AQMS Aqua Metals Inc

Table of Contents

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-267780

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement related to these securities has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to completion, dated May 14, 2024

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated October 19, 2022)

 

Shares of Common Stock

Warrants to Purchase up to Shares of Common Stock

 

 

 

We are offering       shares of our common stock and        non-redeemable common stock purchase warrants, or the warrants, each warrant to purchase one share of common stock, pursuant to this prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. The warrants are being offered and sold at the rate of one warrant for every one share of common stock purchased in this offering. The shares of common stock and warrants are being offered separately and not as a unit, but we expect that the underwriter will allocate purchases by investors in lots comprised of one share of common stock and one warrant. The public offering price per one share of common stock is $        , and the public offering price per one accompanying warrant will be $0.01. Each warrant will have an initial exercise price of $         per share of common stock, the exercise price payable in cash only. The warrant will be immediately exercisable and will expire five years after the date of issuance. See “Description of Securities We Are Offering” in this prospectus supplement for additional information.

 

We are also registering the offer and sale of an aggregate of up to shares of our common stock issuable from time to time upon the exercise of the warrants. The warrants will be issued in book-entry form pursuant to a warrant agency agreement between us and VStock Transfer, LLC as warrant agent, or the Warrant Agent. The warrants sold to the public will not be listed on any exchange or trading medium.

 

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AQMS.” On May 13, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $0.48 per share. There is no established public trading market for the warrants, and we do not expect a market to develop. We do not intend to apply for listing of the warrants on any securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the warrants will be limited.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” appearing on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities.

 

		Per Share				Per Warrant				Total
Public offering price		$				$	0.01			$
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)		$				$	0.0007			$
Proceeds to us, before expenses (2)		$				$	0.0093			$

 

(1)	Does not include the reimbursement of certain expenses of the underwriter we have agreed to pay. Please see “Underwriting” beginning on page S-11 for additional information regarding the total compensation to be received by the underwriter.
(2)	The amount of the offering proceeds to us presented in this table does not give effect to any exercise of the warrants being issued in this offering

 

We have granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional        shares of common stock and up to an additional        warrants from us at the public offering prices, less the underwriting discount equal to 7%. If the underwriter exercises this option in full, the total underwriting discounts and commissions payable will be $       and the total proceeds to us, before expenses, will be $       .

 

The underwriter expects to deliver the shares of common stock and accompanying warrants against payment on or about May  , 2024.

 

The Benchmark Company, LLC

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is May     , 2024

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

	Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT	S-1
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY	S-2
RISK FACTORS	S-5
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	S-7
USE OF PROCEEDS	S-8
DILUTION	S-9
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING	S-10
UNDERWRITING	S-11
LEGAL MATTERS	S-16
EXPERTS	S-16
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE	S-16
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	S-17

 

Base Prospectus

 

	Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	1
ABOUT AQUA METALS, INC.	1
RISK FACTORS	3
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	3
THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER	4
COMMON STOCK	4
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES	4
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS	13
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS	13
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS	13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	14
LEGAL MATTERS	16
EXPERTS	16
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	16
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE	17
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS	18

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are part of a registration statement that we filed on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-267780) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process.

 

Each time we conduct an offering to sell securities under the accompanying base prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the price, the amount of securities being offered and the plan of distribution. The shelf registration statement was filed with the SEC on October 7, 2022 and was declared effective by the SEC on October 19, 2022. This prospectus supplement describes the specific details regarding this offering and may add, update or change information contained in the accompanying base prospectus. The accompanying base prospectus provides general information about us and our securities, some of which, such as the section entitled “Plan of Distribution,” may not apply to this offering. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. We are not making offers to sell or solicitations to buy our common stock in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making that offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation.

 

If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying base prospectus or the information incorporated by reference with an earlier date, you should rely on this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement, together with the accompanying base prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, include all material information relating to this offering. We have not, and the underwriter has not, authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information and you must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering is accurate only as of the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. You should carefully read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the information and documents incorporated herein by reference herein and therein, as well as any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, before making an investment decision. See “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying base prospectus.

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus contain summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the actual documents, some of which have been filed or will be filed and incorporated by reference herein. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement. We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus contain and incorporate by reference certain market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, estimates as they relate to projections involve numerous assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and under similar headings in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.

 

Unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “Aqua Metals” refer to Aqua Metals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. We own the trademark applications for our corporate name “Aqua Metals” and the marks “AQMS,” “AquaFit,” “AquaRefinery,” and “AquaRefining.” All other trademarks, trade names and service marks included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any applicable free writing prospectus are the property of their respective owners.

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained in this prospectus supplement and discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024, or 2023 Form 10-K, as revised or supplemented by subsequent filings, which are on file with the SEC and are incorporated herein by reference, and which may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks. In these circumstances, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

Because we will have broad discretion and flexibility in how the net proceeds from this offering are used, we may use the net proceeds in ways in which you disagree. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-8. Accordingly, our management will have significant discretion and flexibility in applying the net proceeds of this offering. You will be relying on the judgment of our management with regard to the use of these net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. It is possible that the net proceeds will be invested in a way that does not yield a favorable, or any, return for us. The failure of our management to use such funds effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flow.

 

We expect we will need additional financing following this offering to execute our business plan and fund operations, which additional financing may not be available on reasonable terms or at all. 
As of December 31, 2023, we had total assets of approximately $30.6 million and working capital of approximately $13.7 million. As of December 31, 2023, our working capital included approximately $16.5 million of cash and cash equivalents. We believe that the net proceeds of this offering, plus our cash on-hand as of the date of this prospectus supplement, may not be sufficient to fund our proposed operating plan for the 12 months following the date of this prospectus supplement. In addition, as of the date of this prospectus supplement, we believe that we will need additional capital to fund our operations through to the completion of the Phase 1 development of our five‑acre recycling campus in the Tahoe‑Reno Industrial Center. While we have entered into a non-binding term sheet with a strategic lender for a secured loan facility in the amount of up to $33 million for purposes of funding the Phase 1 development, there can be no assurance that we will be able close on the secured loan facility. We intend to seek additional funds through various financing sources, including debt‑based construction financing, the sale of our equity and debt securities, licensing fees for our technology and co-development and joint ventures with industry partners. In addition, we will consider alternatives to our current business plan that may enable to us to achieve revenue producing operations and meaningful commercial success with a smaller amount of capital. However, there can be no guarantees that such funds will be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, we may be unable to further pursue our business plan and we may be unable to continue operations, in which case you may lose your entire investment.

 

There can be no assurance that we will be able close on the strategic loan facility. On May 13, 2024, we entered into a non-binding term sheet with a strategic lender for a secured loan facility in the amount of up to $33 million. The secured loan facility is to be used for the completion of the Phase 1 development of our five‑acre recycling campus in the Tahoe‑Reno Industrial Center. The term sheet is non-binding, except for certain confidentiality and break-up provisions, and the lender’s obligation to close is subject to its further due diligence and the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements. The term sheet contemplates that the parties will close on the loan facility by June 30, 2024, subject to the aforementioned closing conditions. There can be no assurance that we will be able close on the secured loan facility.

 

The market price of our shares may be subject to fluctuation and volatility. You could lose all or part of your investment. The market price of our common stock is subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. Since January 1, 2023, the reported high and low sales prices of our common stock have ranged from $1.69 to $0.452 through May 10, 2024. The market price of our shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to:

 

●

actual or anticipated variations in our and our competitors’ results of operations and financial condition;

●

market acceptance of our product candidates;

●

changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts, if our shares are covered by analysts;

●

development of technological innovations or new competitive products by others;

●

announcements of technological innovations or new products by us;

●

developments concerning intellectual property rights, including our involvement in litigation brought by or against us;

●

regulatory developments and the decisions of regulatory authorities as to the approval or rejection of new or modified products;

●

changes in the amounts that we spend to develop, acquire or license new products, technologies or businesses;

●

changes in our expenditures to promote our product candidates;

●

our sale or proposed sale, or the sale by our significant stockholders, of our shares or other securities in the future;

●

changes in key personnel;

 

 

●

success or failure of our research and development projects or those of our competitors;

●

the trading volume of our shares; and

●

general economic and market conditions and other factors, including factors unrelated to our operating performance.

 

These factors and any corresponding price fluctuations may materially and adversely affect the market price of our shares and result in substantial losses being incurred by our investors. In the past, following periods of market volatility, public company stockholders have often instituted securities class action litigation. If we were involved in securities litigation, it could impose a substantial cost upon us and divert the resources and attention of our management from our business.

 

Because the public offering price of our common stock offered herein or issuable upon exercise of the warrants is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our outstanding common stock following this offering, new investors will experience immediate and substantial dilution. Because the price per share of our common stock offered herein or issuable upon exercise of the warrants being offered is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock following this offering, you will suffer substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock offered herein or issuable upon exercise of the warrants in this offering. See “Dilution” for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering.

 

There is no public market for the warrants. There is no established public trading market for the warrants in this offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, the warrants are not listed, and we do not intend to apply for listing of the warrants on any securities exchange or trading system. Without an active market, the liquidity of the warrants is limited, and investors may be unable to liquidate their investments in the warrants.

 

A warrant does not entitle the holder to any rights as common stockholders until the holder exercises the warrant for shares of our common stock. Until you acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of your warrants, the warrants will not provide you any rights as a common stockholder. Upon exercise of your warrants, you will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs on or after the exercise date.

 

The warrants in this offering are speculative in nature. The warrants in this offering do not confer any rights of common stock ownership on its holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of common stock at a fixed price during a fixed period of time. Specifically, commencing on the date of issuance, the holders of the warrants may exercise their right to acquire common stock and pay an exercise price of $ per share of common stock. The warrants will be exercisable beginning on the date of issuance and expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance.

 

Moreover, following this offering, the market value of the warrants, if any, is uncertain and there can be no assurance that the market value of the warrants will equal or exceed their imputed offering price. There can also be no assurance that the market price of the common stock will ever equal or exceed the exercise price of the warrants and, consequently, whether it will ever be profitable for holders of the warrants to exercise the warrants.

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein and therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, from time to time we or our representatives have made or will make forward-looking statements in various other filings that we make with the SEC or in other documents, including press releases or other similar announcements. Forward-looking statements concern our current plans, intentions, beliefs, expectations and statements of future economic performance. Statements containing terms such as “will,” “may,” “believe,” “do not believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and other phrases of similar meaning are considered to be forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause actual results to differ include, among others, those set forth under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and those discussed in our most recent 2023 Form 10-K and subsequent periodic reports filed with the SEC, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein and therein, which reflect management’s views and opinions only as of their respective dates. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we have made or will make in the filings we make with the SEC, including reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or any related issuer free writing prospectus.

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $       million, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us and excluding the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of the accompanying warrants. We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

If all of the warrants sold in this offering were to be exercised in cash at the exercise price of $       per share, we would receive additional proceeds of approximately $      million. However, we cannot predict when or if these warrants will be exercised.

 

 

DILUTION

 

If you invest in our common stock, you will experience immediate dilution to the extent of the difference between the price per share you pay in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering.

 

Our net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 was approximately $26.1 million, or approximately $0.24 per share. Net tangible book value is determined by subtracting our total liabilities from our total tangible assets, and net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value by the number of outstanding shares of our common stock. After giving effect to the sale of shares of common stock and accompanying warrant in this offering at the public offering price of $ per share of common stock and accompanying warrant, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us and excluding the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of accompanying warrants, our adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 would have been approximately $ million, or approximately $  per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $  per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of approximately $  per share to investors participating in this offering. The following table illustrates this calculation on a per share basis:

 

Public offering price per share of common stock and accompanying warrant						$
Net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2023		$	0.24
Increase per share attributable to investors participating in this offering		$
Adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering						$
Dilution per share to investors participating in this offering						$

 

The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding as of April 30, 2024 is based on 113,226,006 shares of common stock outstanding as of such date, and excludes:

 

●

7,523,280 shares of our common stock issuable upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock units as of April 30, 2024;

 

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569,621 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants as of April 30, 2024, which have a weighted average exercise price of $1.33 per share;

 

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1,904,252 shares of common stock reserved for issuance and available for future grant under our 2014 Stock Incentive Plan and 2019 Stock Incentive Plan as of April 30, 2024;

 

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237,382 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our Officer and Director Share Purchase Plan as of April 30, 2024;

 

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807,287 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of April 30, 2024;

 

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shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the accompanying warrants sold in this offering (         shares of common stock if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full);

 

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up to       shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the underwriter’s over-allotment option; and

 

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shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the underwriter’s warrant (         shares of common stock if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full).

 

The above illustration of dilution per share to investors participating in this offering assumes no exercise of the accompanying warrants sold in this offering or the outstanding options or warrants to purchase our common stock. The exercise of outstanding options or warrants having an exercise price less than the offering price would increase dilution to investors participating in this offering. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital depending on market conditions, our capital requirements and strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through our sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING

 

Common Stock

 

We are offering shares of our common stock in this offering. See “Description of Securities” in our prospectus for more information regarding our shares of common stock.

 

Description of Warrants

 

The material terms and provisions of the warrants being issued in this offering are summarized below. The following description is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the form of warrant, which has been filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May    , 2024. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions set forth in the form of Warrant.

 

Exercise Price. The initial exercise price is $       per share of common stock. 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.

 

Exercisability. The warrants are exercisable at any time after the date of issuance, and at any time up to the date that is five years from the date of issuance, at which time any unexercised warrants will expire and cease to be exercisable. The 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 by payment in full in immediately available funds for the number of shares of common stock purchased upon such exercise. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a Warrant. In lieu of fractional shares, we will either pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price or round up to the next whole share.

 

Transferability. Subject to applicable laws, the warrants may not be offered for sale, sold, transferred or assigned without our consent. There is currently no trading market for the warrants and a trading market is not expected to develop.

 

Fundamental Transactions. In the event of a fundamental transaction, as described in the 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, or our consolidation or merger with or into another person, the holders of the warrants will instead be entitled to receive upon exercise of the warrants the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received had they exercised the warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction.

 

Exchange Listing. We do not plan to apply to list the warrants on The Nasdaq Capital Market, any other national securities exchange or any other nationally recognized trading system.

 

Rights as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise provided in the warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holder of a Warrant does not have the rights or privileges of a holder of our common stock, including any voting rights, until the holder exercises the Warrant.

 

 

UNDERWRITING

 

We entered into an underwriting agreement, dated May __, 2024, with The Benchmark Company, LLC, or the underwriter, with respect to the shares of our common stock and common stock purchase warrants subject to this offering. Subject to the terms and conditions in the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriter, and the underwriter has agreed to purchase from us,          shares of our common stock and            common stock purchase warrants.

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligation of the underwriter to purchase all of the shares of our common stock and common stock purchase warrants being offered to the public is subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and the satisfaction of other conditions. For example, conditions include, among others, the continued accuracy of representations and warranties made by us in the underwriting agreement, delivery of legal opinions and the absence of any material changes in our assets, business or prospects after the date of this prospectus supplement. The underwriter is obligated to purchase all of the shares and common stock purchase warrants in this offering, if they purchase any of our shares and common stock purchase warrants.

 

The underwriter has advised us that it proposes to offer the shares of our common stock and common stock purchase warrants directly to the public at the public offering prices listed on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to selected dealers at the public offering price less a selling concession not in excess of $  per share for the common stock and $  per common stock purchase warrant. The underwriter may offer the shares and warrants through one or more of its affiliates or selling agents. Upon execution of the underwriting agreement, the underwriter will be obligated to purchase the shares and warrants at the prices and upon the terms stated therein. If all of the shares and warrants are not sold at the initial public offering prices, the underwriter may change the offering prices and the other selling terms.

 

Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments which the underwriter or other indemnified parties may be required to make in respect of any such liabilities.

 

Underwriting Discount and Expenses

 

The underwriting discount is equal to the initial public offering price per share or warrant, less the amount paid by the underwriter to us per share and warrant. The underwriting discount was determined through an arms’ length negotiation between us and the underwriter. We have agreed to sell the shares of our common stock and the common stock purchase warrants to the underwriter at the price of $  per share and $  per warrant, respectively, which represents the initial public offering prices set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement less a 7.0% underwriting discount.

 

The following table provides information regarding the amount of the underwriting discounts to be paid to the underwriter by us. The amounts shown assume both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares and warrants.

 

Total

Per Share

Per Warrant

Total Without Over-Allotment Options

Total With Full Over-Allotment Option

Public offering price

$

$

$

Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by us (7%)

$

$

$

Proceeds to us, before expenses

$

$

$

 

We estimate that the total expenses, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $        , all of which are payable by us. This figure includes expense reimbursements we have agreed to pay the underwriter for its expenses related to the offering up to a maximum aggregate expense allowance of $115,000, which amount includes a $30,000 non-accountable expense allowance.

 

 

Option to Purchase Additional Shares and Warrants

 

We have granted to the underwriter an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase, from time to time, in whole or in part, up to an aggregate of       shares of common stock and/or        common stock purchase warrants from us at the public offering prices set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, less underwriting discounts and commissions. This option may be exercised only if the underwriter sells in the offering more shares and warrants than the total number set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

Pursuant to certain “lock-up” agreements, our officers and directors have agreed that, for a period of 90 days from the closing of the offering, they will not, subject to certain exceptions, sell, transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock. Additionally, we have agreed that, for a period of 90 days from the closing of the offering, we will not, subject to certain exceptions, sell, transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock, except that we may issue shares under our equity incentive plans and pursuant to our “at-the-market” offering arrangement.

 

Stock Exchange

 

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AQMS.”

 

The common stock purchase warrants will not be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market or any other national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading medium by the Company. Purchasers of the common stock purchase warrants should understand that there is likely to be only a very limited ability to trade the warrants or otherwise to sell or to exchange the warrants, which may impair their value.

 

Stabilization

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriter may engage in activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the shares of our common stock during and after this offering, including:

 

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stabilizing transactions;

 

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short sales; and

 

●

purchases to cover positions created by short sales.

 

Stabilizing transactions consist of bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the shares of our common stock while this offering is in progress. Stabilization transactions permit bids to purchase our common stock so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. These transactions may also include making short sales of the shares of our common stock, which involve the sale by the underwriter of a greater number of shares of our common stock than it is required to purchase in this offering and purchasing shares of our common stock on the open market to cover short positions created by short sales.

 

The underwriter may close out any covered short position by purchasing shares in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market. A short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares of our common stock in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchased in this offering.

 

These stabilizing transactions, short sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result of these activities, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriter may carry out these transactions on the Nasdaq Capital Market, in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise. Neither we nor the underwriter make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the shares. Neither we nor the underwriter make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these stabilization transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

 

 

Affiliations

 

The underwriter and its affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The underwriter and its affiliates may from time to time in the future engage with us and perform services for us or in the ordinary course of their business for which they will receive customary fees and expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriter and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of us. The underwriter and its affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of these securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in these securities and instruments.

 

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Securities

 

A prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriter or selling group members. The underwriter may agree to allocate a number of shares and common stock purchase warrants to selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriter and selling group members that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus in electronic format, the information on these websites is neither part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us, 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 supplement in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus supplement may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus supplement or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

 

Shares of our common stock and the common stock purchase warrants may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are “accredited investors,” as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares of our common stock and common stock purchase warrants must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

 

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus (including any amendment hereto or thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

 

Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriter is not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom

 

In relation to the Member States of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom (each, a Relevant State), no offer of the securities that are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus to the public may be made in a Relevant State other than:

 

●

to any legal entity that is a “qualified investor” as defined in the Prospectus Regulation;

 

●

to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined in the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant representative or representatives nominated by us for any such offer; or

 

●

in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation,

 

provided that no such offer of our securities described in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus shall result in a requirement for the publication of a prospectus, by us or the underwriter, pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation.

 

Each purchaser of our securities described in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus who is located within a Relevant State will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that (1) it is a “qualified investor” within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation; and (2) in the case of any of our securities acquired by it as a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the securities acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant State to qualified investors, as that term is defined in the Prospectus Regulation, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriter has been given to the offer or resale; or where our securities have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Relevant State other than qualified investors, the offer of those securities to it is not treated under the Prospectus Regulation as having been made to such persons.

 

For purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to the securities in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe to the securities and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

 

We and the underwriter have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of our securities through any financial intermediary on their behalf, other than offers made by the underwriter with a view to the final placement of the securities as contemplated in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Accordingly, no purchaser of the securities, other than the underwriter, is authorized to make any further offer of the securities on behalf of us or the underwriter.

 

References to the Prospectus Regulation includes, in relation to the UK, the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

 

The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.

 

Additional Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

 

The communication of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus and any other document or materials relating to the issue of the securities offered hereby is not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the United Kingdom’s Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the FSMA). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who fall within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, or the Financial Promotion Order), or who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order, or who are any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). In the United Kingdom, the securities offered hereby are only available to, and any investment or investment activity to which this prospectus supplement relates will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement or any of its contents.

 

 

Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of the securities offered hereby may only be communicated or caused to be communicated in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us.

 

All applicable provisions of the FSMA must be complied with in respect to anything done by any person in relation to the securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

 

The securities offered hereby may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to securities may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

 

No registration pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 1 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) (the FIEL) has been made or will be made with respect to the solicitation of the application for the acquisition of the securities offered hereby.

 

Accordingly, the securities offered hereby have not been, directly or indirectly, offered or sold and will not be, directly or indirectly, offered or sold in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan) or to others for re-offering or re-sale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements, and otherwise in compliance with, the FIEL and the other applicable laws and regulations of Japan.

 

For Qualified Institutional Investors (QII)

 

Please note that the solicitation for newly-issued or secondary securities (each as described in Paragraph 2, Article 4 of the FIEL) in relation to the securities constitutes either a “QII only private placement” or a “QII only secondary distribution” (each as described in Paragraph 1, Article 23-13 of the FIEL). Disclosure regarding any such solicitation, as is otherwise prescribed in Paragraph 1, Article 4 of the FIEL, has not been made in relation to the securities. The securities may only be transferred to QIIs.

 

For Non-QII Investors

 

Please note that the solicitation for newly-issued or secondary securities (each as described in Paragraph 2, Article 4 of the FIEL) in relation to the securities constitutes either a “small number private placement” or a “small number private secondary distribution” (each as is described in Paragraph 4, Article 23-13 of the FIEL). Disclosure regarding any such solicitation, as is otherwise prescribed in Paragraph 1, Article 4 of the FIEL, has not been made in relation to the securities. The securities may only be transferred en bloc without subdivision to a single investor.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

 

This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of our securities may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the securities be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the SFA), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

 

Where our securities offered hereby are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (i) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (ii) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, warrants, debentures and units of shares, warrants and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired our securities under Section 275 except: (a) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (b) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (c) by operation of law. 

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Irvine, California. Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel for the underwriter in connection with this offering.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Aqua Metals, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as of and for the 12 months ended December 31, 2022 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been audited by Armanino LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is incorporated by reference herein, and has been so incorporated in reliance upon such report and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The consolidated financial statements of Aqua Metals, Inc. as of December 31, 2023 and for the year then ended have been audited by FORVIS, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included in Aqua Metals’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference.  Such consolidated financial statements have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report pertaining to such financial statements given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The report of FORVIS, LLP contains an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

The SEC permits us to “incorporate by reference” the information and reports we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to another document. The information that we incorporate by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement, and later information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, except to the extent information in those documents is different from the information contained in this prospectus supplement, and all future documents filed with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the portions thereof deemed to be furnished to the SEC pursuant to Item 9 or Item 12) until we terminate the offering of these securities:

 

●

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed on March 28, 2024, including portions of the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, which was filed on April 16, 2024, to the extent incorporated by reference into such Annual Report on Form 10‑K;

 

●

our Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed on April 10, 2024;

 

●

the description of our common stock in our Form 8-A12B, which was filed on July 24, 2015, and any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating this description; and

 

●

all documents we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering made by way of this prospectus.

 

To the extent that any statement in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with any statement that is incorporated by reference and that was made on or before the date of this prospectus supplement, the statement in this prospectus supplement shall supersede such incorporated statement. The incorporated statement shall not be deemed, except as modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement or the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus supplement as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of each contract or document filed as an exhibit to our various filings made with the SEC.

 

You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

 

Aqua Metals, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
5370 Kietzke Lane, Suite 201

Reno, Nevada 89511

(775) 446-4418

 

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act (SEC File No. 333-267780) that registers the securities offered hereby. The registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules attached thereto and the information incorporated by reference therein, contains additional relevant information about the securities and our Company, which we are allowed to omit from this prospectus supplement pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. In addition, we file annual, quarterly and current reports and proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available free of charge on our website at www.aquametals.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement the information on our website and it is not a part of this document.

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

$100,000,000

 

 

 

Common Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

Subscription Rights

Units

 

 

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We may issue securities from time to time in one or more offerings of up to $100,000,000 in aggregate offering price. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will be offered. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information contained in this document. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement before you invest.

 

We may offer these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. The securities may be sold directly to you, through agents, or through underwriters and dealers. If agents, underwriters or dealers are used to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement.

 

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “AQMS”. On October 4, 2022, the last reported sale price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market was $0.82 per share.

 

 

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Investing in these securities involves significant risks. See “Risk Factors” included in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase these securities.

 

 

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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

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The date of this prospectus is October 19, 2022

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Base Prospectus

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	1
ABOUT AQUA METALS, INC.	1
RISK FACTORS	3
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	3
THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER	4
COMMON STOCK	4
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES	4
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS	13
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS	13
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS	13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	14
LEGAL MATTERS	16
EXPERTS	16
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	16
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE	17
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS	18

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the “SEC,” utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings for an aggregate initial offering price of up to $100,000,000.

 

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. From time to time, we may provide one or more prospectus supplements that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 17 of this prospectus.

 

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. We do not take any responsibility for, and cannot provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any information other than the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. Neither this prospectus nor any accompanying prospectus supplement constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in the accompanying prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.

 

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this prospectus to “we,” “our” and “us” refer, collectively, to Aqua Metals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries.

 

ABOUT AQUA METALS, INC.

 

We are engaged in the business of equipment supply, technology licensing and related services to recyclers across the globe. Our recycling process is a patented hydrometallurgical technology that is a novel, proprietary and patented process we developed and named AquaRefining. AquaRefining is a room temperature, water and organic acid-based process that greatly reduces environmental emissions. The modular Aqualyzers cleanly generate ultra-pure metal one atom at a time, closing the sustainability loop for the rapidly growing energy storage economy. Our process was originally designed for lead recycling. Lead is a globally traded commodity with a worldwide market value in excess of $20 billion. We believe our suite of patented and patent pending AquaRefining technologies will allow the lead-acid battery industry to simultaneously improve the environmental impact of lead recycling and scale recycling production to meet demand. Furthermore, our AquaRefining technologies result in high purity lead. We are also applying our commercialized clean, water-based recycling technology principles with the goal of developing the cleanest and most cost-efficient recycling solution for lithium-ion batteries. We believe our process has the potential to produce higher quality products at a lower operating cost without the damaging effects of furnaces and greenhouse emissions. We estimate our total addressable market for lithium-ion battery recycling will be approximately $9 billion by 2025.

 

In August 2021, we announced that we had established an Innovation Center focused on applying our proven technology to lithium-ion battery recycling research and development and prototype system activities. During the first half of 2022, we announced our ability to recover copper, lithium hydroxide, nickel, and cobalt from lithium-ion battery black mass our Innovation Center. Our strategic decision to apply our proven clean, closed-loop hydrometallurgical and electro-chemical recycling experience to lithium-ion battery recycling is designed to meet the growing demand for critical metals driven by the global transition to electric vehicles, growth in Internet data centers, and alternative energy applications including solar, wind, and grid-scale storage.

 

Our business strategy is based on the pursuit of licensing opportunities within the lead acid battery recycling marketplace without maintaining and operating a capital-intensive lead recycling facility. Our lead recycling business strategy is designed to optimize shareholder value by focusing on equipment supply and licensing opportunities, which have always been a core part of our business plans. On July 29, 2021, we signed a Definitive Agreement with ACME Metal Enterprise Co., Ltd. to deploy AquaRefining equipment at its facility in Keelung, Taiwan.

 

 

We are in the process of demonstrating that lithium-ion AquaRefining, which is fundamentally non-polluting, can create the highest quality and highest yields of recovered minerals from lithium-ion batteries with the lowest waste streams and lower costs than existing alternatives. We have already demonstrated our ability to recover key valuable minerals in lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium hydroxide, copper, nickel, cobalt, and other compounds in 2022. We plan to build our first full system for the recovery of these minerals in our pilot plant later this year. Our goal is to process results with nickel, cobalt, and copper in pure metal form, that can be sold to the general metals and superalloy markets and can be made into battery precursor compound materials with known processes already used in the mining industry.

 

Our focus is providing equipment and licensing our lead acid battery recycling technologies in an enabler model which allows us to work with anyone in the industry globally and address the entire marketplace.  We are also exploring joint ventures and potentially operating a recycling facility again in the future, particularly as our lithium-ion AquaRefining matures through 2022 and into 2023. This flexibility in our business model allows us to preserve cash in the shorter term and maximize profit potential in the longer term. We believe that Aqua Metals is in a position to become one of the few critical minerals recovery players for which our environmental and economic value proposition should generate both great commercial wins and potentially government grants to accelerate our credibility and progress.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 5370 Kietzke Lane, Suite 201, Reno, Nevada 89511, and our telephone number is (775) 446-4418.

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves significant risks. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, including the risk factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K, together with all of the other information appearing in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision pursuant to this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement relating to a specific offering.

 

Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by any or all of these risks or by additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial that may adversely affect us in the future.

 

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains, and any accompanying prospectus supplement will contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1993. Also, documents that we incorporate by reference into this prospectus, including documents that we subsequently file with the SEC, will contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words "may," "will," "could," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "believe," "project," "plan," "assume" or other similar expressions, or negatives of those expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement regarding our business strategy, future operations, projected financial position, potential strategic transactions, proposed licensing arrangements, projected sales growth, estimated future revenues, cash flows and profitability, projected costs, potential outcome of litigation, potential sources of additional capital, future prospects, future economic conditions, the future of our industry and results that might be obtained by pursuing management's current plans and objectives are forward-looking statements.

 

You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our forward-looking statements are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on the cover of this prospectus, the date of any prospectus supplement, or, in the case of forward-looking statements incorporated by reference, the date of the filing that includes the statement. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such difference might be significant and materially adverse to our security holders. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

We have identified some of the important factors that could cause future events to differ from our current expectations and they are described in this prospectus and supplements to this prospectus under the caption "Risk Factors," as well as in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and in other documents that we may file with the SEC, all of which you should review carefully. Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of those risks as you read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement.

 

 

THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

 

We may offer and sell, from time to time in one or more offerings, any combination of common stock, warrants, subscription rights, debt securities and units having an aggregate initial offering price not exceeding $100,000,000. In this prospectus, we refer to the common stock, warrants, subscription rights, debt securities and units that we may offer collectively as “securities.”

 

Common Stock

 

We are authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock. Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders generally. Stockholders are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, and in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities. The holders of shares of common stock have no preemptive, conversion, subscription or cumulative voting rights.

 

This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer other than our common stock. Each time we sell any of our securities under this prospectus, we will, to the extent required by law, provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information in this prospectus. For more information, see “About this Prospectus.”

 

Description of Debt Securities

 

We may offer debt securities which may be senior or subordinated. We refer to the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities collectively as debt securities. The following description summarizes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities. We will describe the specific terms of the debt securities and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions summarized below apply to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the series and any applicable free writing prospectus that we authorize to be delivered.

 

We may issue senior debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, which may be issued under a senior indenture to be entered into between us and a senior trustee to be named in a prospectus supplement, which we refer to as the senior trustee. We may issue subordinated debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, which may be issued under a subordinated indenture to be entered into between us and a subordinated trustee to be named in a prospectus supplement, which we refer to as the subordinated trustee. While it is highly likely that any debt securities we issue will be issued under an indenture, we reserve the right to issue debt securities other than under an indenture pursuant to an exemption from the indenture requirement under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Any debt securities issued by us other than pursuant to an indenture will subject the purchasers of such debt securities to certain unique risks arising from the lack of a trustee charged with the responsibility of monitoring the debt securities and enforcing the rights of the holders of such debt securities, which will be set forth in a prospectus supplement filed with regard to such unindentured debt securities.

 

The forms of senior indenture and subordinated indenture are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Together, the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are referred to as the indentures and, together, the senior trustee and the subordinated trustee are referred to as the trustees. This prospectus briefly outlines some of the provisions of the indentures. The following summary of the material provisions of the indentures is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the indentures, including definitions of certain terms used in the indentures. Wherever we refer to particular sections or defined terms of the indentures, those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. You should review any indentures that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part for additional information.

 

If we issue debt securities other than under an indenture, we will likely be limited to issuing a maximum of $50 million of such debt securities and it is also likely that such debt securities will be unsecured and subordinated. Any indenture regarding debt securities issued by us will not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. The debt securities or applicable indenture, if any, will provide that debt securities may be issued up to an aggregate principal amount authorized from time to time by us and may be payable in any currency or currency unit designated by us or in amounts determined by reference to an index.

 

 

General

 

The following is a summary of the general terms of the debt securities we may issue under an indenture or otherwise, except as otherwise described in a prospectus supplement.

 

The senior debt securities will constitute our unsubordinated general obligations and will rank pari passu with our other unsubordinated obligations. The subordinated debt securities will constitute our subordinated general obligations and will be junior in right of payment to our senior indebtedness (including senior debt securities).

 

The debt securities will be our unsecured obligations unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Any secured debt or other secured obligations will be effectively senior to the debt securities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt or other obligations.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus will include any additional or different terms of the debt securities or any series being offered, including the following terms:

 

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the title and type of the debt securities;

 

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whether the debt securities will be issued under an indenture;

 

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whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated debt securities, and, with respect to subordinated debt securities, the terms on which they are subordinated;

 

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the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

 

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the price or prices at which we will sell the debt securities;

 

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the maturity date or dates of the debt securities and the right, if any, to extend such date or dates;

 

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the rate or rates, if any, per year, at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of determining such rate or rates;

 

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the date or dates from which such interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such interest payment dates and the related record dates;

 

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the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of that extension;

 

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the manner of paying principal and interest and the place or places where principal and interest will be payable;

 

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provisions for a sinking fund, purchase fund or other analogous fund, if any;

 

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any redemption dates, prices, obligations and restrictions on the debt securities;

 

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the currency, currencies or currency units in which the debt securities will be denominated and the currency, currencies or currency units in which principal and interest, if any, on the debt securities may be payable;

 

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any conversion or exchange features of the debt securities;

 

 

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whether and upon what terms the debt securities may be defeased;

 

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any events of default or covenants in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in any indenture;

 

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whether the debt securities will be issued in definitive or global form or in definitive form only upon satisfaction of certain conditions;

 

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whether the debt securities will be guaranteed as to payment or performance;

 

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if the debt securities of the series will be secured by any collateral and, if so, a general description of the collateral and the terms and provisions of such collateral security, pledge or other agreements; and

 

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any other material terms of the debt securities.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe any applicable material U.S. federal income tax consequences. When we refer to “principal” in this section with reference to the debt securities, we are also referring to “premium, if any.”

 

We may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the holders of any series of debt securities, create and issue further debt securities of any such series ranking equally with the debt securities of such series in all respects (or in all respects other than (1) the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such further debt securities or (2) the first payment of interest following the issue date of such further debt securities). Such further debt securities may be consolidated and form a single series with the debt securities of such series and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the debt securities of such series.

 

You may present debt securities for exchange and you may present debt securities for transfer in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the debt securities and the applicable prospectus supplement. We will provide you those services without charge, although you may have to pay any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any exchange or transfer, as set forth in the debt securities or any indenture.

 

Debt securities may bear interest at a fixed rate or a floating rate. Debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below the prevailing market rate (original issue discount securities) may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount.

 

We may issue debt securities with the principal amount payable on any principal payment date, or the amount of interest payable on any interest payment date, to be determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, securities or baskets of securities, commodity prices or indices. You may receive a payment of principal on any principal payment date, or a payment of interest on any interest payment date, that is greater than or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending on the value on such dates of the applicable currency, security or basket of securities, commodity or index. Information as to the methods for determining the amount of principal or interest payable on any date, the currencies, securities or baskets of securities, commodities or indices to which the amount payable on such date is linked.

 

Certain Terms of the Senior Debt Securities

 

The following is a summary of the general terms of the senior debt securities we may issue under a senior indenture, except as otherwise described in a prospectus supplement.

 

Covenants. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will not contain any financial or restrictive covenants, including covenants restricting either us or any of our subsidiaries from incurring, issuing, assuming or guaranteeing any indebtedness secured by a lien on any of our or our subsidiaries’ property or capital stock, or restricting either us or any of our subsidiaries from entering into sale and leaseback transactions.

 

 

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person, in a transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, in either case, unless:

 

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the successor entity, if any, is a U.S. corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust (subject to certain exceptions provided for in the senior indenture);

 

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the successor entity assumes our obligations on the senior debt securities and under the senior indenture;

 

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immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

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certain other conditions are met.

 

No Protection in the Event of a Change in Control. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, the senior debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the senior debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control).

 

Events of Default. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, the following are events of default under the senior indenture for any series of senior debt securities:

 

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failure to pay interest on any senior debt securities of such series when due and payable, if that default continues for a period of 90 days (or such other period as may be specified for such series);

 

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failure to pay principal on the senior debt securities of such series when due and payable whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise (and, if specified for such series, the continuance of such failure for a specified period);

 

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default in the performance of or breach of any of our covenants or agreements in the senior indenture applicable to senior debt securities of such series, other than a covenant breach which is specifically dealt with elsewhere in the senior indenture, and that default or breach continues for a period of 90 days after we receive written notice from the trustee or from the holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the senior debt securities of such series;

 

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certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, whether or not voluntary; and

 

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any other event of default provided for in such series of senior debt securities as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the default by us under any other debt, including any other series of debt securities, is not a default under the senior indenture.

 

If an event of default other than an event of default specified in the fourth bullet point above occurs with respect to a series of senior debt securities and is continuing under the senior indenture, then, and in each such case, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series then outstanding under the senior indenture (each such series voting as a separate class) by written notice to us and to the trustee, if such notice is given by the holders, may, and the trustee at the request of such holders shall, declare the principal amount of and accrued interest on such series of senior debt securities to be immediately due and payable, and upon this declaration, the same shall become immediately due and payable.

 

If an event of default specified in the fourth bullet point above occurs with respect to us and is continuing, the entire principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, on each series of senior debt securities then outstanding shall become immediately due and payable.

 

 

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of senior debt securities originally issued at a discount, the amount due upon acceleration shall include only the original issue price of the senior debt securities, the amount of original issue discount accrued to the date of acceleration and accrued interest, if any.

 

Upon certain conditions, declarations of acceleration may be rescinded and annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all the senior debt securities of such series affected by the default, each series voting as a separate class. Furthermore, prior to a declaration of acceleration and subject to various provisions in the senior indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of senior debt securities, by notice to the trustee, may waive an existing default or event of default with respect to such senior debt securities and its consequences, except a default in the payment of principal of or interest on such senior debt securities or in respect of a covenant or provision of the senior indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of each such senior debt security. Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any event of default with respect to such senior debt securities shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the senior indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or event of default or impair any right consequent thereto. For information as to the waiver of defaults, see “—Modification and Waiver.”

 

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of senior debt securities may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to such senior debt securities. However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the senior indenture, that may involve the trustee in personal liability or that the trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of such series of senior debt securities not joining in the giving of such direction and may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any such direction received from holders of such series of senior debt securities. A holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to the senior indenture or any series of senior debt securities unless:

 

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the holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default;

 

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the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series of senior debt securities make a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy in respect of such event of default;

 

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the requesting holder or holders offer the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any costs, liability or expense;

 

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the trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and

 

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during such 60-day period, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such series of senior debt securities do not give the trustee a direction that is inconsistent with the request.

 

These limitations, however, do not apply to the right of any holder of a senior debt security to receive payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on such senior debt security in accordance with the terms of such debt security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment in accordance with the terms of such debt security, on or after the due date for the senior debt securities, which right shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the holder.

 

The senior indenture requires certain of our officers to certify, on or before a fixed date in each year in which any senior debt security is outstanding, as to their knowledge of our compliance with all covenants, agreements and conditions under the senior indenture.

 

Satisfaction and Discharge. We can satisfy and discharge our obligations to holders of any series of senior debt securities if:

 

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we pay or cause to be paid, as and when due and payable, the principal of and any interest on all senior debt securities of such series outstanding under the senior indenture; or

 

 

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all senior debt securities of such series have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or are to be called for redemption within one year) and we deposit in trust a combination of cash and U.S. government or U.S. government agency obligations that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities of that series on their various due dates.

 

Under current U.S. federal income tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the senior debt securities would be treated as a taxable event, and beneficial owners of such debt securities would generally recognize any gain or loss on such senior debt securities. Purchasers of the senior debt securities should consult their own advisers with respect to the tax consequences to them of such deposit and discharge, including the applicability and effect of tax laws other than the U.S. federal income tax law.

 

Defeasance. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, the following discussion of legal defeasance and discharge and covenant defeasance will apply to any senior series of senior debt securities issued under the indentures.

 

Legal Defeasance. We can legally release ourselves from any payment or other obligations on the senior debt securities of any series (called “legal defeasance”) if certain conditions are met, including the following:

 

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We deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other direct holders of the senior debt securities of the same series a combination of cash and U.S. government or U.S. government agency obligations that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the senior debt securities of that series on their various due dates.

 

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There is a change in current U.S. federal income tax law or an IRS ruling that lets us make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the senior debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and instead repaid the senior debt securities ourselves when due.

 

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We deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming the tax law change or ruling described above.

 

If we ever did accomplish legal defeasance, as described above, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment in the event of any shortfall.

 

Covenant Defeasance. Without any change of current U.S. federal tax law, we can make the same type of deposit described above and be released from some of the covenants in the senior debt securities (called “covenant defeasance”). In that event, you would lose the protection of those covenants but would gain the protection of having money and securities set aside in trust to repay the senior debt securities. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following (among other things):

 

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We must deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other direct holders of the senior debt securities of the same series a combination of cash and U.S. government or U.S. government agency obligations that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the senior debt securities of that series on their various due dates.

 

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We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that under current U.S. federal income tax law we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the senior debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and instead repaid the senior debt securities ourselves when due.

 

If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for repayment of the senior debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit. In fact, if one of the events of default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities become immediately due and payable, there may be such a shortfall. Depending on the events causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.

 

 

Modification and Waiver. We and the trustee may amend or supplement the senior indenture or the senior debt securities without the consent of any holder:

 

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to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act;

 

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to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any assets as security for the senior debt securities of one or more series;

 

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to evidence the succession of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust to us, and the assumption by such successor of our covenants, agreements and obligations under the senior indenture;

 

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to add to our covenants such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default;

 

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to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the senior indenture or in any supplemental indenture or to conform the senior indenture or the senior debt securities to the description of senior debt securities of such series set forth in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement;

 

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to provide for or add guarantors with respect to the senior debt securities of any series;

 

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to establish the form or forms or terms of the senior debt securities as permitted by the senior indenture;

 

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to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the senior indenture by a successor trustee, or to make such changes as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts in the senior indenture by more than one trustee;

 

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to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of any series of senior debt securities;

 

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to make any change to the senior debt securities of any series so long as no senior debt securities of such series are outstanding; or

 

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to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder in any material respect.

 

Other amendments and modifications of the senior indenture or the senior debt securities issued may be made, and our compliance with any provision of the senior indenture with respect to any series of senior debt securities may be waived, with the consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of all series affected by the amendment or modification (voting together as a single class); provided, however, that each affected holder must consent to any modification, amendment or waiver that:

 

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extends the final maturity of any senior debt securities of such series;

 

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reduces the principal amount of any senior debt securities of such series;

 

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reduces the rate or extends the time of payment of interest on any senior debt securities of such series;

 

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reduces the amount payable upon the redemption of any senior debt securities of such series;

 

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changes the currency of payment of principal of or interest on any senior debt securities of such series;

 

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reduces the principal amount of original issue discount securities payable upon acceleration of maturity or the amount provable in bankruptcy;

 

 

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waives a default in the payment of principal of or interest on the senior debt securities;

 

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changes the provisions relating to the waiver of past defaults or changes or impairs the right of holders to receive payment or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment or conversion of any senior debt securities of such series on or after the due date therefor;

 

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modifies any of the provisions of these restrictions on amendments and modifications, except to increase any required percentage or to provide that certain other provisions cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each senior debt security of such series affected by the modification; or

 

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reduces the above-stated percentage of outstanding senior debt securities of such series whose holders must consent to a supplemental indenture or to modify or amend or to waive certain provisions of or defaults under the senior indenture.

 

It shall not be necessary for the holders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if the holders’ consent approves the substance thereof. After an amendment, supplement or waiver of the senior indenture in accordance with the provisions described in this section becomes effective, the trustee must give to the holders affected thereby certain notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure by the trustee to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplemental indenture or waiver.

 

No Personal Liability of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers, Directors. The senior indenture provides that no recourse shall be had under any obligation, covenant or agreement of ours in the senior indenture or any supplemental indenture, or in any of the senior debt securities or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, against any of our incorporators, stockholders, officers or directors, past, present or future, or of any predecessor or successor entity thereof under any law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise. Each holder, by accepting the senior debt securities, waives and releases all such liability.

 

Concerning the Trustee. The senior indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an event of default, the trustee will not be liable except for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth in the senior indenture. If an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the senior indenture and will use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

 

The senior indenture and the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated by reference therein contain limitations on the rights of the trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of ours or any of our subsidiaries, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions, provided that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

 

We may have normal banking relationships with the senior trustee in the ordinary course of business.

 

Unclaimed Funds. All funds deposited with the trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal, premium, interest or additional amounts in respect of the senior debt securities that remain unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such principal, premium or interest became due and payable will be repaid to us. Thereafter, any right of any holder of senior debt securities to such funds shall be enforceable only against us, and the trustee and paying agents will have no liability therefor.

 

Governing Law. The senior indenture and the senior debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

 

 

Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities

 

The following is a summary of the general terms of the subordinated debt securities we may issue under a subordinated indenture, except as otherwise described in a prospectus supplement.

 

Other than the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities relating to subordination or otherwise as described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of subordinated debt securities, the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities are identical in all material respects to the terms of the senior indenture and senior debt securities.

 

Additional or different subordination terms may be specified in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series.

 

Subordination. The indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities is subordinate to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness, as defined in the subordinated indenture. During the continuance beyond any applicable grace period of any default in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any of our senior indebtedness, we may not make any payment of principal of or interest on the subordinated debt securities (except for certain sinking fund payments). In addition, upon any payment or distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our senior indebtedness. Because of this subordination, if we dissolve or otherwise liquidate, holders of our subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably, than holders of our senior indebtedness. The subordination provisions do not prevent the occurrence of an event of default under the subordinated indenture.

 

The term “senior indebtedness” of a person means with respect to such person the principal of, premium, if any, interest on, and any other payment due pursuant to any of the following, whether outstanding on the date of the subordinated indenture or incurred by that person in the future:

 

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all of the indebtedness of that person for money borrowed;

 

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all of the indebtedness of that person evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other securities sold by that person for money;

 

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all of the lease obligations that are capitalized on the books of that person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

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all indebtedness of others of the kinds described in the first two bullet points above and all lease obligations of others of the kind described in the third bullet point above that the person, in any manner, assumes or guarantees or that the person in effect guarantees through an agreement to purchase, whether that agreement is contingent or otherwise; and

 

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all renewals, extensions or refundings of indebtedness of the kinds described in the first, second or fourth bullet point above and all renewals or extensions of leases of the kinds described in the third or fourth bullet point above;

 

unless, in the case of any particular indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding, the instrument creating or evidencing it or the assumption or guarantee relating to it expressly provides that such indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities. Our senior debt securities constitute senior indebtedness for purposes of the subordinated debt indenture.

 

 

Description of Warrants

 

We may issue warrants for the purchase of shares of common stock, debt securities, and/or units from time to time. We may issue warrants independently or together with common stock and/or debt securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from those securities.  If we issue warrants, they will be evidenced by warrant agreements or warrant certificates issued under one or more warrant agreements, which will be contracts between us and the holders of the warrants or an agent for the holders of the warrants. We encourage you to read the prospectus supplement that relates to any warrants we may offer, as well as the complete warrant agreement or warrant certificate that contain the terms of the warrants.  If we issue warrants, the forms of warrant agreements and warrant certificates, as applicable, relating to the warrants will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement that includes this prospectus, or as an exhibit to a filing with the SEC that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

Description of Subscription Rights

 

We may issue rights to purchase our securities. The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting, standby purchase or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. In connection with a rights offering to holders of our capital stock a prospectus supplement will be distributed to such holders on or after the record date for receiving rights in the rights offering set by us.

 

We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, forms of the subscription rights, standby underwriting agreement or other agreements, if any. The prospectus supplement relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:

 

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the date of determining the security holders entitled to the rights distribution;

 

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the aggregate number of rights issued and the aggregate amount of securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights;

 

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the exercise price;

 

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the conditions to completion of the rights offering;

 

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the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the rights will expire; and

 

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any applicable federal income tax considerations.

 

Each right would entitle the holder of the rights to purchase the principal amount of securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.

 

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent, if any, or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting or purchase arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Description of Units

 

We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination from time to time. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. If we issue units, they will be evidenced by unit agreements or unit certificates issued under one or more unit agreements, which will be contracts between us and the holders of the units or an agent for the holders of the units. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date. We encourage you to read the prospectus supplement that relates to any units we may offer, as well as the complete unit agreement or unit certificate that contain the terms of the units.  If we issue units, the forms of unit agreements and unit certificates, as applicable, relating to the units will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement that includes this prospectus, or as an exhibit to a filing with the SEC that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell our securities from time to time in any manner permitted by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, including any one or more of the following ways:

 

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through agents;

 

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to or through underwriters;

 

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to or through broker-dealers (acting as agent or principal);

 

●

in “at the market” offerings, within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise; and/or

 

●

directly to purchasers, through a specific bidding or auction process or otherwise.

 

The securities may be sold at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

 

Offers to purchase offered securities may be solicited by agents designated by us from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us will be set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of the offered securities so offered and sold.

 

We will set forth in a prospectus supplement the terms of the offering of our securities, including:

 

●

the name or names of any agents, underwriters or dealers;

 

●

the purchase price of our securities being offered and the proceeds we will receive from the sale;

 

●

any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;

 

●

any agency fees or underwriting discounts and commissions and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation;

 

●

the public offering price;

 

●

any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

●

any securities exchanges on which such securities may be listed.

 

If offered securities are sold to the public by means of an underwritten offering, either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by the managing underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with an underwriter or underwriters, and the names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriters, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition, the terms of the transaction, including commissions, discounts and any other compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, which prospectus supplement will be used by the underwriters to make resales of the offered securities. If underwriters are utilized in the sale of the offered securities, the offered securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including:

 

●

transactions on The NASDAQ Capital Market or any other organized market where the securities may be traded;

 

 

●

in the over-the-counter market;

 

●

in negotiated transactions; or

 

●

under delayed delivery contracts or other contractual commitments.

 

We may grant to the underwriters options to purchase additional offered securities to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price with additional underwriting discounts or commissions, as may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we grant any over-allotment option, the terms of the over-allotment option will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by certain types of institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of these contracts in the prospectus supplement.

 

We may indemnify agents, underwriters and dealers against specified liabilities, including liabilities incurred under the Securities Act, or to contribution by us to payments they may be required to make in respect of such liabilities. Agents, underwriters or dealers, or their respective affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our respective affiliates, in the ordinary course of business.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than our common stock, which is traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market. We may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any exchange and, in the case of our common stock, on any additional exchange. However, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not be obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a class or series of securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the offered securities.

 

Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

 

To comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, the securities offered by this prospectus will be offered and sold in those states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the issuance of the securities offered by this prospectus has been passed upon for us by Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Irvine, California.

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Armanino LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our filings with the SEC also are available from the SEC's internet site at http://www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement that we may file, which form a part of the registration statement, do not contain all of the information that is included in the registration statement. The registration statement contains more information regarding us and our securities, including certain exhibits. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement from the SEC at the address listed above or from the SEC’s website.

 

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

The SEC permits us to “incorporate by reference” the information and reports we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to another document. The information that we incorporate by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, except to the extent information in those documents is different from the information contained in this prospectus, and all future documents filed with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the portions thereof deemed to be furnished to the SEC) until we terminate the offering of these securities:

 

●

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed on February 24, 2022, including portions of the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on April 25, 2022, to the extent incorporated by reference into such Annual Report on Form 10-K;

 

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The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, which was filed on April 28, 2022;

 

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The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, which was filed on July 21, 2022;

 

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The Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 2022, March 30, 2022, June 13, 2022, July 28, 2022, August 1, 2022, August 5, 2022 and October 6, 2022 (in each case excluding any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any such Current Report on Form 8-K unless otherwise indicated therein); and

 

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The description of our common stock in our Form 8-A12B, which was filed on July 24, 2015, and any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating this description.

 

To the extent that any statement in this prospectus is inconsistent with any statement that is incorporated by reference and that was made on or before the date of this prospectus, the statement in this prospectus shall supersede such incorporated statement. The incorporated statement shall not be deemed, except as modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus or the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of each contract or document filed as an exhibit to our various filings made with the SEC.

 

You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

 

Aqua Metals, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
5370 Kietzke Lane, Suite 201,

Reno, Nevada 89511

(775) 446-4418

 

 

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that corporations may include a provision in their certificate of incorporation relieving directors of monetary liability for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful payment of a dividend or unlawful stock purchase or redemption, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that directors are not liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. In addition to the foregoing, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we may indemnify directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law and we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers.

 

The above provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and may discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited us and our stockholders. However, we believe that the foregoing provisions are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

 

 

Shares of Common Stock

Warrants to Purchase up to Shares of Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

THE BENCHMARK COMPANY, LLC

 

 

May , 2024

 

 

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