Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on the Number of Shares of Common Stock Available for Future Issuance
By reducing the number of shares outstanding without reducing the number of shares of available but unissued Common Stock, the Reverse Stock Split will increase the number of authorized but unissued shares. The Board of Directors believes the increase is appropriate for use to fund the future operations of the Company and in connection with employee and director benefit programs, future talent and collaboration agreements and other desirable corporate activities. Although the Company does not have any pending acquisitions for which shares are expected to be used, the Company may also use authorized shares in connection with the financing of future acquisitions.
Although the Reverse Stock Split would not have any dilutive effect on our stockholders, the Reverse Stock Split without a reduction in the number of shares authorized for issuance would reduce the proportion of shares owned by our stockholders relative to the number of shares authorized for issuance, giving the Board of Directors an effective increase in the authorized shares available for issuance, in its discretion. The Board of Directors from time to time may deem it to be in the best interests of the Company to enter into transactions and other ventures that may include the issuance of shares of our Common Stock. If the Board of Directors authorizes the issuance of additional shares subsequent to the Reverse Stock Split, the dilution to the ownership interest of our existing stockholders may be greater than would occur had the Reverse Stock Split not been effected.
Reduction in Stated Capital
As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, upon the Effective Time, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to our Common Stock, which consists of the par value per share of our Common Stock multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding, will be reduced in proportion to the size of the Reverse Stock Split, subject to a minor adjustment in respect of the treatment of fractional shares, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. Our stockholders’ equity, in the aggregate, will remain unchanged.
Effect on Warrants
As of the Record Date, there were outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 5,923,333 shares of Common Stock, consisting of (i) 5,750,000 public warrants (the “Public Warrants”) and (ii) 173,333 private placement warrants (together with the Public Warrants, the “Warrants”) with an exercise price of $11.50 per share.
Pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2021 (the “Warrant Agreement”), by and between FaZe and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, on the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split, (i) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of each Warrant shall be decreased in proportion to the decrease in outstanding shares of Common Stock and (ii) the warrant price shall be proportionally increased. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Warrant Agreement provides that the Company may not issue fractional shares upon the exercise of Warrants, and if the holder of any Warrant would be entitled to receive fractional shares upon the exercise thereof, the Company shall round down the number of shares to be issued upon such exercise to the nearest whole number.
Effect on Outstanding Equity Awards and Stock Plans
As of the Record Date, we had approximately 18,863,654 shares subject to stock options, 1,592,704 unvested restricted shares and 728,417 unvested restricted stock units outstanding under our Stock Plans. Under our Stock Plans, the Compensation Committee will determine the appropriate adjustment to the awards granted under our Stock Plans in the event of a reverse stock split. Accordingly, if the Reverse Stock Split is effected, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as well as the number of shares subject to any outstanding award under the Stock Plans, and the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any such award under the Stock Plans, are expected to be proportionately adjusted by the Compensation Committee to reflect the Reverse Stock Split. In addition, pursuant to the authority provided under the Stock Plans, the Compensation Committee is expected to authorize the Company to effect any other changes necessary, desirable or appropriate to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split, including any applicable technical, conforming changes to our Stock Plans.
For illustrative purposes only, if a 1-for-20 reverse stock split is effected, the 13,588,848 shares that remain available for issuance under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of April 18, 2023, are expected to be adjusted to 679,442 shares, subject to increase as and when awards made under