As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2024
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
VITESSE ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| | | | | | | | |
| Delaware | | 88-3617511 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
9200 E. Mineral Avenue, Suite 200
Centennial, Colorado 80112
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
James P. Henderson
Chief Financial Officer
9200 E. Mineral Avenue, Suite 200
Centennial, Colorado 80112
Tel: (720) 361-2500
Fax: (720) 361-2501
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With a copy to:
Brenda Lenahan
Vinson & Elkins LLP
1114 Avenue of the Americas, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10036
Tel: (212) 237-0133
Fax: (713) 836-3601
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box: ☒
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box: ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large Accelerated Filer | ☐ | Accelerated Filer | ☐ |
Non-Accelerated Filer | ☒ | Smaller Reporting Company | ☐ |
| | Emerging Growth Company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.
The information contained in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, Dated February 1, 2024
PROSPECTUS
Vitesse Energy, Inc.
$300,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Purchase Contracts
Units
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts and units that Vitesse Energy, Inc. (“we,” “us,” or the “Company”) may issue, having an aggregate maximum offering price of $300,000,000.00. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. Such prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” before you invest in any of our securities.
We may offer and sell the securities described in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, or through a combination of these methods. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the sections of this prospectus entitled “About this Prospectus” and “Plan of Distribution” for more information. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “VTS.” The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing on the NYSE or any securities market or other exchange of the securities, if any, covered by the applicable prospectus supplement.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined under the federal securities laws, and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for future filings.
Investing in our securities involves risks. You should consider the risk factors referred to in the section entitled “Risk Factors” on page 5 of this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement hereto, as well as documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission or other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is February 1, 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The distribution of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and the offering of the securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement come should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. This prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus up to a total dollar amount of proceeds of $300,000,000. We may use the shelf registration statement to sell the listed securities from time to time through any means described in the section entitled “Plan of Distribution.”
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts or units that we may issue. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of those securities and that offering. Such prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement as well as additional information incorporated by reference herein and described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” before you invest in our securities. We may also prepare free writing prospectuses that describe particular securities. Any free writing prospectus should also be read in connection with this prospectus and with any prospectus supplement referred to therein. For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to an applicable prospectus supplement may also refer to a free writing prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires.
No offer of the securities will be made in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.
The registration statement that contains this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, contains additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. That registration statement can be read at the SEC web site mentioned under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
When we refer to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” in this prospectus or when we otherwise refer to ourselves in this prospectus, we mean Vitesse Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith, file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such periodic reports, proxy statements and other information are available at the website of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. We also furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing our financial statements audited by an independent registered public accounting firm and quarterly reports containing our unaudited financial information. We maintain a website at www.vitesse-vts.com. You may access our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the SEC free of charge at our website as soon as reasonably practicable after this material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on, or that is or becomes accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus. The reference to our website or web address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at that site.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and before the termination of the offering under this prospectus (in each case, other than portions of those documents that are either (i) described in paragraph (e) of Item 201 of Regulation S-K or paragraphs (d)(1)-(3) and (e)(5) of Item 407 of Regulation S-K or (ii) otherwise deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, including pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K (including any financial statements or exhibits relating thereto furnished pursuant to Item 9.01), unless otherwise indicated therein):
•our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2023; •our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 8, July 31 and November 1, 2023, respectively; •the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 10, initially filed with the SEC on October 31, 2022, which was declared effective on January 6, 2023, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description, including Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2023. You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
James P Henderson
Chief Financial Officer
9200 E. Mineral Avenue, Suite 200
Centennial, Colorado 80112
Tel: (720) 361-2500
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus regarding Vitesse Energy, Inc.’s (“Vitesse”) financial position, operating and financial performance, development pace and drilling inventory and duration, capital expenditure requirements, business strategy and ability to scale, dividend plans and practices, Vitesse’s stock repurchase program, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and industry conditions are forward-looking statements. When used in this release, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “target,” “could,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future production and sales, market size, collaborations, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond Vitesse’s control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including the following: changes in oil and natural gas prices; the pace of drilling and completions activity on Vitesse’s properties; Vitesse’s ability to acquire additional development opportunities; potential acquisition transactions; integration and benefits of property acquisitions, or the effects of such acquisitions on Vitesse’s cash position and levels of indebtedness; changes in Vitesse’s reserves estimates or the value thereof; disruptions to Vitesse’s business due to acquisitions and other significant transactions; infrastructure constraints and related factors affecting Vitesse’s properties; cost inflation or supply chain disruption; ongoing legal disputes over and potential shutdown of the Dakota Access Pipeline; the COVID-19 pandemic and its related economic repercussions and effect on the oil and natural gas industry; the impact of general economic or industry conditions, nationally and/or in the communities in which Vitesse conducts business, including central bank policy actions, bank failures and associated liquidity risks; changes in the interest rate environment, legislation or regulatory requirements; conditions of the securities markets; Vitesse’s ability to raise or access capital; cyber-related risks; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines; and financial or political instability, health-related epidemics, acts of war (including the armed conflicts in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza) or terrorism, and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technical factors affecting Vitesse’s operations, products and prices. Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect future results is included in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and other sections of Vitesse’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as updated from time to time in amendments and subsequent reports filed with the SEC, which describe factors that could cause Vitesse’s actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Vitesse has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and assumptions about future events. While management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Vitesse’s control. Vitesse does not undertake any duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by the federal securities laws.
THE COMPANY
We are an independent energy company focused on returning capital to stockholders through owning financial interests as a non-operator in oil and natural gas wells. We engage in the acquisition, development and production of non-operated oil and natural gas properties in the United States that are generally operated by leading oil companies and are primarily in the Bakken and Three Forks formations in the Williston Basin of North Dakota and Montana. We also have properties in the Central Rockies, including the Denver-Julesburg Basin and the Powder River Basin. Since our inception, we have built a strong and diversified asset base through a combination of property acquisitions, development activities and the implementation of proprietary non-operating platforms and processes utilizing our extensive data resources. We believe the location and concentration of our assets in some of North America’s leading unconventional oil and natural gas resource plays, along with our technical and data capabilities, provide us with acquisition and development opportunities that will result in significant long-term value.
Vitesse has historically created value by acquiring non-operated minority working interests in oil and natural gas properties, comprising producing wells, near-term development opportunities and undeveloped acreage, and partnering with premier operators with significant experience in developing and producing oil and natural gas in our core areas. Over the past nine years, we have executed on our technical, data driven, and financially disciplined acquisition and development strategy to build our core position in the Williston Basin and Central Rockies and grow our oil and natural gas production. During that time, we have focused on limiting our downside by maintaining conservative acquisition guidelines, limiting our debt leverage and opportunistically hedging our oil production. As a result, we have been able to preserve value when many independent energy companies were forced into financial recapitalizations and restructurings when commodity prices collapsed in 2014, 2018 and 2020.
With the current oil and natural gas price environment, we are focused on using our cash flow to provide returns of capital to stockholders and maintain or grow our oil and natural gas production by developing our extensive inventory of drilling locations and acquiring both producing wells and new development opportunities, while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
We were initially incorporated in Delaware in 2022 in connection with our spin-off separation on January 13, 2023 from Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. and the creation of us as independent, publicly traded company. Our principal executive offices are located at 9200 E. Mineral Avenue, Suite, 200, Centennial, Colorado 80112, and our telephone number is 720-361-2500.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and additional information (i) set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference into this prospectus, and in the other documents that we file with the SEC and are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and (ii) contained in or incorporated by reference into the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by any of those risks. In such case, the trading price of our securities could decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment. See the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” in this prospectus.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, the net proceeds from the sale by us of the securities to which this prospectus relates will be used for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include, without limitation, acquisitions, additions to working capital, capital expenditures, and repayment or refinancing of debt. Net proceeds may be temporarily invested prior to use.
Any specific allocation of the net proceeds of an offering of securities to a specific purpose will be determined at the time of the offering and will be described in any applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The summary of general terms and provisions of our capital stock set forth below does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified by reference to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation effective as of January 12, 2023 (our “Certificate of Incorporation”) and our Amended and Restated Bylaws effective as of January 13, 2023 (our “Bylaws,” and together with our Certificate of Incorporation, our “Charter Documents”), each of which is included as an exhibit to the our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference herein. For additional information, please read our Charter Documents and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”).
Authorized Capital Stock
We are authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares, of which (i) 95,000,000 have been designated common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and (ii) 5,000,000 have been designated preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.
Common Stock
Shares Outstanding
As of January 26, 2024, 29,661,250 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. All of the outstanding shares of common stock are validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.
Voting Rights
The holders of shares of common stock have the exclusive power to vote on all matters presented to our stockholders unless Delaware law or the certificate of designation for an outstanding series of preferred stock gives the holders of that series of preferred stock the right to vote on certain matters. Each holder of shares of common stock is entitled to one vote per share.
Except with respect to the election of directors or as otherwise required by law, all questions submitted to a vote of our stockholders are decided by the affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of (a) a majority of the voting power of the shares present and entitled to vote on that item of business or (b) a majority of the voting power of the minimum number of shares entitled to vote that would constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a duly held meeting of stockholders. Election of directors at all meetings of the stockholders at which directors are to be elected will be elected by the vote of the majority of the votes cast with respect to such director’s election by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon; provided, that in a contested election, directors will be elected by the vote of a plurality of votes cast by holders entitled to vote.
Dividend Rights
Subject to any prior rights of any preferred stock then outstanding, the holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive dividends ratably out of funds legally available, when and if declared by our board of directors (our “Board”).
Liquidation Rights
Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, voluntary or involuntary, after the payment in full of all amounts to which the holders of shares of preferred stock shall be entitled and payment or provision for payment of our debts, the remaining assets of the Company to be distributed to the holders of the stock of the Company shall be distributed equally, on a per share basis, among the holders of the shares of common stock.
No Preemptive, Redemption or Convertible Rights
The holders of common stock shall have no preemptive rights to subscribe to any or all additional issues of common stock or any securities of the Company convertible into common stock. The common stock is not redeemable nor convertible.
Listing
The common stock is currently listed on the NYSE under the symbol “VTS.”
Preferred Stock
Unless required by law or by any stock exchange, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders. Our Board is able to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series. If we offer preferred stock, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms, including the following, if applicable:
•the designation of the series;
•the number of shares of the series;
•whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or non-cumulative and the dividend rate of the series;
•the dates at which dividends, if any, will be payable;
•the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series;
•the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series;
•the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of the Company;
•whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Company or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of the other class or series or other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any rate adjustments, the date or dates as of which the shares will be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which the conversion may be made;
•restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series; and
•the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.
Accordingly, we could issue a series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of the series, impede or discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some, or a majority, of common stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which common stockholders might receive a premium for their common stock over the market price of the common stock.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Advance Notice Requirements for Director Nominations and Stockholder Proposals
Our Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to our corporate secretary. Any such stockholder must be a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the corporate secretary, at the time of the record date of the annual meeting and at the time of the annual meeting, and must be appear, or be represented by proxy, at the applicable annual meeting.
Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 120 days, nor earlier than 150 days, prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days before or 60 days after such anniversary date, such notice must be received no more than 190 days prior to such annual meeting nor less than the later of (A) 160 days prior to such annual meeting and (B) ten days after the day on which the public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made by us.
Our Bylaws also specify detailed requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice (including disclosure with respect to such stockholder and the nominee or proposed business, as applicable) and, in the case of nominations of candidates for election as directors, require a completed D&O questionnaire and nominee agreement from each such nominee. Any stockholder seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors must further deliver to us certain certifications and representations, as well as reasonable evidence that such stockholder has complied with the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) of the Exchange Act not later than five business prior to the annual meeting. Such proposed nominee may be required by us to deliver to us certain representations and agreements. We may also, as a condition to any such nomination or business being deemed properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, require such stockholder or any proposed nominee to deliver to the corporate secretary, within five business days of any such request, such other information as may reasonably be requested by us, including (i) such other information as may be reasonably required by our Board, in its sole discretion, to determine (A) the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Company, and (B) whether such proposed nominee qualifies as an “independent director” or “audit committee financial expert” under applicable law, securities exchange rule or regulation, or any publicly disclosed corporate governance guideline or committee charter of the Company and (ii) such other information that our Board determines, in its sole discretion, could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee.
A stockholder’s notice must be updated and supplemented, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct as of the record date for the annual meeting of stockholders and such update and supplement must be delivered to the corporate secretary not later than ten business days after the record date for the annual meeting of stockholders.
These provisions may impede stockholders’ ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of stockholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of stockholders and may delay, deter or prevent tender offers or takeover attempts that stockholders may believe are in their best interests, including tender offers or attempts that might allow stockholders to receive premiums over the market price of their common stock.
Issuance of Preferred Stock
Our Board can at any time, under our Certificate of Incorporation, and without stockholder approval, issue one or more new series of preferred stock. In some cases, the issuance of preferred stock without stockholder approval could discourage or make more difficult attempts to take control of the Company through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. Preferred stock with special voting rights or other features issued to persons favoring our management could stop a takeover by preventing the person trying to take control of the Company from acquiring enough voting shares necessary to take control.
Special Meetings of Stockholders
Our Bylaws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the chairperson, the chief executive officer or the affirmative vote of the majority of our Board.
Anti-Takeover Provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law
As a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to such time the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or (iii) at or subsequent to such time the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. In general, Section 203 of the DGCL defines an “interested stockholder” as an entity or person who, together with the entity’s or person’s affiliates, beneficially owns, or is an affiliate of the corporation
and within three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Equiniti Trust Company.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
We may issue preferred stock either separately or represented by depositary shares. We may also, at our option, issue fractional shares of preferred stock rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we exercise this option, we will issue receipts for depositary shares, and each of these depositary shares will represent a fraction (to be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such depositary shares) of a share of a particular series of preferred stock.
The shares of any series of preferred stock representing the depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company selected by us. The depositary will have its principal office in the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable share or fraction thereof represented by the depositary share, to all of the rights and preferences of the preferred stock represented thereby. Those rights may include dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights. The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued under a deposit agreement.
We will describe the material terms of the deposit agreement, the depositary shares and the depositary receipts in a prospectus supplement relating to the depositary shares. You should also refer to the forms of the deposit agreement and depositary receipts that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of the specific depositary shares.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
This section describes the general terms and provisions of the warrants. A prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the warrants offered through that prospectus supplement and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those warrants.
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares. Warrants may be issued alone or together with common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from those securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, which will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The securities warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not act as an agent or trustee for any holders of warrants.
We have summarized the material terms and provisions of the warrant agreements and warrants in this section. We will file the form of warrant agreement for common stock (including the form of warrant), the form of warrant agreement for preferred stock (including the form of warrant), the form of warrant agreement for depositary shares (including the form of warrant) with the SEC either as an exhibit to an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K. You should read the applicable forms of warrant agreement and warrant certificate for additional information before you buy any warrants.
General
If we offer warrants, the applicable prospectus supplement will identify the warrant agent and describe the terms of the warrants we offer, the warrant agreement relating to the warrants and the certificates representing the warrants, including the following:
•the title of the warrants;
•the aggregate number of warrants;
•the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;
•the currency or currencies, including composite currencies or currency units, in which the price of the warrants may be payable if not payable in U.S. dollars;
•the designation, number or aggregate principal amount, currency of denomination and payment, and terms of the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants, and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants;
•if applicable, the designation and terms of any related securities with which the warrants are issued with the warrants and the number of warrants issued with each security;
•if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
•the principal amount of securities purchasable upon exercise of one warrant, and the price at and the currency in which the principal amount of such securities may be purchased upon such exercise;
•the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and the date on which the right to exercise shall expire;
•the maximum or minimum number of warrants that may be exercised at any time;
•if applicable, the United States federal income tax considerations;
•whether the warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form; and
•any other terms of the warrants.
You may, at the corporate trust offices of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement:
•exchange warrant certificates for new warrant certificates of different denominations;
•if the warrant certificates are in registered form, present them for registration of transfer; and
•exercise warrant certificates.
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder of the warrant to purchase at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the principal amount of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares, or combination thereof, being offered. Holders may exercise warrants at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants are void. Holders may exercise warrants as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants being offered.
Until holders exercise their warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock, or depositary shares, or combination thereof, holders will not have any rights as a holder of our common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares, as the case may be, by virtue of their ownership of warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS
The following is a general description of the terms of the purchase contracts we may issue from time to time. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contracts and, if applicable, prepaid purchase contracts. The description in the prospectus supplement will be qualified in its entirety by reference to (1) the purchase contracts, (2) the collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, if applicable, relating to such purchase contracts and (3) if applicable, the prepaid purchase contracts and the document pursuant to which such prepaid purchase contracts will be issued.
We may issue purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to holders, a fixed or varying number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares at a future date or dates. The consideration may be fixed at the time that the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the purchase contracts. Any purchase contract may include anti-dilution provisions to adjust the number of shares issuable pursuant to such purchase contract, as applicable, upon the occurrence of certain events.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
We may, from time to time, issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. A prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the units offered under that prospectus supplement, and any special considerations, including tax considerations, applicable to investing in those units. You must review the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable unit agreement for a full understanding of the specific terms of any units. We will incorporate by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part the form of unit agreement, including a form of unit certificate, if any, that describes the terms of the series of units we are offering. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future units that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of units that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement and incorporated documents. The terms of any units offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.
General
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. 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.
As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. In addition, we will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement and any incorporated documents the terms of any series of units we issue, including the following:
•the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;
•whether we will apply to have the units traded on a securities exchange or securities quotation system;
•if applicable, any material United States federal income tax consequences;
•how, for United States federal income tax purposes, the purchase price paid for the units is to be allocated among the component securities;
•any provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described below;
•any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer, or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and
•any other information we think is important about the units.
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under the other sections describing the securities offered by this prospectus, will apply to each unit and to any of such other securities included in each unit.
Issuance in Series
We may issue units in such amounts and in such numerous distinct series as we determine.
Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units
Each unit agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable unit agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any unit. A single bank or trust company may act as unit agent for more than one series of units. A unit agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable unit agreement or unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a unit, without the consent of the related unit agent or the holder of any other unit, may enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the unit.
Title
We, the unit agent, and any of their agents may treat the registered holder of any unit certificate as an absolute owner of the units evidenced by that certificate for any purposes and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the units so requested, despite any notice to the contrary.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
General
We may sell the applicable securities offered by this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions, including without limitation:
•directly to one or more purchasers;
•through agents;
•to or through underwriters, brokers or dealers; and
•through a combination of any of these methods.
A distribution of the securities offered by this prospectus may also be effected through the issuance of derivative securities, including without limitation, warrants, subscriptions, exchangeable securities, forward delivery contracts and the writing of options.
In addition, the manner in which we may sell some or all of the securities covered by this prospectus, include, without limitation, through:
•a block trade in which a broker-dealer will attempt to sell as agent, but may position or resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction;
•purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
•ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers;
•privately negotiated transactions;
•settlement of short sales;
•transactions through broker-dealers to sell a specified number of such securities at a stipulated price per security;
•an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; or
•a combination of any such methods of sale.
We may also enter into hedging transactions. For example, we may:
•enter into transactions with a broker-dealer or affiliate thereof in connection with which such broker-dealer or affiliate will engage in short sales of the common stock pursuant to this prospectus, in which case such broker-dealer or affiliate may use shares of common stock received from us to close out its short positions;
•sell securities short and redeliver such shares to close out our short positions;
•enter into option or other types of transactions that require us to deliver common stock to a broker-dealer or an affiliate thereof, who will then resell or transfer the common stock under this prospectus; or
•loan or pledge the common stock to a broker-dealer or an affiliate thereof, who may sell the loaned shares or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged shares pursuant to this prospectus.
In addition, we may enter into derivative or hedging transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with such a transaction, the third parties may sell the applicable securities covered by and pursuant to this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from us or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related short positions. We may also loan or pledge securities
covered by this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement.
A prospectus supplement with respect to each offering of securities will state the terms of the offering of the securities, including:
•the name or names of any underwriters or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them if any;
•the public offering price or purchase price of the securities and the net proceeds to be received by us from the sale;
•any delayed delivery arrangements;
•any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation;
•any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
•any securities exchange or markets on which the securities may be listed.
The offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by us, the underwriters or the third parties described above may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including privately negotiated transactions, either:
•at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
•at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
•at prices related to the prevailing market prices; or
•at negotiated prices.
We will bear costs relating to all of the securities being registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of distribution.
Underwriting Compensation
Any public offering price and any fees, discounts, commissions, concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers or agents may be changed from time to time. Underwriters, dealers and agents and remarketing firms that participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be “underwriters” as defined in the Securities Act. Any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profits they receive on the resale of the offered securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will identify any underwriters, agents or dealers and describe their fees, commissions or discounts in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Underwriters and Agents
If underwriters are used in a sale, they will acquire the offered securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the offered securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. These sales may be made at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale, at prices related to such prevailing market price or at negotiated prices. We may offer the securities to the public either through an underwriting syndicate represented by one or more managing underwriters
or through one or more underwriter(s). The underwriters in any particular offering will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions contained in an underwriting agreement that we will enter into with the underwriters at the time of the sale to them. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities of the series offered if any of the securities are purchased, unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities. Any initial offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed, reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Securities may be sold directly by us or through agents designated by us from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus and a prospectus supplement is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to such agent will be set forth, in the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which we receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from us under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.
Dealers
We may sell the offered securities to dealers as principals. We may negotiate and pay dealers’ commissions, discounts or concessions for their services. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public either at varying prices to be determined by the dealer or at a fixed offering price agreed to with us at the time of resale. Dealers engaged by us may allow other dealers to participate in resales.
Direct Sales
We may choose to sell the offered securities directly to multiple purchasers or a single purchaser. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.
At-the-Market Offerings
We may also sell the securities offered by any applicable prospectus supplement in “at-the-market offerings” within the meaning of Rule 415 of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise.
Institutional Purchasers
We may authorize agents, dealers or underwriters to solicit certain institutional investors to purchase offered securities on a delayed delivery basis pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified future date. The applicable prospectus supplement will provide the details of any such arrangement, including the offering price and commissions payable on the solicitations.
We will enter into such delayed contracts only with institutional purchasers that we approve. These institutions may include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable institutions.
Indemnification; Other Relationships
We may agree to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and to make contribution to them in connection with those liabilities. Underwriters, dealers
and agents, and their affiliates, may engage in transactions with, or perform services for us, and our affiliates, in the ordinary course of business, including commercial banking transactions and services.
Market Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions
Each series of securities will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market other than the common stock which is listed on the NYSE. If the offered securities are traded after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities and other factors. While it is possible that an underwriter could inform us that it intends to make a market in the offered securities, such underwriter would not be obligated to do so, and any such market-making could be discontinued at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to whether an active trading market will develop for the offered securities. We have no current plans for listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange or quotation system; any such listing with respect to any preferred stock will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
In connection with any offering of common stock, preferred stock or securities that provide for the issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion, exchange or exercise, as the case may be, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of our common stock or preferred stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of common stock in excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. “Covered” short sales are sales of shares made in an amount up to the number of shares represented by the underwriters’ over-allotment option. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Transactions to close out the covered syndicate short involve either purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also make “naked” short sales of shares in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares of common stock in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for or purchases of shares in the open market while the offering is in progress for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities.
In connection with any offering, the underwriters may also engage in penalty bids. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would be in the absence of the transactions. The underwriters may, if they commence these transactions, discontinue them at any time.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities and certain other matters will be passed upon for us by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., New York, New York. Certain legal matters will passed upon for any underwriters, dealers or agents by the law firm identified as counsel to such underwriters, dealers or agents in the applicable prospectus supplement.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Vitesse Energy, Inc. incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm, given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of Vitesse Energy, LLC incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm, given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Certain estimates of our oil and natural gas reserves and related information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been derived from the reports prepared by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. All such information has been so included or incorporated by reference on the authority of such firm as an expert regarding the matters contained in its reports.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuances and Distribution
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses (other than underwriting compensation), all of which will be paid by us, to be incurred in connection with the registration and sale of the securities:
| | | | | |
SEC Registration Fee | $ | 44,280 | |
FINRA Filing Fee | 45,500 | |
Legal Fees and Expenses | * |
Accounting Fees and Expenses | * |
Transfer Agent’s Fees and Expenses | * |
Blue Sky Fees | * |
Printing and Engraving Fees | * |
| Miscellaneous | * |
| Total | 89,780 | |
__________________
*Estimates not presently known.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Under our restated Certificate of Incorporation, and Bylaws (and in accordance with Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”)), we will indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, including civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceedings, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company, or is or was serving in that capacity or as an agent at the request of the Company for another entity.
Section 145(a) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), because he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue, or matter as to which he or she shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or other adjudicating court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, he or she is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or other adjudicating court shall deem proper.
Section 145(e) of the DGCL provides that expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized by Section 145 of the DGCL.
Section 145(e) of the DGCL further provides that such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees or agents of the corporation may be so paid upon such terms and conditions as the corporation deems appropriate.
Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person against such liability under Section 145 of the DGCL.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, our directors shall not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Under Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty can be limited or eliminated except (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL (relating to unlawful payment of dividend or unlawful stock purchase or redemption) or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Our indemnity covers expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of an action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interest and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. We will indemnify a person in a derivative action under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the person is adjudged to be liable to us in performance of his or her duty. Derivative actions are actions by us or in our right to procure a judgment in our favor. Our agents may be similarly indemnified at the discretion of our board of directors.
All of our directors and officers are covered by an insurance policy that we maintain against specified liabilities for actions taken in their capacities as such, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted for our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”) such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Reference is made to the forms of Underwriting Agreement, which will be included or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this Registration Statement for provisions regarding indemnification of the Registrant’s officers, directors and controlling persons against specified liabilities.
Item 16. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this registration statement:
| | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
No. | | Description |
| 1.1 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Common Stock* |
| 1.2 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Preferred Stock* |
| 1.3 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Depositary Shares* |
| 1.4 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Warrants* |
| 1.5 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Purchase Contracts* |
| 1.6 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement for Units* |
| 3.1 | | |
| 3.2 | | |
| 4.1 | | Form of Deposit Agreement (including form of Depositary Receipt)* |
| 4.2 | | Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement (including form of Common Stock Warrant Certificate)* |
| 4.3 | | Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement (including form of Preferred Stock Warrant Certificate)* |
| 4.4 | | Form of Depositary Share Warrant Agreement (including form of Depositary Share Warrant Certificate)* |
| 4.7 | | Form of Purchase Contract (including form of Purchase Contract Certificate)* |
| 4.8 | | Form of Unit Agreement (including form of Unit Certificate)* |
| 5.1 | | |
| 23.1 | | |
| 23.2 | | |
| 23.3 | | |
| 23.4 | | |
| 24.1 | | |
| 107 | | |
__________________
*To be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and to be incorporated herein by reference or by a post-effective amendment to this registration statement.
Item 17. Undertakings
(a)The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made; a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i)to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post- effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
(iii)to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that subparagraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3, Form SF-3, or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4)That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(A)Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(B)Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or
(5)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i)Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii)Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;
(iii)The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and
(iv)Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.
(b)The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Denver, Colorado on February 1, 2024.
| | | | | |
| Vitesse Energy, Inc. |
| |
| By: | /s/ Robert W. Gerrity |
| Robert W. Gerrity |
| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W. Gerrity, Brian J. Cree, and James P. Henderson, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, proxies and agents, each with full power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, proxies and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, proxies and agents, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Signature | | Title | | Date |
| | | | |
/s/ Robert W. Gerrity | | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | | February 1, 2024 |
| Robert W. Gerrity | | (Principal Executive Officer) | | |
| | | | |
/s/ James P. Henderson | | Chief Financial Officer | | February 1, 2024 |
| James P. Henderson | | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ Linda L. Adamany | | Director | | February 1, 2024 |
| Linda Adamany | | | |
|
| | | | |
| /s/ Brian P. Friedman | | Director | | February 1, 2024 |
| Brian P. Friedman | | | |
|
| | | | |
| /s/ Daniel J. O’Leary | | Lead Independent Director | | February 1, 2024 |
| Daniel J. O’Leary | | | |
|
| | | | |
| /s/ Cathleen M. Osborn | | Director | | February 1, 2024 |
| Cathleen M. Osborn | | | |
|
| | | | |
| /s/ Randy I. Stein | | Director | | February 1, 2024 |
| Randy I. Stein | | | |
|
| | | | |
| /s/ Joseph S. Steinberg | | Director | | February 1, 2024 |
| Joseph S. Steinberg | | | |
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