UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023 .
or
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Commission File Number: 001-33852
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (775 )
548-1785
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: N/A
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class
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Trading Symbol(s)
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging
growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer ☐
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Accelerated filer ☐
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Emerging growth company
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Smaller reporting company
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We have included or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”), and from time to time we may make statements that may constitute
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking
statements are based upon our current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and beliefs concerning future events and conditions and may discuss, among other things, anticipated future performance (including sales and earnings), products, expected
growth, future business plans and costs, the impact of potential and ongoing litigation, the expectation of future stockholder distributions, statements regarding the Company’s efforts and ability to regain compliance with the New York Stock
Exchange (“NYSE”) continued listing standard, our beliefs and statements regarding general industry and market conditions and growth rates, as well as general domestic and international economic conditions. Any statement that is not historical in
nature is a forward-looking statement and may be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result in,”
and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside our control, which
could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements and from our historical results and experience. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to those described in Item 1A - Risk Factors of this
Report and elsewhere in this Report and those described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Readers are cautioned that it is not possible to predict or identify all the risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may affect future results and that the risks described herein should not be considered a complete list. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake
no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Among others, the forward-looking statements appearing in this Quarterly Report that may not occur include statements that:
| • |
In the VirnetX Inc. v. Apple, Inc. (Case Nos. 6:11-cv-00563-RWS, 6:12-cv-00855-RWS) (“Apple II”) litigation, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the “Federal Circuit”)
in November 2019, affirmed-in-part, and reversed-in-part the judgment issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (the “district court”) in the case awarding VirnetX damages of $595.9 million. On October 30,
2020, after a trial in the district court, a jury returned a verdict in favor of VirnetX, awarding VirnetX over $502 million in damages. On January 15, 2021, the district court denied Apple’s motion for judgment as a matter of law and
affirmed the jury findings. Apple appealed to the Federal Circuit with regards to the judgement from the district court. On March 31, 2023, the Federal Circuit issued its decision vacating the district court’s judgement in this matter and
remanding it back to the district court with instructions to dismiss the case as moot in view of the simultaneous affirmance of decisions by the United States Patent and Trademark Office invalidating claims of the patents in this case. The
Federal Circuit denied rehearing on June 27, 2023. We filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court, on September 20, 2023, but it may not be successful and, even if successful, may not result in reversal of
the Federal Circuit’s decision. In addition, the patents in this case are being challenged, in several additional proceedings, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. If those challenges are successful, the award in the case may be
reduced, eliminated and/or delayed for a lengthy period, regardless of any success of the petition for a writ of certiorari. The continuation of this litigation is distracting to our management, expensive, and these distractions and expenses
may continue.
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| • |
We have undertaken activities to commercialize our products and patent portfolio in and outside the United States including VirnetX One™, War Room™, VirnetX Matrix™, GABRIEL Connection
Technology™ and our Secured Domain Name Registry and Technology. These statements may imply that the worldwide market for our commercialized products is large and will result in significant future revenue for us. However, commercialization of
products such as ours is subject to significant obstacles and risks and may prevent significant future revenues for us.
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EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY LAW, WE UNDERTAKE NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT AS A RESULT OF NEW
INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
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40
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Effective October 25, 2023, every 20 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding was combined into one share of common stock. Proportional adjustments were also
made to the number of restricted stock, common stock issuable upon the exercise of options, warrants and common stock issuable upon the vesting of RSUs. The exercise prices of outstanding stock options, warrants and equity awards were also
proportionally adjusted, as applicable. The accompanying report includes the effects of this reverse stock split.
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
(in thousands, except share amounts)
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As of
September 30,
2023
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As of
December 31,
2022
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(unaudited)
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|||||||
| ASSETS |
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Current assets:
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$
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$
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Investments available for sale
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Accounts receivables
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets
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Total current assets
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| Other investments at cost |
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Prepaid expenses and other assets
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Property and equipment, net
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Total assets
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$
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$
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
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Current liabilities:
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
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$
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$
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Accrued payroll and related expenses
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Other liabilities, current
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Total current liabilities
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| Other liabilities |
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| Total liabilities |
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 4)
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Stockholders’ equity:
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Preferred stock, par value $
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Common stock, par value $
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Additional paid-in capital
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Accumulated deficit
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(
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(
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss
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(
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(
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Total stockholders’ equity
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
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$
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$
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
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Three Months Ended
September 30,
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Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
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2023
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2022
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2023
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2022
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Revenue
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Operating expense:
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Licensing costs
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(
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Research and development
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Selling, general and administrative
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Total operating expense
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(Loss) from operations
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(
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(
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(
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(
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Interest and other income, net
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(Loss) before taxes
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(
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(
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(
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(
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Income tax benefit
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Net (loss)
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$
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(
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)
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$
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(
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)
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$
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(
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$
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(
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Basic (loss) per share
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$
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(
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$
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(
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$
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(
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$
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Diluted (loss) per share
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$
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(
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$
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(
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$
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(
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$
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(
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Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
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Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
(in thousands)
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Three Months Ended
September 30,
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Nine Months Ended
September 30,
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2023
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2022
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2023
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2022
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Net (loss)
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$
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(
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$
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(
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$
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(
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$
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(
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Other comprehensive income (loss):
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Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax
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(
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(
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Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax
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Total other comprehensive income (loss)
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(
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(
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Comprehensive (loss)
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$
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(
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$
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(
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)
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$
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(
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$
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(
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
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Three Months Ended
September 30,
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Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
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2023
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2022
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2023
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2022
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Total shareholders’ equity, beginning balances
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Common stock and additional paid-in capital:
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Beginning balances
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Common stock issued for options/RSUs/restricted stock, net
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( |
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Stock-based compensation
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Ending balances
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Accumulated deficit:
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Beginning balances
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(
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(
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(
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(
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Net (loss)
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(
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(
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(
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(
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Dividends
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( |
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Ending balances
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(
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(
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(
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(
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
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Beginning balances
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(
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)
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(
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)
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(
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(
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Change in unrealized investment gain (loss), net
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(
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(
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Change in foreign currency translation, net
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(
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(
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Ending balances
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(
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)
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(
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)
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(
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(
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Total shareholders’ equity, ending balances
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$
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$
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$
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$
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||||||||
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Dividends per share
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$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
(in thousands)
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Nine Months Ended
September 30,
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2023
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2022
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Cash flows from operating activities:
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Net (loss)
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$
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(
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$
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(
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Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows from operating activities:
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Depreciation
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Deferred tax assets
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(
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Bad debt
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Stock-based compensation
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Changes in assets and liabilities:
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Accounts receivables
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(
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(
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Prepaid expenses and other assets
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Accounts payable
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Accrued payroll and related expenses
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Accrued licensing costs
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(
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Other liabilities
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( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
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Net cash used in operating activities
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(
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)
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(
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Cash flows from investing activities:
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Purchase of investments
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(
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)
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(
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)
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Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments
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Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
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(
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)
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Cash flows from financing activities:
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Payment of dividends
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( |
) | ||||||
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Payment of payroll taxes on restricted stock and vested RSUs
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( |
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Net cash used in financing activities
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( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
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Net change in cash and cash equivalents
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(
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)
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(
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)
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Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
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$
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$
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Cash paid for income taxes
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$ | $ | ||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Note 1 — Business Description
and Basis of Presentation
VirnetX Holding Corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is an Internet security software and technology company with patented technology for Zero Trust Network Access (“ZTNA”) based secure network
communications. VirnetX’s software and technology solutions, including its Secure Domain Name Registry and Technology, VirnetX One™, War Room™, VirnetX Matrix™, and GABRIEL
Connection Technology™, are designed to be device- and location-independent, and enable a secure real-time communication environment for all types of enterprise applications, services, and critical infrastructures. Our technology generates secure
connections on a “single-click” basis, significantly simplifying the deployment of secure real-time communication solutions by eliminating the need for end-users to enter any encryption information. Our portfolio of intellectual property
is the foundation of our business model. We currently own approximately 205 total patents and pending applications, including 72 U.S. patents/patent applications and 133
foreign patents/validations/pending applications. Our patent portfolio is primarily focused on securing real-time communications over the Internet and related services, and is used in
all our technology and products, some of which were acquired by our principal operating subsidiary; VirnetX, Inc., from Leidos, Inc., or Leidos, (f/k/a Science Applications International Corporation, or SAIC) in 2006.
Our product portfolio includes sophisticated technologies, products and services that are available
for sale worldwide. Our next-generation, VirnetX One™ platform builds upon our patented Secure Domain Name Registry and Technology and GABRIEL Connection Technology™ to
further enhance the security and efficiency of our patented secure communication links. VirnetX One™ is a security-as-a-service platform that protects enterprise
applications, services, and infrastructure from cyber-attacks. Our platform allows businesses and other enterprises of all sizes to add a “security umbrella” as an added layer on top of their existing infrastructure to further reduce risk and
bolster security against ever-growing cyberthreats to data, operating systems, other infrastructure products and gateway security controllers.
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Unaudited Interim Financial
Information
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2023, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022,
and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and
2022 are unaudited. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). In our opinion, the unaudited interim consolidated
financial statements include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position as of September 30, 2023, our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and our cash flows for the nine months ended September
30, 2023 and 2022. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023.
Use of Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance
with U.S. GAAP. In doing so, we have to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. In some cases, we could
reasonably have used different accounting policies and estimates. In some cases, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. To the
extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations will be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable
under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting policies and estimates, which we discuss further below. We have reviewed our critical accounting
policies and estimates with the audit committee of our Board of Directors.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
VirnetX Holding Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at
inception in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are included in Prepaid expenses, and other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. ROU assets represent the
Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on
the present value of lease payments over the lease term (see Note 8 – Leases).
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives revenue from licensing and royalty fees
from contracts with customers which can span several years. We account for this revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or
service to the customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Our revenue arrangements may consist of multiple-element
arrangements, with revenue for each unit of accounting recognized as the product or service is delivered to the customer.
With the licensing of our patents, performance obligations are
generally satisfied at a point in time as work is complete when our patent rights are transferred to our customers. We generally have no further obligation to our customers regarding our technology.
Certain contracts may require our customers to enter into a
hosting arrangement with us and for these arrangements, revenue is recognized over time, generally over the life of the servicing contract.
The Company actively monitors and enforces its intellectual
property rights, including seeking appropriate compensation from third parties that utilize the Company’s intellectual property without a license. As a result, the Company may, from time to time, receive payments as part of a settlement or
compensation for a patent infringement dispute. Proceeds received are allocated to each element identified in the settlement or compensation, based on the fair value of each element. Generally, settlements and compensation may include the following
elements: the value of a license or royalty agreement, cost reimbursement, damages, and interest. Elements identified related to licensing and royalty are recognized as revenue. Elements identified as reimbursed costs are generally recorded as a
reduction to the reported expenses. Elements identified as damages or interest are generally recorded in other income in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
Licensing Costs
In 2022, we received a refund of licensing costs we incurred in conjunction with a favorable court decision relating to a patent infringement case.
Contingent Gains
ASC Topic 450-30-25, Contingent Gains, prohibits recognition of
contingent gains until realized. Accordingly, we do not record contingent gains ahead of such realization. Management generally considers any such gains as realized only upon the collection of cash.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with
maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these investments.
Investments
Investments are classified as available-for-sale and are
recorded at fair market value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses are recorded in income in the period they are realized using specific identification of each security’s cost basis. We
invest our excess cash primarily in highly liquid debt instruments including corporate, government and federal agency securities, with contractual maturities less than two years . By policy, we limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer.
We have elected the investment measurement alternative for
other investments without readily determinable fair values. These investments are carried at our initial cost less any impairment, when we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters. For these
investments, we adjust the carrying value for any purchases or sales of our ownership interests. Periodically, we evaluate these investments for impairment. If we identify an impairment, we reduce the carrying value for the impairment loss with a
charge to earnings.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost, less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the accelerated and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from to seven years . Repair and maintenance costs are charged to
expense as incurred.
Concentration of Credit
Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties
Our
cash and cash equivalents are primarily maintained at two major financial institutions in the United States. Deposits held with these
financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. A portion of those balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had, at times,
funds that were uninsured. We do not believe that we are subject to any unusual financial risk beyond the normal risk associated with commercial banking relationships. We have not experienced any losses on our deposits of cash and cash equivalents.
Fair Value
The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including
cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value because of their generally short maturities.
Intangible Assets
We record intangible assets at cost, less accumulated
amortization. Amortization of intangible assets is provided over their estimated useful lives, which can range from to 15 years, on either a straight-line basis or as revenue is generated by the assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We identify and record impairment losses on long-lived assets
used in operations when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset might not be recoverable, but not less than annually. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the anticipated future net undiscounted cash
flows to the related assets’ carrying value. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the projected discounted future net cash flows
arising from the asset.
Research and Development
Research and development costs include expenses paid to outside
development consultants and compensation related expenses for our engineering staff. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability
method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of our
assets and liabilities. We calculate current and deferred tax provisions based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from actual results reflected on the income tax returns filed during the following years. Adjustments based on filed
returns are recorded when identified in the subsequent years. The effect on deferred taxes for a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that the tax rate change is enacted. In assessing our deferred tax assets, we consider
whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The 2017 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes IRC Section 174, regarding capitalization of book research and development (“R&D”) expenses for income tax purposes. Effective for tax years beginning in 2022, IRC Section 174 requires the capitalization of book R&D expenses which are capitalized and amortized over 5 years for domestic R&D expenses and over 15 years for foreign R&D expenses. To date there has been limited guidance from the IRS on how to quantify the amount of book R&D expenses subject to capitalization, including the indirect expenses supporting the R&D function. Due to the limited guidance, some assumptions were made in our estimates.
A valuation allowance is provided for deferred income tax
assets when, in our judgment, based upon currently available information and other factors, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of such deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the need for a valuation
allowance is based on an on-going evaluation of current information including, among other things, historical operating results, estimates of future earnings in different taxing jurisdictions and the expected timing of the reversals of temporary
differences. We believe the determination to record a valuation allowance to reduce a deferred income tax asset is a significant accounting estimate because it is based, among other things, on an estimate of future taxable income in the United
States and certain other jurisdictions, which is susceptible to change and may or may not occur, and because the impact of adjusting a valuation allowance may be material. In determining when to release the valuation allowance established against
our net deferred income tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative. We continually assess our ability to generate sufficient taxable income during future periods in which our deferred tax assets may be realized. If
and when we believe it is more likely than not that we will recover our deferred tax assets, we will reverse the valuation allowance as an income tax benefit in our statements of operations.
We account for our uncertain tax positions in accordance with
U.S. GAAP, which utilizes a two-step approach to evaluate tax positions. Step one, recognition, requires evaluation of the tax position to determine if based solely on technical merits it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Step
two, measurement, is addressed only if a position is more likely than not to be sustained. In step two, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely than not to be
realized upon ultimate settlement with tax authorities. If a position does not meet the more likely than not threshold for recognition in step one, no benefit is recorded until the first subsequent period in which the more likely than not standard is
met, the issue is resolved with the taxing authority, or the statute of limitations expires. Positions previously recognized are reversed if and when we subsequently determine the position no longer is more likely than not to be sustained. Evaluation
of tax positions, their technical merits, and measurements using cumulative probability are highly subjective management estimates. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation using the fair value
recognition method in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We recognize these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally a vesting term of four years . We recognize forfeitures, if any, when they occur. In addition, we record stock-based compensation expense for awards granted to non-employees at fair value of the
consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, as they vest, over the performance period (See Note 5 - Stock-Based Compensation).
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period
increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive securities had been issued.
Fair Value of Financial
Instruments
Fair value is the price that would result from an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). Level 2 measurements utilize either directly or indirectly observable inputs in markets other than quoted prices in active markets.
Our financial instruments are stated at amounts that equal, or
approximate, fair value. When we estimate fair value, we utilize market data or assumptions that we believe market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument, including assumptions about risk and inputs to the valuation technique. We
use valuation techniques, primarily the income and market approach, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs for recurring fair value measurements.
Mutual
funds: Valued at the quoted net asset value of shares held.
U.S.
agency and treasury securities: Fair
value measured at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
The
following tables show the adjusted cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair value of our securities by significant investment category as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
|
September 30, 2023
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted
Cost
|
Unrealized
Gains
|
Unrealized
Losses
|
Fair Value
|
Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
|
Investments
Available
for Sale
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
||||||||||||
|
Level 1:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mutual funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
U.S. agency and
treasury securities
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
3
|
$ | (93 | ) |
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||||||
|
December 31, 2022
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted
Cost
|
Unrealized
Gains
|
Unrealized
Losses
|
Fair Value
|
Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
|
Investments
Available
for Sale
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
||||||||||||
|
Level 1:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mutual funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
U.S. agency and treasury securities
|
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
9
|
$
|
(386
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||||||
Note 3 — Income Taxes
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized an income tax benefit of $1 on loss before taxes of $4,919 ,
which is an effective tax rate of 0.0 %. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized an income tax benefit of $79 on loss before income taxes of $20,843 ,
which is an effective tax rate of 0.38 %. The effective rate is lower than the statutory federal rate primarily due to the change
in valuation allowance and stock-based compensation. Management provided a full valuation allowance against net deferred income tax assets at September 30, 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized an income tax
benefit of $486 on loss before taxes of $4,766 , an effective tax rate of 10.3 %. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we
recognized an income tax benefit of $1,171 on loss before taxes of $13,208 , which is an effective tax rate of 8.3 %. The
effective rate is lower than the statutory federal rate primarily due to the effect of stock-based compensation and expiring options, requiring us to reduce our deferred tax asset.
Our tax years for 2005 and forward are subject to examination by the U.S. tax authority and various state tax authorities because we utilized the NOLs and tax
credits generated in those years in 2020. The statute of limitation for those years shall expire three years after the date of filing 2020 income tax returns.
We are required to
recognize the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. At December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2023, we have no no
Note 4 — Commitments and
Related Party Transactions
We lease our office under
an operating lease with a third party which expires on October 31, 2023 (see Note 8 - Leases).
We entered into a service
agreement for the use of an aircraft from K2 Investment Fund LLC (“LLC”) for business travel for employees of the Company. We incurred approximately $314
and $713 compared to $268
and $782 in fees and reimbursements to the LLC during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We pay for
the Company’s usage of the aircraft and have no rights to purchase. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative Officer are the managing partners of the LLC and control the equity interests of the LLC. We entered into a 12 -month non-exclusive agreement with the LLC for use of the plane at a rate of $8 per flight hour, with no minimum usage requirement. The agreement contains other terms and conditions and can be cancelled by either us or the LLC with 30 days’ notice. The agreement renews on an annual basis unless terminated by either party. Neither party has exercised their termination rights.
Note 5 — Stock-Based
Compensation
Our stockholders approved the Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the “A&R Plan”) at our annual shareholders’ meeting in June 2023, which added 175,000 shares to the plan. Our prior plan expired March 29, 2023; no further awards will be made under the prior plan, but the A&R Plan will
govern awards granted under the prior plan. The A&R Plan provides for the granting of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and restricted stock. Options granted under the A&R Plan are granted with an exercise price equal to
the fair value of the of our stock on the date of grant. RSUs and restricted stock are granted at the fair value of our stock on the date of grant because they have no exercise price. The fair value of options, RSUs and restricted stock are
expensed over the vesting periods. All options, RSUs and restricted stock are subject to forfeiture if service terminates prior to the shares vesting. At September 30, 2023, there were 225,757 shares available for grant under the A&R Plan.
Stock-based
compensation expense included in general and administrative expense was $449 and $573 , and in research and development expense was $257 and $301 , for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense included in general and administrative
expense was $1,213 and $1,526 ,
and in research and development expense was $857 and $938 , for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We did no
During the nine
months ended September 30, 2023, we granted options for a total of 1,875 shares with a weighted average grant date fair value of $7.00 per option. We estimated the fair value of the options on the date of grant utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following
assumptions: (i) 0 percent dividend yield, (ii) 81 percent volatility, (iii) 4 % risk free rate and (iv) 6 years expected term. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we granted options for a total of 40,050 shares with a weighted average grant date fair value of $21.80
per option. We estimated the fair value of the options on the date of grant utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions: (i) 0 percent dividend yield, (ii) 86 percent volatility, (iii) 3 percent risk free rate and (iv) 6 years
expected term.
We did no
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we granted 1,250
and 12,918 RSUs respectively, with weighted average fair values at the date of grant of $10.00 and $29.20 , respectively.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we granted 36,942 9.12 No 6
As
of September 30, 2023, the unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, RSUs, and restricted stock was $2,524 ,
$881 and $307 ,
respectively, which will be amortized over an estimated weighted average period of approximately 2.0 , 2.0 and 3.8 years,
respectively.
During the nine
months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we returned 12,656 and 16,620 shares, respectively, to the plan due to the 10
Note 6 — Equity
Common Stock
We issued no 10,763
and 9,589 shares, respectively, as a result of vesting RSUs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Warrants
In
2020, we issued warrants for the purchase of 1,250 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $115 per share, exercisable on the date of grant, expiring in . The weighted average fair value at the grant date was $83.20 per warrant. The fair value at
the grant date was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions (i) dividend yield on our common stock of 0 percent (ii) expected stock price volatility of 97 percent (iii) a risk-free interest rate of 0.27 percent and (iv) and expected option term of 5
years.
|
Warrants
Issued
|
Exercise
Price
|
Outstanding
and
Exercisable
December 31,
2022
|
Issued
|
Exercised
|
Terminated /
Cancelled
|
Outstanding
and
Exercisable
September 30, 2023
|
Expiration
Date
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Note 7 — Litigation (all
dollar amounts in this section are expressed in thousands except for rates per device)
We have several
intellectual property infringement lawsuits pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“USCAFC”).
VirnetX Inc. v. Apple,
Inc. (Case 6:12-CV-00855-LED) (“Apple II”)
This case began on
November 6, 2012, when we filed a complaint against Apple Inc. (“Apple”) in United States District Court (“USDC”) in which we alleged that Apple infringed on certain of our patents, (U.S. Patent Nos. 6,502,135, 7,418,504, 7,921,211 and 7,490,151).
We sought damages and injunctive relief. The accused products include the iPhone 5, iPod Touch 5th Generation, iPad 4th Generation, iPad mini, and the latest Macintosh computers. The USDC entered a Final Judgment and issued its Memorandum Opinion
and Order regarding post-trial motions, affirming the jury’s verdict of $502,600 and granting VirnetX motions for supplemental damages, a
sunset royalty, and the royalty rate of $1.20 per infringing iPhone, iPad and Mac products, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and
costs. Apple filed a notice of appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“USCAFC”) in the Apple II case.
On October 9, 2018,
USCAFC docketed the appeal as Case No. 19-1050 - VirnetX Inc. v. Apple Inc. On November 22, 2019, the USCAFC issued an opinion affirming the district court’s findings that Apple is precluded from making certain invalidity arguments and that Apple
infringed the ‘135 and ‘151 patents; reversing the USDC’s finding that Apple infringed the ‘504 and ‘211 patents; and remanding the case for proceedings on damages. Apple sought panel and en banc rehearing, which the USCAFC denied on February 10,
2020.
On February 22, 2021, the USCAFC docketed the appeal as Case No. 19-1672. Apple’s opening brief was filed on
June 2, 2021. VirnetX filed its responsive brief on July 26, 2021. Apple filed its reply brief on September 13, 2021. Oral arguments were held on September 8, 2022. On March 31, 2023, the USCAFC issued its decision vacating the USDC’s judgement
in this matter and remanding it back to the USDC with instructions to dismiss the case as moot. On July 14, 2023 the District Court vacated its prior Final Judgment against Apple dated January 6, 2021 and dismissed the case as moot. On
May 1, 2023, VirnetX filed a petition for panel rehearing. On June 27, 2023, the petition for panel rehearing was denied, and the mandate issued on June 30, 2023. VirnetX filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme
Court, on September 20, 2023. On October 27, 2023, the Supreme Court requested all the parties in this case to submit a response to our petition. The current deadline for filing the responses is set for December 27, 2023.
VirnetX Inc. v. Mangrove
Partners Master Fund, Ltd., Apple Inc. (USCAFC Case 20-2271) and VirnetX Inc. v. Mangrove Partners Master Fund, Ltd., Apple Inc., and Black Swamp, LLC (USCAFC Case 20-2272)
On September 15, 2020, we filed with the USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) in inter-partes review proceedings IPR2015-01046 and IPR2016-00062
involving our U.S. Patent No. 6,502,135, and an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter-partes review proceedings IPR2015-1047, IPR2016-00063, and IPR2016-00167 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,490,151. On September 25, 2020, the
USCAFC issued an order consolidating the two appeals. On December 15, 2020, we filed a motion to vacate the PTAB decisions below and
to remand these appeals to the PTAB. On March 16, 2021, the USCAFC denied the motion without prejudice to us raising the challenges made in the motion in our opening brief. Our opening brief was filed on June 7, 2021.
On June 23, 2021, the USCAFC entered an order directing us (and parties in other appeals that raised
Appointments Clause challenges) to file a brief explaining how they believe their cases should proceed in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Arthrex, Inc., 141 S. Ct. 1970 (2021). On July 7, 2021, we filed a brief in
response to the court’s order. Other parties, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) filed their responses on July 21, 2021. On August 19, 2021, USCAFC issued an order remanding these appeals for the limited purpose of
allowing VirnetX the opportunity to request rehearing of the PTAB’s final written decisions by the Director of the USPTO. The USCAFC retained jurisdiction over the appeals in the meantime. On September 20, 2021, we filed our requests for
Director rehearing with the USPTO. On October 29, 2021, our requests for Director rehearing were denied. We subsequently filed an amended opening brief to the USCAFC on December 10, 2021, the other parties filed response briefs on February 2,
2022, and we filed a reply brief on February 22, 2022. All the briefings have been completed. The oral arguments in this matter were held on September 8, 2022. On March 30, 2023, the USCAFC issued its decision affirming PTAB’s decisions finding
certain claims of the ‘135 patent and the ‘151 patent to be unpatentable. On June 5, 2023, VirnetX filed a petition for panel rehearing. On June 22, 2023, the petition for panel rehearing was denied, and the mandate issued on June 29,
2023. VirnetX filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court, on September 20, 2023. On October 27, 2023, the Supreme Court requested all the parties in this case to
submit a response to our petition. The current deadline for filing the responses is set for December 27, 2023.
VirnetX Inc. v. Hirshfeld (USCAFC Case 17-2593, -2594)
On September 22, 2017, we filed with the USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in
inter-partes review proceeding IPR2016-00693 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,418,504, and an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter-partes review proceeding IPR2016-00957 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,921,211. On September
16, 2021, USCAFC issued an order remanding these appeals for the limited purpose of allowing VirnetX the opportunity to request rehearing of the PTAB’s final written decisions by the Director of the USPTO. The USCAFC retained jurisdiction
over the appeals in the meantime. On October 18, 2021, we filed our requests for Director rehearing with the USPTO. On January 7, 2022, our requests for Director rehearing were denied. On January 21, 2022, we informed the USCAFC about the
denial of Director rehearing and requested that the court dismiss the appeal involving IPR2016-00957 as moot and vacate the PTAB’s underlying decision. On April 4, 2022, the USCAFC vacated the PTAB’s decision in IPR2016-00957 and remanded
Appeal No. 17-2594 with instructions to dismiss. In the April 4, 2022 order, the USCAFC further set a briefing schedule, in Appeal No. 17-2593. VirnetX filed its opening brief on September 12, 2022. The USPTO filed its response brief on
December 20, 2022. VirnetX filed its reply brief on February 14, 2023. On April 18, 2023, VirnetX filed a motion to hold this appeal in abeyance pending the disposition of any petition for rehearing in the No. 20-2271, -2272 appeal,
and pending the United States Supreme Court’s disposition of a pending petition for a writ of certiorari in Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., No. 22-639. That motion was denied on June 1,
2023, oral argument was held on October 2, 2023, and we currently await a decision by the USCAFC.
VirnetX Inc. v. Cisco Systems, Inc. (USCAFC Case 19-1671)
On March 18, 2019, we filed with the USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in
inter-partes re-examination proceeding 95/001,679 involving our U.S. Patent No. 6,502,135. On October 5, 2021, USCAFC issued an order remanding these appeals for the limited purpose of allowing VirnetX the opportunity to request rehearing of
the PTAB’s final written decisions by the Director of the PTO. The USCAFC retained jurisdiction over the appeals in the meantime. Our request for Director rehearing with the PTO was filed on November 5, 2021. On January 10, 2022, our request
for Director rehearing was denied. We informed the USCAFC about the denial of Director rehearing. VirnetX’s opening brief was filed on June 23, 2022. The USPTO’s response brief was filed on August 2, 2022, and Cisco’s response brief was filed
on September 2, 2022. VirnetX filed its reply brief on October 7, 2022. On April 18, 2023, VirnetX filed a motion to hold this appeal in abeyance pending the disposition of any petition for rehearing in the No. 20-2271, -2272 appeal,
and pending the Supreme Court’s disposition of a pending petition for a writ of certiorari in Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., No. 22-639. Oral argument was
held on October 2, 2023, and we currently await a decision by the USCAFC.
VirnetX Inc. v. Apple Inc. (USCAFC Case 22-1523) (“Apple Reexam I”)
On March 10, 2022, we filed with the
USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter-partes re-examination proceeding 95/001,682 involving our U.S. Patent No. 6,502,135. Our opening brief was filed on August 22, 2022. Apple and USPTO each filed a response brief
on December 28, 2022. VirnetX filed its reply brief on February 8, 2023. On April 18, 2023, VirnetX filed a motion to hold this appeal in abeyance pending the disposition of any petition for rehearing in the No. 20-2271, -2272 appeal,
and pending the Supreme Court’s disposition of a pending petition for a writ of certiorari in Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., No. 22-639. That motion was
denied on June 1, 2023. Oral argument was held on October 2, 2023, and we currently await a decision by the USCAFC.
VirnetX Inc. v. Apple Inc. (USCAFC Case 22-1997) (“Apple Reexam II”)
On July 6, 2022, we filed with the
USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter-partes re-examination proceeding 95/001,697 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,490,151. On October 17, 2022, we filed a motion to remand the appeal in light of the PTAB’s
refusal to permit Director rehearing. On January 23, 2023, the USCAFC denied that motion without prejudice to the parties raising their arguments in the merits briefs. VirnetX opening brief was filed on May 8, 2023, and Apple and
the USPTO each filed a response brief on July 24, 2023. VirnetX filed its reply brief on September 1, 2023. We currently await scheduling of oral arguments.
VirnetX Inc. v. Cisco Systems, Inc. (USCAFC Case 22-2234)
On September 16, 2022, we filed
with the USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter-partes re-examination proceeding 95/001,851 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,418,504. We filed our opening brief on February 28, 2023. Cisco’s response brief
was filed on May 10, 2023, and VirnetX reply brief was filed on June 21, 2023. Oral argument was held on October 2, 2023, and we currently await a decision by the USCAFC.
VirnetX Inc. v. Cisco Systems, Inc. (USCAFC Case
23-1765)
On April 7, 2023, we filed with
the USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter-partes re-examination proceeding 95/001,714 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,490,151. In addition, on April 21, 2023, Cisco filed a cross-appeal. Cisco’s response brief
was filed on May 10, 2023. On September 29, 2023, VirnetX filed a motion to remand. Cisco filed its response to the motion on October 10, 2023, and VirnetX filed its reply on October 17, 2023.
Other Legal Matters
One or more potential intellectual property infringement
claims may also be available to us against certain other companies who have the resources to defend against any such claims. Although we believe these potential claims are likely valid, commencing a lawsuit can be expensive and time-consuming,
and there is no assurance that we could prevail on such potential claims if we made them. In addition, bringing a lawsuit may lead to potential counterclaims which may distract our management and our other resources, including capital resources,
from efforts to successfully commercialize our products.
Currently, we are not a
party to any other pending legal proceedings and are not aware of any proceeding threatened or contemplated against us.
Note 8 — Leases
We lease office space under an operating lease which expired
on October 31, 2023 (See Note 10 - Subsequent Events). On September 30, 2023, the underlying ROU asset and lease liability totaled $4.5 45 13 41
We also lease a facility for corporate promotional and
marketing purposes which was prepaid at inception and expires in 2025, as amended. On September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the ROU asset totaled $424
and $648 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, lease expense totaled $75 and $225 , respectively. For the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, lease expense totaled $75 and $224 , respectively.
Note 9 — Earnings Per Share
Basic
earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding.
Potential common shares outstanding principally include stock options, RSUs and warrants, excluding any potentially dilutive shares convertible at a price higher than the closing price of our stock at the end of each reporting period. The following
table shows the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
|
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
|||||||||||||
|
Numerator:
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Net (loss)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Denominator:
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Weighted-average
basic shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Effect of
dilutive securities
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Weighted-average
diluted shares
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Basic (loss) per
share
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Diluted (loss)
per share
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
We incurred a net
loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022; therefore, all potentially dilutive securities representing shares of common stock (348,729 372,156
Note 10 — Subsequent Events
Effective October 25, 2023, every shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding or held in treasury was combined into one share of common stock. The total number of authorized shares remains unchanged at 100,000,000 . The par value of common stock remains unchanged at $0.0001 . Proportional adjustments were also made to the number of restricted stock, common stock issuable upon the exercise of options, warrants and common stock issuable upon the vesting of RSUs. The exercise
prices of outstanding stock options, warrants and equity awards were also proportionally adjusted, as applicable. The accompanying financial statements include the effect of this reverse stock split.
On October 5, 2023, the Company renewed its office lease for two years , at a rate of $5 per month through October 31, 2025.
In November 2023, the Company executed a lease in Utah for office space to be utilized for our move into the artificial intelligence sector. The lease is for 66 months , includes 6 months of free rent, with monthly rent
beginning at $72 , increasing 3 %
annually.
In October 2023, we invested $500 into OP Media, Inc. who committed to using VirnetX as their exclusive global cybersecurity solution provider, integrating VirnetXOneTM
into their solutions, and reselling those solutions.
Company Overview
We are an Internet security software and technology company with patented technology for Zero Trust Network Access (“ZTNA”) based secure network communications. VirnetX’s software and technology
solutions, including its Secure Domain Name Registry and Technology, VirnetX One™, War Room™, VirnetX Matrix™, and GABRIEL Connection Technology™, are designed to be device- and location-independent, and enable a secure real-time communication
environment for all types of enterprise applications, services, and critical infrastructures. Our technology generates secure connections on a “single-click” basis, significantly simplifying the deployment of secure real-time communication
solutions by eliminating the need for end-users to enter any encryption information. Our portfolio of intellectual property is the foundation of our business model. We currently own approximately 205 total patents and pending applications,
including 72 U.S. patents/patent applications and 133 foreign patents/validations/pending applications. Our patent portfolio is primarily focused on securing real-time communications over the Internet, and related services, and is used in all our
technology and products, some of which were acquired by our principal operating subsidiary; VirnetX, Inc., from Leidos, Inc., or Leidos, (f/k/a Science Applications International Corporation, or SAIC) in 2006.
Our product portfolio includes sophisticated technologies, products and services that are available for sale worldwide. Our next-generation, VirnetX One™ platform builds upon our patented Secure
Domain Name Registry and Technology and GABRIEL Connection Technology™ to further enhance the security and efficiency of our patented secure communication links. VirnetX One™ is a security-as-a-service platform that protects enterprise
applications, services, and infrastructure from cyber-attacks. Our platform allows businesses and other enterprises of all sizes to add a “security umbrella” as an added layer on top of their existing infrastructure to further reduce risk and
bolster security against ever-growing cyberthreats to data, operating systems, other infrastructure products and gateway security controllers.
Our War Room™ software product provides safe and secure video conferencing meeting environment where sensitive communications and data is invisible to those not authorized to view it. War Room™
validates permissions of all the users, and devices requesting access to any secure meeting room prior to granting access. We believe our War Room™ will be an attractive solution for government and law enforcement agencies as well as all
professional sectors such as legal, financial, and medical where limiting access to confidential data is a critical requirement.
Our VirnetX Matrix™ product provides superior security for internet-enabled enterprise applications and their connected devices, and for control systems currently deployed by those enterprises
(e.g., file servers, data back-up systems, VPN/firewalls). VirnetX Matrix™ provides a true “zero-trust” access protection, “single-click” ease of use, and is a highly-effective added layer of protection that is deployed simply, without the need
for changes to an enterprise’s existing, in-place infrastructure. We believe VirnetX Matrix™ is an attractive solution for all businesses, cloud and on-premise application service providers, and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), looking
to improve visibility and management of their networks to mitigate morphing attacks on their networks and for real time access and control of their users.
Our GABRIEL Collaboration Suite™ is a set of communication applications and tools that use our GABRIEL Secure Communication Platform™. It enables seamless and secure cross platform communications
between devices that are enrolled in our “VIRNETX SECURED” network and have our software installed. Effective May 31, 2023 we have ended the support for our GABRIEL Collaboration Suite™. All the existing customers and partners have been notified
of this announcement.
During the first three quarters of 2023, we actively engaged in discussions with certain third-parties to pitch the capabilities of VirnetX One™. As a result of our efforts, during the second
quarter we made a series of announcements with Solution Synergy, WeSecure, Samsung, Envoy Data Corporation, and ObjectSecurity. We also announced a number of new deployments of our VirnetX Matrix™ product at City of Bridgeport, International
Association of Certified ISAOs (IACI) and SkinWalker Ranch as a part of our new sales initiatives. We continue to actively pursue new opportunities as a part of these initiatives. We believe that these parties have an interest to secure devices
and systems in areas such as City, County and State Governments, Healthcare, Finance, Legal, Oil and Gas, Medical, Law Enforcement, National Defense and related support industries. Although there can be no assurance in this regard, the Company
believes that there are opportunities for Company products sales directly to, resale arrangements with and/or adoption as vendor standards by, one or more of these third parties.
In the second half of 2023, we completed investments and partnership agreements with two companies in the artificial intelligence (“AI”) sector that we expect to augment the Company’s strategy to
provide secure AI to the marketplace. The first investment was with L2 Holdings, LLC (“OmniTeq LLC”), an AI, machine learning (“ML”) and predictive analytics-based solutions provider with a primary focus on selling into the space and defense
sectors. Under the terms of our agreement, OmniTeq will deploy and integrate our VirnetX One™ family of products at SkinWalker Ranch to secure their data and protect against cyber hackers. Our second investment was with OP Media, Inc, a dynamic
software platform provider, addressing a critical market requirement for transforming static infrastructure processes and knowledgebases into digital processes that can be continuously optimized using AI, ML, and blockchain technologies for
making informed decisions and creating streamlined workflows in real-time, without requiring coding or programming skills. Further, under the terms of our respective agreements, both OmniTeq and OP Media have agreed to integrate our VirnetX One™
family of products and services into their solutions and to resell them to their current and future customers. Both companies have committed to using VirnetX as their exclusive global cybersecurity solution provider and go-to-market partner.
We have an ongoing licensing program under which we offer licenses to a portion of our patent portfolio, technology, and software, including our secure domain name registry service, to domain
infrastructure providers, communication service providers as well as to system integrators. Our GABRIEL Connection Technology™ License is offered to OEM customers who want to adopt the GABRIEL Connection Technology™ as their solution for
establishing secure connections using secure domain names within their products. We have developed GABRIEL Connection Technology™ Software Development Kit to assist with rapid integration of these techniques into existing software
implementations. Customers who want to develop their own implementation of the VirnetX patented techniques for supporting secure domain names, or other techniques that are covered by our patent portfolio for establishing secure communication
links, can purchase a patent license. The number of patents licensed, and therefore the cost of the patent license to the customer, will depend upon which of the patents are used in a particular product or service. These licenses will typically
include an initial license fee, as well as an ongoing royalty.
We expect to continue to launch new and enhanced security platforms, software products, and services based on our GABRIEL Connection Technology™. We will provide updates to new and existing
customers as they are released to the public. Many small and medium businesses have installed our software products in their corporate networks. We intend to continue to expand our customer base with targeted promotions and direct sales
initiatives.
Our employees include the core development team behind our patent portfolio, technology, and software. Some members of this team have worked together for over twenty years and were on the same team
that invented and developed this technology while working at Leidos. The team has continued its research and development work and expanded the set of patents we acquired in 2006 from Leidos, into a larger patent portfolio. This portfolio now
serves as the foundation of our products, services, and our licensing business. It is expected to generate most of our future revenue in license fees and royalties. We intend to continue our efforts to develop new products and technologies and
further strengthen and expand our patent portfolio. We intend to continue using an outsourced and leveraged model to maintain efficiency and manage costs as we grow our licensing business by, for example, offering incentives to early licensing
targets or asserting our rights for use of our patents.
NYSE Deficiency
On May 12, 2023, we received a written notification from the NYSE that as of May 11, 2023, we were not in compliance with the continued listing
standard set forth in Section 802.01C of the NYSE Listed Company Manual because the average closing price of our common stock was less than $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. Pursuant to Section 802.01C, we have a period of
six months following the receipt of the notification to regain compliance with the minimum price criteria.
A 1-for-20 reverse stock split was approved by stockholders at the special meeting held on October 24, 2023, a certificate of amendment to our
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was filed and became effective as of October 25, 2023, and our common stock began trading on a post-split basis on October 26, 2023. As of the end of the cure period, we expect that our common
stock share price will meet the applicable requirements and we expect to regain compliance with the minimum share price requirement. However, there can be no assurances that we will maintain compliance as there may be continued volatility and
fluctuations in the market price of our common stock.
Our common stock could also be delisted if our average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period is less than $15
million. Our average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period may be less than $15 million based on the recent market price of our common stock. If our stock price does not rise to a level where it meets the global
market capitalization requirement, the NYSE will promptly suspend our common stock from trading on the NYSE and will simultaneously begin the process to delist our common stock, subject to our right to appeal under NYSE rules. While we may
appeal this decision, there is no assurance that any appeal we undertake will be successful.
If shares of our common stock are delisted from the NYSE, there may be no public market for our common stock. Any over-the-counter or other market
that does develop would likely be characterized by decreased liquidity and greater volatility for our common stock as well as adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital or enter into strategic transactions, which may materially and
adversely affect the value of our common stock. There can be no assurance that we will maintain compliance with the NYSE continued listing standards. As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we expect to regain compliance with the
$1.00 average closing share price continued listing standard and are continuing to monitor the average global market capitalization continued listing standard.
Results of Operation
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Compared with the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue
We recognized revenue of $3 and $7 and $4 and $43 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Licensing Costs
A refund of $4 we incurred in conjunction with a favorable court decision relating to a patent infringement case, is included in licensing costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development expenses increased by $2 to $1,218 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and by $3,643 to $7,341 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was
primarily due to higher engineering employee costs which included a bonus paid in the second quarter of 2023.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $277 to $4,420 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and by $5,959 to $16,333 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The
increase is primarily due to increased legal fees, outside services, and compensation costs which included a bonus paid in the second quarter of 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $27,845 and our short-term investments totaled approximately $33,183, compared to cash and cash equivalents of
approximately $86,561 and short-term investments of approximately $65,462 at December 31, 2022, respectively. Working capital was $59,868 at September 30, 2023, and $151,530 at December 31, 2022.
We expect that our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of September 30, 2023, will be sufficient to fund our current level of operating expense, including legal expenses and
provide related working capital for the foreseeable future. Over the longer term, we expect to derive the majority of our future revenue from license fees and royalties associated with our patent portfolio, technology, software and secure domain
name registry in the United States and other markets around the world.
Dividends
On March 30, 2023, we declared a one-time cash dividend of $20 per share of common stock, paid to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 10, 2023. The timing and amount of
future dividends, if any, will depend on market conditions, corporate business and financial considerations and regulatory requirements.
Income Taxes
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized an income tax benefit of $1 on loss before taxes of $4,419, which is an effective tax rate of 0.0%. For the nine months ended September
30, 2023, we recognized an income tax benefit of $79 on loss before income taxes of $20,843, which is an effective tax rate of 0.38%. The effective rate is lower than the statutory federal rate primarily due to the change in valuation allowance
and stock-based compensation. Management provided a full valuation allowance against net deferred income tax assets at September 30, 2023.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes to the contractual obligations disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Interest Rate Risk
We invest our excess cash primarily in highly liquid instruments including time deposits, money market funds, and U.S. agency and treasury securities. We seek to limit the amount of our credit
exposure to any one issuer.
Investments in fixed rate instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates. Due in part to
these factors, our income from investments may decrease in the future.
We considered the historical volatility of short-term interest rates and determined that it was reasonably possible that an adverse change of 100 basis points could be experienced in the near term
but would have an immaterial impact in the fair value of our marketable securities, which generally mature within eighteen months of September 30, 2023.
Other Market Risks
We considered the historical volatility of our stock prices and determined that it was reasonably possible that the fair market value of our stock price could increase or decrease substantially in
the near term and could have a material impact to our consolidated balance sheets and statement of operations with respect to future stock-based compensation costs and other equity transactions.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design
and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of September 30, 2023.
The purpose of this evaluation was to determine whether as of September 30, 2023 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information we are
required to disclose in our filings with the SEC, (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of September 30, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS – (See Note 7 — Litigation in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements”)
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of
operations, cash flows, and the trading price of our common and capital stock. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below in addition to the other information set forth in this Report, including in “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making any investment in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only
ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business. If any of these risk factors occur, you could lose substantial value or your entire
investment in our shares.
Summary Risk Factors
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk, and the following is a summary of key risk factors when considering an investment.
You should read this summary together with the more detailed description of each risk factor contained in the subheadings further below.
| • |
We are not in compliance with the continued listing standard set forth in Section 802.01C of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, and, as a result, shares of our common stock may be delisted from the NYSE.
|
| • |
We may not generate significant sales revenues from our new software products and services.
|
| • |
We are involved and will continue to be involved in litigation defending our patent portfolio, which can be time-consuming and costly, and we cannot anticipate the results.
|
| • |
We may not be able to capitalize on market opportunities related to our product strategy, our licensing strategy or our patent portfolio.
|
| • |
If we are not able to adequately protect our patent rights and trade secrets, our business would be negatively impacted.
|
| • |
Because our business is conducted or expected to be conducted in an environment that is subject to rapid change, we may be subject to various developments in regulation, law, and consumer preferences to
which we may not be able to adapt successfully.
|
| • |
Our exposure to outside influences beyond our control, including new legislation, court rulings or actions by the USPTO could adversely affect our licensing and enforcement activities and results of
operations.
|
| • |
New legislation, regulations or court rulings related to enforcing patents could harm our business and operating results.
|
| • |
Privacy and data security concerns, and data collection and transfer restrictions and related domestic or foreign regulations may limit the use and adoption of our solutions and adversely affect our
business.
|
| • |
If we are unable to expand our revenue sources or establish, sustain, grow, or replace relationships with a diversified customer base, our revenues may be limited.
|
| • |
We have limited technical resources and are at an early stage in commercialization of our products.
|
| • |
Our international expansion will subject us to additional costs and risks, and our plans may not be successful.
|
| • |
Our business has been, and may continue to be, negatively affected by shareholders intent upon alternate business strategies.
|
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Financial Reporting
We may not generate significant sales revenues from our new software products and services.
In March and April 2022, we launched War Room™ and VirnetX Matrix™ on our VirnetX One™ platform in the U.S. We currently expect to launch these products in Asia Pacific and Europe in fiscal year
2024. We also intend to continue to introduce new products on our VirnetX One™ platform in the future. The introduction and launch of new products are subject to significant costs, risks of slow market acceptance, and variable costs and timing of
customer acquisition. While we believe our software products will be attractive to businesses, government agencies, cloud and on-premise application service providers, and OEMs, if we are unable to overcome these risks, we may never generate
significant revenue from the sales of these products.
We are involved and will continue to be involved in litigation defending our patent portfolio, which can be time-consuming and costly, and we cannot anticipate
the results.
We spend a significant amount of our financial and management resources to pursue our current litigation. We believe that this litigation and others that we may pursue in the future could continue
for years and consume significant financial and management resources. The counterparties to our litigation include large, well-financed companies with substantially greater resources than us. Patent litigation is risky, the outcome is uncertain,
and we cannot assure you that any of our current or future litigation matters will result in a favorable outcome for us. In addition, even if we obtain favorable interim rulings or verdicts, they may be inconsistent with the ultimate resolution
of the dispute. For example, the USCAFC issued its decision affirming PTAB’s decisions finding certain claims of certain patents to be unpatentable and in Apple II the federal circuit issued its decision vacating the district court’s judgment in
the matter and remanding back to the district court with instruction to dismiss the case as moot, which has resulted in volatility in our stock price. Furthermore, any awards we receive may be subject to obligations to Leidos and fee arrangements
with outside counsel. Also, we cannot assure you that we will not be exposed to claims or sanctions against us which may be costly or impossible for us to defend. Unfavorable or adverse outcomes may result in losses, exhaustion of financial
resources, volatility in our stock price or other adverse effects, which could reduce our ability to return cash to our shareholders by way of distributions or otherwise to develop and commercialize our products.
We may not be able to capitalize on market opportunities related to our product strategy, our licensing strategy or our patent portfolio.
A large part of our business strategy includes licensing our patents and technology to other companies in order to reach a larger end-user base than we could reach through direct sales and marketing
efforts; as such, our business strategy and revenues may depend on intellectual property licensing fees and royalties for the majority of our revenues. We currently derive minimal revenue from licensing activities, and royalties, and we cannot
assure you that we will successfully capitalize on our market opportunities or that this portion of our business strategy will succeed.
Although to date we have entered into a limited number of settlement and license agreements, we may not be successful in entering into further licensing relationships, or if we are successful in
entering into such relationships, the acquisition of them may be expensive, and they, as well as our existing settlement and our existing and pending license agreements may not generate the financial results that we expect.
Factors that may affect our ability to execute our current business strategy include, but are not limited to, the following:
| • |
Third parties may challenge the validity of our patents;
|
| • |
The pendency of our various litigations may cause potential licensees not to do business with us;
|
| • |
Our patents may expire before we can make our business strategy successful;
|
| • |
We face, and we expect to continue to face, intense competition from new and established competitors who may have superior products and services or better marketing, financial or other capacities than we
do; and
|
| • |
It is possible that one or more of our potential customers or licensees develops or otherwise sources products or technologies similar to, competitive with or superior to ours.
|
If we are not able to adequately protect our patent rights and trade secrets, our business would be negatively impacted.
We believe our patents are valid, enforceable, and valuable. Notwithstanding this belief, third parties may make claims of infringement with respect to our products or services or invalidity claims
with respect to our patents or become aware of our trade secrets by way of leaks from bad actors within or outside of our employee base or otherwise, and such claims could give rise to material cost for defense or settlement or both, and such
claims or leaks could jeopardize or substantially delay a successful outcome of litigation we are or may become involved in, divert resources away from our other activities, limit or cease our related revenues, or otherwise materially and
adversely affect our business. Additionally, several of our patents are currently, and other patents may in the future be, subject to USPTO post-grant inter partes review proceedings (“IPR”) which may result in all, or part of these patents being
invalidated, or the claims of our patents being limited. Unfavorable or adverse outcomes in our litigation or IPRs or material leaks of trade secrets may result in losses, exhaustion of financial resources, reduction in our ability to protect our
intellectual property rights, or other adverse effects, which could encumber our ability to develop and commercialize our products. Even if we are successful in protecting our intellectual property rights, they may not ultimately provide us with
any competitive advantages and may be less valuable than we currently expect. These risks may be heightened in countries other than the United States where laws regarding patent protection are less developed and may be negatively affected by the
fact that legal standards in the United States and elsewhere for protection of intellectual property rights in Internet-related businesses are uncertain and still evolving. In addition, there are a significant number of United States and foreign
patents and patent applications in our areas of interest, and we expect that significant litigation in these areas will continue and will add uncertainty to the value of certain patents and other intellectual property rights in our areas of
interest. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights or otherwise realize value from them, our business would be negatively affected.
We can provide no assurances that the licensing of our essential security patents under FRAND will be successful.
At the request of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (“ETSI”), and the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (“ATIS”), we agreed to update our licensing declaration to
ETSI and ATIS under their respective Intellectual Property Rights policies. This was in response to our Statement of Patent Holder identifying a group of our patents and patent applications that we believe are or may become essential to certain
developing specifications in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), Systems Architecture Evolution project. We will make available a non-exclusive patent license under FRAND (fair, reasonable and non- discriminatory
terms, and conditions, with compensation) for the patents identified by us that are or become essential to applicants desiring to implement the Technical Specifications identified by us, as set forth in the updated licensing declaration under the
ATIS and ETSI Intellectual Property Rights policies. Our licensing declarations under the ATIS and ETSI Intellectual Property Rights policies may limit our flexibility in determining royalties and license terms for certain of our patents.
Consequently, we cannot assure you that the licensing of the essential security patents will be successful or that third parties will be willing to enter into licenses with us on reasonable terms or at all, which could have an adverse effect on
our business and harm our competitive position.
Because our business is conducted or expected to be conducted in an environment that is subject to rapid change, we may be subject to various developments in
regulation, law, and consumer preferences to which we may not be able to adapt successfully.
The current regulatory environment for our products and services remains unclear. We can give no assurance that our planned product offerings will be in compliance with laws and regulations of
local, state, United States federal or foreign authorities. Further, we can give no assurance that we will not unintentionally violate such laws or regulations or that such laws or regulations will not be modified, or that new laws or regulations
will be enacted in the future which would cause us to be in violation of such laws or regulations. For example, Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) services are not currently subject to all the same regulations that apply to traditional
telephony, but it is possible that similar regulations may be applied to VoIP in the future and that these could result in substantial costs to us which could adversely affect the marketability of our products and planned products related to
VoIP. For further example, the use of the Internet and private Internet Protocol (“IP”) networks for communication is largely unregulated within the United States, but may become regulated in the future; additionally, several foreign governments
have enacted measures that could restrict or prohibit voice communications services over the Internet or private IP networks.
Our business depends on the growth of instant messaging, VoIP, mobile services, streaming video, file transfer and remote desktop and other next-generation Internet-based applications. A decline in
the use of these applications due to complexity or cost relative to alternate traditional or newly developed communications channels, or development of alternative technologies, could cause a material decline in the number of users in these
areas.
More aggressive domestic or international regulation of the Internet in general, and Internet telephony providers and services specifically, may materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition, operating results, and future prospects.
Our exposure to outside influences beyond our control, including new legislation, court rulings or actions by the USPTO, could adversely affect our licensing
and enforcement activities and results of operations.
Our licensing and enforcement activities are subject to numerous risks from outside influences, including the following:
| • |
New legislation, regulations or rules related to obtaining patents or enforcing patents could significantly increase our operating costs and decrease our revenue. For instance, the United States Supreme
Court has modified some tests used by the USPTO in granting patents during the past 20 years which may decrease the likelihood that we will be able to obtain patents and increase the likelihood of challenge of any patents we obtain or
license. In addition, in 2012, the United States enacted sweeping changes to the United States patent system under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, including changes that transition the United States from a “first-to-invent” system to
a “first to file” system and alter the processes for challenging issued patents;
|
| • |
More patent applications are filed each year resulting in longer delays in getting patents issued by the USPTO;
|
| • |
Federal courts are becoming more crowded, and as a result, patent enforcement litigation is taking longer; and
|
| • |
As patent enforcement becomes more prevalent, it may become more difficult for us to voluntarily license our patents.
|
New legislation, regulations or court rulings related to enforcing patents could harm our business and operating results.
Intellectual property is the subject of intense scrutiny by the courts, legislatures, and executive branches of governments around the world. Various patent offices, governments or intergovernmental
bodies may implement new legislation, regulations or rulings that impact the patent enforcement process, or the rights of patent holders and such changes could negatively affect licensing efforts and/or litigations. For example, limitations on
the ability to bring patent enforcement claims, limitations on potential liability for patent infringement, lower evidentiary standards for invalidating patents, increases in the cost to resolve patent disputes and other similar developments
could negatively affect our ability to assert our patent or other intellectual property rights.
It is impossible to determine the extent of the impact of any new laws, regulations or initiatives that may be proposed, or whether any of the proposals will become enacted as laws. Compliance with
any new or existing laws or regulations could be difficult and expensive, affect the manner in which we conduct our business and negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
If we experience security breaches or incidents, we could be exposed to liability and our reputation and business could suffer.
We expect to retain certain confidential and proprietary customer information in our secure data centers and secure domain name registry, as well as personal data and other confidential and
proprietary information relating to our business. It will be critical to our business strategy that our facilities and infrastructure remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure. Our secure domain name registry operations will
also depend on our ability to maintain our computer and telecommunications equipment in effective working order and to reasonably protect our systems against interruption, and potentially depend on protection by other registrars in the shared
registration system. The secure domain name servers that we will operate will be critical hardware to our registry services operations. Additionally, we maintain confidential and proprietary business information, including trade secrets. We
expect to have to expend significant time and money to maintain or increase the security of our products, facilities, and infrastructure. Security technologies are constantly being tested by computer professionals, academics and “hackers.”
Advances in computer capabilities and the techniques for attacking security solutions, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments could result in compromises or breaches of our security measures and could make
some or all our products obsolete or unmarketable. Likewise, we may need to dedicate engineering and other resources to eliminate security vulnerabilities and may find it necessary or appropriate to repair or replace products already sold or
licensed to our customers. Despite the security measures that we and our service providers utilize, our infrastructure and that of our service providers may be vulnerable to physical break-ins, ransomware, computer viruses, other malicious code
attacks by hackers, phishing attacks, social engineering, or similar disruptive problems. Any disruption or security breach or incident that we or our service providers suffer or are perceived to suffer, including any such disruption, breach or
incident resulting in a loss of, or damage to, data or systems, or inappropriate disclosure, access, loss, or other processing of confidential, financial, proprietary or personal information, including data related to our personnel, could result
in loss, disclosure or other unauthorized processing of such data, could delay our research and development or commercialization efforts, could compel us to comply with breach notification laws and regulations, subject us to mandatory corrective
action, and otherwise subject us to liability under laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of personal information. It is possible that we may have to expend additional financial and other resources to address such problems.
The increase in remote work by our personnel and those of third parties in recent years has resulted in increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks. As a provider of Internet security software and technology, we may be the target of dedicated
efforts by hackers and other third parties to overcome or defeat our security measures. Any physical or electronic break-in or other security breach or incident or compromise impacting our products, or any information stored at our secure data
centers and domain name registration systems, including any compromise due to human error or employee or contractor malfeasance, may jeopardize the security of information stored on our premises or in the computer systems and networks of our
customers. Additionally, any such data security incident, or the perception that one has occurred could also result in adverse publicity, harm to our reputation and competitive position, and therefore adversely affect the market’s perception of
the security of electronic commerce and communications over IP networks as well as the security or reliability of our services.
A security breach or other security incident, or the perception any such event has occurred, could require a substantial level of financial resources to address and otherwise respond to, may be
difficult to identify or address in a timely manner, and could result in claims, investigations, inquiries, and other proceedings or actions by private parties or governmental entities that may divert management’s attention and require the
expenditure of significant time and resources, and which may cause us to incur substantial fines, penalties, or other liability and related legal and other costs. Any actual or perceived security breach or other security incident may also harm
our reputation, result in a loss of customers, and make it more difficult or impossible for us to successfully market to others. Any of the foregoing matters could harm our operating results and financial condition.
Privacy and data security concerns, data collection and transfer restrictions and related domestic or foreign regulations may limit the use and adoption of our
solutions and adversely affect our business.
Personal privacy, information security, and data protection are significant issues in the United States, Europe, and many other jurisdictions where we have operations or offer our products. The
regulatory framework governing the collection, processing, storage and use of confidential and proprietary business information and personal data is rapidly evolving. The United States federal and various state and foreign governments have
adopted or proposed requirements regarding the collection, distribution, use, security and storage of personally identifiable information and other data relating to individuals, and federal and state consumer protection laws are being applied to
enforce regulations related to the online collection, use and dissemination of data.
Further, many foreign countries and governmental bodies, including the European Union (“EU”), where we conduct business, have laws and regulations concerning the collection and use of personal data
obtained from their residents or by businesses operating within their jurisdiction. These laws and regulations often are more restrictive than those in the United States. Laws and regulations in these jurisdictions apply broadly to the
collection, use, storage, disclosure, and security of data that identifies or may be used to identify or locate an individual, such as names, email addresses and, in some jurisdictions, IP addresses.
We also expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection and information security in the United States, the EU, and
other jurisdictions. For example, the European Commission adopted a General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) that became fully effective on May 25, 2018, superseding prior EU data protection legislation, imposing more stringent EU data
protection requirements, and providing for greater penalties for noncompliance. The United Kingdom has enacted a Data Protection Act and legislation referred to as the UK GDPR that substantially implements the GDPR and provides for a penalty
regime similar to the GDPR. We may be required to incur substantial expense in order to make significant changes to our product and business operations in connection with obtaining and maintaining compliance with the GDPR and similar legislation,
such as the UK GDPR and UK Data Protection Act, all of which may adversely affect our revenue and product sales. California has enacted legislation, the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”) that, among other things, requires covered
companies to provide disclosures to California consumers, and afford such consumers abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. The CCPA was modified and expanded by the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”), which was
approved by California voters in the November 2020 election. Additionally, other U.S. states continue to propose, and in certain cases adopt, privacy-focused legislation. For example, Connecticut, Virginia, and Colorado have enacted legislation
similar to the CCPA and CPRA that has taken effect in 2023; Utah has enacted such legislation that will take effect on December 31, 2023; Florida, Montana, Oregon, and Texas have enacted similar legislation that becomes effective in 2024;
Delaware, Tennessee, and Iowa have enacted similar legislation that will take effect in 2025; and Indiana has enacted similar legislation that will become effective in 2026. We cannot yet fully determine the impact these or future laws,
regulations and standards may have on our business, but they may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and expenses in efforts to comply. Privacy, data protection and information security
laws and regulations are often subject to differing interpretations, may be inconsistent among jurisdictions, and may be alleged to be inconsistent with our current or future practices. Additionally, we may be bound by contractual requirements
applicable to our collection, use, processing, and disclosure of various types of data, including personal data, and may be bound by, or voluntarily comply with, self-regulatory or other industry standards relating to these matters. These and
other requirements could reduce demand for our products, increase our costs, impair our ability to grow our business, or restrict our ability to store and process data or, in some cases, impact our ability to offer our service in some locations
and may subject us to liability. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and contractual obligations may adversely affect our business. Further, in view of new or modified federal, state,
or foreign laws and regulations, industry standards, contractual obligations and other legal obligations, or any changes in their interpretation, we may find it necessary or desirable to fundamentally change our business activities and practices
or to expend significant resources to modify our product and otherwise adapt to these changes. We may be unable to make such changes and modifications in a commercially reasonable manner or at all, and our ability to develop new products and
features could be limited.
The costs of compliance with and other burdens imposed by laws, regulations and standards may limit the use and adoption of our service and reduce overall demand for it, or lead to significant
fines, penalties, or liabilities for any noncompliance. Privacy, information security, and data protection concerns, whether valid or not valid, may inhibit market adoption of our platform, particularly in certain industries and foreign countries.
Our success depends in part on establishing and maintaining relationships with other companies to distribute our technology and products or to incorporate their technology into our
products and services, or vice versa.
Part of our business strategy is to enter into partnerships, strategic investments, and other cooperative arrangements with third parties. We have invested in and we continue to seek to invest in or
acquire businesses, technologies, or other assets that we believe could complement or expand our business. In addition, we are regularly involved in cooperative efforts with respect to the incorporation of our products into products of others
and vice versa, research and development efforts, and marketing, distributor and reseller arrangements. These relationships are generally non-exclusive, and some of our partners also have cooperative relationships with certain of our competitors
or offer some products and services that are competitive with ours. If we lose third-party relationships, if these relationships are not commercially successful, or if we are unable to enter into third-party relationships on commercially
reasonable terms in the future, our business could be negatively impacted.
We expect that we will experience long and unpredictable sales cycles, which may impact our operating results.
The sales cycle between initial customer contact and execution of a contract or license agreement with a customer or purchaser of our products can vary widely. We expect that our sales cycles will
be long and unpredictable due to several factors, including but not limited to:
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The need to educate potential customers about our patent rights and our product and service capabilities;
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Our customers’ willingness to invest potentially substantial resources and modify their network infrastructures to take advantage of our products;
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Our customers’ budgetary constraints and timing of their budget cycles;
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Delays caused by customers’ internal review processes; and
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Long sales cycles that may increase the risk that our financial resources are exhausted before we are able to generate significant revenue.
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In addition, potential customers of our products include local, state, federal and foreign government authorities. Sales to government authorities can be extensive and unpredictable. Government
authorities generally have complex budgeting, purchasing, and regulatory processes that govern their capital spending, and their spending is likely to be adversely impacted by economic conditions. In addition, in many instances, sales to
government authorities may require field trials and may be delayed by the time it takes for government officials to evaluate multiple competing bids, negotiate terms, and award contracts.
For these reasons, the sales cycle associated with our products is subject to a number of significant risks that are beyond our control. Consequently, if customer orders are not realized or delayed,
our revenues and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to expand our revenue sources or establish, sustain, grow, or replace relationships with a diversified customer base, our revenues may be
limited.
We currently generate revenue from a limited number of customers that have entered into settlement and license agreements. Our software products and services currently generate limited revenue, and
it will take time for us to grow our installed user base and generate new customers. Additionally, there is no guarantee that we will be able to derive revenue from new customers, sustain or increase revenue from existing customers or replace
customers from whom we currently generate revenue. As a result, our revenue may be limited or static, or it may cease entirely.
We have limited technical resources and are at an early stage in commercialization of our VirnetX One™ platform and software products.
Part of our business includes the internal development of commercial products we seek to monetize. This aspect of our business may require significant capital, time and resources and we cannot
guarantee that it will be successful or meet our expectations. As such, we have a small technical team, which may limit our ability to rapidly adapt our product to customer requirements or add new product features to maintain our competitive edge
and drive adoption.
Based on the scale of our technical resources, our limited historical financial data upon which to base our projected revenue or planned operating expenses related to our software products and
services, we may not be able to effectively:
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Generate revenues or profit from product sales;
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Drive adoption of our products;
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Attract and retain customers for our products;
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Provide appropriate levels of customer training and support for our products;
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Implement an effective marketing strategy to promote awareness of our products;
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Focus our research and development efforts in areas that generate returns on our efforts;
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Anticipate and adapt to changes in our market; or
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Protect our products from any system failures or other breaches.
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In addition, a high percentage of our expenses are and will continue to be fixed. Accordingly, if we do not generate revenue as and when anticipated, our losses may be greater than expected and our
operating results will suffer.
Our products are highly technical and may contain undetected errors, which could cause harm to our reputation and adversely affect our business.
Our products are highly technical and complex and, when deployed, may contain errors or defects. Despite testing, some errors in our products may only be discovered after a product has been
installed and used by customers. Any errors or defects discovered in our products after commercial release could result in failure to achieve market acceptance, loss of revenue or delay in revenue recognition, loss of customers and increased
service and warranty cost, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. In addition, we could face claims for product liability, tort, or breach of warranty, including claims relating to changes to
our products made by our channel partners. The performance of our products could have unforeseen or unknown adverse effects on the networks over which they are delivered as well as on third-party applications and services that utilize our
services, which could result in legal claims against us, harming our business. Furthermore, we expect to provide implementation, consulting, and other technical services in connection with the implementation and ongoing maintenance of our
products, which typically involves working with sophisticated software, computing, and communications systems. We expect that our contracts with customers will contain provisions relating to warranty disclaimers and liability limitations, which
may not be upheld. Defending a lawsuit, regardless of its merit, is costly and may divert management’s attention and adversely affect the market’s perception of us and our products. In addition, if our business liability insurance coverage proves
inadequate or future coverage is unavailable on acceptable terms or at all, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely impacted.
Malfunctions of third-party communications infrastructure, hardware and software expose us to a variety of risks that we cannot control.
Our business will depend upon, among other things, the capacity, reliability, security, and unimpeded access of the infrastructure owned by third parties that we will use to deploy our offerings. We
have no control over the operation, quality, or maintenance of a significant portion of that infrastructure or whether those third parties will upgrade or improve their equipment. We depend on these companies to maintain the operational integrity
of our connections. If one or more of these companies is unable or unwilling to supply or expand its levels of service to us in the future, our operations could be severely interrupted. Also, to the extent that the number of users of networks
utilizing our current or future products suddenly increases, the technology platform and secure hosting services which will be required to accommodate a higher volume of traffic may result in slower response times or service interruptions. System
interruptions or increases in response time could result in a loss of potential or existing users and, if sustained or repeated, could reduce the appeal of the networks to users. In addition, users depend on real-time communications; outages
caused by increased traffic could result in delays and system failures. These types of occurrences could cause users to perceive that our solution does not function properly and could therefore adversely affect our ability to attract and retain
licensees, strategic partners, and customers.
System failure or interruption or our failure to meet increasing demands on our systems could harm our business.
The success of our license and service offerings will depend on the uninterrupted operation of various systems, secure data centers and other computer and communication networks that we establish.
To the extent, the number of users of networks utilizing our future products suddenly increases, the technology platform and hosting services which will be required to accommodate a higher volume of traffic may result in slower response times,
service interruptions or delays or system failures. Our systems and operations will also be vulnerable to damage or interruption from, among other things:
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Power loss, transmission cable cuts and other telecommunications failures;
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Damage or interruption caused by fire, earthquake, and other natural disasters;
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Computer viruses or software defects; and
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Physical or electronic break-ins, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism, terrorist attacks and other events beyond our control.
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System interruptions or failures and increases or delays in response time could result in a loss of potential or existing users and, if sustained or repeated, could reduce the appeal of the networks
to users. These types of occurrences could cause users to perceive that our solution does not function properly and could therefore adversely affect our ability to attract and retain licensees, strategic partners, and customers.
Any significant problem with our systems or operations could result in lost revenue, customer dissatisfaction or lawsuits against us. A failure in the operation of our secure domain name
registration system could result in the inability of one or more registrars to register and maintain secure domain names for a period of time. A failure in the operation or update of the master directory that we plan to maintain could result in
deletion or discontinuation of assigned secure domain names for a period of time. The inability of the registrar systems we establish, including our back-office billing and collections infrastructure, and telecommunications systems to meet the
demands of an increasing number of secure domain name requests could result in substantial degradation in our customer support service and our ability to process registration requests in a timely manner.
Our ability to sell our solutions will be dependent on the quality of our technical support, and our failure to deliver high-quality technical support services
could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.
If we do not effectively assist our customers in deploying our products, succeed in helping our customers quickly resolve post deployment issues and provide effective ongoing support, or if
potential customers perceive that we may not be able achieve to the foregoing, our ability to sell our products would be adversely affected, and our reputation with current and potential customers could be harmed. In addition, as we expand our
operations internationally, our technical support team will face additional challenges, including those associated with delivering support, training, and documentation in languages other than English. Our failure to deliver and maintain
high-quality technical support services to our customers could result in customers choosing to use our competitors’ products and support services instead of ours in the future.
Our international expansion will subject us to additional costs and risks, and our plans may not be successful.
We expect to expand our presence internationally in Japan and elsewhere through third party arrangements such as international partnerships, joint ventures and potentially establishing international
subsidiaries and offices. Our international expansion may present challenges and risks, including those inherent in international operations, to us and may require significant attention from management. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has and
could continue to disrupt and slow our international expansion and partnership efforts, as our international partners’ businesses could continue to be disrupted. We may not be successful in our international partnerships, expansion efforts, and
we may incur significant operating expenses in our efforts to expand internationally.
Our business has been, and may continue to be, negatively affected by shareholders intent upon alternate business strategies.
Responding to actions by activist shareholders is costly and time-consuming, has diverted the attention of management, our board of directors and our employees, and may be disruptive to our
operations. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of shareholder activism may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business or other instability, which may be exploited by our
competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Furthermore, if customers choose to delay, defer or reduce transactions with us or do business with our
competitors instead of us, then our business, financial condition and operating results would be adversely affected. In addition, our share price could experience periods of increased volatility as a result of shareholder activism.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
We do not regularly pay dividends on our common stock and thus stockholders must look to appreciation of our common stock to realize a gain on their
investments.
Our dividend policy is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors, including our business, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements,
and investment opportunities. We therefore cannot make assurances that our Board of Directors will determine to pay regular or special dividends in the future. Accordingly, unless our Board of Directors determines to pay dividends, stockholders
will be required to look to appreciation of our common stock to realize a gain on their investment, which may not occur.
The exercise of our outstanding stock options, warrants, and RSUs would result in a dilution of our current stockholders’ voting power and an increase in the
number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market which may negatively impact the market price of our stock.
The exercise of our outstanding vested stock options, warrants, and RSUs would dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders. As of September 30, 2023, we had outstanding options,
warrants and RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 348,717 shares of common stock representing approximately 11% of our total shares outstanding of which 275,871 were vested and therefore exercisable. To the extent outstanding stock options or
warrants are exercised, additional shares of common stock will be issued, existing stockholders’ percentage voting interests will decline and the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market will increase. Such increase may have a
negative effect on the value or market trading price of our common stock.
Because ownership of our common stock is concentrated, investors may have limited influence on stockholder decisions.
As of September 30, 2023, our executive officers and directors beneficially owned approximately 14% of our outstanding common stock. Because of their beneficial ownership interest, our officers and
directors could significantly influence stockholder actions of which you disapprove or that are contrary to your interests. This ability to exercise significant influence could prevent or significantly delay another company from acquiring or
merging with us.
Our protective provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws could make it difficult for a third party to successfully acquire
us even if you would like to sell your stock to them.
We have a number of protective provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws that could delay, discourage, or prevent a third party from acquiring control of us
without the approval of our Board of Directors. These protective provisions include:
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A staggered Board of Directors: This means that only one or two directors (since we have a five-person Board of Directors) will be up for election at any given annual meeting. This has the effect of
delaying the ability of stockholders to affect a change in control of us because it would take two annual meetings to effectively replace a majority of the Board of Directors.
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Blank check preferred stock: Our Board of Directors has the authority to establish the rights, preferences, and privileges of our 10,000,000 authorized, but unissued, shares of preferred stock. Therefore,
this stock may be issued at the discretion of our Board of Directors with preferences over your shares of our common stock in a manner that is materially dilutive to you. In addition, blank check preferred stock can be used to create a
“poison pill” which is designed to deter a hostile bidder from buying a controlling interest in our stock without the approval of our Board of Directors. We have not adopted such a “poison pill;” but our Board of Directors has the ability
to do so in the future, very rapidly and without stockholder approval.
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Advance notice requirements for director nominations and for business to be brought before stockholder meetings: Stockholders wishing to submit director nominations or raise matters to a vote of the
stockholders must provide notice to us within very specific date windows and in very specific form in order to have the matter voted on at a stockholder meeting. This has the effect of giving our Board of Directors and management more
time to react to stockholder proposals generally and could also have the effect of permitting us to disregard a stockholder proposal to the extent such proposal is not submitted in accordance with the bylaws.
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No stockholder actions by written consent: No stockholder or group of stockholders may take action by written consent. Along with the advance notice requirements described above, this provision also gives
our Board of Directors and management more time to react to proposed stockholder actions.
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Super majority requirement for stockholder amendments to the bylaws: Stockholder proposals to alter or amend our bylaws or to adopt new bylaws can only be approved by the affirmative vote of at least 66
2/3% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.
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No ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of the stockholders: A special meeting of the stockholders, other than as required by statute, may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, or by
the chairman of the board, or by the president, but a special meeting may not be called by any other person or persons and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied. This could mean that
stockholders, even those who represent a significant percentage of our shares of common stock, may need to wait for the annual meeting before nominating directors or raising other business proposals to be voted on by the stockholders.
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In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law govern us. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, particularly those owning 15% or more of our
outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time.
These and other provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage potential takeover attempts, reduce the price that investors
might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock in the future and result in the market price being lower than it would be without these provisions.
Our amended and restated bylaws designate a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes
between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to choose the judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought
on our behalf, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, stockholders, officers, or other employees to us or our stockholders, (3) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware
General Corporation Law, or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws or (4) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery of the
State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another State court in Delaware or the federal district court for the District of Delaware), in all cases subject to the court having jurisdiction over indispensable
parties named as defendants.
However, notwithstanding the exclusive forum provisions, our amended and restated bylaws explicitly state that they would not preclude the filing of claims brought to enforce any liability or duty
created under federal securities laws, including the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our securities shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision. This exclusive-forum provision may
limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees. If
a court were to find this exclusive-forum provision in our amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving the dispute in other jurisdictions, which could harm
our results of operations.
Our failure to meet the NYSE’s continued listing requirements could result in the suspension of trading of our
common stock and a subsequent delisting of our common stock.
On May 12, 2023, we received a written notification from the NYSE that as of May 11, 2023, we were not in compliance with the continued listing standard
set forth in Section 802.01C of the NYSE Listed Company Manual because the average closing price of our common stock was less than $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. Pursuant Section 802.01C, we have a period of six months
following the receipt of the notification to regain compliance with the minimum price criteria. A 1-for-20 reverse stock split was approved by stockholders at the special meeting held on October 24, 2023, a certificate of amendment to our Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was filed and became effective as of October 25, 2023, and our common stock began trading on a post-split basis on October 26, 2023. As of the end of the cure period, we expect that our common stock
share price will meet the applicable requirements and we expect to regain compliance with the minimum share price requirement. However, there can be no assurances that we will maintain compliance as there may be continued volatility and
fluctuations in the market price of our common stock.
Our common stock could also be delisted if our average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period is less than $15
million. Our average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period may be less than $15 million based on the recent market price of our common stock. If our stock price does not rise to a level where it meets the global
market capitalization requirement, the NYSE will promptly suspend our common stock from trading on the NYSE and will simultaneously begin the process to delist our common stock, subject to our right to appeal under NYSE rules. While we may
appeal this decision, there is no assurance that any appeal we undertake will be successful.
If shares of our common stock are delisted from the NYSE, there may be no public market for our common stock. Any over-the-counter or other market that
does develop would likely be characterized by decreased liquidity and greater volatility, which may materially and adversely affect the value of our common stock. A delisting of our common stock could negatively impact our company and holders of
our common stock, including by reducing the willingness of investors to hold our common stock because of the resulting decreased price, liquidity and trading of our common stock, limited availability of price quotations, and reduced news and
analyst coverage. These developments may also require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and may limit our ability to raise capital by issuing additional shares of common stock in the future. Delisting may
adversely impact the perception of our financial condition, cause reputational harm with investors, our employees and parties conducting business with us, and limit our access to debt and equity financing. The perceived decrease in value of
employee equity incentive awards may reduce their effectiveness in encouraging performance and retention.
General Risk Factors
We may need to raise additional capital to support our business growth, and this capital may be dilutive, may cause our stock price to drop or may not be
available on acceptable terms, if at all.
We may need to raise additional capital, which may not be available to us when needed or may not be available on terms acceptable to us, to support our business growth or to respond to business
opportunities, challenges, or unforeseen circumstances, including sales under our past and any future shelf registration statements. Our ability to obtain additional capital, if and when required, will depend on our business plans, investor
demand, our operating performance, the condition of the capital markets, the terms of our current contractual obligations and other factors.
If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, including those under our past and any future shelf registration statements, those securities may have
rights, preferences, or privileges senior to the rights of our common stock, and our existing stockholders may experience dilution. Additionally, we are unable to predict the future success of any future offerings. Sales of a substantial number
of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales or other financings might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock, and could also impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of
additional equity securities. If we issue debt securities or incur indebtedness, we could experience increased future payment obligations and a need to comply with restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional
debt, limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we are unable to obtain additional capital or are
unable to obtain additional capital on satisfactory terms, our ability to continue to support our business growth or to respond to business opportunities, challenges, or other circumstances could be adversely affected, and our business may be
harmed.
The departure of Kendall Larsen, our Chief Executive Officer and President, and/or other key personnel could compromise our ability to execute our strategic
plan and materially harm our business.
Our success depends on the skills, experience, and performance of our key personnel. Due to the specialized nature of our business and limited staff, we are particularly dependent on Kendall Larsen,
our Chief Executive Officer and President. We have no employment agreements with any of our key executives that prevent them from leaving us at any time. In addition, we do not maintain key person life insurance for any of our officers or key
employees. The loss of Mr. Larsen, or our failure to retain other key personnel or plan for the succession of key personnel, would jeopardize our ability to execute our strategic plan and materially harm our business.
We will need to recruit and retain additional qualified personnel to successfully grow our business.
Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified engineering, operations, marketing, sales and executive personnel. Inability to attract and retain such
personnel could adversely affect our business. Competition for engineering, operations, marketing, sales, and executive personnel is intense, particularly in the technology and Internet sectors and in the regions where we conduct our business. We
may need to invest significant amounts of cash and equity to attract and retain employees and expend significant time and resources to identify, recruit, train and integrate such employees, and we may never realize returns on these investments.
Additionally, we can provide no assurance that we will attract or retain such personnel.
We have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to continue to
devote substantial time to various compliance initiatives.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as other rules implemented by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), impose
various requirements on public companies, including requiring changes in corporate governance practices. These and proposed corporate governance laws and regulations under consideration may further increase our compliance costs. If compliance
with these various legal and regulatory requirements diverts our management’s attention from other business concerns, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
requires, among other things, that we assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting annually and disclosure controls and procedures quarterly. If we are unable to assert in any future reporting periods that our
internal control over financial reporting is effective, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which would have an adverse effect on our share price.
There are inherent uncertainties involved in estimates, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Any changes in estimates, judgments and assumptions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP involves making estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets (including intangible assets),
liabilities and related reserves, revenues, expenses, and income. Estimates, judgments, and assumptions are inherently subject to change in the future, and any such changes could result in corresponding changes to the amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues, expenses, and income. Any such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially affected by the enactment of legislation implementing changes in the U.S. or foreign
taxation of international business activities or the adoption of other tax reform policies.
As we expand the scale of our international business activities, any changes in the U.S. or foreign taxation of such activities may increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our business,
results of operations, and financial condition. For example, the current administration has proposed to increase the U.S. corporate income tax rate, increase U.S. taxation of international business operations, and impose a global minimum tax
which has agreement from, many countries and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Also, starting in fiscal year 2022, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 requires taxpayers to capitalize research and development expenditures
and to amortize domestic expenditures over five years and foreign expenditures over fifteen years. If Congress does not modify or repeal this provision, it may reduce our cash flows. Further, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) became
effective beginning on January 1, 2023, which imposes, among others, a 15% alternative minimum income tax on certain corporations and a 1% excise tax on certain stock buybacks. We do not currently expect that the IRA will have a material impact
on our income tax liability. Other countries have recently proposed or recommended changes to existing tax laws or have enacted new laws that could impact our tax obligations in countries where we do business or cause us to change the way we
operate our business. The impact of future changes to U.S. and foreign tax law on our business is uncertain and could be adverse, and we will continue to monitor and assess the impact of any such changes on our future tax provisions.
War, terrorism, other acts of violence, or natural or manmade disasters as well as macroeconomic conditions may affect the markets in which we operate, our
clients and our service delivery.
Our business may be adversely affected by instability, disruption, or destruction in a geographic region in which we operate, regardless of cause, including war, terrorism, riot, civil insurrection,
or social unrest, and natural or manmade disasters, including famine, flood, fire, earthquake, storm, or pandemic events and spread of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our business may also be adversely affected by further downturn in
macroeconomic conditions, including rising inflation and interest rates, global political and economic uncertainty and tensions, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict as well as any related political or economic
response, counter responses or otherwise, financial services sector instability, a reduction in business confidence and activity, financial market volatility, and other factors. Such events can adversely affect our operations or the economy as a
whole and may cause our customers to delay their decisions on spending for the services we provide and perpetuate significant changes in regional and global economic conditions and cycles. These events may also pose risks to our personnel and to
physical facilities and operations, which could adversely affect our financial results.
Trading in our common stock is limited and the price of our common shares may be subject to substantial volatility.
Our common stock is currently listed on the NYSE and was previously listed on the NYSE American LLC (formerly the NYSE MKT LLC). Over the past years, the market price of our common stock has
experienced significant fluctuations. Between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, the adjusted closing price on the NYSE for our common stock ranged between $5.00 and $34.43, adjusted for a 1-for-20 reverse stock split effective October 26,
2023 (see Note 10 – Subsequent Events). The price of our common stock may continue to be volatile as a result of several factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but not limited to, the following:
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Developments or lack thereof in any then-outstanding litigation;
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Quarterly variations in our operating results;
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Large purchases or sales of common stock or derivative transactions related to our stock;
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Actual or anticipated announcements of new products or services by us or competitors;
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General conditions in the markets in which we compete; and
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General social, political, economic, and financial conditions, including the significant volatility in the global financial markets.
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In addition, we believe there has been and may continue to be substantial trading in derivatives of our stock, including short selling activity or related similar activities, which are beyond our
control, and which may be beyond the full control of the SEC and Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority or “FINRA.” While the SEC and FINRA rules prohibit some forms of short selling and other activities that may result in stock price
manipulation, such activity may nonetheless occur without detection or enforcement. We have held conversations with regulators concerning trading activity in our stock; however, there can be no assurance that should there be any illegal
manipulation in the trading of our stock, it will be detected, prosecuted, or successfully eradicated. Significant short selling market manipulation could cause our stock trading price to decline, to become more volatile, or both. For more
information regarding trading in our common stock and listing on the NYSE, see additional risk factors included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The trading price of our common stock has been historically volatile and is likely to continue to be volatile. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the market price of our common stock include,
but are not limited to the following:
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Price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time, including fluctuations due to general economic uncertainty or negative market sentiment;
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Volatility in the market prices and trading volumes of companies in our industry or companies that investors consider comparable;
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Changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other companies generally, or those in our industry;
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Sales of shares of our common stock by us or our stockholders;
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Failure of securities analysts to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts who follow us, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
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The financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in those projections or our failure to meet those projections;
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Announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services;
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The public’s reaction to court rulings, our press releases, other public announcements, and filings with the SEC;
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Rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry;
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Actual or anticipated changes in our results of operations;
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Actual or anticipated developments in our business, our competitors’ businesses, or the competitive landscape generally;
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Litigation involving us, our industry or both, or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors;
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Announced or completed acquisitions of businesses or technologies by us or our competitors;
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New laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;
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Changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations, or principles;
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Any significant change in our management;
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Other events or factors, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism, pandemics, or responses to these events; and
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General economic conditions such as rising inflation or interest rates in the United States and slow or negative growth of our markets.
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Further, in recent years the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies.
These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In addition, the stock prices of many technology companies have experienced wide fluctuations that have often been unrelated to the
operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions, government shutdowns, global pandemics, interest rate changes the stability
of the EU including, but not limited to, effects from the exit of the United Kingdom, the Russia-Ukraine conflict or international currency fluctuations, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. In the past, following periods
of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies.
We have broad discretion in how we apply our funds, and we may not use these funds effectively, which could affect our results of operations and cause our
stock price to decline.
Our management has broad discretion in the application of our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments and could spend these funds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or
enhance the value of our common stock. Pending their use, we may invest our available funds in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. The failure by our management to apply our available funds effectively could result in
financial losses that could cause the price of our common stock to decline and delay the development of our products.
In addition, an entity that, among other things, is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, trading, or
holding certain types of securities would be deemed an Investment Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). If we do not manage our investments and business in a manner that meets the requirements for an exemption under
the 1940 Act, we may be deemed to be an investment company under the 1940 Act and subject to additional limitations on operating our business including limitations on the issuance of securities, which may make it difficult for us to raise
capital.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate because our operating results may not be consistent and may be difficult to predict.
Our operating results have fluctuated in the past due to several factors. We expect that our future operating results may also fluctuate due to the same or similar factors. We had a net loss of
$20.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. We had a net loss of $36.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. We had a net loss of $42.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of September 30, 2023, we had an
accumulated deficit of $179.4 million. The following include some of the factors that may cause our operating results to fluctuate:
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The outcome of actions to enforce our intellectual property rights currently in progress or that we may undertake in the future, and the timing thereof such as Apple II;
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The amount and timing of receipt of license fees from potential infringers, licensees, or customers;
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The rate of adoption of our patented technologies;
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The number of new license arrangements we may execute, or that may expire, within a particular period and the scope of those licenses, including the number of our patents which are licensed, the extent of
prior infringement of our patent rights, royalty rates, timing of payment obligations, expiration date etc.;
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The success of a licensee in selling products that use our patented technologies; and
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The amount and timing of expenses related to our patent filings and enforcement proceedings, including litigation, related to our intellectual property rights.
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These fluctuations may make our business particularly difficult to manage, adversely affect our business and operating results, make our operating results difficult for investors to predict and,
further, cause our results to fall below investor’s expectations and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
None.
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Incorporated by reference herein
|
||||||||||||
|
Exhibit
Number
|
Description
|
Form
|
Exhibit
No.
|
Filing
Date
|
File No.
|
Filed
Herewith
|
||||||
| 3.1 |
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. |
8-K |
3.1 |
November 1, 2007 |
000-26895 |
|||||||
| 3.2 |
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. |
8-K |
3.1 |
October 25, 2023 |
001-33852 |
|||||||
|
Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
x
|
|||||||||||
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
x
|
|||||||||||
|
Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
x
|
|||||||||||
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
x
|
|||||||||||
|
101.INS
|
Inline XBRL Instance Document.
|
x
|
||||||||||
|
101.SCH
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
|
x
|
||||||||||
|
101.CAL
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
|
x
|
||||||||||
|
101.DEF
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
|
x
|
||||||||||
|
101.LAB
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
|
x
|
||||||||||
|
101.PRE
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
|
x
|
||||||||||
|
104
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
|
x
|
||||||||||
|
**
|
This exhibit is furnished herewith, but not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under that section. Such
certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we explicitly incorporate them by reference.
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized.
|
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
|
|||
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By:
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/s/ Kendall Larsen
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||
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Name
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Kendall Larsen
|
||
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Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|||
|
By:
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/s/ Katherine Allanson
|
||
|
Name
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Katherine Allanson
|
||
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Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|||
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Date: November 9, 2023
|
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40