Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)
Registration No. 333-276556
PROSPECTUS
Cemtrex,
Inc.
11,764,705
Units, Each Unit Consisting of One Share of Common Stock or One Pre-Funded Warrant to Purchase One Share of Common Stock, One Series
A Warrant to Purchase One Share of Common Stock and One Series B Warrant to Purchase One Share of Common Stock
23,529,410
Shares of Common Stock Underlying the Series A and Series B Warrants
We
are offering, on a firm commitment, underwritten basis, 11,764,705 units (the “Units”), each Unit consisting of one share
of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, one Series A warrant (“Series A Warrant”) to purchase one share of common
stock and one Series B warrant (“Series B Warrant”) to purchase one share of common stock, at the public offering price of
$0.85 per Unit.
The
Units have no stand-alone rights and will not be certificated or issued as stand-alone securities. Each Series A Warrant offered hereby
is immediately exercisable on the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.85 per share of common stock, or pursuant to alternate
cashless exercise option, and will expire two-and-a-half years from the closing date of this public offering. Each Series B Warrant offered
hereby is immediately exercisable on the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.85 per share of common stock, and will expire five
years from the closing date of this public offering.
Under
the alternate cashless exercise option of the Series A Warrants, beginning on the date of the Warrant Stockholder Approval (described
below), the holder of the Series A Warrant, has the right to receive an aggregate number of shares equal to the product of (x) the aggregate
number of shares of common stock that would be issuable upon a cash exercise of the Series A Warrant and (y) 3.0. In addition, beginning
on the date of the Warrant Stockholder Approval, the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will contain a reset of the exercise price
to a price equal to the lesser of (i) the then exercise price and (ii) lowest volume weighted average price (VWAP) during the period
commencing five trading days immediately preceding and the five trading days commencing on the date we effect a reverse stock split in
the future with a proportionate adjustment to the number of shares underlying the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants. Finally, beginning
on the date of the Warrant Stockholder Approval, with certain exceptions, the Series B Warrants will provide for an adjustment to the
exercise price and number of shares underlying the Series B Warrants upon our issuance of our common stock or common stock equivalents
at a price per share that is less than the exercise price of the Series B Warrant.
The
alternate cashless exercise option included in the Series A Warrants and the other adjustment provisions described in the above paragraph
included in the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will be available only upon receipt of such stockholder approval as may be required
by the applicable rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Capital Market to permit the alternate cashless exercise of the Series A Warrants
and the other adjustment provisions described in the above paragraph included in the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants (the “Warrant
Stockholder Approval”). In the event that we are unable to obtain the Warrant Stockholder Approval, the Series A Warrants will
not be exercisable using the alternate cashless exercise option and the other adjustment provisions described in the above paragraph
included in the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will not be effective, and therefore the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants
may have substantially less value. See the Risk Factor on page 12 relating to the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants and Warrant
Stockholder Approval, and see the section entitled “Warrant Stockholder Approval” on page 43 for additional details regarding
the Warrant Stockholder Approval.
We
are also offering to each purchaser of Units that would otherwise result in the purchaser’s beneficial ownership exceeding 4.99%
of our outstanding common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase Units consisting
of one pre-funded warrant (in lieu of one share of common stock, each a “Pre-Funded Warrant”), one Series A Warrant and one
Series B Warrant. Subject to limited exceptions, a holder of Pre-Funded Warrants will not have the right to exercise any portion of its
Pre-Funded Warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of the
holder, such limit may be increased to up to 9.99%) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect
to such exercise. Each Pre-Funded Warrant will be exercisable for one share of common stock. The purchase price of each Unit including
a Pre-Funded Warrant will be equal to the price per Unit including one share of common stock, minus $0.001, and the remaining exercise
price of each Pre-Funded Warrant will equal $0.001 per share. The Pre-Funded Warrants will be immediately exercisable (subject to the
beneficial ownership cap) and may be exercised at any time until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. For each Unit
including a Pre-Funded Warrant we sell (without regard to any limitation on exercise set forth therein), the number of Units including
a share of common stock we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis.
This
prospectus also includes the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, and the Pre-Funded
Warrants.
The
common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants can each be purchased in this offering only with the accompanying Series A Warrants and Series B
Warrants that are part of a Unit, but the components of the Units will be immediately separable and will be issued separately in this
offering. See “Description of Capital Stock” in this prospectus for more information.
Our
common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “CETX.” The last reported sale price of
our common stock on Nasdaq on May 1, 2024 was $0.3055 per share. There is no established public trading market for the Series A Warrants,
Series B Warrants, or the Pre-Funded Warrants, and we do not intend to list the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, or the Pre-Funded
Warrants on any national securities exchange or trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the Series A Warrants,
Series B Warrants, and the Pre-Funded Warrants will be limited.
We
have granted Aegis Capital Corp., as underwriter, an option, exercisable for 45 days from the closing date of this offering, to purchase
up to 1,764,705 additional shares of common stock and/or Pre-Funded Warrants, representing 15% of the shares of common stock and/or Pre-Funded
Warrants sold in the offering, and/or up to 1,764,705 Series A Warrants, representing 15% of the Series A Warrants sold in the offering,
and/or up to 1,764,705 Series B Warrants, representing 15% of the Series B Warrants sold in the offering. The underwriter may exercise
the over-allotment option with respect to shares of common stock only, Pre-Funded Warrants only, Series A Warrants only, Series B Warrants
only, or any combination thereof.
You
should read this prospectus, together with additional information described under the headings “Information Incorporated by Reference”
and “Where You Can Find Additional Information,” carefully before you invest in any of our securities.
Investing
in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of this prospectus for a discussion
of risks that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities.
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed
upon the adequacy or the accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
| |
Per Unit | | |
Total | |
Public offering price | |
$ | 0.85 | | |
$ | 10,000,000 | |
Underwriting
discounts and commissions (7.0%)(1) | |
$ | 0.06 | | |
$ | 700,000 | |
Proceeds before expenses | |
$ | 0.79 | | |
$ | 9,300,000 | |
(1) |
Does
not include a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 0.5% of the public offering price. See “Underwriting”
for a description of compensation payable to the underwriter. |
The
underwriter expects to deliver our securities to purchasers in the offering on or about May 3, 2024.
Aegis
Capital Corp.
The
date of this prospectus is May 3, 2024
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
We
incorporate by reference important information into this prospectus. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference without
charge by following the instructions under “Where You Can Find More Information.” You should carefully read this prospectus
as well as additional information described under “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference,” before deciding to
invest in our securities.
We
have not, and the underwriter has not, authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained
in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility
for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer
to sell only the securities offered hereby, and only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information
contained in this prospectus or in any applicable free writing prospectus is current only as of its date, regardless of its time of delivery
or any sale of our securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
The
information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus contains statistical data and estimates, including those relating
to market size and competitive position of the markets in which we participate, that we obtained from our own internal estimates and
research, as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications,
studies and surveys generally state that they have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. While we believe our internal
company research is reliable and the definitions of our market and industry are appropriate, neither this research nor these definitions
have been verified by any independent source.
For
investors outside the United States: We have not, and the underwriter has not, done anything that would permit this offering or possession
or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons
outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating
to, the offering of the securities and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.
This
prospectus and the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus may contain references to our trademarks and to trademarks
belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus and the information incorporated
by reference into this prospectus, including logos, artwork, and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but
such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights
or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’
trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other company.
This
prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, and only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful
to do so. We are not, and the underwriter is not, making an offer to sell these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer
or sale is not permitted.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
prospectus, and any documents we incorporate by reference, contain certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks
and uncertainties. All statements contained in this prospectus and any documents we incorporate by reference, other than statements of
historical facts, are forward-looking statements including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position,
future revenue, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives of management and expected market growth. These statements involve known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
The
words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”,
“plan”, “predict”, “project”, “target”, “potential”, “will”,
“would”, “could”, “should”, “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements
include, among other things, statements about: our business plans, strategies and objectives; our expectations regarding our liquidity
and performance, including our expense levels, sources of capital and ability to maintain our operations; the competitive landscape of
our industry; and general market, economic and political conditions.
These
forward-looking statements are only predictions and we may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our
forward-looking statements, so you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could
differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have based these
forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect
our business, financial condition and operating results. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in
this prospectus that could cause actual future results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make.
Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures
or investments we may make.
You
should read this prospectus with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We
do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as required by applicable law.
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This
summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you
should consider before deciding to invest in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the “Risk
Factors” section in this prospectus and under similar captions in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
In this prospectus, unless otherwise noted, the terms “the Company,” “Cemtrex” “we,” “us,”
and “our” refer to Cemtrex, Inc.
Business
Overview
Cemtrex
was incorporated in 1998 in the state of Delaware and has evolved through strategic acquisitions and internal growth into a leading multi-industry
company.
During
the first quarter of fiscal year 2023, the Company reorganized its reporting segments to be in line with its current structure, consisting
of (i) Security, (ii) Industrial Services, and (iii) Cemtrex Corporate.
Security
Cemtrex’s
Security segment operates under the brand of its majority owned subsidiary, Vicon Industries, Inc. (“Vicon”), which provides
end-to-end security solutions to meet the toughest corporate, industrial and governmental security challenges. Vicon’s products
include browser-based video monitoring systems and analytics-based recognition systems, cameras, servers, and access control systems
for every aspect of security and surveillance in industrial and commercial facilities, federal prisons, hospitals, universities, schools,
and federal and state government offices. Vicon provides innovative, mission critical security and video surveillance solutions utilizing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) based data algorithms.
Industrial
Services
Cemtrex’s
Industrial Services segment operates under the brand, Advanced Industrial Services (“AIS”), which offers single-source expertise
and services for rigging, millwrighting, in plant maintenance, equipment erection, relocation, and disassembly to diversified customers.
AIS installs high precision equipment in a wide variety of industrial markets like automotive, printing & graphics, industrial automation,
packaging, and chemicals, among others. AIS is a leading provider of reliability-driven maintenance and contracting solutions for machinery,
packaging, printing, chemical, and other manufacturing markets. The focus is on customers seeking to achieve greater asset utilization
and reliability to cut costs and increase production from existing assets, including small projects, sustaining capital, turnarounds,
maintenance, specialty welding services, and high-quality scaffolding.
Cemtrex
Corporate
Cemtrex’s
Corporate segment is the holding company of our other two segments.
Business
Strategy
Our
focus is to utilize our resources and capabilities to build brands and businesses in areas where we see unique opportunities to create
exceptional value for our customers, shareholders, and employees over the long term. We aim to grow in markets where we see significant
long-term opportunity to create an attractive return on shareholder equity. Generally, these markets are high growth markets that are
changing due to innovation, new technologies, or other industry shifts taking place. In these markets we seek to build or acquire businesses
that have attractive gross margins, strong opportunities for customer retention, and are asset light. We take a long-term approach with
our strategies and seek returns over five years or longer time horizons.
We
believe our ability to attract and retain new customers comes from our ongoing commitment to understanding our customers’ business
performance requirements and our expertise in meeting or exceeding these requirements and enhancing their competitive advantage through
cutting edge technology. We work closely with our customers from an operational and senior executive level to achieve a deep understanding
of our customer’s goals, challenges, strategies, operations, and products to ultimately provide the best solutions for them.
We
continue to seek and execute additional strategic acquisitions and focus on expanding our products and services as well as entering new
markets. We believe that the diversity of our products & services and our ability to deliver full solutions to a variety of end markets
provides us with multiple sources of income and growth and a competitive advantage relative to other players in the industry. We constantly
look for opportunities to gain new customers and penetrate geographic locations and end markets or acquire new product or service opportunities
through acquisitions that are operationally and financially beneficial for the Company.
Recent
Developments
Sale
of Former Cemtrex Brands
On
November 22, 2022, the Company entered into two Asset Purchase Agreements and one Simple Agreement for Future Equity (“SAFE”)
with the Company’s CEO, Saagar Govil, to secure the sale of the subsidiaries Cemtrex Advanced Technologies, Inc, which include
the brand SmartDesk, and Cemtrex XR, Inc., which include the brands Cemtrex XR, Virtual Driver Interactive, Bravo Strong, and good tech
(formerly Cemtrex Labs), to Mr. Govil.
On
November 22, 2022, the Company completed the above disposition for the following consideration.
|
■ |
$75,000
in cash payable at Closing; and |
|
■ |
5%
royalty of all revenues on the Business to be paid 90 days after the end of each calendar year for the next three years; and should
the total sum of royalties due be less than $820,000 at the end of the three-year period, Purchaser shall be obligated to pay the
difference between $820,000 and the royalties paid. |
|
● |
Cemtrex
Advanced Technologies, Inc. |
|
○ |
$10,000
in cash payable at Closing; and |
|
○ |
5%
royalty of all revenues on the Business to be paid 90 days after the end of each calendar year for the next 5 years; and |
|
○ |
$1,600,000
in SAFE (common equity) at any subsequent fundraising or exit above $5M with a $10M cap. |
The
Company’s Board of Directors, excluding Saagar Govil who abstained from all voting on these agreements, approved these actions
and agreements.
Acquisition
of Heisey Mechanical
On
July 1, 2023, the Company under AIS, completed the acquisition of a leading service contractor and steel fabricator that specializes
in industrial and water treatment markets, Heisey Mechanical, Ltd. (“Heisey”) based in Columbia, Pennsylvania for $2,400,000
plus adjustments for the outstanding contract assets and liabilities of $393,291. The real estate of the business was purchased at fair
market value on August 30, 2023, for $1,500,000 in a separate transaction.
Heisey
provides the water treatment industry with a variety of fabricated vessels and equipment including ASME pressure vessels, heat exchangers,
mix tanks, reactors, and other specialized fabricated equipment. Additionally, the contracting team assists with installation and service
of fabricated items. The company has over 33,000 square feet of manufacturing floor space in its facility and an experienced staff of
fabricators, welders, and field mechanics.
The
purchase price allocation presented below is still preliminary but has been developed based on an estimate of fair values of Heisey’s
identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 1, 2023. The final allocation of the purchase
price will be determined within one year from the closing date of the Heisey acquisition.
The
consideration transferred and preliminary allocation of Heisey’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, are as follows:
Consideration Transferred: | |
| |
Cash | |
$ | 393,291 | |
Seller’s note | |
| 240,000 | |
Financed
amount | |
| 2,160,000 | |
Total
consideration transferred | |
$ | 2,793,291 | |
| |
| | |
Purchase Price Allocation: | |
| | |
Inventory | |
| 300,000 | |
Contract assets | |
| 667,259 | |
Machinery and equipment | |
| 1,625,000 | |
Contract liabilities | |
| (216,469 | ) |
Accrued expenses | |
| (57,499 | ) |
Goodwill | |
| 475,000 | |
Total
consideration transferred | |
$ | 2,793,291 | |
The
unaudited pro forma summary below presents the results of operations as if the Heisey acquisition occurred on October 1, 2021. Unaudited
proforma adjustments for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, includes $127,800 of depreciation expense from acquired fixed assets,
$127,883 of interest expense on the debt used in the acquisition. Unaudited proforma adjustments for the twelve months ended September
30, 2022, includes $255,600 of depreciation expense from acquired fixed assets, $81,140 of interest expense on the debt used in the acquisition.
The unaudited pro forma summary uses estimates and assumptions based on information available at the time. Management believes the estimates
and assumptions to be reasonable; however, actual results may have differed significantly from this pro forma financial information.
The unaudited pro forma information does not reflect any cost savings, operating synergies or revenue enhancements that might have been
achieved from combining the operations. The unaudited pro forma summary is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not purport
to represent the Company’s actual consolidated results of operations had the acquisition been completed as of the date presented,
nor should it be considered indicative of Cemtrex’s future consolidated results of operations.
| |
Unaudited | |
| |
For
the year ended | |
| |
September
30, 2023 | | |
September
30, 2022 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Revenues | |
$ | 66,274,838 | | |
$ | 53,970,595 | |
Net loss | |
| (9,173,748 | ) | |
| (13,038,817 | ) |
Proforma
adjustments for the three months ended December 31, 2022, includes $63,900 of depreciation expense from acquired fixed assets, $33,400
of interest expense on the debt used in the acquisition.
| |
Unaudited | |
| |
for the three months ended | |
| |
December
31, 2022 | |
| |
| |
Revenues | |
$ | 13,173,838 | |
Net loss | |
| (6,440,203 | ) |
On
August 30, 2023, the Company acquired a mortgage in the amount of $1,200,000 from Fulton Bank to finance the purchase of the properties
formerly owned by Heisey Mechanical Ltd. The mortgage carries interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 2.8% and matures
on September 30, 2043.
Common
Stock Reverse Stock Split
On
January 25, 2023, the company completed a 35:1 reverse stock split on its common stock. All share and per share data have been retroactively
adjusted for this reverse split.
Nasdaq
Deficiencies and Actions on Company Securities
Series
1 Preferred Stock
On
July 29, 2022, the Company received a notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”)
notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s Series 1 preferred stock listed on Nasdaq was below
$1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, the Company no longer met the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq
Capital Market under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2), requiring a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Bid Price
Requirement”).
On
January 26, 2023, the Company received a notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying the Company
that, it had been granted an additional 180 days or until July 24, 2023, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement
based on the Company meeting the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other applicable requirements
for initial listing on the Capital Market with the exception of the bid price requirement, and the Company’s written notice of
its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.
On
July 25, 2023, the Company received a Notice of Staff Determination from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying the
Company that its Series 1 Preferred Stock had not gained compliance and would be suspended from trading at the opening of business on
August 3, 2023. The Company thereafter requested a hearing.
On
July 25, 2023, the Company received notification that it had been granted a hearing on September 14, 2023.
On
September 8, 2023, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (“Panel”) informing the Company that the
Panel has granted the Company a temporary exception to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule.
The
Company had represented that it intends to effect a reverse stock split if necessary to regain compliance no later than January 5, 2024,
and described the actions it intends to take to be able to meet that timeline. Accordingly, the Company has been granted an exception
until January 19, 2024, to effect the reverse stock split and thereafter regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule.
On
December 29, 2023, the Company had reconvened a special meeting of stockholders of the Series 1 Preferred Stock (the “Special Meeting”)
to gain shareholder approval to effect the reverse stock split. At the time of the reconvened Special Meeting, there were insufficient
votes represented by proxy or virtually in person to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Special Meeting. Pursuant
to the Company’s Bylaws, the meeting will not be further adjourned and thus the resolution did not pass.
On
January 3, 2024, the Company received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC’s Hearings Panel notifying the Company that it
has made the following amendments to the exception granted on September 8, 2023.
| ■ | On
January 8, 2024, the Company’s Series 1 Preferred Stock shall close at a minimum bid
price of at least $1 per share and maintain such closing bid price for a minimum of ten consecutive
business days; and |
| ■ | On
January 22, 2024, the Company shall have demonstrated compliance with Listing Rule 5555(a)(1),
by evidencing a closing bid price of $1 or more per share for a minimum of ten consecutive
trading sessions. |
The
Company has bought back 71,951 shares for $69,705 under the Share Repurchase Program approved on August 22, 2023, that allows the Company
to repurchase shares of the Series 1 Preferred Stock through various means, including through privately negotiated transactions and through
an open market program. This action proved ineffective to meet the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.
On
January 18, 2024, the Company received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC’s Hearings Panel notifying the Company that it
has determined to delist the Company’s shares of Series 1 Preferred Stock from the Exchange, due to the Company’s inability
to meet the terms of the exception granted by the Panel on September 8, 2023, as amended.
The
Company’s Series 1 Preferred Stock was suspended from the Nasdaq Capital Market on January 22, 2024. The Series 1 Preferred Stock
is now quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “CETXP.”
Nasdaq
filed a Form 25 on March 21, 2024. The deregistration of the Company’s Series 1 Preferred Stock under Section 12(b) of the Exchange
Act will be effective for 90 days, or such shorter period as the SEC may determine, after filing of the Form 25.
Common
Stock
On
January 24, 2022, the Company received a notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying the Company
that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock listed on Nasdaq was below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading
days, the Company no longer met the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market under Nasdaq Marketplace
Rule 5550(a)(2), requiring a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”).
On
July 26, 2022, the Company received a notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC Nasdaq
notifying the Company that, it had been granted an additional 180 days or until January 23, 2023, to regain compliance with the Minimum
Bid Price Requirement based on the Company meeting the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all
other applicable requirements for initial listing on the Capital Market with the exception of the bid price requirement, and the Company’s
written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.
On
January 26, 2023, the Company received a notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying the Company
that it has not regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and accordingly would be delisted from the Capital Market. The Company
then requested and had been granted a hearing to occur on March 16, 2023, appealing this determination to a Hearings Panel (the “Panel”),
pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5800 Series.
On
February 8, 2023, the Company received a notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying the Company
that it has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and is in compliance with all applicable listing standards.
The
Company’s common stock is presently listed and traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market, subject to compliance with Nasdaq’s continued
listing requirements.
Settlement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission
On
September 30, 2022, acting pursuant to an offer of settlement submitted by the Company, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)
issued an order pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act, directing the Company to cease and desist from committing or causing any
violations and any future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder
(the “SEC Order”).
The
SEC Order also directed Mr. Saagar Govil to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of Section
17(a)(3) of the Securities Act.
The
SEC found that, as a result of its conduct, which was neither admitted nor denied, the Company violated Section 17(a) of the Securities
Act and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, which prohibit fraudulent conduct in the offer or sale of securities
and in connection with the purchase or sale of securities.
The
SEC also found that, as a result of his conduct, which was neither admitted nor denied, Mr. Govil violated Section 17(a)(3) of the Securities
Act, which makes it illegal to engage in any transaction, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud
or deceit upon the purchaser.
In
addition to the above cease and desists, the Company undertook to not publicly announce that it has partnered with another company or
that another company has become a customer of the Company without providing prior written notice, including a copy of the announcement
text, to the businessperson at the other company responsible for that company’s relationship with the Company.
Also,
the Company received a civil monetary penalty of two million two hundred thousand dollars ($2,200,000) in the aggregate that must be
paid to the SEC. Mr. Govil also received a civil monetary penalty of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) in the aggregate
that must be paid to the SEC. The company and Mr. Govil have remitted the payments as of September 30, 2022. The SEC Order can be accessed
at www.sec.gov.
Going
Concern Considerations
The
Company has incurred substantial losses of $9,196,875 and $13,020,958 for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, and has losses on
continuing operations for the three months ending December 31, 2023, of $1,314,395 and has current liabilities of $28,696,123 and working
capital deficit of $2,284,787, that raise substantial doubt with respect to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
While
the working capital deficit and current debt indicate a substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going
concern, the Company has historically, from time to time, satisfied and may continue to satisfy certain short-term liabilities through
the issuance of common stock, thus reducing our cash requirement to meet our operating needs. The Company has approximately $2.84 million
in cash as of December 31, 2023. Additionally, the Company has (i) secured a line of credit for its Vicon brand to fund operations, which
as of December 31, 2023, has available capacity of $1,642,676, (ii) sold unprofitable brands, reducing the cash required to maintain
those brands, (iii) continually reevaluate our pricing model on our Vicon brand to improve margins on those products, and (iv) has effected
a 35:1 reverse stock split on our common stock to remain trading on the Nasdaq Capital Markets, and improve our ability to potentially
raise capital through equity offerings that we may use to satisfy debt. In the event additional capital is raised through equity offerings
and/or debt is satisfied with equity, it may have a dilutive effect on our existing stockholders. While the Company believes these plans
if successful, would be sufficient to meet the capital demands of our current operations for at least the next twelve months, there is
no guarantee that we will succeed. Overall, there is no guarantee that cash flow from our existing or future operations and any external
capital that we may be able to raise will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs. The Company currently does not have adequate
cash or available liquidity/available capacity on our lines of credit to meet our short or long-term needs. Absent an ability to raise
additional outside capital and restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt, the Company will be unable to meet its obligations
as they become due over the next twelve months beyond the issuance date.
Potential
Impacts of COVID-19 on our Business
The
COVID-19 pandemic impacted our business operations and the results of our operations during fiscal years 2022 and 2021, primarily with
delays in orders by many customers and new product development, including newer versions of surveillance software since our technical
facility in Pune, India had been under lock down on multiple occasions. Overall bookings level in our business were down by more than
20%, compared to fiscal 2021 levels during certain periods. Bookings and revenue have largely recovered in this calendar year compared
to last year. However, due to ongoing delays in certain supply chain areas, the expected launch times of our new products and new versions
has resulted in delays of several months. These supply chain issues have also affected the Company’s ability to obtain inventory
for our current bookings, and the Company has implemented a buildup of inventory levels to remain competitive and keep backlog orders
at a minimum. Additionally, increased costs and the need to increase wages to retain talent may cause our gross margin percentages to
shrink and our operational costs to rise. In response to these increased costs, the Company has implemented an ongoing review of our
pricing to cover these additional costs while remaining competitive.
The
broader implications of COVID-19 on our results from operations going forward remains uncertain. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting
supply chain issues and inflation has the potential to cause adverse effects to our customers, suppliers or business partners in locations
that have or will experience more pronounced disruptions, which could result in a reduction to future revenue and manufacturing output
as well as delays in our new product development activities. However, opportunities in the video surveillance field have been growing
for Vicon products.
The
extent of the pandemic’s effect on our operational and financial performance will depend in large part on future developments,
which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Future developments include the emergence of new virus variants that are more contagious
or harmful than prior variants, the actions taken to contain or mitigate its impact both within and outside the jurisdictions where we
operate, the impact on governmental programs and budgets, the development of treatments or vaccines, and the resumption of widespread
economic activity. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation, we are unable to predict with
any confidence the likely impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our future operations.
Risks
Associated with Our Business
Our
business is subject to a number of risks of which you should be aware before making an investment decision. These risks and others are
discussed more fully in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus immediately following this prospectus summary and in
Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, which is incorporated
by reference in this prospectus. These risks include the following:
| ■ | Our
operations and performance depend significantly on global and regional economic conditions
and adverse economic conditions can materially adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition. |
| ■ | The
report of our independent registered public accounting firm contains an explanatory paragraph
that expresses substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. |
| ■ | There
is no guarantee that cash flow from operations and/or debt and equity financings will provide
sufficient capital to meet our expansion goals working capital needs or fund our operations. |
| ■ | We
have a history of losses and may experience losses in the future, which could result in the
market price of our common stock declining. |
| ■ | We
have substantial debt which could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital
to fund operations and prevent us from meeting our obligations under outstanding indebtedness. |
| ■ | Our
ability to secure and maintain sufficient credit arrangements is key to our continued operations
and there is no assurance we will be able to obtain sufficient additional equity or debt
financing in the future. |
| ■ | We
are substantially dependent upon the success and continued market acceptance of our technology,
the absence of which may significantly reduce our sales, profits and cash flow and adversely
impact our financial condition. |
| ■ | We
have taken a multi-operational approach, and some of our business segments have historically
failed to benefit our company to date, and there remains a risk that our remaining segments
may not prove to be successful. We may divest or expand into new areas that are outside of
our current business activities and those activities may not prove to be successful. |
| ■ | Our
future operating results depend in part on continued successful research, development and
marketing of new and improved products and services through our Security segment, and there
can be no assurance that we will successfully introduce new products and services into the
market. |
| ■ | Our
future operating results depends in part on the continued successful operation of our Industrial
Services segment, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in this business. |
| ■ | Our
products face intense competitive challenges, including rapid technological changes, and
pricing pressure from competitors, which could adversely affect our business. |
| ■ | We
could be subject to additional civil penalties or face criminal penalties and sanctions if
we violate the terms of settlement with the SEC. |
| ■ | We
have grown through acquisitions and are continuously looking to fund other acquisitions;
our failure to raise funds for acquisitions may have the effect of slowing down our growth
and our use of funds for acquisitions subjects us to acquisition-related risks. |
| ■ | The
loss of the services of Saagar Govil for any reason would materially and adversely affect
our business operations and prospects. |
| ■ | Our
management stockholders have significant stockholdings in and influence over our company
which could make it impossible for public stockholders to influence the affairs of our company. |
| ■ | Sales
of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market could depress the market
price of our common stock. |
| ■ | Our
securities may experience extreme price and volume fluctuations, which could lead to costly
litigation for us and make an investment in us less appealing. |
The
Offering
Units
to be Offered |
|
11,764,705
Units at the public offering price of $0.85 per Unit on a firm commitment basis. Each Unit will consist of one share of common stock
(or Pre-Funded Warrant to purchase one share of our common stock in lieu thereof), one Series A Warrant to purchase one share of
common stock and one Series B Warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The Units have no stand-alone rights and will not be
certificated or issued as stand-alone securities. The shares of common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants, if any, can each be purchased
in this offering only with the accompanying Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants as part of Units (other than pursuant to the
underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares of Common Stock and/or Pre-Funded Warrants and/or Series A Warrants and/or
Series B Warrants), but the components of the Units will be immediately separable and will be issued separately in this offering. |
|
|
|
Prefunded
Warrants to be Offered |
|
We
are also offering to certain purchasers whose purchase of Units in this offering would otherwise
result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially
owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding common
stock immediately following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase,
if such purchasers so choose, Units including Prefunded Warrants to purchase shares of common
stock, in lieu of Units including shares of common stock that would otherwise result in any
such purchaser’s beneficial ownership exceeding 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser,
9.99%) of our outstanding common stock. The purchase price of each Unit including a Pre-Funded
Warrant will be equal to the price at which a Unit is sold to the public in this offering,
minus $0.001, and the exercise price of each Pre-Funded Warrant will be $0.001 per share.
Each
Pre-Funded Warrant will be exercisable for one share of our common stock and will be exercisable at any time after its original issuance
until exercised in full, provided that the purchaser will be prohibited from exercising Pre-Funded Warrants for shares of our common
stock if, as a result of such exercise, the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, would own more than
4.99% of the total number of shares of our common stock then issued and outstanding. However, any holder may increase such percentage
to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99%, provided that any increase in such percentage shall not be effective until 61 days
after such notice to us.
This
prospectus also relates to the offering of the common stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants. See “Description
of Securities We Are Offering—Pre-Funded Warrants” |
|
|
|
Series
A Warrants and Series B Warrants to be Offered |
|
11,764,705
Series A Warrants and 11,764,705 Series B Warrants. Each Unit includes one share of common stock, one Series A Warrant and one Series
B Warrant. Each Series A Warrant is exercisable at a price of $0.85 per share, or pursuant to an alternate cashless exercise option,
and each Series B Warrant is exercisable at a price of $0.85 per share. The Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will be immediately
exercisable and will expire two-and-a-half years (with respect to the Series A Warrants) or five years (with respect to the Series
B Warrants) from the closing date of this public offering. See “Description of Securities We Are Offering—Series A Warrants
and Series B Warrants.” |
Over-allotment option |
|
The offering is being underwritten on a firm commitment basis. We have granted the underwriter
a 45-day option to purchase up to 1,764,705 additional shares of common stock, representing 15% of the Common Units sold in the offering
at the public offering price of $0.85 per Common Unit, and/or up to 1,764,705 additional Pre-Funded Warrants, representing 15% of
the Pre-funded Warrants sold in the offering, and/or up to 1,764,705 additional Series A Warrants, representing 15% of the Series
A Warrants sold in the offering, and/or up to 1,764,705 additional Series B Warrants, representing 15% of the Series B Warrants sold
in the offering, on the same terms and conditions set forth above solely to cover over-allotments. The underwriter may exercise the
over-allotment option with respect to shares of common stock only, Pre-Funded Warrants only, Series A Warrants only, Series B Warrants
only, or any combination thereof. |
|
|
|
Common Stock Outstanding After This Offering (1) |
|
12,821,686 shares (or 14,586,391)
shares of common stock if the underwriters exercise their option in full) (assuming we sell only shares of common stock and no Prefunded
Warrants and assuming no exercise of the Series A Warrant or Series B Warrant). |
|
|
|
Use of Proceeds |
|
We currently intend to
use the net proceeds from the offering to conduct operations, increase marketing efforts, and investments in our existing business
initiatives and products, a partial repayment of existing indebtedness to Streeterville Capital, LLC in an amount of approximately
$4,500,000, as well as general working capital. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary
businesses, products and technologies or to fund the development of any such complementary businesses, products or technologies.
We currently have no plans for any such acquisitions or investments. See “Use of Proceeds” |
|
|
|
Risk Factors |
|
See “Risk Factors”
beginning on page 12 of this prospectus and other information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion
of the risk factors you should consider carefully when making an investment decision. |
|
|
|
Nasdaq/OTC Symbol |
|
Our common stock is listed
on Nasdaq under the symbol “CETX” and our Series 1 Preferred Stock is quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “CETXP.”
There is no established public trading market for the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, or Pre-Funded Warrants, and we do not
intend to list the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, or the Pre-Funded Warrants on any national securities exchange or trading
system. |
| (1) | The
number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 1,056,981
shares of our common stock outstanding as of May 3, 2024, and, unless otherwise indicated,
excludes, as of that date: |
| ■ | 28,796
shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options having a weighted
average exercise price of $50.76 per share; and |
| ■ | 1,991,207
shares of Common Stock reserved for future issuance under the Company’s 2020 Equity
Compensation Plan. |
Except
as otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus assumes: (i) no sale of the Prefunded Warrants in this offering, which, if
sold, would reduce the number of shares of common stock that we are offering on an one-for-one basis; (ii) no exercise of any Series
A Warrants or Series B Warrants; and (iii) no exercise of the options described above.
RISK
FACTORS
An
investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to purchase our securities, including the securities
offered by this prospectus, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our other filings
with the SEC, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition
and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and we may not be able to achieve our goals, the value of our securities
could decline and you could lose some or all of your investment. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe
are immaterial may also significantly impair our business operations. If any of these risks occur, our business, results of operations
or financial condition and prospects could be harmed. In that event, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you could
lose all or part of your investment.
Risks
Related to Macroeconomics Conditions and International Operations
Our
operations and performance depend significantly on global and regional economic conditions and adverse economic conditions can materially
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Adverse
macroeconomic conditions, including slow growth or recession, high unemployment, inflation, tighter credit, higher interest rates, and
currency fluctuations, can adversely impact consumer confidence and spending and materially adversely affect demand for our products
and services. In addition, consumer confidence and spending can be materially adversely affected in response to changes in fiscal and
monetary policy, financial market volatility, declines in income or asset values, and other economic factors.
In
addition to an adverse impact on demand for our products and services, uncertainty about, or a decline in, global or regional economic
conditions can have a significant impact on our suppliers, contract manufacturers, logistics providers, distributors, and other channel
partners, and developers. Potential outcomes include financial instability; inability to obtain credit to finance business operations;
and insolvency.
Adverse
economic conditions can also lead to increased credit and collectability risk on our trade receivables; the failure of derivative counterparties
and other financial institutions; limitations on our ability to issue new debt; reduced liquidity; and declines in the fair values of
our financial instruments. These and other impacts can materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition
and stock price.
Our
business can be impacted by political events, trade and other international disputes, war, terrorism, natural disasters, public health
issues, industrial accidents and other business interruptions.
Political
events, trade and other international disputes, war, terrorism, natural disasters, public health issues (such as COVID-19), industrial
accidents and other business interruptions can harm or disrupt international commerce and the global economy and could have a material
adverse effect on us and our customers, suppliers, contract manufacturers, logistics providers, distributors, and other channel partners.
Restrictions
on international trade, such as tariffs and other controls on imports or exports of goods, technology or data, can materially adversely
affect our operations and supply chain and limit our ability to offer and distribute products and services to customers. The impact can
be particularly significant if these restrictive measures apply to countries and regions where we derive a significant portion of our
revenues and/or have significant supply chain operations. Restrictive measures can require us to take various actions, including changing
suppliers and restructuring business relationships. Changing our operations in accordance with new or changed restrictions on international
trade can be expensive, time-consuming and disruptive to our operations. Such restrictions can be announced with little or no advance
notice and we may not be able to effectively mitigate all adverse impacts from such measures. For example, tensions between governments,
including the U.S. and China, have in the past led to tariffs and other restrictions being imposed on our business. If disputes and conflicts
further escalate in the future, actions by governments in response could be significantly more severe and restrictive and could materially
adversely affect our business. Political uncertainty surrounding trade and other international disputes could also have a negative effect
on consumer confidence and spending, which could adversely affect our business.
Many
of our operations and facilities, as well as critical business operations of our suppliers and contract manufacturers, are in locations
that are prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters. In addition, such operations and facilities are subject to the risk of interruption
by fire, power shortages, nuclear power plant accidents and other industrial accidents, terrorist attacks and other hostile acts, ransomware
and other cybersecurity attacks, labor disputes, public health issues, including pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and other events
beyond our control. Global climate change is resulting in certain types of natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, hurricanes and
wildfires, occurring more frequently or with more intense effects. Such events can make it difficult or impossible for us to manufacture
and deliver products to our customers, create delays and inefficiencies in our supply and manufacturing chain, and result in slowdowns
and outages to our product and service offerings, and negatively impact consumer spending and demand in affected areas. Following an
interruption to our business, we can require substantial recovery time, experience significant expenditures to resume operations, and
lose significant sales.
Our
operations are also subject to the risks of industrial accidents at our suppliers and contract manufacturers. While our suppliers are
required to maintain safe working environments and operations, an industrial accident could occur and could result in serious injuries
or loss of life, disruption to our business, and harm to our reputation. Major public health issues, including pandemics such as the
COVID-19 pandemic, have adversely affected, and could in the future materially adversely affect, us due to their impact on the global
economy and demand for consumer products; the imposition of protective public safety measures, such as stringent employee travel restrictions
and limitations on freight services and the movement of products between regions; and disruptions in our operations, supply chain and
sales and distribution channels, resulting in interruptions to the supply of current products and offering of existing services, and
delays in production ramps of new products and development of new services.
Volatility
in currency exchange rates may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our
international operations accounted for approximately 9.2% of our net sales in 2023. We are exposed to the effects (both positive and
negative) that fluctuating exchange rates have on translating the financial statements of our international operations, most of which
are denominated in local currencies, into the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect product demand and reported profits
in our international operations. In addition, currency fluctuations may affect the prices we pay suppliers for materials used in our
products, along with other local costs incurred in foreign countries for foreign entities with U.S. dollar functional currency. As a
result, fluctuating exchange rates may adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Our
business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected by compliance with import and export laws.
We
must comply with various laws and regulations relating to the import and export of products, services and technology from the U.S. and
other countries having jurisdiction over our operations, which may affect our transactions with certain customers, business partners
and other persons. In certain circumstances, export control and economic sanctions regulations may prohibit the export of certain products,
services, and technologies and in other circumstances, we may be required to obtain an export license before exporting a controlled item.
The length of time required by the licensing processes can vary, potentially delaying the shipment of products or performance of services
and the recognition of the corresponding revenue. In addition, failure to comply with any of these regulations could result in civil
and criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, disruptions to our business, limitations on our ability to import and export products
and services and damage to our reputation. Moreover, any changes in export control or sanctions regulations may further restrict the
export of our products or services, and the possibility of such changes requires constant monitoring to ensure we remain compliant. Any
restrictions on the export of our products or product lines could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results
of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Risks
Related to Covid-19
The
global pandemic may disrupt our business or the business of our customers.
In
December 2019, a novel strain of corona virus, which causes the infectious disease known as COVID-19 was reported. The World Health Organization
declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency and Global Pandemic. COVID-19 has severely impacted economies around the world.
The
current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our business operations and the results of our operations in this fiscal year, primarily with
delays in expected orders by many customers and new product development, including newer versions of surveillance software since our
technical facility in Pune, India has been under lock down on multiple occasions. Bookings and revenue have largely recovered in this
calendar year compared to last year. In addition, due to delays in certain supply chain areas, the expected launch times of our new products
and new versions has resulted in delays of several months.
The
broader implications of COVID-19 on our results from operations going forward remains uncertain. The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential
to cause adverse effects to our customers, suppliers or business partners in locations that have or will experience more pronounced disruptions,
which could result in a reduction to future revenue and manufacturing output as well as delays in our new product development activities.
However, on the other hand, opportunities in the video surveillance field have been growing for Vicon products.
The
extent of the pandemic’s effect on our operational and financial performance will depend in large part on future developments,
which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Future developments include the duration, scope and severity of the pandemic, the
emergence of new virus variants that are more contagious or harmful than prior variants, the actions taken to contain or mitigate its
impact both within and outside the jurisdictions where we operate, the impact on governmental programs and budgets, the development of
treatments or vaccines, and the resumption of widespread economic activity. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the unprecedented and
rapidly evolving situation, we are unable to predict with any confidence the likely impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our future operations.
This could materially impact our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.
Risks
Related to our Financial Condition
The
report of our independent registered public accounting firm contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about
our ability to continue as a going concern.
The
Company has incurred substantial losses of $9,196,875 and $13,020,958 for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, and has losses on
continuing operations for the three months ending December 31, 2023, of $1,314,395 and has current liabilities of $28,696,123 and working
capital deficit of $2,284,787, that raise substantial doubt with respect to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
While
our working capital deficit and current debt indicate a substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going
concern, the Company has historically, from time to time, satisfied and may continue to satisfy certain short-term liabilities through
the issuance of common stock, thus reducing our cash requirement to meet our operating needs. The Company has approximately $2.84 million
in cash as of December 31, 2023. Additionally, the Company has (i) secured a line of credit for its Vicon brand to fund operations, which
as of December 31, 2023, has available capacity of $1,642,676, (ii) sold unprofitable brands, reducing the cash required to maintain
those brands, (iii) continually reevaluate our pricing model on our Vicon brand to improve margins on those products, and (iv) has effected
a 35:1 reverse stock split on our common stock to remain trading on the Nasdaq Capital Markets, and improve our ability to potentially
raise capital through equity offerings that we may use to satisfy debt. In the event additional capital is raised through equity offerings
and/or debt is satisfied with equity, it may have a dilutive effect on our existing stockholders. While the Company believes these plans
if successful, would be sufficient to meet the capital demands of our current operations for at least the next twelve months, there is
no guarantee that we will succeed. Overall, there is no guarantee that cash flow from our existing or future operations and any external
capital that we may be able to raise will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs. The Company currently does not have adequate
cash or available liquidity/available capacity on our lines of credit to meet our short or long-term needs. Absent an ability to raise
additional outside capital and restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt, the Company will be unable to meet its obligations
as they become due over the next twelve months beyond the issuance date.
There
is no guarantee that cash flow from operations and/or debt and equity financings will provide sufficient capital to meet our expansion
goals working capital needs or fund our operations.
Our
current strategic plan includes the expansion of our company both organically and through acquisitions if market conditions and competitive
conditions allow. Due to the long-term nature of investments in acquisitions and other financial needs to support organic growth, including
working capital, we expect our long-term and working capital needs to periodically exceed the short-term fluctuations in cash flow from
operations. We anticipate that we may need to raise additional external capital from the sale of common stock, preferred stock and debt
instruments as market conditions may allow, in addition to cash flow from operations (which may not always be sufficient), to fund our
growth and working capital needs.
In
the event that we need to raise significant amounts of external capital at any time or over an extended period, we face a risk that we
may need to do so under adverse capital market conditions with the result that our existing shareholders, as well as persons who acquire
our common stock, may incur significant and immediate dilution should we raise capital from the sale of our common or preferred stock.
Similarly, we may need to meet our external capital needs from the sale of secured or unsecured debt instruments at interest rates and
with such other debt covenants and conditions as the market then requires. However, there can be no guarantee that we will be able to
raise external capital on terms that are reasonable in light of current market conditions. In the event that we are not able to do so,
those who acquire our common stock may face significant and immediate dilution and other adverse consequences. Further, debt covenants
contained in debt instruments that we issue may limit our financial and operating flexibility with consequent adverse impact on our common
stock market price.
We
have a history of losses and may experience losses in the future, which could result in the market price of our common stock declining.
We
have incurred net losses, including net losses attributable to Cemtrex, Inc. shareholders of $9.2 million in 2023, $13.0 million in 2022,
and $7.8 million in 2021. We had a loss of $1,303,903 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. We have an accumulated deficit of $65.3
million as of December 31, 2023. We expect to continue to incur significant product development, sales and marketing and administrative
expenses. As a result, we will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability. We cannot be certain that we will achieve
profitability in the future or, if we achieve profitability, to sustain it. If we do not achieve and maintain profitability, the market
price for our common stock may decline, perhaps substantially.
The
Company is exposed to credit risk, market risk, and fluctuations in the value of its investment portfolio.
The
Company may, from time to time invest excess cash that the Company has on hand in large cap securities listed on major exchanges, including
stocks and options. The Company’s investments can be negatively affected by liquidity, credit deterioration, financial results,
market and economic conditions, political risk, sovereign risk, interest rate fluctuations or other factors.
Although
we have not recognized any material losses related to our cash equivalents, short-term investments, or long-term investments, future
declines in the market values of such investments could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. As a
result, the value and liquidity of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities may fluctuate substantially.
Therefore, although the Company has not realized any significant losses on its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, future
fluctuations in their value could result in significant losses and could have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition
and operating results.
We
have substantial debt which could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund operations and prevent us from meeting
our obligations under outstanding indebtedness.
As
of December 31, 2023, our total indebtedness was approximately $22.5 million, including notes payable of $16.4 million, mortgage payable
of $3.4 million, vendor financed purchase of $0.5 million, and bank loans of $2.2 million.
As
of September 30, 2023, our total indebtedness was approximately $24.4 million, including notes payable of $18.1 million, mortgage payable
of $3.4 million, vendor financed purchase of $0.7 million, and bank loans of $2.2 million, including $0.9 million of PPP loans that the
Company expects to be forgiven. By comparison, as of September 30, 2022, our total indebtedness was approximately $20.6 million, including
notes payable of $17.7 million, mortgage payable of $2.3 million, and bank loans of $0.6 million, including $0.1 million of PPP loans.
For 2023 and 2022 approximately $14.5 million and $16.9 million, respectively, of such debt is classified as current. This substantial
debt could have important consequences, including the following: (i) a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations may be dedicated
to the payment of principal and interest on indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations, future business opportunities
and capital expenditures; (ii) our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, debt service requirements and general
corporate purposes in the future may be limited; (iii) we may face a competitive disadvantage to lesser leveraged competitors; (iv) our
debt service requirements could make it more difficult to satisfy other financial obligations; and (v) we may be vulnerable in a downturn
in general economic conditions or in our business and we may be unable to carry out activities that are important to our growth.
Our
ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, or to pay interest on, or to refinance our indebtedness depends on and is subject
to our financial and operating performance, which in turn is affected by general and regional economic, financial, competitive, business
and other factors beyond management’s control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt or to fund
our other liquidity needs, we will need to restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt, which could impair our liquidity. Any
refinancing of indebtedness, if available at all, could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants
that could further restrict our business operations. Despite our significant amount of indebtedness, we may need to incur significant
additional amounts of debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial debt.
Our
ability to secure and maintain sufficient credit arrangements is key to our continued operations and there is no assurance we will be
able to obtain sufficient additional equity or debt financing in the future.
There
is no assurance that we will be able to retain or renew our credit agreements and other finance agreements in the future. In the event
our company grows rapidly, the uncertain economic climate continues, or we acquire one or more other companies, additional financing
resources will likely be necessary in the current or future fiscal years. As a smaller public company with a limited ability to attract
and obtain financing, there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain sufficient additional equity or debt financing in the future
on terms that are reasonable in light of current market conditions.
Risks
Related to our Business
We
are substantially dependent upon the success and continued market acceptance of our technology, the absence of which may significantly
reduce our sales, profits and cash flow and adversely impact our financial condition.
Competing
technologies may be offered by both existing competitors or by those that enter the market, and these competing technologies may offer
a better cost-benefit ratio than our products and/or at lower prices with the result that our sales, profits, and cash flow may suffer
significantly over an extended period with serious adverse impact on our financial condition.
We
have taken a multi-operational approach, and some of our business segments have historically failed to benefit our company to date, and
there remains a risk that our remaining segments may not prove to be successful. We may divest or expand into new areas that are outside
of our current business activities and those activities may not prove to be successful.
We
continuously assess the composition of our portfolio businesses to ensure it is aligned with our strategic objectives and positioned
to maximize growth and return in the coming years. Since our business concerns new and developing technologies, and many of these endeavors
fail, some of the businesses in our portfolio may not be successful in generating sufficient revenue to be a viable option for our company.
Currently,
the Company has the following business segments, consisting of (i) Security, (ii) Industrial Services, and (iii) Cemtrex Corporate. Within
these segments there are a number of technologies that we are pursuing, as discussed in this annual report under “Item 1. Business.”
There is a risk that one or more of our technologies will not be successful in generating revenue to sustain the expenditures associated
with its existence. Moreover, having multiple business segments may present challenges, such as fluctuations in our operating results,
using the company’s limited resources on less worthy business pursuits, and distracting management from obtaining its goals with
respect to our overall operations. If we are unable to establish our technologies in the market, and overcome the challenges of doing
so, we could go out of business.
As
we continuously review our portfolio of businesses we may exit or enter into new business activities which may ultimately prove to be
unsuccessful.
Our
future operating results depend in part on continued successful research, development and marketing of new and improved products and
services through our Security segment, and there can be no assurance that we will successfully introduce new products and services into
the market.
The
success of new and improved products and services through our Security segment depends on our research and development efforts and the
initial acceptance of our products and solutions by consumers. Our business is affected by varying degrees of technological change and
corresponding shifts in customer demand, which result in unpredictable product transitions, shortened life cycles and increased importance
of being first to market with new products and services. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research and development, production
and/or marketing of new products and services due to lack of capital, which may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us
from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to continue to bring new products and services to market.
Our
future operating results depends in part on the continued successful operation of our Industrial Services segment, and there can be no
assurance that we will be successful in this business.
The
success of selling services through our Industrial Services segment depends on our ability to hire and retain talent, our ability to
market these services successfully to clients, the overall demand for these services, and the quality of our workmanship by our customers,
among other factors. Our business is affected by varying degrees of technological change and corresponding shifts in customer demand,
which result in unpredictable product transitions, shortened life cycles and increased importance of being first to market with new products
and services. We may experience difficulties or delays in the delivery of services due to lack of capital or lack of adequate talent,
which may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to
continue to compete in our markets.
Our
operating results may fluctuate, which could have a negative impact on our ability to grow our client base, establish sustainable revenues
and succeed overall.
Our
results of operations may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control including but not limited
to:
|
■ |
general
economic conditions in the geographies and industries where we sell our services and conduct operations; legislative policies where
we sell our services and conduct operations; |
|
■ |
the
budgetary constraints of our customers; seasonality; |
|
■ |
success
of our strategic growth initiatives; |
|
■ |
costs
associated with the launching or integration of new or acquired businesses; |
|
■ |
timing
of new product introductions by us, our suppliers and our competitors; product and service mix, availability, utilization and pricing; |
|
■ |
the
mix, by state and country, of our revenues, personnel and assets; |
|
■ |
movements
in interest rates or tax rates; |
|
■ |
changes
in, and application of, accounting rules; |
|
■ |
changes
in the regulations applicable to us; and |
|
■ |
litigation
matters. |
As
a result of these factors, we may not succeed in our business, and we could go out of business.
We
operate in a cyclical business, which could result in significant fluctuations in demand for our products.
Cyclical
changes in our customers’ businesses have, in the past, resulted in, and may in the future result in, significant fluctuations
in demand for our products, selling prices, and our profitability. Most of our customers operate in cyclical industries. Their requirements
for our technologies fluctuate significantly as a result of changes in general economic conditions, technological changes, customer demand,
and other factors. During periods of increasing demand, our customers typically seek to increase their inventory of our products to avoid
production bottlenecks. When demand for their products peaks and begins to decline, as has happened in the past, they tend to reduce
or cancel orders for our products while they use up accumulated inventory. Business cycles vary somewhat in different geographical regions
and customer industries. Significant fluctuations in sales of our products affect our unit manufacturing costs and affect our profitability
by making it more difficult for us to predict our production, raw materials, and shipping needs. Changes in demand mix, needed technologies,
and end-use markets may adversely affect our ability to match our products, inventory, and capacity to meet customer demand and could
adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. We are also vulnerable to general economic events or trends beyond our
control, and our sales and profits may suffer in periods of weak demand.
Our
sales and gross margins depend significantly on market demand for our products, as to which there can be no assurance.
The
uncertainty in the United States and in the international economic and political environment could result in a decline in demand for
our products in any industry. Our gross margins are dependent upon our ability to maintain sales volumes at levels that allow us to cover
our fixed costs and variable costs per unit. To the extent that one or more product lines experience a significant and protracted decline
in sales volume, we may experience significant declines in our gross margins that may result in losses. Further, any adverse changes
in tax rates and laws affecting our customers could result in decreases in demand of our products and thus decrease our gross margins.
Any of these factors could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In
these circumstances, we anticipate that we could be required to increase or decrease staffing and more closely manage other expenses
in order to meet the anticipated demand of our existing and future customers. Orders from our customers are subject to cancellation,
and delivery schedules from our customers fluctuate as a result of changes in our customers’ demand, thereby adversely affecting
our results of operations, and may result in higher inventory levels. Higher inventory levels may cause us to need greater external financing,
which adversely affects our financial performance.
Our
products face intense competitive challenges, including rapid technological changes, and pricing pressure from competitors, which could
adversely affect our business.
All
of our product lines are subject to significant competition from existing and future competitors, market conditions and technological
change, or a combination of them, and our sales revenues and gross margins may suffer protracted and serious declines with the result
that we would likely incur protracted losses. Further, the barriers to entry in several of our lines of business are not so significant
that we may be facing competition from others who see significant opportunities to enter the market and undercut our prices with products
that possess superior technological attributes at prices that offer our customers a better value. In this instance, we could incur protracted
and significant losses and persons who acquire our common stock would suffer losses thereby.
From
time to time, we may need to reduce our prices in response to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain our market share. Competition
and customer pressures may also restrict our ability to increase prices in response to commodity and other input cost increases. Our
results of operations will suffer if profit margins decrease, as a result of a reduction in prices, increased input costs or other factors,
and if we are unable to increase sales volumes to offset those profit margin decreases. We may also need to increase spending on marketing,
advertising and new product innovation to protect existing market share or increase market share. The success of our investments is subject
to risks, including uncertainties about trade and consumer acceptance. As a result, our increased expenditures may not maintain or enhance
market share and could result in lower profitability.
Factors
affecting the industries that utilize our products could negatively impact our customers and us.
We
have no real control over factors affecting the industries that utilize our products and to the extent that any one or more of these
industries change dramatically, we may be facing significant financial challenges that are in excess of our existing capabilities. These
factors include:
|
● |
increased
competition among our customers and their competitors; |
|
● |
the
inability of our customers to develop and market their products; |
|
● |
recessionary
periods in our customers’ markets; |
|
● |
the
potential that our customers’ products become obsolete; |
|
● |
our
customers’ inability to react to rapidly changing technology; and |
|
● |
our
customers’ inability to pay for our products, which could, in turn, affect the company’s results of operations. |
If
we are unable to develop new products, our competitors may develop and market products with better features that may reduce demand for
our existing and potential products or otherwise result in our products becoming obsolete and could materially and adversely affect our
ability to sustain profitability.
There
are many larger competitors who compete directly with us and who have significantly greater financial, technological and research resources.
This may serve to severely damage our ability to market and sell our products at price levels that would allow us to achieve and maintain
profit margins and positive cash flow.
We
are a smaller public company, and we face rapid technological change in many of our product markets and we may not be able to introduce
any successful new products or any enhancements to our existing products on a timely basis, or at all. This could result in prolonged
and significant losses. In addition, our introduction of new products could adversely affect sales of certain of our existing products
if these new products directly compete with our existing products. If our competitors develop innovative technologies that are superior
to our products or if we fail to accurately anticipate market trends and respond on a timely basis with our own innovations, we may not
achieve sufficient growth in its revenues to attain profitability or if we do, we may not be able sustain profitability.
The
success of new product introductions is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, timely and successful development
of new products, including software development, market acceptance of these products and our ability to manage the risks associated with
these introductions. These risks include development and production capabilities, management of inventory levels to support anticipated
demand, the risk that new products may have quality defects in the early stages of introduction, and obsolescence risk of existing products.
Developing
and maintaining a patent portfolio is an expensive and time-consuming process and there is no assurance the Company will successfully
develop patents to protect the intellectual property it is working on.
We
are increasingly dependent on information technology, and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions, data corruption,
cyber-based attacks, or network security breaches our operations could be disrupted and we could incur significant costs and reputational
harm as a result
We
rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit, and store electronic and financial
information; to manage a variety of business processes and activities; and to comply with regulatory, legal, and tax requirements. We
also depend on our information technology infrastructure for digital marketing and sales activities and for electronic communications
among our locations, personnel, customers, and suppliers around the world. Many of the information technology systems used by us globally
have been in place for many years and not all hardware and software is currently supported by vendors. These information technology systems
are susceptible to damage, disruptions, or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases
or components thereof, power outages, hardware failures, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, telecommunication failures, user errors, or
catastrophic events. If our information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption, or shutdown and our business continuity
plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our product sales, financial condition, and results of operations may
be materially affected, and we could experience delays in reporting our financial results.
We
have been, and likely will continue to be, subject to various cyber-attacks. To date, we have seen no material impact on our business
or operations from these attacks or events. Any future significant compromise, breach, or misuse of our data security could result in
significant costs and damage to our reputation. The ever-evolving threats mean us and our third-party service providers must continually
evaluate and adapt our respective systems and processes and overall security environment, as well as those of any companies we acquire.
There is no guarantee that these measures will be adequate to safeguard against all data security compromises, breaches, or misuses.
In addition, as the regulatory environment related to information security, data collection and use, and privacy becomes increasingly
rigorous, compliance with those requirements could also result in additional costs.
Third-party
service providers, such as distributors, subcontractors, vendors, and data processors have access to certain portions of our sensitive
data. In the event that these service providers do not appropriately protect our data, the result could be a security breach or loss
of our data. Any such loss of data by our third-party service providers could have a material adverse impact on our business and results
of operations.
In
addition, if we are unable to prevent security breaches, we may suffer financial and reputational damage or penalties because of the
unauthorized disclosure of confidential information belonging to us or to our customers or suppliers. Furthermore, the disclosure of
non-public sensitive information through external media channels could lead to the loss of intellectual property or damage our reputation
and brand image.
We
are also in the process of converting certain information technology networks and systems and consolidating certain global systems. If
such projects fail, or if unexpected technical difficulties arise, our operations and financial systems could be adversely affected.
Further, we could incur additional costs or require additional technical support to resolve such difficulties.
Our
operating results are sensitive to raw material and resale product availability, quality, and cost
We
seek to have many sources of supply for each of our major requirements in order to avoid significant dependence on any one or a few suppliers.
However, the supply of materials or other items could be disrupted by natural disasters, international trade tariffs, wars, pandemics,
disputes and or other events. Despite market price volatility for certain requirements and materials pricing pressures at some of our
businesses, the raw materials and various purchased components needed for our products have generally been available in sufficient quantities.
In some instances, lead times have extended beyond normal due to logistic delays and labor shortages occurring globally. Some of our
products, however, require the use of raw materials that are available from only a limited number of regions around the world, are available
from only a limited number of suppliers, or may be subject to significant fluctuations in market prices. Our results of operations may
be adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw materials, our key suppliers experience financial difficulties, the quality
of available raw materials deteriorates, or there are significant price increases for these raw materials. Our inability to recover increased
costs through increased sales prices could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. For periods in which the prices for these
raw materials rise, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers, which would result in decreased sales margins for
the products in which they are used. For periods in which prices for these raw materials decline, we may be required, as has occurred
in the past, to write down our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials and products. Depending on the extent of the difference
between market price and our carrying cost, the write-down could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations.
We
resell products manufactured by other component and interconnect product manufacturers. Should these manufacturers experience difficulties
supplying the products that we resell, or such suppliers use other channels to market their products, we could experience lower sales,
which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Risks
Related to Legal Uncertainty
We
could be subject to additional civil penalties or face criminal penalties and sanctions if we violate the terms of settlement with the
SEC.
On
September 30, 2022, acting pursuant to an offer of settlement submitted by the Company, the SEC issued an order pursuant to Section 8A
of the Securities Act, directing the Company to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations
of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder (the “SEC Order”).
While
we have already paid the penalties imposed by the order into which we entered pursuant to the SEC Order, it contains ongoing and continuing
requirements that we refrain from violating the Securities Act. Any future violation of applicable securities laws by us or management
could result in harsher sanctions and fines, which would have a material adverse effect on our ability to implement our business plans.
SEC staff can make reasonable requests from us for further evidence of compliance. Such requests for further information, record-keeping
requirements and others generally could divert management’s attention from implementing its business plans and could require additional
material expenditures by us to legal counsel or other advisors and service providers. Further issues could reduce investor and shareholder
confidence in our company and could result in a failure to execute on our business plan, which would negatively impact our business.
A copy of the SEC Order can be found at www.sec.gov.
Our
global operations subject us to many different and complex laws and rules, and we may face difficulty in compliance.
Due
to our global operations, we are subject to many laws governing international relations (including but not limited to the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act, the U.S. Export Administration Act the EU General Data Protection Regulation, and the U.K. Modern Anti-Slavery Act); which
prohibit improper payments to government officials and restrict where and how we can do business, what information or products we can
supply to certain countries, what personal information we can transfer, and what information we can provide to a non-U.S. government.
Although we have procedures and policies in place that should mitigate the risk of violations of these laws, there is no guarantee that
they will be sufficiently effective. If, and when we acquire new businesses, we may not be able to ensure that the pre-existing controls
and procedures meant to prevent violations of the rules and laws were effective, and we may not be able to implement effective controls
and procedures to prevent violations quickly enough when integrating newly acquired businesses. Acquisitions of new businesses in new
non-U.S. jurisdictions may also subject us to new regulations and laws, and we may face difficulties ensuring compliance with these new
requirements.
Provisions
in the Delaware law and our Bylaws could make it very difficult for an investor to bring any legal actions against our directors or officers
for violations of their fiduciary duties or could require us to pay any amounts incurred by our directors or officers in any such actions.
Members
of our board of directors and our officers will have no liability for breaches of their fiduciary duty of care as a director or officer,
except in limited circumstances, pursuant to provisions in the Delaware law and our Bylaws. Accordingly, you may be unable to prevail
in a legal action against our directors or officers even if they have breached their fiduciary duty of care. In addition, our Bylaws
allow us to indemnify our directors and officers from and against any and all costs, charges and expenses resulting from their acting
in such capacities with us. This means that if you were able to enforce an action against our directors or officers, in all likelihood,
we would be required to pay any expenses they incurred in defending the lawsuit and any judgment or settlement they otherwise would be
required to pay. Accordingly, our indemnification obligations could divert needed financial resources and may adversely affect our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.
If
we fail to establish, maintain, and enforce intellectual property rights with respect to our technology, our financial condition, results
of operations and business could be negatively impacted.
Our
ability to establish, maintain and enforce intellectual property rights with respect to our proprietary technologies, patents, patent
applications, software and other rights will be a significant factor in determining our future financial and operating performance. We
seek to protect our intellectual property rights by relying on a combination of patent, trade secret and copyright laws. We also use
confidentiality and other provisions in our agreements that restrict access to and disclosure of our confidential know-how and trade
secrets.
We
have filed patent applications with respect to many aspects of our technologies. However, we cannot provide any assurances that any of
these applications will ultimately result in issued patents or, if patents are issued, that they will provide sufficient protections
for our technology against competitors. Although we have filed various patent applications for some of our core technologies, we currently
hold only six issued patents, with two in the United States and four in Canada, and we may face delays and difficulties in obtaining
our other filed patents, or we may not be able to obtain such patents at all.
Outside
of these patent applications, we seek to protect our technology as trade secrets and technical know-how. However, trade secrets and technical
know-how are difficult to maintain and do not provide the same legal protections provided by patents. In particular, only patents will
allow us to prohibit others from using independently developed technology that are similar. If competitors develop knowledge substantially
equivalent or superior to our trade secrets and technical know-how or gain access to our knowledge through other means such as observation
of our technology that embodies trade secrets at customer sites which we do not control, the value of our trade secrets and technical
know-how would be diminished.
While
we strive to maintain systems and procedures to protect the confidentiality and security of our trade secrets and technical know-how,
these systems and procedures may fail to provide an adequate degree of protection. For example, although we generally enter into agreements
with our employees, consultants, advisors, and strategic partners restricting the disclosure and use of trade secrets, technical know-how
and confidential information, we cannot provide any assurance that these agreements will be sufficient to prevent unauthorized use or
disclosure. In addition, some of the technology deployed at customer sites in the future, which we do not control, may be readily observable
by third parties who are not under contractual obligations of non-disclosure, which may limit or compromise our ability to continue to
protect such technology as a trade secret.
Monitoring
and policing unauthorized use and disclosure of intellectual property is difficult. If we learned that a third party was in fact infringing
or otherwise violating our intellectual property, we may need to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Litigation
relating to our intellectual property may not prove successful and might result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management
attention.
From
our customers’ standpoint, the strength of the intellectual property under which we control can be a critical determinant of the
value of our products and services. If we are unable to secure, protect and enforce our intellectual property, it may become more difficult
for us to attract new customers. Any such development could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition
and results of operations.
We
may not have sufficient financial resources to defend our intellectual property rights or otherwise successfully defend against claims
that we have infringed on a third party’s intellectual property and, as a result, it may adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Even
if such claims are not valid, they could subject us to significant costs. In addition, it may be necessary in the future to enforce our
intellectual property rights to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation may also be necessary
to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity by others. We may not have sufficient financial resources to defend our intellectual
property rights or otherwise to successfully defend the company against valid or spurious claims that we have infringed upon the intellectual
property rights of others. An adverse outcome in litigation or any similar proceedings could force us to take actions that could harm
its business. These include: (i) ceasing to sell products that contain allegedly infringing property; (ii) obtaining licenses to the
relevant intellectual property which we may not be able to obtain on terms that are acceptable, or at all; (iii) indemnifying certain
customers or strategic partners if it is determined that we have infringed upon or misappropriated another party’s intellectual
property; and (iv) redesigning products that embody allegedly infringing intellectual property. Any of these results could adversely
and significantly affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the cost of defending or asserting
any intellectual property claim, both in legal fees and expenses, and the diversion of management resources, regardless of whether the
claim is valid, could be significant and lead to significant and protracted losses.
Product
liability lawsuits against us could cause us to incur substantial liabilities and to limit commercialization of our product or any future
products that we may develop.
We
face an inherent risk of product liability exposure related to the sale of our products and the future sale of planned products. We may
be sued if any of our products allegedly causes injury. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing,
defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability, and a breach of warranties. We
may also be subject to liability for a misunderstanding of, or inappropriate reliance upon, the information we provide. If we cannot
successfully defend ourselves against claims that our product or planned products caused injuries, we may incur substantial liabilities.
Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:
|
■ |
decreased
demand for our product or any planned products that we may develop; |
|
■ |
injury
to our reputation and significant negative media attention; |
|
■ |
significant
costs to defend the related litigation and distraction to our management team; |
|
■ |
substantial
monetary awards to plaintiffs; |
|
■ |
loss
of revenue; and |
|
■ |
the
inability to commercialize any future products that we may develop. |
Such
events could subject us to costly litigation, require us to pay substantial amounts of money to injured parties, delay, negatively impact,
or end our opportunity to market those products, or require us to suspend or abandon our commercialization efforts. Even in a circumstance
in which we do not believe that an adverse event is related to our product, the investigation into the circumstance may be time-consuming
or inconclusive. These investigations may interrupt our sales efforts. As a result of these factors, a product liability claim, even
if successfully defended, could harm our business.
We
currently maintain product liability insurance coverage, which may not be adequate to cover all liabilities that we may incur. Insurance
coverage is increasingly expensive. We may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost or in an amount adequate to
satisfy any liability that may arise.
If
we experience material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial
reporting in the future, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may
adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock.
As
a public company, we are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such
internal controls. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting and provide a management report on internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency,
or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material
misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Ensuring that we have adequate internal
financial and accounting controls and procedures in place so that we can produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis is a
costly and time-consuming effort. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
We may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. During the evaluation and testing
process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert
that our internal controls are effective. The identification of one or more material weaknesses would preclude a conclusion that we maintain
effective internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, there could continue to be a reasonable possibility that a material
misstatement of our financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Our
management, including our principal executive officer and principal accounting officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its evaluation, our management concluded
that as of September 30, 2023, that our internal control over financial reporting were effective.
We
are required to disclose changes made in our internal control and procedures on a quarterly basis. However, our independent registered
public accounting firm will not be required to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant
to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act until we are no longer an “smaller reporting company.” At such time, our independent
registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls
are documented, designed or operating. Our remediation efforts may not enable us to avoid a material weakness in the future. If we are
unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or when required in the future, if our independent
registered public accounting firm is unable to express an unqualified opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common
stock could be adversely affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed,
the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Risks
Related to Acquisitions
We
have grown through acquisitions and are continuously looking to fund other acquisitions; our failure to raise funds for acquisitions
may have the effect of slowing down our growth and our use of funds for acquisitions subjects us to acquisition-related risks.
We
intend to make acquisitions of complementary (including competitive) businesses, products and technologies. However, any future acquisitions
may result in material transaction costs, increased interest and amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets,
increased depreciation expense and increased operating expenses, any of which could have an adverse effect on our operating results and
financial position. Acquisitions will require integration of acquired assets and management into our operations to realize economies
of scale and control costs. Acquisitions may involve other risks, including diversion of management attention that would otherwise be
available for ongoing internal development of our business and risks inherent in entering markets in which we have no or limited prior
experience. In connection with future acquisitions, we may make potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities. In addition, consummation
of acquisitions may subject us to unanticipated business uncertainties, contingent liabilities or legal matters relating to those acquired
businesses for which the sellers of the acquired businesses may not fully indemnify us. There can be no assurance that our business will
grow through acquisitions, as anticipated.
We
may fail to successfully integrate our acquisitions or otherwise be unable to benefit from pursuing acquisitions.
We
believe there are meaningful opportunities to grow through acquisitions and joint ventures across all product categories and we expect
to continue a strategy of selectively identifying and acquiring businesses with complementary products. We may be unable to identify,
negotiate, and complete suitable acquisition opportunities on reasonable terms. There can be no assurance that any business acquired
by us will be successfully integrated with our operations or prove to be profitable to us. We may incur future liabilities related to
acquisitions. Should any of the following problems, or others, occur as a result of our acquisition strategy, the impact could be material:
|
■ |
difficulties
integrating personnel from acquired entities and other corporate cultures into our business; |
|
■ |
difficulties
integrating information systems; |
|
■ |
the
potential loss of key employees of acquired companies; |
|
■ |
the
assumption of liabilities and exposure to undisclosed or unknown liabilities of acquired companies; or |
|
■ |
the
diversion of management attention from existing operations. |
Risks
Related to Our Management and Control Persons
The
loss of the services of Saagar Govil for any reason would materially and adversely affect our business operations and prospects.
Our
financial success is dependent to a significant degree upon the efforts of Saagar Govil, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer. Saagar Govil possesses management, financial expertise, engineering, sales and marketing experience concerning our company that
our other officers do not have. We have not entered into an employment arrangement with Mr. Govil, and we have not obtained key man insurance
over him. There can be no assurance that Saagar Govil will continue to provide services to us. A voluntary or involuntary departure by
Saagar Govil could have a materially adverse effect on our business operations if we were not able to attract a qualified replacement
for them in a timely manner.
If
we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel, especially our design and technical personnel, we may not be able to execute
our business strategy effectively.
Our
future success depends on our ability to retain, attract and motivate qualified personnel, including our management, sales and marketing,
finance, and especially our design and technical personnel. As the source of our technological and product innovations, our design and
technical personnel represent a significant asset. Any inability to retain, attract or motivate such personnel could have a material
adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our
management stockholders have significant stockholdings in and influence over our company which could make it impossible for public stockholders
to influence the affairs of our company.
We
are a “controlled company” under Nasdaq Listing Rules. Approximately 90% of our outstanding voting shares, which includes
our common stock, Series C preferred stock and Series 1 preferred stock, are beneficially held by Saagar Govil, our Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to certificate of designation for our Series C preferred, each outstanding share of Series C Preferred
Stock is entitled to the number of votes equal to the result of (i) the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the time
of such vote multiplied by 10.01, and divided by (ii) the total number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding at the time
of such vote, at each meeting of our shareholders with respect to any and all matters presented to our shareholders for their action
or consideration, including the election of directors. As a result of Saagar Govil’s ownership of our common stock, Series C preferred
stock, and Series 1 preferred stock, he controls, and will control in the future, substantially all matters requiring approval by the
stockholders of our company, including the election of all directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This could make
it impossible for public stockholders to influence the affairs of our company.
Liability
of directors for breach of duty is limited under Delaware law.
Our
certificate of incorporation limits the liability of directors to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides
that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors,
except for liability for any:
|
● |
breach of their duty of loyalty
to us or our stockholders; |
|
● |
act or omission not in good
faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
|
● |
unlawful payments of dividends
or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or |
|
● |
transaction from which the
directors derived an improper personal benefit. |
These
limitations of liability do not apply to liabilities arising under the federal or state securities laws and do not affect the availability
of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
Our
bylaws provide that we will indemnify for our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law, and may indemnify employees
and other agents. Our bylaws also provide that we are obligated to advance expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the
final disposition of any action or proceeding.
The
limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from
bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation
against directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might provide a benefit to us and our stockholders. Our results
of operations and financial condition may be harmed to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors
and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us,
we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is therefore unenforceable.
At
present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors or officers as to which indemnification is required
or permitted, and we are not aware of any threatened litigation or proceeding that may result in a claim for indemnification.
Risks
Related to Our Securities and the Offering
Sales
of substantial amounts of our securities in the public market could depress the market price of our common stock.
Our
common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market and our Seies 1 Preferred Stock is quoted on the OTC Markets. If our
stockholders sell substantial amounts of our securities in the public market, including the shares of common stock issuable upon the
exercise of our stock options, those under our 2020 Equity Compensation Plan, and shares issued as consideration in future acquisitions,
or the market perceives that such sales may occur, the market price of our securities could fall and we may be unable to sell our securities
in the future.
Our
securities may experience extreme price and volume fluctuations, which could lead to costly litigation for us and make an investment
in us less appealing.
The
market price of our securities may fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including:
|
● |
our
business strategy and plans; |
|
● |
changing
factors related to doing business in various jurisdictions within the United States; |
|
● |
new
regulatory pronouncements and changes in regulatory guidelines and timing of regulatory approvals; |
|
● |
general
and industry-specific economic conditions; |
|
● |
additions
to or departures of our key personnel; |
|
● |
variations
in our quarterly financial and operating results; |
|
● |
changes
in market valuations of other companies that operate in our business segments or in our industry; |
|
● |
lack
of trading liquidity; |
|
● |
announcements
about our business partners; |
|
● |
Intellectual
property disputes; |
|
● |
Operating
results below or exceeding expectations or period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results; |
|
● |
Whether
we achieve profits or not; |
|
● |
changes
in accounting principles; and |
|
● |
general
market conditions, economic and other external factors. |
The
market prices of the securities of early-stage companies, particularly companies like ours without consistent product revenues and earnings,
have been highly volatile and are likely to remain highly volatile in the future. This volatility has often been unrelated to the operating
performance of particular companies. In the past, companies that experience volatility in the market price of their securities have often
faced securities class action litigation. Whether or not meritorious, litigation brought against us could result in substantial costs,
divert our management’s attention and resources and harm our financial condition and results of operations.
Our
Series 1 preferred stock and all of our existing and future indebtedness rank senior to our common stock in the event of a liquidation,
winding up or dissolution of our business.
In
the event of our liquidation, winding up or dissolution, our assets would be available to make payments to holders of all existing and
future indebtedness and Series 1 preferred stock before payments to holders of our common stock. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation
or winding up, there may not be sufficient assets remaining, after paying amounts to the holders of our indebtedness and Series 1 preferred
stock, to pay anything to common stockholders. As of December 31, 2023, we had total consolidated liabilities of approximately $38.0
million and 2,408,053 shares issued and 2,343,953 shares of Series 1 preferred stock outstanding. Any liquidation, winding up or dissolution
of our company or of any of our wholly or partially owned subsidiaries would have a material adverse effect on holders of our common
stock.
Our
common stockholders may be adversely affected by the issuance of any subsequent series of preferred stock.
Our
certificate of incorporation does not restrict our ability to offer one or more additional new series of preferred stock, any or all
of which may rank equally with or have preferences over our common stock as to dividend payments, voting rights, rights upon liquidation
or other types of rights. We would have no obligation to consider the specific interests of the holders of common stock in creating any
such new series of preferred stock or engaging in any such offering or transaction. Our creation of any new series of preferred stock
or our engaging in any such offering or transaction could have a material adverse effect on holders of our common stock.
The
public trading market for the common stock may be limited in the future.
Our
common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol CETX. The trading volume fluctuates and there have been
time periods during which the common stock trading volume has been limited. Management can make no assurances that trading volume will
not be similarly limited in the future. Without an active trading market, there can be no assurance of any liquidity or resale value
of the common stock, and stockholders may be required to hold their shares of common stock for an indefinite period of time.
We
may not pay cash dividends on our common stock.
Our
board of directors declared a one-time cash dividend on our common stock in April 2017. The terms of our series 1 preferred stock provide
for the payment of semiannual dividends on the last day of March and September in each year, which began in March 2017. No other cash
dividends have been declared or paid by us on our stock during either of the two most recent fiscal years or the period through the date
of this prospectus. Other than with respect to our series 1 preferred stock, our board of directors declares dividends when, in its discretion,
it determines that a dividend payment, as opposed to another use of cash, is in the best interests of the stockholders. Such decisions
are based on the facts and circumstances then existing including, without limitation, our results of operations, financial condition,
contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our board of directors deems relevant. As a result,
we cannot predict when, or whether, another dividend on our common stock will be declared in the future.
The
offering price of our Units may not be indicative of the value of our assets or the price at which shares can be resold. The offering
price of the Units may not be an indication of our actual value.
The
public offering price per share of our Units was determined based upon negotiations between the Company and the underwriter. Factors
taken into consideration include the trading volume of our Common Stock prior to this offering, the historical prices at which our shares
of Common Stock have recently traded, the history and prospects of our Company, the stage of development of our business, our business
plans for the future and the extent to which they have been implemented, an assessment of our management, general conditions of the securities
markets at the time of the offering, and such other factors as were deemed relevant. No assurance can be given that our Common Stock
can be resold at the public offering price for the Units.
For
these reasons, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on past results
as an indication of future performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s
securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against the public company. Regardless of its outcome, this
type of litigation could result in substantial costs to us and a likely diversion of our management’s attention. You may not receive
a positive return on your investment when you sell your shares and you may lose the entire amount of your investment.
If
securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price
and trading volume could decline.
The
trading market for our Common Stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about
us or our business. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on our Company. If no securities
or industry analysts commence coverage of our Company, the trading price for our stock would likely be negatively impacted. In the event
securities or industry analysts initiate coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate
or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price may decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our Company
or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume
to decline.
If
our shares become subject to the penny stock rules, it would become more difficult to trade our shares.
The
SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally
equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or authorized
for quotation on certain automated quotation systems, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions
in such securities is provided by the exchange or system. If the price of our Common Stock is less than $5.00, our Common Stock will
be deemed a penny stock. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from
those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document containing specified information. In addition, the penny stock rules
require that before effecting any transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, a broker-dealer must make a special
written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment
of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and
dated copy of a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in
the secondary market for our Common Stock, and therefore shareholders may have difficulty selling their shares.
FINRA
sales practice requirements may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our securities.
Effective
June 30, 2020, the SEC implemented Regulation Best Interest requiring that “A broker, dealer, or a natural person who is an associated
person of a broker or dealer, when making a recommendation of any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities
(including account recommendations) to a retail customer, shall act in the best interest of the retail customer at the time the recommendation
is made, without placing the financial or other interest of the broker, dealer, or natural person who is an associated person of a broker
or dealer making the recommendation ahead of the interest of the retail customer.” This is a significantly higher standard for
broker-dealers to recommend securities to retail customers than before under FINRA “suitability rules. FINRA suitability rules
do still apply to institutional investors and require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable
grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending securities to their customers, broker-dealers
must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and
other information, and for retail customers determine the investment is in the customer’s “best interest” and meet
other SEC requirements. Both SEC Regulation Best Interest and FINRA’s suitability requirements may make it more difficult for broker-dealers
to recommend that their customers buy speculative, low-priced securities. They may affect investing in our common stock or our preferred
stock, which may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in our securities. As a result, fewer broker-dealers may be
willing to make a market in our common stock or our preferred stock, reducing a stockholder’s ability to resell shares of our common
stock or our preferred stock.
Future
sales and issuances of our Common Stock or rights to purchase Common Stock, including pursuant to our equity incentive plans and outstanding
options could result in additional dilution of the percentage ownership of our stockholders and could cause our stock price to fall.
We
expect that significant additional capital may be needed in the future to continue our planned operations, expanded research and development
activities and costs associated with operating a public company. The Company may also require capital to acquire or invest in complementary
businesses, products, or technologies, or to obtain the right to use such complementary technologies. We have no commitments with respect
to any acquisition or investment; however, we seek opportunities and transactions that management believes will be advantageous to the
Company and its operations or prospects. To raise capital, we may sell Common Stock, convertible securities or other equity securities
in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. If we sell Common Stock, convertible securities
or other equity securities, investors may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. Such sales may also result in material dilution
to our existing stockholders, and new investors could gain rights, preferences and privileges senior to the holders of our Common Stock,
including the securities sold in this offering. The aggregate number of shares of our Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to stock
awards under our 2020 Equity Compensation Plan as of December 31, 2023, is 1,991,207 shares. Increases in the number of shares available
for future grant or purchase may result in additional dilution, which could cause our stock price to decline.
The
Company will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may fail to apply these proceeds effectively.
The
Company’s management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds of this offering, including using the proceeds
to conduct operations, increase marketing efforts, and investments in our existing business initiatives and products, as well as general
working capital. The Company may also use the net proceeds of this offering to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, products,
or technologies, or to obtain the right to use such complementary technologies. We have no commitments with respect to any acquisition
or investment; however, we seek opportunities and transactions that management believes will be advantageous to the Company and its operations
or prospects. We cannot specify with certainty the actual uses of the net proceeds of this offering. You may not agree with the manner
in which our management chooses to allocate and spend the net proceeds. We may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner
that does not produce income or that loses value. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Although
our Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, the exchange may subsequently delist our Common Stock as it has with our Series
1 Preferred Stock if we fail to comply with ongoing listing standards.
We
previously received a deficiency letter from Nasdaq on our Series 1 Preferred Stock. Having failed to meet the ongoing listing requirements,
on January 18, 2024, the Company received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC’s Hearings Panel notifying the Company that
it has determined to delist the Company’s shares of Series 1 Preferred Stock from the exchange, due to the Company’s inability
to meet the terms of the exception granted by the Panel on September 8, 2023, as amended. Suspension of trading in the Company’s
Series 1 Preferred Stock was effective at the open of business on January 22, 2024. The Series 1 Preferred Stock is now quoted on the
OTC Markets.
We
have also received a deficiency letter for our Common Stock. On January 24, 2022, the Company received a notification letter from the
Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s common
stock listed on Nasdaq was below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, the Company no longer met the minimum bid price requirement for
continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2), requiring a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share
(the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”).
On
February 8, 2023, the Company received a notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying the Company
that it has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and is in compliance with all applicable listing standards. The Company’s
common stock continues to be listed and traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market.
Although
our Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, the exchange will require us to meet certain financial, public float, bid price
and liquidity standards on an ongoing basis in order to continue the listing of our Common Stock. If we fail to meet these continued
listing requirements, our Common Stock may be subject to delisting. Delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market could make trading our common
stock more difficult for investors, potentially leading to declines in our share price and liquidity. Without a Nasdaq Capital Market
listing, stockholders may have a difficult time getting a quote for the sale or purchase of our stock, the sale or purchase of our stock
would likely be made more difficult and the trading volume and liquidity of our stock could decline. Delisting from the Nasdaq Capital
Market could also result in negative publicity and could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital. The absence
of such a listing may adversely affect the acceptance of our common stock as currency or the value accorded by other parties. Further,
if we are delisted, we would also incur additional costs under state blue sky laws in connection with any sales of our securities. These
requirements could severely limit the market liquidity of our common stock and the ability of our stockholders to sell our common stock
in the secondary market. If our common stock is delisted by Nasdaq, our common stock may be eligible to trade on an over-the-counter
quotation system, such as the OTC Pink, OTCQB and OTCQX markets, where an investor may find it more difficult to sell our stock or obtain
accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock. In the event our common stock is delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market,
we may not be able to list our common stock on another national securities exchange or obtain quotation on an over-the counter quotation
system.
Trading
on the OTC Pink Market is volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market price of the Series 1 Preferred Stock and make it difficult
for the holders to resell their Series 1 Preferred Stock.
As
of January 22, 2024, the Series 1 Preferred Stock of the Company is quoted on the OTC Pink Market. Trading in securities quoted on the
OTC Pink Open Market is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors, some of which may have
little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of the Series 1 Preferred Stock
for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTC Pink Market is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities on the
OTC Pink Market is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on Nasdaq. These factors may result in shareholders having
difficulty reselling any Series 1 Preferred Stock.
The
Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, and Pre-Funded Warrants will not be listed or quoted on any exchange.
There
is no established public trading market for the Series A Warrants Series B Warrants, or Pre-Funded Warrants being offered in this offering,
and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply to list the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, or
Pre-Funded Warrants on any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system, including Nasdaq. Without an active
market, the liquidity of the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, and Pre-Funded Warrants will be limited.
Except
as otherwise provided in the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, and Pre-Funded Warrants, holders of Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants,
and Pre-Funded Warrants purchased in this offering will have no rights as stockholders until such holders exercise their Series A Warrants,
Series B Warrants, or Pre-Funded Warrants and acquire our common stock.
Except
as otherwise provided in the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, and Pre-Funded Warrants, until holders of Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants
acquire our common stock upon exercise of the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, or Pre-Funded Warrants, holders of Series A Warrants,
Series B Warrants, and Pre-Funded Warrants will have no rights with respect to our common stock underlying such Series A Warrants, Series
B Warrants, and Pre-Funded Warrants. Upon exercise of the Series A Warrants, Series B Warrants, and Pre-Funded Warrants, the holders
will be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of our common stock only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the
exercise date.
Purchasers
who purchase our securities in this offering pursuant to a securities purchase agreement may have rights not available to purchasers
that purchase without the benefit of a securities purchase agreement.
In
addition to rights and remedies available to all purchasers in this offering under federal securities and state law, the purchasers that
enter into a securities purchase agreement will also be able to bring claims of breach of contract against us. The ability to pursue
a claim for breach of contract provides those investors with the means to enforce the covenants uniquely available to them under the
securities purchase agreement including: (i) timely delivery of shares; (ii) agreement to not enter into any financings for 90 days from
closing, subject to certain exceptions; and (iii) indemnification for breach of contract.
This
offering may cause the trading price of our shares of common stock to decrease.
The
price per Unit, together with the number of shares of common stock and warrants we propose to issue and ultimately will issue if this
offering is completed, may result in an immediate decrease in the market price of our shares. This decrease may continue after the completion
of this offering.
Resales
of our shares of common stock in the public market by our stockholders as a result of this offering may cause the market price of our
shares of common stock to fall.
We
are registering 11,764,705 shares of common stock, and/or 11,764,705 shares of common stock, in the aggregate, issuable upon the exercise
of the Prefunded Warrants, as well as the Series A Warrants and the Series B Warrants offered under this prospectus. Sales of substantial
amounts of our shares of common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales might occur, could adversely affect the
market price of our shares of common stock. The issuance of new shares of common stock could result in resales of our shares of common
stock by our current shareholders concerned about the potential ownership dilution of their holdings. Furthermore, in the future, we
may issue additional shares of common stock or other equity or debt securities exercisable or convertible into shares of common stock.
Any such issuance could result in substantial dilution to our existing shareholders and could cause our stock price to decline.
You
will experience immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering and may experience additional dilution in the future.
If
you purchase Units in this offering, the value of your securities based on our actual book value will immediately be less than the price
you paid. This reduction in the value of your equity is known as dilution. This dilution occurs in large part because our existing stockholders
paid less than the assumed public offering price when they acquired their shares of Common Stock. Based upon the issuance and sale of
11,764,705 Units by us in this offering at a public offering price of $0.85 per share, you will incur immediate dilution of in the net
tangible book value per share of Common Stock. If outstanding options to purchase our Common Stock are exercised, investors will experience
additional dilution. For more information, see “Dilution.”
Provisions
of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants offered pursuant to this prospectus could discourage an acquisition of us by a third-party.
Certain
provisions of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants offered pursuant to this prospectus could make it more difficult or expensive
for a third-party to acquire us. The Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants prohibit us from engaging in certain transactions constituting
“fundamental transactions” unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the Series A Warrants
and Series B Warrants. These and other provisions of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants could prevent or deter a third-party
from acquiring us even where the acquisition could be beneficial to you.
The
Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and make it more difficult
to effect a business combination.
To
the extent we issue shares of common stock to effect a future business combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number
of additional shares of common stock upon exercise of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants could make us a less attractive acquisition
vehicle in the eyes of a target business. Such Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants, when exercised, will increase the number of issued
and outstanding shares of common stock and reduce the value of the shares issued to complete the business combination. Accordingly, the
Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring
a target business. Additionally, the sale, or even the possibility of a sale, of the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Warrants
and Series B Warrants could have an adverse effect on the market price for our securities or on our ability to obtain future financing.
If and to the extent the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants are exercised, you may experience dilution to your holdings.
We
will likely not receive any additional funds upon the exercise of the Series A Warrants.
If
we receive the Warrant Stockholder Approval, the Series A Warrants may be exercised by way of an alternative cashless exercise, meaning
that the holder may not pay a cash purchase price upon exercise, but instead would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares
of our common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the Series A Warrants. Accordingly, we will likely not receive any
additional funds upon the exercise of the Series A Warrants.
Certain
beneficial provisions in the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will not be effective until we are able to receive stockholder approval
of such provisions, and if we are unable to obtain such approval the Warrant will have significantly less value.
Under
Nasdaq listing rules, the alternative cashless exercise option in the Series A Warrants and certain anti-dilution provisions in the Series
B Warrants will not be effective until, and unless, we obtain the approval of our stockholders. While we intend to promptly seek stockholder
approval, there is no guarantee that the Warrant Stockholder Approval will ever be obtained. If we are unable to obtain the Warrant Stockholder
Approval, the foregoing provisions will not become effective and the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will have substantially
less value. In addition, we will incur substantial cost, and management will devote substantial time and attention, in attempting to
obtain the Warrant Stockholder Approval.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
We
estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the securities we are offering will be approximately $9.1 million (or approximately $10.4
million if the underwriter exercises in full its over-allotment option), after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions
and estimated offering costs payable by us.
We
intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to conduct operations, increase marketing efforts, conduct investments in our existing
business initiatives and products, a partial repayment of existing indebtedness to Streeterville Capital, LLC in an amount of approximately
$4,500,000, as well as general working capital. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds of this offering to acquire or invest in
complementary businesses, products, or technologies, or to obtain the right to use such complementary technologies. We have no commitments
with respect to any acquisition or investment and are not currently involved in any negotiations with respect to any such transactions.
The
following table presents our use of proceeds if 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% of the securities in this offering are sold. This expected use
of the net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions.
| |
| | |
% of | | |
| | |
% of | | |
| | |
% of | | |
| | |
% of | |
| |
100% | | |
Total | | |
75% | | |
Total | | |
50% | | |
Total | | |
25% | | |
Total | |
Gross Proceeds from Offering | |
$ | 10,000,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % | |
$ | 7,5000,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % | |
$ | 5,000,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % | |
$ | 2,500,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Use of Proceeds | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Underwriter Fees and Expenses | |
$ | 750,000 | | |
| 7.50 | % | |
$ | 562,500 | | |
| 7.50 | % | |
$ | 375,000 | | |
| 7.50 | % | |
$ | 187,500 | | |
| 7.50 | % |
Offering Expenses | |
$ | 175,870 | | |
| 1.756 | % | |
$ | 175,870 | | |
| 2.34 | % | |
$ | 175,870 | | |
| 3.512 | % | |
$ | 175,870 | | |
| 7.03 | % |
Investments | |
$ | 1,000,000 | | |
| 10.00 | % | |
$ | 750,000 | | |
| 10.00 | % | |
$ | 200,000 | | |
| 4.00 | % | |
$ | - | | |
| 0.00 | % |
Repayment of Existing Debt | |
$ | 4,537,320 | | |
| 45.37 | % | |
$ | 4,000,000 | | |
| 53.33 | % | |
$ | 4,000,000 | | |
| 80.00 | % | |
$ | 2,136,630 | | |
| 85.47 | % |
Working capital | |
$ | 3,537,065 | | |
| 35.37 | % | |
$ | 2,011,630 | | |
| 26.82 | % | |
$ | 249,130 | | |
| 4.98 | % | |
$ | - | | |
| 0.00 | % |
Total Use of Proceeds | |
$ | 10,000,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % | |
$ | 7,500,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % | |
$ | 5,000,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % | |
$ | 2,500,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % |
As
of the date of this prospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon
the completion of this offering. The amounts and timing of its actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the status
of its product development efforts, sales and marketing activities, technological advances, amount of cash generated or used by its operations
and competition. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds and investors will be
relying on the judgment of its management regarding the application of the proceeds of this offering.
Pending
our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments,
including short-term, investment grade, interest bearing instruments and U.S. government securities.
DILUTION
If
you invest in our securities in this offering, your interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the
public offering price per share of our common stock underlying the units and the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our
common stock immediately after this offering.
The
historical net tangible book value (deficit) of our Common Stock as of December 31, 2023, was approximately $2,933,320 or $2.78 per share
based upon shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date. Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share represents the amount
of its total tangible assets reduced by the amount of its total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.
After
giving effect to the issuance of 11,764,705 shares of our common stock underlying the Common Units to be sold in this offering at the
assumed public offering price of $0.85 per share, attributing no value to the Warrants included in the Common Units, and after deducting
the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023,
would have been $12,007,450 or $0.94 per share. This represents an immediate decrease in net tangible book value of $1.84 per
share, to the existing stockholders, and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $(0.09) per share to new investors.
The
following table illustrates this per share dilution of shares of Common Stock sold in this offering:
Assumed public offering price per share | |
$ | 0.85 | |
Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of December
31, 2023 | |
$ | 2.78 | |
Decrease in pro forma net tangible book value per share as of December
31, 2023 attributable to the pro forma transactions described above | |
$ | (1.84 | ) |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2023 | |
$ | 0.94 | |
Dilution per share to new investors in this offering | |
$ | (0.09 | ) |
If
the underwriter exercises its option to purchase an additional 1,764,705 Common Units in full, our as adjusted net tangible book value
after giving effect to this offering, would have been approximately $0.92 per share, representing an decrease in net tangible book value
of approximately $1.86 per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution in net tangible book value of approximately $(0.07)
per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering.
The
information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual offering price, the actual number of shares we offer
in this offering, and any other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
The
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding is based on 1,055,636 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023,
and excludes the following:
|
● |
28,796 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options having a weighted average exercise price of $50.67 per share; and |
|
● |
1,991,207 shares of Common
Stock reserved for future issuance under the Company’s 2020 Equity Compensation Plan. |
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The
following table sets forth certain information known to us with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of May 3,
2024, by:
| ■ | all
persons who are beneficial owners of five percent (5%) or more of our voting stock; |
| ■ | each
of our executive officers; and |
| ■ | all
current directors and executive officers as a group. |
Except
as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares of common stock held by them.
Beneficial
ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and
the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable
or exercisable within 60 days of May 3, 2024, are deemed outstanding. Such shares, however, are not deemed as of May 3, 2024, outstanding
for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise stated, the address for each beneficial owner
is at 135 Fell Court, Hauppauge, Ny 11788.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | |
Common Stock | | |
Series 1 Preferred Stock | | |
Series C Preferred Stock | |
| |
Number of | | |
Percent of | | |
Number of | | |
Percent of | | |
Number of | | |
Percent of | |
| |
Shares Owned | | |
Class(1) | | |
Shares Owned | | |
Class(1)(2) | | |
Shares Owned | | |
Class(1)(3) | |
Saagar Govil | |
| 59,012 | | |
| 5.58 | % | |
| 132,298 | | |
| 5.53 | % | |
| 50,000 | | |
| 100 | % |
Paul J. Wyckoff | |
| - | | |
| * | | |
| - | | |
| * | | |
| - | | |
| * | |
Brian Kwon | |
| 2,858 | | |
| * | | |
| - | | |
| * | | |
| - | | |
| * | |
Manpreet Singh | |
| 2,858 | | |
| * | | |
| - | | |
| * | | |
| - | | |
| * | |
Metodi Filipov | |
| 2,858 | | |
| * | | |
| - | | |
| * | | |
| - | | |
| * | |
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (5 persons) | |
| 67,586 | | |
| 6.39 | % | |
| 132,298 | | |
| 5.53 | % | |
| 50,000 | | |
| 100.00 | % |
5%
Holders | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
* |
Less
than one percent of outstanding shares. |
(1) |
As
of May 3, 2024, 1,056,981 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding. In addition, there were 50,000 shares of Series C Preferred
Stock outstanding which are entitled to vote 10,580,380 shares in the aggregate, all of which is held by Saagar Govil and 2,392,727
shares of Series 1 Preferred Stock outstanding which are entitled to vote 4,785,454 shares in the aggregate. Accordingly, there are
a total of 16,422,815 voting shares outstanding. |
|
|
(2) |
Pursuant
to the Certificate of Designation of the Series 1 Preferred Stock, each issued and outstanding share is entitled to two votes per
share of Series 1 Preferred Stock at each meeting of our shareholders with respect to any and all matters presented to our shareholders
for their action or consideration, including the election of directors. |
|
|
(3) |
Pursuant
to the Certificate of Designation of the Series C Preferred Stock, each issued and outstanding share of Series C Preferred Stock
are entitled to the number of votes per share equal to the result of (i) the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at
the time of such vote multiplied by 10.01, and divided by (ii) the total number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding
at the time of such vote, at each meeting of our shareholders with respect to any and all matters presented to our shareholders for
their action or consideration, including the election of directors. |
UNDERWRITING
Aegis
Capital Corp., (“Aegis” or the “underwriter”), is the underwriter and the book-running manager of this offering.
Under the terms of an underwriting agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, we have agreed to sell to the
underwriter and the underwriter has agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions
set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the following number of Units:
Underwriter | |
Number
of
Units including
Common Stock | | |
Number
of
Units including
Pre-Funded Warrant | |
Aegis Capital Corp. | |
| 554,705 | | |
| 11,210,000 | |
The
underwriting agreement provides that the underwriter’s obligation to purchase Units depends on the satisfaction of the conditions
contained in the underwriting agreement including:
| ● | the
representations and warranties made by us to the underwriter are true; |
| ● | there
is no material change in our business or the financial markets; and |
| ● | we
deliver customary closing documents to the underwriter. |
The
underwriter has agreed to purchase all of the Units offered by this prospectus (other than those covered by the over-allotment option
described below), if any are purchased under the underwriting agreement.
The
underwriter is offering the Units subject to various conditions and may reject all or part of any order. The underwriter has advised
us that it proposes to offer the units directly to the public at the public offering price per Unit that appears on the cover page of
this prospectus. In addition, the underwriter may offer some of the Units to other securities dealers at such price less a concession
of $0.85 per Unit. After the Units are released for sale to the public, the underwriter may change the offering price
and other selling terms at various times.
Over-Allotment
Option
We
have granted to the underwriter an option to purchase up to 1,764,705 additional shares of Common Stock (representing 15.0% of the Units
sold in the offering), and/or up to an additional 1,764,705 Series A Warrants to purchase an aggregate of an additional 1,764,705 shares
of Common Stock, representing 15.0% of the Closing Units sold in the offering from the Company; and 1,764,705 Series B Warrants to purchase
an aggregate of an additional 1,764,705 shares of Common Stock, representing 15.0% of the Closing Units sold in the offering from the
Company at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriter may exercise this option in whole or
in part at any time within forty-five (45) days after the date of the offering. The underwriter may exercise the over-allotment option
with respect to shares of Common Stock only, Warrants only, or any combination thereof. The purchase price to be paid per additional
share of Common Stock will be equal to the public offering price of one Unit (less $0.01 allocated to each full Warrant), as applicable,
less the underwriting discount, and the purchase price to be paid per over-allotment Warrant will be $0.01. We will be obligated, pursuant
to the option, to sell these additional shares of Common Stock, or Warrants to the underwriter to the extent the option is exercised.
If any additional shares of Common Stock, or Warrants are purchased, the underwriter will offer the additional shares of Common Stock,
and Warrants on the same terms as those on which the other shares of Common Stock, and Warrants are being offered hereunder. No underwriting
discounts or commissions will be paid on any Warrants purchased pursuant to the underwriter’s over-allotment option. If this over-allotment
option is exercised in full, the total offering price to the public will be approximately $11.5 million, and the total net proceeds,
before expenses and after deducting the underwriting discounts described above, to us will be approximately $10.6 million (based
upon a public offering price of $0.85 per share of Common Stock).
Underwriting
Discounts and Expenses
The
following table shows the per Unit and total underwriting discounts we will pay to Aegis. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise
and full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional securities.
| |
| | |
Total | |
| |
| | |
No | | |
Full | |
| |
Per Unit | | |
Exercise | | |
Exercise(2) | |
Public offering price | |
$ | 0.85 | | |
$ | 10,000,000 | | |
$ | 11,500,000 | |
Underwriting discounts to be paid by us (7.0%): | |
$ | 0.06 | | |
$ | 700,000 | | |
$ | 805,000 | |
Non-accountable
expense allowance (0.5%)(1) | |
$ | 0.004 | | |
$ | 50,000 | | |
$ | 57,500 | |
Proceeds, before expenses, to us | |
$ | 0.79 | | |
$ | 9,250,000 | | |
$ | 10,637,500 | |
(1) | We
have agreed to pay a non-accountable expense allowance to Aegis equal to 0.5% of the gross
proceeds received in this offering. |
| |
(2) | Assumes
exercise for Units only. The underwriter will not receive any discounts or commissions upon
exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase Warrants. |
We
have also agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain of its expenses, including “roadshow,” diligence, and reasonable
legal fees and disbursements, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 in the aggregate. We estimate that the total expenses of the offering
payable by us, excluding underwriting discounts, will be approximately $175,870.
Stabilization
In
accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, the underwriter may engage in activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect
the price of our Common Stock, including short sales and purchases to cover positions created by short positions, stabilizing transactions,
syndicate covering transactions, penalty bids and passive market making.
| ● | Short
positions involve sales by the underwriter of shares of Common Stock in excess of the number
of shares the underwriter is obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position.
The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a
covered short position, the number of shares involved in the sales made by the underwriter
in excess of the number of shares they are obligated to purchase is not greater than the
number of shares that they may purchase by exercising their option to purchase additional
shares. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number
of shares in their option to purchase additional shares. The underwriter may close out any
short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing
shares in the open market. |
| ● | Stabilizing
transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security as long as the stabilizing bids
do not exceed a specific maximum price. |
| ● | Syndicate
covering transactions involve purchases of our shares of Common Stock in the open market
after the distribution has been completed to cover syndicate short positions. In determining
the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriter will consider, among
other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to
the price at which they may purchase shares through the underwriter’s option to purchase
additional shares. If the underwriter sells more shares than could be covered by the underwriter’s
option to purchase additional shares, thereby creating a naked short position, the position
can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more
likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there could be downward pressure
on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors
who purchase in the offering. |
| ● | Penalty
bids permit the underwriter to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when
the shares of Common Stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing
or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. |
| ● | In
passive market making, market makers in our Common Stock who are underwriters or prospective
underwriters may, subject to limitations, make bids for or purchase our Common Stock until
the time, if any, at which a stabilizing bid is made. |
These
activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our Common Stock or preventing or retarding a decline in
the market price of our Common Stock. As a result of these activities, the price of our Common Stock may be higher than the price that
might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on NASDAQ or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued
at any time.
Neither
we nor the underwriter makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described
above may have on the price of our Common Stock. In addition, neither we nor the underwriter makes any representation that Aegis will
engage in these stabilizing transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Discretionary
Accounts
The
underwriter has informed us that they do not expect to make sales to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority in excess
of five percent (5%) of the securities being offered in this offering.
Indemnification
We
have agreed to indemnify Aegis, its affiliates, and each person controlling Aegis against any losses, claims, damages, judgments, assessments,
costs, and other liabilities, as the same are incurred (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel), relating to or arising
out of the offering, undertaken in good faith.
Lock-Up
Agreements
Pursuant
to certain “lock-up” agreements, our executive officers, directors, employees and holders of at least 5% of our Company’s
Common Stock and securities exercisable for or convertible into Common Stock outstanding immediately upon the closing of this offering,
have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or
announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in
whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of, directly or indirectly, engage in any short selling of any shares of Common Stock
or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of Common Stock (“Lock-Up Securities”), whether
currently owned or subsequently acquired, without the prior written consent of the underwriter, for a period of ninety (90) days after
the closing date of the offering. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale – Lock-Up Agreements.”
The
underwriter, in its sole discretion, may release the Common Stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above
in whole or in part at any time. When determining whether or not to release Common Stock and other securities from lock-up agreements,
the underwriter will consider, among other factors, the holder’s reasons for requesting the release, the number of shares of Common
Stock and other securities for which the release is being requested and market conditions at the time.
Company
Standstill
We
have agreed, for a period of ninety (90) days after the closing date of the offering (the “Standstill Period”), that without
the prior written consent of Aegis, we will not (a) offer, sell, issue, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any equity of our Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for equity of our Company; (b) file or caused
to be filed any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any equity of our Company or any securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for equity of our Company; or (c) enter into any agreement or announce the intention to effect any
of the actions described in subsections (a) or (b) hereof (all of such matters, the “Standstill Restrictions”). So long as
none of such equity securities shall be saleable in the public market until the expiration of the Standstill Period, the following matters
shall not be prohibited by the Standstill Restrictions: (i) the adoption of an equity incentive plan and the grant of awards or equity
pursuant to any equity incentive plan, and the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8; and (ii) securities issued pursuant to
acquisitions or strategic transactions approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of our Company, provided that such securities
are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) and carry no registration rights that require or permit the
filing of any registration statement in connection therewith during the Standstill Period, and provided that any such issuance shall
only be to a person or entity (or to the equityholders of an entity) which is, itself or through its subsidiaries, an operating company
or an owner of an asset in a business synergistic with the business of our Company and shall provide to our Company additional benefits
in addition to the investment of funds, but shall not include a transaction in which our Company is issuing securities primarily for
the purpose of raising capital or to an entity whose primary business is investing in securities. In no event should any equity transaction
during the Standstill Period result in the sale of equity at an offering price to the public less than that of this offering.
Right
of First Refusal
If,
for the period beginning on the Closing and ending fifteen (15) months after the commencement of sales in the offering, we or any of
our subsidiaries (a) decides to finance or refinance any indebtedness, Aegis (or any affiliate designated by Aegis) shall have the right
to act as sole book-runner, sole manager, sole placement agent or sole agent with respect to such financing or refinancing; or (b) decides
to raise funds by means of a public offering (including at-the-market facility) or a private placement or any other capital raising financing
of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, Aegis (or any affiliate designated by Aegis) shall have the right to act as sole book-running
manager, sole underwriter or sole placement agent for such financing. If Aegis or one of its affiliates decides to accept any such engagement,
the agreement governing such engagement will contain, among other things, provisions for customary fees and terms for transactions of
similar size and nature, including indemnification, which are appropriate to such a transaction.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the decision to accept our engagement shall be made by Aegis or one of its affiliates, by a written notice to us, within
ten (10) days of the receipt of our notification of financing needs, including a detailed term sheet. Aegis’s determination of
whether in any case to exercise its right of first refusal will be strictly limited to the terms on such term sheet, and any waiver of
such right of first refusal shall apply only to such specific terms. If Aegis waives its right of first refusal, any deviation from such
terms shall void the waiver and require us to seek a new waiver from the right of first refusal.
Other
Relationships
The
underwriter is a full service financial institution engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and
investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and
other financial and non-financial activities and services. The underwriter may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial
banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates for which they may in the future receive customary fees.
In
the ordinary course of its business activities, the underwriter and its affiliates, officers, directors and employees may purchase, sell
or hold a broad array of investments and actively traded securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps
and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and trading activities
may involve or relate to assets, securities and/or instruments of the issuer (directly, as collateral securing other obligation or otherwise)
publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend
to clients that they should acquire, long and/or short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.
Electronic
Offer, Sale and Distribution of Securities
A
prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by the underwriter, if any, participating in this offering
and the underwriter participating in this offering may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriter may agree to allocate
a number of Units for sale to its online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriter that
will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information
on these websites is not part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus
forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or the underwriter in its capacity as underwriter, and should not be relied upon
by investors.
Offer
Restrictions Outside the United States
Other
than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriter that would permit a public offering of the securities offered
by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be
offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with
the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result
in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus are
advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in
any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
The
transfer agent and registrar for our Common Stock is Clear Trust LLC.
Trading
Market
Our
Common Stock Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CETX.” We do not intend to apply for listing
of the Pre-funded Warrants or the Warrants on any securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system.
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES
General
Our
authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 1,000,000 shares are designated as series A preferred stock, 100,000 are designated as series
C preferred stock and 3,000,000 shares are designated as series 1 preferred stock. As of May 3, 2024, 1,056,981 shares of common stock
were issued and outstanding, 50,000 shares of Series C preferred stock issued and outstanding and 2,392,727 shares of series 1 preferred
stock were issued and 2,392,727 outstanding.
In
addition, as of May 3, 2024, there were an aggregate of 28,796 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of
our outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $50.67 per share.
Common
Stock
Voting
Power; Dividends. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote
of stockholders and have the right to vote cumulatively for the election of directors. This means that in the voting at our annual meeting,
each stockholder or his proxy, may multiply the number of his shares by the number of directors to be elected then cast the resulting
total number of votes for a single nominee, or distribute such votes on the ballot among the nominees as desired. Holders of our common
stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available
therefor, subject to any preferential dividend rights for our outstanding preferred stock.
Liquidation,
Dissolution and Winding Up. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to
receive ratably our net assets available after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of holders
of any of our outstanding preferred stock.
Preemptive
and Other Rights. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights,
preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders
of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
Our
common stockholders may not receive any assets or funds until our creditors have been paid in full and the preferential or participating
rights of our preferred stockholders have been satisfied. If we participate in a corporate merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition
of property or stock, or other reorganization, any payments or shares of stock allocated to our common stockholders will be distributed
pro-rata to holders of our common stock on a per share basis. If we redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire for payment any shares of
our common stock, we will treat each share of common stock identically.
We
may issue additional shares of our common stock and our preferred stock, if authorized by the board, without the common stockholders’
approval, unless required by Delaware law or a stock exchange on which our securities are traded. If we receive the appropriate payment,
shares of our common stock that we issue will be fully paid and nonassessable.
Nasdaq
Capital Market. Our shares of common stock are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol CETX.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Clear Trust LLC, Lutz, Florida.
Preferred
Stock
Under
our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized, without further stockholder action, to issue up to 10,000,000
shares of preferred stock in one or more series, with such powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and
other rights and such qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof as shall be set forth in the resolutions providing therefor.
We have no present plans to issue any additional shares of preferred stock.
Series
A Preferred Stock
Pursuant
to the certificate of designation relating to those shares, each issued and outstanding share of series A preferred stock is entitled
to the number of votes equal to the result of (i) the total number of shares of common stock outstanding at the time of such vote multiplied
by 1.01, and divided by (ii) the total number of shares of series A preferred stock outstanding at the time of such vote, at each meeting
of our stockholders with respect to any and all matters presented to our stockholders for their action or consideration, including the
election of directors.
Our
series A preferred stock has equal distribution rights with our common stockholders upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our
company, and otherwise has no pre-emptive, subscription, conversion or redemption rights.
Series
C Preferred Stock
On
October 3, 2019, pursuant to Article IV of our Articles of Incorporation, our Board of Directors voted to designate a class of preferred
stock entitled Series C Preferred Stock, consisting of up to one hundred thousand (100,000) shares, par value $0.001. Under the Certificate
of Designation, holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to the number of votes per share equal to the result of (i) the total
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the time of such vote multiplied by 10.01, and divided by (ii) the total number of shares
of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding at the time of such vote, at each meeting of our shareholders with respect to any and all matters
presented to our shareholders for their action or consideration, including the election of directors.
Series
1 Preferred
As
of May 3, 2024, 2,392,727 shares of series 1 preferred stock (the “series 1 preferred”), were issued and 2,392,727 outstanding
having the following powers, preferences and rights:
Dividends.
Holders of the series 1 preferred are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 10% of the purchase price
per year, payable semiannually on the last day of March and September in each year. Dividends may also be paid, at our option, in additional
shares of series 1 preferred, valued at their liquidation preference. The series 1 preferred ranks senior to the common stock with respect
to dividends. Dividends will be entitled to be paid prior to any dividend to the holders of our common stock.
Liquidation
Preference. The series 1 preferred has a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share, equal to its purchase price. In the event
of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, any amounts remaining available for distribution to stockholders after
payment of all liabilities of our company will be distributed first to the holders of series 1 preferred, and then pari passu to the
holders of the series A preferred stock and our common stock. The holders of series 1 preferred have preference over the holders of our
common stock on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company. The holders of series 1 preferred also have preference over
the holders of our series A preferred stock.
Voting
Rights. Except as otherwise provided in the certificate of designation, preferences and rights or as required by law, the series
1 preferred vote together with the shares of our common stock (and not as a separate class) at any annual or special meeting of stockholders.
Except as required by law, each holder of shares of series 1 preferred is entitled to two votes for each share of series 1 preferred
held on the record date as though each share of series 1 preferred were two shares of our common stock. Holders of the series 1 preferred
vote as a class on any amendment altering or changing the powers, preferences or rights of the series 1 preferred so as to affect them
adversely.
No
Conversion. The series 1 preferred are not convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock or any other security.
Rank.
The series 1 preferred ranks with respect to distribution rights upon our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution and dividend
rights, as applicable:
|
● |
senior
to our series A preferred stock, common stock and any other class of capital stock we issue in the future unless the terms of that
stock provide that it ranks senior to any or all of the series 1 preferred; |
|
● |
on
a parity with any class of capital stock we issue in the future the terms of which provide that it will rank on a parity with any
or all of the series 1 preferred; |
|
● |
junior
to each class of capital stock issued in the future the terms of which expressly provide that such capital stock will rank senior
to the series 1 preferred and the common stock; and |
|
● |
junior
to all of our existing and future indebtedness. |
In
addition, the series 1 preferred, with respect to rights upon our liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, will be structurally subordinated
to existing and future indebtedness of our company and subsidiaries, as well as the capital stock of our subsidiaries held by third parties.
Redemption.
We may mandatorily redeem any or all of the series 1 preferred at any time and from time to time at our option, by giving notice
(by issuing a press release or otherwise making a public announcement, by mailing a notice of redemption or otherwise). If we redeem
fewer than all of the outstanding shares of series 1 preferred, we may select the shares to be redeemed by redeeming shares proportionally,
by lot, or by any other equitable method. The mandatory redemption price for any shares of series 1 preferred is an amount equal to the
$10.00 purchase price per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption.
From
and after any applicable redemption date, if funds necessary for the redemption are available and have been irrevocably deposited or
set aside, then:
|
● |
the
shares will no longer be deemed outstanding; |
|
● |
the
holders of the shares, as such, will cease to be stockholders; and |
|
● |
all
rights with respect to the shares of series 1 preferred will terminate except the right of the holders to receive the redemption
price, without interest. |
We
may also repurchase, outside of our mandatory redemption rights, any shares of series 1 preferred in privately-negotiated transactions
or in open market purchases on Nasdaq, subject to applicable regulations regarding issuer repurchases of their capital stock. In such
cases, we would most likely do so at prices lower than the price at which we are entitled to mandatorily redeem the shares.
No
Other Rights. The holders of the series 1 preferred have no preemptive or preferential or other rights to purchase or subscribe
to any stock, obligations, warrants or other securities of ours.
Trading.
The series 1 preferred is quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol CETXP.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar. Clear Trust, LLC, Florida, is the transfer agent and registrar for our series 1 preferred.
Anti-Takeover
Provisions
The
terms of our shares of series A, none are issued and outstanding at this time, and series C preferred stock, held by Saagar Govil, our
CEO, may also have the effect of discouraging a takeover of our company. Pursuant to the certificate of designation for our Series A
preferred stock, each outstanding share of Series A preferred stock is entitled to the number of votes equal to the result of (i) the
total number of shares of our common stock outstanding at the time of such vote multiplied by 1.01, divided by (ii) the total number
of shares of our series A preferred stock outstanding at the time of such vote, at each meeting of stockholders of our company with respect
to any and all matters presented to our stockholders for their action or consideration, including the election of directors. Pursuant
to the certificate of designation for our Series C preferred stock, each issued and outstanding Series C Preferred Share shall be entitled
to the number of votes equal to the result of: (i) the number of shares of common stock of the Company (The “Common Shares”)
issued and outstanding at the time of such vote multiplied by 10.01; divided by (ii) the total number of Series C Preferred Shares issued
and outstanding at the time of such vote, at each meeting of shareholders of the Company with respect to any and all matters presented
to the shareholders of the Company for their action or consideration, including the election of directors. Holders of Series C Preferred
Shares shall vote together with the holders of Common Shares as a single class. As a result of Saagar Govil’s ownership of our
Series C preferred stock, our management stockholders control, and will control in the future, substantially all matters requiring approval
by the stockholders of our company, including the election of all directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. Given
this continuing voting interest of our series A preferred stock and series C preferred stock, its holder will be able to exert significant
influence over all corporate activities including the outcome of tender offers, mergers, proxy contests or other purchases of common
stock, which could discourage others from initiating changes of control.
Our
certificate of incorporation, in order to combat “greenmail,” provides in general that any direct or indirect purchase by
us of any of our voting stock or rights to acquire voting stock known to be beneficially owned by any person or group which holds more
than 5% of a class of our voting stock and which has owned the securities being purchased for less than two years must be approved by
the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of voting stock, subject to certain exceptions.
The prohibition of “greenmail” may tend to discourage or foreclose certain acquisitions of our securities, which might temporarily
increase the price of our securities. Discouraging the acquisition of a large block of our securities by an outside party may also have
a potential negative effect on takeovers. Parties seeking control of our company through large acquisitions of our securities will not
be able to resort to “greenmail” should their bid fail, thus making such a bid less attractive to persons seeking to initiate
a takeover effort.
We
are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware. Section 203 prohibits certain publicly held
Delaware corporations from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period
of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an “interested stockholder,” unless the business
combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions
resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an “interested stockholder”
is a person or entity who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within the preceding three years, did own) 15% or more of
the corporation’s voting stock. The statute contains provisions enabling a corporation to avoid the statute’s restrictions
if the stockholders holding a majority of the corporation’s voting stock approve.
Indemnification
of Directors and Officers
Our
certificate of incorporation provides that any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending
or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (whether or not by or in the right
of the company) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, incorporator, employee or agent of the company, or is or
was serving at the request of the company as a director, officer, incorporator, employee or agent of another company, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be entitled to be indemnified by the company to the full extent then permitted by law or to
the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction shall deem proper or permissible under the circumstance, whichever is greater, against
expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amount paid in settlement incurred by such person in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding. Such right of indemnification shall inure whether or not the claim asserted is based on matters which
pre-date the company’s adoption of the indemnification provisions in its certificate of incorporation. Furthermore, such right
of indemnification will continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, incorporator, employee or agent and will inure
to the benefit of the heirs and personal representatives of such person.
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING
We
are offering 11,764,705 Units based on assumed public offering price of $0.85 per Unit on a firm commitment basis. Each Unit will consist
of one share of common stock (or Pre-Funded Warrant to purchase one share of our common stock in lieu thereof), one Series A Warrant
to purchase one share of common stock and one Series B Warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The Units have no stand-alone rights
and will not be certificated or issued as stand-alone securities. The shares of common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants, if any, can each
be purchased in this offering only with the accompanying Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants as part of Units (other than pursuant
to the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares of Common Stock and/or Pre-Funded Warrants and/or Series A Warrants and/or
Series B Warrants), but the components of the Units will be immediately separable and will be issued separately in this offering.
Common
Stock
The
material terms and provisions of our common stock are described under the caption “Description of Securities” in this
prospectus.
Pre-Funded
Warrants
The
following summary of certain terms and provisions of the Pre-Funded Warrants that are being offered hereby is not complete and is subject
to, and qualified in its entirety by the provisions of, the Pre-Funded Warrant. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms
and provisions of the form of Pre-Funded Warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Pre-Funded Warrants.
The
term “pre-funded” refers to the fact that the purchase price of our common stock in this offering includes almost the entire
exercise price that will be paid under the Pre-Funded Warrants, except for a nominal remaining exercise price of $0.001. The purpose
of the Pre-Funded Warrants is to enable investors that may have restrictions on their ability to beneficially own more than 4.99% (or,
upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of our outstanding shares of common stock following the consummation of this offering the opportunity
to make an investment in the Company without triggering their ownership restrictions, by receiving Pre-Funded Warrants in lieu of our
common stock which would result in such ownership of more than 4.99% (or 9.99%), and receive the ability to exercise their option to
purchase the shares underlying the Pre-Funded Warrants at such nominal price at a later date.
Duration.
The Pre-Funded Warrants offered hereby will entitle the holders thereof to purchase our shares of common stock at a nominal exercise
price of $0.001 per share, commencing immediately on the date of issuance. There is no expiration date for the Pre-Funded Warrants.
Exercise
Limitation. A holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of the Pre-Funded Warrant if the holder (together with its affiliates)
would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of the number of our shares of common stock outstanding
immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Pre-Funded
Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage (up to 9.99%), provided that any increase will not be effective
until the 61st day after such election. It is the responsibility of the holder to determine whether any exercise would exceed the exercise
limitation.
Exercise
Price. The Pre-Funded Warrants will have an exercise price of $0.001 per share. The exercise price is subject to appropriate adjustment
in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting
our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our shareholders.
Transferability.
Subject to applicable laws, the Pre-Funded Warrants may be offered for sale, sold, transferred or assigned without our consent.
Absence
of Trading Market. There is no established trading market for the Pre-Funded Warrants and we do not expect a market to develop. In
addition, we do not intend to apply for the listing of the Pre-Funded Warrants on any national securities exchange or other trading market.
Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the Pre-Funded Warrants will be limited.
Fundamental
Transactions. In the event of a fundamental transaction, generally including any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification
of our common stock, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our properties or assets, our consolidation,
merger, amalgamation or arrangement with or into another person, the acquisition of more than 50% of our outstanding common stock, or
any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of 50% of the voting power represented by our outstanding common stock, the holder
will have the right to receive, for each share of common stock that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to
the occurrence of such fundamental transaction, the number of shares of the successor or acquiring corporation or of us if we are the
surviving corporation, and any additional consideration receivable as a result of such fundamental transaction by a holder of the number
of shares for which the Pre-Funded Warrant was exercisable immediately prior to such fundamental transaction. The holders of the Pre-Funded
Warrants may also require us to purchase the Pre-Funded Warrants from the holders by paying to each holder an amount equal to the Black
Scholes value of the remaining unexercised portion of the Pre-Funded Warrants on the date of the fundamental transaction.
No
Rights as a Shareholder. Except as otherwise provided in the Pre-Funded Warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of
our shares of common stock, the holder of Pre-Funded Warrants does not have the rights or privileges of a holder of our common stock,
including any voting rights, until the holder exercises the Pre-Funded Warrant.
Warrant
Stockholder Approval
Under
Nasdaq listing rules, the alternative cashless exercise option (described below) in the Series A Warrants, certain anti-dilution provisions
in the Series B Warrants (described below), and the reverse stock split provision in both Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants (each
described below) will not be effective until, and unless, we obtain the approval of our stockholders. While we intend to promptly seek
stockholder approval, there is no guarantee that the Warrant Stockholder Approval will ever be obtained. If we are unable to obtain the
Warrant Stockholder Approval, the foregoing provisions will not become effective and the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will
have substantially less value. In addition, we will incur substantial costs, and management will devote substantial time and attention,
in attempting to obtain the Warrant Stockholder Approval.
Series
A Warrants and Series B Warrants
The
following summary of certain terms and provisions of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants included in the Units and Pre-offered
hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the forms of Series A Warrant and Series
B Warrant, which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Prospective investors should
carefully review the terms and provisions set forth in the forms of Series A Warrant and Series B Warrant.
Exercisability.
The Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants are exercisable immediately and at any time up to the date that is two-and-a-half years (with
respect to the Series A Warrants) or five years (with respect to the Series B Warrants) after their original issuance. The Series A Warrants
and Series B Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part by delivering to us a duly executed exercise
notice and, at any time a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Warrants
and Series B Warrants under the Securities Act is effective and available for the issuance of such shares, by payment in full in immediately
available funds for the number of shares of common stock purchased upon such exercise. If a registration statement registering the issuance
of the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Warrants or Series B Warrants under the Securities Act is not effective, the holder
may elect to exercise the Series A Warrants or Series B Warrants through a cashless exercise, in which case the holder would receive
upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the warrant. No fractional
shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of Series A Warrants or Series B Warrants. In lieu of fractional
shares, we will pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price.
On
or after receipt of the Warrant Stockholder Approval, a holder may also effect an “alternative cashless exercise” at any
time while the Series A Warrants are outstanding. In such event, the aggregate number of shares issuable in such alternative cashless
exercise will be equal to the number of Series A Warrants being exercised multiplied by three.
Exercise
Limitation. A holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of the Series A Warrants or Series B Warrants if the holder
(together with its affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately
after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Series A Warrants
and Series B Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99%, provided
that any increase in such percentage shall not be effective until 61 days following notice from the holder to us.
Exercise
Price. The exercise price per whole share of common stock purchasable upon exercise of the Series A Warrants is $0.85, and the exercise
price per whole share of common stock purchasable upon exercise of the Series B Warrants is $0.85. The exercise price is subject to appropriate
adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar
events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders.
Subsequent
Financing. In addition, conditioned upon the receipt of the Warrant Stockholder Approval, and subject to certain exemptions, if we
sell, enter into an agreement to sell, or grant any option to purchase, or sell, enter into an agreement to sell, or grant any right
to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any
shares of common stock, at an effective price per share less than the exercise price of the Series B Warrants then in effect, the exercise
price of the Series B Warrants will be reduced to the lower of such price or the lowest volume weighted average price (VWAP) during the
five consecutive trading days immediately following such dilutive issuance or announcement thereof (subject to a floor of $0.57
prior to the Warrant Stockholder Approval), and the number of shares issuable upon exercise will be proportionately adjusted such that
the aggregate exercise price will remain unchanged.
Reverse
Stock Split. Conditioned upon the receipt of the Warrant Stockholder Approval, if at any time on or after the date of issuance there
occurs any share split, share dividend, share combination recapitalization or other similar transaction involving our common stock and
the lowest daily volume weighted average price during the period commencing five consecutive trading days immediately preceding and the
five consecutive trading days commencing on the date of such event is less than the exercise price of the Series A Warrants or Series
B Warrants then in effect, then the exercise price of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will be reduced to the lowest daily
volume weighted average price during such period and the number of shares issuable upon exercise will be proportionately adjusted such
that the aggregate price will remain unchanged.
Transferability.
Subject to applicable laws, the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants may be offered for sale, sold, transferred or assigned without
our consent.
Fundamental
Transactions. In the event of a fundamental transaction, as described in the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants and generally
including any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of our common stock, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all
or substantially all of our properties or assets, our consolidation or merger with or into another person, the acquisition of more than
50% of our outstanding common stock, or any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of 50% of the voting power represented by our
outstanding common stock, the holders of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the
Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received
had they exercised the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction. The holders of the
Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants may also require us to purchase the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants from the holders
by paying to each holder an amount equal to the Black Scholes value of the remaining unexercised portion of the Series A Warrants and
Series B Warrants on the date of the fundamental transaction.
Rights
as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise provided in the Series A Warrants or Series B Warrants or by virtue of such holder’s
ownership of shares of our common stock, the holder of a Series A Warrants or Series B Warrants does not have the rights or privileges
of a holder of our common stock, including any voting rights, until the holder exercises the Series A Warrant or Series B Warrants.
Governing
Law. The Series A Warrants and the Series B Warrants are governed by New York law.
LEGAL
MATTERS
The
validity of the Common Stock offered by us in this offering will be passed upon for us by The Doney Law Firm, Las Vegas, Nevada. Certain
legal matters in connection with this offering have been passed upon for the underwriter by Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., Richmond, Virginia.
EXPERTS
The
financial statements of Cemtrex, Inc. as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 and for each of the years in the two year period ended September
30, 2023 have been incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of
Grassi & Co., CPAs, P.C., an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing
and accounting.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We
file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We have filed with the SEC a registration
statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares being offered under this prospectus. This prospectus does
not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. For further
information with respect to the Company and the securities being offered under this prospectus, please refer to the complete registration
statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement.
You
may read and copy the registration statement, as well as our reports, proxy statements and other information, at the SEC’s Public
Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation
of the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information
regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s Internet site can be found at http://www.sec.gov. You
may access our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the SEC free of charge on the SEC’s website.
INCORPORATION
OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
SEC
rules allow us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus much of the information we file with the SEC, which means
that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate
by reference into this prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements, is considered to be part of this prospectus. These
documents may include Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.
You should read the information incorporated by reference because it is an important part of this prospectus.
This
prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below, other than those documents or the portions of those documents deemed
to be furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules:
| ■ | our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 filed with the SEC
on December 28, 2023; |
| ■ | our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended December 31, 2023 filed with the
SEC on February 14, 2024. |
|
■ |
our Current Reports on Form
8-K (or Form 8-K/A) filed with the SEC on May
1, 2024, January 22, 2024, January
3, 2024, December
26, 2023, December
6, 2023, September
19, 2023, September
12, 2023 and August
23, 2023, August
4, 2023, July
28, 2023, July
7, 2023 May 26, 2023; March 23, 2023, March 20, 2023, February 9, 2023, January 30 2023, January 23, 2023, January 20, 2023,
November 29, 2022, November 10, 2022, October 4, 2022, September 30, 2022, September 20, 2022, August 3, 2022, July 27, 2022, March 22, 2022, February 1, 2022, January 26, 2022 and January 26, 2022; |
| ■ | our
2020 Equity Compensation Plan on Form S-8 filed with the SEC August 17, 2020; |
All
documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, except as to any portion of any report
or document that is not deemed filed under such provisions, (i) on or after the date of filing of the registration statement containing
this prospectus and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and (ii) on or after the date of this prospectus until the
earlier of the date on which all of the securities registered hereunder have been sold or this prospectus has been withdrawn, shall be
deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a part of this prospectus from the date of filing of those documents. The
information in documents that we file in the future will update and supersede the information currently included and incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. Nothing in this prospectus shall be deemed to incorporate information furnished but not filed with the
SEC pursuant to Item 2.02, 7.01 or 8.01 of Form 8-K.
These
documents may also be accessed on our website at https://www.Cemtrex.com/. Information contained in, or accessible through, our
website is not a part of this prospectus.
We
will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owners, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written
or oral request, a copy of any or all reports or documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference into
this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus, excluding exhibits to those reports or documents unless they are specifically
incorporated by reference into those documents. You may request a copy of these documents by writing or telephoning us at the following
address:
Saagar
Govil
Chief
Executive Officer
Cemtrex, Inc.
135 Fell Court
Hauppauge,
NY 11788
Tel.
no. (631) 756-9116
CEMTREX,
INC.
PRELIMINARY
PROSPECTUS
May 3, 2024
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