Pineapple Energy Encourages Shareholders to Vote FOR the Reverse Stock Split and Increase in Authorized Shares

Rhea-AI Summary

Pineapple Energy Inc. urges shareholders to vote FOR the reverse stock split and increase in authorized shares to maintain Nasdaq listing status and facilitate fundraising efforts. Failure to approve may lead to delisting and hinder business development initiatives.

Financial Analyst

The shareholder meeting for Pineapple Energy Inc. is of significant interest to investors due to the proposed reverse stock split and increase in authorized shares. A reverse stock split is often employed to boost a company's share price, potentially avoiding delisting from major exchanges like Nasdaq, which has minimum bid price requirements. The preservation of Nasdaq listing status is typically a positive signal to the market, as it maintains the stock's visibility and liquidity, which are important factors for investors.

Moreover, the increase in authorized shares is indicative of the company's intent to meet its conversion obligations for preferred stock and warrants, as well as to secure capital for future growth initiatives. However, this could also signal potential dilution of existing shares, which investors often view with caution. The ability to raise funds is essential for Pineapple's strategic expansion in the solar and energy services sector, which is highly competitive and capital-intensive.

Energy Sector Analyst

From an industry perspective, Pineapple Energy's focus on expanding its solar and energy services is aligned with the broader shift towards renewable energy sources. The management's commitment to growth in this sector is a strategic move, considering the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions. However, the success of such initiatives hinges on the company's financial flexibility.

Failure to execute the reverse stock split could lead to a Nasdaq delisting, which would be a setback for the company's reputation and could potentially lead to lower trading volumes and stock price volatility. On the other hand, an increase in authorized shares, while necessary for fundraising, introduces the risk of share dilution, which could negatively impact the stock price in the short term. Long-term, however, access to more capital could enable Pineapple to capitalize on market opportunities and enhance shareholder value.

Corporate Governance Expert

Shareholder meetings and votes are critical components of corporate governance. The emphasis placed by Pineapple's Board of Directors on shareholder participation reflects the gravity of the decisions at hand. A reverse stock split and an increase in authorized shares have significant governance implications. Shareholders must weigh the immediate effects of these actions, such as potential share price stabilization and the availability of capital for strategic initiatives, against the long-term implications, such as ownership dilution.

Additionally, the board's recommendation to reconsider previous votes against these proposals suggests a level of urgency and a clear strategic direction from the company's leadership. It's important for shareholders to critically assess the management's rationale, as their decision will directly influence the company's operational and financial strategies going forward.

MINNETONKA, Minn., April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pineapple Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGY) (“Pineapple” or the “Company”), a leading provider of sustainable solar energy and back-up power to households and small businesses encourages its shareholders to participate actively in the upcoming meeting of shareholders scheduled on April 12, 2024.

The Board of Directors emphasizes the importance of this shareholders’ vote, specifically urging for a positive vote FOR the reverse stock split and FOR the increase in authorized shares. If you have previously cast your vote against these proposals, we strongly recommend reconsidering your position and voting in favor of these proposals.

Pineapple’s management team is committed to growing leading local and regional solar, storage, and energy services companies nationwide. The Board believes that the reverse stock split and increase in authorized shares is instrumental for several reasons, including:

• Maintenance with Nasdaq Listing Status: If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is not approved by the Company’s shareholders, the Company’s common stock may be delisted from Nasdaq. Maintaining a Nasdaq listing is crucial for investor confidence, potential investment inflows, and to maintain liquidity in the Company’s common stock; and

• Increased Shares to Satisfy Conversion Obligations and for Potential Fundraising: The Company is obligated to maintain a required minimum reserve of at least 200% of the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Series A convertible preferred stock and common stock warrants from the authorized shares of its common stock. Shareholders must approve the increase in authorized shares in order for the Company to have enough authorized shares to meet these obligations. In addition to satisfying its conversion obligations, additional authorized shares are needed to facilitate the Company’s ability to conduct a successful fundraising effort.
  

Failure to secure approval for the reverse stock split may hinder management’s ability to execute its strategy, to the potential detriment of shareholders. Additionally, it may impede business development initiatives dependent on the issuance of common stock. A Nasdaq delisting could complicate shareholders’ ability to trade the Company’s common stock, impact its price and affect the shareholders’ ability buy or sell when desired. It is essential to understand that a reverse stock split consolidates existing shares, preserving the Company’s overall value and each shareholder’s respective ownership percentage.

Failure to increase the company’s authorized shares will result in the Company being unable to meet its conversion obligations and will limit the Company’s ability to conduct successful fundraising. The inability to conduct successful fundraising raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

How to vote or how to change your vote:
Shareholders of record as of February 13, 2024, can vote or change their vote using the instructions in the proxy materials received via email or mail around March 6, 2024. For emailed materials, check for an email from id@proxyvote.com. If you have not received or located your proxy materials, contact your brokerage firm or similar organization for your proxy control number.

Most shareholders can vote via proxyvote.com or by calling 1-800-690-6903. Some shareholders may vote by contacting Pineapple Energy’s proxy solicitor, Morrow Sodali, at 1-877-787-9239. Interactive Brokers or Robinhood users should follow instructions from their respective brokers.

Voting will remain open until 11:59 p.m. ET on April 11, 2024.

We urge you to vote TODAY.

About Pineapple Energy
Pineapple is focused on growing leading local and regional solar, storage, and energy services companies nationwide. Our vision is to power the energy transition through grass-roots growth of solar electricity paired with battery storage. Our portfolio of brands (SUNation, Hawaii Energy Connection, E-Gear, Sungevity, and Horizon Solar Power) provide homeowners and small businesses with an end-to-end product offering spanning solar, battery storage, and grid services.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding the Company’s ability to pass the proposals at the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders and the consequences if such proposals should fail to pass. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements here due to changes in economic, business, competitive or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties, including those set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Pineapple Energy

Kyle Udseth
Chief Executive Officer
+1 (952) 996-1674
Kyle.Udseth@pineappleenergy.com

Eric Ingvaldson
Chief Financial Officer
+1 (952) 996-1674
Eric.Ingvaldson@pineappleenergy.com

FAQ

Why is Pineapple Energy Inc. encouraging shareholders to participate in the upcoming meeting?

Pineapple Energy Inc. encourages shareholders to participate in the upcoming meeting to vote on the reverse stock split and increase in authorized shares.

What are the reasons behind the emphasis on a positive vote for the reverse stock split and increase in authorized shares?

The emphasis on a positive vote is to maintain Nasdaq listing status, meet conversion obligations, and facilitate fundraising efforts.

What are the potential consequences of not approving the reverse stock split according to the PR?

Failure to approve the reverse stock split may lead to Nasdaq delisting, impacting investor confidence, liquidity, and hindering business development initiatives.

How does the failure to increase authorized shares affect Pineapple Energy Inc.?

Failure to increase authorized shares may limit the company's ability to meet conversion obligations and conduct successful fundraising, raising substantial doubt.