Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-212317
The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement related to these securities has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to completion, dated December 5, 2016
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated July 8, 2016)
Shares
Asure Software, Inc.
Common Stock
We are offering shares of our common stock in this offering. Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "ASUR." On December 2, 2016, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $8.48 per share.
The offering is being underwritten on a firm commitment basis. We have granted the underwriters an option to buy up to an additional shares of our common stock to cover over-allotments. The underwriters may exercise this option at any time and from time to time during the 30-day period from the date of this prospectus supplement.
|
No Exercise of Over-Allotment |
Full Exercise of Over-Allotment |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Per Share | Total | Per Share | Total | |||||||||
Public offering price |
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1) |
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Proceeds to us, before expenses |
$ | $ | $ | $ |
The aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or the public float, was approximately $46,826,400, which was calculated based on 6,546,830 shares of outstanding common stock, of which 4,903,296 shares are held by non-affiliates, as of November 25, 2016 and a per share price of $9.55, the closing sale price of our common stock on November 22, 2016. Excluding the shares being sold in this offering, we have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6. of Form S-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus supplement.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-3 of this prospectus supplement and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our common stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to the purchasers on or about December , 2016.
The date of this prospectus supplement is December , 2016
Sole Book-Running Manager
Roth Capital Partners
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which provides more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering.
Before investing in our common stock, we urge you to carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the additional information described under "Where You Can Find More Information." This prospectus supplement may add to, update or change information contained in the accompanying prospectus. To the extent that any statement that we make in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in the accompanying prospectus or any documents incorporated by reference therein, the statements made in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to modify or supersede those made in the accompanying prospectus and such documents incorporated by reference therein.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") contain and incorporate by reference information you should consider when making your investment decision. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you.
We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the applicable document and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
References in this prospectus supplement to "we," "our," and "us" refer to Asure Software, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
S-i
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
Our Company
We are a leading global provider of cloud-based software-as-a-service, or SaaS, time and labor management and Agile Workplace management solutions that enable companies of all sizes and complexities to operate more efficiently and proactively manage costs associated with their most expensive assets: real estate, labor and technology.
We currently offer two main product lines, AsureSpace and AsureForce®. Our AsureSpace Agile Workplace management solutions enable organizations to manage their office environments and optimize real estate utilization. Our AsureForce® time and labor management solutions help organizations optimize labor and labor administration costs and activities. With our acquisitions of Mangrove Employer Services, Inc. and the assets of Mangrove COBRAsource Inc. in March 2016, we have entered into the human resource management, payroll processing and benefits administration services businesses, which we are integrating into our existing AsureForce® product line. For both product lines, support and professional services are other key elements of our software and services business. As an extension of our perpetual software product offerings, Asure offers our customers maintenance and support contracts that provide ready access to qualified support staff, software patches and upgrades to our software products. We also provide installation of and training on our products, add-on software customization and other professional services on a global scale.
We are focused on growing our customer base as well as adding complementary products to increase our recurring revenue. Consistent with this strategy, we regularly evaluate potential acquisition opportunities, including ones that may be significant to us. We cannot predict with certainty the timing of any contemplated transactions, and none are currently probable. However, any contemplated transaction could be entered into shortly following the closing of this offering.
We target our sales and marketing efforts to a wide range of audiences, from small and medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 companies and divisions of enterprise organizations throughout the United States, Europe and Asia/Pacific. We generate sales of our solutions through our direct sales teams and indirectly through our channel partners. We are expanding our investment in our direct sales teams to continue to address our market opportunity.
Our principal executive offices are located at 110 Wild Basin Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78746, and our telephone number is (512) 437-2700.
S-1
Common Stock offered by us | shares | |
Common Stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering |
shares(1) |
|
Underwriters' option to purchase additional shares |
shares |
|
Use of proceeds |
We currently intend to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, including the reduction of approximately $3 million of secured subordinated indebtedness. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, assets or technologies, although we have not entered into any definitive agreements with respect to any specific acquisitions at this time. |
|
Risk factors |
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-3 of this prospectus supplement and page 2 of the accompanying prospectus, as well as other information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement for a discussion of factors you should consider before deciding to invest in our common stock. |
|
NASDAQ Capital Market symbol |
ASUR |
Certain of our directors and officers and entities affiliated with these persons have indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of shares of our common stock in this offering on the same terms as those offered to the public.
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.
S-2
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the following discussion of risks and uncertainties affecting our common stock, as well as risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the accompanying prospectus as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we do not currently believe are important to an investor also may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of an investment in our securities.
Risks Related to this Offering
Our common stock has traded in low volumes. We cannot predict whether an active trading market for our common stock will ever develop. Even if an active trading market develops, the market price of our common stock may be significantly volatile.
Historically, our common stock has experienced a lack of trading liquidity. In the absence of an active trading market:
Even if an active market for our common stock develops, the market price for our common stock may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:
The securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock.
Investors in this offering will experience immediate substantial dilution in the net tangible book value per share of our common stock.
You will suffer immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value per share of common stock you purchase in this offering because the price per share of our common stock being offered hereby is substantially higher than the book value per share of our common stock. Our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2016 was approximately $(5.44) per share of common stock. Based on an offering price of $ per share in this offering, if you purchase shares of common
S-3
stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $ per share in the net tangible book value of the common stock.
We will likely issue additional common stock in the future, which would dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders.
In the future, we will likely issue additional shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of our stockholders. We may issue additional shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock in connection with hiring or retaining personnel, option or warrant exercises, future acquisitions or future placements of our securities for capital-raising or other business purposes. Moreover, the exercise of our existing outstanding warrants and stock options, which are exercisable for or convertible into shares of our common stock, would dilute our existing holders of common stock.
A large number of shares may be sold in the market following this offering, which may depress the market price of our common stock.
Shares of our common stock sold in the offering may be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Moreover, from time to time, certain of our stockholders may be eligible to sell all or some of their shares of common stock by means of ordinary brokerage transactions in the open market or otherwise. As a result, a substantial number of shares of our common stock may be sold in the public market following this offering, which may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. If there are more shares of common stock offered for sale than buyers are willing to purchase, then the market price of our common stock may decline.
Management will have broad discretion as to the use of the proceeds from this offering, and may not use the proceeds effectively.
Because we have not designated a substantial amount of net proceeds from this offering to be used for any particular purpose, our management will have broad discretion as to the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could use them for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of the offering. Our management may use the net proceeds for corporate purposes that may not improve our financial condition or market value.
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, and you must rely on increases in the market price of our common stock for returns on equity investment.
For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. In addition, our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank contains limitations on our ability to pay dividends and make other distributions. Accordingly, investors must be prepared to rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation to earn an investment return, which may never occur. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our common stock. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our board deems relevant.
S-4
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future periods, future events or our future operating or financial performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements identified by words such as "may," "will," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "continue," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "project," "believe" and similar expressions or variations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial condition, results of operations, projected costs, and plans and objectives of management. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to, among others, the risks and uncertainties described in this prospectus supplement, under "Risk Factors in the accompanying prospectus, and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference speaks only as of the date on which the statement is made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full).
We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including the reduction of approximately $3 million in our secured subordinated indebtedness payable to the stockholder representative for the principal shareholders of Mangrove Employer Services, Inc. (Mangrove). We may use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, assets or technologies. We are currently engaged in discussions with respect to several potential acquisitions; however, none are currently probable and we have not entered into any definitive agreements or commitments with respect to any specific acquisitions at this time. Nonetheless, we could enter into potential acquisitions in the near-term after the closing of this offering.
Our management team will have broad discretion in using the net proceeds to be received by us from this offering.
In March 2016, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Mangrove. Pursuant to this stock purchase, we acquired the payroll division of Mangrove, which is engaged in the human resource management and payroll processing businesses. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition consisted of (i) $11,348,000 in cash and (ii) a secured subordinated promissory note in the original principal amount of $6,000,000, subject to adjustment as provided therein. The secured subordinated promissory note bears interest at an annual rate of 3.50% and matures in March 2018, with the first installment of principal of $3,000,000 due in March 2017 and the second installment of principal of $3,000,000 due in March 2018.
Pending use of the net proceeds, we intend to invest the net proceeds from this offering in a variety of capital preservation instruments, including short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments.
S-5
We have never declared or paid 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. We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of our credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank limit our ability to pay dividends. 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.
Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "ASUR." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices per share of our common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Market.
|
High | Low | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year ended December 31, 2015: |
|||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 6.11 | $ | 5.30 | |||
Second Quarter |
$ | 6.34 | $ | 5.40 | |||
Third Quarter |
$ | 6.22 | $ | 5.40 | |||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 5.60 | $ | 4.45 | |||
Year ending December 31, 2016: |
|||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 5.67 | $ | 4.36 | |||
Second Quarter |
$ | 5.45 | $ | 4.53 | |||
Third Quarter |
$ | 6.57 | $ | 4.63 | |||
Fourth Quarter (through December 2, 2016) |
$ | 9.55 | $ | 6.52 |
The last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 2, 2016 was $8.48 per share. As of November 25, 2016, there were 346 record holders of our common stock. This number does not reflect the beneficial ownership of shares held in nominee name.
S-6
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of September 30, 2016:
You should read this table along with the "Use of Proceeds" section included in this prospectus supplement and our consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
|
September 30, 2016 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actual (unaudited) |
As Adjusted (unaudited) |
|||||
|
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) |
||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$ | 289 | $ | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Long-Term Liabilities: |
|||||||
Deferred revenue |
$ | 844 | $ | ||||
Notes payable, net of debt issuance cost |
25,464 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
315 | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
Total long-term liabilities |
$ | 26,623 | $ | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Stockholders' Equity: |
|||||||
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 1,500,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding |
| | |||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 11,000,000 shares authorized, 6,915,755 shares issued and 6,531,596 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and shares issued and shares outstanding as adjusted |
$ | 69 | $ | ||||
Treasury stock at cost, 384,159 shares |
(5,017 | ) | $ | ||||
Additional paid-in-capital |
280,374 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(272,006 | ) | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
64 | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
Total Stockholders' Equity |
3,484 | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
Total Capitalization |
$ | 30,107 | $ | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The number of shares of common stock outstanding in the table above excludes:
S-7
If you purchase our common stock in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share you pay in this offering and the net tangible book value (deficit) per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. We calculate net tangible book value (deficit) per share by subtracting total liabilities from our total tangible assets and dividing the difference by the number of shares of common stock outstanding.
Our net tangible book value (deficit) as of September 30, 2016 was approximately $(35,557,700), or $(5.44) per share of common stock. After giving effect to the sale in this offering of shares at a public offering price of $ per share, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) as of September 30, 2016 would have been approximately $ million, or approximately $ per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $ per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of approximately $ per share to new investors. The following table illustrates the dilution to new investors on a per share basis, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option:
Offering price per share |
$ | ||||||
Net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of September 30, 2016 |
$ | (5.44 | ) | ||||
Increase per share attributable to this offering |
$ | ||||||
As adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of September 30, 2016 after giving effect to this offering |
$ | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
Dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering |
$ | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares from us, the as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering would be $ per share, the increase in net tangible book value per share to existing stockholders would be $ per share and the dilution to new investors purchasing shares in this offering would be $ per share.
The above discussion and table are based on 6,531,596 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and excludes:
To the extent that additional shares are issued pursuant to the foregoing, investors purchasing our common stock in this offering will experience further dilution.
S-8
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information contained in documents we file with the SEC. This allows us to disclose important information to you by referencing those filed documents rather than by including them in the prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. We have previously filed the following documents with the SEC and incorporate them by reference into this prospectus supplement:
We also are incorporating by reference any future information filed (rather than furnished) by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the completion or termination of this offering. The most recent information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes more dated information.
You can obtain a copy of these documents at no cost by writing or telephoning us at:
Asure
Software, Inc.
110 Wild Basin Road, Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78746
Attn: Investor Relations Department
(512) 437-2678
S-9
We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the several underwriters listed in the table below. Roth Capital Partners, LLC is the representative of the underwriters. We refer to the several underwriters listed in the table below as the "underwriters." Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and the underwriters have agreed to purchase from us, shares of our common stock. Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "ASUR."
Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters named below, and each underwriter severally has agreed to purchase from us, the respective number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below:
Underwriter
|
Number of Shares |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Roth Capital Partners, LLC |
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
Total |
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligation of the underwriters to purchase the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is subject to certain conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the shares of common stock offered hereby if any of the shares are purchased.
We have granted the underwriters an option to buy up to an additional shares of common stock from us at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any. The underwriters may exercise this option at any time, in whole or in part, during the 30-day period after the date of this prospectus supplement; however, the underwriters may only exercise the option once.
Certain of our directors and officers and entities affiliated with such persons have indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of shares of our common stock in this offering on the same terms as those offered to the public.
Discounts, Commissions and Expenses
The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock purchased pursuant to the underwriting agreement to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. After this offering, the public offering price and concession may be changed by the underwriters. No such change shall change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement.
In connection with the sale of the common stock to be purchased by the underwriters, the underwriters will be deemed to have received compensation in the form of underwriting commissions and discounts. The underwriters' commissions and discounts will be 6.0% of the gross proceeds of this offering, or $ per share of common stock, based on the public offering price per share set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement.
We estimate that our total offering expenses for this offering, net of the underwriting discount, will be approximately $ .
S-10
The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions payable to the underwriters by us in connection with this offering (assuming both the exercise and non-exercise of the over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of common stock we have granted to the underwriters):
|
Per Share | Total | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Without Over-allotment |
With Over-allotment |
Without Over-allotment |
With Over-allotment |
|||||||||
Public offering price |
$ | $ | |||||||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by us |
$ | $ |
We have also granted Roth Capital Partners, LLC the right of first refusal to serve as our advisor, at market-based compensation, on another form of financing transaction if we determine to pursue any such alternate financing transaction during the three-month period from the date of our engagement letter with them, subject to the terms thereof.
Indemnification
Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the underwriters or such other indemnified parties may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
Lock-Up Agreements
Without the prior written consent of Roth Capital Partners, LLC, for a period of 90 days after the date of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed not to directly or indirectly (i) offer, pledge, issue, sell, contract to sell, purchase, contract to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of shares of common stock or (iii) file any registration statement with the SEC relating to the offering of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock, except for the issuance of the shares of our common stock in this offering, the issuance of shares of our common stock pursuant to our 2009 Equity Plan or the issuance of shares in connection with any acquisition consummated by us during such 90-day period; provided, that (x) the aggregate number of shares of common stock issued by us in such 90-day period does not exceed 5% of the number of shares outstanding immediately after the issuance and sale of the shares of common stock pursuant to the underwriting agreement and (y) the recipient of any such shares executes and delivers to Roth Capital Partners, LLC on the closing date of such acquisition a lock-up agreement and agrees to be bound by the restrictions contained therein during such 90-day period.
In addition, each of our directors, executive officers and greater than 5% stockholders has entered into a lock-up agreement with the underwriters. Under the lock-up agreements, the foregoing persons may not, subject to limited exceptions, for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, (i) sell, assign, transfer, pledge, offer to sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option for sale (including any short sale), right or warrant to purchase, lend, establish an open "put equivalent position" (within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act, or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any transaction which is designed to or could be expected to result in the disposition of, any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of our equity securities (including, without limitation, shares of common stock or any such securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such persons in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC from time to time (such shares or securities, the "Beneficially Owned Shares")), or publicly
S-11
announce any intention to do any of the foregoing, other than exercise of options or warrants so long as there is no sale or disposition of the common stock underlying such options or warrants during the lock-up period, (ii) enter into any swap, hedge or other agreement or arrangement that transfers in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of any Beneficially Owned Shares, common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of our equity securities, or (iii) engage in any short selling of any Beneficially Owned Shares, common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of our equity securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above is to be settled by delivery of shares of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Roth Capital Partners, LLC. This consent may be given at any time without public notice. These restrictions on future dispositions by our directors, executive officers and greater than 5% stockholders are subject to certain exceptions for transfers of Beneficially Owned Shares, including transfers (i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, (ii) by operation of law, including pursuant to a qualified domestic order or in connection with a divorce settlement, (iii) to the immediate family of the transferor, (iv) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of such person or the immediate family of the transferor, (v) to any beneficiary of the transferor pursuant to a will or other testamentary document or applicable laws of descent and (vi) to any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity all of the beneficial ownership interests of which are held by the transferor or the immediate family of the transferor.
Electronic Distribution
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made available in electronic format on websites or through other online services maintained by the underwriters or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. Other than this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format, the information on the underwriters' websites or our website and any information contained in any other websites maintained by the underwriters or by us is not part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the underwriter in its capacity as underwriter, and should not be relied upon by investors.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
In connection with the offering the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act:
S-12
as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. A naked short position occurs if the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option. This position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time
Neither we nor 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 shares of common stock. In addition, neither we nor the underwriters make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these transactions or that any transaction, if commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Selling Restrictions
European Economic Area
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus does not constitute an approved prospectus under Directive 2003/71/EC and no such prospectus is intended to be prepared and approved in connection with this offering. Accordingly, in relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC (each, a "Relevant Member State") an offer to the public of any shares of common stock which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not be made in that Relevant Member State except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any shares of common stock may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive, if and to the extent that they have been implemented in that Relevant Member State:
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer to the public" in relation to any shares of common stock in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares of common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any shares of common stock, as the expression may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and any
S-13
amendments thereto including the 2010 PD Amending Directive to the extent implemented in each Relevant Member State) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.
United Kingdom
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an approved prospectus for purposes of the UK Prospectus Rules, as implemented under the EU Prospectus Directive (2003/71/EC), and have not been approved under section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) (the "FSMA") by a person authorized under FSMA. The financial promotions contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are directed at, and this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are only being distributed to, (1) persons who receive this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus outside of the United Kingdom, and (2) persons in the United Kingdom who fall within the exemptions under articles 19 (investment professionals) and 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus must not be acted upon or relied upon by any person who is not a Relevant Person. Any investment or investment activity to which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relate is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and their contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other person that is not a Relevant Person.
The underwriter has represented, warranted and agreed that:
Other Relationships
Certain of the underwriters (including the representative) and their respective affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates for which they have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions. Except as disclosed in this prospectus supplement, we have no present arrangements with the underwriters for any further services.
The validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Messerli & Kramer P.A., Minneapolis, Minnesota. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, New York, New York.
S-14
The consolidated financial statements of Asure Software, Inc. appearing in Asure Software, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The special purpose carve-out financial statements of Mangrove Employer Services Payroll Division as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 appearing in our current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2016 have been audited by Marcum LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of the registration statement and omit certain information contained in the registration statement. We have also filed exhibits with the registration statement that are excluded from this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and you should refer to the applicable exhibit for a complete description of any statement referring to any contract or other document. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public through the Internet at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room.
S-15
PROSPECTUS
$30,000,000
Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Debt Warrants
Equity Warrants
Rights
Units
We may offer and sell up to $30,000,000 in the aggregate of the securities identified from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer.
Each time we offer and sell securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering and the amounts, prices and terms of the securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in any securities.
We may offer and sell these securities directly to our stockholders or to purchasers, or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or through a combination of these methods. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of these securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will provide their names and any applicable fees, commissions or discounts. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.
Investing in our securities involves risks. See "Risk Factors" on page 2.
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "ASUR." On July 1, 2016, the closing price of our common stock was $4.65 per share.
The aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was $25,342,705, which was calculated based on 6,291,596 shares of outstanding common stock, of which 4,719,312 were held by non-affiliates, as of June 22, 2016 and a per share price of $5.37, the closing sale price of our common stock on May 9, 2016. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell our common stock in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75,000,000. We have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6. of Form S-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is July 8, 2016
This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange, or SEC, using a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer to sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in units, in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $30,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer and sell securities under this shelf registration, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Information Incorporated by Reference." We may only use this prospectus to sell the securities if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. We will not make an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of the date on its respective cover, and that any information incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
References in this prospectus to "we," "our" and "us" refer to Asure Software, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
i
Asure is a leading global provider of cloud-based software-as-a-service ("SaaS") time and labor management and Agile Workplace management solutions that enable companies of all sizes and complexities to operate more efficiently and proactively manage costs associated with their most expensive assets: real estate, labor and technology.
We currently offer two main product lines, AsureSpace and AsureForce®. Our AsureSpace Agile Workplace management solutions enable organizations to manage their office environments and optimize real estate utilization. Our AsureForce® time and labor management solutions help organizations optimize labor and labor administration costs and activities. For both product lines, support and professional services are other key elements of our software and services business. With our acquisitions of Mangrove Employer Services, Inc. and the assets of Mangrove COBRAsource Inc. in March 2016, we have entered into the human resource management, payroll processing and benefits administration services businesses, which we intend to integrate into our existing AsureForce® product line.
As an extension of our perpetual software product offerings, Asure offers our customers maintenance and support contracts that provide ready access to qualified support staff, software patches and upgrades to our software products. We also provide installation of and training on our products, add-on software customization and other professional services on a global scale.
Our principal executive offices are located at 110 Wild Basin Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78746, and our telephone number is (512) 437-2700.
1
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described below as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we do not currently believe are important to an investor also may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of an investment in our securities.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
We have a history of losses, and we may not achieve or sustain profitability in the future.
We have incurred annual net losses since 2008 and in other years before 2007. As of March 31, 2016, our accumulated deficit was approximately $272 million. We may continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future, and such losses may be substantial. We will need to generate and sustain increased revenues to achieve future profitability. Given our history of losses, we might not be able to achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
If the market for cloud solutions for workplace applications does not evolve as we anticipate, our revenues may not grow and our operating results would be harmed.
Our success will depend, to a large extent, on the willingness of prospective customers to increase their use of cloud solutions for their workplace applications. However, the market for cloud solutions for workplace applications is at an early stage and it is difficult to predict important trends, if any, of the market for cloud-based workplace applications. Many companies may be reluctant or unwilling to migrate to cloud solutions. Other factors that may affect market acceptance of our cloud-based workplace applications include:
If the market for cloud solutions for workplace applications does not evolve in the way we anticipate or customers do not recognize the benefits of cloud solutions, and as a result we are unable to increase sales of subscriptions for our products, then our revenues may not grow or may decline and our operating results would be harmed.
If we fail to develop or acquire new products or enhance our existing products, our revenue growth will be harmed and we may not be able to achieve profitability.
Our ability to attract new customers and increase revenue from existing customers will depend in large part on our ability to enhance and improve our existing products and to introduce new products in a timely manner. The success of any enhancement or new product depends on several factors, including the timely completion, introduction and market acceptance of the enhancement or new product. Any new product we develop or acquire may not be introduced in a timely or cost-effective manner and may not achieve the broad customer acceptance necessary to generate significant revenue. If we are unable to successfully develop or acquire new products or enhance our existing products to meet customer requirements and keep pace with technological developments, our revenue will not grow as expected and we may not be able to achieve profitability.
2
Adverse economic conditions or reduced investments in cloud-based applications and information technology spending may adversely impact our business.
Our business depends on the overall demand for cloud-based applications and information technology spending and on the economic health of our current and prospective customers. If the state of the economy and employment rate deteriorates in the future, many customers may reduce their number of employees and delay or reduce technology purchases. This could also result in reductions in our revenues and sales of our products, longer sales cycles, increased price competition and customers' purchasing fewer solutions than they have in the past. Any of these events would likely harm our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows from operations.
Our business depends substantially on retaining our current customers, and any decline in our customer renewals could harm our future operating results.
We offer our products primarily pursuant to a cloud-based or software-as-a-service model, and our customers purchase subscriptions from us that are generally one year in length. Our customers have no obligation to renew their subscriptions after their subscription period expires, and they may not renew their subscriptions at the same or higher levels or at all. As a result, our ability to grow depends in part on our current customers renewing their existing subscriptions and purchasing additional applications from us. We have limited historical data with respect to rates of customer subscription renewals, upgrades and expansions, so we may not accurately predict future trends in customer renewals. Our customers' renewal rates may decline or fluctuate due to a number of factors, including the level of customer satisfaction with our solutions, the prices of our solutions, the prices of competing products or services, reduced hiring by our customers, and reductions in our customers' spending levels. If our customers do not renew their subscriptions to our products, renew on less favorable terms or do not purchase additional applications, our revenues may grow more slowly than expected or decline and our results of operations or financial condition may be harmed.
If we are unable to continue to attract new customers, our growth could be slower than we expect.
We believe that our future growth depends in part upon increasing our customer base. Our ability to achieve significant growth in revenues in the future will depend, in large part, upon continually attracting new customers and obtaining subscription renewals to our products from those customers. If we fail to attract new customers, our revenues may grow more slowly than expected and our business may be harmed.
Software defects or errors in our products could harm our reputation, result in significant costs to us and impair our ability to sell our products, which would harm our operating results.
Our products may contain undetected defects or errors when first introduced or as new versions are released, which could materially and adversely affect our reputation, result in significant costs to us and impair our ability to sell our products in the future. The costs incurred in correcting any defects or errors may be substantial and could adversely affect our operating results.
Any defects that cause interruptions in the availability or functionality of our products could result in:
3
If our security measures are breached or unauthorized access to customer data is otherwise obtained, customers may perceive our applications as not being secure and may reduce the use of or stop using our applications and we may incur significant liabilities.
Our applications involve the storage and transmission of our customers' and their employees' confidential and proprietary information as well as their financial and payroll data. As a result, unauthorized access or security breaches could result in the loss of confidential information, litigation, indemnity obligations and other significant liabilities. While we have security measures in place to protect customer information and prevent data loss and other security breaches, if these measures are breached, our business may suffer and we could incur significant liability. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not identified until they are launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Any or all of these issues could negatively affect our ability to attract new customers, cause existing customers to elect to not renew their subscriptions, result in reputational damage or subject us to third-party lawsuits, regulatory fines or other actions or liabilities or increase our costs, any of which could adversely affect our operating results.
We depend on data centers operated by third parties and any disruption in the operation of these facilities could adversely affect our business.
We host our applications and serve all of our customers from data centers located in Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, Virginia, and the United Kingdom. While we control and have access to our servers and all of the components of our network that are located in our external data centers, we do not control the operation of these facilities. The owners of our data center facilities have no obligation to renew their agreements with us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we are unable to renew these agreements on commercially reasonable terms, or if one of our data center operators is acquired, we may be required to transfer our servers and other infrastructure to new data center facilities, and we may incur significant costs and possible service interruption in connection with doing so.
Problems faced by our third-party data center locations, with the telecommunications network providers with whom we or they contract or with the systems by which our telecommunications providers allocate capacity among their customers, including us, could adversely affect the experience of our customers. Our third-party data centers operators could decide to close their facilities without adequate notice. In addition, any financial difficulties, such as bankruptcy, faced by our third-party data centers operators or any of the service providers with whom we or they contract may have negative effects on our business, the nature and extent of which are difficult to predict. Additionally, if our data centers are unable to keep up with our growing needs for capacity, this could have an adverse effect on our business. Any changes in third-party service levels at our data centers or any errors, defects, disruptions or other performance problems with our applications could adversely affect our reputation and may damage our customers' stored files or result in lengthy interruptions in our services. Interruptions in our services might reduce our revenues, cause us to issue refunds to customers for prepaid and unused subscription services, subject us to potential liability or adversely affect our renewal rates.
Furthermore, our payroll applications are essential to our customers' employment and compensation programs. Any interruption in our service may affect the availability, accuracy or timeliness of these programs and could damage our reputation, cause our customers to terminate their use of our application, require us to indemnify our customers against certain losses and prevent us from gaining additional business from current or future customers.
4
Privacy concerns and laws or other regulations may reduce the effectiveness of our applications and adversely affect our business.
Our customers can use our applications to collect, use and store personal or identifying information regarding their employees, customers and suppliers. Federal, state and foreign government bodies and agencies have adopted, are considering adopting, or may adopt laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, storage and disclosure of personal information obtained from consumers and individuals. The costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, such laws and regulations that are applicable to the businesses of our customers may limit the use and adoption of our applications and reduce overall demand, or lead to significant fines, penalties or liabilities for any noncompliance with such privacy laws. Furthermore, privacy concerns may cause our customers' workers to resist providing the personal data necessary to allow our customers to use our applications effectively. Even the perception of privacy concerns, whether or not valid, may inhibit market adoption of our applications in certain industries.
In addition to government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups may propose new and different self-regulatory standards. Because the interpretation and application of privacy and data protection laws are still uncertain, it is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our existing data management practices or the features of our solution. Any failure to comply with government regulations that apply to our applications, including privacy and data protection laws, could subject us to liability. In addition to the possibility of fines, lawsuits and other claims, we could be required to fundamentally change our business activities and practices or modify our solution, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. Any inability to adequately address privacy concerns, even if unfounded, or comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws, regulations and policies, could result in additional cost and liability to us, damage our reputation, inhibit sales and adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.
All of these legislative and regulatory initiatives may adversely affect the ability of our clients to process, handle, store, use and transmit demographic and personal information from their employees, which could reduce demand for our applications.
Because we sell applications to manage complex operating environments of large customers, we encounter long sales cycles, which could adversely affect our operating results in a given period.
Our ability to increase revenues and maintain profitability depends, in large part, on widespread acceptance of our applications by large businesses and other organizations. As we target our sales efforts at these customers, we face greater costs, longer sales cycles and less predictability in completing some of our sales. In the large enterprise market, the customer's decision to use our applications may be an enterprise-wide decision and, therefore, these types of sales require us to provide greater levels of education regarding the use and benefits of our applications. In addition, because we are relatively new to our business with a limited operating history, our target customers may prefer to purchase applications that are critical to their business from one of our larger, more established competitors. Our typical sales cycles are six to nine months, and we expect that this lengthy sales cycle may continue or increase. Longer sales cycles could cause our operating and financial results to suffer in a given period.
It takes approximately three months for typical deployments of our applications, depending on the number and type of applications, the complexity and scale of the customers' business, the configuration requirements and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Although our contracts are generally non-cancellable by the customer, at any given time, a significant percentage of our customers may be still in the process of deploying our applications, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
5
The loss of one or more of our key customers, or a failure to renew our subscription agreements with one or more of our key customers, could negatively affect our ability to market our applications.
We rely on our reputation and recommendations from key customers in order to promote subscriptions to our applications. The loss of any of our key customers, or a failure of some of them to renew, could have a significant impact on our revenues, reputation and our ability to obtain new customers. In addition, acquisitions of our customers could lead to cancellation of our contracts with those customers or by the acquiring companies, thereby reducing the number of our existing and potential customers.
If we fail to meet our contractual service level commitments, we could be obligated to provide credits or refunds for prepaid amounts related to unused subscription services or face contract terminations, which could adversely affect our revenues.
Our customer agreements typically provide service level commitments on a monthly basis. If we are unable to meet the stated service level commitments or suffer extended periods of unavailability for our applications, we may be contractually obligated to provide these customers with service credits, refunds for prepaid amounts related to unused subscription services, or we could face contract terminations. Our revenues could be significantly affected if we suffer unscheduled downtime that exceeds the allowed downtimes under our agreements with our customers. Any extended service outages could adversely affect our reputation, revenues and operating results.
Any failure to offer high-quality technical support services may adversely affect our relationships with our customers and our financial results.
Once our applications are deployed, our customers depend on our support organization to resolve technical issues relating to our applications. We may be unable to respond quickly enough to accommodate short-term increases in customer demand for support services. We also may be unable to modify the format of our support services to compete with changes in support services provided by our competitors. Increased customer demand for these services, without corresponding revenues, could increase costs and adversely affect our operating results. In addition, our sales process is highly dependent on our applications and business reputation and on positive recommendations from our existing customers. Any failure to maintain high-quality technical support, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality support, could adversely affect our reputation, our ability to sell our applications to existing and prospective customers, and our business, operating results and financial position.
We face competition in our markets, and if we do not compete effectively, our operating results may be harmed.
The market for cloud-based workplace management software solutions is highly competitive and rapidly changing and fragmented, with increasingly and relatively low barriers to entry. With the introduction of new technologies and market entrants, we expect competition to intensify in the future. In addition, pricing pressures and increased competition generally could result in reduced sales, reduced margin or the failure of our products and services to achieve or maintain more widespread market acceptance.
Many of our actual and potential competitors have competitive advantages, such as greater brand name recognition, larger sales and marketing budgets and resources, broader distribution networks and more established relationships with distributors and customers, greater resources to develop and introduce solutions that compete with our products and substantially greater financial, technical and other resources. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards or customer requirements. If we are not able to compete effectively, our operating results will be harmed.
6
If we fail to manage our technical operations infrastructure, our existing customers may experience service outages and our new customers may experience delays in the deployment of our applications.
We have experienced significant growth in the number of users, transactions and data that our operations infrastructure supports. We seek to maintain sufficient excess capacity in our operations infrastructure to meet the needs of all of our customers. We also seek to maintain excess capacity to facilitate the rapid provision of new customer deployments and the expansion of existing customer deployments. In addition, we need to properly manage our technological operations infrastructure in order to support version control, changes in hardware and software parameters and the evolution of our applications. However, the provision of new hosting infrastructure requires significant lead time. We may in the future experience website disruptions, outages and other performance problems. These problems may be caused by a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors, viruses, security attacks, fraud, spikes in customer usage and denial of service issues. In some instances, we may not be able to identify the cause or causes of these performance problems within an acceptable period of time. If we do not accurately predict our infrastructure requirements, our existing customers may experience service outages that may subject us to financial penalties, financial liabilities and customer losses. If our operations infrastructure fails to keep pace with increased sales, customers may experience delays as we seek to obtain additional capacity, which could adversely affect our reputation and adversely affect our revenues.
Assertions by third parties of infringement or other violations by us of their intellectual property rights could result in significant costs and harm our business and operating results.
Patent and other intellectual property disputes are common in the software and technology industries. Third parties may in the future assert claims of infringement, misappropriation or other violations of intellectual property rights against us. They may also assert such claims against our customers or channel partners whom we typically indemnify against claims that our solutions infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of third parties. As the numbers of products and competitors in our market increase and overlaps occur, claims of infringement, misappropriation and other violations of intellectual property rights may increase. Any claim of infringement, misappropriation or other violation of intellectual property rights by a third party, even those without merit, could cause us to incur substantial costs defending against the claim and could distract our management from our business.
An adverse outcome of a dispute may require us to:
In addition, royalty or licensing agreements, if required or desirable, may be unavailable on terms acceptable to us, or at all, and may require significant royalty payments and other expenditures. Some licenses may also be non-exclusive, and therefore our competitors may have access to the same technology licensed to us. Any of the foregoing events could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
7
Failure to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights could substantially harm our business and operating results.
The success of our business depends in part on our ability to protect and enforce our trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property rights. We attempt to protect our intellectual property under copyright, trade secret and trademark laws, and through a combination of confidentiality procedures, contractual provisions and other methods, all of which offer only limited protection.
We primarily rely on our unpatented proprietary technology and trade secrets. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary technology and trade secrets, unauthorized parties may attempt to misappropriate, reverse engineer or otherwise obtain and use them. The contractual provisions that we enter into with employees, consultants, partners, vendors and customers may not prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of our proprietary technology or intellectual property rights and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of our proprietary technology or intellectual property rights. Moreover, policing unauthorized use of our technologies, solutions and intellectual property is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not be as protective of intellectual property rights as those in the United States and where mechanisms for enforcement of intellectual property rights may be weak. We may be unable to determine the extent of any unauthorized use or infringement of our solutions, technologies or intellectual property rights.
From time to time, legal action by us may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the intellectual property rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
We are dependent on the continued services and performance of our senior management and other key employees, the loss of any of whom could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our future performance depends on the continued services and continuing contributions of our senior management, particularly Patrick Goepel, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and other key employees to execute on our business plan and strategies. Although our executive officers are currently covered by employment agreements, other members of our senior management team are generally employed on an at-will basis, which means that they could terminate their employment with us at any time. The loss of the services of our senior management, particularly Mr. Goepel, or other key employees for any reason could significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our strategic objectives and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to hire, retain and motivate qualified personnel, our business may suffer.
Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel. The loss of the services of any of our key personnel, the inability to attract or retain qualified personnel or delays in hiring required personnel may seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any of our employees may terminate their employment at any time. Competition for sales, marketing and technical personnel is particularly intense in the software and technology industries. We may not be able to compete for these personnel.
Terms of our outstanding indebtedness may restrict our business and financing activities.
Our credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank contains limitations on our ability to incur future debt and liens, conduct future mergers and acquisitions or sales of assets, make loans or advances to
8
and investments in others, make dividends or other distributions, and enter into transactions with affiliates. We are also required to maintain a certain minimum leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio, which are measured on a quarterly basis. The operating and financial covenants in the credit agreement, as well as any future financing agreements that we may enter into, may restrict our ability to finance our operations, engage in business activities or expand or fully pursue our business strategies. We may also be required to use a substantial portion of our cash flows to pay principal and interest on our debt, which would reduce the amount of money we have for operations, working capital, expansion, or other general corporate purposes.
Our ability to meet our expenses and debt obligations and comply with the operating and financial covenants may be affected by financial, business, economic, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to control many of these factors and comply with these covenants. A breach of any of the covenants under the credit agreement could result in an event of default, which could cause all of the outstanding indebtedness under the credit agreement to become immediately due and payable. We have pledged substantially all of our and our subsidiaries' assets to Wells Fargo Bank. If we default under the credit agreement, Wells Fargo could foreclose upon our assets. Our inability to meet our debt service obligations or other covenants under the credit agreement could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and liquidity.
We may acquire other businesses, products or technologies, which divert our management's attention and otherwise disrupt our operations and harm our business and results of operations.
As part of our growth strategy, we have recently completed business and technology acquisitions and plan to continue to pursue acquisitions in the future. The environment for acquisitions in our industry is very competitive and acquisition purchase prices may exceed what we would prefer to pay. Moreover, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions to the extent that we anticipate, or at all, because acquisitions involve many risks, including:
9
Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and strategic transactions could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions or transactions, incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business generally.
For example, with our acquisitions of Mangrove Employer Services, Inc. and the assets of Mangrove COBRAsource Inc. in March 2016, we have entered into the human resource management, payroll processing and benefits administration businesses. Our participation in the human resource management, payroll processing and benefits administration businesses is relatively new and it is uncertain whether we will be able retain or attract customers for such new applications and whether we will be able integrate the acquired businesses and products in a timely and cost effective manner.
We use third-party software that may be difficult to replace or could cause errors or failures of our products that could lead to lost customers or harm to our reputation.
We license software from various external parties to offer with or integrated into our products. In the future, this software may not continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Any loss of the right to use any of this software could result in delays in the provisioning of our products until equivalent technology is either developed by us, or, if available, is identified, obtained and integrated, which could harm our business. In addition, any errors or defects in third-party software could result in errors or a failure of our products, which could harm our business and be costly to correct.
We recognize revenues from subscriptions over the term of the applicable agreement, and therefore any decreases or increases in bookings are not immediately reflected in our operating results.
We recognize revenues from subscriptions over the term of the relevant subscription agreement, which is typically one year. As a result, the majority of our reported revenues in each quarter are derived from the recognition of deferred revenues relating to subscriptions entered into during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in demand for our products in any period may not significantly reduce our revenues for that period, but could negatively affect revenues in future periods. Accordingly, the effect of significant downturns in bookings may not be fully reflected in our results of operations until future periods. We may be unable to adjust our costs and expenses to compensate for such a potential shortfall in revenues. Our subscription model also makes it difficult for us to rapidly increase our reported revenues through additional bookings in any period, as we recognize revenues ratably over the subscription period.
Changes in laws or regulations related to the Internet or changes in the Internet infrastructure may diminish the demand for our products and could have a negative impact on our business.
The future success of our business depends upon the continued use of the Internet as a primary medium for commerce, communication and business applications. Federal, state or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws or regulations affecting the use of the Internet. Changes in these laws or regulations could require us to modify our applications in order to comply with these changes. In addition, government agencies or private organizations may begin to impose taxes, fees or other charges for accessing the Internet or on commerce conducted via the Internet. These laws or charges could limit the growth of Internet-related commerce or communications generally, resulting in reductions in the demand for Internet-based applications such as ours.
10
In addition, the use of the Internet as a business tool could be adversely affected due to delays in the development or adoption of new standards and protocols to handle increased demands of Internet activity, security, reliability, cost, ease of use, accessibility, and quality of service. The performance of the Internet and its acceptance as a business tool has been adversely affected by "viruses," "worms" and similar malicious programs, and the Internet has experienced a variety of outages and other delays as a result of damage to portions of its infrastructure. If the use of the Internet is adversely affected by these issues, demand for our applications could suffer.
Changes in financial accounting standards or practices may cause adverse, unexpected financial reporting fluctuations and impact our operating results.
A change in accounting standards or practices could harm our operating results and may even affect our reporting of transactions completed before the change is effective. New accounting pronouncements and varying interpretations of accounting pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future. Changes to existing rules or the questioning of current practices may harm our operating results or the way we conduct our business.
Risks Related to Ownership of our Securities
We may need to raise additional capital to continue to fund the growth of our business.
We may need to raise additional funds to continue to fund the growth of our business. Equity or debt financing options may not be available on terms favorable to us or at all. Additional sales of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock will dilute existing stockholders and may result in a decline in our stock price. If we engage in debt financing, we may be required to accept terms that further restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and force us to maintain specified liquidity or other ratios. If we are unable to raise additional capital, we may not be able to further develop or enhance our products, respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated working capital requirements, acquire complementary technologies, products or businesses or otherwise achieve our business objectives.
If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market, our common stock may be delisted, which would have adverse effect on the market price and liquidity of our common stock and would reduce our ability to raise capital.
On May 17, 2016, we received a written notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market indicating that based upon our Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016, we have fallen below the $2,500,000 minimum level of stockholders' equity required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1). The notification letter also indicates that as of May 16, 2016, we did not satisfy the alternative requirements of market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations. The notification letter states that we will be afforded 45 calendar days, or until July 1, 2016, to submit a plan to regain compliance. If the plan is accepted, we may be granted an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of notification, or until November 13, 2016 to evidence compliance.
We are evaluating several initiatives, including selling shares of our common stock to insiders and non-affiliates or to existing shareholders through a rights offering, any of which we believe will result in us regaining compliance with the Nasdaq continued listing rule within the required timeframe. We also believe that based on our current and expected results, our equity will exceed $2,500,000 and our market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations will meet the alternative requirement on or before the Nasdaq deadline. We intend to submit a plan based upon those initiatives on or before the deadline set by Nasdaq.
11
There can be no guarantee that we will be able to regain compliance with the continued listing requirements or that our plan will be accepted by Nasdaq. If our common stock is delisted from Nasdaq, the market liquidity for and the market price of our common stock would be significantly harmed and our ability to raise additional capital would be substantially impaired.
Our executive officers, directors and their affiliates, if they chose to act together, may have the ability to control all matters submitted to stockholders for approval.
Currently, our executive officers, directors and their affiliates beneficially own approximately 27% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, acting together, these insiders may be able to elect our entire Board of Directors and control the outcome of all other matters requiring stockholder approval. This voting concentration may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in our management or control or otherwise discourage potential acquirers from attempting to gain control of us, and may affect the market price of our common stock. If potential acquirers are deterred, you may lose an opportunity to profit from a possible acquisition premium in our stock price. This significant concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price of our common stock due to investors' perception that conflicts of interest may exist or arise.
Our quarterly operating results may vary from period to period, which could cause the trading price of our stock to decline.
Our operating results have historically varied from period to period, and we expect that they will continue to do so as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside our control, including:
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of us, which may be beneficial to our stockholders, more difficult and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may delay or prevent an acquisition of us or a change in our management. These provisions include the ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval and a limitation on who may call a special meeting of stockholders. In addition, our amended and restated rights agreement is designed to assist in limiting
12
the number of 5% or more owners and thus reduce the risk of a "change of ownership" under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Further, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits stockholders owning in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us. Although we believe these provisions collectively provide for an opportunity to receive higher bids by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors, they would apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders. In addition, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market by existing stockholders, or the perception that they may occur, could cause our stock price to decline.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock by our stockholders, or the perception that substantial sales may be made, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. These sales might also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities at a time and price we consider appropriate.
We incur significant costs as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies.
As a public company, we will continue to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses, including those associated with public company reporting requirements. We also have incurred and will incur costs associated with corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as new rules and regulations subsequently implemented by the SEC and the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. We expect that complying with these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly.
We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends in the future.
We have paid no cash dividends on our common stock to date and currently intend to retain our future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be an investor's sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
Any debt securities that we may issue could contain covenants that may restrict our ability to obtain financing, and our noncompliance with one of these restrictive covenants could lead to a default on those debt securities and any other indebtedness.
If we issue debt securities covered by this prospectus or any future indebtedness, those securities or future indebtedness may be subject to restrictive covenants, some of which may limit the way in which we can operate our business and significantly restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness or to issue stock. Noncompliance with any covenants under that indebtedness, unless cured, modified or waived, could lead to a default not only with respect to that indebtedness, but also under any other indebtedness that we may incur. If this were to happen, we might not be able to repay or refinance all of our debt.
13
If we issue a large amount of debt, it may be more difficult for us to obtain financing, will increase the cost of our debt and may magnify the results of any default under any of our outstanding indebtedness.
The issuance of debt securities could increase our debt-to-equity ratio or leverage, which may in turn make it more difficult for us to obtain future financing. In addition, the issuance of any debt securities will increase the amount of interest we will need to pay, except to the extent that the proceeds from the issuance of debt securities are used to repay other outstanding indebtedness. Finally, our level of indebtedness, and in particular any significant increase in it, may make us more vulnerable if there is a downturn in our business or the economy.
14
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference contain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "continue," "plan," "estimate," "project," "believe" and similar expressions or variations. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to, among others, the risks and uncertainties described in this prospectus, including under "Risk Factors," and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Any forward-looking statement contained in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference speaks only as of the date on which the statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus for general corporate purposes. Our general corporate purposes include, but are not limited to, repayment or refinancing of debt, capital expenditures, funding possible acquisitions, working capital and satisfaction of other obligations. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for the foregoing purposes. As a result, our management will have broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds. Pending use of the net proceeds, we intend to invest the proceeds in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments. We will include a more detailed description of the use of proceeds of any specific offering under this prospectus in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that offering.
We will set forth in a prospectus supplement the following information regarding any material dilution of the equity interests of investors purchasing securities from us in a primary offering under this prospectus:
15
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year Ended December 31, Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
|
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
| | 37.14 | 89.47 | | | |||||||||||||
Deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges (in thousands) |
$ | (577 | ) | $ | (2,747 | ) | $ | N/A | $ | N/A | $ | (1,538 | ) | $ | (1,510 | ) |
As we had losses for each of the periods presented, we have provided the deficiency amounts. Fixed charges represent interest expense, amortization of original issue discounts, amortization of capitalized expenses related to indebtedness and estimated interest component of rental expense. Earnings consist of pre-tax income (loss from) continuing operations before fixed charges.
16
We may sell the securities from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities separately or together:
We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions:
We may solicit directly offers to purchase the securities being offered by this prospectus. We may also designate agents to solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. We may sell the securities being offered by this prospectus by any method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an "at the market" offering as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, including without limitation sales made directly on the Nasdaq Capital Market, on any other existing trading market for our securities or to or through a market maker. We will name in a prospectus supplement any agent involved in the offer or sale of our securities.
If we use a dealer in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.
If we use an underwriter in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriter at the time of sale and we will provide the name of any underwriter in the prospectus supplement that the underwriter will use to make resales of the securities to the public. In connection with the sale of the securities, we or the purchasers of securities for whom the underwriter may act as agent may compensate the underwriter in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions. The underwriter may sell the securities to or through dealers, and the underwriter may compensate those dealers in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.
We will provide in the applicable prospectus supplement any compensation we will pay to underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering of the securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers. In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions. In the event that an offering made
17
pursuant to this prospectus is subject to FINRA Rule 5121, the prospectus supplement will comply with the prominent disclosure provisions of that rule.
The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons or entities participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involves the sale by persons or entities participating in the offering of a greater number of securities than we sold to them as part of the offering. In these circumstances, these persons or entities would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option. In addition, these persons or entities may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with any derivative transaction, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.
The underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business. We may provide underwriters, dealers and agents with indemnification against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments they may be required to make in respect thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus. We will also indicate in the supplement to what extent the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities.
18
We may issue debt securities either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion or exercise of or in exchange for, other securities described in this prospectus. Debt securities may be our senior, senior subordinated or subordinated obligations and, unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and may be issued in one or more series.
The debt securities will be issued under one or more separate indentures to be entered into between us and a trustee to be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We have summarized select portions of the form of the indenture below. The summary is not complete. The form of the indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement and you should read the indenture for provisions that may be important to you. In the summary below, we have included references to the section numbers of the indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions. Capitalized terms used in the summary and not defined herein have the meanings specified in the indenture.
General
The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors and set forth or determined in the manner provided in a resolution of our board of directors, in an officer's certificate or by a supplemental indenture. (Section 2.2). The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series (including any pricing supplement or term sheet).
We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indenture that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium or at a discount. (Section 2.1). We will set forth in a prospectus supplement (including any pricing supplement or term sheet) relating to any series of debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of the debt securities, if applicable:
19
or periods within which, the price or prices at which and in the terms and conditions upon which securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
20
If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of and any premium and interest on any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Transfer and Exchange
Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, or the Depositary, or a nominee of the Depositary (we will refer to any debt security represented by a global debt security as a "book-entry debt security"), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security represented by a certificated security as a "certificated debt security") as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as set forth under the heading "Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System" below, book-entry debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.
Certificated Debt Securities. You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. (Section 2.4). No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange. (Section 2.7).
You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, premium and interest on certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either reissuance by us or the trustee of the certificate to the new holder or the issuance by us or the trustee of a new certificate to the new holder.
Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System. Each global debt security representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary. Please see "Global Securities."
Covenants
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities. (Article IV).
No Protection In the Event of a Change of Control
Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions which may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control) which could adversely affect holders of debt securities.
21
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
We may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to any person (a "successor person") unless:
Notwithstanding the above, any of our subsidiaries may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties to us. (Section 5.1).
Events of Default
"Event of Default" means with respect to any series of debt securities, any of the following:
No Event of Default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. (Section 6.1) The occurrence of certain Events of Default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain indebtedness of ours or our subsidiaries outstanding from time to time.
If an Event of Default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal of (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. In the case of an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the
22
part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. (Section 6.2). We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.
The indenture provides that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture unless the trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any cost, liability or expense which might be incurred by it in exercising such right of power. (Section 7.1(e)). Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series. (Section 6.12).
No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:
23
The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. (Section 4.3) If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the securities of any series and if it is known to a responsible officer of the trustee, the trustee shall mail to each security-holder of the securities of that series notice of a Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any Default or Event of Default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if the trustee determines in good faith that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities. (Section 7.5).
Modification and Waiver
We and the trustee may modify and amend the indenture or the debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder of any debt security:
24
Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. (Section 9.2). The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or any interest on any debt security of that series; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration. (Section 6.13).
Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances
Legal Defeasance. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (subject to certain exceptions). We will be so discharged upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. Dollars, government obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment bank to pay and discharge each installment of principal, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities.
This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred. (Section 8.3).
Defeasance of Certain Covenants. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, upon compliance with certain conditions:
25
Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default. In the event we exercise our option to effect covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt securities and the debt securities of that series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default, the amount of money and/or U.S. government obligations or foreign government obligations on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the Event of Default. However, we shall remain liable for those payments. (Section 8.4).
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities, including any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to the indenture or the securities, will be governed by the laws of the State of New York (without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof other than Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law). (Section 10.10).
The following description of our common stock is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or certificate of incorporation, and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, or bylaws, copies of which are on file with the SEC as exhibits to registration statements previously filed by us.
General
Our authorized capital stock consists of 11,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 1,500,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of June 22, 2016, we had 6,291,596 shares of common stock outstanding. In addition, as of June 22, 2016, we had an aggregate of 772,925 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options granted under our 2009 Equity Plan and an aggregate of 408,750 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to future grants under our 2009 Equity Plan.
26
Common Stock
Voting Rights
The holders of our common stock are 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 do not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election, if they so choose.
Dividends
Subject to limitations under Delaware law and preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably those dividends, if any, as may be declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds.
Liquidation
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of or provision for all of our debts and other liabilities, subject to the prior rights of any preferred stock then outstanding.
Rights and Preferences
Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking funds provisions applicable to the common stock.
Fully Paid and Nonassessable
All outstanding shares of common stock are, and the common stock to be outstanding upon completion of this offering will be, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
Preferred Stock
We currently have authorized 1,500,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Of those shares, we have at the date of this prospectus 350,000 shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock authorized, none of which shares are outstanding. The balance of our preferred stock is undesignated.
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and Related Rights
In October 2009, we declared a dividend per share of common stock of one right (a "Right") to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of our Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the "Series A Stock") at a price of $1.7465 per one thousandth of a share of Series A Stock, subject to adjustment (the "Exercise Price"). The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date referred to below. Until the Rights are exercised, the Rights holders will not have rights as our stockholders, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends. The description and terms of the Rights are described in the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement between American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC and us, dated as of October 28, 2009, which we have
27
previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We qualify the following summary by reference to the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement.
The Amended and Restated Rights Agreement imposes a significant penalty upon any person or group that acquires 4.9% or more (but less than 50%) of our outstanding common stock without the prior approval of our board. Stockholders who owned 4.9% or more of our outstanding common stock in October 2009 will not trigger the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement if they do not increase their common stock ownership by more than one-half of 1% of our outstanding common stock. Generally, a person or group that acquires shares of our common stock in excess of this threshold is called an "Acquiring Person." Any Rights held by an Acquiring Person are void and may not be exercised.
The Rights become exercisable, if at all, ten days after a public announcement by us that a person or group has become an Acquiring Person. Until that date (the "Distribution Date"), our common stock certificates will evidence the Rights and will contain a notation to that effect. Any transfer of shares of common stock prior to the Distribution Date will constitute a transfer of the associated Rights. If the Rights become exercisable, each Right will allow its holder to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Stock for a purchase price of $1.7465. Each fractional share of Series A Stock would give the stockholder approximately the same dividend, voting and liquidation rights as one share of common stock. After the Distribution Date, the Rights will separate from the common stock and be evidenced by a Rights certificate, which we will mail to all holders of the Rights that are not void.
In addition, if a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person after the Distribution Date or already is an Acquiring Person and acquires more shares after the Distribution Date, all holders of Rights, except the Acquiring Person, may exercise their rights to purchase a number of shares of common stock (in lieu of Series A Stock) with a market value of twice the Exercise Price, upon payment of the purchase price.
The Rights will expire on the earliest of (a) October 28, 2019, (b) the exchange or redemption of the Rights, (c) consummation of a merger or consolidation or sale of assets resulting in expiration of the Rights, (d) the consummation of a reorganization transaction entered into by us that our board determines will help prevent US from experiencing a change of ownership under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and protect our net operating loss carryforwards, (e) the repeal of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code or any successor statute, or any other change, if our board determines the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement is no longer necessary for the preservation of tax benefits, or (f) the beginning of our taxable year as to which our board determines that we may carry no tax benefits forward.
We may, at our option and with the approval of our board, at any time prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the tenth day following the first date of our public announcement or an Acquiring Person that an Acquiring Person has become such or such later date as may be determined by action of a majority of the members of our board then in office and publicly announced by us or (ii) October 28, 2019, redeem all but not less than all the then outstanding Rights at a redemption price of $0.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price"). The Redemption Price is subject to adjustment to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction occurring after the date of the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement. We may, at our option, pay the Redemption Price either in common stock (based on its then current per share market price) or cash. However, if our board authorizes redemption of the Rights on or after the time a person becomes an Acquiring Person, then such authorization will require the concurrence of a majority of the members of our board then in office.
28
In addition, after a person becomes an Acquiring Person, our board may exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by the Acquiring Person or its affiliates), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock per Right (subject to adjustment).
Our board may adjust the purchase price of the Series A Stock, the number of shares of Series A Stock issuable and the number of outstanding Rights to prevent dilution that may occur as a result of certain events, including a stock dividend, a stock split or a reclassification of the Series A Stock or common stock.
Before the Rights cease to be redeemable, our board may amend or supplement the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement without the consent of the Rights holders. At any time thereafter, our board may amend or supplement the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement only to cure an ambiguity, to alter time period provisions, to correct inconsistent provisions or to make any additional changes to the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, but only to the extent that those changes do not impair or adversely affect any Rights holder and do not result in the Rights becoming redeemable.
Although we issued the Rights in an attempt to preserve our net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes (which we cannot assure), the Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our board. We do not expect that the Rights will interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by our board since we may redeem the Rights at the Redemption Price prior to the date ten days after the public announcement that a person or group has become the beneficial owner of 4.9% or more of the common stock. Further, we may exclude from the calculation of beneficial ownership any securities which a person or any of such person's affiliates may be deemed to have the right to acquire pursuant to any merger or other acquisition agreement between such person and us if our board has approved such agreement prior thereto.
The transfer agent and registrar for our Series A Stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
General
Prior to issuance of shares of each series of our undesignated preferred stock, our board of directors is required by the Delaware General Corporate Law, or DGCL, and our certificate of incorporation to adopt resolutions and file a Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, fixing for each such series the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the shares of such series. Our board of directors could authorize the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction which holders of some, or a majority, of such shares might believe to be in their best interests or in which holders of some, or a majority, of such shares might receive a premium for their shares over the then-market price of such shares.
Subject to limitations prescribed by the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, our board of directors is authorized to fix the number of shares constituting each series of preferred stock and the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the shares of such series, including such provisions as may be desired concerning voting, redemption, dividends, dissolution or the distribution of assets, conversion or exchange and such other subjects or matters as may be fixed by resolution of the board of directors. Each series of preferred stock that we offer under this prospectus will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and will not have, or be subject to, any preemptive or similar rights.
29
The applicable prospectus supplement(s) will describe the following terms of the series of preferred stock in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the preferred stock will rank:
30
As used for these purposes, the term "equity securities" does not include convertible debt securities.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation, Our Bylaws and Delaware Law
Some provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that could make the following transactions more difficult: an acquisition of us by means of a tender offer; an acquisition of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise; or the removal of our incumbent officers and directors. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interest or in our best interests, including transactions that might result in a premium over the market price for our shares.
These provisions, summarized below, are intended to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate take-over bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of the increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
Undesignated Preferred Stock and Rights to Purchase Series A Stock
The Rights described above to acquire Series A Stock, and the ability to authorize additional undesignated preferred stock, makes it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of our company.
Stockholder Meetings
Our bylaws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by our chairman of the board, chief executive officer or by our secretary upon order of our board of directors or the holders of 10% of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote. Only one special meeting may be called per calendar year, unless at least 13 months have passed since the last annual meeting, in which case a second special meeting may be called.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals
Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals to be brought before a stockholder meeting and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors.
Limitations on Stockholder Action by Written Consent
Our certificate of incorporation generally grants stockholders a 20-day right to reconsider and revoke an act consented to by written consent without a meeting. Written consents are valid only for 60 days from the earliest date of consents delivered to us.
31
Common Stock Ownership of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Our bylaws provide common stock ownership guidelines for our independent directors and Chief Executive Officer. Independent directors are expected to acquire and hold during their service as directors a number of shares based on years of service, ranging from one year by value of board compensation within two years of becoming a board member, to 4.5% of our outstanding shares within ten years of becoming a board member. Our Chief Executive Officer is expected to acquire and hold during his or her service as CEO a number of shares valued as one year's worth of annual base compensation.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits persons deemed to be "interested stockholders" from engaging in a "business combination" with a publicly held Delaware corporation for three years following the date these persons become interested stockholders unless the business combination is, or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder was, approved in a prescribed manner or another prescribed exception applies. Generally, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of a corporation's voting stock. Generally, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. The existence of this provision may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the board of directors.
The provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in the composition of our board and management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests
32
We may issue debt warrants to purchase debt securities, as well as equity warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock. The warrants may be issued independently or together with any securities and may be attached to or separate from the securities. The warrants are to be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as shall be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to warrants being offered pursuant to such prospectus supplement. The following description of warrants will apply to the warrants offered by this prospectus unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement for a particular series of warrants may specify different or additional terms.
Debt Warrants
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of debt warrants offered, the warrant agreement relating to the debt warrants and the debt warrant certificates representing the debt warrants, including the following:
Holders may exercise debt warrants at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise and will not be entitled to payment of principal or any premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise.
Equity Warrants
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of equity warrants offered:
33
Prior to exercise of the equity warrants, holders of equity warrants will not be entitled, by virtue of being such holders, to vote, consent, receive dividends, receive notice as stockholders with respect to any meeting of stockholders for the election of our directors or any other matter, or to exercise any rights whatsoever as our stockholders.
The exercise price payable and the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon the exercise of each equity warrant will be subject to adjustment in certain events, including the issuance of a stock dividend to holders of common stock or preferred stock or a stock split, reverse stock split, combination, subdivision or reclassification of common stock or preferred stock. In lieu of adjusting the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of each equity warrant, we may elect to adjust the number of equity warrants. We are not required to make adjustments in the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the equity warrants until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% thereof. We may, at our option, reduce the exercise price at any time. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of equity warrants, but we will pay the cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of any consolidation, merger, or sale or conveyance of our property in its entirety or substantially in its entirety, the holder of each outstanding equity warrant shall have the right to the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property, including cash, receivable by a holder of the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock into which the equity warrant was exercisable immediately prior to such transaction.
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such principal amount of securities or shares of stock at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
The warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants represented by such warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining warrants.
34
We may issue rights to purchase our common stock. The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agent agreement to be entered into between us and one or more banks, trust companies or other financial institutions, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.
The prospectus supplement and any incorporated documents relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:
The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the general features of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. We may issue units consisting of two or more other constituent securities. These units may be issuable as, and for a specified period of time may be transferable only as a single security, rather than as the separate constituent securities comprising such units. While the features we have summarized below will generally apply to any units we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any units that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The specific terms of any units may differ from the description provided below as a result of negotiations with third parties in connection with the issuance of those units, as well as for other reasons. Because the terms of any units we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below, you should rely solely on information in the applicable prospectus supplement if that summary is different from the summary in this prospectus.
We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement related to the specific units being offered, as well as the complete instruments that contain the terms of the securities that comprise those units. Certain of those instruments, or forms of those instruments, have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplements to those instruments
35
or forms may be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part from reports we file with the SEC.
If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following, as applicable:
Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units
Any unit agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable unit agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any unit. A single bank or trust company may act as unit agent for more than one series of units. A unit agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable unit agreement or unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a unit may, without the consent of any related unit agent or the holder of any other unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the unit.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
Unless we indicate differently in a prospectus supplement, the securities initially will be issued in book-entry form and represented by one or more global notes or global securities, or, collectively, global securities. The global securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, as depositary, or DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC. Unless and until it is exchanged for individual certificates evidencing securities under the limited circumstances described below, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to its nominee or by the nominee to the depositary, or by the depositary or its nominee to a successor depositary or to a nominee of the successor depositary.
DTC has advised us that it is:
36
DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among its participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. "Direct participants" in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, including underwriters, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, or DTCC. DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others, which we sometimes refer to as indirect participants, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the Commission.
Purchases of securities under the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of the actual purchaser of a security, which we sometimes refer to as a beneficial owner, is in turn recorded on the direct and indirect participants' records. Beneficial owners of securities will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases. However, beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of their transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which they purchased securities. Transfers of ownership interests in global securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the global securities, except under the limited circumstances described below.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all global securities deposited by direct participants with DTC will be registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other nominee will not change the beneficial ownership of the securities. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities. DTC's records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts the securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants are responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
So long as the securities are in book-entry form, you will receive payments and may transfer securities only through the facilities of the depositary and its direct and indirect participants. We will maintain an office or agency in the location specified in the prospectus supplement for the applicable securities, where notices and demands in respect of the securities and the indenture may be delivered to us and where certificated securities may be surrendered for payment, registration of transfer or exchange.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any legal requirements in effect from time to time.
Redemption notices will be sent to DTC. If less than all of the securities of a particular series are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in the securities of such series to be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (or such other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC will mail an omnibus proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns the consenting or voting rights of Cede & Co. to
37
those direct participants to whose accounts the securities of such series are credited on the record date, identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy.
So long as securities are in book-entry form, we will make payments on those securities to the depositary or its nominee, as the registered owner of such securities, by wire transfer of immediately available funds. If securities are issued in definitive certificated form under the limited circumstances described below, we will have the option of making payments by check mailed to the addresses of the persons entitled to payment or by wire transfer to bank accounts in the United States designated in writing to the applicable trustee or other designated party at least 15 days before the applicable payment date by the persons entitled to payment.
Redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments on the securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC's practice is to credit direct participants' accounts upon DTC's receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us on the payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name." Those payments will be the responsibility of participants and not of DTC or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC, is our responsibility, disbursement of payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.
Except under the limited circumstances described below, purchasers of securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in their names and will not receive physical delivery of securities. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and its participants to exercise any rights under the securities and the indenture.
The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Those laws may impair the ability to transfer or pledge beneficial interests in securities.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to us. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor depository is not obtained, securities certificates are required to be printed and delivered.
As noted above, beneficial owners of a particular series of securities generally will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in those securities. However, if:
we will prepare and deliver certificates for such securities in exchange for beneficial interests in the global securities. Any beneficial interest in a global security that is exchangeable under the
38
circumstances described in the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for securities in definitive certificated form registered in the names that the depositary directs. It is expected that these directions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities.
We have obtained the information in this section and elsewhere in this prospectus concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system from sources that are believed to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
Messerli & Kramer P.A., Minneapolis, Minnesota, will issue an opinion about certain legal matters with respect to the securities offered hereby.
The consolidated financial statements of Asure Software, Inc. appearing in Asure Software, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The special purpose carve-out financial statements of Mangrove Employer Services Payroll Division as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 appearing in our current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2016 have been audited by Marcum LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON
INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Our certificate of incorporation provides that we will indemnify our directors and officers, and may indemnify our employees and other agents, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have 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.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public through the Internet at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about its public reference room.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information in the registration statement. For further
39
information about us and the securities offered by this prospectus, see the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with the SEC. This allows us to disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents, instead of having to repeat the information in this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede such information. We have previously filed the following documents with the SEC and incorporate them by reference into this prospectus:
We also are incorporating by reference any future information filed (rather than furnished) by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this prospectus and the date all securities to which this prospectus relates have been sold or the offering is otherwise terminated and also between the date of the registration statement that contains this prospectus and prior to effectiveness of such registration statement. The most recent information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes more dated information.
You can obtain a copy of any documents which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus or prospectus supplement, including exhibits that are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:
Asure Software, Inc.
110 Wild Basin Road, Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78746
Attn: Investor Relations Department
(512) 437-2678
40
Shares
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Roth Capital Partners
, 2016