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VerifyMe sets $0.15 special dividend tied to merger

VerifyMe’s board approved a $0.15 per-share special dividend, but payment depends entirely on the successful closing of its merger with OpenWorld.

(High)
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

VerifyMe, Inc. (VRME) announced that its board has declared a special cash dividend of $0.15 per share, to be distributed pro rata to holders of common stock and to holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. Payment of this dividend is expressly conditioned on the closing of the previously announced merger with Open World Ltd. under the existing merger agreement, which remains subject to VerifyMe stockholder approval and other closing conditions. Subject to completion of the merger, the dividend is expected to be payable on October 2, 2026 to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 29, 2026. VerifyMe also reminds stockholders that the Registration Statement on Form S‑4/A and related proxy statement/prospectus for the merger were declared effective on August 12, 2026 and encourages timely voting ahead of the scheduled September 24 annual meeting.

Positive

  • Board declares a $0.15 per-share special cash dividend, offering direct cash return to holders of common and Series B preferred stock if the merger closes.
  • Clear timeline for conditional payout, with an expected October 2, 2026 payment date and September 29, 2026 record date, subject to merger completion.

Negative

  • Dividend is fully contingent on closing the OpenWorld merger, which still requires stockholder approval and satisfaction of other closing conditions, creating uncertainty around the payout.

Insights

Analyzing...

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Special cash dividend per share $0.15 per share Declared by VerifyMe’s board, conditional on closing of the OpenWorld merger
Dividend record date September 29, 2026 Stockholders of record at close of business eligible for the conditional dividend
Expected dividend payment date October 2, 2026 Anticipated payment date if the merger with OpenWorld closes
OpenWorld aggregate network value $66 billion Aggregate network value of projects OpenWorld has advised on since its founding
Companies supported by OpenWorld More than 20 companies Number of companies OpenWorld has supported, backed by leading venture firms
Form S-4/A effectiveness date August 12, 2026 Date the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A for the merger was declared effective
special cash dividend financial
"has authorized and declared a special cash dividend of $0.15 per share"
A special cash dividend is a one-time, extra cash payment a company gives to its shareholders in addition to its regular dividends, like a bonus check sent out when a business has more cash than usual. It matters to investors because it delivers immediate cash value, can signal that the company has strong short-term cash or limited opportunities to reinvest, and typically reduces the company’s cash reserves and may affect the stock price and tax treatment for recipients.
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock financial
"holders of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share"
Series B convertible preferred stock is a class of shares sold during a later-stage private financing that combines features of a loan and common stock: it usually pays priority dividends or has a priority claim if the company is sold, and it can be converted into common shares under predefined rules. Investors care because these shares affect ownership stakes and payout order—like having a reserved place in line and a ticket that can turn into regular ownership—so they influence potential returns and dilution for other shareholders.
Registration Statement on Form S-4/A regulatory
"Registration Statement on Form S-4/A declared effective on August 12, 2026"
proxy statement/prospectus regulatory
"includes a proxy statement/prospectus and was declared effective by the SEC"
A proxy statement or prospectus is a document that companies send to shareholders to provide important information about upcoming decisions or investments, such as voting on company issues or offering new shares to the public. It helps investors understand the details and risks involved, enabling them to make informed choices about their ownership or involvement with the company.
tokenized securities financial
"the risk that tokenized securities may face increased regulatory scrutiny"
A digital representation of a traditional financial asset—such as a share, bond or fund—recorded on a blockchain or similar electronic ledger so ownership and transfers are tracked automatically. It matters to investors because tokenized securities can make buying, selling and dividing assets faster, cheaper and available around the clock, potentially increasing liquidity and allowing investors to buy smaller slices of expensive assets, while also introducing platform, custody and regulatory considerations.
real-world asset tokenization technical
"OpenWorld’s capabilities span real-world asset tokenization, stablecoin infrastructure"
Converting a physical or financial item—like real estate, artwork, or a bond—into digital tokens that represent ownership or rights on a secure digital ledger. Think of slicing a house into many small, tradable shares so more people can buy pieces, trades settle faster, and markets can become more liquid; investors gain easier access and flexibility but also face new legal, custody and technology risks.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What special dividend did VerifyMe (VRME) declare?

VerifyMe’s board declared a special cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable pro rata to holders of common stock and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis, conditioned on the successful closing of the proposed merger with OpenWorld.

When will the VRME special dividend be paid and what is the record date?

Subject to closing of the merger, VerifyMe expects the $0.15 per-share dividend will be payable on October 2, 2026 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 29, 2026.

Who is eligible to receive VerifyMe’s special dividend?

The dividend will be distributed pro rata to holders of VerifyMe common stock and to holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis, provided the merger with OpenWorld closes as contemplated.

What conditions must be met before VerifyMe (VRME) pays the special dividend?

Payment of the $0.15 per-share dividend is conditioned on the closing of VerifyMe’s proposed merger with OpenWorld under the merger agreement, which remains subject to approval of VerifyMe stockholders and other closing conditions.

What filings should VRME shareholders review regarding the OpenWorld merger?

Shareholders are directed to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A and related proxy statement/prospectus, declared effective on August 12, 2026, for complete information about VerifyMe, OpenWorld, and the proposed merger.

How large is OpenWorld’s referenced project portfolio in the VerifyMe 8-K?

OpenWorld is described as having advised on projects representing over $66 billion in aggregate network value and having supported more than 20 companies backed by major venture firms.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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false 0001104038 0001104038 2026-09-18 2026-09-18 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):      September 18, 2026

 

VerifyMe, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada 001-39332 23-3023677
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
801 International Parkway, Fifth Floor, Lake Mary, Florida 32746
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
   
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   (585) 736-9400
             

_____________________

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

xWritten communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading
Symbol(s)
  Name of each exchange on which registered
 Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   VRME   The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

  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 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨

 

 

  
 

 

Item 7.01Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On September 18, 2026, VerifyMe, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing that the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $0.15 per share (the “Dividend”), to be distributed pro-rata per share of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) to (i) holders of Common Stock, and (ii) holders of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, on an as-converted basis. Payment of the Dividend is conditioned upon the closing of the previously announced proposed merger with Open World Ltd., pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended, which remains subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders and other closing conditions.

 

Subject to closing of the merger, the Company expects the Dividend will be payable on October 2, 2026 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 29, 2026.

 

A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report. The information under Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K (including Exhibit 99.1) is intended to be furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description
99.1   VerifyMe, Inc. Press Release dated September 18, 2026.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

  
 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. 

 

  VerifyMe, Inc.
     
     
Date: September 18, 2026 By: /s/ Adam Stedham
    Adam Stedham
    Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

VerifyMe Declares Special Dividend

 

Lake Mary, FL – September 18, 2026 – (BUSINESS WIRE) — VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRME) (“VerifyMe”), a provider of authentication and precision logistics technologies today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized and declared a special cash dividend of $0.15 per share (the “Dividend”), to be distributed pro-rata per share of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”) to (i) holders of Common Stock, and (ii) holders of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, on an as-converted basis. Payment of the Dividend is conditioned upon the closing of the previously announced proposed merger with Open World Ltd., pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended (the “merger agreement”) which remains subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders and other closing conditions.

 

Subject to closing of the merger, the Company expects the Dividend will be payable on October 2, 2026 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 29, 2026.

 

Shareholder Vote

VerifyMe encourages shareholders of record to review the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement on Form S-4/A declared effective on August 12, 2026 (the “Registration Statement”), for complete information regarding the merger and the proposals being considered at the Annual Meeting and to submit their votes as soon as possible so they can be counted ahead of the September 24 meeting.

 

About OpenWorld

OpenWorld is a technology-powered digital assets and blockchain innovation company that co-architects and takes principal positions in enterprise blockchain initiatives alongside sovereign governments, institutional partners, and major enterprises. Since its founding in 2023, OpenWorld has advised on projects representing over $66 billion in aggregate network value and supported more than 20 companies backed by leading global venture firms, including a16z, Multicoin Capital, Dragonfly, and Founders Fund. OpenWorld’s capabilities span real-world asset tokenization, stablecoin infrastructure, capital markets advisory, governance structuring, and public markets strategy, with active engagements across the Gulf, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. To learn more, visit openworld.dev

 

About VerifyMe, Inc.

VerifyMe provides specialized logistics for time and temperature-sensitive products, as well as brand protection and enhancement solutions. To learn more, visit https://www.verifyme.com

 

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

 

  
 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “potential,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “upon,” “would,” and other words of similar meaning. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the proposed Dividend and proposed business combination between OpenWorld and VerifyMe, the anticipated timing, structure and benefits thereof, including the timing of closing after the Annual Meeting; the name and trading symbol of the combined company following closing of the proposed merger; the anticipated benefits thereof and whether any such anticipated benefits will be achieved; and the anticipated listing of the combined company on Nasdaq. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statement. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: (1) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement or could otherwise cause the transaction to fail to close, including the failure to obtain stockholder approval necessary to complete the merger; (2) the institution or outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against VerifyMe or OpenWorld following the announcement of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (3) the inability of the parties to complete the proposed business combination, including due to failure to obtain approval of the securityholders of VerifyMe, certain regulatory approvals, or satisfy other conditions to closing in the merger agreement; (4) the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the time it diverts from management and the consummation of the proposed business combination; (5) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination; (6) the risk that tokenized securities may face increased regulatory scrutiny and may not be broadly accepted by the market; (7) costs related to the proposed business combination; (8) changes in applicable laws or regulations; and (9) the risks and uncertainties identified under VerifyMe’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other information VerifyMe has or may file with the SEC from time to time.

 

VerifyMe cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are encouraged to read VerifyMe’s filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document, and VerifyMe undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements except as required by applicable law. VerifyMe’s business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should consider these risks and uncertainties. VerifyMe does not give any assurance that VerifyMe or OpenWorld will achieve its expectations by the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement or otherwise.

 

  
 

 

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, VerifyMe filed the Registration Statement to register the shares of VerifyMe common stock to be issued in connection with the proposed merger. The Registration Statement includes a proxy statement/prospectus and was declared effective by the SEC on August 12, 2026. VerifyMe has mailed the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on August 14, 2026, to VerifyMe stockholders seeking their approval of the proposals set forth therein at the Annual Meeting. The merger agreement and the agreements and forms of agreements described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement should not be read alone but should instead be read in conjunction with the other information regarding the merger agreement, VerifyMe, OpenWorld, and their respective affiliates and respective businesses, that are contained in, or incorporated by reference into, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement as well as in the Forms 10-K, Forms 10-Q and other filings that VerifyMe makes with the SEC. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF VERIFYME ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE RELATED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VERIFYME, OPENWORLD, THE MERGER AND RELATED MATTERS.

 

Investors and stockholders of VerifyMe can obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and other documents filed by VerifyMe with the SEC (when they become available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, VerifyMe stockholders of record may obtain at no cost, upon written request, a copy of VerifyMe’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (without exhibits), as filed with the SEC, with exhibits thereto being made available, upon written request and payment to VerifyMe of the reasonable costs of reproduction and mailing, if any, by contacting VerifyMe by mail at VerifyMe, Inc., 801 International Parkway, Fifth Floor, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Investors and stockholders of VerifyMe are urged to read the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and the other relevant materials when they become available and before making any investment decision with respect to the proposed merger.

 

  
 

 

Participants in the Solicitation

VerifyMe and certain of its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from VerifyMe stockholders with respect to the Annual Meeting and the proposed merger transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about VerifyMe directors and executive officers and their ownership of VerifyMe securities is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other information VerifyMe has or may file with the SEC from time to time. Additional information regarding the identity of participants in the solicitation of proxies, and a description of their direct or indirect interests in the proposed transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other materials filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction when they become available.

 

Contacts

Company: OpenWorld Ltd.

Email: OpenWorld@gasthalter.com

 

Company: VerifyMe, Inc.

Email: IR@verifyme.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents

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