 2023 was not significant.
F-37 |
17. | Income Taxes |
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company’s income tax expense was $9.2 million and the effective tax rate was 31.2%. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s income tax expense was $2.3 million and the effective tax rate was 7.6%.
The sources of loss before income tax expense are as follows for the years ended December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
United States | $ | (65,862,844 | ) | $ | (27,196,215 | ) | ||
International | 36,377,252 | (2,966,401 | ) | |||||
Loss before income tax expense | $ | (29,485,592 | ) | $ | (30,162,616 | ) |
Income tax expense is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Current: | ||||||||
Federal | $ | 693 | $ | - | ||||
State | (1,050 | ) | - | |||||
International | (9,880,378 | ) | (1,307,908 | ) | ||||
Total current | (9,880,735 | ) | (1,307,908 | ) | ||||
Deferred: | ||||||||
Federal | (139,389 | ) | (30,606 | ) | ||||
State | (18,115 | ) | (5,134 | ) | ||||
International | 829,592 | (950,159 | ) | |||||
Total deferred | 672,088 | (985,899 | ) | |||||
Total income tax expense | $ | (9,208,647 | ) | $ | (2,293,807 | ) |
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Federal tax at statutory rate | $ | 6,191,974 | $ | 6,334,161 | ||||
State income taxes | (18,944 | ) | (5,134 | ) | ||||
Stock compensation | (150,379 | ) | (381,198 | ) | ||||
Foreign rate differential | (372,507 | ) | (88,725 | ) | ||||
Fair value change in contingent liability | 504,184 | (2,944,588 | ) | |||||
GILTI inclusion | - | (2,890,555 | ) | |||||
Transaction costs | (300,834 | ) | (824,875 | ) | ||||
Goodwill impairment | (7,978,740 | ) | - | |||||
Other permanent differences | (47,700 | ) | - | |||||
Return to provision | (210,873 | ) | (466,925 | ) | ||||
Valuation allowance | (6,785,696 | ) | (939,629 | ) | ||||
Other | (39,132 | ) | (86,339 | ) | ||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | $ | (9,208,647 | ) | $ | (2,293,807 | ) |
The Company’s accounting for deferred taxes involves the evaluation of a number of factors concerning the realizability of its net deferred tax assets. The Company primarily considered the nature of the Company’s deferred tax assets and the timing, likelihood and amount, if any, of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences and carryforwards become deductible. The Company’s accounting for deferred taxes involves the evaluation of a number of factors concerning the realizability of its net deferred tax assets. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
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Deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows as of December 31:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards | $ | 12,342,222 | $ | 10,617,277 | ||||
Accruals and reserves | 3,220,576 | 2,394,971 | ||||||
Excess interest expense 163(j) | 4,032,840 | 685,309 | ||||||
Capitalized research and experimental expenses | 864,734 | 679,496 | ||||||
Other | 1,019,025 | 672,952 | ||||||
Gross deferred tax assets | 21,479,397 | 15,050,005 | ||||||
Valuation allowance | (9,836,089 | ) | (4,573,011 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax assets | 11,643,308 | 10,476,994 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||||
Intangible assets | (10,907,634 | ) | (10,305,720 | ) | ||||
Property and equipment | (1,304,767 | ) | (1,465,355 | ) | ||||
ROU assets | (198,238 | ) | (181,021 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax liabilities | (12,410,639 | ) | (11,952,096 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (767,331 | ) | $ | (1,475,102 | ) |
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has federal, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL”) totaling $50.2 million, $28.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. If not utilized, federal NOLs of $22.1 million will expire at various dates from 2027 through 2037, and $28.1 million of federal NOLs have indefinite lives. State NOLs of $7.5 million will expire at various dates from 2025 through 2043, and $21.3 million of state NOLs have indefinite lives. Canadian NOLs of $1.0 million begin to expire in 2042.
Management regularly assesses the ability to realize deferred tax assets recorded based upon the weight of all available evidence, including such factors as recent earnings history and expected future taxable income on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. In the event that the Company changes its determination as to the amount of realizable deferred tax assets, the Company will adjust its valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The Company’s management believes that, based on a number of factors, it is more likely than not, that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized; and accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company has provided a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets that are expected to be unrealized against the Company’s U.S. and Canada net deferred tax assets. The net change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was an increase of $5.3 million and an increase of $1.0 million, respectively.
Domestic NOLs are subject to an annual limitation as a result of multiple changes of ownership as defined under IRC Section 382. Federal NOLs of $20.7 million and state NOLs of $16.4 million originating after the most recent change are not subject to limitation. IRC §163(j) interest expense carryforwards have indefinite lives and are generally limited to an annual utilization limitation of thirty percent of adjusted taxable income plus business interest income. California NOLs are limited to a member’s contribution to combined California taxable income. The Company has reduced its federal and New Mexico NOLs by the amount expected to be unavailable and expire unutilized as a result of any IRC §382 limitation.
F-39 |
The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in operating expenses. No such interest and penalties were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The Company expects to file income tax returns in the United States, Canada and Denmark. As of December 31, 2024, Holdings’ tax years 2021 through 2023 remain open to examination. Prior to closing of the acquisitions, AIRO Drone, Agile Defense, and Jaunt were taxed as partnerships and, as a result, the Company is not responsible for pre-acquisition tax authority examinations. All of Aspen Avionics’ tax years remain open to examination. Coastal Defense’s tax years 2021 through 2023 remain open to examination. Denmark’s statute of limitations expires May 1st in the fourth calendar year following the end of the relevant accounting period, and therefore the 2021 through 2023 tax years remain open to tax examination.
18. | Related Party Transactions |
Related party transactions include the following:
● | Aspen Avionics has a Commercialization Agreement with Centro Italiano Richerche Aerospaziali S.c.p.A (“CIRA”), a stockholder of Aspen Avionics, whereby CIRA licensed certain technology to Aspen Avionics. As consideration for the license, CIRA will receive a royalty based on each unit sold by Aspen Avionics. In March 2020, Aspen Avionics entered into an agreement with CIRA to settle unpaid royalty amounts due under a development agreement. The Company owed $0.6 million and $0.5 million to CIRA as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. | |
● | Aspen Avionics owed $0.4 million and $0.2 million to Accord Global, a stockholder, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Sales to Accord Global were $0.3 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Amounts due from Accord Global were $0.4 million and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. | |
● | As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Coastal Defense had net receivables due from Failor Services, Inc. (“Failor”), which is owned by a stockholder of the Company, of $0.4 million which are included in “Related party receivables” on the consolidated balance sheets. No purchases were made from Failor during the period from the Coastal Defense acquisition date through December 31, 2024. Coastal Defense also pays for certain expenses on Failor’s behalf, which are reimbursable to Coastal Defense. | |
● | Coastal Defense uses West Run LLC (“West Run”) as a subcontractor for its military exercises. West Run is owned by both a Coastal Defense employee and a shareholder of the Company and the wife of Coastal Defense’s former President. The Company owed $0.3 million to West Run as of December 31, 2024. No amounts were due to West Run as of December 31, 2023. | |
● | During 2024, the Company issued a series of promissory notes to Martin Peryea, our Senior Vice President and General Manager, Electric Air Mobility Division, which totaled $0.2 million as of December 31, 2024 which are payable within two weeks of Closing and have an interest charge of $1. | |
● | Since May 2022 through December 31, 2024, the Company has issued unsecured promissory notes, with no collateral or guarantees, to employees and stockholders for purposes of funding its operations. The principal balance of these notes was $4.2 million and $3.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Prior to August 2024, interest as described below was payable in shares immediately prior to the Closing of the BCA Transactions and principal amounts were due within a certain number of days following the Closing of the BCA Transactions. During the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the notes below, except for $0.1 million, were amended such that interest would be payable in shares at the closing of an IPO whereby the number of shares would be based on the trading price and the principal amounts due would be payable within the same number days subsequent to the closing of an IPO. | |
As of December 31, 2024, notes totaling $2.3 million, as amended, accrue an interest charge equal to 100% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock on the Closing Date, with 110% of the principal paid 190 days following the Closing Date plus 12% interest per annum accruing from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.4 million carry the same terms except only 100% of the principal is paid 190 days following the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.2 million accrue an interest charge equal to 50% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock on the Closing Date with 100% of the principal paid 190 days following the Closing Date plus 12% interest per annum accruing from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.2 million accrue an interest charge equal to 115% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock on the Closing Date, with 100% of the principal paid 190 days following the Closing Date plus 15% interest per annum accruing from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.4 million accrue an interest charge equal to 125% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock on the Closing Date, with 100% of the principal paid 190 days following the Closing Date plus 12% interest per annum accruing from the Closing Date. Notes totaling $0.1 million accrue an interest charge equal to 150% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock on the Closing Date, with 100% of the principal paid 190 days following the Closing Date plus 12% interest per annum accruing from the Closing Date.
Notes totaling $0.1 million, as amended, accrue an interest charge equal to $50,000 payable in shares of common stock immediately prior to closing of this offering, with the principal due by March 31, 2025. On March 27, 2025, the maturity date of this note was extended to April 30, 2025.
Notes totaling $0.5 million with Dangroup which accrued interest at a rate of 10.5% per annum and becomes payable five days after the closing of this offering or the closing of one or more financing transactions with an aggregate value of at least $35.0 million. |
F-40 |
● | Coastal Defense entered into unsecured due on demand notes with two stockholders (the “Stockholder Notes”). Interest is charged at 7.00% per year. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total outstanding balance of the Stockholder Notes was $1.0 million. No specific repayment schedules have been determined. | |
● | The Company entered into promissory notes with the Merger Entities during 2022. The fair value of the contingent consideration promissory notes issued to the former equity holders of Agile Defense, AIRO Drone and Coastal Defense totaled $9.4 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and are included in contingent consideration on the consolidated balance sheets. In October 2023, the Company signed various agreements pursuant to which approximately 90% of the principal owed would be converted to equity in the Company at a rate of $39.7112 per share no later than two days prior to closing of the BCA Transactions. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, at the closing of an IPO, the Company intends to issue the following shares and use the following proceeds to satisfy the following contingent consideration obligations: |
● | Promissory Note issued in connection with the Agile Defense Acquisition (the “Agile Defense Promissory Note”) - issue 34,360 shares of common stock and use proceeds of $1.0 million to satisfy the Company’s obligations to the remaining holder under the Agile Defense Promissory Note and the other holders pursuant to a Note Termination Agreement. | |||
● | Promissory Note issued in connection with the Airo Drone acquisition (the “Airo Drone Promissory Note”) - issue 37,080 shares of common stock and use proceeds of $0.6 million to satisfy the Company’s obligations to the remaining holder under the Airo Drone Promissory Note and the other holders pursuant to a Note Termination Agreement. | |||
● | Promissory Note issued in connection with the acquisition of Coastal Defense (the “CDI Promissory Note”), as amended on March 7, 2025 - issue 203,707 shares of common stock and use proceeds of $2.0 million to satisfy the Company’s obligations to the holders under the CDI Promissory Note pursuant to a Promissory Note Termination Agreement. |
● | Jaunt Contingent Arrangement in connection with the Jaunt acquisition – issue 1,122,437 shares of common stock and use proceeds of $5.0 million to satisfy the Company’s obligations pursuant to a Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement. | |
● | In conjunction with the Aspen Avionics acquisition, the Company agreed to assume $25.3 million of obligations as defined within the merger agreement of which $19.4 million was attributable to the Aspen Notes, $1.9 million was attributable to future allowable services or to be payable to the former Aspen Avionics shareholders at the closing of this offering, and $0.9 million was attributable to the Aspen Carveout Plan. The Aspen Carveout Plan also includes a one-time stock payment of $2.0 million for designated employees and consultants payable upon the occurrence of certain change in control events. On October 6, 2023, the Company signed a satisfaction of indebtedness and satisfaction of covenant agreement (the “Aspen Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement”), whereby all of the holders agreed to convert various amounts due, which included $17.5 million under the Bridge Notes, $0.8 million related to the cash portion of Aspen Carveout Plan, and $1.7 million attributable to the Contingency Fund into 440,592 shares, 20,010 shares and 43,512 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the closing of the BCA Transactions, with the remaining amount of $2.2 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of the BCA Transactions. The Aspen Carveout Plan also provides for a $2.0 million payment in stock which equates to 51,309 shares that is also due at the closing of a business combination. Given that the BCA Transactions were not consummated, the Company intends to issue an aggregate of 555,423 shares of the Company’s common stock and use proceeds of $2.2 million from an IPO to satisfy the obligations to the holders under the Aspen Satisfaction of Indebtedness and Satisfaction of Covenant Agreement, whereby all of the holders agreed to convert 90% of cash payments due with the remaining 10% due at the closing of an IPO.
| |
● | As detailed in Note 1, the Company entered into a promissory note in conjunction with the acquisition of Sky-Watch in 2022 which was amended in 2023 such that it was payable no later than December 31, 2023. As the contingency was resolved, the difference between the December 31, 2022 fair value of $7.8 million and the face value of the promissory note of $12.9 million was recorded to other income (expense), net during the year ended December 31, 2023 and the $12.9 million liability was reclassified to due to seller on the consolidated balance sheets. In December 2023, the Company amended the terms of the promissory note due to Sky-Watch to be payable no later than March 31, 2024. In March 2024, the Company amended the terms of the promissory note to be payable no later than June 30, 2024. The $12.9 million promissory note was fully repaid during the year ended December 31, 2024. | |
As detailed in Note 1, the Sky-Watch earnout liability was originally payable up to $6.5 million, of which up to a maximum of $3.0 million was payable on a dollar-for-dollar basis on revenue earned within the first two-year anniversary of the acquisition and $3.5 million would become due and payable if and only if Sky-Watch earns a minimum of $13.8 million in revenue during the period from the acquisition date through June 2024. In December 2022, the Equity Purchase Agreement was amended to increase the second earnout amount to $7.5 million and to extend the earnout period to include the full fiscal year periods of 2022 through 2024. In March 2023, the Equity Purchase Agreement was further amended to add a third earnout of $4.0 million if revenue during the full fiscal year periods of 2022 through 2024 reaches $17.0 million with the earnouts payable by May 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the earnout liability was recorded to the full amount owed net of $3.0 million in payments made to date totaling $11.5 million and was classified as due to seller as all contingencies had been resolved. |
F-41 |
As of December 31, 2024, the total amount included in due to seller and owed under the earnouts was $3.1 million. As of December 31, 2023, the total amount included in due to seller and owed under the promissory notes and the earnouts was $18.8 million. In March 2024, the parties further amended the Equity Purchase Agreement, to extend the due dates of the earnout liability and the promissory note to June 30, 2024 in exchange for the former shareholders of Sky-Watch becoming eligible for an additional earnout of $1.0 million if Sky-Watch achieves EBITDA of DKK 127,107,500 or above for fiscal year 2024. As both the promissory note and the second and third earnouts were due within three months of the amendment date and as the Company would not have been able to refinance the then current balance of $18.3 million with another lender, the Company determined this modification to be an extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50. The loss on debt extinguishment was not significant. The Company recorded $1.0 million of interest during the year ended December 31, 2024 related to this debt as described in Note 1. In June 2024, the Company amended the Equity Purchase Agreement to extend the payment dates for the remaining balance on the seller promissory note to five business days following the date that the Company, or its successor, closes one or more financing transactions with an aggregate value of at least $35 million, and for the remaining earnout liability to five business days following the date that the Company, or its successor, closes one or more financing transactions with an aggregate value of at least $45 million. Interest shall continue to accrue on the earned but unpaid earnout amounts at the federal discount rate plus five percent, compounded quarterly. The former shareholders agreed to waive enforcement of payment until June 30, 2025. | ||
● | On June 28, 2024, the Company signed an Incentive Agreement whereby the Company will pay Dangroup 20% of Sky-Watch’s EBITDA as an incentive bonus for their continued involvement in Sky-Watch’s governance, management and/or other operations commencing on January 1, 2025 for an initial term of five years. The Incentive Agreement also included a five percent payout on any aggregate earnout awards that the Company’s stockholders were entitled to in conjunction with the BCA Transactions. In December 2024, the Incentive Agreement was amended such that Dangroup will receive shares in conjunction with the Closing such that their ownership will be 5% on a fully diluted basis. | |
● | On June 28, 2024, the Company signed a Consulting Agreement whereby the Company will pay a shareholder and former board member of Sky-Watch 2.5% of Sky-Watch’s EBITDA as a consulting fee for his assistance with branding and rolling out products and services into new and additional markets commencing on January 1, 2024. This agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days notice. |
19. | Subsequent Events |
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through April 9, 2025, which represents the date the consolidated financial statements were available for issuance. Other than the items listed below, there were no subsequent events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in these consolidated financial statements.
Between January 1, 2025 and April 9, 2025, $7.3 million of Investor Notes were amended such that interest would be payable in shares of common stock at the closing of an IPO whereby the number of shares would be based on the trading price.
During the first quarter of 2025, certain Investor Notes were further amended to extend the maturity date from December 31, 2024 or March 31, 2025 to dates ranging from March 31, 2025 to May 31, 2025. In March 2025, the Aspen Carveout Plan and the Bridge Notes termination date and the maturity date, respectively, were extended to April 30, 2025. On March 27, 2025, the Company and FCCB agreed to payment terms and a release whereby $0.2 million in amounts due would be paid by April 30, 2025.
On January 31, 2025, the Company entered into an Agreement of Sale of Future Receipts with Libertas whereby the Company sold $2.5 million of its future receivables in exchange for immediate cash proceeds of $2.0 million. On February 28, 2025, the Company entered into an additional Agreement of Sale of Future Receipts with Libertas whereby the Company sold $1.9 million of its future receivable in exchange for immediate cash proceeds of $1.5 million. While there are no repayment terms on these agreements, based on historical revenues, the Company estimates the associated receivables to be remitted in 1 year. The receivables will be remitted to Libertas as they are collected, subject to a specific percentage deduction from weekly receipts. The agreements are collateralized by all Accounts, as defined by UCC Article 9. In conjunction with each of the Agreements of Sale of Future Receipts with Libertas, the Company entered into a warrant agreement whereby Libertas agreed to purchase an aggregate of 0.25% of the fully diluted number of shares of common stock of the Company immediately before the closing of the Company’s IPO at an exercise price of $0.02 per share.
In February 2025, the Company amended an unsecured promissory note totaling $1.0 million to increase the one-time interest charge from 100% to 110% of the principal amount, payable in shares of common stock at the closing of an IPO whereby the number of shares would be based on the trading price.
In March 2025, the Company agreed to settle Mr. Perrin’s individual claims in the lawsuit for $0.75 million, contingent upon the closing of an IPO, which will be paid over six quarters beginning the quarter following the closing of an IPO.
In March 2025, the CDI Promissory Note Termination Agreement was amended whereby all of the holders agreed to convert $8.1 million of the principal owed to them under the CDI Promissory Note into 203,707 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the closing of an initial public offering, with the remaining principal of $2.0 million owed to such holders to be paid at the closing of an initial public offering.
On March 7, 2025, the Board of Directors approved a 1-for-1.7 reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock and options to purchase common stock. The Stock Split reduced the number of shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, as well as the numbers of shares reserved and available for future issuance and underlying outstanding options to purchase common stock. No fractional shares were distributed as a result of the reverse stock split, and stockholders were entitled to a cash payment in lieu of fractional shares. The Stock Split did not affect the par values per share or authorized common stock.
In March 2025, the Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders approved, the AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2025 Plan”). The 2025 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) to employees, including employees of any parent or subsidiary, and for the grant of non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance awards and other forms of stock awards to employees, directors, and consultants, including employees and consultants of the Company’s affiliates. The 2025 Plan is a successor to and continuation of the Legacy Plan (referred to in the 2025 Plan as the Prior Plan) and will become effective on the execution of the underwriting agreement related to an IPO. Initially, the maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the 2025 Plan after it becomes effective will not exceed 1.9 million shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Share Reserve”). In addition, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance under the 2025 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year, starting on January 1, 2026, through and including January 1, 2035, in an amount equal to (1) 5% of the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on the last day of the preceding calendar year, or (2) a lesser number of shares of the Company’s common stock determined by the Board of Directors prior to the date of the increase. The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs under the 2025 Plan will be three times the Share Reserve.
F-42 |
5,000,000 Shares
Common Stock
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Cantor |
BTIG |
Mizuho |
Bancroft Capital, LLC |
, 2025
Through and including , 2025 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This 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.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table indicates the expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this registration statement, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, all of which will be paid by us. All amounts are estimated except the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., (“FINRA”), filing fee and the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) listing fee.
AMOUNT PAID OR TO BE PAID | ||||
SEC registration fee | $ | 14,086 | ||
FINRA filing fee | 14,300 | |||
Nasdaq listing fee | 270,000 | |||
Accountants’ fees and expenses | 200,000 | |||
Legal fees and expenses | 3,200,000 | |||
Transfer agent’s fees and expenses | 5,000 | |||
Printing and engraving expenses | 15,000 | |||
Miscellaneous expenses | 1,281,614 | |||
Total | $ | 5,000,000 |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
As permitted by Sections 102 and 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, we have adopted provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors for a breach of their fiduciary duty of care as a director. The duty of care generally requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation, directors exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them. Consequently, a director will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for:
● | any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; | |
● | any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; | |
● | any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or payment of dividends; or | |
● | any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. |
These limitations of liability do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also authorizes us to indemnify our officers, directors and other agents to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.
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As permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated bylaws provide that:
● | we may indemnify our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to limited exceptions; | |
● | we may advance expenses to our directors, officers and employees in connection with a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to limited exceptions; and | |
● | the rights provided in our bylaws are not exclusive. |
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, as amended, provide for the indemnification provisions described above and elsewhere herein. We have entered or will enter into, and intend to continue to enter into, separate indemnification agreements with our directors and officers that may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law. These indemnification agreements generally require us, among other things, to indemnify our officers and directors against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers, other than liabilities arising from willful misconduct. These indemnification agreements also generally require us to advance any expenses incurred by the directors or officers as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. These indemnification provisions and the indemnification agreements may be sufficiently broad to permit indemnification of our officers and directors for liabilities, including reimbursement of expenses incurred, arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
We have purchased and currently intend to maintain insurance on behalf of each and every person who is one of our directors or officers, within the limits and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, against any loss arising from any claim asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, subject to certain exclusions.
The form of underwriting agreement to be entered into in connection with this initial public offering provides for indemnification by the underwriters of us and our officers and directors who sign this registration statement for specified liabilities, including matters arising under the Securities Act.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Set forth below is information regarding shares of our common stock, promissory notes, options and warrants to purchase shares of a common stock issued by us since January 1, 2022 that were not registered under the Securities Act. Also included is the consideration, if any, received by us, for such securities and options and information relating to the Securities Act, or rule of the SEC, under which exemption from registration was claimed.
(a) Issuances of Common Stock and Promissory Notes
In March 2022, we issued 3,143,001 shares of our common stock to the members of Jaunt in exchange for 100% of the membership interest in Jaunt. As a result of this transaction, Jaunt became our wholly owned subsidiary.
In March 2022, we issued 524,064 shares of our common stock and a promissory note in the amount of $12.9 million to the shareholders of Sky-Watch in exchange for 100% of the stock of Sky-Watch. As a result of this transaction, Sky-Watch became our wholly owned subsidiary.
In April 2022, we issued 1,515,151 shares of our common stock to the shareholders of Aspen in exchange for 100% of the stock of Aspen. As a result of this transaction, Aspen became our wholly owned subsidiary.
In April 2022, we issued 1,069,514 shares of our common stock and a promissory note in the amount of $10.1 million to the shareholders of CDI in exchange for 100% of the stock of CDI. As a result of this transaction, CDI became our wholly owned subsidiary.
No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuances of securities. The issuances of shares of our common stock and promissory notes described in this paragraph (b) of Item 15 were issued pursuant to written compensatory plans or arrangements with our employees, directors, and consultants, in reliance on the exemption provided by Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, or pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act, relating to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. All recipients either received adequate information about us or had access, through employment or other relationships, to such information.
(b) Grants of Stock Options and Restricted Stock
In March 2022, in connection with our acquisition of Jaunt, we assumed the Legacy Plan, and certain employees and consultants of Jaunt were granted options to purchase shares of our common stock. The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the Legacy Plan consists of 356,015 shares of our common stock and no further grants are contemplated.
In May 2022, we and Kyle Stanbro entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement, as subsequently amended in August 2023, whereby we issued to Mr. Stanbro 127,005 shares of our common stock (the “Stanbro Restricted Stock”). The Stanbro Restricted Stock shall vest on the first day of the first full calendar quarter following the completion of this offering.
In May 2022, we and Jeffrey Parker entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement, as subsequently amended in August 2023, whereby we issued to Mr. Parker 127,005 shares of our common stock (the “Parker Restricted Stock”). The Parker Restricted Stock shall vest on the first day of the first full calendar quarter following the completion of this offering.
No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuances of securities. The issuances of stock options and restricted stock awards and the shares of our common stock issued upon the exercise of the options described in this paragraph (b) of Item 15 were issued pursuant to written compensatory plans or arrangements with our employees, directors, and consultants, in reliance on the exemption provided by Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, or pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act, relating to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. All recipients either received adequate information about us or had access, through employment or other relationships, to such information.
(c) Warrant Issuances
In March 2022, in connection with its acquisition of Jaunt, we issued warrants to certain members of Jaunt to purchase, in the aggregate, 66,026 shares of our common stock. The warrants were issued in exchange for warrants to purchase equity in Jaunt pursuant to a Warrant Exchange Agreement between us, Jaunt and the individual warrant holders. The warrants may be exercised within ten years of the issue date for an exercise price of $16.83 per share of common stock.
In January 2025 and February 2025, in connection with our entry into two Agreements of Sale of Future Receipts, we issued warrants to Libertas Funding, LLC to purchase, in the aggregate, 104,336 shares of our common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of the prospectus filed as part of this registration statement.
No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuance of securities. The issuance of the warrants described in this paragraph (c) of Item 15 were issued to investors in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as set forth in Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act, relating to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. Each recipient of securities in the transaction described above represented that such recipient was an accredited investor and was acquiring the securities for its own account for investment purposes only and not with a view to the public resale or distribution thereof and that it could bear the risks of the investment and could hold the securities for an indefinite period of time, and appropriate legends were affixed to the instrument representing such securities issued in such transaction.
II-2 |
(d) Promissory Note Issuance
Between May 2022 and November 2024, we raised $9.7 million in the form of unsecured promissory notes with no collateral and no guarantees to private investors, which accrue interest payable in shares of our common stock.
No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuance of securities. The issuance of the convertible promissory notes described in this paragraph (e) of Item 15 were issued to investors in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as set forth in Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act, relating to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. Each recipient of securities in the transaction described above represented that such recipient was an accredited investor and was acquiring the securities for its own account for investment purposes only and not with a view to the public resale or distribution thereof and that it could bear the risks of the investment and could hold the securities for an indefinite period of time, and appropriate legends were affixed to the instrument representing such securities issued in such transaction.
Appropriate legends were affixed to the securities issued in these transactions. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions had adequate access, through employment, business or other relationships, to information about us.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
** | Previously filed |
+ | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan. |
* | Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted (indicated by “[***]”) because the Registrant has determined that the information is not material and is the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. |
II-3 |
(b) Financial statement schedules.
No financial statement schedules are provided because the information called for is not required or is shown either in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each 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 SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
(a) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(b) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-4 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on April 10, 2025.
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Captain Joseph D. Burns | |
Captain Joseph D. Burns | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Captain Joseph D. Burns and Mariya Pylypiv and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, with the full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE |
TITLE |
DATE | ||
/s/ Captain Joseph D. Burns |
Chief Executive Officer and Director | April 10, 2025 | ||
Captain Joseph D. Burns | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
* |
Chief Financial Officer | April 10, 2025 | ||
Dr. Mariya Pylypiv | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|||
* | President, Chief Operating Officer and |
April 10, 2025 | ||
John Uczekaj | Director | |||
* |
Executive Chairman and Director | April 10, 2025 | ||
Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria | ||||
* | Director | April 10, 2025 | ||
John Belcher |
II-5 |
Exhibit 1.1
AIRO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
[●] Shares of Common Stock
(par value $0.000001 per share)
Underwriting Agreement
[●], 2025
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.
As Representative of the several
Underwriters listed in Schedule A
hereto
c/o Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.
499 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Ladies and Gentlemen:
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to the several underwriters named in Schedule A (the “Underwriters”) an aggregate of [●] shares of its common stock, par value $0.000001 per share (the “Shares”). The [●] Shares to be sold by the Company are called the “Firm Shares.” In addition, the Company has granted to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional [●] Shares as provided in Section 2. The additional [●] Shares to be sold by the Company pursuant to such option are collectively called the “Option Shares.” The Firm Shares and, if and to the extent such option is exercised, the Option Shares, are collectively called the “Offered Shares.” Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) has agreed to act as representative of the several Underwriters (in such capacity, the “Representative”) in connection with the offering and sale of the Offered Shares.
The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-285149). Such registration statement, as amended, including the financial statements, exhibits and schedules thereto, in the form in which it became effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “Securities Act”), including any information deemed to be a part thereof at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, is called the “Registration Statement.” Any registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act in connection with the offer and sale of the Offered Shares is called the “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement,” and from and after the date and time of filing of any such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement the term “Registration Statement” shall include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. The preliminary prospectus dated [●], 2025 (and any amendments thereto before effectiveness) describing the Offered Shares and the offering thereof is called the “Preliminary Prospectus,” and the Preliminary Prospectus and any other prospectus in preliminary form that describes the Offered Shares and the offering thereof and is used prior to the filing of the Prospectus (as defined below) is called a “preliminary prospectus.” As used herein, the term “Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus in the form first used by the Underwriters to confirm sales of the Offered Shares or in the form first made available to the Underwriters by the Company to meet requests of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act.
As used herein, the “Applicable Time” is [●][a.m.][p.m.] (New York time) on [●], 2025. As used herein, “free writing prospectus” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and “Time of Sale Prospectus” means the Preliminary Prospectus, together with the free writing prospectuses, if any, identified on Schedule B hereto and the pricing information set forth on Schedule C hereto. As used herein, “Road Show” means a “road show” (as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act) relating to the offering of the Offered Shares contemplated hereby that is a “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act). As used herein, “Section 5(d) Written Communication” means each written communication (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) that is made in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act by the Company or any person authorized to act on behalf of the Company to one or more potential investors that are qualified institutional buyers (“QIBs”) and/or institutions that are accredited investors (“IAIs”), as such terms are respectively defined in Rule 144A and Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, to determine whether such investors might have an interest in the offering of the Offered Shares; “Section 5(d) Oral Communication” means each oral communication, if any, made in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act by the Company or any person authorized to act on behalf of the Company made to one or more QIBs and/or one or more IAIs to determine whether such investors might have an interest in the offering of the Offered Shares; “Marketing Materials” means any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Offered Shares, including any Road Show or investor presentations made to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically); and “Permitted Section 5(d) Communication” means the Section 5(d) Written Communication(s) and Marketing Materials listed on Schedule D attached hereto.
All references in this agreement (the “Agreement”) to (i) the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing, or any free writing prospectus, shall include any copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”) and (ii) the Prospectus shall be deemed to include any “electronic Prospectus” provided for use in connection with the offering of the Offered Shares as contemplated by Section 3(o) of this Agreement.
In the event that the Company has only one subsidiary, then all references herein to “subsidiaries” of the Company shall be deemed to refer to such single subsidiary, mutatis mutandis.
The Company hereby confirms its agreements with the Underwriters as follows:
1. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date of this Agreement, the Applicable Time, the First Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) and each Option Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), if any, as follows:
(a) Compliance with Registration Requirements. The Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act. The Company has complied, to the Commission’s satisfaction, with all requests of the Commission for additional or supplemental information, if any. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, are contemplated or threatened by the Commission.
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(b) Disclosure. Each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus when filed complied in all material respects with the Securities Act and, if filed by electronic transmission pursuant to EDGAR, was identical (except as may be permitted by Regulation S-T under the Securities Act) to the copy thereof delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Offered Shares. Each of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became or becomes effective and at all subsequent times, complied and will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and did 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 not misleading. As of the Applicable Time, the Time of Sale Prospectus did not, and at the time of each sale of the Offered Shares and at the First Closing Date (as defined in Section 2), the Time of Sale Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented by the Company, if applicable, will not, contain any 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 under which they were made, not misleading. The Prospectus, as of its date and the Applicable Time, did not and, as then amended or supplemented, if applicable, as of the date of such amendment or supplement, at the First Closing Date and at each applicable Option Closing Date, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order 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 three immediately preceding sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, or the Prospectus or the Time of Sale Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by the Representative expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information consists of the information described in Section 9(b). There are no contracts or other documents required to be described in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement which have not been described or filed as required.
(c) Free Writing Prospectuses; Road Show. As of the determination date referenced in Rule 164(h) under the Securities Act, the Company was not, is not or will not be (as applicable) an “ineligible issuer” in connection with the offering of the Offered Shares pursuant to Rules 164, 405 and 433 under the Securities Act. Each free writing prospectus that the Company is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act has been, or will be, filed with the Commission in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act. Each free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act or that was prepared by or on behalf of or used or referred to by the Company complies or will comply in all material respects with the requirements of Rule 433 under the Securities Act, including timely filing with the Commission or retention where required and legending, as applicable, and each such free writing prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the completion of the public offer and sale of the Offered Shares did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any preliminary prospectus unless such information has been superseded or modified as of such time. The representations and warranties set forth in the immediately preceding sentence do not apply to statements made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by the Representative expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information consists of the information described in Section 9(b). Except for the free writing prospectuses, if any, identified in Schedule B, and electronic Road Shows, if any, furnished to the Representative before first use, the Company has not prepared, used or referred to, and will not, without the Representative’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus. Each Road Show, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, did not, as of the Applicable Time, contain any 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 under which they were made, not misleading.
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(d) Emerging Growth Company. From the time of initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly or through any person authorized to act on its behalf in any Section 5(d) Written Communication or Section 5(d) Oral Communication) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”).
(e) Testing-the-Waters Materials. The Company (i) has not alone engaged in any Section 5(d) Written Communication or Section 5(d) Oral Communication and (ii) has not authorized anyone other than the Representative to engage in such Permitted Section 5(d) Communications. The Company reconfirms that the Representative has been authorized to act on its behalf in conveying Marketing Materials, Section 5(d) Oral Communications and Section 5(d) Written Communications. The Company has not distributed or approved for distribution any Section 5(d) Written Communications. Any individual Permitted Section 5(d) Communication does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Time of Sale Prospectus, and when taken together with the Time of Sale Prospectus as of the Applicable Time, did not, and as of the First Closing Date and as of each Option Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Company has filed publicly on EDGAR at least 15 calendar days prior to any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433 under the Act), any confidentially submitted registration statement and registration statement amendments relating to the offer and sale of the Offered Shares.
(f) Distribution of Offering Material By the Company. Prior to the later of (i) the expiration or termination of the option granted to the several Underwriters in Section 2, (ii) the completion of the Underwriters’ distribution of the Offered Shares and (iii) the expiration of 25 days after the date of the Prospectus, the Company has not distributed and will not distribute any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Offered Shares other than the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus or any free writing prospectus reviewed and consented to by the Representative, and the free writing prospectuses, if any, identified on Schedule B hereto and any Permitted Section 5(d) Communications.
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(g) Financial Information. The consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, together with the related notes and schedules, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and the Subsidiaries (as defined below) as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity of the Company for the periods specified and have been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act and in conformity with GAAP (as defined below) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved, and except in the case of unaudited financial statements, which are subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments and do not contain certain footnotes as permitted by the applicable rules of the Commission; there are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus that are not included as required; the Company and the Subsidiaries do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), not described in the Registration Statement (excluding the exhibits thereto), the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; and all disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus and the free writing prospectuses, if any, regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission) comply with Regulation G of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Exchange Act”) and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, to the extent applicable. The financial data set forth in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the captions “Prospectus Summary—Summary Consolidated Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Capitalization” fairly present, in all material respects, the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. The pro forma financial information and the related notes thereto included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus have been prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the assumptions underlying such pro forma financial information are reasonable and are set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(h) Conformity with EDGAR Filing. The Preliminary Prospectus and Final Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Offered Shares pursuant to this Agreement will be identical to the versions of the Preliminary Prospectus and Final Prospectus created to be transmitted to the Commission for filing via EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(i) Organization. The Company and each of its subsidiaries (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) (the “Subsidiaries”) are duly organized, validly existing as a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, as applicable, and in good standing under the Laws (as defined below) of their respective jurisdictions of organization. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries are duly licensed or qualified as a foreign corporation for transaction of business and in good standing under the Laws of each other jurisdiction in which their respective ownership or lease of property or the conduct of their respective businesses requires such license or qualification, and have all corporate power and authority necessary to own or hold their respective properties and to conduct their respective businesses as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing or have such power or authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on or affect the assets, business, operations, earnings, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or prevent or materially interfere with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (a “Material Adverse Effect”).
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(j) Subsidiaries. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the equity interests of the Subsidiaries free and clear of any lien, charge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal or other restriction, and all the equity interests of the Subsidiaries are validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive and similar rights. No Subsidiary is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other distribution on such Subsidiary’s capital stock, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such Subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such Subsidiary’s property or assets to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company.
(k) No Violation or Default. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its charter or by-laws or similar organizational documents; (ii) in default, and no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default, in the due performance or observance of any term, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is subject; or (iii) in violation of any Law of any Governmental Authority (as defined below), except, in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, for any such violation or default that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the Company’s knowledge, no other party under any material contract or other agreement to which it or any of the Subsidiaries is a party is in default in any respect thereunder where such default would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(l) No Material Adverse Effect. Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and the free writing prospectuses, if any, there has not been (i) any Material Adverse Effect or the occurrence of any development that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) any transaction which is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iii) any obligation or liability, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary, which is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iv) any material change in the capital stock or outstanding long-term indebtedness of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries (other than as a result of (A) the sale of Offered Shares, (B) the issuance or vesting of equity awards under the Company’s existing equity incentive or stock option plans, (C) the issuance of shares under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan, or (D) the issuance of shares upon the exercise or conversion of securities exercisable for, or convertible into, Shares outstanding on the date hereof, each of (A), (B), (C) and (D) as described in the Registration Statement, Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus) or (v) any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on the capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, other than, in each case above, in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (including any document filed therewith).
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(m) Capitalization. The issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are not subject to any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or similar rights. The Company has an authorized, issued and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus as of the dates referred to therein (other than the grant of additional options under the Company’s existing equity incentive or stock option plans, or changes in the number of outstanding Shares due to the issuance of shares upon the exercise or conversion of securities exercisable for, or convertible into, Shares outstanding on the date hereof) and such authorized capital stock conforms in all material respects to the description thereof set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. The description of the Shares in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus is complete and accurate in all material respects. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, as of the date referred to therein, the Company does not have outstanding any options to purchase, or any rights or warrants to subscribe for, or any securities or obligations convertible into, or exchangeable for, or any contracts or commitments to issue or sell, any shares of capital stock or other securities.
(n) Authorization. The Company has full legal right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and perform the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(o) Authorization of the Offered Shares. The Offered Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and sale pursuant to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company against payment therefor pursuant to this Agreement, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim, including any statutory or contractual preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights, and will be registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The Offered Shares, when issued, will conform in all material respects to the description thereof set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(p) No Consents Required. No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any Governmental Authority is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the issuance and sale by the Company of the Offered Shares, except for such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders and registrations or qualifications as may be required under applicable state securities Laws or Laws of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (“FINRA”) or The Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) in connection with the sale of the Offered Shares.
(q) No Preferential Rights. (i) No person, as such term is defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act (each, a “Person”), has the right, contractual or otherwise, to cause the Company to issue or sell to such Person any Shares or shares of any other capital stock or other securities of the Company, (ii) no Person has any preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal, rights of co-sale, or any other rights (whether pursuant to a “poison pill” provision or otherwise) to purchase any Shares or shares of any other capital stock or other securities of the Company, (iii) no Person has the right to act as an underwriter or financial advisor to the Company in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares, and (iv) no Person has the right, contractual or otherwise, to require the Company to register under the Securities Act the offer and sale of any Shares or shares of any other capital stock or other securities of the Company, or to include any such shares or other securities in the Registration Statement or the offering contemplated thereby, whether as a result of the filing or effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the sale of the Offered Shares as contemplated thereby or otherwise.
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(r) Independent Public Accounting Firm. BPM LLP (the “Accountant”), whose report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company is filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, are and, during the periods covered by their report, were an independent registered public accounting firm within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). To the Company’s knowledge, the Accountant is not in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) with respect to the Company.
(s) Enforceability of Agreements. All agreements between the Company and third parties referenced in the Prospectus are legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that (i) enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles and (ii) the indemnification provisions of certain agreements may be limited by federal or state securities Laws or public policy considerations in respect thereof, except for any unenforceability that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(t) No Litigation. There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any Governmental Authority pending, nor any audits or, to the Company’s knowledge, investigations by or before any Governmental Authority, to which the Company or a Subsidiary is a party or to which any property of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is the subject that would, individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and, to the Company’s knowledge, no such actions, suits, proceedings, audits or investigations are threatened or contemplated by any Governmental Authority or threatened by others; and there are no current or pending audits, investigations, actions, suits or proceedings by or before any Governmental Authority that are required under the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus that are not so described.
(u) Consents and Permits. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Company and each Subsidiary possess such valid and current certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received, or has any reason to believe that it will receive, any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization or permit which, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(v) Intellectual Property. To the Company’s knowledge, the Company and the Subsidiaries own, possess, license or have other rights to use all foreign and domestic patents, patent applications, trade and service marks, trade and service mark registrations, trade names, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets, technology, Internet domain names, know-how and other intellectual property (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”) necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses as now conducted except to the extent that the failure to own, possess, license or otherwise hold adequate rights to use such Intellectual Property would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (i) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, there are no rights of third parties to any such Intellectual Property owned by the Company and the Subsidiaries; (ii) to the Company’s knowledge, there is no infringement by third parties of any such Intellectual Property; (iii) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the Company’s and the Subsidiaries’ rights in or to any such Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware of any facts which could form a reasonable basis for any such action, suit, proceeding or claim; (iv) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such Intellectual Property; (v) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company or the Subsidiaries infringe or otherwise violate any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or other proprietary rights of others; (vi) to the Company’s knowledge, there is no third-party U.S. patent or published U.S. patent application which contains claims for which an Interference Proceeding (as defined in 35 U.S.C. § 135) which has been commenced against any patent or patent application described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus as being owned by or licensed to the Company; and (vii) the Company and the Subsidiaries have complied with the terms of each agreement pursuant to which Intellectual Property has been licensed to the Company or such Subsidiary, and all such agreements are in full force and effect, except, in the case of any of clauses (i)-(vii) above, for any such infringement by third parties or any such pending or threatened suit, action, proceeding or claim as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(w) Cybersecurity; Data Protection. The Company and the Subsidiaries’ information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) are (i) adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently conducted, and (ii) to the Company’s knowledge, free and clear of all material bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants. The Company and the Subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards designed to maintain and protect (i) their material confidential information (including “Personal Data,” as such term is defined under applicable Laws) in their possession or control and (ii) the integrity, operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems used in connection with their businesses. There have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to IT Systems or Personal Data in the Company’s and the Subsidiaries’ possession or control, except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person, nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same. The Company and the Subsidiaries are presently in material compliance with all applicable Laws, internal policies and contractual obligations governing the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification.
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(x) No Material Defaults. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has defaulted on any installment on indebtedness for borrowed money or on any rental on one or more long-term leases, and, to the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default, and neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has failed to pay any dividend or sinking fund installment on preferred stock, which defaults or failures would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(y) Certain Market Activities. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would reasonably be expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Shares or of any “reference security” (as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act (“Regulation M”)) with respect to the Shares, whether to facilitate the sale or resale of the Offered Shares or otherwise, and has taken no action which would directly or indirectly violate Regulation M.
(z) Broker/Dealer Relationships. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries (i) is required to register as a “broker” or “dealer” in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Act or (ii) directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is a “person associated with a member” or “associated person of a member” (within the meaning set forth in the FINRA Manual).
(aa) No Reliance. The Company has not relied upon the Underwriters or legal counsel for the Underwriters for any legal, tax or accounting advice in connection with the offering and sale of the Offered Shares.
(bb) Taxes. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries have filed all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax returns which have been required to be filed and have paid all taxes, whether or not shown on any tax return, through the date hereof, to the extent that such taxes have become due and are not being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been established by the Company and the Subsidiaries, except where the failure to so file or pay would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as otherwise disclosed in or contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, no tax deficiency has been determined adversely to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries which has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has no knowledge of any federal, state or other governmental tax deficiency, penalty or assessment which has been or might be asserted or threatened against it which would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(cc) Title to Real and Personal Property. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all items of real property owned by them, and good and valid title to all personal property described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus as being owned by them that are material to the businesses of the Company or such Subsidiary, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and claims, except those matters that (i) do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and any of the Subsidiaries or (ii) would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. Any real or personal property described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus as being leased by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is held by them under valid, existing and enforceable leases, except those that (A) do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or (B) would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries complies with all applicable Laws (including building and zoning Laws and Laws relating to access to such properties) except if and to the extent disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus or for such failures to comply that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company or the Subsidiaries has received from any Governmental Authorities any notice of any condemnation of, or zoning change affecting, the properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, and the Company knows of no such condemnation or zoning change which is threatened, except for such that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(dd) Environmental Laws. The Company and the Subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state, local and foreign Laws relating to the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (collectively, “Environmental Laws”); (ii) have received and are in compliance with all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus; and (iii) have not received notice of any actual or potential liability for the investigation or remediation of any disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants, except, in the case of any of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above, for any such failure to comply or failure to receive required permits, licenses, other approvals or liability as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(ee) Disclosure Controls. The Company and the Subsidiaries maintain a system of “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) that complies in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and that has been designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(ff) Accounting Controls. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Company and the Subsidiaries maintain systems of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that comply in all material respects 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, and designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The Company and the Subsidiaries maintain internal accounting controls designed, and which the Company believes 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; and (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. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, there are no material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls. The Company’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company have been advised of: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which have adversely affected or are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
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(gg) Sarbanes-Oxley. There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply in all material respects with any applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(hh) Brokers. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred any liability for any finder’s fees, brokerage commissions or similar payments in connection with the transactions herein contemplated, except as may otherwise exist with respect to the Underwriters or pursuant to this Agreement.
(ii) Labor Disputes. No labor disturbance by or dispute with employees of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries exists or, to the Company’s knowledge, is threatened which would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(jj) Investment Company Act. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is, or will be, either after receipt of payment for the Offered Shares or after the application of the proceeds therefrom as described under “Use of Proceeds” in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, required to register as an “investment company” or an entity “controlled” by an “investment company,” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).
(kk) Operations. The operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable money laundering, financial record keeping and reporting requirements, and counter-terrorism financing laws, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the anti-money laundering Laws and counter-terrorism financing laws, rules, and regulations of all jurisdictions to which the Company or the Subsidiaries are subject, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”); and no investigation, action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental Authority involving the Company or any of the Subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened.
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(ll) Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. There are no transactions, arrangements or other relationships between and/or among the Company, on the one hand, and/or any of its affiliates and any unconsolidated entity, on the other hand, including any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity (each, an “Off-Balance Sheet Transaction”) that would reasonably be expected to affect materially the Company’s liquidity or the availability of or requirements for its capital resources, including those Off-Balance Sheet Transactions described in the Commission’s Statement about Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Release Nos. 33-8056; 34-45321; FR-61), required to be described in the Prospectus which have not been described as required.
(mm) ERISA. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: each material employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), that is maintained, administered or contributed to by the Company or any of its affiliates for employees or former employees of the Company and any of the Subsidiaries has been maintained in material compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); no prohibited transaction, within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred which would result in a material liability to the Company with respect to any such plan, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administrative exemption; and for each such plan that is subject to the funding rules of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, no “accumulated funding deficiency” as defined in Section 412 of the Code has been incurred, whether or not waived, and the fair market value of the assets of each such plan (excluding for these purposes accrued but unpaid contributions) exceeds the present value of all benefits accrued under such plan determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions.
(nn) Forward-Looking Statements. Each financial or operational projection or other “forward-looking statement” (as defined by Section 27A of the Securities Act or Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (i) was so included by the Company in good faith and with reasonable basis after due consideration by the Company of the underlying assumptions, estimates and other applicable facts and circumstances and (ii) is accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying those factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statement. No such statement was made with the knowledge of an executive officer or director of the Company that such statement was false or misleading.
(oo) Margin Rules. Neither the issuance, sale and delivery of the Offered Shares nor the application of the proceeds thereof by the Company as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will violate Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other regulation of such Board of Governors.
(pp) Insurance. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries carry, or are covered by, insurance covering their respective properties, operations, personnel and businesses, including business interruption insurance, in such amounts and covering such risks as the Company and each of the Subsidiaries reasonably believe are adequate for the conduct of their business and the maintenance of their properties and as is customary for companies engaged in similar businesses in similar industries; and neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has (i) received notice from any insurer or agent of such insurer that any material capital improvements or other expenditures are required or necessary to be made in order to continue such insurance or (ii) any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage at reasonable cost from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business.
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(qq) Government Contracts. The Company has complied in all material respects with: (i) all terms and conditions of each Government Contract and Government Bid; (ii) all legal requirements applicable to each such Government Contract and Government Bid; and (iii) all representations, certifications and disclosure statements made by or submitted on behalf of the Company with respect to each Government Contract and Government Bid, and all such representations, certifications and disclosure statements were current, accurate, and complete in all material respects as of the date of submission. The Company has neither identified nor received written or, to the Company’s knowledge, oral notice of any actual or alleged violation or breach of any statute, regulation, representation, certification, disclosure obligation, or term or condition of a Government Contract or Government Bid that would reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has received no written or, to the Company’s knowledge, oral notice of termination for cause or default, cure notice, show cause notice, or stop work order relating to any Government Contract, other than with respect to any ordinary course of business termination for convenience due to a change in scope of a Government Contract. No Government Contract has been terminated for default or cause and, to the Company’s knowledge, no facts or circumstances exist upon which a termination for convenience, default, or cause may be based in the future. The Company has not received written or, to the Company’s knowledge, oral notice of any pending or threatened investigation, prosecution, or administrative proceeding or audit related to any Government Contract or Government Bid of the Company. Neither the Company nor any of its owners, officers or directors, nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its subcontractors, employees, consultants, agents, or representatives, is currently debarred or suspended from doing business with any Governmental Authority, or proposed for debarment or suspension, or otherwise ineligible to hold, perform, or bid on any Government Contract. To the Company’s knowledge, there exist no facts or circumstances that would be reasonably likely to result in a suspension, debarment proceeding or ineligibility on the part of the Company or its owners, officers, or directors. The Company has not been determined to be ineligible for award or received a negative determination of responsibility or an adverse or negative past performance evaluation or rating with respect to any Government Contract or Government Bid, and there exist (i) no outstanding claims, requests for equitable adjustment, or disputes against the Company by a Governmental Authority, prime contractor, subcontractor, or whistleblower arising under any Government Contract; (ii) to the Company’s knowledge, no facts over which a claim, request for equitable adjustment, or dispute would reasonably be expected to arise in the future; and (iii) no bid protests relating to a Government Contract or Government Bid.
(rr) Export Control and Import Compliance. The Company, the Subsidiaries, its or their directors, officers, and, to the Company’s knowledge, employees, are and have been in compliance, in all material respects, with (i) all applicable trade, export control, import and antiboycott laws and regulations imposed, administered or enforced by the U.S. government, including: (a) laws, regulations and policies enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; (b) the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. § 1778) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 C.F.R. Part 120 et seq.) administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls; (c) the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. Part 730 et seq.) administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security; (d) the U.S. anti-boycott regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security and the IRS; (e) all laws concerning export and import reporting administered by the U.S. Census Bureau; (f) the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. §§ 1701–1706); the Foreign Trade Regulations (15 C.F.R. Part 30); and the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. §§ 4801-4861), and (ii) the antiboycott laws and regulations imposed, administered or enforced by any other country, except to the extent inconsistent with U.S. law (collectively, the “Export Control and Import Laws”). The Company and the Subsidiaries have obtained all registrations, approvals, license exceptions, and licenses necessary for exporting, importing, conducting their operations, and providing their products and services in accordance with all Export Control and Import Laws (collectively, the “Export Approvals”), and have complied with the terms of all Export Approvals in all material respects.
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(ss) Aviation Laws. The Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with all material laws applicable to the military, public and civil operation of unmanned aerial vehicles by the Company and the Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, (10 U.S.C. Section 1, et seq.) and all associated regulations, orders and policies and the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended, (49 U.S.C. Section 40101, et seq.) (including, without limitation, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-254) and all associated regulations, orders and policies. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries are under investigation with respect to and, to the Company’s and the Subsidiaries’ knowledge, have not been threatened to be charged with or been given written notice of any violation of, any applicable Laws or Permits. There is no material audit, inquiry or investigation involving the Company or any of the Subsidiaries by any Governmental Authority pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened.
(tt) No Improper Practices. (i) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, in the past five years, made any unlawful contributions to any candidate for any political office (or failed fully to disclose any contribution in violation of applicable Law) or made any contribution or other payment to any official of, or candidate for, any federal, state, municipal, or foreign office or other person charged with similar public or quasi-public duty in violation of any applicable Law or of the character required to be disclosed in the Prospectus; (ii) no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or any Subsidiary or any affiliate of any of them, on the one hand, and the directors, officers and stockholders of the Company or any Subsidiary, on the other hand, that is required by the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus that is not so described; (iii) no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or any Subsidiary or any affiliate of them, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, or stockholders of the Company or any Subsidiary, on the other hand, that is required by the rules of FINRA to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus that is not so described; (iv) there are no outstanding loans or advances or guarantees of indebtedness by the Company or any Subsidiary to or for the benefit of any of their respective officers or directors or any of the members of the families of any of them; (v) the Company has not offered, or caused any placement agent to offer, Shares to any person with the intent to influence unlawfully (A) a customer or supplier of the Company or any Subsidiary to alter the customer’s or supplier’s level or type of business with the Company or any Subsidiary or (B) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their respective products or services; and (vi) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor any director, officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has (A) violated or is in violation of any applicable provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption Law (collectively, “Anti-Corruption Laws”), (B) promised, offered, provided, attempted to provide or authorized the provision of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any person for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, influencing any act or decision of the recipient or securing any improper advantage, or (C) made any payment of funds of the Company or any Subsidiary or received or retained any funds in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws. The Company and the Subsidiaries have instituted, maintain and enforce, and will continue to maintain and enforce policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.
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(uu) No Conflicts. Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the issuance, offering or sale of the Offered Shares as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, nor the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated herein and therein, nor the compliance by the Company with the terms and provisions hereof and thereof will conflict with, or will result in a breach of, any of the terms and provisions of, or has constituted or will constitute a default under, or has resulted in or will result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to the terms of any contract or other agreement to which the Company may be bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company is subject, except (i) such conflicts, breaches or defaults as may have been waived and (ii) such conflicts, breaches and defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; nor will such action result in (x) any violation of the provisions of the organizational or governing documents of the Company, or (y) any violation of the provisions of any statute or any order, rule or regulation applicable to the Company or of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Company that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(vv) Sanctions.
(i) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, employee, or to the Company’s knowledge, agent, affiliate or representative of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, is a government, individual, or entity (in this paragraph (vv), “Person”) that is, or is 50% or more owned or controlled by one or more Persons that are:
(A) the target of comprehensive economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes administered or enforced by the U.S. government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or any European Union member state, or the United Kingdom (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor
(B) operating from, located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the target of comprehensive Sanctions that broadly prohibit dealings with that country or territory (as of the date of this Agreement, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the Crimea Region of the Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic) (each, a “Sanctioned Country”).
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(ii) The Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Shares hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with or involving any person that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business in any Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any Person (including any Person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions.
(iii) Since August 30, 2021, it has not engaged in, and it is not now engaging in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, country or territory that, at the time of the dealing or transaction, is or was the target of Sanctions or is or was a Sanctioned Country.
(ww) Compliance with Laws. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws (including all environmental Laws) in the jurisdictions in which they carry on business, except where failures to so comply would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect; the Company has not received a notice of material non-compliance, nor knows of, nor has reasonable grounds to know of, any facts that could give rise to a notice of material non-compliance with any such Laws, and is not aware of any material pending change or contemplated change to any applicable Law or governmental positions.
(xx) Statistical and Market-Related Data. All statistical, demographic and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes to be reliable and accurate or represent the Company’s good faith estimates that are made on the basis of data derived from such sources.
(yy) Related-Party Transactions. There are no business relationships or related-party transactions involving the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any other person required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus that have not been described as required.
(zz) FINRA Matters. All of the information provided to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters by the Company, its counsel, its officers and directors and the holders of any securities (debt or equity) or options to acquire any securities of the Company in connection with the offering of the Offered Shares is true, complete, correct and compliant in all material respects with FINRA’s rules and any letters, filings or other supplemental information provided to FINRA pursuant to FINRA Rules is true, complete and correct in all material respects.
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(aaa) Parties to Lock-Up Agreements. The Company has furnished to the Underwriters a letter agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Lock-up Agreement”) from the holders of substantially all of the Company’s outstanding capital stock and each of the persons listed on Exhibit B. Such Exhibit B lists under an appropriate caption the directors and executive officers of the Company. If any additional persons shall become directors or executive officers of the Company prior to the end of the Lock-up Period (as defined below), the Company shall cause each such person, prior to or contemporaneously with their appointment or election as a director or executive officer of the Company, to execute and deliver to the Underwriters a Lock-up Agreement.
(bbb) FINCEN Beneficial Ownership Certification. As required by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network within the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Company has delivered to the Representative, on or prior to the date of execution of this Agreement, such beneficial ownership certifications and information as the Representative may have requested, together with copies of identifying documentation, and the Company undertakes to provide such additional information and supporting documentation as the Representative may reasonably request in connection with the verification of the foregoing certification.
(ccc) No Ratings. There are (and prior to the Closing Date, will be) no debt securities, convertible securities or preferred stock issued or guaranteed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries that are rated by a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization”, as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act.
(ddd) No Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock. The issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated hereby will not cause any holder of any shares of capital stock, securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or options, warrants or other rights to purchase capital stock or any other securities of the Company to have any right to acquire any shares of preferred stock of the Company.
Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and delivered to any Underwriter or to counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering, or the purchase and sale, of the Offered Shares shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.
The Company has a reasonable basis for making each of the representations set forth in this Section 1. The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters and, for purposes of the opinions to be delivered pursuant to Section 6, counsel to the Company and counsel to the Underwriters, will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of the foregoing representations and hereby consents to such reliance.
2. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the Offered Shares.
(a) The Firm Shares. Upon the terms herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the several Underwriters an aggregate of [●] Firm Shares. On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the respective number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their names on Schedule A. The purchase price per Firm Share to be paid by the several Underwriters to the Company shall be $[●] per share.
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(b) The First Closing Date. Settlement of the Firm Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and payment therefor shall be made at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP, 330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2800, Chicago, IL (or such other place as may be agreed to by the Company and the Representative) at [●] a.m. (New York time), on [●], 2025, or such other time and date not later than [●] p.m. (New York time), on [●], 2025 as the Representative shall designate by notice to the Company (the time and date of such closing are called the “First Closing Date”). The Company hereby acknowledges that circumstances under which the Representative may provide notice to postpone the First Closing Date as originally scheduled include, but are not limited to, any determination by the Company or the Representative to recirculate to the public copies of an amended or supplemented Prospectus or a delay as contemplated by the provisions of Section 11.
(c) The Option Shares; Option Closing Date. In addition, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to an aggregate of [●] Option Shares from the Company at the purchase price per share to be paid by the Underwriters for the Firm Shares. The option granted hereunder may be exercised at any time and from time to time in whole or in part upon notice by the Representative to the Company, which notice may be given at any time within 30 days from the date of this Agreement. Such notice shall set forth (i) the aggregate number of Option Shares as to which the Underwriters are exercising the option and (ii) the time, date and place at which the Option Shares will be delivered (which time and date may be simultaneous with, but not earlier than, the First Closing Date; and in the event that such time and date are simultaneous with the First Closing Date, the term “First Closing Date” shall refer to the time and date of delivery of the Firm Shares and such Option Shares). Any such time and date of delivery, if subsequent to the First Closing Date, is called an “Option Closing Date,” and shall be determined by the Representative, and shall not be earlier than one or later than five full Business Days (as defined below) after delivery of such notice of exercise. If any Option Shares are to be purchased, (A) each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Option Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representative may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Option Shares to be purchased as the number of Firm Shares set forth on Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares and (B) the Company agrees to sell the number of Option Shares set forth in the paragraph “Introductory” of this Agreement (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representative may determine). The Representative may cancel the option at any time prior to its expiration by giving written notice of such cancellation to the Company.
(d) Public Offering of the Offered Shares. The Representative hereby advises the Company that the Underwriters intend to offer for sale to the public, initially on the terms set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, their respective portions of the Offered Shares as soon after this Agreement has been executed as the Representative, in its sole judgment, has determined is advisable and practicable.
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(e) Payment for the Offered Shares.
(i) Payment for the Offered Shares shall be made at the First Closing Date (and, if applicable, payment for the Optional Shares shall be made at the First Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the order of the Company.
(ii) It is understood that the Representative has been authorized, for its own account and the accounts of the several Underwriters, to accept delivery of and receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Firm Shares and any Option Shares the Underwriters have agreed to purchase. Cantor, individually and not as the Representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment for any Offered Shares to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds shall not have been received by the Representative by the First Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be, for the account of such Underwriter, but any such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from any of its obligations under this Agreement.
(f) Delivery of the Offered Shares. The Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), to the Representative for the accounts of the several Underwriters, the Firm Shares at the First Closing Date, against the irrevocable release of a wire transfer of immediately available funds for the amount of the purchase price therefor. The Company shall also deliver, or cause to be delivered through the facilities of DTC unless the Representative shall otherwise instruct, to the Representative for the accounts of the several Underwriters, the Option Shares the Underwriters have agreed to purchase at the First Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be, against the release of a wire transfer of immediately available funds for the amount of the purchase price therefor. If the Representative so elects, delivery of the Offered Shares may be made by credit to the accounts designated by the Representative through DTC’s full fast transfer or DWAC programs. The certificates, if any, for the Offered Shares shall be registered in such names and denominations as the Representative shall have requested at least two full Business Days prior to the First Closing Date (or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be) and shall be made available for inspection on the Business Day preceding the First Closing Date (or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be) at a location in New York City as the Representative may designate. Time shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and place specified in this Agreement is a further condition to the obligations of the Underwriters.
3. Additional Covenants of the Company.
The Company further covenants and agrees with each Underwriter as follows:
(a) Delivery of Registration Statement, Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus. The Company shall furnish, upon request, to the Representative, without charge, two signed copies of the Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and for delivery to each other Underwriter a conformed copy of the Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and shall furnish to the Representative in New York City, without charge, prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and during the period when a prospectus relating to the Offered Shares is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) in connection with the sale of the Offered Shares, as many copies of the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and any supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as the Representative may reasonably request.
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(b) Representative’s Review of Proposed Amendments and Supplements. During the period when a prospectus relating to the Offered Shares is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule), the Company (i) will furnish to the Representative for review, a reasonable period of time prior to the proposed time of filing of any proposed amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, a copy of each such amendment or supplement and (ii) will not amend or supplement the Registration Statement without the Representative’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Prior to amending or supplementing any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, the Company shall furnish to the Representative for review, a reasonable amount of time prior to the time of filing or use of the proposed amendment or supplement, a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement. The Company shall not file or use any such proposed amendment or supplement without the Representative’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Company shall file with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act any prospectus required to be filed pursuant to such Rule.
(c) Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company shall furnish to the Representative for review, a reasonable amount of time prior to the proposed time of filing or use thereof, a copy of each proposed free writing prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto prepared by or on behalf of, used by or referred to by the Company, and the Company shall not file, use or refer to any proposed free writing prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto without the Representative’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Company shall furnish to each Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by or referred to by the Company as such Underwriter may reasonably request. If at any time when a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) in connection with the sale of the Offered Shares (but in any event if at any time through and including the First Closing Date) there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by or referred to by the Company conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or included or would include 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 such time, not misleading, the Company shall promptly amend or supplement such free writing prospectus so that the statements in such free writing prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not conflict with information contained in the Registration Statement and will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at such time, not misleading, as the case may be; provided, however, that prior to amending or supplementing any such free writing prospectus, the Company shall furnish to the Representative for review, a reasonable amount of time prior to the proposed time of filing or use thereof, a copy of such proposed amended or supplemented free writing prospectus, and the Company shall not file, use or refer to any such amended or supplemented free writing prospectus without the Representative’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
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(d) Filing of Underwriter Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company shall not take any action that would result in an Underwriter or the Company being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that such Underwriter otherwise would not have been required to file thereunder.
(e) Amendments and Supplements to Time of Sale Prospectus. If the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Offered Shares at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, and any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the Time of Sale Prospectus does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when delivered to a prospective purchaser, not misleading, or if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Prospectus conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable Law, the Company shall (subject to Section 3(b) and Section 3(c)) promptly prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when delivered to a prospective purchaser, not misleading or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable Law.
(f) Certain Notifications and Required Actions. After the date of this Agreement, and until such time as the Underwriters are no longer required to deliver a Prospectus in order to confirm sales of the Offered Shares, the Company shall promptly advise the Representative in writing (which may be by electronic mail) of: (i) the receipt of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from, the Commission relating to the Registration Statement received by the Company; (ii) the time and date of any filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus or the Prospectus; (iii) the time and date that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective; and (iv) the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or any amendment or supplement to any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus or the Prospectus, or, if the Company gains knowledge of such proceeding, of any proceedings to remove, suspend or terminate from listing or quotation the Shares from any securities exchange upon which they are 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, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the lifting of such order as soon as practicable. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply with all applicable provisions of Rule 424(b), Rule 433 and Rule 430A 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.
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(g) Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus and Other Securities Act Matters. If any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus so that the Prospectus does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) to a purchaser, not misleading, or if in the opinion of the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters it is otherwise necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable Law, the Company agrees (subject to Section 3(b) and Section 3(c)) to promptly prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) to a purchaser, not misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable Law. Neither the Representative’s consent to, nor delivery of, any such amendment or supplement shall constitute a waiver of any of the Company’s obligations under Section 3(b) or Section 3(c).
(h) Blue Sky Compliance. The Company shall cooperate with the Representative and counsel for the Underwriters to qualify or register the Offered Shares for sale under (or obtain exemptions from the application of) the state securities or blue sky Laws or Canadian provincial securities Laws of those jurisdictions as may be reasonably designated by the Representative, shall comply with such Laws and shall continue such qualifications, registrations and exemptions in effect so long as required for the distribution of the Offered Shares. The Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not presently qualified or where it would be subject to taxation as a foreign corporation. The Company will advise the Representative promptly of the suspension of the qualification or registration of (or any such exemption relating to) the Offered Shares for offering, sale or trading in any jurisdiction or, if the Company gains knowledge of such proceeding, any initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose, and in the event of the issuance of any order suspending such qualification, registration or exemption, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to promptly obtain the withdrawal thereof.
(i) Use of Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Offered Shares sold by it in all material respects in the manner described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(j) Transfer Agent. The Company shall engage and maintain, at its expense, a registrar and transfer agent for the Shares.
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(k) Earnings Statement. The Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the Representative as soon as practicable an earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company commencing after the date of this Agreement that will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; provided, however, that the requirements of this Section 3(k) shall be deemed satisfied to the extent such statement is available on EDGAR.
(l) Continued Compliance with Securities Laws. The Company will comply with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Offered Shares as contemplated by this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Offered Shares is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule), file on a timely basis with the Commission and Nasdaq all reports and documents required to be filed under the Exchange Act.
(m) Listing. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to list, subject to notice of issuance, the Offered Shares on Nasdaq.
(n) Agreement Not to Offer or Sell Additional Shares. During the period commencing on and including the date hereof and continuing through and including the 180th day following the date of the Prospectus (such period, as extended as described below, being referred to herein as the “Lock-up Period”), the Company will not, without the prior written consent of Cantor (which consent may be withheld in its sole discretion), directly or indirectly: (i) sell, offer to sell, contract to sell or lend any Shares or Related Securities (as defined below); (ii) effect any short sale, or establish or increase any “put equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act) or liquidate or decrease any “call equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(b) under the Exchange Act) of any Shares or Related Securities; (iii) pledge, hypothecate or grant any security interest in any Shares or Related Securities; (iv) in any other way transfer or dispose of any Shares or Related Securities; (v) enter into any swap, hedge or similar arrangement or agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of any Shares or Related Securities, regardless of whether any such transaction is to be settled in securities, in cash or otherwise; (vi) announce the offering of any Shares or Related Securities; (vii) file any registration statement under the Securities Act in respect of any Shares or Related Securities (other than as contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the Offered Shares); or (viii) publicly announce the intention to do any of the foregoing; provided, however, that the Company may (A) effect the transactions contemplated hereby or described in the Registration Statement in connection with the offering of the Offered Shares and (B) issue Shares or options to purchase Shares, or issue Shares upon exercise of options, pursuant to any stock option, stock bonus or other stock plan or arrangement described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, but only if the holders of such Shares or options agree in writing with the Underwriters not to sell, offer, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such Shares or options during the Lock-up Period without the prior written consent of Cantor (which consent may be withheld in its sole discretion), (C) issue Shares pursuant to the conversion or exchange of Related Securities, provided, in each case, (i) such Related Securities are outstanding on the date hereof and described in the Registration Statement and (ii) the recipient to any Shares issued pursuant to this subsection (C) executes a Lock-up Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit A, (D) file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 or a successor form thereto to register Shares issuable pursuant to the terms of a stock option, stock bonus or other stock plan or arrangement described in the Registration Statement; and (E) issue Shares or any Related Securities in connection with any merger, joint venture, strategic alliance, commercial or other strategic or collaborative relationship or the acquisition or license by the Company of the securities, businesses, property or other assets of another person or entity or pursuant to any employment benefit plan assumed by the Company in connection with any such merger or acquisition, provided that in the case of clause (E), (i) the aggregate number of shares that the Company may sell or issue or agree to sell or issue shall not exceed 5.0% of the total number of Shares issued and outstanding immediately following the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) the recipients thereof provide to the Representative a signed Lock-up Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit A. For purposes of the foregoing, “Related Securities” shall mean any options or warrants or other rights to acquire Shares or any securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into Shares, or to acquire other securities or rights ultimately exchangeable or exercisable for, or convertible into, Shares.
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(o) Future Reports to the Representative. During the period of five years hereafter, the Company will furnish to the Representative, c/o Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., at 110 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Equity Capital Markets, Email: notices-IBD@cantor.com, with copies to Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., 110 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, Attention: General Counsel, Email: legal-IBD@cantor.com: (i) as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, copies of the Annual Report of the Company containing the balance sheet of the Company as of the close of such fiscal year and statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the opinion thereon of the Company’s independent public or certified public accountants; (ii) as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, copies of each proxy statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other report filed by the Company with the Commission, FINRA or any securities exchange; and (iii) as soon as available, copies of any report or communication of the Company furnished or made available generally to holders of its capital stock; provided, however, that the requirements of this Section 3(p) shall be satisfied to the extent that such reports, statement, communications, financial statements or other documents are available on EDGAR.
(p) Emerging Growth Company. The Company will promptly notify the Representative if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and (ii) completion of the Lock-Up Period.
(q) Investment Limitation. The Company shall not invest or otherwise use the proceeds received by the Company from its sale of the Offered Shares in such a manner as would require the Company or any of the Subsidiaries to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
(r) No Stabilization or Manipulation; Compliance with Regulation M. The Company will not take, and will ensure that no affiliate of the Company will take, directly or indirectly, without giving effect to activities by the Underwriters, any action designed to or that would reasonably be expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Shares or any reference security with respect to the Shares, whether to facilitate the sale or resale of the Offered Shares or otherwise, and the Company will, and shall cause each of its affiliates to, comply with all applicable provisions of Regulation M.
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(s) Enforce Lock-up Agreements. During the Lock-up Period, the Company will enforce all agreements between the Company and any of its security holders that restrict or prohibit, expressly or in operation, the offer, sale or transfer of Shares or Related Securities or any of the other actions restricted or prohibited under the terms of the form of Lock-up Agreement. In addition, the Company will direct the transfer agent to place stop transfer restrictions upon any such securities of the Company that are bound by such “lock-up” agreements for the duration of the periods contemplated in such agreements, including “lock-up” agreements entered into by the Company’s officers, directors and stockholders pursuant to Section 6(d) hereof.
(t) Company to Provide Interim Financial Statements. Prior to the First Closing Date and each applicable Option Closing Date, the Company will furnish the Underwriters, as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been prepared by or are available to the Company, a copy of any unaudited interim financial statements of the Company for any period subsequent to the period covered by the most recent financial statements appearing in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; provided that the requirements of this Section 3(t) shall be deemed satisfied to the extent such financial statements are available on EDGAR.
(u) Amendments and Supplements to Permitted Section 5(d)Communications. If at any time following the distribution of any Permitted Section 5(d) Communication, there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Permitted Section 5(d) Communication included or would include 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 existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representative and upon the reasonable request of the Representative, will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Permitted Section 5(d) Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.
(v) Announcement Regarding Lock-ups. The Company agrees to announce the Representative’s intention to release any director or “officer” (within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company from any of the restrictions imposed by any Lock-up Agreement, by issuing, through a major news service, a press release, in the form set forth in Exhibit C hereto, promptly following the Company’s receipt of any notification from the Representative in which such intention is indicated, but in any case not later than the close of the third business day prior to the date on which such release or waiver is to become effective; provided, however, that nothing shall prevent the Representative, on behalf of the Underwriters, from announcing the same through a major news service, irrespective of whether the Company has made the required announcement; and provided, further, that no such announcement shall be made of any release or waiver granted solely to permit a transfer of securities that is not for consideration and where the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the terms of a Lock-up Agreement in the form set forth as Exhibit A hereto.
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4. Payment of Expenses. The Company agrees to pay all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder and in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including (i) all expenses incident to the issuance and delivery of the Offered Shares (including all printing and engraving costs); (ii) all fees and expenses of the registrar and transfer agent of the Shares; (iii) all necessary issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the issuance and sale of the Offered Shares to the Underwriters; (iv) all fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel, independent public or certified public accountants and other advisors; (v) all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing, filing, shipping and distribution of the Registration Statement (including financial statements, exhibits, schedules, consents and certificates of experts), the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, each free writing prospectus, if any, prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company, and each preliminary prospectus, each Permitted Section 5(d) Communication, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and this Agreement; (vi) all filing fees, reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Company or the Underwriters in connection with qualifying or registering (or obtaining exemptions from the qualification or registration of) all or any part of the Offered Shares for offer and sale under the state securities or blue sky Laws or the provincial securities Laws of Canada, and, if requested by the Representative, preparing and printing a “Blue Sky Survey” or memorandum and a “Canadian wrapper,” and any supplements thereto, advising the Underwriters of such qualifications, registrations and exemptions (up to a maximum aggregate amount of $10,000); (vii) the costs, fees and expenses incurred by the Underwriters in connection with determining their compliance with the rules and regulations of FINRA related to the Underwriters’ participation in the offering and distribution of the Offered Shares, including any related filing fees and the legal fees of, and disbursements by, counsel to the Underwriters; provided, however, that such legal fees, taken together with the legal fees described in clause (vi) above, shall not exceed $40,000 in the aggregate; (viii) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on any “road show,” any Permitted Section 5(d) Communication or any Section 5(d) Oral Communication undertaken in connection with the offering of the Shares, including expenses associated with the preparation or dissemination of any electronic road show, expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road show presentations with the prior approval of the Company, travel and lodging expenses, employees and officers of the Company and any such consultants; provided, however, that the Underwriters and the Company agree that the cost of any chartered aircraft shall be borne 50% by the Company and 50% by the Underwriters; (ix) the fees and expenses associated with listing the Offered Shares on Nasdaq and (x) all other fees, costs and expenses of the nature referred to in Item 13 of Part II of the Registration Statement. Except as provided in this Section 4 or in Section 7, Section 9 or Section 10, or in the engagement letter, dated September 27, 2024, among the Company and certain of the Underwriters, as amended on November 5, 2024, the Underwriters shall pay their own expenses, including the fees and disbursements of their counsel.
5. Covenant of the Underwriters. Each Underwriter severally and not jointly covenants with the Company not to take any action that would result in the Company being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that otherwise would not, but for such actions, be required to be filed by the Company under Rule 433(d).
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6. Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters. The respective obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder to purchase and pay for the Offered Shares as provided herein on the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Option Shares, each Option Closing Date, shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company set forth in Section 1 as of the date hereof and as of the First Closing Date as though then made and, with respect to the Option Shares, as of each Option Closing Date as though then made, to the timely performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional conditions:
(a) Comfort Letter. On the date hereof, the Representative shall receive from BPM LLP, independent registered public accountants for the Company, a letter dated the date hereof addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountant’s “comfort letters” to underwriters, delivered according to Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72 (or any successor bulletin), with respect to the audited and unaudited financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, and each free writing prospectus, if any.
(b) Compliance with Registration Requirements; No Stop Order; No Objection from FINRA. For a period from and after the date of this Agreement and through and including the First Closing Date and, with respect to any Option Shares purchased after the First Closing Date, each Option Closing Date:
(i) The Company shall have filed the Prospectus with the Commission (including the information required by Rule 430A under the Securities Act) in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act; or the Company shall have filed a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement containing the information required by such Rule 430A, and such post-effective amendment shall have become effective.
(ii) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose shall have been instituted or threatened by the Commission.
(iii) FINRA shall have raised no objection to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.
(c) No Material Adverse Effect. For the period from and after the date of this Agreement and through and including the First Closing Date and, with respect to any Option Shares purchased after the First Closing Date, each Option Closing Date, in the judgment of the Representative there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Effect or any development that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Lock-up Agreements. On or prior to the date hereof, each Lock-Up Agreement shall be in full force and effect on each of the First Closing Date and each Option Closing Date.
(e) Opinion of Counsel for the Company. On each of the First Closing Date and each Option Closing Date the Representative shall have received the opinion and negative assurance letter of Cooley LLP, counsel for the Company, dated as of such date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.
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(f) Opinion of Counsel for the Underwriters. On each of the First Closing Date and each Option Closing Date the Representative shall have received the opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offer and sale of the Offered Shares, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative, dated as of such date.
(g) Officers’ Certificate. On each of the First Closing Date and each Option Closing Date, the Representative shall have received a certificate executed by the Chief Executive Officer or President of the Company and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated as of such date, to the effect set forth in Section 6(b)(ii) and further to the effect that:
(i) for the period from and including the date of this Agreement through and including such date, there has not occurred any Material Adverse Effect;
(ii) the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company set forth in Section 1 are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made on and as of such date; and
(iii) the Company has complied with all the agreements hereunder and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to such date.
(h) Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate. On each of the First Closing Date and each Option Closing Date, the Representative shall have received a certificate executed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated as of such date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.
(i) Bring-down Comfort Letter. On each of the First Closing Date and each Option Closing Date the Representative shall have received from BPM LLP, independent registered public accountants for the Company, a letter dated such date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative, which letter shall: (i) reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished by them pursuant to Section 6(a), except that the specified date referred to therein for the carrying out of procedures shall be no more than three Business Days prior to the First Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be; and (ii) cover certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, Prospectus, and each free writing prospectus, if any.
(j) Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. In the event that a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement is filed in connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement, such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement shall have been filed with the Commission on the date of this Agreement and shall have become effective automatically upon such filing.
(k) Nasdaq. The Offered Shares shall have been approved for listing on Nasdaq, subject only to receipt of official notice of issuance.
(l) Additional Documents. On or before each of the First Closing Date and each Option Closing Date, the Representative and counsel for the Underwriters shall have received such information, documents and opinions as they may reasonably request for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Offered Shares as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Offered Shares as contemplated herein and in connection with the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and counsel for the Underwriters.
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If any condition specified in this Section 6 is not satisfied when and as required to be satisfied (unless waived in writing by the Representative), this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by notice from the Representative to the Company at any time on or prior to the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Option Shares, at any time on or prior to the applicable Option Closing Date, which termination shall be without liability on the part of any party to any other party, except that Section 4, Section 7, Section 9 and Section 10 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
7. Reimbursement of Underwriters’ Expenses. If this Agreement is terminated by the Representative pursuant to Section 6, Section 11 or Section 12, or if the sale to the Underwriters of the Offered Shares on the First Closing Date is not consummated because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company to perform any agreement herein or to comply with any provision hereof, the Company agrees to reimburse the Representative and the other Underwriters (or such Underwriters as have terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves), severally, upon demand for all accountable expenses that shall have been actually incurred by the Representative and the Underwriters in connection with the proposed purchase and the offering and sale of the Offered Shares, including fees and disbursements of counsel, printing expenses, travel expenses, postage, facsimile and telephone charges. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that the Company will not pay or reimburse any costs, fees or expenses incurred by any Underwriter that defaults on its obligations to purchase the Shares.
8. Effectiveness of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.
9. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification of the Underwriters. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates and their respective partners, members, directors, officers, employees and agents, and each person, if any, who controls each Underwriter or any affiliate within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act as follows:
(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, joint or several, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in any preliminary prospectus, Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus, any Marketing Material, any Section 5(d) Written Communication or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to the foregoing), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
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(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, joint or several, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any Governmental Authority, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that (subject to Section 9(d)) any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company, which consent shall not unreasonably be delayed, conditioned or withheld; and
(iii) against any and all documented expense whatsoever, as reasonably incurred (including the fees and disbursements of counsel), in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any Governmental Authority, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission (whether or not a party), to the extent that any such expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;
provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made solely in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information (as defined below).
(b) Indemnification of the Company, its Directors and Officers. Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, and its directors, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement 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, against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in Section 9(a), as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus, any Section 5(d) Written Communication or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to the foregoing), in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to such Underwriter and furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter or Underwriters expressly for use therein. The Company hereby acknowledges that the only information that the Underwriter or Underwriters has furnished to the Company expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus, any Section 5(d) Written Communication or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to the foregoing) are the statements set forth in the [fifth] paragraph under the caption “Underwriting,” the [first and second] sentences of the [first] paragraph, the [first] sentence of the [second] paragraph, the [second and third] sentences of the [third] paragraph and the [second] sentence of the [fourth] paragraph under the caption “Underwriting—Market Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions,” the [first, second, third and fifth] sentences under the heading “Underwriting—Passive Market Making” and the [first, second and third] sentences under the heading “Underwriting—Electronic Distribution” in the Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus (the “Underwriter Information”).
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(c) Notifications and Other Indemnification Procedures. Any party that proposes to assert the right to be indemnified under this Section 9 will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a claim is to be made against an indemnifying party or parties under this Section 9, notify each such indemnifying party of the commencement of such action, enclosing a copy of all papers served, but the omission so to notify such indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying party from (i) any liability that it might have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 9 and (ii) any liability that it may have to any indemnified party under the foregoing provision of this Section 9 unless, and only to the extent that, such omission results in the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses by the indemnifying party. If any such action is brought against any indemnified party and it notifies the indemnifying party of its commencement, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and, to the extent that it elects by delivering written notice to the indemnified party promptly after receiving notice of the commencement of the action from the indemnified party, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense of, the action, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense, the indemnifying party will not be liable to the indemnified party for any other legal expenses except as provided below and except for the reasonable costs of investigation subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense. The indemnified party will have the right to employ its own counsel in any such action, but the fees, expenses and other charges of such counsel will be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (A) the employment of counsel by the indemnified party has been authorized in writing by the indemnifying party, (B) 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, (C) 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 (D) the indemnifying party has not in fact employed counsel to assume the defense of such action or counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, in each case, within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the commencement of the action; in each of which cases the reasonable and documented fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel will be at the expense of the indemnifying party or parties. It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable and documented fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm admitted to practice in such jurisdiction (plus local counsel) at any one time for all such indemnified party or parties. All such fees, disbursements and other charges will be reimbursed by the indemnifying party promptly as they are incurred. An indemnifying party will not, in any event, be liable for any settlement of any action or claim effected without its written consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of each indemnified party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding relating to the matters contemplated by this Section 9 (whether or not any indemnified party is a party thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (x) includes an express and unconditional release of each indemnified party, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (y) 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) Settlement Without Consent if Failure to Reimburse. If an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for reasonable and documented fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated by Section 9(a)(ii) effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement.
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10. Contribution. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in the foregoing paragraphs of Section 9 is applicable in accordance with its terms but for any reason is held to be unavailable or insufficient from the Company or the Underwriters, the Company and the Underwriters will contribute to the total losses, claims, liabilities, expenses and damages (including any investigative, legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted) to which any indemnified party may be subject in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the sale of the Offered Shares (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total compensation received by the Underwriters (before deducting expenses) from the sale of Offered Shares on behalf of the Company. If, but only if, the allocation provided by the foregoing sentence is not permitted by applicable Law, the allocation of contribution shall be made in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in the foregoing sentence but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, with respect to the statements or omission that resulted in such loss, claim, liability, expense or damage, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations with respect to such offering. Such relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 10 were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, liability, expense or damage, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 10 shall be deemed to include, for the purpose of this Section 10, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim to the extent consistent with Section 9(c). Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 9 and this Section 10, the Underwriters shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the commissions actually received by it under this Agreement and no person found guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 10, any person who controls a party to this Agreement within the meaning of the Securities Act, any affiliates of the respective Underwriters and any officers, directors, partners, employees or agents of the Underwriters or their respective affiliates, will have the same rights to contribution as that party, and each director of the Company and each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement will have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case to the provisions hereof. Any party entitled to contribution, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a claim for contribution may be made under this Section 10, will notify any such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission to so notify will not relieve that party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any other obligation it or they may have under this Section 10 except to the extent that the failure to so notify such other party materially prejudiced the substantive rights or defenses of the party from whom contribution is sought. Except for a settlement entered into pursuant to the last sentence of Section 9(c), no party will be liable for contribution with respect to any action or claim settled without its written consent if such consent is required pursuant to Section 9(c).
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11. Default of One or More of the Several Underwriters. If, on the First Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, any one or more of the several Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Offered Shares that it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Offered Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase does not exceed 10% of the aggregate number of the Offered Shares to be purchased on such date, the Representative may make arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Company for the purchase of such Offered Shares by other persons, including any of the Underwriters, but if no such arrangements are made by such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule A bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as may be specified by the Representative with the consent of the non-defaulting Underwriters, to purchase the Offered Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date. If, on the First Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, any one or more of the several Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Offered Shares that it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Offered Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase exceeds 10% of the aggregate number of Offered Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Representative and the Company for the purchase of such Offered Shares are not made within 48 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of Section 4, Section 7, Section 9 and Section 10 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination. In any such case either the Representative or the Company shall have the right to postpone the First Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be, but in no event for longer than seven days in order that the required changes, if any, to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements may be effected.
As used in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” shall be deemed to include any person substituted for a defaulting Underwriter under this Section 11. Any action taken under this Section 11 shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.
12. Termination of this Agreement. Prior to the purchase of the Firm Shares by the Underwriters on the First Closing Date, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by notice given to the Company if at any time: (i) trading or quotation in any of the Company’s securities shall have been suspended or limited by the Commission or by Nasdaq, or trading in securities generally on either Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or limited, or minimum or maximum prices shall have been generally established on any of such stock exchanges; (ii) a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by any of federal or New York authorities; (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of national or international hostilities or any crisis or calamity, or any change in the United States or international financial markets, or any substantial change or development involving a prospective substantial change in United States’ or international political, financial or economic conditions, as in the sole judgment of the Representative is material and adverse and makes it impracticable to market the Offered Shares in the manner and on the terms described in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus or to enforce contracts for the sale of securities; (iv) in the sole judgment of the Representative there shall have occurred any Material Adverse Effect; or (v) the Company shall have sustained a loss by strike, fire, flood, earthquake, accident or other calamity of such character as in the sole judgment of the Representative may interfere materially with the conduct of the business and operations of the Company regardless of whether or not such loss shall have been insured. Any termination pursuant to this Section 12 shall be without liability on the part of (A) the Company to any Underwriter, except that the Company shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Representative and the Underwriters pursuant to Section 4 or Section 7 hereof or (B) any Underwriter to the Company; provided, however, that the provisions of Section 9 and Section 10 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
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13. No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) the purchase and sale of the Offered Shares pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the public offering price of the Offered Shares and any related discounts and commissions, is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other hand; (b) in connection with the offering contemplated hereby and the process leading to such transaction, each Underwriter is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the agent or fiduciary of the Company, or its stockholders, or its creditors, employees or any other party; (c) no Underwriter has assumed or will assume an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company on other matters) and no Underwriter has any obligation to the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement; (d) the Underwriters and their respective affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company; and (e) the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the offering contemplated hereby and the Company has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate.
14. Representations and Agreements to Survive Delivery. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company, its officers and the several Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company or any of its or their partners, affiliates, officers, directors or employees or any controlling person, as the case may be, and, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, will survive delivery of and payment for the Offered Shares sold hereunder and any termination of this Agreement.
15. Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, hand delivered or telecopied and confirmed to the parties hereto as follows:
Each 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. Each such notice or other communication shall be deemed given (i) when delivered personally or by verifiable facsimile transmission (with an original to follow) on or before 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on a Business Day or, if such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day, (ii) on the next Business Day after timely delivery to a nationally-recognized overnight courier and (iii) on the Business Day actually received if deposited in the U.S. mail (certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid).
16. Electronic Notice. An electronic communication (“Electronic Notice”) shall be deemed written notice for purposes of this Section 16 if sent to the electronic mail address specified by the receiving party under separate cover. Electronic Notice shall be deemed received at the time the party sending Electronic Notice receives verification of receipt by the receiving party. Any party receiving Electronic Notice may request and shall be entitled to receive the notice on paper, in a nonelectronic form (“Nonelectronic Notice”) which shall be sent to the requesting party within ten (10) days of receipt of the written request for Nonelectronic Notice.
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17. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and the Underwriters and their respective successors and the parties referred to in Section 11. References to any of the parties contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the successors and permitted assigns of such party. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. Neither party may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party; provided, however, that the Representative may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to an affiliate thereof without obtaining the Company’s consent.
18. Partial Unenforceability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, paragraph or provision hereof. If any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.
19. Entire Agreement; Amendment; Severability; Waiver. This Agreement (including all schedules and exhibits attached hereto issued pursuant hereto) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior and contemporaneous agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof. Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be amended except pursuant to a written instrument executed by the Company and the Representative. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable as written by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such provision shall be given full force and effect to the fullest possible extent that it is valid, legal and enforceable, and the remainder of the terms and provisions herein shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable term or provision was not contained herein, but only to the extent that giving effect to such provision and the remainder of the terms and provisions hereof shall be in accordance with the intent of the parties as reflected in this Agreement. No implied waiver by a party shall arise in the absence of a waiver in writing signed by such party. No failure or delay in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right, power, or privilege hereunder.
20. GOVERNING LAW AND TIME; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
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21. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS SITTING IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT, THAT SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM OR THAT THE VENUE OF SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS IMPROPER. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF (CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.
22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered by facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf) or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000 or the New York Electronic Signature and Records Act or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
23. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.
(a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
As used in this Section 23:
“BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).
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“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);
(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or
(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
24. Construction.
(a) The section and exhibit headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof;
(b) words defined in the singular shall have a comparable meaning when used in the plural, and vice versa;
(c) the words “hereof,” “hereto,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement;
(d) wherever the word “include,” “includes” or “including” is used in this Agreement, it shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;
(e) references herein to any gender shall include each other gender;
(f) references herein to any law, statute, ordinance, code, regulation, rule or other requirement of any Governmental Authority shall be deemed to refer to such law, statute, ordinance, code, regulation, rule or other requirement of any Governmental Authority as amended, reenacted, supplemented or superseded in whole or in part and in effect from time to time and also to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(g) if the last day for the giving of any notice or the performance of any act required or permitted under this Agreement is a day that is not a Business Day, then the time for the giving of such notice or the performance of such action shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day;
(h) “knowledge” means, as it pertains to the Company, the actual knowledge of the officers and directors of the Company, together with the knowledge which such officers and directors would have had if they had conducted a reasonable inquiry of the relevant persons into the relevant subject matter;
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(i) “Governmental Authority” means (i) any federal, provincial, state, local, municipal, national or international government or governmental authority, regulatory or administrative agency, governmental commission, department, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, court, tribunal, arbitrator or arbitral body (public or private); (ii) any self-regulatory organization; or (iii) any political subdivision of any of the foregoing;
(j) “Government Bid” means any quotation, offer, bid or proposal made by the Company that, if accepted, would result in or lead to a Government Contract (as defined below). For avoidance of doubt, the term Government Bid includes only quotations, offers, bids or proposals that have not expired and for which award has not been made.
(k) “Government Contract” means any contract, task order, delivery order, purchase order, grant, or other binding commitment between the Company and an agency of the United States or an agency of any of its respective States, or any municipality, or an agency of a foreign sovereign or agency of a provincial, regional, or metropolitan government thereof, or any intergovernmental agency or quasi-governmental agency. “Government Contract” also includes any subcontract, subgrant, reseller agreement, or other agreement (at any tier) of the Company, (i) with another entity under a prime contract held by the Company, and (ii) with another entity that holds either a prime contract or other agreement with such a governmental agency or a subcontract or other agreement (at any tier) under such a prime contract.
(l) “Law” means any and all laws, including all federal, state, local, municipal, national or foreign statutes, codes, ordinances, guidelines, decrees, rules, regulations and by-laws and all judicial, arbitral, administrative, ministerial, departmental or regulatory judgments, orders, directives, decisions, rulings or awards or other requirements of any Governmental Authority, binding on or affecting the person referred to in the context in which the term is used and rules, regulations and policies of any stock exchange on which securities of the Company are listed for trading; and
(m) “Business Day” means any day on which Nasdaq and commercial banks in the City of New York are open for business.
25. General Provisions.
Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that it is a sophisticated business person who was adequately represented by counsel during negotiations regarding the provisions hereof, including the indemnification provisions of Section 9 and the contribution provisions of Section 10, and is fully informed regarding said provisions. Each of the parties hereto further acknowledges that the provisions of Section 9 and Section 10 hereof fairly allocate the risks in light of the ability of the parties to investigate the Company, its affairs and its business in order to assure that adequate disclosure has been made in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, each free writing prospectus, if any, and the Prospectus (and any amendments and supplements to the foregoing), as contemplated by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
[Signature Page Follows]
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If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Company and the Underwriters, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between the Company and the Underwriters.
Very truly yours, | ||
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
ACCEPTED as of the date first-above written: | ||
CANTOR FITZGERALD & CO. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
For itself and the other several Underwriters named in Schedule A to this Agreement. |
Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement
SCHEDULE A
Underwriters | Number of Firm Shares to be Purchased | |||
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. | [●] | |||
BTIG, LLC | [●] | |||
Mizuho Securities USA LLC | [●] | |||
Bancroft Capital, LLC | [●] | |||
Total | [●] |
SCHEDULE B
Free Writing Prospectuses Included in the Time of Sale Prospectus
[None]
Schedule C
Pricing Information
Firm Shares: [●]
Option Shares: [●]
Price to Public: $[●]
Underwriters’ Discount: $[●]
Schedule D
Permitted Section 5(d) Communications
1. | [AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. Testing the Waters Presentation] |
Exhibit A
Form of Lock-up Agreement
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.
As
Representative of the several
Underwriters listed in Schedule A
to the Underwriting Agreement
referred to below
c/o | Cantor
Fitzgerald & Co. 499 Park Avenue New York, New York 10022 Attn: Equity Capital Markets |
Re: Proposed Initial Public Offering by AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, a securityholder and/or officer and/or director of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), understands that the Company proposes to enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”), as representative of the several underwriters named in Schedule A therein (the “Representative”), relating to the proposed initial public offering (the “Offering”) of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.000001 per share (the “Common Stock”). The undersigned acknowledges that the underwriters are relying on the representations and agreements of the undersigned contained in this lock-up agreement in conducting the Offering and, at a subsequent date, in entering into the Underwriting Agreement and other underwriting arrangements with the Company with respect to the Offering. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
In recognition of the benefit that the Offering will confer upon the undersigned as a securityholder and/or officer and/or a director of the Company, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees that, during the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the date that is 180 days from the date of the Underwriting Agreement (the “Lock-Up Period”), the undersigned will not (and will use reasonable best effort to cause any immediate family member not to), without the prior written consent of Cantor, which may withhold its consent in its sole discretion, directly or indirectly, (i) sell, offer to sell, contract to sell or lend, effect any short sale or establish or increase a Put Equivalent Position (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) or liquidate or decrease any Call Equivalent Position (as defined in Rule 16a-1(b) under the Exchange Act), pledge, hypothecate or grant any security interest in, or in any other way transfer or dispose of, any Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, in each case whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition (collectively, the “Lock-Up Securities”), (ii) make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any of the Lock-Up Securities, or the filing of any registration statement, prospectus or prospectus supplement (or an amendment or supplement thereto) in connection therewith, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (iii) enter into any swap, hedge or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iv) publicly announce the intention to do any of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to the conditions below, the undersigned may:
(a) transfer or dispose of the Lock-Up Securities pursuant to clauses (i) through (xi) below without the prior written consent of Cantor, provided that (1) in the case of clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii), prior to any such transfer, Cantor receives a signed lock-up agreement, substantially in the form of this lock-up agreement, for the balance of the Lock-Up Period from each donee, trustee, distributee or transferee, as the case may be, and any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, (2) in the case transfers pursuant to clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (ix) below, no filing by any party (donor, donee, devisee, transferor, transferee, distributer or distributee) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act, or other public announcement is required or shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer or distribution (other than a filing on a Form 5 or a filing required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder made after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period referred to above) and (3) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clauses (i), (vii), (viii) and (x) below, it shall be a condition to such transfer that no public filing, report or announcement shall be voluntarily made and if any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock in connection with such transfer or distribution shall be legally required during the Lock-Up Period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature and conditions of such transfers:
(i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, or charitable contribution, or for bona fide estate planning purposes,
(ii) by will or intestacy or any other testamentary document,
(iii) to any member of the undersigned’s immediate family or to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned, or if the undersigned is a trust, to a trustor, trustee or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a trustor, trustee, or beneficiary of such trust,
(iv) to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, investment fund or other entity (A) of which the undersigned and the immediate family of the undersigned are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests or (B) controlled by, or under common control with, the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned,
(v) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (i) through (iv) above,
(vi) if the undersigned is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of the undersigned, or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control or common investment management with the undersigned or affiliates of the undersigned (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where the undersigned is a partnership, to its general partner or a successor partnership or fund, or any other funds managed by such partnership), or (B) as part of a distribution to current or former general or limited partners, managers or members, shareholders, equityholders or affiliates of the undersigned, or to the estates of any of the foregoing,
(vii) by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree, separation agreement or any other order of a court or regulatory agency with jurisdiction over the undersigned,
(viii) to the Company upon death, disability, or if the undersigned is an employee of the Company, termination of employment, of the undersigned,
(ix) as part of a sale of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities acquired (A) from the Underwriters in the Offering or (B) in open market transactions after the closing date for the Offering,
(x) to the Company in connection with the vesting, settlement, or exercise of restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of Common Stock (including, in each case, by way of “net” or “cashless” exercise), including for the payment of exercise price and tax and remittance payments due as a result of the vesting, settlement, or exercise of such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights, provided that any such shares of Common Stock received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the terms of this lock-up agreement, and provided further that any such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights are held by the undersigned pursuant to an agreement or equity awards granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan, each such agreement or plan which is described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, or
(xi) pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, that is approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and made to all holders of the Company’s capital stock involving a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Company (for purposes hereof, “Change of Control” shall mean the transfer (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or group of affiliated persons, of shares of capital stock if, after such transfer, such person or group of affiliated persons would hold at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (or the surviving entity)); provided that in the event that such tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction is not completed, the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities shall remain subject to the provisions of this lock-up agreement;
(b) exercise outstanding options, settle restricted stock units or other equity awards or exercise warrants pursuant to plans described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; provided that any Lock-Up Securities received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the terms of this lock-up agreement;
(c) convert outstanding preferred stock, warrants to acquire preferred stock or convertible securities into shares of Common Stock or warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock; provided that any such shares of Common Stock or warrants received upon such conversion shall be subject to the terms of this lock-up agreement;
(d) establish or amend trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Lock-Up Securities; provided that (1) such trading plans do not provide for the transfer of Lock-Up Securities during the Lock-Up Period and (2) no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be made voluntarily in connection with the establishment or amendment of such trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1, provided that if a filing under the Exchange Act or other public announcement is required, such announcement or filing shall include a statement that the undersigned is not permitted to transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of Lock-Up Securities under such trading plan during the Lock-Up Period in contravention of this lock-up agreement; and
(e) transfer or dispose of shares of Common Stock pursuant to “sell-to-cover” transactions in connection with the issuance of shares pursuant to a benefit pool or as deferred compensation described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, including for tax withholdings and remittance payments due as a result of such issuances; provided that, if any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock in connection with such sell-to-cover transaction shall be legally required during the Lock-Up Period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature and conditions of such transaction.
The undersigned further agrees that the foregoing provisions shall be equally applicable to any Common Stock the undersigned may purchase or otherwise receive in the Offering.
The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the Lock-Up Securities except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.
With respect to the Offering only, the undersigned waives any registration rights relating to registration under the Securities Act of the offer and sale of any shares of Common Stock and/or any options or warrants or other rights to acquire Common Stock or any securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into Common Stock, or to acquire other securities or rights ultimately exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into Common Stock, owned either of record or beneficially by the undersigned, including any rights to receive notice of the Offering.
In addition, if the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) Cantor agrees that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Common Stock, Cantor will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (ii) the Company (in accordance with the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement) will announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by Cantor hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if both (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration or that is to an immediate family member as defined in FINRA Rule 5130(i)(5) and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this lock-up agreement that are applicable to the transferor to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.
The undersigned confirms that the undersigned has not, and has no knowledge that any immediate family member has, directly or indirectly, taken any action designed to or that might 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 of the Common Stock. The undersigned will not, and will cause any immediate family member not to take, directly or indirectly, any such action.
As used herein, “immediate family” shall mean the spouse, domestic partner, lineal descendant, father, mother, brother, sister, or any other person with whom the undersigned has a relationship by blood, marriage or adoption not more remote than first cousin.
The undersigned represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power, capacity and authority to enter into this lock-up agreement. This lock-up agreement is irrevocable and will be binding on the undersigned and the successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the undersigned. This lock-up agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered by facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf) or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000 or the New York Electronic Signature and Records Act or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
This lock-up agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Whether or not the Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market conditions. Any Offering will only be made pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the underwriters.
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that, although the Representative may be required or choose to provide certain Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS disclosures to you in connection with the Offering, the Representative and the other Underwriters are not making a recommendation to you to participate in the Offering, enter into this lock-up agreement, or sell any Shares at the price determined in the Offering, and nothing set forth in such disclosures is intended to suggest that the Representative or any Underwriter is making such a recommendation.
This lock-up agreement shall automatically terminate, and the undersigned shall be released from its obligations hereunder, upon the earliest to occur, if any, of (i) the Company advising Cantor in writing, prior to the execution of the Underwriting Agreement, that it has determined not to proceed with the Offering, (ii) the executed Underwriting Agreement being terminated prior to the closing of the Offering (other than the provisions thereof that survive termination), and (iii) June 30, 2025, in the event that the Underwriting Agreement has not been executed by such date (provided, however, that the undersigned agrees that this lock-up agreement shall be automatically extended by three months if the Company provides written notice to the undersigned that the Company is still pursuing the Offering).
[Signature Page Follows]
Exhibit B
Parties to Lock-up Agreement
Directors and Director Nominees:
● | John Belcher | |
● | Gregory Winfree | |
● | Brian Nelson | |
● | Elizabeth Ng | |
● | Per Erik Edvard Svehag | |
● | Gregory Winfree | |
● | Sherrie McCandless |
Directors and Executive Officers
● | Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria | |
● | Captain Joseph D. Burns | |
● | John Uczekaj |
Executive Officers
● | Dr. Mariya Pylypiv |
Exhibit C
Form of Lock-up Release Announcement
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
[Date]
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today that Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., the lead book-running manager in the Company’s recent public sale of [●] shares of common stock is [waiving][releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to [●] shares of the Company’s common stock held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The [waiver][release] will take effect on [●], 20[●], and the shares may be sold on or after such date.
This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Exhibit 3.1
CERTIFICATE
OF INCORPORATION
OF
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
I, the undersigned, for the purpose of creating and organizing a corporation under the provisions of and subject to the requirements of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), certify as follows:
Article
I.
NAME
The name of the Corporation is AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”).
Article
II.
REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT
The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The name of the registered agent of the Corporation at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
Article
III.
PURPOSE AND POWERS
The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.
Article
IV.
COMMON STOCK
The total number of shares of common stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue is Thirty-Five Million (35,000,000), at a par value of $0.000001 per share.
Article
V.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by, or under the direction of, a board of directors.
Article
VI.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the DGCL or any other law of the State of Delaware is amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article VI to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as so amended. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VI by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of, or increase the liability of any director of the Corporation with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to, such repeal or modification.
Article
VII.
INDEMNIFICATION
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation is authorized to provide indemnification of (and advancement of expenses to) directors, officers and agents of the Corporation (and any other persons to which DCGL permits the Corporation to provide indemnification) through Bylaw provisions, agreements with such agents or other persons, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, in excess of the indemnification and advancement otherwise permitted by Section 145 of DGCL. Any amendment, repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall not (a) adversely affect any right or protection of any director, officer or other agent of the Corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal or modification or (b) increase the liability of any director of the Corporation with respect to any acts or omissions of such director, officer or agent occurring prior to, such amendment, repeal or modification.
Article
VIII.
INCORPORATOR
The name and mailing address of the incorporator of the Corporation is Joseph Burns, 5001 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. The powers of the incorporator shall terminate upon the filing of this Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
* * * *
I, the undersigned, being the incorporator, for the purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the DGCL, do make this Certificate of Incorporation, hereby acknowledging, declaring, and certifying that the foregoing Certificate of Incorporation is my act and deed and that the facts herein stated are true, and have accordingly hereunto set my hand this 30th day of August, 2021.
INCORPORATOR: | ||
/s/ Joseph Burns | ||
Name: | Joseph Burns |
2. |
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
Captain Joseph D. Burns hereby certifies that:
ONE: The name of this corporation is AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Corporation the date of filing the original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Current Certificate” with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was August 30, 2021.
TWO: He is the duly elected and acting Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Corporation.
THREE: The Board of Directors of the Corporation, acting in accordance with the provisions of Sections 141 and 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, adopted resolutions amending its Current Certificate as follows:
The following is hereby inserted into Article IV of the Current Certificate immediately before the first sentence therein:
Effective upon the filing of this Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware (the “Effective Time”), every 1.7 shares of Common Stock then issued and outstanding or held in the treasury of the Corporation immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically be combined into one share of Common Stock without any further action by the holders of such shares (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split will be effected on a certificate-by-certificate basis, and any fractional shares resulting from such combination shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share on a certificate-by-certificate basis. No fractional shares shall be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. In lieu of any fractional shares to which a holder would otherwise be entitled, the Corporation shall pay cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determine in good daith by the Corporation’ s Board of Directors. The Reverse Stock Split shall occur automatically without any further action by the holders of the shares of Common Stock affected thereby. All rights, preferences and privileges of the Common Stock shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split in accordance with this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
FOUR: All other provisions of the Current Certificate shall remain in full force and effect.
Five: The foregoing amendment was approved by the holders of the requisite number of shares of the Corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law.
SIX: The foregoing amendment to the Current Certificate was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the DGCL.
Seven: This Certificate of Amendment, and the amendment to the Current Certificate contained herein, shall be effective at 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on March 7, 2025.
In Witness Whereof, the undersigned has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by its duly authorized officer on March 7, 2025.
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Joseph D. Burns | |
Name: | Captain Joseph D. Burns | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer and Secretary |
Exhibit 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), does hereby certify that:
ONE: The name of this corporation is AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. The date of filing of the original certificate of incorporation of this corporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was August 30, 2021.
TWO: This certificate of incorporation was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL, and has been duly approved by the written consent of the stockholders of this corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL.
THREE: Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation of this corporation, as heretofore amended, is hereby amended, integrated and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
Section 1.
The name of this corporation is AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”).
Section 2.
The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801, and the name of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
Section 3.
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).
Section 4.
Section 4.1 The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.” The total number of shares that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 1,010,000,000 shares, consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.000001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.000001 per share.
Section 4.2 The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) is hereby expressly authorized to provide for the issue of all or any of the unissued and undesignated shares of the Preferred Stock, in one or more series, and to fix the number of shares of such series and to determine for each such series, such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designation, preferences, and relative, participating, optional, or other rights and such qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, as shall be set forth in a certificate of designation adopted by the Board and filed in accordance with the DGCL.
Section 4.3 Irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL, but subject to the terms of any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the holders of Preferred Stock and Common Stock shall vote together, and not as separate classes, on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock.
Section 4.4 Each outstanding share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote on each matter properly submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for their vote; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this certificate of incorporation (as amended from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”) (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series of Preferred Stock are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other affected series of Preferred Stock, to vote thereon pursuant to applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock).
Section 5.
For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and in further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation, of its directors and stockholders, or any class thereof, as the case may be, it is further provided that:
Section 5.1 Management of the Business.
Except as otherwise provided by the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. Subject to any rights of the holders of shares of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors that shall constitute the Board shall be fixed exclusively by the Board.
Section 5.2 Board of Directors
Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the directors shall be divided into three classes designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, respectively. Each class shall consist, as nearly as practicable, of a number of directors equal to one third of the number of members of the Board authorized as provided in Section 5.1. The Board is authorized to assign members of the Board already in office to such classes at the time the classification becomes effective. At the first annual meeting of stockholders following the filing of the Certificate of Incorporation (the “Filing Date”), the initial term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Filing Date, the initial term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following the Filing Date, the initial term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, each director shall serve until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shall remove or shorten the term of any incumbent director.
2 |
Section 5.3 Removal of Directors
Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to remove directors elected by such series of Preferred Stock, any individual director or the entire Board may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally at an election of directors, voting together as a single class.
Section 5.4 Vacancies.
Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors or fill vacancies in respect of such directors, any vacancies on the Board resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, shall be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board, or by a sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders. Any director elected to fill a newly created directorship or vacancy in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders held to elect the class of directors to which such director is elected and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified or such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 5.5 Preferred Stockholders Election Rights.
Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) applicable thereto. The number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof, and the total number of directors constituting the whole Board shall be automatically adjusted accordingly. Except as otherwise provided by the Board in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such director thereupon shall cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a director) and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.
Section 5.6 Bylaw Amendments.
The Board is expressly authorized and empowered to adopt, amend or repeal any provisions of the bylaws of the Corporation (as amended from time to time, the “Bylaws”) without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or the Certificate of Incorporation. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
3 |
Section 5.7 Stockholder Actions.
a. The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.
b. Subject to any rights of the holders of shares of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders and may not be effected by consent in lieu of a meeting, unless taking such action by consent in lieu of a meeting is approved by all directors of the Corporation then in office.
c. Subject to any rights of the holders of shares of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board, but a special meeting may not be called by any other person or persons and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied. Only such business shall be considered at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been stated in the notice for such meeting.
Section 6.
No director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended. Any amendment, modification or repeal of the foregoing sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, modification or repeal. Solely for purposes of this Section 6, “officer” shall have the meaning provided in Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL.
Section 7.
Section 7.1 Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and any appellate court therefrom shall be the sole and exclusive forum for: (A) any derivative claim or cause of action brought on behalf of the Corporation; (B) any claim or cause of action that is based upon a violation of a duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of the Corporation, to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders; (C) any claim or cause of action against the Corporation or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Corporation, arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws; (D) any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (including any right, obligation, or remedy thereunder); (E) any claim or cause of action as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (F) any claim or cause of action against the Corporation or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Corporation, governed by the internal-affairs doctrine or otherwise related to the Corporation’s internal affairs, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; provided, however, that if the designation of such court as the sole and exclusive forum for a claim or action referred to in foregoing clauses (A) through (F) of this Section would violate applicable law, then the United States District Court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for such claim or cause of action.
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Section 7.2 Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant named in such complaint. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by the Corporation, its officers and directors, the underwriters for any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person or entity and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering.
Section 8.
Section 8.1 Any person or entity holding, owning, or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 8.2 The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal, at any time and from time to time, any provision contained in the Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, except as provided in Section 8.3, and all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon the stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation are granted subject to this reservation. For the avoidance of doubt, but subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, Section 242(d) of the DGCL shall apply to amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 8.3 Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of applicable law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or any certificate of designation filed with respect to a series of Preferred Stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal (whether by merger, consolidation, conversion or otherwise), or adopt any provision inconsistent with, Sections 5, 6, 7 and this Section 8.
Section 9.
Section 9.1 If any provision or provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of the Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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The Corporation has caused this certificate of incorporation to be signed by a duly authorized officer of the Corporation on [__________], 2025.
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Captain Joseph D. Burns | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 3.3
BYLAWS
OF
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
A Corporation of the State of Delaware
August 30, 2021
BYLAWS
OF
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
Article I
OFFICES
Section 1.01 Offices. The address of the registered office of AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. (hereinafter called the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware shall be at 1209 Orange Street Wilmington, DE 19801. The Corporation may have other offices, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) from time to time shall determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
Section 1.02 Books and Records. Any records administered by or on behalf of the Corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be maintained on any information storage device, method, or one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases); provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time, and, with respect to the stock ledger, the records so kept comply with Section 224 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Corporation shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any Person entitled to inspect such records pursuant to applicable law.
Article II
MEETINGS OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
Section 2.01 Place of Meetings. All meetings of the Stockholders (“Stockholders”) shall be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, or by means of remote communication, as shall be designated from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of meeting.
Section 2.02 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Stockholders for the election of Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held at such date, time and place, if any, as shall be determined by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 2.03 Special Meetings. Special meetings of Stockholders for any purpose or purposes shall be called pursuant to a resolution approved by the Board of Directors or by the holders of a majority all outstanding shares of common stock (“Common Stock”) of the Corporation. The only business which may be conducted at a special meeting shall be the matter or matters set forth in the notice of such meeting.
Section 2.04 Adjournments. Any meeting of the Stockholders, annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, if any, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communication, if any, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for Stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors shall fix a new record date for notice of the adjourned meeting and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each Stockholder of record entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting as of the record date fixed for notice of the adjourned meeting.
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Section 2.05 Notice of Meetings. Notice of the place, if any, date, hour, the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for Stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and means of remote communication, if any, of every meeting of Stockholders shall be given by the Corporation not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the meeting (unless a different time is specified by law) to every Stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting as of the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting. Notices of special meetings shall also specify the purpose or purposes for which the meeting has been called. Notices of meetings to Stockholders may be given by mailing the same, addressed to the Stockholder entitled thereto, at such Stockholder’s mailing address as it appears on the records of the Corporation and such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid. Without limiting the manner by which notices of meetings otherwise may be given effectively to Stockholders, any such notice may be given by electronic transmission in accordance with applicable law. Notice of any meeting need not be given to any Stockholder who shall, either before or after the meeting, submit a waiver of notice or who shall attend such meeting, except when the Stockholder attends for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Any Stockholder so waiving notice of the meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of the meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given. When a meeting is adjourned to another time and place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.
Section 2.06 List of Stockholders. The Corporation shall prepare a complete list of the Stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of Stockholders (provided, however, if the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the Stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each Stockholder and the number of shares of each class of Common Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of each Stockholder at least ten (10) days before any meeting of the Stockholders. Such list shall be open to the examination of any Stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, on a reasonably accessible electronic network if the information required to gain access to such list was provided with the notice of the meeting or during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation for a period of at least ten (10) days before the meeting. If the meeting is to be held at a place, the list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any Stockholder who is present. If the meeting is held solely by means of remote communication, the list shall also be open for inspection by any Stockholder during the whole time of the meeting as provided by applicable law. Except as provided by applicable law, the stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the Stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger and the list of Stockholders or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of Stockholders.
Section 2.07 Quorum. Unless otherwise required by law, the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) or these Bylaws, at each meeting of the Stockholders, a majority in voting power of the shares of the Corporation, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the Stockholders, the Stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power, by the affirmative vote of a majority in voting power thereof, to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Section 2.04, until a quorum shall be present or represented. A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the subsequent withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares represented at the meeting shall be the act of Stockholders, unless the vote of a greater number or voting by classes is required by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. At any such adjourned meeting at which there is a quorum, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting originally called.
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Section 2.08 Conduct of Meetings. The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of the Stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. At every meeting of the Stockholders, the chairman of the Board, or in such person’s absence or inability to act, the Vice Chair, or, in her absence or inability to act, the person whom the chairman of the Board shall appoint, shall act as chairman of, and preside at, the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence or inability to act, the person whom the chairman of the meeting shall appoint secretary of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes thereof. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of the Stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations, and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations, or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (a) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (b) the determination of when the polls shall open and close for any given matter to be voted on at the meeting; (c) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (d) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to Stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (e) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (f) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants.
Section 2.09 Voting; Proxies. Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation the election of Directors, after the appointing of the initial Board of Directors by the Initial Stockholders, shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the Stockholders representing a majority of the Common Stock issued at a meeting of the Stockholders by the holders of stock entitled to vote in the election. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, any matter, other than the election of Directors, brought before any meeting of Stockholders shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the Stockholders representing a majority of the Common Stock issued present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. Each Stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of Stockholders or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such Stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after eleven months from its date of execution, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A Stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the secretary of the Corporation a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date. Voting at meetings of Stockholders need not be by written ballot unless the presiding officer shall order or any Stockholder shall demand that voting be by ballot. Except otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, each outstanding share, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to vote at a meeting of Stockholders. Shares of stock standing in the name of another corporation, domestic or foreign, may be voted by such officer, agent or proxy as the Bylaws of such corporation may prescribe, or, in the absence of such provision, as the Board of Directors of such corporation may determine.
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Section 2.10 Inspectors at Meetings of Stockholders. The Board of Directors, in advance of any meeting of Stockholders, may, and shall if required by law, appoint one or more inspectors, who may be employees of the Corporation, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and make a written report thereof. The Board of Directors may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting, the person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspectors shall (a) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, (b) determine the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum and the validity of proxies and ballots, (c) count all votes and ballots, (d) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors, and (e) certify their determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting and their count of all votes and ballots. The inspectors may appoint or retain other persons or entities to assist the inspectors in the performance of their duties. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the Stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting. No ballot, proxies, votes, or any revocation thereof or change thereto, shall be accepted by the inspectors after the closing of the polls unless the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware upon application by a Stockholder shall determine otherwise. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots cast at any meeting of Stockholders, the inspectors may consider such information as is permitted by applicable law. No person who is a candidate for office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election.
Section 2.11 Written Consent of Stockholders without a Meeting. Any action to be taken at any annual or special meeting of Stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action to be so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered (by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested) to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of Stockholders are recorded. Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of each Stockholder who signs the consent, and no written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by this Section 2.11, written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation as aforesaid. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall, to the extent required by applicable law, be given to those Stockholders who have not consented in writing, and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation.
Section 2.12 Fixing the Record Date.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the Stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of Stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board of Directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining Stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of Stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the determination of Stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting and in such case shall also fix as the record date for Stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for the determination of Stockholders entitled to vote therewith at the adjourned meeting.
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(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the Stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining Stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting: (i) when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for such purpose shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery (by hand, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested) to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of Stockholders are recorded and (ii) if prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.
(c) In order that the Corporation may determine the Stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the Stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion, or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining Stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
Article III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 3.01 General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may adopt such rules and procedures, not inconsistent with the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or applicable law, as it may deem proper for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the Corporation.
Section 3.02 Number; Term of Office. The Board of Directors shall initially consist of three (3) Directors and shall have additional Directors upon consent of the Stockholders representing a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors. Each Director shall hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until the Director’s earlier death, resignation, disqualification, or removal.
Section 3.03 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies. Any newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of Directors and any vacancies occurring in the Board of Directors may be filled by the affirmative votes of Stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors. A Director so elected shall be elected to hold office until the earlier of the expiration of the term of office of the Director whom he or she has replaced, a successor is duly elected and qualified, or such Director’s death, resignation or removal.
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Section 3.04 Resignation. Any Director may resign at any time by notice given either in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice by the Corporation or at such later time as is therein specified. Verbal resignation shall not be deemed effective until confirmed by the Director in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation.
Section 3.05 Removal. Except as prohibited by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Stockholders entitled to vote in an election of Directors may remove any Director from office at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority in voting power thereof.
Section 3.06 Fees and Expenses. Directors shall receive such fees and expenses as the Board of Directors shall from time to time prescribe.
Section 3.07 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held without notice, immediately before or after the annual meeting of Stockholders. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for holding additional regular meetings without other notice than such resolution.
Section 3.08 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such times and at such places as may be determined by the chairman on at least ten (10) days’ notice to each Director given by one of the means specified in Section 3.11 hereof other than by mail or on at least three (3) days’ notice if given by mail. Special meetings shall be called by the chairman in like manner and on like notice on the written request of any four or more Directors.
Section 3.09 Telephone Meetings. Board of Directors or committee meetings may be held by means of telephone conference or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and be heard. Participation by a Director in a meeting pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 3.10 Adjourned Meetings. A majority of the Directors present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, including an adjourned meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn and reconvene such meeting to another time and place. At least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice of any adjourned meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each Director whether or not present at the time of the adjournment, if such notice shall be given by one of the means specified in Section 3.11 hereof other than by mail, or at least three (3) days’ notice if by mail. Any business may be transacted at an adjourned meeting that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
Section 3.11 Notices. Subject to Section 3.08, Section 3.10, and Section 3.12 hereof, whenever notice is required to be given to any Director by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, such notice shall be deemed given effectively if given in person or by telephone, mail addressed to such Director at such Director’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, email, or by other means of electronic transmission.
Section 3.12 Waiver of Notice. Whenever notice to Directors is required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof, in writing signed by, or by electronic transmission by, the Director entitled to the notice, whether before or after such notice is required, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance by a Director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except when the Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting was not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special Board of Directors or committee meeting need be specified in any waiver of notice.
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Section 3.13 Organization. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chairman or, in his or her absence, another Director selected by the Board of Directors shall preside. The secretary shall act as secretary at each meeting of the Board of Directors. If the secretary is absent from any meeting of the Board of Directors, an assistant secretary shall perform the duties of secretary at such meeting; and in the absence from any such meeting of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, the person presiding at the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
Section 3.14 Quorum of Directors. Except as otherwise permitted by the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or applicable law, the presence of a majority of the Board of Directors shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 3.15 Action by Majority Vote. Except as otherwise expressly required by these Bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation, or by applicable law, the vote of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.
Section 3.16 Action without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all Directors or members of such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, setting forth the action so taken and the writings or electronic transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee in accordance with applicable law. Any such consent signed by all the Directors or all the members of the committee shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote, and may be stated as such in any document filed with the Secretary of State or with anyone else.
Section 3.17 Committees of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the number of Directors, may designate one or more committees, including an Executive Committee, each committee to consist of one or more of the Directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more Directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. If a member of a committee shall be absent from any meeting, or disqualified from voting thereat, the remaining member or members present at the meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent permitted by applicable law, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it to the extent so authorized by the Board of Directors. Unless the Board of Directors provides otherwise, at all meetings of such committee, a majority of the then authorized members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the vote of a majority of the members of the committee present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the committee. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings. Unless the Board of Directors provides otherwise, each committee designated by the Board of Directors may make, alter, and repeal rules and procedures for the conduct of its business. In the absence of such rules and procedures each committee shall conduct its business in the same manner as the Board of Directors conducts its business pursuant to this Article III.
Section 3.18 Compensation. The Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of a majority of Directors then in office, and irrespective of any personal interest of any of its members, shall have authority to establish reasonable compensation of all Directors, for services to the Corporation as Directors, officers or otherwise. By resolution of the Board of Directors, the Directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the board. No such payment previously mentioned in this section shall preclude any Director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
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Section 3.19 Presumption of Assent. A Director of the Corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be conclusively presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent to such action with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by registered mail to the secretary of the Corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Director who voted in favor of such action.
Article IV
OFFICERS
Section 4.01 Positions and Election. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors and shall include a President, a Vice President-Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also elect one or more vice presidents, assistant treasurers, assistant secretaries, and other officers. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.
Section 4.02 Term and Election of Officers. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected or appointed annually by the Board of Directors at the first meeting of the Board of Directors held after each annual meeting of Stockholders. If the election of the officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon as thereafter as conveniently may be. Vacancies may be filled or new offices created and filled at any meeting of the Board of Directors. Each officer of the Corporation shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation, or removal. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors at any time, with or without cause, by the majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors then in office. The removal of an officer shall be without prejudice to his or her contract rights, if any. The election or appointment of an officer shall not of itself create contract rights. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by giving written notice of his or her resignation to the President or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective shall not be specified therein, immediately upon its receipt. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Should any vacancy occur among the officers, the position shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by appointment made by the Board of Directors.
Section 4.03 The President. The President shall be the principal executive officer of the Corporation. Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors, he shall be in charge of the business of the Corporation; he shall see that the resolutions and directions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect except in those instances in which that responsibility is specifically assigned to some other person by the Board of Directors; and, in general, he shall discharge all duties incident to the office of President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time. He shall preside at all meetings of the Stockholders and of the Board of Directors. Except in those instances in which the authority to execute is expressly delegated to another officer or agent of the Corporation or a different mode of execution is expressly prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws, he may execute for the Corporation certificates for its shares, and any contract, deeds, mortgages, bonds, or other instruments which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, and he may accomplish such execution either under or without the seal of the Corporation and either individually or with the President, secretary, any assistant secretary or any officer thereunto authorized by the Board of Directors, according to the requirements of the form of the instrument. He may vote all securities which the Corporation is entitled to vote except as to the extent such authority shall be vested in a different officer or agent of the Corporation by the Board of Directors. The President shall be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business, under the direction of the Board of Directors.
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Section 4.04 Vice President(s). The vice president (or in the event there is more than one vice president, each of the vice presidents) shall assist the president in the discharge of his duties as the president may direct and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the president or by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the president or in the event of his inability or refusal to act, the vice president (or in the event there is more than one president, the vice presidents in the order designated by the Board of Directors, or by the president if the Board of Directors has not made such designation, or in the absence of any designation, than in the order of seniority of tenure as vice president) shall perform the duties of the president, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president. Except in those instances in which the authority to execute is expressly delegated to another officer or agent of the Corporation or a different mode of execution is expressly prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws, the vice president (or each of them there is more than one) may execute for the Corporation certificates for its share and any contracts, deeds, mortgages, bonds or other instruments which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, and he may accomplish such execution either under or without the seal of the Corporation and either individually or with the secretary, any assistant secretary or any other officer thereunto authorized by the Board of Directors, according to the requirements of the form of the instrument.
Section 4.05 The Secretary. The secretary shall attend all sessions of the Board of Directors and all meetings of the Stockholders and record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform like duties for committees when required. He or she shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Stockholders and meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the president. The secretary shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation and have authority to affix the seal to all documents requiring it and attest to the same. The secretary shall also keep a register of the post office address of each Stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such Stockholder. The secretary may also (i) sign with the president, or a vice president, or any other officer thereunto authorized by the Board of Directors, certificates for shares of the Corporation, the issue of which shall have been authorized by the Board of Directors, and any contracts, deeds, mortgages, bonds, or other instruments which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, according to the requirements of the form of the instrument, except when a different execution is expressly prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws; (ii) otherwise certify the Bylaws, resolutions of the Stockholders and Board of Directors and committees thereof and other documents of the Corporation as true and correct copies thereof; (iii) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (iv) perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the president or by the Board of Directors.
Section 4.06 The Treasurer. The treasurer shall be the principal accounting and financial officer of the Corporation. The treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities, except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and the Directors, at the regular meetings of the Board of Directors, or whenever they may require it, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. If required by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties in such sum and with such surety as the Board of Directors may determine.
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Section 4.07 Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries. The assistant treasurers and assistant secretaries shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the treasurer or the secretary, respectively, or by the president or the Board of Directors. The assistant secretaries may sign with the President, or a Vice-President, or any other officer thereunto authorized by the Board of Directors, certificates for shares of the Corporation, the issue of which shall have been authorized by the Board of Directors, and any contracts, deeds, mortgages, bonds, or other instruments which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, according to the requirements of the form of the instrument, except when a different mode of execution is expressly prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws. The assistant treasurers shall respectively, if required by the Board of Directors, give bonds for the faithful discharge of their duties in such sums and with such sureties as the Board of Directors shall determine.
Section 4.08 Chief Investment Officer (CIO). The CIO shall have charge of and be responsible for overseeing investments by managing and supervising investment activity within the Corporation. The CIO shall manage and monitor the Corporation’s portfolio of assets, devise strategies for growth, act as the liaison with investors, and advise the President, Investment Committee and other Officers.
Section 4.09 Duties of Officers May Be Delegated. In case any officer is absent, or for any other reason that the Board of Directors may deem sufficient, the president or the Board of Directors may delegate for the time being the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or to any Director.
Section 4.10 Salaries. The salaries of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he is also a Director of the Corporation.
Article V
STOCK CERTIFICATES AND THEIR TRANSFER
Section 5.01 Certificates Representing Shares. The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates; provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any class or series shall be uncertificated shares that may be evidenced by a book-entry system maintained by the registrar of such stock. If shares are represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in the form, other than bearer form, approved by the Board of Directors. Each certificate representing shares shall be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified, and shall also state the name of the person to whom issued, the number and class of shares (with designation of series, if any), the date of issue, that the Corporation is organized under Delaware law, and the par value or a statement that the shares are without par value. The name and address of each Stockholder, the number and class of shares held and the date on which the certificates for the shares were issued shall be entered on the books of the Corporation. The certificates representing shares of stock of each class shall be signed by, or in the name of, the Corporation by President or a Vice-President or by such officer as shall be designated by resolution of the Board of Directors. Any or all such signatures may be facsimiles. Although any officer, transfer agent, or registrar whose manual or facsimile signature is affixed to such a certificate ceases to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate has been issued, it may nevertheless be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such officer, transfer agent, or registrar were still such at the date of its issue.
Section 5.02 Transfers of Stock. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these Bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the holder of record thereof, by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and, in the case of certificated shares, upon the surrender of the certificate thereof, which shall be cancelled before a new certificate or uncertificated shares shall be issued. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred. To the extent designated by the president or any vice president or the treasurer of the Corporation, the Corporation may recognize the transfer of fractional uncertificated shares, but shall not otherwise be required to recognize the transfer of fractional shares.
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Section 5.03 Transfer Agents and Registrars. The Board of Directors may appoint, or authorize any officer or officers to appoint, one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars.
Section 5.04 Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the owner of the allegedly lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or uncertificated shares, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of the lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate, or the owner’s legal Representative to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.
Article VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 6.01 Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise, as may be prescribed by law or custom or by the Board of Directors.
Section 6.02 Fiscal Year. The Fiscal Year of the Corporation shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year or be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time.
Section 6.03 Checks, Notes, Drafts, Etc. All checks, notes, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money of the Corporation shall be signed, endorsed, or accepted in the name of the Corporation by such officer, officers, person, or persons as from time to time may be designated by the Board of Directors or by an officer or officers authorized by the Board of Directors to make such designation.
Section 6.04 Loans. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 6.05 Deposits. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.
Section 6.06 Dividends. Subject to applicable law and the Certificate of Incorporation, dividends upon the shares of Common Stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, unless otherwise provided by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 6.07 Conflict with applicable law or Certificate of Incorporation. These Bylaws are adopted subject to any applicable law and the Certificate of Incorporation. Whenever these Bylaws may conflict with any applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, such conflict shall be resolved in favor of such law or the Certificate of Incorporation.
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Article VII
AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be adopted, amended, or repealed or new Bylaws adopted by the Board of Directors. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. The Stockholders may make additional Bylaws and may adopt, amend, or repeal any Bylaws whether such Bylaws were originally adopted by them or otherwise; provided, however, that, the affirmative vote of the holders of a supermajority (70%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors shall be required to adopt, amend or repeal any provision of the Bylaws
Article VIII
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS,
DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS
Section 8.01 Power to Hold Harmless. The Corporation shall have power to 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, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonable incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such Person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she 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 his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment or settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the Person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the Corporation, or with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that the Person had a reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 8.02 Power to Indemnify Litigant. The Corporation shall have power to indemnify any Person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor 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 corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise 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 he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, provided that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such Persons shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such Person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.
Section 8.03 Reimbursement Authorized. To the extent that a Director, officer, employee, or agent of a Corporation has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 8.01 and Section 8.02 above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such Person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.
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Section 8.04 Determination if Reimbursement Is Proper. Any indemnification under Section 8.01 or Section 8.02 above (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification of the Director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 8.01 or Section 8.02 above. Such determination shall be made:
(a) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or
(b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or
(c) by the Stockholders.
Section 8.05 Advance of Expenses. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount, unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article.
Section 8.06 Non-Exclusivity. The indemnification provided by this article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any contract, agreement, vote of Stockholders or disinterested Directors, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be a Director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a Person.
Section 8.07 Right to Acquire Insurance. The Corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who 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 corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of this Article.
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Exhibit 3.4
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
section 1.
Offices
Section 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware and the name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address shall be as set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”).
Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may at any time establish other offices both within and without the State of Delaware.
section 2.
Corporate Seal
Section 2.1 Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) may adopt a corporate seal. Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
section 3.
Stockholders’ Meetings
Section 3.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be determined from time to time by the Board (or its designee). The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”) and Section 3.9 below.
Section 3.2 Annual Meetings.
(a) The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, for the purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may properly come before it, shall be held on such date and time as may be determined from time to time by the Board (or its designee). Any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board may be postponed, rescheduled or cancelled by the Board, or any director or officer of the Corporation to whom the Board delegates such authority, at any time before or after notice of such meeting has been given to stockholders. Nominations of persons for election to the Board and proposals of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders: (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders (or any supplement thereto); (ii) by or at the direction of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof; or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving the stockholder’s notice provided for in Section 3.2(b) of these bylaws (as may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Bylaws”) and who is a stockholder of record at the time of the annual meeting of stockholders, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 3.2. For the avoidance of doubt, clause (iii) above shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations and submit other business before an annual meeting of stockholders.
(b) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as is a proper matter for stockholder action under the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, and only such nominations shall be made and such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures below.
(1) | For nominations for the election to the Board to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a), the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(b)(3) and must update and supplement the information contained in such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(c). Such stockholder’s notice shall include: (A) as to each nominee such stockholder proposes to nominate at the meeting: (1) the name, age, business address and residence address of such nominee, (2) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee, (3) the class or series and number of shares of each class or series of capital stock of the Corporation that are owned of record and beneficially by such nominee and list of any pledge of or encumbrances on such shares, (4) the date or dates on which such shares were acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, (5) the questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 3.2(e), completed and signed by such nominee, and (6) all other information concerning such nominee as would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved and whether or not proxies are being or will be solicited), or that is otherwise required to be disclosed or provided to the Corporation pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) (including such person’s written consent to being named in a proxy statement, associated proxy card and other filings as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (B) all of the information required by Section 3.2(b)(4). The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or to serve on any committee or sub-committee of the Board, in either case under any applicable stock exchange listing requirements, applicable law or the Policies, or that the Board determines, in good faith, could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the background, qualifications, experience, independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee. The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at an annual meeting on its own behalf (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at an annual meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such annual meeting. A stockholder may not designate any substitute or alternate nominees unless the stockholder provides timely notice of such substitute or alternate nominee(s) in accordance with this Section 3.2, in the case of an annual meeting, or Section 3.3, in the case of a special meeting (and such notice contains all of the information, representations, questionnaires and certifications with respect to such substitute or alternate nominee(s) that are required by the Bylaws with respect to nominees for director). |
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(2) | For business other than nominations for the election to the Board to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a), the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(b)(3), and must update and supplement the information contained in such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(c). Such stockholder’s notice shall include: (A) as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and any material interest (including any anticipated benefit of such business to any Proponent (as defined below) other than solely as a result of its ownership of the Corporation’s capital stock, that is material to any Proponent individually, or to the Proponents in the aggregate) in such business of any Proponent; and (B) all of the information required by Section 3.2(b)(4). | |
(3) | To be timely, the written notice required by Section 3.2(b)(1) or 3.2(b)(2) must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting (for purposes of notice required for action to be taken at the Corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders after its initial public offering of common stock, the date of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting shall be deemed to have occurred on June 1); provided, however, that, subject to the last sentence of this Section 3.2(b)(3), in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 70 days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, or if no annual meeting was held (or deemed to have been held), notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the later of the close of business on (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall an adjournment or postponement (or the public announcement thereof) of an annual meeting for which notice has been given, or for which a public announcement of the date of the meeting has been made by the Corporation, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. | |
(4) | The written notice required by Sections 3.2(b)(1) or 3.2(b)(2) shall also include, as of the date of the notice and as to the stockholder giving the notice, the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made and any affiliate who controls either of the foregoing stockholder or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly (each, a “Proponent” and collectively, the “Proponents”): (A) the name and address of each Proponent, including, if applicable, such name and address as they appear on the Corporation’s books and records; (B) the class, series and number of shares of each class or series of the capital stock of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned of record or beneficially (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) by each Proponent (provided, that for purposes of this Section 3.2(b)(4), such Proponent shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own all shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation as to which such Proponent or any of its affiliates or associates has a right to acquire beneficial ownership whether immediately or at any time in the future); (C) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with respect to such nomination or proposal (and/or the voting of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, other than a revocable proxy given in response to a proxy solicitation made to 10 or more persons) between or among any Proponent and any of its affiliates or associates, and/or any other persons (including their names) including without limitation, any agreements, arrangements or understandings required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 5 or Item 6 of 1934 Act Schedule 13D, regardless of whether the requirement to file a Schedule 13D is applicable; (D) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of shares of the Corporation at the time of giving notice, will be entitled to vote at the meeting, and that such stockholder (or a qualified representative thereof) intends to appear at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 3.2(b)(1)) or to propose the business that is specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 3.2(b)(2)); (E) a representation whether any Proponent or any other participant (as defined in Item 4 of Schedule 14A under the 1934 Act) will engage in a solicitation with respect to such nomination or proposal and, if so, the name of each participant in such solicitation and the amount of the cost of solicitation that has been and will be borne, directly or indirectly, by each participant in such solicitation, and a representation as to whether the Proponents intend or are part of a group which intends (x) to deliver, or make available, a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee, (y) to otherwise solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination and/or (z) to solicit proxies in support of any proposed nominee in accordance with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the 1934 Act; (F) a description of all Derivative Transactions (as defined below) by each Proponent during the previous 12-month period, including the date of the transactions and the class, series and number of securities involved in, and the material economic or voting terms of, such Derivative Transactions; (G) a certification regarding whether each Proponent has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with such Proponent’s acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and/or such Proponent’s acts or omissions as a stockholder or beneficial owner of the Corporation; and (H) any other information relating to each Proponent required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14 of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
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(c) A stockholder providing the written notice required by Section 3.2(b)(1) or (2) shall update and supplement such notice in writing, if necessary, so that the information (other than the representations required by Section 3.2(b)(4)(E)) provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct in all material respects as of (i) the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting and (ii) the date that is five Business Days (as defined below) prior to the meeting and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, five Business Days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting; provided, that no such update or supplement shall cure or affect the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of any representations made by any Proponent, any of its affiliates or associates, or a nominee or the validity (or invalidity) of any nomination or proposal that failed to comply with this Section 3.2 or is rendered invalid as a result of any inaccuracy therein. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 3.2(c), such update and supplement must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five Business Days after the later of the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting or the public announcement of such record date. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 3.2(c), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than two Business Days prior to the date for the meeting, and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, two Business Days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting (or if there are fewer than two Business Days between the date for the meeting, or the date of the immediately preceding adjournment or postponement thereof, and the date for the adjourned or postponed meeting, not later than the day prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting).
(d) Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.2(b)(3) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board at an annual meeting is increased and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board at least 10 days before the last day a stockholder may deliver a notice of nomination in accordance with Section 3.2(b)(3), a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 3.2 and that complies with the requirements in Section 3.2(b)(1), other than the timing requirements in Section 3.2(b)(3), shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the new positions created by such increase, if it shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.
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(e) To be eligible to be a nominee for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation pursuant to a nomination under clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a) or clause (ii) of Section 3.3(c), each Proponent must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Sections 3.2(b)(3), 3.2(d) or 3.3(c), as applicable) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such proposed nominee and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (in the form provided by the Secretary within 10 days following a written request therefor by a stockholder of record) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary within 10 days following written request therefor by a stockholder of record) that such person (i) is not and will not become a party to (A) any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed in the questionnaire or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law; (ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director of the Corporation or a nominee that has not been disclosed in such questionnaire; (iii) would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with, all applicable corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation that are publicly disclosed or which were provided by the Secretary with the written representation and agreement required by this Section 3.2(e) (together, the “Policies”); and (iv) if elected as a director of the Corporation, intends to serve the entire term until the next meeting at which such candidate would face re-election.
(f) A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director, unless the person is nominated, in the case of an annual meeting, in accordance with clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 3.2(a) and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.2(b), Section 3.2(c), Section 3.2(d), Section 3.2(e) and Section 3.2(f), as applicable, or in the case of a special meeting, in accordance with Section 3.3(c) of the Bylaws and the requirements thereof. Only such business shall be conducted at any annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 3.2(a) and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.2(b), Section 3.2(c) and Section 3.2(f), as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Bylaws, unless otherwise required by applicable law, in the event that any Proponent (i) provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the 1934 Act with respect to one or more proposed nominees and (ii) subsequently (x) fails to comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the 1934 Act (or fails to timely provide reasonable evidence sufficient to satisfy the Corporation that such Proponent has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the 1934 Act in accordance with the next sentence) or (y) fails to inform the Corporation that they no longer plan to solicit proxies in accordance with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the 1934 Act by delivering a written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation within two (2) Business Days after the occurrence of such change, then the nomination of each such proposed nominee shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election), notwithstanding that the nominee is included (as applicable) as a nominee in the Corporation’s proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials for any stockholder meeting (or any supplement thereto) and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of the election of such proposed nominees may have been received by the Corporation (which proxies and votes shall be disregarded). If any Proponent provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the 1934 Act, such Proponent shall deliver to the Corporation, no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the applicable meeting, reasonable evidence sufficient to demonstrate that it has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the 1934 Act. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, and for the avoidance of doubt, the nomination of any person whose name is included (as applicable) as a nominee in the Corporation’s proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials for any stockholder meeting (or any supplement thereto) as a result of any notice provided by any Proponent pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the 1934 Act with respect to such proposed nominee and whose nomination is not made by or at the direction of the Board or any authorized committee thereof shall not be deemed (for purposes of clause (i) of Section 3.2(a) or otherwise) to have been made pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) and any such nominee may only be nominated by a Proponent pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a) and, in the case of a special meeting of stockholders, pursuant to and to the extent permitted under Section 3.3(c). Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made, or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in the Bylaws (including, without limitation, compliance with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the 1934 Act) and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with the Bylaws, or the Proponent does not act in accordance with the representations required in this Section 3.2, to declare that such proposal or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election), or that such business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that such proposal or nomination is set forth in (as applicable) the Corporation’s proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of such nomination or such business may have been solicited or received. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.2, unless otherwise required by applicable law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election) and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that such nomination or proposed business is set forth in (as applicable) the Corporation’s proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of such vote may have been solicited or received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 3.2, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager, trustee or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders, and such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, shall be provided to the Secretary of the Corporation at least five Business Days prior to the meeting of stockholders.
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(g) For purposes of Sections 3.2 and 3.3,
(1) | “affiliates” and “associates” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”); | |
(2) | “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks are closed in New York City, New York; | |
(3) | “close of business” means 6:00 p.m. local time at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on any calendar day, whether or not the day is a Business Day; | |
(4) | “Derivative Transaction” means any agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding entered into by, or on behalf or for the benefit of, any Proponent or any of its affiliates or associates, whether record or beneficial: (A) the value of which is derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares or other securities of the Corporation; (B) that otherwise provides any direct or indirect opportunity to gain or share in any gain derived from a change in the value of securities of the Corporation; (C) the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit from changes in value or price with respect to any securities of the Corporation; or (D) that provides the right to vote (other than a revocable proxy given in response to a proxy solicitation made to 10 or more persons) or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Proponent, or any of its affiliates or associates, directly or indirectly, with respect to any securities of the Corporation, which agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding may include, without limitation, any option, warrant, debt position, note, bond, convertible security, swap, stock appreciation or similar right, short position, profit interest, hedge, right to dividends, voting agreement, performance-related fee or arrangement to borrow or lend shares (whether or not subject to payment, settlement, exercise or conversion in any such class or series), and any proportionate interest of such Proponent in the securities of the Corporation held by any general or limited partnership, or any limited liability company, of which such Proponent is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member; and | |
(5) | “public announcement” means disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, GlobeNewswire or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act or by such other means reasonably designed to inform the public or security holders in general of such information, including, without limitation, posting on the Corporation’s investor relations website. |
Section 3.3 Special Meetings.
(a) Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may only be called in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation. Any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board may be postponed, rescheduled or cancelled by the Board, or any director or officer to whom the Board has delegated such authority, at any time before or after notice of such meeting has been given to stockholders.
(b) The Board (or its designee) shall determine the date and time of such special meeting. Upon determination of the date, time and place, if any, of the meeting, the Secretary shall cause a notice of meeting to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.4.
(c) Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (i) by or at the direction of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving notice provided for in this paragraph and who is a stockholder of record at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with Sections 3.2(b)(1), 3.2(b)(4), 3.2(c), 3.2(e) and 3.2(f). The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at a special meeting on its own behalf (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at a special meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such special meeting. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of submitting a proposal to stockholders for the election of one or more directors, any such stockholder of record entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if written notice setting forth the information required by Sections 3.2(b)(1) and 3.2(b)(4) shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such meeting or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which the Corporation first makes a public announcement of the date of the special meeting at which directors are to be elected. The stockholder shall also update and supplement such information as required under Section 3.2(c). In no event shall an adjournment or a postponement (or the public announcement thereof) of a special meeting for which notice has been given, or for which a public announcement of the date of the meeting has been made by the Corporation, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.
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(d) A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director at the special meeting unless the person is nominated either in accordance with clause (i) or clause (ii) of Section 3.3(c). Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in the Bylaws and, if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with the Bylaws (including, without limitation, compliance with Rule 14a-19 under the 1934 Act), or if the Proponent does not act in accordance with the representations required in Section 3.2, to declare that such nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election), notwithstanding that such nomination is set forth in (as applicable) the Corporation’s proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of such nomination may have been solicited or received. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3, unless otherwise required by applicable law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder (meeting the requirements specified in Section 3.2(f)) does not appear at the special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination, such nomination shall be disregarded (and such nominee disqualified from standing for election or re-election), notwithstanding that the nomination is set forth (as applicable) in the Corporation’s proxy statement, notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of such nomination may have been solicited or received by the Corporation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Sections 3.2 and 3.3, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in Sections 3.2 and 3.3, and any failure to comply with such requirements shall be deemed a failure to comply with Sections 3.2 or 3.3, as applicable; provided, however, that, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, any references in the Bylaws to the 1934 Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to proposals and/or nominations to be considered pursuant to Sections 3.2(a)(iii) and 3.3(c). Nothing in the Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of holders of any class or series of preferred stock to nominate and elect directors pursuant to and to the extent provided in any applicable provision of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 3.4 Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, notice of each meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of such meeting. Such notice shall specify the date, time and place, if any, of the meeting, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such record date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at any such meeting, and, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes of the meeting. Notice shall be deemed given as provided in Section 232 of the DGCL.
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Section 3.5 Quorum and Vote Required. At all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by the Bylaws, the presence, in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote at the meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The stockholders present at a duly called or convened meeting, at which a quorum is present, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.
Unless a different or minimum vote is provided by law or by applicable stock exchange rules, or by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, in which case such different or minimum vote shall be the applicable vote on the matter, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on such matter, voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) shall be the act of the stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, except as required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or classes or series, present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. Unless a different or minimum vote is provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws or any applicable stock exchange rules, in which case such different or minimum vote shall be the applicable vote on the matter, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (or plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of the votes cast on such matter, voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) shall be the act of such class or classes or series.
Section 3.6 Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time either by the chairperson of the meeting or by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes). When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, if any, (including an adjournment taken to address a technical failure to convene or continue a meeting using remote communication) notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed present in person and may vote at such meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken or are (i) displayed, during the time scheduled for the meeting, on the same electronic network used to enable stockholders and proxy holders to participate in the meeting by means of remote communication or (ii) set forth in the notice of meeting given in accordance with Section 3.4. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.
Section 3.7 Voting Rights. For the purpose of determining those stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders or adjournment thereof, except as otherwise provided by applicable law, only persons in whose names shares stand on the stock records of the Corporation on the record date shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy. No proxy shall be voted after three years from its date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Voting at meetings of stockholders need not be by written ballot. Any stockholder directly or indirectly soliciting proxies from other stockholders must use a proxy card color other than white, which shall be reserved for the exclusive use by the Board.
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Section 3.8 List of Stockholders. The corporation shall prepare, no later than the tenth day before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder; provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect all of the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date. Nothing in this Section 3.8 shall require the corporation to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of ten days ending on the day before the meeting date: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation.
Section 3.9 Remote Communication; Delivery to the Corporation.
(a) If authorized by the Board in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a stockholder meeting may, by means of remote communication:
(1) | participate in a meeting of stockholders; and | |
(2) | be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (i) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation. |
(b) Whenever Section 3.2 or 3.3 requires one or more persons (including a record or beneficial owner of capital stock) to deliver a document or information to the Corporation or any officer, employee or agent thereof (including any notice, request, questionnaire, revocation, representation or other document or agreement), such document or information shall be in writing exclusively (and not in an electronic transmission) and shall be delivered exclusively by hand (including, without limitation, overnight courier service) or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and the Corporation shall not be required to accept delivery of any document not in such written form or so delivered.
Section 3.10 Organization.
(a) At every meeting of stockholders, a person designated by the Board shall act as chairperson of the meeting of stockholders. If no chairperson of the meeting of stockholders is so designated, then the Chairperson of the Board, or if no Chairperson has been appointed, is absent or refuses to act, the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving or the Chief Executive Officer is absent or refuses to act, the President, or, if the President is absent or refuses to act, a chairperson of the meeting chosen by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes), shall act as chairperson of the meeting of stockholders. A person designated by the Board shall act as secretary of the meeting. If no secretary of the meeting is designated, then the Secretary, or, in the Secretary’s absence, an Assistant Secretary or other officer or other person directed to do so by the chairperson of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
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(b) The Board shall be entitled to make such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and regulations of the Board, if any, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairperson, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, establishing an agenda or order of business for the meeting, rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present, limitations on participation in such meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation and their duly authorized and constituted proxies and such other persons as the chairperson shall permit, restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof, limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants and regulation of the opening and closing of the polls for balloting on matters that are to be voted on by ballot. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with rules of parliamentary procedure.
(c) The Corporation may and shall, if required by applicable law, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the chairperson of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of inspector, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspector’s ability. The inspectors shall: (1) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each; (2) determine the shares represented at a meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots; (3) count all votes and ballots; (4) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors; and (5) certify their determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting, and their count of all votes and ballots. The inspectors may appoint or retain other persons or entities to assist the inspectors in the performance of the duties of the inspectors. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots, the inspectors shall be limited to an examination of the proxies, any envelopes submitted with those proxies, any information provided in accordance with Sections 211(e) or 212(c)(2) of the DGCL, or any information provided pursuant to Sections 211(a)(2)b.(i) or (iii) of the DGCL, ballots and the regular books and records of the Corporation, except that the inspectors may consider other reliable information for the limited purpose of reconciling proxies and ballots submitted by or on behalf of banks, brokers, their nominees or similar persons which represent more votes than the holder of a proxy is authorized by the record owner to cast or more votes than the stockholder holds of record. If the inspectors consider other reliable information for the limited purpose permitted herein, the inspectors at the time they make their certification pursuant to Section 231(b)(5) of the DGCL shall specify the precise information considered by them including the person or persons from whom they obtained the information, when the information was obtained, the means by which the information was obtained and the basis for the inspectors’ belief that such information is accurate and reliable.
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section 4.
Directors
Section 4.1 Number. The authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 4.2 Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, except as may be otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL.
Section 4.3 Terms. The terms of directors shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 4.4 Vacancies; Newly Created Directorships. Vacancies and newly created directorships on the Board shall be filled as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Section 4.5 Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by delivering such director’s notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board or the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of delivery of the notice or at any later time specified therein. Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. When one or more directors shall resign from the Board, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the director whose place shall be vacated and until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 4.6 Removal. Directors shall be removed as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 4.7 Meetings.
(a) Regular Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, regular meetings of the Board may be held at any time or date and at any place, if any, within or outside of the State of Delaware that has been designated by the Board and publicized among all directors, either orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice-messaging system or other system designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile or by electronic mail or other electronic means. No further notice shall be required for regular meetings of the Board.
(b) Special Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of the Board may be held at any time and place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware as designated and called by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (if a director) or by a majority of the directors then in office.
(c) Meetings by Electronic Communications Equipment. Any member of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
(d) Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of the time and place, if any, of all special meetings of the Board shall be given orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice messaging system or other system or technology designed to record and communicate messages, or by electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission at least 24 hours before the date and time of the meeting. If notice is sent by U.S. mail, it shall be sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least three days before the date of the meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of the Board need be specified in any such notice.
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Section 4.8 Quorum and Voting.
(a) Except as otherwise required by the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, a quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of the authorized number of directors fixed from time to time by the Board in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation; provided, however, at any meeting whether a quorum be present or otherwise, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting to another time, without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.
(b) At each meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present, all questions and business shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present, unless a different vote be required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws.
Section 4.9 Action without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, such consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
Section 4.10 Fees and Compensation. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the Board, or any duly authorized committee thereof, shall have the authority to fix the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, of directors for services to the Corporation in any capacity.
Section 4.11 Committees.
(a) Committees. The Board may, from time to time, appoint such committees as may be permitted by applicable law. Such committees appointed by the Board shall consist of one or more members of the Board and to the extent permitted by applicable law and provided in the resolution of the Board shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any Bylaw of the Corporation.
(b) Term. The Board, subject to any requirements of any outstanding series of preferred stock and the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section 4.11, may at any time increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee. The membership of a committee member shall terminate on the date of such committee member’s death, such person’s resignation from the committee or on such date that the committee member, for any reason, is no longer a member of the Board. The Board may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee member and the Board may fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, removal or increase in the number of members of the committee. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee, and, in addition, in the absence or disqualification of any member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
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(c) Meetings. Unless the Board shall otherwise provide, regular meetings of any committee appointed pursuant to this Section 4.11 shall be held at such times and places, if any, as are determined by the Board, or by any such committee, and when notice thereof has been given to each member of such committee, no further notice of such regular meetings need be given thereafter. Special meetings of any such committee may be held at such place, if any, that has been determined from time to time by such committee, and may be called by any director who is a member of such committee, upon notice to the members of such committee of the time and place, if any, of such special meeting given in the manner provided for the giving of notice to members of the Board of the time and place, if any, of special meetings of the Board. Unless otherwise provided by the Board in the resolutions authorizing the creation of the committee, the presence of at least a majority of the members of the committee then serving shall be necessary to constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting of the committee at which a quorum is present.
Section 4.12 Duties of Chairperson of the Board. The Board shall elect from its ranks a Chairperson of the Board. The Chairperson of the Board shall perform such other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board shall designate from time to time. The Chairperson of the Board, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the Board in accordance with Section 4.13 of the Bylaws.
Section 4.13 Organization. At every meeting of the directors, the Chairperson of the Board shall act as chairperson of the meeting. If a Chairperson has not been appointed or is absent, the Chief Executive Officer (if a director), or, if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving or the Chief Executive Officer is absent, the President (if a director), or, in the absence of any such person, a chairperson of the meeting chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall preside over the meeting. The Secretary, or in the Secretary’s absence, any Assistant Secretary or other officer, director or other person directed to do so by the person presiding over the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
section 5.
Officers
Section 5.1 Officers Designated. The officers of the Corporation shall include, if and when designated by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, one or more Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer. The Board may also appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers and such other officers and agents with such powers and duties as it shall deem appropriate or necessary. The Board may assign such additional titles to one or more of the officers as it shall deem appropriate. Any one person may hold any number of offices of the Corporation at any one time unless specifically prohibited therefrom by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws.
Section 5.2 Tenure and Duties of Officers.
(a) General. All officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, subject to such officer’s earlier death, resignation or removal. If the office of any officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the Board or by a committee thereof to which the Board has delegated such responsibility or, if so authorized by the Board, by the Chief Executive Officer or another officer of the Corporation.
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(b) Duties of Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall preside, if a director, at all meetings of the Board, unless a Chairperson of the Board has been appointed and is present thereat. The Chief Executive Officer shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the supervision, direction and control of the Board, shall have the general powers and duties of supervision, direction, management and control of the business and officers of the Corporation as are customarily associated with the position of Chief Executive Officer. To the extent that a Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and no President has been appointed, all references in the Bylaws to the President shall be deemed references to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board shall designate from time to time.
(c) Duties of President. The President shall preside, if a director, at all meetings of the Board, unless a Chairperson of the Board or Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and is present and willing to act. Unless another officer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the supervision, direction and control of the Board, shall have the general powers and duties of supervision, direction, management and control of the business and officers of the Corporation as are customarily associated with the position of chief executive officer. The President shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board (or the Chief Executive Officer, if the Chief Executive Officer and President are not the same person and the Board has delegated the designation of the President’s duties to the Chief Executive Officer) shall designate from time to time.
(d) Duties of Secretary and Assistant Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board and shall record, or cause to be recorded, all acts, votes and proceedings thereof in the minute books of the Corporation. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice in conformity with the Bylaws of all meetings of the stockholders and of all meetings of the Board and any committee thereof requiring notice. The Secretary shall perform all other duties provided for in the Bylaws and other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President may direct any Assistant Secretary or other officer to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time.
(e) Duties of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. The Treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President. The Treasurer, subject to the order of the Board, shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President may direct any Assistant Treasurer or other officer to assume and perform the duties of the Treasurer in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, and each Assistant Treasurer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time.
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Section 5.3 Delegation of Authority. The Board may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
Section 5.4 Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board, the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall be effective when received by the person or persons to whom such notice is given, unless a later time is specified therein, in which event the resignation shall become effective at such later time. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation shall be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract with the resigning officer.
Section 5.5 Removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time, either with or without cause, by the Board, or by any duly authorized committee thereof or any officer upon whom such power of removal may have been conferred by the Board.
section 6.
Execution Of Corporate Instruments And Voting Of Securities Owned By The Corporation
Section 6.1 Execution of Corporate Instruments. The Board may, in its discretion, determine the method and designate the signatory officer or officers, or other person or persons, to execute, sign or endorse on behalf of the Corporation any corporate instrument or document, or to sign on behalf of the Corporation the corporate name without limitation, or to enter into contracts on behalf of the Corporation, except where otherwise provided by applicable law or the Bylaws, and such execution or signature shall be binding upon the Corporation.
(a) All checks and drafts drawn on banks or other depositaries on funds to the credit of the Corporation or in special accounts of the Corporation shall be signed by such person or persons as the Board shall from time to time authorize so to do.
(b) Unless otherwise specifically determined by the Board or otherwise required by applicable law, the execution, signing or endorsement of any corporate instrument or document by or on behalf of the Corporation may be effected manually, by facsimile or (to the extent not prohibited by applicable law and subject to such policies and procedures as the Corporation may have in effect from time to time) by electronic signature.
(c) Unless authorized or ratified by the Board or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
Section 6.2 Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation. All stock and other securities of or interests in other corporations or entities owned or held by the Corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and all proxies and consents with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by resolution of the Board, or, in the absence of such authorization, by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President.
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section 7.
Shares Of Stock
Section 7.1 Form and Execution of Certificates. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, or shall be uncertificated if so provided by resolution or resolutions of the Board. Certificates for the shares of stock of the Corporation, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock in the Corporation represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Corporation by any two authorized officers of the Corporation (including, without limitation, the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary and any Assistant Secretary), certifying the number, and the class or series, of shares owned by such holder in the Corporation in certificated form. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.
Section 7.2 Lost Certificates. The Corporation may issue a new certificate or certificates or uncertificated shares in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. The Corporation may require, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond (or other adequate security) sufficient to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate(s) or uncertificated shares.
Section 7.3 Transfers.
(a) Transfers of record of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be made only upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, and, in the case of stock represented by certificate, upon the surrender of a properly endorsed certificate or certificates for a like number of shares.
(b) The Corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes or series of stock of the Corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the Corporation of any one or more classes or series owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.
Section 7.4 Fixing Record Dates.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, subject to applicable law, not be more than 60 nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of such meeting, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determining the stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.4(a).
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(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating to such action.
Section 7.5 Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
Section 7.6 Additional Powers of the Board. In addition to, and without limiting, the powers set forth in the Bylaws, the Board shall have power and authority to make all such rules and regulations as it shall deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer, and registration of certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation, including the use of uncertificated shares of stock, subject to the provisions of the DGCL, other applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws. The Board may appoint and remove transfer agents and registrars of transfers, and may require all stock certificates to bear the signature of any such transfer agent and/or any such registrar of transfers.
section 8.
Other Securities Of The Corporation
Section 8.1 Execution of Other Securities. All bonds, debentures and other corporate securities of the Corporation, other than stock certificates (covered in Section 7.1), may be signed by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President, or such other person as may be authorized by the Board; provided, however, that where any such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be authenticated by the manual signature, or where permissible facsimile signature, of a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be issued, the signatures of the persons signing and attesting the corporate seal on such bond, debenture or other corporate security may be the imprinted facsimile of the signatures of such persons. Interest coupons appertaining to any such bond, debenture or other corporate security, authenticated by a trustee as aforesaid, shall be signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation or such other person as may be authorized by the Board, or bear imprinted thereon the facsimile signature of such person. In case any officer who shall have signed or attested any bond, debenture or other corporate security, or whose facsimile signature shall appear thereon or on any such interest coupon, shall have ceased to be such officer before the bond, debenture or other corporate security so signed or attested shall have been delivered, such bond, debenture or other corporate security nevertheless may be adopted by the Corporation and issued and delivered as though the person who signed the same or whose facsimile signature shall have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer of the Corporation.
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section 9.
Dividends
Section 9.1 Declaration of Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, if any, may be declared by the Board. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.
Section 9.2 Dividend Reserve. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board from time to time, in its absolute discretion, determines proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose or purposes as the Board shall determine to be conducive to the interests of the Corporation, and the Board may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
section 10.
Fiscal Year
Section 10.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board and may be changed by the Board.
section 11.
Indemnification
Section 11.1 Indemnification of Directors, Executive Officers, Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents.
(a) Directors and Executive Officers. The Corporation shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in a Proceeding, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or executive officer (for the purposes of this Section 11.1, “executive officer” has the meaning defined in Rule 3b-7 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of the Corporation, or while serving as a director or executive officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, whether the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or executive officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or executive officer, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith; provided, however, that the Corporation will not be required to indemnify or advance expenses to any director or executive officer in connection with any Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless (i) the Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board or (ii) the Proceeding (or part thereof) is initiated to enforce rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses as provided under subsection (d) of this Section 11.1 or is a compulsory counterclaim brought by such person.
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(b) Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents. The Corporation shall have power to indemnify and advance expenses to its other officers, employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
(c) Expenses. The Corporation shall advance to any current or former director or executive officer of the Corporation, or to any person, who while serving as a director or executive officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses incurred by such person in defending (or participating as a witness in) any Proceeding referred to in Section 11.1(a), or in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under subsection (d) of this Section 11.1, provided, however, that any advancement of expenses incurred by a current or former director or executive officer in such director’s or executive officer’s capacity as a director or executive officer will be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified or entitled to advancement for such expenses under this Section 11.1 or otherwise.
(d) Enforcement. Without the necessity of entering into an express contract, all rights to indemnification and advances to current and former directors and executive officers under this Section 11.1 will be deemed to be contractual rights and be effective to the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the Corporation and such director or executive officer. Any right to indemnification or advancement of expenses granted by this Section 11.1 to a current or former director or executive officer will be enforceable by or on behalf of the person holding such right in any court of competent jurisdiction if (i) the claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses is denied, in whole or in part, (ii) no disposition of a claim for indemnification is made within 60 days of request therefor, or (iii) no disposition of a claim for an advance is made within 30 days of request therefor. The indemnitee in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, will be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending the claim to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. In (i) any suit brought to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, will be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In any suit brought by a current or former director or executive officer to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the director or executive officer is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Section 11.1 or otherwise is on the Corporation.
(e) Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Section 11.1 are not exclusive of any other right that such person may have or hereafter acquire under any applicable law, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding office. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL.
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(f) Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Section 11.1 will continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or executive officer and will inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
(g) Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the Corporation may purchase insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 11.1.
(h) Amendments. Any repeal or modification of this Section 11.1 is only prospective and does not affect the rights under this Bylaw in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that is the cause of any Proceeding against any current or former director or executive officer of the Corporation.
(i) Saving Clause. If this Section 11 or any portion hereof is invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation will nevertheless indemnify and advance expenses to each director and executive officer to the full extent not prohibited by any applicable portion of this Section 11 that has not been invalidated, or by any. If this Section 11 is invalid due to the application of the indemnification and advancement provisions of another jurisdiction, then the Corporation will indemnify and advance expenses to each director and executive officer to the full extent under applicable law.
(j) Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Section 11, the following definitions apply:
(1) | The term “Proceeding” is to be broadly construed and includes, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative. | |
(2) | The term “expenses” is to be broadly construed and includes, without limitation, court costs, attorneys’ fees, witness fees, fines, amounts paid in settlement or judgment and any other costs and expenses of any nature or kind incurred in connection with any proceeding. | |
(3) | The term the “Corporation” includes, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger that, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, stands in the same position under the provisions of this Section 11 with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. | |
(4) | References to “fines” include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan. |
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section 12.
Notices
Section 12.1 Notices.
(a) Notice to Stockholders. Notice to stockholders of stockholder meetings shall be given as provided in Section 3.4. Without limiting the manner by which notice may otherwise be given effectively to stockholders under any agreement or contract with such stockholder, and except as otherwise required by applicable law, notice to stockholders for purposes other than stockholder meetings may be sent by U.S. mail or courier service, facsimile or by electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission in accordance with Section 232 of the DGCL.
(b) Notice to Directors. Any notice required to be given to any director may be given by the method stated in subsection (a) or as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, with notice other than one that is delivered personally to be sent to such address or electronic mail address as such director shall have filed in writing with the Secretary, or, in the absence of such filing, to the last known address or electronic mail address of such director.
(c) Affidavit of Mailing. An affidavit of notice, executed by a duly authorized and competent employee of the Corporation or its transfer agent appointed with respect to the class of stock affected, or other agent, specifying the name and address or the names and addresses of the stockholder or stockholders, or director or directors, to whom any such notice or notices was or were given, and the time and method of giving the same, shall in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts therein contained.
(d) Methods of Notice. It shall not be necessary that the same method of giving notice be employed in respect of all recipients of notice, but one permissible method may be employed in respect of any one or more, and any other permissible method or methods may be employed in respect of any other or others.
(e) Notice to Person with Whom Communication is Unlawful. Whenever notice is required to be given, under applicable law or any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, to any person with whom communication is unlawful, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be required and there shall be no duty to apply to any governmental authority or agency for a license or permit to give such notice to such person. Any action or meeting that shall be taken or held without notice to any such person with whom communication is unlawful shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given. In the event that the action taken by the Corporation is such as to require the filing of a certificate under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate shall state, if such is the fact and if notice is required, that notice was given to all persons entitled to receive notice except such persons with whom communication is unlawful.
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(f) Notice to Stockholders Sharing an Address. Except as otherwise prohibited under the DGCL, any notice given under the provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given. Such consent shall have been deemed to have been given if such stockholder fails to object in writing to the Corporation within 60 days of having been given notice by the Corporation of its intention to send the single notice. Any consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation.
(g) Waiver. Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws.
section 13.
Amendments
Section 13.1 Amendments. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11.1(h) or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation)), such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
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Exhibit 4.1
Exhibit 5.1
Christina Roupas
T: (312) 881-6670
roupasct@cooley.com
April 10, 2025
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
5001 Indian School Road NE, Suite 100
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the filing by the Company of a Registration Statement (No. 333-285149) on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), including a related prospectus included in the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”), covering an underwritten public offering of up to 5,750,000 shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, including up to 750,000 Shares that may be sold pursuant to the exercise of an option to purchase additional Shares granted to the underwriters.
In connection with this opinion, we have (i) examined and relied upon (a) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (b) the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as currently in effect, (c) the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, filed as Exhibits 3.2 and 3.4 to the Registration Statement, respectively, each of which is to be in effect in connection with the closing of the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement, and (d) such other records, documents, opinions, certificates, memoranda and instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed below and (ii) assumed that (a) the Shares to be sold to the underwriters by the Company will be sold at a price established by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof and (b) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation referred to in clause (i)(c) is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware before issuance of the Shares.
We have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies, the accuracy, completeness and authenticity of certificates of public officials and the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents by all persons other than the Company where authorization, execution and delivery are prerequisites to the effectiveness thereof. As to certain factual matters, we have relied upon a certificate of an officer of the Company and have not independently verified such matters.
Our opinion is expressed only with respect to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We express no opinion to the extent that any other laws are applicable to the subject matter hereof and express no opinion and provide no assurance as to compliance with any federal or state securities law, rule or regulation.
On the basis of the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when sold and issued against payment therefor as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Cooley LLP 110 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4200 Chicago, IL 60606
t: +1 312 818 6500 f: +1 312 818 6598 cooley.com
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
April 10, 2025
Page Two
This opinion is limited to the matters expressly set forth in this letter, and no opinion has been or should be implied, or may be inferred, beyond the matters expressly stated. This opinion speaks only as to law and facts in effect or existing as of the date hereof, and we have no obligation or responsibility to update or supplement this letter to reflect any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any changes in law that may hereafter occur.
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving such consents, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Sincerely, | ||
Cooley LLP | ||
By: | /s/ Christina T. Roupas | |
Christina T. Roupas |
Cooley LLP 110 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4200 Chicago, IL 60606
t: +1 312 818 6500 f: +1 312 818 6598 cooley.com
Exhibit 10.1
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This Indemnification Agreement is dated as of _________, 2025 (this “Agreement”) and is between AIRO Group Holdings, Inc, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [Name] (“Indemnitee”).
Background
The Company believes that in order to attract and retain highly competent persons to serve as directors or in other capacities, including as officers, it must provide such persons with adequate protection through indemnification against the risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their services to and activities on behalf of the Company.
The Company desires and has requested Indemnitee to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company and, in order to induce the Indemnitee to serve in such capacity, the Company is willing to grant the Indemnitee the indemnification provided for herein. Indemnitee is willing to so serve on the basis that such indemnification be provided.
The parties by this Agreement desire to set forth their agreement regarding indemnification and the advancement of expenses.
In consideration of Indemnitee’s service to the Company, the covenants and agreements set forth below and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Indemnification.
To the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”):
(a) The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to, or is otherwise involved in, as a witness or otherwise, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Company or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory or investigative and whether formal or informal, including appeals, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or has agreed to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, or, while serving in such capacity, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent (which, for purposes hereof, shall include a trustee, fiduciary, partner or manager or similar capacity) of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in any such capacity, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.
(b) The indemnification provided by this Section 1 shall be from and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including any appeals.
(c) If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion of any expenses, losses, liabilities, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement incurred by Indemnitee, but not for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for such portion.
Section 2. Advance Payment of Expenses. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Indemnitee in appearing at, participating in or defending any action, suit or proceeding or in connection with an enforcement action as contemplated by Section 3(e), shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding within 30 days after receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances (including any invoices received by Indemnitee, which invoices may be redacted as necessary to avoid the waiver of any privilege accorded by applicable law) from time to time. The Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay any amounts advanced (without interest) to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled under this Agreement to be indemnified by the Company in respect thereof. Such repayment obligation shall be unsecured and shall not bear interest. The Company shall not impose on Indemnitee additional conditions to advancement or require from Indemnitee additional undertakings regarding repayment other than the execution of this Agreement. The Company agrees that for the purposes of any advancement of expenses for which Indemnitee has made a written demand in accordance with this Agreement, all expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee’s counsel as being reasonable shall be presumed conclusively to be reasonable. This Section 2 shall be subject to Section 3(b) and shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 6 and Section 7.
Section 3. Procedure for Indemnification; Notification and Defense of Claim.
(a) Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, Indemnitee shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Company hereunder, notify the Company in writing of the commencement thereof. The failure to promptly notify the Company of the commencement of the action, suit or proceeding, or of Indemnitee’s request for indemnification, will not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have to Indemnitee hereunder, except to the extent the Company is actually and materially prejudiced in its defense of such action, suit or proceeding as a result of such failure. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor including such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to enable the Company to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification.
(b) With respect to any action, suit or proceeding of which the Company is so notified as provided in this Agreement, the Company shall, subject to the last two sentences of this paragraph, be entitled to assume the defense of such action, suit or proceeding, with counsel reasonably acceptable to Indemnitee, upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of its election to do so. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any subsequently-incurred fees of separate counsel engaged by Indemnitee with respect to the same action, suit or proceeding unless the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized in writing by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Indemnitee, based on the advice of his or her counsel, shall have reasonably concluded (with written notice being given to the Company setting forth the basis for such conclusion) that, in the conduct of any such defense, there is or is reasonably likely to be a conflict of interest or position between the Company and Indemnitee with respect to a significant issue, then the Company will not be entitled, without the written consent of Indemnitee, to assume such defense. In addition, the Company will not be entitled, without the written consent of Indemnitee, to assume the defense of any claim brought by or in the right of the Company.
(c) To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the Company’s assumption of the defense of an action, suit or proceeding in accordance with paragraph 3(b) will constitute an irrevocable acknowledgement by the Company that any loss and liability suffered by Indemnitee and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement by or for the account of Indemnitee incurred in connection therewith are indemnifiable by the Company under Section 1 of this Agreement.
(d) The determination whether to grant Indemnitee’s indemnification request shall be made promptly and in any event within 30 days following the Company’s receipt of a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 3(a). If the Company determines that Indemnitee is entitled to such indemnification or, as contemplated by paragraph 3(c) the Company has acknowledged such entitlement, the Company will make payment to Indemnitee of the indemnifiable amount within such 30 day period. If the Company is not deemed to have so acknowledged such entitlement or the Company’s determination of whether to grant Indemnitee’s indemnification request shall not have been made within such 30 day period, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, subject to Section 6, nonetheless be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under the DGCL.
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(e) In the event that (i) the Company determines in accordance with this Section 3 that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, in whole or in part, under this Agreement, (ii) the Company fails to respond or make a determination of entitlement to indemnification within 30 days following receipt of a request for indemnification as described above, (iii) payment of indemnification is not made within such 30 day period, (iv) advancement of expenses is not timely made in accordance with Section 2, or (v) the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, the Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in any court of competent jurisdiction of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of expenses. Indemnitee’s expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with successfully establishing Indemnitee’s right to indemnification or advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, in any such proceeding or otherwise shall also be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
(f) Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification and advancement of expenses under this Agreement upon submission of a request therefor in accordance with Section 2 or Section 3 of this Agreement, as the case may be. The Company shall have the burden of proof in overcoming such presumption, and such presumption shall be used as a basis for a determination of entitlement to indemnification and advancement of expenses unless the Company overcomes such presumption by clear and convincing evidence.
Section 4. Insurance and Subrogation.
(a) The Company may purchase and maintain a policy or policies of insurance, providing Indemnitee with coverage for any liability asserted against, and incurred by, Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or has agreed to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, or, while serving in such capacity, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent (which, for purposes hereof, shall include a trustee, fiduciary, partner or manager or similar capacity) of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, or arising out of Indemnitee’s status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify Indemnitee against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement. If the Company has such insurance in effect at the time the Company receives from Indemnitee any notice of the commencement of an action, suit or proceeding, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the policy. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policy.
(b) In the event of any payment by the Company under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any insurance policy. Indemnitee shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights in accordance with the terms of such insurance policy. The Company shall pay or reimburse all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such subrogation.
(c) The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under this Agreement or any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.
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Section 5. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) The term “action, suit or proceeding” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed claim, action, suit, arbitration, alternative dispute mechanism or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.
(b) The term “by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or has agreed to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, or, while serving in such capacity, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent (which, for purposes hereof, shall include a trustee, partner or manager or similar capacity) of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any actual or alleged act or omission to act.
(c) The term “expenses” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, all direct and indirect costs of any type or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, appeal bonds, other out-of-pocket costs and reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which Indemnitee is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party), actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with either the investigation, defense or appeal of an action, suit or proceeding or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement or otherwise incurred in connection with a claim that is indemnifiable hereunder.
(d) The term “judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, all direct and indirect payments of any type or nature whatsoever, as well as any penalties or excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan).
Section 6. Limitation on Indemnification. Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to this Agreement:
(a) Claims Initiated by Indemnitee. To indemnify or advance expenses to Indemnitee with respect to an action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof), however denominated, initiated by Indemnitee, except with respect to action, suit or proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Agreement (which shall be governed by the provisions of Section 6(b) of this Agreement), unless such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”).
(b) Action for Indemnification. To indemnify Indemnitee for any expenses incurred by Indemnitee with respect to any action, suit or proceeding instituted by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret this Agreement, unless Indemnitee is successful in such action, suit or proceeding in establishing Indemnitee’s right, in whole or in part, to indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder (in which case such indemnification or advancement shall be to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL), or unless and to the extent that the court in such action, suit or proceeding shall determine that, despite Indemnitee’s failure to establish their right to indemnification, Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification for such expenses; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 6(b) is intended to limit the Company’s obligations with respect to the advancement of expenses to Indemnitee in connection with any such action, suit or proceeding instituted by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret this Agreement, as provided in Section 2 hereof.
(c) Certain Exchange Act Claims. To indemnify Indemnitee in connection with any action, suit or proceeding made against Indemnitee for (i) an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, (ii) any reimbursement of the Company by the Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by the Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) or (iii) any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any compensation pursuant to any compensation recoupment or clawback policy adopted by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board, including but not limited to any such policy adopted to comply with stock exchange listing requirements implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act.
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(d) Fraud or Willful Misconduct. To indemnify Indemnitee on account of conduct by Indemnitee where such conduct has been determined by a final (not interlocutory) judgment or other adjudication of a court or arbitration or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as to which there is no further right or option of appeal or the time within which an appeal must be filed has expired without such filing to have been knowingly fraudulent or constitute willful misconduct.
(e) Prohibited by Law. To indemnify Indemnitee in any circumstance where such indemnification has been determined by a final (not interlocutory) judgment or other adjudication of a court or arbitration or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as to which there is no further right or option of appeal, or the time within which an appeal must be filed has expired without such filing having been made, to be prohibited by law.
Section 7. Certain Settlement Provisions. The Company shall have no obligation to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any action, suit or proceeding without the Company’s prior written consent. The Company shall not settle any action, suit or proceeding in any manner that would impose any fine or other obligation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold his, her, its or their consent to any proposed settlement.
Section 8. Savings Clause. If any provision or provisions (or portion thereof) of this Agreement shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Company or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal, including appeals, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or has agreed to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, or, while serving in such capacity, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent (which, for purposes hereof, shall include a trustee, partner or manager or similar capacity) of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, from and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including any appeals, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Agreement that shall not have been invalidated.
Section 9. Contribution. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for herein is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to Indemnitee in whole or in part, it is agreed that, in such event, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, contribute to the payment of all of Indemnitee’s loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any action, suit or proceeding, including any appeals, in an amount that is just and equitable in the circumstances; provided that, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such contribution shall not be required where such holding by the court is due to any limitation on indemnification set forth in Section 4(c), 6 (other than clause (e)) or 7 hereof.
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Section 10. Form and Delivery of Communications. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand, upon receipt by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier, one day after deposit with such courier and with written verification of receipt, or (d) sent by email or facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received. Notice to the Company shall be directed to AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., Attention: General Counsel, or if no individual currently holds such position, then the Company’s most senior legal official (or his or her designee) at compliance@theairogroup.com. Notice to Indemnitee shall be directed to [XXXXXX], email: [XXX@XXX.com], facsimile: [(XXX)-XXX-XXXX].
Section 11. Nonexclusivity. The provisions for indemnification and advancement of expenses set forth in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which Indemnitee may have under any provision of law, in any court in which a proceeding is brought, the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws, other agreements or otherwise, and Indemnitee’s rights hereunder shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of Indemnitee. No amendment or alteration of the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws or any other agreement shall adversely affect the rights provided to Indemnitee under this Agreement.
Section 12. No Construction as Employment Agreement. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as giving Indemnitee any right to be retained as a director of the Company or in the employ of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though Indemnitee may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company.
Section 13. Interpretation of Agreement. It is understood that the parties hereto intend this Agreement to be interpreted and enforced so as to provide indemnification to Indemnitee to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the DGCL.
Section 14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the documents expressly referred to herein constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby, and any other prior or contemporaneous oral or written understandings or agreements with respect to the matters covered hereby are expressly superseded by this Agreement.
Section 15. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification, waiver or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may not be terminated by the Company without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.
Section 16. Successor and Assigns. All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
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Section 17. Service of Process and Venue. The Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Court”), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, irrevocably The Corporation Trust Company located at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801 as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.
Section 18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware. If a court of competent jurisdiction shall make a final determination that the provisions of the law of any state other than Delaware govern indemnification by the Company of Indemnitee, then the indemnification provided under this Agreement shall in all instances be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under such law, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary.
Section 19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument, notwithstanding that both parties are not signatories to the original or same counterpart.
Section 20. Headings and Section References. The section and subsection headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
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This Indemnification Agreement has been duly executed and delivered to be effective as of the date stated above.
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. | ||
By | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
INDEMNITEE | |
Signature of Indemnitee | |
Print or Type Name of Indemnitee |
Exhibit 10.7
FIFTH
AMENDMENT TO THE ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. 2021 MANAGEMENT
CARVEOUT PLAN
THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. 2021 MANAGEMENT CARVEOUT PLAN (the “Amendment”) is entered into as of December 2, 2024, by Aspen Avionics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).
WHEREAS, the Company adopted the Aspen Avionics, Inc. 2021 Management Carveout Plan (the “Plan”) on December 16, 2021. For the avoidance of doubt, capitalized terms herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan;
WHEREAS, Section 3(b)(x) of the Plan allows the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, as Plan Administrator, to adopt such amendments to the Plan that are not anticipated to have a material financial impact on the Plan or the Company or a material adverse effect on Participants;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined it to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to amend the Plan to modify timing of the Two-Step Change of Control determination from September 30, 2024 to March 31, 2025;
WHEREAS, the Board authorized and empowered the undersigned, as an authorized officer of the Company, to take such actions and to execute such other certificates, instruments, amendments, documents and notices as may be required, or as the undersigned may deem necessary, advisable or appropriate, in order to implement the foregoing.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board, on behalf of the Company, hereby amends the Plan as follows:
1. | The last two sentences of the definition of “Change of Control” are amended to read as follows: |
A “Two-Step Change of Control” means both the closing of the AIRO/Aspen Merger and the closing of either the SPAC Merger or the IPO (whichever is earlier) occur by March 31, 2025. For the avoidance of doubt, the closing of the AIRO/Aspen Merger does not constitute a General Change of Control unless the AIRO/Aspen Merger is consummated and either the SPAC Merger or the IPO occur by March 31, 2025.
2. | Section 2(g) is amended to read as follows: |
(g) | Expiration. The Plan and all Benefits thereunder expire on March 31, 2025. |
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date and year first written above.
COMPANY: | ||
ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ John Uczekaj | |
Name: | John Uczekaj | |
Title: | CEO | |
By: | /s/ Brian Birk | |
Name: | Brian Birk | |
Title: | Chairman |
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Exhibit 10.8
SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. 2021 MANAGEMENT CARVEOUT PLAN
THIS SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. 2021 MANAGEMENT CARVEOUT PLAN (the “Amendment”) is entered into as of March 27, 2025, by Aspen Avionics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).
WHEREAS, the Company adopted the Aspen Avionics, Inc. 2021 Management Carveout Plan (the “Plan”) on December 16, 2021. For the avoidance of doubt, capitalized terms herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan;
WHEREAS, Section 3(b)(x) of the Plan allows the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, as Plan Administrator, to adopt such amendments to the Plan that are not anticipated to have a material financial impact on the Plan or the Company or a material adverse effect on Participants;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined it to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to amend the Plan to modify timing of the Two-Step Change of Control determination from September 30, 2024 to April 30, 2025;
WHEREAS, the Board authorized and empowered the undersigned, as an authorized officer of the Company, to take such actions and to execute such other certificates, instruments, amendments, documents and notices as may be required, or as the undersigned may deem necessary, advisable or appropriate, in order to implement the foregoing.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board, on behalf of the Company, hereby amends the Plan as follows:
1. | The last two sentences of the definition of “Change of Control” are amended to read as follows: |
A “Two-Step Change of Control” means both the closing of the AIRO/Aspen Merger and the closing of either the SPAC Merger or the IPO (whichever is earlier) occur by April 30, 2025. For the avoidance of doubt, the closing of the AIRO/Aspen Merger does not constitute a General Change of Control unless the AIRO/Aspen Merger is consummated and either the SPAC Merger or the IPO occur by April 30, 2025.
2. | Section 2(g) is amended to read as follows: |
(g) | Expiration. The Plan and all Benefits thereunder expire on April 30, 2025. |
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date and year first written above.
COMPANY: | ||
ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ John Uczekaj | |
Name: | John Uczekaj | |
Title: | CEO | |
By: | /s/ Brian Birk | |
Name: | Brian Birk | |
Title: | Chairman and Plan Administrator |
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Exhibit 10.9
Jaunt Air Mobility 2021 Option Plan
Jaunt
Air Mobility, LLC
2021 Option Plan
The Jaunt Air Mobility, LLC 2021 Option Plan (the “Plan”) has been established by Jaunt Air Mobility, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), to reward performance and to increase equity value by providing Participants with appropriate incentives and rewards; to enable the Company and its Affiliates (collectively, the “Company Group”) to attract and retain the services of outstanding individuals upon whose judgment, interest and dedication the successful conduct of the Company Group’s businesses are largely dependent; to encourage Participants’ ownership interest in the Company; and to align the interests of management, directors, managers, and consultants of the Company Group with that of the Company’s members. The Plan is effective as of [Month Day], 2021. The Plan will terminate on [Month Day], 2031. The terms of the Plan will be as follows.
1. Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to the Plan:
(a) “1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute.
(b) “Acquisition Price” will have the meaning set forth in Section 11.
(c) “Affiliate” means any entity (whether a corporation, partnership, joint venture or other form of entity) that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by or is under common control with, the Company.
(d) “Award” means a grant under the Plan of Options.
(e) “Award Agreement” will have the meaning set forth in Section 12(a).
(f) “Board” means the Company’s Board of Managers.
(g) “Cause” means the following:
(i) material breach by Participant of any agreement benefiting the Company or any of its Affiliates, including, without limitation, an Award Agreement, any employment or consulting agreement, or any restrictive covenant agreement;
(ii) Participant’s act(s) of gross negligence or willful misconduct in the course of Participant’s employment or other services relationship with the Company or its Affiliates;
(iii) material violation of any lawful policy, procedure, rule, regulation or directive of the Company or any of its Affiliates or the Board;
(iv) failure or refusal by Participant to perform in any material respect his duties or responsibilities, including failure by Participant to follow the instructions or directions of the Board or Participant’s supervisor;
(v) misappropriation by Participant of any assets of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company;
(vi) embezzlement or fraud committed by Participant, or at his direction;
(vii) conduct on the part of Participant, even if not in connection with the performance of duties on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates, that is or could reasonably be expected to be materially injurious to the Company or any of its Affiliates; or
(viii) Participant’s conviction of, or pleading “guilty” or “no contest” to, a felony under the United States state or federal law, crime of moral turpitude, or of a crime that the Board, in its sole discretion, determines involves a subject matter which may reflect negatively on the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ reputation or business.
If a Participant and the Company are parties to an employment agreement, noncompetition agreement, employment letter or any other form of agreement and such agreement contains a definition of “cause,” then, notwithstanding the terms of this Plan the definition of “cause” set forth in such employment agreement, noncompetition agreement, employment letter or other form of agreement will apply for purposes of this Plan and any Award issued hereunder with respect to such Participant as a condition to the grant of such Award. A Participant will be considered to have been discharged for Cause if the Company determines within ninety (90) days after the later of (A) his resignation or discharge that discharge for Cause was warranted or (B) discovery of such “Cause” act.
(h) “Change in Control” means the first to occur of any of the following events:
(i) the date any one person, or more than one “person” acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person(s)) ownership of Common Units possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the Common Units of the Company;
(ii) individuals who at any time during the term of this Agreement constitute the Board of Managers of the Company (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, provided that any person becoming a manager subsequent to the date hereof whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the managers comprising the Incumbent Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for manager, without objection to such nomination) will be, for purposes of this clause (ii) considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board;
(iii) any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, if following such consolidation or merger, unitholders of the Company immediately prior to such consolidation or merger will not beneficially own securities representing at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or continuing corporation; or
(iv) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or in a series of related transactions) of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company, other than to an entity (or entities) of which the Company or the unitholders of the Company immediately prior to such transaction beneficially own securities representing at least fifty- one percent (51%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, in any circumstance or transaction in which compensation resulting from or in respect of an Award would result in the imposition of an additional tax under Code Section 409A if the foregoing definition of “Change in Control” were to apply, but would not result in the imposition of any additional tax if the term “Change in Control” were defined herein to mean a “change in control event” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5), then “Change in Control” will mean a “change in control event” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5), but only to the extent necessary to prevent such compensation from becoming subject to an additional tax under Code Section 409A.
(i) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(j) “Common Unit” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.
(k) “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder.
(l) “Employee” means a person who is an employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(m) “Exercise Price” means the price at which a Participant may purchase an Incentive Unit pursuant to an Option.
(n) “Fair Market Value” of an Incentive Unit means the amount that would be received by a Participant with respect to an Incentive Unit if the Company were liquidated at fair market value, as such fair market value is determined in writing by the Board. Anything contained in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, all determinations of Fair Market Value will be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A.
(o) “Grant Date” means the date on which the Company completes the corporate action necessary to create the legally binding right constituting the Award.
(p) “Incentive Unit” means a Class C Unit of the Company as defined in the LLC Agreement. An Incentive Unit issued under this Plan will be subject to dilution in the event that additional Common Units are issued by the Company.
(q) “LLC Agreement” means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Jaunt Air Mobility, LLC dated effective as of April 9, 2021.
(r) “Managers” means the managers of the Company.
(s) “Members” means the members of the Company.
(t) “Option” means an award of options to purchase Incentive Units.
(u) “Outside Manager” means a member of the Board of Managers of the Company who is not also an Employee.
(v) “Participant” means each of the following as a recipient of an Award Agreement: (i) any employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates, (ii) any consultant who provides services to the Company or any of its Affiliates or the Board, or (iii) any Manager, who in any such case is selected by the Board to participate in the Plam.
(w) “Termination of Service” means, with respect to an Employee, the termination of employment of an Employee by the Company and all of its Affiliates, whether for Cause or without Cause, voluntarily by the Employee, or as a result of the death or Disability of the Employee, and, with respect to any other Participant, the termination of service by such Participant to the Company and all of its Affiliates (including with respect to an Outside Manager as a member of the board of managers of the Company and any similar governing body of an Affiliate for any reason). A Participant’s service will not be deemed to have terminated because of a change in the entity (other than no longer being the Company or any of its Affiliates) for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service to the Company and any of its Affiliates. Furthermore, a Participant’s service with the Company Group will not be deemed to have terminated if the Participant takes any military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence approved by the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that if any such leave exceeds ninety (90) days, on the ninety-first (91st) day of such leave the Participant’s service will be deemed to have terminated unless the Participant’s right to return to service with the Company Group is guaranteed by statute or contract. The Participant’s service will be deemed to have terminated upon the entity for which the Participant performs service ceasing to be an Affiliate (or any successor). Subject to the foregoing, the Company, in its reasonable discretion, will determine whether a Participant’s service has terminated and the effective date of such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, in any circumstance or transaction in which compensation resulting from or in respect of an Award would result in the imposition of an additional tax under Code Section 409A if the foregoing definition of “Termination of Service” were to apply, but would not result in the imposition of any additional tax if the term “Termination of Service” were defined herein to mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), then “Termination from Service” will mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A- 1(h), but only to the extent necessary to prevent such compensation from becoming subject to an additional tax under Section 409A of the Code.
2. Administration.
(a) The authority to manage and control the operation and administration of the Plan will be vested in the Board.
(b) Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the LLC Agreement, the Board will have the sole and complete authority to:
(i) determine, in consultation with the chief executive officer of the Company, the individuals to whom Awards are granted, the type and amounts of Awards to be granted and the time of all such grants;
(ii) determine the time or times of receipt, to determine the number of Incentive Units covered by the Awards, to establish the terms, conditions, performance criteria, restrictions, and other provisions of such awards, and to amend, modify or suspend Awards;
(iii) interpret and construe the Plan and all Award Agreements;
(iv) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan;
(v) determine the content and form of all Award Agreements;
(vi) determine all questions relating to Awards under the Plan, including whether any conditions relating to an Award have been met;
(vii) consistent with the Plan and with the consent of the Participant, as appropriate, amend any outstanding Award;
(viii) determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absence that may be granted to a Participant without constituting a Termination of Service for the purpose of the Plan or any Award;
(ix) maintain accounts, records and ledgers relating to Awards;
(x) maintain records concerning its decisions and proceedings;
(xi) employ agents, attorneys, accountants or other persons for such purposes as the Board considers necessary or desirable; and
(xii) do and perform all acts which it may deem necessary or appropriate for the administration of the Plan and to carry out the objectives of the Plan.
In making such Award determinations, the Board may take into account the nature of services rendered by the respective Participant, such person’s present and potential contribution to the Company’s success and such other factors as the Board deems relevant. The Board’s determinations under the Plan will be final and binding on all persons.
(c) With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the 1934 Act, transactions under the Plan are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successor rule or statute under the 1934 Act. To the extent any provision of the Plan or action by the Board fails to so comply, such provision or action will be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law.
3. Participation. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the LLC Agreement, the Board, in consultation with the chief executive officer of the Company, will determine and designate, from time to time, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ employees, consultants, and Managers who will participate in the Plan. Except as otherwise agreed to by the Company and the Participant, any Award will not affect any previous Award under the Plan or any other plan maintained by the Company.
4. Units Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11, the maximum number of Incentive Units reserved for issuance in connection with Awards under the Plan is: 75,000 Class C Units. Further, Incentive Units previously granted or issued in connection with an Award that are subsequently forfeited back to the Company and/or that are canceled on account of termination, expiration or lapse of an Award will be made available for issuance under the Plan.
5. Grants of Options.
(a) Exercise Price. Unless otherwise approved by the Board, recipients of under this Plan will have a right to purchase Incentive Units as described in the Participant’s Award Agreement at a price that is no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of an Incentive Unit on the Grant Date. Unless otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement, the exercise of an Option will cause a Participant to have an initial capital account in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of an Incentive Unit on the exercise date for such Unit.
(b) Terms of Options. The Committee will determine the term during which a Participant may exercise an Option, but in no event may a Participant exercise an Option, in whole or in part, more than ten (10) years from the Grant Date. The Committee will also determine the date on which each Option, or any part thereof, first becomes exercisable and any terms or conditions a Participant must satisfy in order to exercise each Option. Units underlying each Option may be purchased, in whole or in part, at such times the Committee designates in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for fractional shares.
(c) Method of Exercise of Options. The Participant may make payment of the Exercise Price in such form or forms as the Committee may specify in the applicable Award Agreement, including, without limitation, payment by delivery of cash, Incentive Units or other consideration having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the total Exercise Price, or by any combination of cash, Incentive Units and other consideration, including exercise by means of a cashless exercise arrangement.
(d) Termination of Service.
(i) General. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, upon the Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason other than Disability or death or termination for Cause, the Participant may exercise only those Options that were immediately exercisable by the Participant at the date of such termination and only for a period of ninety (90) days following the date of such termination, or, if sooner, the expiration of the term of the Option.
(ii) Disability or Death. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event of the Participant’s Termination of Service due to Disability or death, the vested portion of the Options shall remain exercisable for a period of one (1) year following the date of such termination, or, if sooner, the expiration of the term of the Option.
(iii) Cause. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event of a Participant’s termination for Cause, all rights with respect to the Participant’s Options shall be forfeited and expire immediately upon the effective date of such termination for Cause.
(e) LLC Agreement. Upon the exercise of an Option, the Participant who is exercising the Option, as a condition to the receipt of Incentive Units, will execute any document necessary to join the LLC Agreement and any other agreement then existing among the Company, an Affiliate or unitholders of either relating to the disposition and transfer of Incentive Units, and be subject to all provisions of such agreement. Any Incentive Units issued or issuable at any time pursuant to an Option will be subject to the provisions of the LLC Agreement.
(f) Payment. Payment due to a Participant upon the exercise of an Option will be made in the form of Incentive Units.
6. Compliance with Applicable Laws and Withholding of Taxes.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Company will have no liability to issue any Incentive Units under the Plan unless such issuance would comply with all applicable laws, including without limitation federal and state securities laws, and the applicable requirements of any securities exchange or similar entity. Prior to the issuance of any Incentive Units under the Plan, the Company may require a written statement that the recipient is acquiring the interest for investment and not for the purpose or with the intention of distributing such interests.
(b) All Awards under the Plan are subject to minimum statutory withholding requirements of all applicable taxes, which minimum statutory withholding obligations may be satisfied, with the consent of the Board, through the surrender of securities of the Company that the Participant already owns or to which a Participant is otherwise entitled under the under the Plan.
7. Transferability. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, Awards may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated or otherwise disposed of in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise). Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of any Award, or any rights and privileges conferred hereby or by any Award Agreement contrary to the provisions hereof, such Award, and the rights and privileges conferred with respect to such Award, will immediately become null and void.
8. Status as Employee, Consultant, or Manager. Neither the Plan nor any Award Agreement constitutes a contract of employment, or service agreement, and selection as a Participant will not give any employee, consultant, or Manager the right to be retained by the Company.
9. Adjustments to Number of Units Subject to the Plan. In the event of any change in capitalization of the Company by reason of any Incentive Unit dividend, Incentive Unit split, spin- off, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination, reorganization or other similar change and Section 10 does not apply, then the terms and the number of any outstanding Awards under the Plan shall be equitably adjusted by the Board if, in its reasonable discretion, it determines that the change in capitalization would adversely impact such outstanding Awards.
10. Business Combinations. In addition to the rights and obligations of the Board to modify the terms of any Award Agreement with respect to the subject matter of this Section 10 (which terms will govern over the terms of this Plan), if while any Awards are outstanding under the Plan there will occur a Change in Control under the terms of which Participants holding Incentive Units will receive upon consummation thereof a cash payment for each Incentive Unit surrendered pursuant to such Change in Control (the “Acquisition Price”) then the Option may be cancelled for the amount paid to each Participant less the Exercise Price, provided, however, that to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with Code Section 409A (i) the Change in Control qualifies as a “change in control event” under Code Section 409A, (ii) such payments are made over a period which does not exceed five (5) years, and (iii) the payment schedule otherwise satisfies the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(iv)(A). If the Acquisition Price is less than the Exercise Price, then the Option may be cancelled for no consideration. In addition, upon a Change in Control, the Board may provide for the assumption or substitution of acquiror.
11. Agreement with the Company.
(a) Each Award will be evidenced by an award agreement (an “Award Agreement”) containing such provisions as may be approved by the Board. Each Award Agreement will constitute a binding contract between the Company and the Participant, and every Participant, upon acceptance of the Award Agreement, will be bound by the terms and restrictions of the Plan and the Award Agreement. The terms of each Award Agreement will be in accordance with the Plan, but each Award Agreement may include such additional provisions and restrictions determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, provided that such additional provisions and restrictions are not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan. In particular, and at a minimum, the Board will set forth in each Award Agreement (i) the type of Award granted, (ii) the number of Incentive Units subject to the Award, (iii) the manner, time, and rate (cumulative or otherwise) of the lapse of risk of forfeiture of such Award, and (iv) the restrictions, if any, placed upon such Award.
(b) The Chairman of the Board and such other Managers and officers as will be designated by the Board are hereby authorized to execute Award Agreements on behalf of the Company and to cause them to be delivered to the recipients of Awards.
(c) The Board in its sole discretion and on such terms and conditions as it may provide may delegate all authority for: (i) the determination of forms of payment to be made by or received by the Plan and (ii) the execution of any Award Agreement. The Board may rely on the descriptions, representations, reports and estimates provided to it by the management of the Company for determinations to be made pursuant to the Plan.
12. Amendment and Termination of Plan. Subject to the following provisions of this Section 12, the Board may at any time and in any way amend, suspend or terminate the Plan. No amendment of the Plan and, except as provided in Section 9, no action by the Board will, without further approvals required under the LLC Agreement, increase the total number of Incentive Units with respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan, materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan or materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan, if approval of the Members of such amendment is a condition of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act or its successor rule or statute, the Code or any exchange or market system on which membership interests in the Company are listed at the time such amendment is adopted. No amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan will alter or impair any Awards previously awarded under the Plan in an adverse manner to the applicable Participant without the consent of the Participant thereof. Awards provided under this Plan are not intended to be classified as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan to the contrary, if any portion of an Award is classified as “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A, the Company will have a unilateral right in good faith to amend this Plan in any manner reasonably necessary in order to comply with Code Section 409A and the regulatory guidance issued thereunder.
13. Governing Law. The Plan will be administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to principles of conflicts of law) and applicable federal law. Each Participant will be required to consent to personal jurisdiction in any action brought in any court, federal or state, within the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction in the matter.
Exhibit 10.10
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
2025 Equity Incentive Plan
Adopted by the Board of Directors: March 6, 2025
Approved by the Stockholders: March 6, 2025
1. | General. |
(a) Successor to the Prior Plan. The Plan is the successor to the Prior Plan. As of the Effective Date, no additional awards may be granted under the Prior Plan and all outstanding awards granted under the Prior Plan will remain subject to the terms of the Prior Plan. All Awards granted under this Plan will be subject to the terms of this Plan.
(b) Plan Purpose. The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to secure and retain the services of Employees, Directors and Consultants, to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any Affiliate and to provide a means by which such persons may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock through the granting of Awards.
(c) Available Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options; (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options; (iii) SARs; (iv) Restricted Stock Awards; (v) RSU Awards; (vi) Performance Awards; and (vii) Other Awards.
(d) Adoption Date; Effective Date. The Plan will come into existence on the Adoption Date, but no Award may be granted prior to the Effective Date.
2. | Shares Subject to the Plan. |
(a) Share Reserve. Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2(c) and any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards will not exceed 1,900,000 shares (the “Share Reserve”). In addition, subject to any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, such aggregate number of shares of Common Stock will automatically increase on January 1 of each year for a period of ten years commencing on January 1, 2026 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2035, in an amount equal to three-percent (3%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding year; provided, however, that the Board may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock.
(b) Aggregate Incentive Stock Option Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2(a) and subject to any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options is three times the Share Reserve.
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(c) Share Reserve Operation.
(i) Limit Applies to Common Stock Issued Pursuant to Awards. For clarity, the Share Reserve is a limit on the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards and does not limit the granting of Awards, except that the Company will keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock reasonably required to satisfy its obligations to issue shares pursuant to such Awards. Shares may be issued in connection with a merger or acquisition as permitted by, as applicable, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c), NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.08, NYSE American Company Guide Section 711 or other applicable rule, and such issuance will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan.
(ii) Actions that Do Not Constitute Issuance of Common Stock and Do Not Reduce Share Reserve. The following actions do not result in an issuance of shares under the Plan and accordingly do not reduce the number of shares subject to the Share Reserve and available for issuance under the Plan: (1) the expiration or termination of any portion of an Award without the shares covered by such portion of the Award having been issued; (2) the settlement of any portion of an Award in cash (i.e., the Participant receives cash rather than Common Stock); (3) the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issued by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of an Award; or (4) the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issued by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award.
(iii) Reversion of Previously Issued Shares of Common Stock to Share Reserve. The following shares of Common Stock previously issued pursuant to an Award and accordingly initially deducted from the Share Reserve will be added back to the Share Reserve and again become available for issuance under the Plan: (1) any shares that are forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company because of a failure to meet a contingency or condition required for the vesting of such shares; (2) any shares that are reacquired by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of an Award; and (3) any shares that are reacquired by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award.
3. | Eligibility and Limitations. |
(a) Eligible Award Recipients. Subject to the terms of the Plan, Employees, Directors and Consultants are eligible to receive Awards.
(b) Specific Award Limitations.
(i) Limitations on Incentive Stock Option Recipients. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees of the Company or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof (as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code).
(ii) Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds $100,000 (or such other limit established in the Code) or any Incentive Stock Option otherwise does not comply with the rules governing Incentive Stock Options, the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) or otherwise do not comply with such rules will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s).
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(iii) Limitations on Incentive Stock Options Granted to Ten Percent Stockholders. A Ten Percent Stockholder may not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless (1) the exercise price of such Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Option and (2) the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant of such Option.
(iv) Limitations on Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs. Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs may not be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants unless the stock underlying such Awards is treated as “service recipient stock” under Section 409A or unless such Awards otherwise comply with the requirements of Section 409A.
(c) Aggregate Incentive Stock Option Limit. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options is the number of shares specified in Section 2(b).
(d) Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit. The aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid, as applicable, to any individual for service as a Non-Employee Director with respect to any calendar year, including Awards granted and cash fees paid by the Company to such Non-Employee Director, will not exceed (1) $750,000 in total value or (2) in the event such Non-Employee Director is first appointed or elected to the Board during such calendar year, $1,000,000 in total value, in each case, calculating the value of any equity awards based on the grant date fair value of such equity awards for financial reporting purposes. The limitations in this Section 4(d) shall apply commencing with the first calendar year that begins following the Effective Date. Compensation will count towards this limit for the calendar year in which it was granted or earned, and not later when distributed, in the event it is deferred.
4. | Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. |
Each Option and SAR will have such terms and conditions as determined by the Board. Each Option will be designated in writing as an Incentive Stock Option or Nonstatutory Stock Option at the time of grant; provided, however, that if an Option is not so designated or if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then such Option will be a Nonstatutory Stock Option, and the shares purchased upon exercise of each type of Option will be separately accounted for. Each SAR will be denominated in shares of Common Stock equivalents. The terms and conditions of separate Options and SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Option Agreement and SAR Agreement will conform (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Award Agreement or otherwise) to the substance of each of the following provisions:
(a) Term. Subject to Section 3(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Option or SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant of such Award or such shorter period specified in the Award Agreement.
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(b) Exercise or Strike Price. Subject to Section 3(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, the exercise or strike price of each Option or SAR will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option or SAR may be granted with an exercise or strike price lower than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award if such Award is granted pursuant to an assumption of or substitution for another option or stock appreciation right pursuant to a Corporate Transaction and in a manner consistent with the provisions of Sections 409A and, if applicable, 424(a) of the Code.
(c) Exercise Procedure and Payment of Exercise Price for Options. In order to exercise an Option, the Participant must provide notice of exercise to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the procedures specified in the Option Agreement or otherwise provided by the Company. The Board has the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to utilize a particular method of payment. The exercise price of an Option may be paid, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and as determined by the Board, by one or more of the following methods of payment to the extent set forth in the Option Agreement:
(i) by cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;
(ii) pursuant to a “cashless exercise” program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of the Common Stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;
(iii) by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock that are already owned by the Participant free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise that does not exceed the exercise price, provided that (1) at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded, (2) any remaining balance of the exercise price not satisfied by such delivery is paid by the Participant in cash or other permitted form of payment, (3) such delivery would not violate any Applicable Law or agreement restricting the redemption of the Common Stock, (4) any certificated shares are endorsed or accompanied by an executed assignment separate from certificate, and (5) such shares have been held by the Participant for any minimum period necessary to avoid adverse accounting treatment as a result of such delivery;
(iv) if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise that does not exceed the exercise price, provided that (1) such shares used to pay the exercise price will not be exercisable thereafter and (2) any remaining balance of the exercise price not satisfied by such net exercise is paid by the Participant in cash or other permitted form of payment; or
(v) in any other form of consideration that may be acceptable to the Board and permissible under Applicable Law.
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(d) Exercise Procedure and Payment of Appreciation Distribution for SARs. In order to exercise any SAR, the Participant must provide notice of exercise to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the SAR Agreement. The appreciation distribution payable to a Participant upon the exercise of a SAR will not be greater than an amount equal to the excess of (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Common Stock equivalents that are vested and being exercised under such SAR, over (ii) the strike price of such SAR. Such appreciation distribution may be paid to the Participant in the form of Common Stock or cash (or any combination of Common Stock and cash) or in any other form of payment, as determined by the Board and specified in the SAR Agreement.
(e) Transferability. Options and SARs may not be transferred to third party financial institutions for value. The Board may impose such additional limitations on the transferability of an Option or SAR as it determines. In the absence of any such determination by the Board, the following restrictions on the transferability of Options and SARs will apply, provided that except as explicitly provided herein, neither an Option nor a SAR may be transferred for consideration and provided, further, that if an Option is an Incentive Stock Option, such Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer:
(i) Restrictions on Transfer. An Option or SAR will not be transferable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and will be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant; provided, however, that the Board may permit transfer of an Option or SAR in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws upon the Participant’s request, including to a trust if the Participant is considered to be the sole beneficial owner of such trust (as determined under Section 671 of the Code and applicable U.S. state law) while such Option or SAR is held in such trust, provided that the Participant and the trustee enter into a transfer and other agreements required by the Company.
(ii) Domestic Relations Orders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the execution of transfer documentation in a format acceptable to the Company and subject to the approval of the Board or a duly authorized Officer, an Option or SAR may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order.
(f) Vesting. The Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting and/or exercisability of an Option or SAR as determined by the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, vesting of Options and SARs will cease upon termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(g) Termination of Continuous Service for Cause. Except as explicitly otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Participant’s Options and SARs will terminate and be forfeited immediately upon such termination of Continuous Service, and the Participant will be prohibited from exercising any portion (including any vested portion) of such Awards on and after the date of such termination of Continuous Service and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in such forfeited Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the forfeited Award, or any consideration in respect of the forfeited Award.
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(h) Post-Termination Exercise Period Following Termination of Continuous Service for Reasons Other than Cause. Subject to Section 4(i), if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than for Cause, the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR to the extent vested, but only within the following period of time or, if applicable, such other period of time provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term (as set forth in Section 4(a)):
(i) three months following the date of such termination if such termination is a termination without Cause (other than any termination due to the Participant’s Disability or death);
(ii) 12 months following the date of such termination if such termination is due to the Participant’s Disability;
(iii) 18 months following the date of such termination if such termination is due to the Participant’s death; or
(iv) 18 months following the date of the Participant’s death if such death occurs following the date of such termination but during the period such Award is otherwise exercisable (as provided in (i) or (ii) above).
Following the date of such termination, to the extent the Participant does not exercise such Award within the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period (or, if earlier, prior to the expiration of the maximum term of such Award), such unexercised portion of the Award will terminate, and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the terminated Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the terminated Award, or any consideration in respect of the terminated Award.
(i) Restrictions on Exercise; Extension of Exercisability. A Participant may not exercise an Option or SAR at any time that the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise would violate Applicable Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than for Cause and, at any time during the last thirty days of the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period: (i) the exercise of the Participant’s Option or SAR would be prohibited solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise would violate Applicable Law, or (ii) the immediate sale of any shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise would violate the Company’s Trading Policy, then the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period will be extended to the last day of the calendar month that commences following the date the Award would otherwise expire, with an additional extension of the exercise period to the last day of the next calendar month to apply if any of the foregoing restrictions apply at any time during such extended exercise period, generally without limitation as to the maximum permitted number of extensions); provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term (as set forth in Section 4(a)).
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(j) Non-Exempt Employees. No Option or SAR, whether or not vested, granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, will be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock until at least six months following the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with the provisions of the U.S. Worker Economic Opportunity Act, any vested portion of such Award may be exercised earlier than six months following the date of grant of such Award in the event of (i) such Participant’s death or Disability, (ii) a Corporate Transaction in which such Award is not assumed, continued or substituted, (iii) a Change in Control, or (iv) such Participant’s retirement (as such term may be defined in the Award Agreement or another applicable agreement or, in the absence of any such definition, in accordance with the Company’s then current employment policies and guidelines). This Section 4(j) is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Option or SAR will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay.
(k) Whole Shares. Options and SARs may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock or their equivalents.
5. | Awards Other Than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. |
(a) Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award and RSU Award will have such terms and conditions as determined by the Board; provided, however, that each Restricted Stock Award Agreement and RSU Award Agreement will conform (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Award Agreement or otherwise) to the substance of each of the following provisions:
(i) Form of Award.
(1) Restricted Stock Awards: To the extent consistent with the Company’s Bylaws, at the Board’s election, shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may be (A) held in book entry form subject to the Company’s instructions until such shares become vested or any other restrictions lapse, or (B) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate will be held in such form and manner as determined by the Board. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, a Participant will have voting and other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award.
(2) RSU Awards: An RSU Award represents a Participant’s right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units subject to the RSU Award. As a holder of an RSU Award, a Participant is an unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the Company’s unfunded obligation, if any, to issue shares of Common Stock in settlement of such Award and nothing contained in the Plan or any RSU Award Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, will create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate or any other person. A Participant will not have voting or any other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any RSU Award (unless and until shares are actually issued in settlement of a vested RSU Award).
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(ii) Consideration. The Board shall determine the consideration, if any, payable by a Participant for Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards. Such consideration may include, but is not limited to, cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, or services rendered or to be rendered to the Company or an Affiliate.
(iii) Vesting. The Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of a Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award as determined by the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, vesting of Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards will cease upon termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(iv) Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason, (1) the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant under his or her Restricted Stock Award that have not vested as of the date of such termination as set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, (2) any portion of his or her RSU Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon such termination, and (3) the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to or issuable pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award, or any consideration in respect of the Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award.
(v) Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. Dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid or credited, as applicable, with respect to any shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award, as determined by the Board and specified in the Award Agreement.
(vi) Settlement of RSU Awards. An RSU Award may be settled by the issuance of shares of Common Stock or cash (or any combination thereof) or in any other form of payment, as determined by the Board and specified in the RSU Award Agreement. At the time of grant, the Board may determine to impose such restrictions or conditions that delay such delivery to a date following the vesting of the RSU Award.
(b) Performance Awards. With respect to any Performance Award, the length of any Performance Period, the Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period, the other terms and conditions of such Award, and the measure of whether and to what degree such Performance Goals have been attained will be determined by the Board.
(c) Other Awards. Other forms of Awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the appreciation in value thereof, may be granted either alone or in addition to Awards provided for under Section 4 and the preceding provisions of this Section 5. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board will have sole and complete discretion to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such Other Awards will be granted, the number of shares of Common Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to such Other Awards and all other terms and conditions of such Other Awards.
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6. | Adjustments upon Changes in Common Stock; Other Corporate Events. |
(a) Capitalization Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board shall appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan and the maximum number of shares by which the Share Reserve may annually increase pursuant to Section 2(a); (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 2(b); and (iii) the class(es) and number of securities and exercise price, strike price or purchase price of Common Stock subject to outstanding Awards. The Board shall make such adjustments, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no fractional shares or rights for fractional shares of Common Stock shall be created in order to implement any Capitalization Adjustment. The Board shall determine an appropriate equivalent benefit, if any, for any fractional shares or rights to fractional shares that might be created by the adjustments referred to in the preceding provisions of this Section.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all outstanding Awards (other than Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject to a forfeiture condition or the Company’s right of repurchase) will terminate immediately prior to the completion of such dissolution or liquidation, and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Company’s repurchase rights or subject to a forfeiture condition may be repurchased or reacquired by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder of such Award is providing Continuous Service, provided, however, that the Board may determine to cause some or all Awards to become fully vested, exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the dissolution or liquidation is completed but contingent on its completion.
(c) Corporate Transaction. The following provisions will apply to Awards in the event of a Corporate Transaction, except as set forth in Section 11, and unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of an Award.
(i) Awards May Be Assumed. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) may assume or continue any or all Awards outstanding under the Plan or may substitute similar awards for Awards outstanding under the Plan (including but not limited to, awards to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Corporate Transaction), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to Awards may be assigned by the Company to the successor of the Company (or the successor’s parent company, if any), in connection with such Corporate Transaction. A surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent) may choose to assume or continue only a portion of an Award or substitute a similar award for only a portion of an Award, or may choose to assume, continue or substitute the Awards held by some, but not all Participants. The terms of any assumption, continuation or substitution will be set by the Board.
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(ii) Awards Held by Current Participants. In the event of a Corporate Transaction in which the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such outstanding Awards or substitute similar awards for such outstanding Awards, then with respect to Awards that have not been assumed, continued or substituted and that are held by Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction (referred to as the “Current Participants”), the vesting of such Awards (and, with respect to Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the time when such Awards may be exercised) will be accelerated in full to a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Transaction (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction) as the Board determines (or, if the Board does not determine such a date, to the date that is five days prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction), and such Awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to such Awards will lapse (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction). With respect to the vesting of Performance Awards that will accelerate upon the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction pursuant to this subsection (ii) and that have multiple vesting levels depending on the level of performance, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, the vesting of such Performance Awards will accelerate at 100% of the target level upon the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction in which the Awards are not assumed, continued or substituted in accordance with Section 6(c)(i). With respect to the vesting of Awards that will accelerate upon the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction pursuant to this subsection (ii) and are settled in the form of a cash payment, such cash payment will be made no later than 30 days following the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction or such later date as required to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
(iii) Awards Held by Persons other than Current Participants. In the event of a Corporate Transaction in which the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such outstanding Awards or substitute similar awards for such outstanding Awards, then with respect to Awards that have not been assumed, continued or substituted and that are held by persons other than Current Participants, such Awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction; provided, however, that any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to such Awards will not terminate and may continue to be exercised notwithstanding the Corporate Transaction.
(iv) Payment for Awards in Lieu of Exercise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Award will terminate if not exercised prior to the effective time of a Corporate Transaction, the Board may provide, in its sole discretion, that the holder of such Award may not exercise such Award but will receive a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board, equal in value, at the effective time, to the excess, if any, of (1) the value of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Award (including, at the discretion of the Board, any unvested portion of such Award), over (2) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise.
(d) Appointment of Stockholder Representative. As a condition to the receipt of an Award under this Plan, a Participant will be deemed to have agreed that the Award will be subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on the Participant’s behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
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(e) No Restriction on Right to Undertake Transactions. The grant of any Award under the Plan and the issuance of shares pursuant to any Award does not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company, the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, any Change in Control, any Corporate Transaction, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of stock or of options, rights or options to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are superior to or affect the Common Stock or the rights thereof or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.
7. | Administration. |
(a) Administration by Board. The Board will administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided in subsection (c) below.
(b) Powers of Board. The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:
(i) To determine from time to time (1) which of the persons eligible under the Plan will be granted Awards; (2) when and how each Award will be granted; (3) what type or combination of types of Award will be granted; (4) the provisions of each Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a person will be permitted to receive an issuance of Common Stock or other payment pursuant to an Award; (5) the number of shares of Common Stock or cash equivalent with respect to which an Award will be granted to each such person; (6) the Fair Market Value applicable to an Award; and (7) the terms of any Performance Award that is not valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Common Stock, including the amount of cash payment or other property that may be earned and the timing of payment.
(ii) To construe and interpret the Plan and Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it deems necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Award fully effective.
(iii) To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Awards granted under it.
(iv) To accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award Agreement stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.
(v) To prohibit the exercise of any Option, SAR or other exercisable Award during a period of up to 30 days prior to the consummation of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other change affecting the shares of Common Stock or the share price of the Common Stock including any Corporate Transaction, for reasons of administrative convenience.
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(vi) To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Suspension or termination of the Plan will not Materially Impair rights and obligations under any Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.
(vii) To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable; provided, however, that stockholder approval will be required for any amendment to the extent required by Applicable Law. Except as provided above, rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan will not be Materially Impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.
(viii) To submit any amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval.
(ix) To approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable to the Participant than previously provided in the Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion; provided however, that, a Participant’s rights under any Award will not be Materially Impaired by any such amendment unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.
(x) Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Awards.
(xi) To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit and facilitate participation in the Plan by, or take advantage of specific tax treatment for Awards granted to, Employees, Directors or Consultants who are non-U.S. nationals or employed outside the United States (provided that Board approval will not be necessary for immaterial modifications to the Plan or any Award Agreement to ensure or facilitate compliance with the laws of the relevant non-U.S. jurisdiction).
(xii) To effect, at any time and from time to time, subject to the consent of any Participant whose Award is Materially Impaired by such action, (1) the reduction of the exercise price (or strike price) of any outstanding Option or SAR; (2) the cancellation of any outstanding Option or SAR and the grant in substitution therefor of (A) a new Option, SAR, Restricted Stock Award, RSU Award or Other Award, under the Plan or another equity plan of the Company, covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock, (B) cash and/or (C) other valuable consideration (as determined by the Board); or (3) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.
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(c) Delegation to Committee.
(i) General. The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to another Committee or a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. Each Committee may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee or subcommittee to which it has delegated its authority hereunder and may, at any time, revest in such Committee some or all of the powers previously delegated. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with any Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated.
(ii) Rule 16b-3 Compliance. To the extent an Award is intended to qualify for the exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act that is available under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, the Award will be granted by the Board or a Committee that consists solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors, as determined under Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act and thereafter any action establishing or modifying the terms of the Award will be approved by the Board or a Committee meeting such requirements to the extent necessary for such exemption to remain available.
(d) Effect of Board’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board or any Committee in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.
(e) Delegation to Other Person or Body. The Board or any Committee may delegate to one or more persons or bodies the authority to do one or more of the following to the extent permitted by Applicable Law: (i) designate recipients, other than Officers, of Options and SARs (and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, other Awards), provided that no person or body may be delegated authority to grant an Award to themself; (ii) determine the number of shares subject to such Awards; and (iii) determine the terms of such Awards; provided, however, that the Board or Committee action regarding such delegation will fix the terms of such delegation in accordance with Applicable Law, including without limitation Sections 152 and 157 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Unless provided otherwise in the Board or Committee action regarding such delegation, each Award granted pursuant to this section will be granted on the applicable form of Award Agreement most recently approved for use by the Board or the Committee, with any modifications necessary to incorporate or reflect the terms of such Award. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither the Board nor any Committee may delegate to any person or body (who is not a Director or that is not comprised solely of Directors, respectively) the authority to determine the Fair Market Value.
8. | Tax Withholding. |
(a) Withholding Authorization. As a condition to acceptance of any Award under the Plan, a Participant authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to such Participant, and otherwise agrees to make adequate arrangements to satisfy the Tax-Related Items withholding obligations, if any, of the Company and/or an Affiliate that arise in connection with the grant, vesting, exercise or settlement of such Award, as applicable. Accordingly, a Participant may not be able to exercise an Award even though the Award is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue shares of Common Stock subject to an Award, unless and until such obligations are satisfied.
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(b) Satisfaction of Withholding Obligation. To the extent permitted by the terms of an Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any Tax-Related Items withholding obligation relating to an Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Award; (iii) withholding cash from an Award settled in cash; (iv) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; (v) by allowing a Participant to effectuate a “cashless exercise” pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board; or (vi) by such other method as may be set forth in the Award Agreement.
(c) No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes; No Liability to Claims. Except as required by Applicable Law, the Company has no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such holder as to the time or manner of exercising such Award. Furthermore, the Company has no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder of a pending termination or expiration of an Award or a possible period in which the Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of an Award to the holder of such Award and will not be liable to any holder of an Award for any adverse tax consequences to such holder in connection with an Award. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, each Participant (i) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from such Award or other Company compensation and (ii) acknowledges that such Participant was advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Award and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, each Participant acknowledges any Option or SAR granted under the Plan is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise or strike price is at least equal to the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Award. Additionally, as a condition to accepting an Option or SAR granted under the Plan, each Participant agrees to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise price or strike price is less than the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
(d) Withholding Indemnification. The Company and/or its Affiliate may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering statutory or other withholding rates, including minimum or maximum rates applicable in a Participant’s jurisdiction. In the event of overwithholding, the Participant may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash (with no entitlement to the equivalent in Common Stock) or, if not refunded, the Participant may seek a refund from the local tax authorities. In the event of underwithholding, the Participant may be required to pay any additional Tax-Related Items directly to the applicable tax authority or to the Company and/or its Affiliate. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, in the event that the amount of the Company’s and/or its Affiliate’s withholding obligation in connection with such Award was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or its Affiliates, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and/or its Affiliates harmless from any failure by the Company and/or its Affiliates to withhold the proper amount. Further, if the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in shares of Common Stock, for tax purposes, the Participant will be deemed to have been issued the full number of shares subject to the Award, notwithstanding that a number of the shares is held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.
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9. | Miscellaneous. |
(a) Source of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market or otherwise.
(b) Use of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Awards will constitute general funds of the Company.
(c) Corporate Action Constituting Grant of Awards. Corporate action constituting a grant by the Company of an Award to any Participant will be deemed completed as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Board, regardless of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Award is communicated to, or actually received or accepted by, the Participant. In the event that the corporate records (e.g., Board consents, resolutions or minutes) documenting the corporate action approving the grant contain terms (e.g., exercise price, vesting schedule or number of shares) that are inconsistent with those in the Award Agreement or related grant documents as a result of a clerical error in the Award Agreement or related grant documents, the corporate records will control and the Participant will have no legally binding right to the incorrect term in the Award Agreement or related grant documents.
(d) Stockholder Rights. No Participant will be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award unless and until (i) such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Award pursuant to its terms, if applicable, and (ii) the issuance of the Common Stock subject to such Award is reflected in the records of the Company.
(e) No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award granted pursuant thereto will confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate at will (unless otherwise required under Applicable Law) and without regard to any future vesting opportunity that a Participant may have with respect to any Award (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the U.S. state or non-U.S. jurisdiction in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be. Further, nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award will constitute any promise or commitment by the Company or an Affiliate regarding the fact or nature of future positions, future work assignments, future compensation or any other term or condition of employment or service or confer any right or benefit under the Award or the Plan unless such right or benefit has specifically accrued under the terms of the Award Agreement and/or Plan.
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(f) Change in Time Commitment. In the event a Participant’s regular level of time commitment in the performance of his or her services for the Company and any Affiliates is reduced (for example, and without limitation, if the Participant is an Employee of the Company and the Employee has a change in status from a full-time Employee to a part-time Employee or takes an extended leave of absence) after the date of grant of any Award to the Participant, the Board may determine, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, to (i) make a corresponding reduction in the number of shares or cash amount subject to any portion of such Award that is scheduled to vest or become payable after the date of such change in time commitment, and (ii) in lieu of or in combination with such a reduction, extend the vesting or payment schedule applicable to such Award. In the event of any such reduction, the Participant will have no right with respect to any portion of the Award that is so reduced or extended.
(g) Execution of Additional Documents. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, the Participant agrees to execute any additional documents or instruments necessary or desirable, as determined in the Plan Administrator’s sole discretion, to carry out the purposes or intent of the Award, or facilitate compliance with securities and/or other regulatory requirements, in each case at the Plan Administrator’s request.
(h) Electronic Delivery and Participation. Any reference herein or in an Award Agreement to a “written” agreement or document will include any agreement or document delivered electronically, filed publicly at www.sec.gov (or any successor website thereto) or posted on the Company’s intranet (or other shared electronic medium controlled by the Company to which the Participant has access). By accepting any Award the Participant consents to receive documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through any on-line electronic system established and maintained by the Plan Administrator or another third party selected by the Plan Administrator. The form of delivery of any Common Stock (e.g., a stock certificate or electronic entry evidencing such shares) shall be determined by the Company.
(i) Clawback/Recovery. All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other Applicable Law and any clawback policy that the Company otherwise adopts, to the extent applicable and permissible under Applicable Law. In addition, the Board may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an Award Agreement as the Board determines necessary or appropriate, including but not limited to a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired shares of Common Stock or other cash or property upon the occurrence of Cause. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a Participant’s right to voluntarily terminate employment upon a “resignation for good reason,” or for a “constructive termination” or any similar term under any plan of or agreement with the Company.
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(j) Securities Law Compliance. A Participant will not be issued any shares in respect of an Award unless either (i) the shares are registered under the Securities Act; or (ii) the Company has determined that such issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Each Award also must comply with other Applicable Law governing the Award, and a Participant will not receive such shares if the Company determines that such receipt would not be in material compliance with Applicable Law.
(k) Transfer or Assignment of Awards; Issued Shares. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or the form of Award Agreement, Awards granted under the Plan may not be transferred or assigned by the Participant. After the vested shares subject to an Award have been issued, or in the case of a Restricted Stock Award and similar awards, after the issued shares have vested, the holder of such shares is free to assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any interest in such shares provided that any such actions are in compliance with the provisions herein, the terms of the Trading Policy and Applicable Law.
(l) Effect on Other Employee Benefit Plans. The value of any Award granted under the Plan, as determined upon grant, vesting or settlement, shall not be included as compensation, earnings, salaries, or other similar terms used when calculating any Participant’s benefits under any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company or any Affiliate, except as such plan otherwise expressly provides. The Company expressly reserves its rights to amend, modify, or terminate any of the Company’s or any Affiliate’s employee benefit plans.
(m) Deferrals. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock or the payment of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Award may be deferred and may also establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made by Participants. Deferrals will be made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A.
(n) Section 409A. Unless otherwise expressly provided for in an Award Agreement, the Plan and Award Agreements will be interpreted to the greatest extent possible in a manner that makes the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder exempt from Section 409A, and, to the extent not so exempt, in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. If the Board determines that any Award granted hereunder is not exempt from and is therefore subject to Section 409A, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award will incorporate the terms and conditions necessary to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code, and to the extent an Award Agreement is silent on terms necessary for compliance, such terms are hereby incorporated by reference into the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan (and unless the Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise), if the shares of Common Stock are publicly traded, and if a Participant holding an Award that constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A is a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A, no distribution or payment of any amount that is due because of a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A without regard to alternative definitions thereunder) will be issued or paid before the date that is six months and one day following the date of such Participant’s “separation from service” or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death, unless such distribution or payment can be made in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and any amounts so deferred will be paid in a lump sum on the day after such six month period elapses, with the balance paid thereafter on the original schedule.
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(o) Choice of Law. This Plan and any controversy arising out of or relating to this Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in any application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
10. | Covenants of the Company. |
The Company will seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency, as may be deemed to be necessary, having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise or vesting of the Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking will not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts and at a reasonable cost, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary or advisable for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise or vesting of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant is not eligible for the grant of an Award or the subsequent issuance of Common Stock pursuant to the Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any Applicable Law.
11. | Additional Rules for Awards Subject to Section 409A. |
(a) Application. Unless the provisions of this Section of the Plan are expressly superseded by the provisions in the form of Award Agreement, the provisions of this Section shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary set forth in the Award Agreement for a Non-Exempt Award.
(b) Non-Exempt Awards Subject to Non-Exempt Severance Arrangements. To the extent a Non-Exempt Award is subject to Section 409A due to application of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, the following provisions of this subsection (b) apply.
(i) If the Non-Exempt Award vests in the ordinary course during the Participant’s Continuous Service in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Award Agreement, and does not accelerate vesting under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, in no event will the shares be issued in respect of such Non-Exempt Award any later than the later of: (i) December 31st of the calendar year that includes the applicable vesting date, or (ii) the 60th day that follows the applicable vesting date.
(ii) If vesting of the Non-Exempt Award accelerates under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement in connection with the Participant’s Separation from Service, and such vesting acceleration provisions were in effect as of the date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award and, therefore, are part of the terms of such Non-Exempt Award as of the date of grant, then the shares will be earlier issued in settlement of such Non-Exempt Award upon the Participant’s Separation from Service in accordance with the terms of the Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, but in no event later than the 60th day that follows the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service. However, if at the time the shares would otherwise be issued the Participant is subject to the distribution limitations contained in Section 409A applicable to “specified employees,” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such shares shall not be issued before the date that is six months following the date of such Participant’s Separation from Service, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death that occurs within such six-month period.
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(iii) If vesting of a Non-Exempt Award accelerates under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement in connection with a Participant’s Separation from Service, and such vesting acceleration provisions were not in effect as of the date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award and, therefore, are not a part of the terms of such Non-Exempt Award on the date of grant, then such acceleration of vesting of the Non-Exempt Award shall not accelerate the issuance date of the shares, but the shares shall instead be issued on the same schedule as set forth in the Grant Notice as if they had vested in the ordinary course during the Participant’s Continuous Service, notwithstanding the vesting acceleration of the Non-Exempt Award. Such issuance schedule is intended to satisfy the requirements of payment on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, as provided under U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(a)(4).
(c) Treatment of Non-Exempt Awards Upon a Corporate Transaction for Employees and Consultants. The provisions of this subsection (c) shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary set forth in the Plan with respect to the permitted treatment of any Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction if the Participant was either an Employee or Consultant upon the applicable date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award.
(i) Vested Non-Exempt Awards. The following provisions shall apply to any Vested Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction:
(1) If the Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control then the Acquiring Entity may not assume, continue or substitute the Vested Non-Exempt Award. Upon the Section 409A Change in Control the settlement of the Vested Non-Exempt Award will automatically be accelerated and the shares will be immediately issued in respect of the Vested Non-Exempt Award. Alternatively, the Company may instead provide that the Participant will receive a cash settlement equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant upon the Section 409A Change in Control.
(2) If the Corporate Transaction is not also a Section 409A Change in Control, then the Acquiring Entity must either assume, continue or substitute each Vested Non-Exempt Award. The shares to be issued in respect of the Vested Non-Exempt Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance dates, with the determination of the Fair Market Value of the shares made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.
(ii) Unvested Non-Exempt Awards. The following provisions shall apply to any Unvested Non-Exempt Award unless otherwise determined by the Board or as otherwise required by Applicable Law.
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(1) In the event of a Corporate Transaction, the Acquiring Entity shall assume, continue or substitute any Unvested Non-Exempt Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, any Unvested Non-Exempt Award will remain subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions that were applicable to the Award prior to the Corporate Transaction. The shares to be issued in respect of any Unvested Non-Exempt Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance dates, with the determination of Fair Market Value of the shares made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.
(2) If the Acquiring Entity will not assume, substitute or continue any Unvested Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction, then such Award shall automatically terminate and be forfeited upon the Corporate Transaction with no consideration payable to any Participant in respect of such forfeited Unvested Non-Exempt Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted and in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the Board may in its discretion determine to elect to accelerate the vesting and settlement of the Unvested Non-Exempt Award upon the Corporate Transaction, or instead substitute a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of such shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant, as further provided in subsection (e)(ii) below. In the absence of such discretionary election by the Board, any Unvested Non-Exempt Award shall be forfeited without payment of any consideration to the affected Participants if the Acquiring Entity will not assume, substitute or continue the Unvested Non-Exempt Awards in connection with the Corporate Transaction.
(3) The foregoing treatment shall apply with respect to all Unvested Non-Exempt Awards upon any Corporate Transaction, and regardless of whether or not such Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control.
(d) Treatment of Non-Exempt Awards Upon a Corporate Transaction for Non-Employee Directors. The following provisions of this subsection (d) shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary that may be set forth in the Plan with respect to the permitted treatment of a Non-Exempt Director Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction.
(i) If the Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control then the Acquiring Entity may not assume, continue or substitute the Non-Exempt Director Award. Upon the Section 409A Change in Control the vesting and settlement of any Non-Exempt Director Award will automatically be accelerated and the shares will be immediately issued to the Participant in respect of the Non-Exempt Director Award. Alternatively, the Company may provide that the Participant will instead receive a cash settlement equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant upon the Section 409A Change in Control pursuant to the preceding provision.
(ii) If the Corporate Transaction is not also a Section 409A Change in Control, then the Acquiring Entity must either assume, continue or substitute the Non-Exempt Director Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Non-Exempt Director Award will remain subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions that were applicable to the Award prior to the Corporate Transaction. The shares to be issued in respect of the Non-Exempt Director Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance dates, with the determination of Fair Market Value made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.
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(e) If the RSU Award is a Non-Exempt Award, then the provisions in this Section 11(e) shall apply and supersede anything to the contrary that may be set forth in the Plan or the Award Agreement with respect to the permitted treatment of such Non-Exempt Award:
(i) Any exercise by the Board of discretion to accelerate the vesting of a Non-Exempt Award shall not result in any acceleration of the scheduled issuance dates for the shares in respect of the Non-Exempt Award unless earlier issuance of the shares upon the applicable vesting dates would be in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A.
(ii) The Company explicitly reserves the right to earlier settle any Non-Exempt Award to the extent permitted and in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, including pursuant to any of the exemptions available in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix).
(iii) To the extent the terms of any Non-Exempt Award provide that it will be settled upon a Change in Control or Corporate Transaction, to the extent it is required for compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the Change in Control or Corporate Transaction event triggering settlement must also constitute a Section 409A Change in Control. To the extent the terms of a Non-Exempt Award provides that it will be settled upon a termination of employment or termination of Continuous Service, to the extent it is required for compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the termination event triggering settlement must also constitute a Separation From Service. However, if at the time the shares would otherwise be issued to a Participant in connection with a “separation from service” such Participant is subject to the distribution limitations contained in Section 409A applicable to “specified employees,” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such shares shall not be issued before the date that is six months following the date of the Participant’s Separation From Service, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death that occurs within such six month period.
(iv) The provisions in this subsection (e) for delivery of the shares in respect of the settlement of an RSU Award that is a Non-Exempt Award are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that the delivery of the shares to the Participant in respect of such Non-Exempt Award will not trigger the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be so interpreted.
12. | Severability. |
If all or any part of the Plan or any Award Agreement is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity shall not invalidate any portion of the Plan or such Award Agreement not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of the Plan or any Award Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
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13. | Termination of the Plan. |
The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Incentive Stock Options may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of: (i) the Adoption Date, or (ii) the date the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
14. | Definitions. |
As used in the Plan, the following definitions apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:
(a) “Acquiring Entity” means the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) in connection with a Corporate Transaction.
(b) “Adoption Date” means the date the Plan is first approved by the Board or Compensation Committee, as applicable.
(c) “Affiliate” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act. The Board may determine the time or times at which “parent” or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.
(d) “Applicable Law” means the Code and any applicable U.S. and non-U.S. securities, exchange control, tax, federal, state, material local or municipal or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, listing rule, regulation, judicial decision, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body (including under the authority of any applicable self-regulating organization such as the Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
(e) “Award” means any right to receive Common Stock, cash or other property granted under the Plan (including an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, an RSU Award, a SAR, a Performance Award or any Other Award).
(f) “Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of an Award. The Award Agreement generally consists of the Grant Notice and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Award and which is provided, including through electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice.
(g) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company (or its designee). Any decision or determination made by the Board shall be a decision or determination that is made in the sole discretion of the Board (or its designee), and such decision or determination shall be final and binding on all Participants.
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(h) “Capitalization Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Award after the Adoption Date without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.
(i) “Cause” will have the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between the Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, such term means, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) such Participant’s commission of any felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; (ii) such Participant’s attempted commission of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company, or any of its employees or directors; (iii) such Participant’s intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between the Participant and the Company, the Company’s employment policies, or of any statutory or other duty owed to the Company; (iv) such Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; or (v) such Participant’s gross misconduct. The determination that a termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause will be made by the Company, in its sole discretion. Any determination by the Company that the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated with or without Cause for the purposes of outstanding Awards held by such Participant will have no effect upon any determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any other purpose.
(j) “Change in Control” or “Change of Control” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i) any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur (A) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company, (B) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Company’s securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities, or (C) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the “Subject Person”) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to occur;
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(ii) there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the Acquiring Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (B) more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the Acquiring Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;
(iii) there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; or
(iv) individuals who, on the Adoption Date, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (A) the term Change in Control shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, (B) the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply, and (C) with respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation that becomes payable on account of the Change in Control, the transaction or event described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) also constitutes a Section 409A Change in Control if required in order for the payment not to violate Section 409A of the Code.
(k) “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.
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(l) “Committee” means the Compensation Committee and any other committee of one or more Directors to whom authority has been delegated by the Board or Compensation Committee in accordance with the Plan.
(m) “Common Stock” means, as of the IPO Date, the common stock of the Company.
(n) “Company” means AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(o) “Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(p) “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, will not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant under this Plan only if a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act is available to register either the offer or the sale of the Company’s securities to such person.
(q) “Continuous Service” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director or Consultant or a change in the Entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, will not terminate a Participant’s Continuous Service; provided, however, that if the Entity for which a Participant is rendering services ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined by the Board, such Participant’s Continuous Service will be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Consultant of an Affiliate or to a Director will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party’s sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service will be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or an Affiliate, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave, or (ii) transfers between the Company, an Affiliate, or their successors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence will be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in an Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by Applicable Law. In addition, to the extent required for exemption from or compliance with Section 409A, the determination of whether there has been a termination of Continuous Service will be made, and such term will be construed, in a manner that is consistent with the definition of “separation from service” as defined under U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).
(r) “Corporate Transaction” means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
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(ii) a sale or other disposition of at least 50% of the outstanding securities of the Company;
(iii) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or
(iv) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (A) the term Corporate Transaction shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, (B) the definition of Corporate Transaction (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Corporate Transaction or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply, and (C) with respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation that becomes payable on account of the Corporate Transaction, the transaction or event described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) also constitutes a Section 409A Change in Control if required in order for the payment not to violate Section 409A of the Code.
(s) “determine” or “determined” means as determined by the Board or the Committee (or its designee) in its sole discretion.
(t) “Director” means a member of the Board.
(u) “Disability” means, with respect to a Participant, such Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as provided in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, and will be determined by the Board on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances.
(v) “Effective Date” means the IPO Date, provided that this Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders prior to the IPO Date.
(w) “Employee” means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.
(x) “Employer” means the Company or the Affiliate that employs the Participant.
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(y) “Entity” means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.
(z) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(aa) “Exchange Act Person” means any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that “Exchange Act Person” will not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to a registered public offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company; or (v) any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.
(bb) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the value of the Common Stock (as determined on a per share or aggregate basis, as applicable) determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Board deems reliable.
(ii) If there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
(iii) In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, or if otherwise determined by the Board, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Board in good faith and in a manner that complies with Sections 409A and 422 of the Code.
(dd) “Good Reason” has the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between the Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, means any of the following actions taken by the Company or a successor corporation or entity, with respect to a Participant, without the consent of such Participant (unless such action is taken in response to conduct by such Participant that constitutes Cause): (1) material reduction of the Participant’s base compensation, other than a reduction that applies generally to all employees of an approximately similar level (e.g., executives, vice presidents, director positions); (2) material reduction in such Participant’s authority, duties or responsibilities; provided, however, that a change in job position (including a change in title) will not be deemed a “material reduction” unless the Participant’s new authority, duties or responsibilities are materially reduced from the prior authority, duties or responsibilities; (3) failure or refusal of a successor to the Company to materially assume the Company’s obligations under each material agreement between such Participant and the Company in the event of a Change in Control; or (4) relocation of such Participant’s principal place of employment that results in an increase in the Participant’s one-way driving distance by more than 50 miles from such Participant’s then-current principal residence. In order to resign for Good Reason, a Participant must provide written notice of the event giving rise to Good Reason to the Company within 90 days after the condition arises, allow the Company 30 days to cure such condition, and if the Company fails to cure the condition within such period, the Participant’s resignation from all positions such Participant then holds with the Company must be effective not later than 90 days after the end of the Company’s cure period.
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(ee) “Governmental Body” means any: (i) nation, state, commonwealth, , province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (ii) U.S. or non-U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, or other government; (iii) governmental or regulatory body, or quasi-governmental body of any nature (including any governmental division, department, administrative agency or bureau, commission, authority, instrumentality, official, ministry, fund, foundation, center, organization, unit, body or Entity and any court or other tribunal, and for the avoidance of doubt, any Tax authority) or other body exercising similar powers or authority; or (iv) self-regulatory organization (including the Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
(ff) “Grant Notice” means the notice provided to a Participant that he or she has been granted an Award under the Plan and which includes the name of the Participant, the type of Award, the date of grant of the Award, number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Award or potential cash payment right, (if any), the vesting schedule for the Award (if any) and other key terms applicable to the Award.
(gg) “Incentive Stock Option” means an option granted pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan that is intended to be, and qualifies as, an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(hh) “IPO Date” means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Common Stock, pursuant to which the Common Stock is priced for the initial public offering.
(ii) “Materially Impair” means any amendment to the terms of the Award that materially adversely affects the Participant’s rights under the Award. A Participant’s rights under an Award will not be deemed to have been Materially Impaired by any such amendment if the Board, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, taken as a whole, does not materially impair the Participant’s rights. For example, the following types of amendments to the terms of an Award do not Materially Impair the Participant’s rights under the Award: (i) imposition of reasonable restrictions on the minimum number of shares subject to an Option or SAR that may be exercised; (ii) to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (iii) to change the terms of an Incentive Stock Option in a manner that disqualifies, impairs or otherwise affects the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (iv) to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the Award into compliance with or qualify it for an exemption from, Section 409A; or (v) to comply with other Applicable Laws.
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(jj) “Non-Employee Director” means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee or officer of the Company or an Affiliate, does not receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, from the Company or an Affiliate for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (“Regulation S-K”)), does not possess an interest in any other transaction for which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, and is not engaged in a business relationship for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a “non-employee director” for purposes of Rule 16b-3.
(kk) “Non-Exempt Award” means any Award that is subject to, and not exempt from, Section 409A, including as the result of (i) a deferral of the issuance of the shares subject to the Award which is elected by the Participant or imposed by the Company, or (ii) the terms of any Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement.
(ll) “Non-Exempt Director Award” means a Non-Exempt Award granted to a Participant who was a Director but not an Employee on the applicable grant date.
(mm) “Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement” means a severance arrangement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company that provides for acceleration of vesting of an Award and issuance of the shares in respect of such Award upon the Participant’s termination of employment or separation from service (as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code (and without regard to any alternative definition thereunder)) (“Separation from Service”) and such severance benefit does not satisfy the requirements for an exemption from application of Section 409A provided under U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(9) or otherwise.
(nn) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means any option granted pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(oo) “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(pp) “Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.
(qq) “Option Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of the Option grant. The Option Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the Option and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Option and which is provided, including through electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each Option Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(rr) “Optionholder” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.
(ss) “Other Award” means an award based in whole or in part by reference to the Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(c).
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(tt) “Other Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of an Other Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an Other Award grant. Each Other Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(uu) “Own,” “Owned,” “Owner,” or “Ownership” means that a person or Entity will be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.
(vv) “Participant” means an Employee, Director or Consultant to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.
(ww) “Performance Award” means an Award that may vest or may be exercised or a cash award that may vest or become earned and paid contingent upon the attainment during a Performance Period of certain Performance Goals and which is granted under the terms and conditions of Section 5(b) pursuant to such terms as are approved by the Board. In addition, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, the Board may determine that cash or other property may be used in payment of Performance Awards. Performance Awards that are settled in cash or other property are not required to be valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Common Stock.
(xx) “Performance Criteria” means the one or more criteria that the Board will select for purposes of establishing the Performance Goals for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish such Performance Goals may be based on any one of, or combination of, the following as determined by the Board: earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; total stockholder return; return on equity or average stockholder’s equity; return on assets, investment, or capital employed; stock price; margin (including gross margin); income (before or after taxes); operating income; operating income after taxes; pre-tax profit; operating cash flow; sales or revenue targets; increases in revenue or product revenue; expenses and cost reduction goals; improvement in or attainment of working capital levels; economic value added (or an equivalent metric); market share; cash flow; cash flow per share; share price performance; debt reduction; customer satisfaction; stockholders’ equity; capital expenditures; debt levels; operating profit or net operating profit; workforce diversity; growth of net income or operating income; billings; financing; regulatory milestones; stockholder liquidity; corporate governance and compliance; intellectual property; personnel matters; progress of internal research; progress of partnered programs; partner satisfaction; budget management; partner or collaborator achievements; internal controls, including those related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; investor relations, analysts and communication; implementation or completion of projects or processes; employee retention; manufacturing achievements (including measurable objectives related to process development activities); strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property); establishing relationships with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of the Company’s products (including with group purchasing organizations, distributors and other vendors); supply chain achievements; co-development, co-marketing, profit sharing, joint venture or other similar arrangements; individual performance goals; corporate development and planning goals; and other measures of performance selected by the Board or Committee, whether or not listed herein.
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(yy) “Performance Goals” means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Board for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Performance Goals may be based on a Company-wide basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions, Affiliates, or business segments, and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise by the Board (i) in the Award Agreement at the time the Award is granted or (ii) in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals at the time the Performance Goals are established, the Board will appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of Performance Goals for a Performance Period as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of items that are “unusual” in nature or occur “infrequently” as determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a Performance Period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common stockholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under the Company’s bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles; and (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the Board may establish or provide for other adjustment items in the Award Agreement at the time the Award is granted or in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals at the time the Performance Goals are established. The Board retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of Performance Goals and to define the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period. Partial achievement of the specified criteria may result in the payment or vesting corresponding to the degree of achievement as specified in the Award Agreement or the written terms of a Performance Award.
(zz) “Performance Period” means the period of time selected by the Board over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to vesting or exercise of an Award. Performance Periods may be of varying and overlapping duration, at the sole discretion of the Board.
(aaa) “Plan” means this AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(bbb) “Plan Administrator” means the person, persons, and/or third-party administrator designated by the Company to administer the day-to-day operations of the Plan and the Company’s other equity incentive programs.
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(ccc) “Post-Termination Exercise Period” means the period following termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service within which an Option or SAR is exercisable, as specified in Section (h).
(ddd) “Prior Plan” means the Jaunt Air Mobility, LLC 2021 Option Plan, as amended from time to time.
(eee) “Prospectus” means the document containing the Plan information specified in Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.
(fff) “Restricted Stock Award” means an Award of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(a).
(ggg) “Restricted Stock Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award grant. The Restricted Stock Award Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the Restricted Stock Award and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Restricted Stock Award and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(iii) “RSU Award” or “RSU” means an Award of restricted stock units representing the right to receive an issuance of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(a).
(jjj) “RSU Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of an RSU Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an RSU Award grant. The RSU Award Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the RSU Award and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the RSU Award and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each RSU Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(kkk) “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.
(lll) “Rule 405” means Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.
(mmm) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder.
(nnn) “Section 409A Change in Control” means a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code and U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).
(ooo) “Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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(ppp) “Share Reserve” means the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan as set forth in Section 2(a).
(qqq) “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right to receive the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4.
(rrr) “SAR Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a SAR evidencing the terms and conditions of a SAR grant. The SAR Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the SAR and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the SAR and which is provided to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each SAR Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan
(sss) “Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation will have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than 50%.
(ttt) “Tax-Related Items” means any income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefit tax, payment on account or other tax-related items arising out of or in relation to a Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable or deemed applicable to the Participant.
(uuu) “Ten Percent Stockholder” means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate.
(vvv) “Trading Policy” means the Company’s policy permitting certain individuals to sell Company shares only during certain “window” periods and/or otherwise restricts the ability of certain individuals to transfer or encumber Company shares, as in effect from time to time.
(www) “Unvested Non-Exempt Award” means the portion of any Non-Exempt Award that had not vested in accordance with its terms upon or prior to the date of any Corporate Transaction.
(xxx) “Vested Non-Exempt Award” means the portion of any Non-Exempt Award that had vested in accordance with its terms upon or prior to the date of a Corporate Transaction.
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Exhibit 10.11
AIRO
Group Holdings, Inc.
Stock Option Grant Notice
(2025 Equity Incentive Plan)
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to the Company’s 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), has granted to you (“Optionholder”) an option to purchase the number of shares of the Common Stock set forth below (the “Option”). Your Option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Plan, and the Stock Option Agreement and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Stock Option Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Stock Option Agreement, as applicable.
Optionholder: | |
Date of Grant: | |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Number of Shares Subject to Option: | |
Exercise Price Per Share: | |
Total Exercise Price: | |
Expiration Date: |
Type of Grant: | [Incentive Stock Option] OR [Nonstatutory Stock Option] | |
Exercise and Vesting Schedule: | Subject to the Optionholder’s Continuous Service through each applicable vesting date, the Option will vest as follows: [ ]. |
Optionholder Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:
● | The Option is governed by this Stock Option Grant Notice (this “Grant Notice”), and the provisions of the Plan and the Stock Option Agreement and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Stock Option Agreement (together, the “Option Agreement”) may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. | |
● | If the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, it (plus other outstanding Incentive Stock Options granted to you) cannot be first exercisable for more than $100,000 in value (measured by exercise price) in any calendar year. Any excess over $100,000 is a Nonstatutory Stock Option. |
● | You consent to receive this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement, the Plan, the Prospectus and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. | |
● | You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise, or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control. | |
● | The Option Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of: (i) other equity awards previously granted to you and (ii) any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Option. | |
● | Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes. |
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. | Optionholder: | |||
By: | ||||
Signature | Signature | |||
Title: | Date: | |||
Date: |
Attachments: | Stock Option Agreement, 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, Notice of Exercise, Prospectus |
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Attachment I
AIRO
GROUP HOLDINGS, Inc.
Stock Option Agreement
(2025 Equity Incentive Plan)
As reflected by your Stock Option Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”), AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you an option under the Company’s 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock at the exercise price indicated in your Grant Notice (the “Option”). Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the meanings set forth in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable. The terms of your Option as specified in the Grant Notice and this Stock Option Agreement constitute your Option Agreement.
The general terms and conditions applicable to your Option are as follows:
1. Governing Plan Document. Your Option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:
(a) Section 6 regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your Option;
(b) Section 9(e) regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the Option; and
(c) Section 8 regarding the tax consequences of your Option.
Your Option is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the Option Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
2. Vesting. Your Option will vest as provided in your Grant Notice, subject to the provisions contained herein and the terms of the Plan. Vesting will cease upon the termination of your Continuous Service.
3. Exercise.
(a) You may generally exercise the vested portion of your Option for whole shares of Common Stock at any time during its term by delivery of payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes and other required documentation to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the exercise procedures established by the Plan Administrator, which may include an electronic submission. Please review Sections 4(i), 4(j) and 7(b)(v) of the Plan, which may restrict or prohibit your ability to exercise your Option during certain periods.
(b) To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, you may pay your Option exercise price as follows:
(i) cash, check, bank draft or money order;
(ii) subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” program as further described in Section 4(c)(ii) of the Plan if at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded;
(iii) subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, by delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock as further described in Section 4(c)(iii) of the Plan;
(iv) subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement as further described in Section 4(c)(iv) of the Plan; or
(v) subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, in any form of consideration that may be acceptable to the Board and permissible under Applicable Law as further described in Section 4(c)(v) of the Plan.
(c) By accepting your Option, you agree that you will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation(the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. You further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to your shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. You also agree that any transferee of any shares of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by you will be bound by this Section 3(c). The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 3(c) and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
4. Term. You may not exercise your Option before the commencement of its term or after its term expires. The term of your Option commences on the Date of Grant and expires upon the earliest of the following:
(a) immediately upon the termination of your Continuous Service for Cause;
(b) three months after the termination of your Continuous Service for any reason other than Cause, Disability or death;
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(c) 12 months after the termination of your Continuous Service due to your Disability;
(d) 18 months after your death if you die during your Continuous Service;
(e) immediately upon a Corporate Transaction if the Board has determined that the Option will terminate in connection with a Corporate Transaction,
(f) the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice; or
(g) the day before the 10th anniversary of the Date of Grant.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you die during the period provided in Section 4(b) or 4(c) above, the term of your Option shall not expire until the earlier of (i) 18 months after your death, (ii) upon any termination of the Option in connection with a Corporate Transaction, (iii) the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice, or (iv) the day before the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. Additionally, the Post-Termination Exercise Period of your Option may be extended as provided in Section 4(i) of the Plan.
To obtain the federal income tax advantages associated with an Incentive Stock Option, the Code requires that at all times beginning on the date of grant of your Option and ending on the day three months before the date of your Option’s exercise, you must be an employee of the Company or an Affiliate, except in the event of your death or Disability. If the Company provides for the extended exercisability of your Option under certain circumstances for your benefit, your Option will not necessarily be treated as an Incentive Stock Option if you exercise your Option more than three months after the date your employment terminates.
5. Withholding Obligations. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan: (a) you may not exercise your Option unless the applicable tax withholding obligations are satisfied, and (b) at the time you exercise your Option, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for (including by means of a “cashless exercise” pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise of your Option in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your Option even though the Option is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue shares of Common Stock subject to your Option, unless and until such obligations are satisfied. In the event that the amount of the Company’s withholding obligation in connection with your Option was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.
6. Incentive Stock Option Disposition Requirement. If your Option is an Incentive Stock Option, you must notify the Company in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of your Option that occurs within two years after the date of your Option grant or within one year after such shares of Common Stock are transferred upon exercise of your Option.
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7. Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(e) of the Plan, your Option is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you.
8. Corporate Transaction. Your Option is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
9. No Liability for Taxes. As a condition to accepting the Option, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the Option or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Option and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, you acknowledge that the Option is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise price is at least equal to the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Option. Additionally, as a condition to accepting the Option, you agree not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise is less than the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
10. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan, or your acquisition or sale of the underlying shares of Common Stock. You should consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
11. Choice of Law. Your Option and any controversy arising out of or relating to your Option shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in any application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
12. Severability. If any part of this Option Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Option Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Option Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
13. Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on your participation in the Plan, on your Option and on any shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require you to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
14. Other Documents. You hereby acknowledge receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy.
15. Questions. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your Option, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.
* * * *
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Attachment II
2025 Equity Incentive Plan
Attachment III
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
(2025 Equity Incentive Plan)
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
[Address]
[Address] | Date of Exercise: _______________ |
This constitutes notice to AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) that I elect to purchase the below number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Shares”) by exercising my Option for the price set forth below. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Notice of Exercise but defined in the Stock Option Grant Notice, Stock Option Agreement or 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the meanings set forth in the Stock Option Grant Notice, Stock Option Agreement or Plan, as applicable. Use of certain payment methods is subject to Company and/or Committee consent and certain additional requirements set forth in the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan.
Type of option (check one): | Incentive ☐ | Nonstatutory ☐ | ||
Date of Grant: | _______________ | |||
Number of Shares as to which Option is exercised: | _______________ | |||
Certificates to be issued in name of: | _______________ | |||
Total exercise price: | $______________ | |||
Cash, check, bank draft or money order delivered herewith: | $______________ | |||
Value of ________ Shares delivered herewith: | $______________ | |||
Regulation T Program (cashless exercise) | $_____________ | |||
Value of _______ Shares pursuant to net exercise: | $_____________ |
By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (ii) to satisfy the tax withholding obligations, if any, relating to the exercise of this Option as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an incentive stock option, to notify you in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the Shares issued upon exercise of this Option that occurs within two years after the Date of Grant or within one year after such Shares are issued upon exercise of this Option.
I further agree that, if required by the Company (or a representative of the underwriters) in connection with the first underwritten registration of the offering of any securities of the Company under the Securities Act, I will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company shall request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rule or regulation) (the “Lock-Up Period”). I further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. To enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions until the end of such period.
Very truly yours, | |
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Attachment IV
Prospectus
Exhibit 10.12
AIRO
Group Holdings, Inc.
RSU Award Grant Notice
(2025 Equity Incentive Plan)
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) has awarded to you (the “Participant”) the number of restricted stock units specified and on the terms set forth below in consideration of your services (the “RSU Award”). Your RSU Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Agreement.
Participant: | |
Date of Grant: | |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Number of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”): |
Vesting Schedule: [ ] Notwithstanding the foregoing, vesting shall terminate upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service.
Issuance Schedule: One share of Common Stock will be issued at the time set forth in Section 6 of the Agreement for each restricted stock unit which vests.
Participant Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:
● | The RSU Award is governed by this RSU Award Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”), and the provisions of the Plan and the Agreement, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement (together, the “RSU Award Agreement”) may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. | |
● | You consent to receive this Grant Notice, the Agreement, the Plan, the Prospectus and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an online or electronic system established or maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. | |
● | You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the RSU Award Agreement and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in the RSU Award Agreement, or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control. |
● | The RSU Award Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of: (i) other equity awards previously granted to you, and (ii) any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this RSU Award. | |
● | Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes. |
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. | Participant: | |||
By: | ||||
Signature | Signature | |||
Title: | Date: | |||
Date: |
Attachments: Award Agreement, 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, Prospectus
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Attachment I
AIRO
GROUP HOLDINGS, Inc.
Award Agreement
(2025 Equity Incentive Plan)
As reflected by your RSU Award Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”), AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a RSU Award under the AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units as indicated in your Grant Notice (the “RSU Award”). The terms of your RSU Award as specified in this Award Agreement for your RSU Award (this “Agreement”) and the Grant Notice constitute your “RSU Award Agreement”. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable.
The general terms applicable to your RSU Award are as follows:
1. Governing Plan Document. Your RSU Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:
(a) Section 6 of the Plan regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your RSU Award;
(b) Section 9(e) of the Plan regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the RSU Award; and
(c) Section 8 of the Plan regarding the tax consequences of your RSU Award.
Your RSU Award is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the RSU Award Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
2. Grant of the RSU Award. This RSU Award represents your right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units indicated in the Grant Notice as modified to reflect any Capitalization Adjustment and subject to your satisfaction of the vesting conditions set forth therein (the “Restricted Stock Units”). Any additional Restricted Stock Units that become subject to the RSU Award pursuant to Capitalization Adjustments as set forth in the Plan and the provisions of Section 3 below, if any, shall be subject, in a manner determined by the Board, to the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of delivery as applicable to the other Restricted Stock Units covered by your RSU Award.
3. Vesting. Subject to the limitations contained herein, the Award will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in the Grant Notice. Upon the cessation of your Continuous Service for any reason, any Restricted Stock Units that have not vested will be forfeited at no cost to the Company and you will have no further right, title or interest in such Restricted Stock Units or the shares of Common Stock covered thereby.
4. Dividends. You shall receive no benefit or adjustment to this RSU Award with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution that does not result from a Capitalization Adjustment; provided, however, that this sentence will not apply with respect to any shares of Common Stock that are delivered to you in connection with your RSU Award after such shares have been delivered to you.
5. Withholding Obligations. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with your RSU Award (the “Withholding Obligation”) in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Unless the Withholding Obligation is satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to deliver to you any Common Stock in respect of the RSU Award. In the event the Withholding Obligation of the Company arises prior to the delivery to you of Common Stock or it is determined after the delivery of Common Stock to you that the amount of the Withholding Obligation was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.
6. Date of Issuance.
(a) The issuance of shares in respect of the Restricted Stock Units is intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and will be construed and administered in such a manner. Subject to the satisfaction of the Withholding Obligation, if any, in the event one or more Restricted Stock Units vests, the Company shall issue to you one (1) share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests (subject to any adjustment under Section 3 above, and subject to any different provisions in the Grant Notice) on the applicable vesting date(s) or on a later date as determined by the Company but in no event later than the Issuance Deadline (as defined below).
(b) In addition, the following provisions shall apply to the extent applicable at a vesting date when shares of Common Stock are registered under the Securities Act, unless otherwise determined by the Company. If:
(i) the applicable vesting date does not occur (1) during an “open window period” applicable to you, as determined by the Company in accordance with the Company’s then-effective policy on trading in Company securities, or (2) on a date when you are otherwise permitted to sell shares of Common Stock on an established stock exchange or stock market (including but not limited to under a previously established written trading plan that meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act and was entered into in compliance with the Company’s policies (a “10b5-1 Arrangement”) or under such other policy expressly approved by the Company), and
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(ii) either (1) a Withholding Obligation does not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the applicable vesting date, (A) not to satisfy the Withholding Obligation by withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares otherwise due to you under this Award, and (B) not to permit you to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement) and (C) not to permit you to pay your Withholding Obligation in cash,
then the shares that would otherwise be issued to you on the applicable vesting date will not be delivered on such applicable vesting date and will instead be delivered on the first business day when you are not prohibited from selling shares of the Company’s Common Stock in the open public market or on such other date determined by the Company, but in no event later than the Issuance Deadline. The “Issuance Deadline” means (a) December 31 of the calendar year in which the applicable vesting date occurs (that is, the last day of your taxable year in which the applicable vesting date occurs), or (b) if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the applicable year following the year in which the shares of Common Stock issuable under this Award as a result of the applicable vesting date are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).
(c) To the extent the RSU Award is a Non-Exempt Award, the provisions of Section 11 of the Plan shall apply.
7. Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, your RSU Award is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.
8. Corporate Transaction. Your RSU Award is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
9. No Liability for Taxes. As a condition to accepting the RSU Award, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the RSU Award or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the RSU Award and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.
10. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan, or your acquisition or sale of the underlying shares of Common Stock. You should consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
11. Choice of Law. The RSU Award and any controversy arising out of or relating to the RSU Award shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in any application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
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12. Severability. If any part of this Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
13. Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on your participation in the Plan, on the RSU Award and on any shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require you to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
14. Other Documents. You hereby acknowledge receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy.
15. Questions. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your RSU Award, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.
* * * *
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Attachment II
2025 Equity Incentive Plan
Attachment III
Prospectus
Exhibit 10.19
***Certain identified information has been excluded from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) is the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential.
KUTAK ROCK LLP
EXECUTION COPY
AMENDMENT TO ENGAGEMENT LETTER
THIS AMENDMENT TO ENGAGEMENT LETTER (this “Amendment”), dated as of April 1, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), is made and entered into by and between KippsDeSanto & Co. (“KDC”) and Aspen Avionics, Inc. (the “Company”).
RECITALS
A. Pursuant to that certain engagement letter (the “Original Agreement”) dated August 7, 2018 by and between KDC and the Company, the Company engaged KDC for the provision of financial advisory and the other services set forth therein (the “Services”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Original Agreement.
B. The Company has entered into, and subsequently closed, that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 6, 2021, as amended (the “Merger Agreement”) with AIRO Group, Inc. (“AIRO Group”) and the other parties thereto, pursuant to which the Company (i) was merged (the “AIRO Merger”) into a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIRO Group, and (ii) is the surviving corporation of the AIRO Merger.
C. The Company anticipates that by no later than August 31, 2022, AIRO Group (or its holding company) will file a Form S-1 or S-4 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to effect an initial public offering (“IPO”) of its common stock or a business combination transaction with a special acquisition company whose shares of common stock are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SPAC Merger”).
D. There was not any cash consideration received in connection with the closing of the AIRO Merger. The Company’s former stockholders are entitled to receive only shares of AIRO Group, and AIRO Group will assume certain indebtedness of the Company in the amount of $25,050,000 (“Assumed Debt”). The Assumed Debt is to be paid from the proceeds of the IPO or SPAC Merger.
E. The Company and KDC have each expressed various claims and positions as to performance under the Original Agreement and, upon discussion, have agreed to fully resolve hereby all claims between the parties in accordance with the terms of this Amendment. Accordingly, the parties desire to amend the Original Agreement and have negotiated a transaction payment in full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under the Original Agreement with respect to fees and expenses.
F. The parties anticipate that Capital One, KDC’s parent company, will part of the AIRO Group Holdings IPO bank syndicate and will receive three to four percent of the syndicate economics.
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Original Agreement is hereby amended as set forth in this Amendment and is terminated as of April 30, 2022. From and after the Effective Date, KDC will no longer be obligated to provide and the Company shall not be required to receive the Services to the Company pursuant to the Original Agreement nor shall KDC be entitled to receive any fees for its Services except as set forth below in Section 3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the rights and obligations of the Company and KDC contained in (a) the second full paragraph on page 3 of the Original Agreement, (b) each of the three paragraphs on page 4 of the Original Agreement and (c) Annex B of the Original Agreement shall survive the Effective Date and remain in effect in accordance with their terms.
2. KDC confirms that:
a. | KDC has been paid in full the retainer fee (as described in the Original Agreement), |
b. | except as provided below in Section 3 of this Amendment, KDC is not due, and will not be due, any Transaction Fee, Alternative Fee or Tail Fee (each as described in the Original Agreement) in connection with any Transaction including, without limitation, the AIRO Merger, the transactions described in the Merger Agreement, the IPO, the SPAC Merger, or for any other Transaction consummated after the consummation of the transactions described in the Merger Agreement, and |
c. | KDC has been reimbursed in full for all expenses (as described in the Original Agreement). |
3. The provisions of this Section 3 shall govern any payments due or to become due to KDC by the Company or any of its Affiliates (other than any payments pursuant to Annex B of the Original Agreement).
a. | In connection with the closing of the IPO (or the SPAC Merger, as the case may be), the Company shall cause a one-time, final payment of $1,000,000 (the “Revised Tail Fee”) to be paid to KDC, in cash via wire transfer, on the closing date of the IPO (or, as the case may be, on the date on which the SPAC Merger is closed). The Revised Tail Fee shall be treated as liquidated damages and shall not be (and has not been) calculated in respect of the Transaction Value of the Company or any other entity. |
b. | If the IPO (or the SPAC Merger, as the case may be) is not consummated for any reason, but if both (i) an agreement is entered into with respect to a Transaction (other than the IPO or SPAC Merger) on or before April 30, 2023, and (ii) one of the parties to the Transaction was introduced to the Company by KDC as part of the Services, then the terms of the Original Agreement concerning Tail Fee shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the Original Agreement. If either the agreement is entered into with respect to a Transaction after April 30, 2023 or if none of the parties to the Transaction was introduced to the Company by KDC, then KDC shall not be due (and shall not be paid) any Tail Fee. Under separate cover, KDC has provided to the Company a list of all parties to whom KDC has introduced the Company as part of its Services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Tail Fee shall be calculated and paid solely in respect of the Company’s Transaction Value and any Tail Fee or Revised Tail Fee shall not be calculated or paid with regard to the Transaction Value of AIRO Group (or its holding company) or any of their Affiliates. |
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c. | For the avoidance of doubt, KDC shall not be paid in respect of both (i) the IPO (or the SPAC Merger, as the case may be), and (ii) a Transaction described in subpart (b) of this Section 3. |
4. This Amendment constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any and all prior and contemporaneous communications, representations, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written with respect to such subject matter. No amendment or modification of this Amendment shall be binding unless in a writing signed by both parties.
5. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Amendment shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company, KDC and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Amendment and the rights and obligations of the Company and KDC hereunder shall not be assigned or delegated by either party hereto without the express prior written consent of the other party.
6. Any dispute regarding this Amendment shall be settled in accordance with the provisions of the Engagement Letter.
7. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, the terms and conditions of the Engagement Letter shall remain in full force and effect.
8. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflict of laws principles or rules.
[End of Agreement; Balance of Page Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date and year first written above.
ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ John Uczekaj | |
Name: | John Uczekaj | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
KIPPSDESANTO & CO. | ||
By: | /s/ Michael J. Misantone | |
Name: | Michael J. Misantone | |
Title: | Managing Director |
[Signature Page to Amendment to Letter Agreement]
8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 1200
Tysons Corner, VA 22182
P 703.442.1400
F 703.442.1498
www.kippsdesanto.com
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
August 7, 2018
John Uczekaj
President and Chief Executive Officer
Aspen Avionics
5001 Indian School Road, NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
EIN: 20-3905031
Re: ENGAGEMENT LETTER
Dear Mr. Uczekaj:
We are pleased to confirm in this engagement letter (together with the Annexes, this “Engagement Letter”) the arrangements under which KippsDeSanto & Co. and its affiliates, as appropriate (“KDC”, “we” or “our”) is engaged by Aspen Avionics, Inc. (the “Company” or “you”) as financial advisor on an exclusive basis in connection with a potential Transaction and/or one or more Alternative Transactions involving the Company. Terms not defined in the body of this Engagement Letter have the meanings given to them in Annex A.
During the term of our engagement, we will provide you with financial advice and assistance in connection with the potential Transaction and/or one or more Alternative Transactions, which may include, to the extent requested by the Company and appropriate under the circumstances, assisting you in developing a strategy to effectuate a Transaction and/or Alternative Transaction(s), performing financial analyses, assisting in the preparation of materials describing the strategic and salient attributes of the Company including a so-called confidential information memorandum, searching for one or more purchasers acceptable to you, coordinating the Company’s interaction with and due diligence of potential purchasers, assist you in obtaining a confidentiality agreement from each prospective buyer (the form of which will be preapproved by you and your attorneys), assist you in organizing an online data room containing a preliminary set of information that will be supportive of the due diligence efforts of the prospective buyers, coordinating indications of interest and letters of intent from potential purchasers, and assisting you in negotiating the financial aspects of a Transaction and/or Alternative Transaction(s).
Aspen Avionics, Inc. |
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August 7, 2018 | |
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In order to coordinate most effectively our efforts together to effect a Transaction and/or Alternative Transaction(s), during the term of our engagement, the Company and its stockholders and management will not initiate any discussions regarding a Transaction or Alternative Transaction except through KDC and will promptly inform us of any discussions they may have or of any inquiry they may receive concerning a potential Transaction or Alternative Transaction. Likewise, we agree that we shall not initiate contact with any prospective party to a Transaction or Alternative Transaction without the Company’s express prior written consent (which may be given via electronic mail). The fees for our engagement will largely depend on the outcome of our engagement. For KDC’s services hereunder, the Company shall pay KDC a non-refundable retainer fee of $[***], payable in four equal installments of $[***] with the first installment payable upon the execution of this Engagement Letter and the remaining three monthly installments payable beginning one month thereafter. Upon the closing of a Transaction, the Company agrees to pay KDC a transaction fee (“Transaction Fee”) (against which the retainer fee paid will be credited) equal to:
[***]
[***]
The minimum Transaction Fee for a Transaction shall be $[***].
The parties recognize that substantially all of the business of the Company may be sold in one Transaction or that the Company’s business may be sold in two or more Alternative Transactions or some combination thereof. For that reason, the parties have provided for various scenarios to ensure that any fees paid to KDC are fair to the KDC and to the Company, without duplication. If, prior to the closing of a Transaction, one or more Alternative Transactions is consummated, then the Company will pay a success-based fee for each such Alternative Transaction in the amount of $[***] (each, an “Alternative Transaction Fee”) upon the closing of each such Alternative Transaction. If, subsequent to the closing of one or more Alternative Transactions and payment of one or more Alternative Transaction Fees, a Transaction is consummated, the Transaction Fee would be computed based on the aggregate Transaction Value of both the Transaction and each such Alternative Transaction, and any Alternative Transaction Fee would be credited against such Transaction Fee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if both a Transaction and an Alternative Transaction are consummated, or if two Transactions or two or more Alternative Transactions are consummated (involving different business units and/or subsidiaries of the Company) with different purchasers (each such consummated Transaction or Alternative Transaction, a “Completed Transaction”), the amount of the total Transaction Fee or Alternative Transaction Fee, as applicable, payable hereunder shall be increased by $[***] for each Completed Transaction following the first such Completed Transaction (and the minimum Transaction Fee shall be increased by the same amount). Accordingly, and for the avoidance of doubt, if there are a total of two Completed Transactions, the minimum fees payable hereunder would be $[***], and if there are a total of three Completed Transactions, the minimum fees payable hereunder would be $[***].
If any portion of Transaction Value consists of earnouts or payments based upon future contingencies (whether or not related to future earnings or operations), then that portion of the Transaction Fee attributable thereto shall be payable either (i) when and if such amounts are payable by the acquirer or its affiliates or (ii) upon consummation of the Completed Transaction, based on the fair market value of such contingent payments rights if mutually agreed upon in good faith by the Company and KDC in their sole discretion.
Aspen Avionics, Inc. |
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August 7, 2018 | |
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Whether or not any Transaction or Alternative Transaction is consummated, and in addition to any retainer, Transaction Fee, Alternative Transaction Fee or indemnification or other expenses payable to KDC under Annex B, the Company will reimburse KDC, upon its request from time to time or upon the termination of this Engagement Letter, for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in performing services pursuant to this Engagement Letter, which expenses shall in no event exceed $[***] during the term of this Engagement Letter without the express prior written consent of the Company (which may be given via electronic mail, and shall not be unreasonably withheld). KDC will not, except with the express prior written consent of the Company (which may be given via electronic mail), incur any single expense in excess of $[***].
Our engagement shall have an initial term of one year. Thereafter, the engagement shall automatically be extended on a month-to-month basis. After the initial term, KDC’s engagement hereunder may be terminated at any time by either the Company or KDC upon thirty days written notice thereof. KDC shall be entitled to the applicable Transaction Fee and/or Alternative Transaction Fee(s) set forth above in the event that at any time prior to the expiration of the twelve month period after the effective date of the termination of KDC’s engagement an agreement is entered into with respect to a Transaction and/or Alternative Transaction (which is eventually consummated) in that period (the “Tail Fee”) with any party which (i) was presented by KDC to the Company as a prospective purchaser, (ii) was contacted or sought to be contacted by KDC during the term of our engagement, (iii) had contact during the term of our engagement with KDC or the Company (including its management, officers, directors, representatives and affiliates) with respect to pursuing a Transaction, or (iv) reviewed materials prepared by KDC concerning the Company and/or any proposed Transaction. The Company’s obligations to pay KDC the Tail Fee, if applicable, and to reimburse KDC’s expenses (that were incurred prior to the effective date of such termination), as well as the provisions of Annex B shall survive any expiration, completion or termination of KDC’s engagement hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, after the effective date of the termination of the Engagement Letter, the Company’s sole obligations to KDC will be to pay KDC the Tail Fee, if applicable, to reimburse KDC for any expenses incurred prior to the effective date of such termination, and to honor the Company’s obligations under the provisions of Annex B.
The Company agrees that, following closing of any Completed Transaction, KDC may, at its option and expense, place an advertisement or announcement on its own website and/or in such newspapers and periodicals as it may determine describing KDC’s role as financial advisor to the Company (such as a customary “tombstone” advertisement, including the Company’s logo or other identifying marks). The content of any such announcement shall not include any non-public, undisclosed information.
In connection with engagements such as this, it is our firm policy to receive indemnification. The Company agrees to the provisions with respect to our indemnity and other matters set forth in our Standard Terms and Conditions as attached hereto as Annex B.
This Engagement Letter incorporates by reference the defined terms in Annex A hereto and the Standard Terms and Conditions in Annex B, and the CNDA (as defined in Annex B), all of which are made a part hereof and are included in any reference to this Engagement Letter. This Engagement Letter and the CNDA embody the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto related to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings related to the subject matter hereof.
Aspen Avionics, Inc. |
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August 7, 2018 | |
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This agreement may not be amended or otherwise modified or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by both KDC and the Company. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Engagement Letter shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Engagement Letter, which shall remain in full force and effect pursuant to the terms hereof.
The benefits of this Agreement and the indemnification provisions hereof shall inure to the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties to and persons indemnified under this Engagement Letter and their successors, permitted assigns and representatives, and the obligations and liabilities assumed in this Agreement and the indemnification shall be binding upon each party’s respective successors and permitted assigns.
This Engagement Letter and any claim, counterclaim or dispute of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way relating to this Engagement Letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware. Except as set forth below, no claim may be commenced, prosecuted or continued in any court other than the courts located in the State of Delaware or in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, which courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of such matters, and the Company and KDC consent to the jurisdiction of such courts and personal service with respect thereto. EACH OF KDC AND THE COMPANY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS LETTER AGREEMENT. The parties agrees that a final nonappealable judgment in any proceeding or claim arising out of or in any way relating to this Engagement Letter brought in any such court of competent jurisdiction shall be conclusive and binding upon both of the parties and may be enforced in any other courts of jurisdiction of which either of the parties is or may be subject, by suit upon such judgment.
Aspen Avionics, Inc. |
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August 7, 2018 | |
Page 5 |
Please confirm that the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding by signing and returning to us the enclosed copy of this Engagement Letter together with the initial installment of the retainer fee in the amount of $[***]. We are delighted to accept this engagement and look forward to working with you on this assignment. This Engagement Letter is effective as of the date first above written after its execution and delivery by the parties hereto.
Sincerely, | ||
KIPPSDESANTO & CO. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Warren N. Romine | |
Title: | Managing Director |
ACCEPTED and AGREED: | ||
ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. | ||
By: | ![]() |
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Name: | John S. Uczekaj | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
By signing above, the Company acknowledges the following:
Business Continuity Planning. The Company has been provided with KDC’s Business Continuity
Plan Notice.
Customer Identification Program. KDC is bound by law to notify the Company that KDC maintains a Customer Identification Program required by the USA PATRIOT Act. The Company acknowledges that it has received the Customer Identification Program Notice.
ANNEX A – DEFINITIONS
“Transaction” means, whether in one or a series of transactions, (i) any merger, consolidation, reorganization, extraordinary corporate transaction, joint venture or other business combination pursuant to which the business, the assets or the economic or voting interests of the Company are combined with that of a person or one or more persons formed or affiliated with such person whereby the stockholders of the Company who own more than 50% of the total voting power of the Company immediately prior to such transaction own less than 50% of the total voting power of the surviving entity after such transaction; (ii) the acquisition directly or indirectly, of all or a majority of all of the equity securities of the Company, whether such equity securities are then issued and outstanding or newly issued, and whether by way of merger, consolidation, direct or indirect purchase, repurchase, exchange, joint venture or other means; and (iii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of all or substantially all of the assets, properties and/or businesses of, or any right to all or substantially all of the revenues or income of, the Company by way of a negotiated purchase, subcontract, lease, license, exchange, joint venture, purchase of newly-issued securities of the Company or other means.
“Alternative Transaction” shall mean, whether in one or a series of related transactions (other than a Transaction), (i) any merger, consolidation, reorganization, extraordinary corporate transaction, joint venture or other business combination pursuant to which the business of the Company is combined with that of a person or one or more persons formed or affiliated with such person whereby the stockholders of the Company who own more than 50% of the total voting power of the Company immediately prior to such transaction own more than 50% of the total voting power of the surviving entity after such transaction; (ii) any acquisition, directly or indirectly, of not more than 50% of the capital stock of the Company, whether such capital stock is then issued and outstanding or newly issued, and whether by way of merger, consolidation, direct or indirect purchase, exchange, joint venture or other means; (iii) any acquisition, directly or indirectly, of any business division or subsidiary of the Company, or a material portion of the assets, contracts or business of the Company, or any right to a material portion of the revenues or income of the Company by way of a negotiated purchase, subcontract, exchange, joint venture or other means or (iv) any debt or equity financing transaction involving the Company, including without limitation any employee stock ownership plan, stock repurchase or dividend recapitalization, with one or more investors.
“Transaction Value” shall mean, without duplication:
(i) in the case of the sale or exchange of equity securities in a Transaction or an Alternative Transaction, then the total cash, securities and other consideration paid or received or (subject to the limitations below on future payments) to be paid or received for such securities (including amounts payable to holders of options, warrants and convertible securities); and
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( ) in the case of a sale or disposition of assets in a Transaction or an Alternative Transaction, then, the total cash, securities and other consideration paid or received or (subject to the limitations below on future payments) to be paid or received for such assets by the Company or its subsidiaries; plus in the cases of clauses (i) and (ii), without duplication, (A) amounts or consideration payable (x) on an installment or holdback basis or in an escrow, (y) under transaction bonus or retention oriented arrangements, agreements not to compete, or above-market consulting or employment agreements or similar arrangements, and (z) pursuant to earnouts or payments based upon future contingencies (whether or not related to future earnings or operations); and (B) the amount of any interest-bearing debt, deferred taxes, guarantees or any other non-operating liabilities assumed, paid off or retired by the acquirer as a part of such Transaction or Alternative Transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, the following are not included in Transaction Value to the extent they at market levels: consulting agreements, employment or similar arrangements.
In the case of a recapitalization (or other type of Transaction whereby less than 100% of the equity ownership or assets change hands), all equity securities (or assets as the case may be) retained by equity holders of the acquired company upon consummation of the Transaction will be deemed acquired in the Transaction. In such case, the Transaction Value shall be increased proportionately as if payment was made at the closing of the Transaction for all equity securities at the highest value per share paid for any transferred equity securities (or for all assets at the same pro rata value paid for all transferred assets, as the case may be). In addition, if the equity holders of the acquired company receive “rollover” equity securities in a new business entity in connection with any Transaction, the Transaction Value shall also be increased proportionately for all such “rollover” equity securities at the same per share value as all other equity securities in the new business entity.
Transaction Value also shall include the aggregate amount of any pre-closing redemptions, dividends, distributions or other transfers by the Company to its stockholders, employees, affiliates or others or, in the case of an asset sale, the aggregate value of any non-cash assets retained by the Company; provided, however, that Transaction Value shall not include normal recurring cash dividends in amounts not materially greater than historically paid nor dividends payable solely in Company capital stock. There shall be no increase or reduction in Transaction Value due to the Company’s working capital, net assets, net worth or other balance sheet or financial measure failing to meet a normalized or target amount as required as a closing or post-closing condition of a purchase agreement.
For purposes of calculating Transaction Value, equity securities constituting a part of the consideration payable in the Transaction or Alternative Transaction (i) that are traded on a national securities exchange shall be valued at the average closing price over the 30-day period ending three (3) days thereof prior to the date of the consummation or closing of the Transaction or Alternative Transaction; and (ii) that are traded in an over-the-counter market shall be valued at the average of the closing bid and ask prices over the 30-day period ending three (3) days prior to such date. Except as set forth above, any debt or other securities or other property shall be valued as the Company and KDC shall reasonably agree in good faith.
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ANNEX B – STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The following Standard Terms and Conditions are incorporated by reference into the Engagement Letter between the Company and KDC to which these terms are attached.
1. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) In the event that KDC or any of its affiliates, or any of the respective directors, officers, agents or employees of KDC or any of its affiliates (each such person or entity, an “Indemnified Person”) becomes involved in any capacity in any pending or threatened action, proceeding or investigation by or against any person (other than an action, proceeding or investigation initiated or brought by or on behalf of KDC against the Company that is not initiated or brought in connection with an action, proceeding or investigation brought by a third party against KDC in a matter otherwise covered by this Annex B), including stockholders of the Company, in connection with or as a result of either our engagement or any matter referred to in this Engagement Letter, the Company will promptly reimburse such Indemnified Person for its reasonable legal and other costs and expenses (including the reasonable cost and expense of any investigation and preparation) incurred in connection therewith as such costs and expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company will not be responsible for any such costs and expenses to the extent that they are finally judicially determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from fraud, bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of KDC, in each case, in performing the services which are the subject of this Engagement Letter. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company also will indemnify and hold each Indemnified Person harmless against any and all losses, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind in connection with or as a result of either our engagement or any matter referred to in this Engagement Letter, except to the extent that such loss, claim, demand, damage or liability is finally judicially determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from KDC’s fraud, bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of KDC, in each case, in performing the services that are the subject of this Engagement Letter.
(b) If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient to hold it harmless in respect of any losses, claims, demands, damages or liabilities (and related costs and expenses) referred to herein, then the Company shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such loss, claim, demand, damage or liability (and related costs and expenses) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Company and its stockholders on the one hand and KDC on the other hand in the Transaction or Alternative Transaction (whether or not the Transaction or Alternative Transaction is consummated), as well as the relative fault of the Company and KDC with respect thereto and any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however, that, in no event shall the Indemnified Persons’ aggregate obligations with respect thereto exceed the aggregate amount of the fees actually received by KDC in performing the services that are the subject of this Engagement Letter unless such losses, claims, demands, damages or liabilities (and related costs and expenses) have resulted primarily from fraud, bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of KDC, in each case, in performing the services which are the subject of this Engagement Letter. For purposes of this Engagement Letter, the relative benefits to the Company and KDC of the Transaction or Alternative Transaction shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (i) the total value paid or contemplated to be paid or received or contemplated to be received by the Company or its securityholders, as the case may be, in connection with the Transaction or Alternative Transaction, whether or not any such Transaction or Alternative Transaction is consummated, bears to (ii) the fees paid or to be paid to KDC under this Engagement Letter.
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(c) The reimbursement, indemnity and contribution obligations of the Company under this paragraph shall be in addition to any liability that the Company may otherwise have and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of the Company and the Indemnified Persons. The Company also agrees that no Indemnified Person shall be responsible for any loss, claim, demand, damage or liability (or related costs or expenses) (whether direct or indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) to the Company or any of its securityholders or creditors for or in connection with or as a result of either our engagement or any matter referred to in this Engagement Letter, except to the extent that such loss, claim, demand, damage or liability (or related costs or expenses) incurred by the Company are finally judicially determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from fraud, bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of KDC, in each case, in performing the services that are the subject of this Engagement Letter. Prior to entering into any agreement or arrangement with respect to, or effecting, any sale, exchange, dividend or other distribution or liquidation of all or a material portion of its assets in one or a series of transactions, the Company shall notify KDC in writing thereof (if not previously notified thereof) and provide for the assumption of its obligations under this Section 1 by the purchaser or transferee of such assets or another party reasonably satisfactory to KDC, in each case on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to KDC and reasonably consistent with this Engagement Letter.
(d) In the event that an Indemnified Person becomes involved in any capacity in any pending or threatened action, proceeding or investigation in connection with or as a result of either our engagement or any matter referred to in this Engagement Letter (including but not limited to producing documents, answering interrogatories, attending depositions, and testifying at trial, and whether by subpoena, court process or order or otherwise), the Company shall pay KDC’s then current fees and hourly rates for such Indemnified Person for the time expended in rendering such services, including but not limited to time for meetings, conferences, preparation and travel, and all related out of pocket expenses (including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of legal counsel incurred in connection therewith).
2. Financial Advisory Role, Information, Reliance, Confidentiality, etc.
(a) The Company understands that KDC is acting solely as a financial advisor to the Company, and is not undertaking to provide any legal, accounting or tax advice in connection with its engagement under this Engagement Letter. We will provide our financial advice, written or oral, exclusively for the benefit of your board of directors who will make all decisions regarding whether and how to pursue any opportunity, Transaction or Alternative Transaction. Your board of directors will not base its decisions solely on our advice, but will also consider the advice of its legal, accounting, tax and other business advisors and other factors they consider appropriate. The Company understands and agrees that the Company is solely responsible for any Transaction or Alternative Transaction complying with applicable laws and for the Company conducting its activities in connection with the Transaction or Alternative Transaction in accordance with applicable laws.
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(b) It is understood and agreed that KDC will act under this Engagement Letter as an independent contractor with contractual obligations and nothing in this Engagement Letter or the nature of our services shall be deemed to create a fiduciary or agency relationship. Except as set forth in Section 1 of this Annex B, nothing in this Engagement Letter is intended to confer upon any other person (including stockholders, employees or creditors of the Company) any rights or remedies hereunder or by reason hereof.
(c) The Company recognizes that, in providing our services pursuant to this engagement, KDC will require significant financial and business-oriented information. KDC will be entitled to rely upon and assume, without any obligation of independent verification, the accuracy, completeness and reasonableness of all such financial, accounting, tax and other information discussed with or reviewed by us for such purposes, and we do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reasonableness thereof. The Company also recognizes that we will assume that all financial projections, synergy estimates, other estimates and other forward looking information that may be furnished by or discussed with the Company or any purchaser and their respective representatives will have been reasonably prepared and reflect the best then-currently available estimates and judgments of the Company’s and/or such purchaser’s senior management as to the expected future performance of the relevant company or entity. During the term of this Engagement Letter, the Company agrees to provide to KDC all information requested by KDC for the purpose of its engagement under this Engagement Letter and also to provide access to directors, executive officers and relevant employees of the Company. KDC will have no obligation to conduct any independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of the Company or any other party or to advise or opine on any related solvency issues. The information to be furnished by you or on your behalf, when delivered, will, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, be true and correct in all material respects and will not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading. You will promptly notify us if you become aware of (i) any material inaccuracy or misstatement in, or material omission from, any information previously delivered to us or (ii) any material event or change in the business, affairs and/or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company or the purchaser that occurs during the term of this Engagement Letter.
(d) The Company agrees that any press release it may issue announcing a Completed Transaction will contain a reference to KDC’s role as financial advisor to the Company in connection with such Completed Transaction, and that KDC shall have the right to review and pre- approve any reference to it or its role as financial advisor under this Engagement Letter in any public statement made by the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld).
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the Company and each of its employees, representatives or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. income and franchise tax treatment and the U.S. income and franchise tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereby and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses, if any) that are provided to the Company relating to such tax treatment and tax structure insofar as such treatment and/or structure relates to a U.S. income or franchise tax strategy, if any, provided to the Company by KDC or its affiliates. If requested by KDC, the Company also agrees that upon closing of any Completed Transaction, the Company shall notify KDC, in writing, (i) whether it expects to treat the Completed Transaction as a “reportable transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b), and (ii) if so, the applicable category of “reportable transaction”.
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(f) Under separate cover, KDC and the Company have executed and delivered a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement (the “CNDA”).
3. Other Business Relationships.
(a) The Company understands that KDC is a financial advisory firm which may have, and may in the future have, business relationships with parties other than the Company, which parties may have economic and other interests with respect to the Company, a purchaser, a Transaction or an Alternative Transaction. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company acknowledges and agrees that, in agreeing to provide the advisory services contemplated by this Engagement Letter, and subject to the CNDA, KDC reserves the right to pursue other business relationships and opportunities with respect to potential purchasers and other businesses that may compete with the Company. The Company acknowledges its understanding that the interests of KDC with respect to potential purchasers and other businesses may differ from those of the Company and the Company expressly waives any conflicts of interest which may result from KDC’s multiple relationships as advisor to the Company hereunder and with potential purchasers and other businesses.
(b) KDC has relationships with and provides services to a wide variety of clients and potential clients (including purchasers), some of whom may be competitors of yours. KDC is free to solicit and be engaged by any clients or potential clients (including any purchasers) in any matters that do not involve a Transaction or Alternative Transaction for which you have retained us. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, during the term of this Engagement Letter, KDC shall not provide financial advisory services similar to the services contemplated hereby to any party (including any lender) involved in a Transaction or Alternative Transaction with respect to such Transaction or Alternative Transaction (other than the Company itself). Although KDC in the course of its other relationships may acquire information about a purchaser or other parties, KDC shall have no obligation to disclose such information, or the fact that KDC is in possession of such information, to the Company or to use such information on the Company’s behalf.
4. Other. The provisions of this Annex B shall survive any termination or completion of the engagement provided by this Engagement Letter.
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Exhibit 10.20
AMENDED AND RESTATED SUCCESS FEE AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED SUCCESS FEE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of October 2, 2023, by and between AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “AIRO”), and New Generation Aerospace, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“NGA”). Each of the AIRO and NGA are referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS, AIRO engaged NGA for the purposes of having NGA provide AIRO reasonable advisory services relating to AIRO’s consideration of and execution of an initial public offering pursuant to that certain Success Fee Agreement dated June 7, 2022 (the “Original Success Fee Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, AIRO and NGA desire to amend and restate the terms of the Original Success Fee Agreement to better align AIRO entering into a business combination with a SPAC (a “SPAC Transaction”) rather than completing an initial public offering, including but not limited to the change in economics resulting from moving from an initial public offering to a SPAC Transaction.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, the AIRO and NGA agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Services. NGA has in the past and shall in the future, upon AIRO’s request, provide reasonable advisory services (the “Services”) relating to AIRO’s consideration of and execution of roll-up mergers and a SPAC Transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, all activities of NGA related to AIRO are deemed to be Services subject to this Agreement.
2. Success Fee. As consideration for the Services provided to AIRO by NGA, NGA shall be entitled to a Stock Issuance and Cash Payment, as defined below.
a. Issuance of AIRO Shares. No later than two (2) business days prior to the closing of the SPAC Transaction, AIRO shall issue to NGA 57,792 shares of AIRO Common Stock (the “Stock Issuance”). If NGA is otherwise subject to a lock-up agreement pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger between AIRO and Kernel Group Holdings, Inc., eighty-five percent (85%) of the Stock Issuance to NGA shall be subject to those lock-up terms upon closing of the SPAC Transaction. The terms of any such lock-ups shall be set forth in separate lock-up agreements with NGA.
b. Cash Payment. Within five (5) business days of the closing of the SPAC Transaction, AIRO or its successor shall make a one-time cash payment to NGA in an amount of $150,007.78 (the “Cash Payment”).
3. Termination; Assignment. This Success Fee Agreement (this “Agreement”) shall be binding on AIRO and its successors and assigns and shall terminate upon the earlier of: (a) December 31, 2023, and (b) payment in full of the Success Fee pursuant to the terms herein (the “Termination Date”). Neither NGA nor AIRO may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the other Party’s prior written consent.
4. Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Jury Trial Waiver.
a. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction).
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b. ANY LEGAL SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS NOTE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY MAY BE INSTITUTED IN THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING. SERVICE OF PROCESS, SUMMONS, NOTICE OR OTHER DOCUMENT BY MAIL TO SUCH PARTY’S ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL BE EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT. THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR ANY PROCEEDING IN SUCH COURTS AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE AND AGREE NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.
c. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS NOTE IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY TO THIS NOTE CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF A LEGAL ACTION, (ii) SUCH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (iii) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (iv) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS NOTE BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 4(c).
5. Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended or modified pursuant to a written instrument executed by AIRO and NGA.
6. Severability of Provisions. Each provision of this Agreement is severable from every other provision in determining the enforceability of any provision.
7. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and cancels any prior communications, understandings, and agreements between the parties, including but not limited to the Original Success Fee Agreement.
8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, is an original, and all taken together, constitute one agreement.
[Remainder of page intentionally blank; signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Success Fee Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
AIRO: | ||
AIRO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC., | ||
a Delaware corporation | ||
By: | /s/ Joseph Burns | |
Joseph Burns, Chief Executive Officer | ||
NGA: | ||
NEW GENERATION AEROSPACE, INC., | ||
a Delaware corporation | ||
By: | /s/ Chirinjeev Kathuria | |
Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, Executive Chairman |
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Exhibit 10.21
CERTAIN INFORMATION IDENTIFIED WITH [***] HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS (I) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) OF THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OF CONFIDENTIAL
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 100
Albuquerque, NM 87110
May 18, 2022
Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria
[***]
VIA EMAIL
Re: Employment Offer Letter
Dear Chirinjeev:
We are pleased to offer you an outline of terms of employment with AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”). Subject to the recommendation of the Company’s compensation committee, its consultants, or other advisory groups typical of a publicly traded company (“Committee Recommendation”), your expected role in the Company is intended to be that of Chief Executive Officer. The general terms and conditions of the Company’s offer of employment to you are outlined in this Employment Offer Letter (collectively, the “Offer and Agreement”). Upon Committee Recommendation, the finalized terms of your employment will be memorialized in a formal employment agreement, and said formal employment agreement shall control the terms and conditions of your employment.
1. | Employment Effectiveness/Start Date. This Offer and Agreement is conditioned on, and only effective upon, the Company’s IPO Registration Statement being declared effective by the SEC. Your employment start date will be the date on which the Company’s IPO Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (the “Start Date”). |
2. | Position / Job Duties. The Company is offering you employment with the Company in a full- time capacity. As mentioned above, subject to Committee Recommendation, your expected role in the Company is intended to be that of Chief Executive Officer. You are expected to render services that are consistent with the position and responsibilities of a Chief Executive Officer. |
3. | Term. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your initial term of employment will be three (3) years. |
4. | Salary Range. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your expected annual base salary is $500,000, which shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll policies. |
5. | Benefits. The Company provides a very competitive benefits package for its eligible employees. You will be eligible to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit programs, on the same terms and conditions as these programs are available to other employees of the Company in a similar job position as you, subject to the conditions of these plans. |
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You understand and acknowledge that the Company retains the right to amend, modify, rescind, delete, supplement or add to any of its existing employee benefit programs, at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, as permitted by law. The Company also retains the discretion to interpret any terms or language used in this letter, and any such interpretation will be binding on you.
6. | Executive Equity Plan. Subject to Committee Recommendation, it is expected that you will participate in the Company’s executive option/incentive plan(s). It is further expected that your annual benefits under said plan will account for approximately forty percent (40%) of your annual compensation. |
7. | Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your employment and eligibility for participation in the Company’s executive equity plan will be contingent upon you executing a restrictive covenant agreement containing reasonable non-competition, customer and employee non-solicitation and confidential information non-disclosure provisions. |
8. | Employment Status. This Offer and Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment for any period of time and your employment under this Offer and Agreement is at-will; however, your formal employment agreement, once effective, shall control your at-will employment status on a go-forward basis. The at-will nature of the employment relationship may not be modified or amended except by written agreement signed by you and the Company’s designated representative. |
9. | Termination of Prior Employment and Release. You hereby agree that immediately upon the effectiveness of this Offer and Agreement, your employment with AIRO Drone LLC and Agile Defense, LLC shall be considered voluntarily terminated by you. Furthermore, upon the effectiveness of this Offer and Agreement, you hereby release, acquit and forever discharge AIRO Drone LLC, Agile Defense, LLC, their respective parents and subsidiaries, and their respective officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, shareholders, successors, assigns and affiliates, of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising out of or in any way related to agreements, events, acts or conduct at any time prior to and including the effective date of this Agreement, including but not limited to: all such claims and demands directly or indirectly arising out of or in any way connected with your employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; claims or demands related to salary, bonuses, commissions, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company, vacation pay, fringe benefits, expense reimbursements not accounted for on the Company’s accounts payable, severance pay, or any other form of compensation; claims pursuant to any federal, state or local law, statute, or cause of action including, but not limited to, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (“ADEA”); tort law; contract law; wrongful discharge; discrimination; harassment; fraud; defamation; emotional distress; and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. For the avoidance of doubt, this release of claims shall not be a release of claims regarding any of your unpaid expense reimbursements that are accounted for on the Company’s accounts payable. |
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10. | Payments Subject to Withholdings and Deductions. The amount of any payment made to you by the Company as set forth in this Offer and Agreement will be reduced by any required taxes, withholdings, and other authorized employee deductions as may be required by law or as you have elected under the applicable benefit plans. |
11. | Company Policies. At all times during your employment, you are expected to observe, respect and comply with all policies and procedures of the Company, whether written or oral. |
12. | Employment Eligibility. Your employment with the Company is contingent upon completing the Form I-9 within your first three days of employment. Review the “List of Acceptable Documents” contained on the enclosed I-9 Form. On your first day of employment, bring the Form I-9 plus the required original documentation specified in the “List of Acceptable Documents.” You must complete, sign, and date Section 1 of Form I-9 in front of your immediate manager or a Company designee and present the original required documentation to establish your identity and employment authorization. |
13. | Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Offer and Agreement will be governed by the laws of the Delaware. |
14. | Waiver. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Offer and Agreement will be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by the Company of any right under this Offer and Agreement will be construed as a waiver of any other right. The Company will not be required to give notice to enforce strict adherence to all terms of this Offer and Agreement. |
15. | Severability. If any provision, term, covenant or obligation of this Offer and Agreement, or its application, is held invalid, unenforceable, or unlawful, such invalidity, unenforceability or unlawfulness, shall not affect the other provisions, terms, covenants or obligations of this Offer and Agreement, or their application, which all shall remain valid and enforceable in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law. |
16. | Successors and Assigns. This Offer and Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators, and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns. |
17. | Survival. The provisions of this Offer and Agreement shall survive the assignment of this Offer and Agreement by the Company to any successor in interest or other assignee. |
18. | Section Headings. The section headings appearing in this Offer and Agreement have been inserted for the purpose of convenience and reference only and shall not limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Offer and Agreement in any way whatsoever. |
19. | Entire Agreement. This Offer and Agreement, which includes all enclosures, sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements of the parties, whether oral or written. |
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Please signify your acceptance of this Offer and Agreement by signing below.
Sincerely,
/s/ Joseph Burns | ||
Joseph Burns | ||
Chief Executive Officer | ||
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. |
Accepted on this 9th day of May, 2022, by:
Signature: | /s/ Chirinjeev Kathuria | |
Print Name: | Chirinjeev Kathuria |
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Exhibit 10.22
CERTAIN INFORMATION IDENTIFIED WITH [***] HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS (I) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) OF THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OF CONFIDENTIAL
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 100
Albuquerque, NM 87110
May 18, 2022
Joseph Burns
[***]
VIA EMAIL
Re: Employment Offer Letter
Dear Joe:
We are pleased to offer you an outline of terms of employment with AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”). Subject to the recommendation of the Company’s compensation committee, its consultants, or other advisory groups typical of a publicly traded company (“Committee Recommendation”), your expected role in the Company is intended to be that of Chief Executive Officer. The general terms and conditions of the Company’s offer of employment to you are outlined in this Employment Offer Letter (collectively, the “Offer and Agreement”). Upon Committee Recommendation, the finalized terms of your employment will be memorialized in a formal employment agreement, and said formal employment agreement shall control the terms and conditions of your employment.
1. | Employment Effectiveness/Start Date. This Offer and Agreement is conditioned on, and only effective upon, the Company’s IPO Registration Statement being declared effective by the SEC. Your employment start date will be the date on which the Company’s IPO Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (the “Start Date”). |
2. | Position / Job Duties. The Company is offering you employment with the Company in a full- time capacity. As mentioned above, subject to Committee Recommendation, your expected role in the Company is intended to be that of Chief Executive Officer. You are expected to render services that are consistent with the position and responsibilities of a Chief Executive Officer. |
3. | Term. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your initial term of employment will be three (3) years. |
4. | Salary Range. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your expected annual base salary is $825,000, which shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll policies. |
5. | Benefits. The Company provides a very competitive benefits package for its eligible employees. You will be eligible to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit programs, on the same terms and conditions as these programs are available to other employees of the Company in a similar job position as you, subject to the conditions of these plans. |
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You understand and acknowledge that the Company retains the right to amend, modify, rescind, delete, supplement or add to any of its existing employee benefit programs, at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, as permitted by law. The Company also retains the discretion to interpret any terms or language used in this letter, and any such interpretation will be binding on you.
6. | Executive Equity Plan. Subject to Committee Recommendation, it is expected that you will participate in the Company’s executive option/incentive plan(s). It is further expected that your annual benefits under said plan will account for approximately forty percent (40%) of your annual compensation. |
7. | Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your employment and eligibility for participation in the Company’s executive equity plan will be contingent upon you executing a restrictive covenant agreement containing reasonable non-competition, customer and employee non-solicitation and confidential information non-disclosure provisions. |
8. | Employment Status. This Offer and Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment for any period of time and your employment under this Offer and Agreement is at-will; however, your formal employment agreement, once effective, shall control your at-will employment status on a go-forward basis. The at-will nature of the employment relationship may not be modified or amended except by written agreement signed by you and the Company’s designated representative. |
9. | Termination of Prior Employment and Release. You hereby agree that immediately upon the effectiveness of this Offer and Agreement, your employment with AIRO Drone LLC and Agile Defense, LLC shall be considered voluntarily terminated by you. Furthermore, upon the effectiveness of this Offer and Agreement, you hereby release, acquit and forever discharge AIRO Drone LLC, Agile Defense, LLC, their respective parents and subsidiaries, and their respective officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, shareholders, successors, assigns and affiliates, of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising out of or in any way related to agreements, events, acts or conduct at any time prior to and including the effective date of this Agreement, including but not limited to: all such claims and demands directly or indirectly arising out of or in any way connected with your employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; claims or demands related to salary, bonuses, commissions, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company, vacation pay, fringe benefits, expense reimbursements not accounted for on the Company’s accounts payable, severance pay, or any other form of compensation; claims pursuant to any federal, state or local law, statute, or cause of action including, but not limited to, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (“ADEA”); tort law; contract law; wrongful discharge; discrimination; harassment; fraud; defamation; emotional distress; and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. For the avoidance of doubt, this release of claims shall not be a release of claims regarding any of your unpaid expense reimbursements that are accounted for on the Company’s accounts payable. |
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10. | Payments Subject to Withholdings and Deductions. The amount of any payment made to you by the Company as set forth in this Offer and Agreement will be reduced by any required taxes, withholdings, and other authorized employee deductions as may be required by law or as you have elected under the applicable benefit plans. |
11. | Company Policies. At all times during your employment, you are expected to observe, respect and comply with all policies and procedures of the Company, whether written or oral. |
12. | Employment Eligibility. Your employment with the Company is contingent upon completing the Form I-9 within your first three days of employment. Review the “List of Acceptable Documents” contained on the enclosed I-9 Form. On your first day of employment, bring the Form I-9 plus the required original documentation specified in the “List of Acceptable Documents.” You must complete, sign, and date Section 1 of Form I-9 in front of your immediate manager or a Company designee and present the original required documentation to establish your identity and employment authorization. |
13. | Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Offer and Agreement will be governed by the laws of the Delaware. |
14. | Waiver. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Offer and Agreement will be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by the Company of any right under this Offer and Agreement will be construed as a waiver of any other right. The Company will not be required to give notice to enforce strict adherence to all terms of this Offer and Agreement. |
15. | Severability. If any provision, term, covenant or obligation of this Offer and Agreement, or its application, is held invalid, unenforceable, or unlawful, such invalidity, unenforceability or unlawfulness, shall not affect the other provisions, terms, covenants or obligations of this Offer and Agreement, or their application, which all shall remain valid and enforceable in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law. |
16. | Successors and Assigns. This Offer and Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators, and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns. |
17. | Survival. The provisions of this Offer and Agreement shall survive the assignment of this Offer and Agreement by the Company to any successor in interest or other assignee. |
18. | Section Headings. The section headings appearing in this Offer and Agreement have been inserted for the purpose of convenience and reference only and shall not limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Offer and Agreement in any way whatsoever. |
19. | Entire Agreement. This Offer and Agreement, which includes all enclosures, sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements of the parties, whether oral or written. |
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Please signify your acceptance of this Offer and Agreement by signing below.
Sincerely,
/s/ Chirinjeev Kathuria | ||
Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria | ||
Executive Chairman | ||
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. |
Accepted on this 9th day of May, 2022, by:
Signature: | /s/ Joseph Burns | |
Print Name: | Joseph Burns |
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Exhibit 10.23
CERTAIN INFORMATION IDENTIFIED WITH [***] HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS (I) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) OF THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OF CONFIDENTIAL
January 12, 2007
Mr. John S. Uczekaj
[***]
Re: Employment with Aspen Avionics, Inc.
Dear John:
Aspen Avionics, Inc. (the “Company”) is pleased to offer you a position as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, on the terms of employment set forth in this letter agreement, effective upon your acceptance by execution of a counterpart copy of this letter where indicated below.
1. Reporting Duties and Responsibilities. In this position, you will report to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). This offer is for a full time position, located at the Albuquerque, New Mexico offices of the Company, except as travel to other locations may be necessary to fulfill your responsibilities. Your duties will include duties consistent with your positions, as well as any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Board. Upon your acceptance of this offer to become the Company’s Chief Executive Officer & President, the Company will take all necessary corporate action to elect you as a Director of the Board, and while you remain the Chief Executive Officer & President of the Company, the Board will continue to, subject to their fiduciary duties and the Company’s stockholders’ rights, support your membership on the Board.
2. Term of Employment. Your employment will begin at your employment commencement date at the Company (the “Commencement Date”) pursuant to Paragraph 13 of this letter agreement and shall continue until midnight on the third anniversary of such Commencement Date, unless (i) earlier terminated by you or the Company or (ii) the employment hereunder shall have been extended beyond such date by written agreement by the parties. For the avoidance of doubt, and subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 6 and 8 below, your employment may be terminated by you or the Company at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.
3. Salary; Annua; Incentive Bonus. Your base salary will be $20,834 per month, (an annualized rate of $250.000) during the term of the employment, payable in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practice as in effect from time to time. Such base salary shall be reviewed annually and may be increased by the Board in its sole discretion based upon such factors as it deems relevant, including, without limitation, your performance and/or the financial condition and operating results of the Company, but may not be decreased except in connection with a general decrease in salaries of all the Company’s officers or employees of comparable rank. You will also be eligible to earn an annual bonus up to the amount of $50,000, payable on an annual basis, as further described in the following. As a special part of your bonus plan, the Company will guarantee your first year bonus of $50,000, which is earned upon completion of your first full year of continued employment and which will be payable immediately following your first full year of continued employment. Thereafter, the subsequent annual bonuses shall be based on your achievement of objectives that you and the Board will mutually determine in good faith within 60 days after the beginning of each year of continued employment with the Company; provided that any such subsequent bonuses which are approved by the Board shall be payable within 14 calendar days of the date of such Board approval.
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4. Benefits. During the term of the employment, you shall be entitled to participate in any benefit plans, including health insurance plans, together with any supplemental insurance plans, offered by the Company to its similarly situated employees. The Company also agrees that it will obtain for your personal benefit a term life insurance policy, up to a maximum cost to the Company of $2,500 per year and a long-term disability insurance policy, up to a maximum cost to the Company of $5,000 per year, and each of which shall be in effect during your employment. In addition, you shall be entitled to benefits afforded to other similarly situated employees under the Company’s vacation, holiday and business expense reimbursement policies.
5. Stock Option. You will be granted an option to purchase that number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock equal to 7.0% of Aspen Avionics fully diluted capitalization at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of that stock on the grant date. The options will become exercisable over a four-year exercise schedule with 25% of the shares vesting at the end of your first twelve months of continued service from the Commencement Date (the “Initial Vesting Date”) and with an additional 2.083% vesting upon the expiration of each additional full month of continued service from such Initial Vesting Date. Such option will be subject to the approval of the Board and the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2006 Stock Plan and the standard form of stock option agreement, which you will be required to sign as a condition of receiving the option.
6. Change of Control; Double Trigger. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined below) during your employment, and if you are terminated other than for Cause (as defined below) or you resign for Good Reason (defined below), in either instance within 12 months of such Change of Control, you will be entitled to six months of your then base salary and accelerated vesting on 100% of any unvested portion of your option described in Paragraph 5.
For purposes of this letter agreement, a termination for “Cause” occurs if you are terminated as a result of your: (i) conviction of any misdemeanor involving theft or dishonesty or any felony, if in either case, it impairs your ability to perform your duties under this letter agreement, (ii) commission of any act or theft, fraud or dishonesty against, or involving the records of, the Company, (iii) material breach of the Employee Invention and Nondisclosure Agreement (defined below in Paragraph 6) and/or any other similar such agreement, provided that such material breach of Employee Invention and Nondisclosure Agreement and/or any other similar such agreement will not constitute “Cause” if such material breach is cured, if curable, within ten (10) days of its occurrence, (iv) action which is intended to and does have a material detrimental effect on the Company’s reputation or business, or (v) failure or inability to perform any assigned duties reasonably expected of an employee in your position after written notice from the Company to you, and a reasonable opportunity to cure, such failure or inability.
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Additionally, for purposes of this letter agreement, a resignation for “Good Reason” shall mean that you resign from employment with the Company due to any of the following: (i) any failure by the Company to comply with the material terms of this letter agreement after being provided written notice from you to the Company of its noncompliance, and such noncompliance is not promptly cured; (ii) any request by the Company that you perform any act which is illegal or you commit fraudulent acts or omissions; (iii) any material reduction in your responsibilities, duties or authority (unless consented to in writing by you) relative to that which was in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) any material reduction of your compensation, incentive programs or benefits from that which was in effect immediately prior to the reduction (including a refusal by an acquiror to assume any stock option or stock purchase agreement to which you are a party in its entirety); (v) relocation of your place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the current location; or (vi) a material adverse effect on the Company resulting expressly from the claim styled Eclipse Aviation v. Jeff Bethel, et al ., No. CV 2006 07896 such that the Company, despite its reasonable best efforts, is unable to obtain the funding (or commitments for funding) from current or prospective investors, or other financing sources, necessary for the operations of the Company’s business.
Additionally, for purposes of this letter agreement, a “Change of Control” shall mean: (i) a merger or consolidation or the sale, or exchange by the stockholders of the Company of all or substantially all of the capital stock of the Company, where the stockholders of the Company immediately before such transaction do not obtain or retain, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the beneficial interest in the voting stock or other voting equity of the surviving or acquiring corporation or other surviving or acquiring entity, in substantially the same proportion as before such transaction, or (ii) the sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale or transfer to a subsidiary of the Company as defined in section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) where the stockholders of the Company immediately before such sale or exchange do not obtain or retain, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the beneficial interest in the voting stock or other voting equity of the corporation or other entity acquiring the Company’s assets, in substantially the same proportion as before such transaction.
7. Confidential Information. As an employee of the Company, you will have access to certain Company confidential information and you may, during the course of your employment, develop certain information or inventions that will be the property of the Company. To protect the interest of the Company, you will need to sign the Company’s standard “Employee Invention and Nondisclosure Agreement “ as a condition of your employment. We wish to impress upon you that we do not wish you to, and you are instructed not to, bring with you any confidential or proprietary material of any former employer or to violate any other obligation to your former employers.
8. Severance Payments Upon Termination. If, and prior to a Change of Control as described in Paragraph 6, the Board terminates your employment with the Company without Cause or you terminate your employment with the Company by resigning for Good Reason, in addition to your base salary through the date of such termination plus any other benefits to which you may be entitled to through the date of termination pursuant to the applicable plans under Paragraph 3 (collectively, the “Basic Termination Entitlements”), the Company will pay you upon severance (i) an amount equal to your then base salary for a period of six months following the date of termination (payment to be made in accordance with the Company’s basic payroll policies and schedules), and (ii) solely in the event of such a termination of the employment prior to the Initial Vesting Date, accelerated vesting on the option granted pursuant to Paragraph 5 such that the total vested portion of such option equals 25%; provided, however, that you will be entitled to full vesting on your option in the event the Board is aware of a pending Change of Control within three (3) months of such a termination. Additionally, in the event you are covered by the Company’s group medical plan as of your employment termination and you timely elect to continue coverage under that plan pursuant to applicable law (“COBRA”), the Company will pay your COBRA premiums until the earliest of (i) the close of the six-month period following the termination of your employment, (ii) the expiration of your continuation coverage under COBRA or (iii) the date when you become eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment; thereafter, you shall be solely responsible for payment of your COBRA premiums. In the absence of COBRA coverage, the Company will pay up to the amount equal to your COBRA premiums until the earliest expiration of the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii).
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If your employment is terminated for any other reason than set forth in the foregoing, then you will be entitled to receive solely the Basic Termination Entitlements.
For the avoidance of doubt, you agree that the payments set forth in this letter agreement, provided that the Company fulfills its payment obligations to you, constitute all the payments that you shall be entitled to, and under any theory, in the event of any termination of employment. Receipt of these benefits shall be contingent upon receipt by the Company of a full release from you.
9. Temporary Housing and Commuting Expenses. The Company shall reimburse you for reasonable expenses that you incur for temporary housing and related living expenses thereto in the Greater Albuquerque area (e.g., rent for a two-bedroom apartment, utilities payments, and the like), up to a maximum of $1,500 per month. In addition, until you establish your primary residence in the Greater Albuquerque area, the Company shall reimburse you for reasonable expenses that you incur in connection with commute and travel between Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Greater Albuquerque area, up to a maximum of $1,500 per month. Reimbursement under this Section 6 shall be provided only for expenses that are incurred for the period starting from offer acceptance date and ending on the earlier of (i) the date 6 months after your Commencement Date; or (ii) the date that you and your family establish a primary residence in the Greater Albuquerque area. The Company shall reimburse you for expenses referred to in this Section 6 upon presentation of an itemized account and appropriate supporting documentation, all in accordance with the Company’s applicable policies.
10. Relocation Assistance. The Company shall reimburse you for all standard household moving expenses that you incur in connection with the relocation of your family from your current residence in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to the Greater Albuquerque area, such expenses to include packing/unpacking and shipment of standard household items and up to two automobiles from Sapulpa to the Greater Albuquerque area. The Company shall also provide you with a one-time cash relocation allowance of $15,000 to be paid upon the closing of the sale of your Sapulpa home and relocation to the Greater Albuquerque area provided that, if you voluntarily resign without Good Reason your employment within 12 months of your Commencement Date, you will repay the entire cash relocation allowance.
11. Authorization to Work. Because of Federal regulations adopted in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, you will need to present documentation demonstrating that you have authorization to work in the United States.
12. Term of Offer. This offer will remain open until January 26, 2007. If you decide to accept our offer, and I hope that you will, please sign the enclosed copy of this letter in the space indicated and return it to me. Upon your signature below, this will become our binding agreement with respect to the subject matter of this letter, superseding in their entirety all other or prior agreements by you with the Company as to the specific subjects of this letter, you will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of our respective successors and assigns, and your heirs, administrators and executors, will be governed by New Mexico law, and may only be amended in a writing signed by you and the Company.
13. Start Date. This offer is made with the understanding that you will be available to start employment with Aspen Avionics on or before February 12, 2007.
14. Governing Document. To the extent any express provisions of this letter agreement conflicts with the provisions of related agreements referred to herein (including the stock option agreement and the Company’s 2006 Stock Plan), the provisions of this letter agreement will control.
15. Entire Agreement. This letter agreement, along with any agreements relating to proprietary rights (including, without limitation, the Employee Invention and Nondisclosure Agreement) between you and the Company supersedes any previous discussion, agreement, or understanding between you and the Company regarding the subject matter of this letter.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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John, we are excited and pleased to have you join the Aspen Avionics team. I am confident that we will successfully capitalize on our unique market opportunity.
Sincerely,
ASPEN AVIONICS, INC. | |
/s/ Peter Lyons | |
Peter Lyons | |
CEO & President | |
Dated: January 24, 2007 | |
Acknowledged, Accepted and Agreed | |
/s/ John S. Uczekaj | |
John S. Uczekaj | |
Dated: January 24, 2007 |
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Exhibit 10.24
CERTAIN INFORMATION IDENTIFIED WITH [***] HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS (1) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) OF THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
5001 Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 100
Albuquerque, NM 87110
April 1, 2022
John Uczekaj
[***]
VIA EMAIL
Re: Employment Offer Letter
Dear John:
We are pleased to offer you an outline of terms of employment with AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”). Subject to the recommendation of the Company’s compensation committee, its consultants, or other advisory groups typical of a publicly traded company (“Committee Recommendation”), your expected role in the Company is intended to be that of President and Chief Operating Officer. The general terms and conditions of the Company’s offer of employment to you are outlined in this Employment Offer Letter (collectively, the “Offer and Agreement”). Upon Committee Recommendation, the finalized terms of your employment will be memorialized in a formal employment agreement, and said formal employment agreement shall control the terms and conditions of your employment.
1. | Employment Effectiveness/Start Date. This Offer and Agreement is conditioned on, and only effective upon, the Company’s IPO Registration Statement being declared effective by the SEC. Your employment start date will be the date on which the Company’s IPO Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (the “Start Date”). |
2. | Position / Job Duties. The Company is offering you employment with the Company in a full-time capacity. As mentioned above, subject to Committee Recommendation, your expected role in the Company is intended to be that of President and Chief Operating Officer. You are expected to render services that are consistent with the position and responsibilities of a President and Chief Operating Officer. |
3. | Term. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your initial term of employment will be three (3) years. |
4. | Salary Range. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your expected annual base salary is $550,000, which shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll policies. |
5. | Benefits. The Company provides a very competitive benefits package for its eligible employees. You will be eligible to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit programs, on the same terms and conditions as these programs are available to other employees of the Company in a similar job position as you, subject to the conditions of these plans. |
You understand and acknowledge that the Company retains the right to amend, modify, rescind, delete, supplement or add to any of its existing employee benefit programs, at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, as permitted by law. The Company also retains the discretion to interpret any terms or language used in this letter, and any such interpretation will be binding on you. |
6. | Executive Equity Plan. Subject to Committee Recommendation, it is expected that you will participate in the Company’s executive option/incentive plan(s). It is further expected that your annual benefits under said plan will account for approximately forty percent (40%) of your annual compensation. |
7. | Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Subject to Committee Recommendation, your employment and eligibility for participation in the Company’s executive equity plan will be contingent upon you executing a restrictive covenant agreement containing reasonable non-competition, customer and employee non-solicitation and confidential information non-disclosure provisions. |
8. | Employment Status. This Offer and Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment for any period of time and your employment under this Offer and Agreement is at-will; however, your formal employment agreement, once effective, shall control your at-will employment status on a go-forward basis. The at-will nature of the employment relationship may not be modified or amended except by written agreement signed by you and the Company’s designated representative |
9. | Termination of Prior Employment and Release. You hereby agree that immediately upon the effectiveness of this Offer and Agreement, your employment with Aspen Avionics, Inc. shall be considered voluntarily terminated by you. Furthermore, upon the effectiveness of this Offer and Agreement, you hereby release, acquit and forever discharge Aspen Avionics, Inc., its respective parents and subsidiaries, and their respective officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, shareholders, successors, assigns and affiliates, of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising out of or in any way related to agreements, events, acts or conduct at any time prior to and including the effective date of this Agreement, including but not limited to: all such claims and demands directly or indirectly arising out of or in any way connected with your employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; claims or demands related to salary, bonuses, commissions, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company, vacation pay, fringe benefits, severance pay, or any other form of compensation; claims pursuant to any federal, state or local law, statute, or cause of action including, but not limited to, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (“ADEA”); tort law; contract law; wrongful discharge; discrimination; harassment; fraud; defamation; emotional distress; and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. |
10. | Payments Subject to Withholdings and Deductions. The amount of any payment made to you by the Company as set forth in this Offer and Agreement will be reduced by any required taxes, withholdings, and other authorized employee deductions as may be required by law or as you have elected under the applicable benefit plans. |
11. | Company Policies. At all times during your employment, you are expected to observe, respect and comply with all policies and procedures of the Company, whether written or oral. |
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12. | Employment Eligibility. Your employment with the Company is contingent upon completing the Form I-9 within your first three days of employment. Review the “List of Acceptable Documents” contained on the enclosed I-9 Form. On your first day of employment, bring the Form I-9 plus the required original documentation specified in the “List of Acceptable Documents.” You must complete, sign, and date Section 1 of Form I-9 in front of your immediate manager or a Company designee and present the original required documentation to establish your identity and employment authorization. |
13. | Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Offer and Agreement will be governed by the laws of the Delaware. |
14. | Waiver. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Offer and Agreement will be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by the Company of any right under this Offer and Agreement will be construed as a waiver of any other right. The Company will not be required to give notice to enforce strict adherence to all terms of this Offer and Agreement. |
15. | Severability. If any provision, term, covenant or obligation of this Offer and Agreement, or its application, is held invalid, unenforceable, or unlawful, such invalidity, unenforceability or unlawfulness, shall not affect the other provisions, terms, covenants or obligations of this Offer and Agreement, or their application, which all shall remain valid and enforceable in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law. |
16. | Successors and Assigns. This Offer and Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators, and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns. |
17. | Survival. The provisions of this Offer and Agreement shall survive the assignment of this Offer and Agreement by the Company to any successor in interest or other assignee. |
18. | Section Headings. The section headings appearing in this Offer and Agreement have been inserted for the purpose of convenience and reference only and shall not limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Offer and Agreement in any way whatsoever. |
19. | Entire Agreement. This Offer and Agreement, which includes all enclosures, sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements of the parties, whether oral or written. |
Please signify your acceptance of this Offer and Agreement by signing below
Sincerely,
/s/Joseph Burns | |
Joseph Burns | |
Chief Executive Officer | |
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. |
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Accepted on this 1st day of April, 2022, by:
Signature: | /s/ John Uczekaj | |
Print Name: | John Uczekaj |
[Offer Letter]
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We hereby consent to the use in this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements) dated April 9, 2025, relating to the consolidated financial statements of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ BPM LLP
San Jose, California
April 9, 2025
Exhibit 99.2
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: February 21, 2025
/s/ Per Erik Edvard Svehag | |
Per Erik Edvard Svehag |
Exhibit 99.3
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: April 10, 2025
/s/ Brian Nelson | |
Brian Nelson |
Exhibit 99.4
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: April 10, 2025
/s/ Gregory Winfree | |
Gregory Winfree |
Exhibit 99.5
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: April 10, 2025
/s/ Sherrie McCandless | |
Sherrie McCandless |
Exhibit 107
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
Form S-1
AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
Table 1: Newly Registered Securities
Security
Type | Security
Class Title | Fee
Calculation or Carry Forward Rule | Amount
Registered(1) | Proposed
Maximum Offering Price Per Unit(2) | Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price(3) | Fee
Rate | Amount
of Registration Fee(4) | |||||||||||||||||||
Fees to Be Paid | Equity | Common
stock, par value $0.000001 per share | 457(a) | 5,750,000 | $ | 16.00 | $ | 92,000,000 | 0.00015310 | $ | 14,086 | |||||||||||||||
Total Offering Amounts | $ | 92,000,000 | — | $ | 14,086 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fees Previously Paid | $ | 15,310 | (5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fee Offsets | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Fee Due | — | — | $ | — |
(1) | Includes up to 750,000 additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase from the registrant, if any. |
(2) | Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). |
(3) | Includes the aggregate offering price of 750,000 additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase from the registrant, if any. |
(4) | Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act based on an estimate of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price. |
(5) | The registrant previously paid a registration fee of $15,310 in connection with the initial filing of this Registration Statement on Form S-1 on February 21, 2025. |