Stronghold Digital Mining(SDIG) - 2022 Q4 - Annual Report

Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA) Implications - Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA) may be accelerated and could significantly exceed actual tax benefits realized, particularly in the event of a change of control[230]. - If a change of control occurs, the immediate payment obligation under the TRA could negatively impact liquidity and delay potential mergers or asset sales[231]. - The TRA payment obligations could reduce the consideration payable to common stockholders in the event of a change of control[233]. - Payments made under the TRA are not reimbursable if tax benefits are later disallowed, potentially leading to payments exceeding actual cash tax savings[234]. Internal Control and Financial Reporting - Material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting were identified, leading to a restatement of financial statements due to improper classification of shares[239]. - Remediation efforts for internal control deficiencies include hiring qualified personnel and implementing new accounting systems[241]. - The company has remedied previously identified material weaknesses, but future weaknesses may still be identified[243]. Corporate Governance and Market Impact - Certain provisions in the company's bylaws could discourage acquisition bids, potentially affecting the market price of Class A common stock[244]. - Conflicts of interest may arise due to executive officers and directors holding positions with competing entities, impacting business opportunities[243]. Company Classification and Reporting Requirements - The company is classified as an "emerging growth company" (EGC) under the JOBS Act, which allows it to avoid certain reporting requirements for up to five years, unless it exceeds $1.235 billion in revenues in a fiscal year[249]. - The company is a "smaller reporting company," allowing it to provide only two years of audited financial statements until it meets certain market value and revenue thresholds[251]. Stock Performance and Compliance Risks - The company received a notification from Nasdaq on November 30, 2022, indicating that its Class A common stock did not meet the minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, with a grace period until May 29, 2023, to regain compliance[256]. - As of March 30, 2023, the company had approximately 53,930,000 shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of its Series C preferred stock and approximately 11,521,104 shares from outstanding warrants, which could dilute existing stockholders' ownership interests[259]. - The trading price of the company's common stock has been volatile, influenced by various factors including the substantial number of shares issuable upon conversion of preferred stock and exercise of warrants[259]. - The company may issue preferred stock that could adversely affect the voting power or value of its Class A common stock, potentially impacting stockholder rights[248]. - If the company fails to regain compliance with Nasdaq's listing requirements, it may face delisting, which could adversely affect its stock price and trading market[255]. - The company intends to monitor its stock price and may consider actions such as a reverse stock split to regain compliance with Nasdaq[257]. Legal and Judicial Considerations - The exclusive forum provision in the company's certificate of incorporation may limit stockholders' ability to bring claims in favorable judicial forums, potentially discouraging lawsuits[254]. Financial Accounting Standards - The company may take advantage of extended transition periods for adopting new financial accounting standards, which could complicate comparisons with non-EGCs[250].