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September 10, 2020

To our Stockholders:

A special meeting of stockholders will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. U.S. Central Time. to conduct the following items of business:

Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.

The Special Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting of stockholders, which will be conducted via live webcast. You will be able to attend the Special Meeting online, vote and submit your questions during the Special Meeting by visiting https:// web.lumiagm.com/257406306. We are pleased to utilize the virtual stockholder meeting technology (i) to provide ready access and cost savings for our stockholders and the Company and (ii) to promote social distancing pursuant to guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission due to the novel coronavirus. The virtual meeting format allows attendance from any location in the world.

Even if you are planning on attending the Special Meeting online, please promptly submit your proxy vote via the Internet, by telephone, or, if you received a printed form of proxy in the mail, by completing, dating, signing and returning the enclosed proxy, so your shares will be represented at the Special Meeting. Instructions on voting your shares are on the proxy materials you received for the Special Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting online, it is strongly recommended you vote before the Special Meeting date, to ensure that your shares will be represented at the Special Meeting if you are unable to attend.

Details regarding admission to the meeting and the business to be conducted at the meeting are more fully described in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and proxy statement.

Only holders of our common stock at the close of business on August 21, 2020, the record date, are entitled to receive this notice and to attend and vote at the special meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please sign and submit your proxy as soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at our special meeting in accordance with your instructions. If you attend the meeting, you may revoke your proxy in accordance with the procedures set forth in the proxy statement and vote in person.

Thank you for your continued support of CHF Solutions.

Sincerely,

 

 

John L. Erb

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

Corporate Headquarters

12988 Valley View Road

Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344

(952) 345-4200

Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of stockholders will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. U.S. Central Time, as a virtual meeting at https://web.lumiagm.com/257406306. At the Special Meeting or any postponement, adjournment or delay thereof (the “Special Meeting”), you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

Your attention is directed to the Proxy Statement which is set forth on the following pages, where the foregoing items of business are more fully described. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on August 21, 2020 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE PROPOSALS.

Your vote is extremely important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we ask that you promptly sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card in the envelope provided, or submit your proxy by telephone or over the Internet (if those options are available to you) in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card.

YOU ARE RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED BY THE BOARD TO PROMPTLY SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY OR VOTE OVER THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE. IF YOU GRANT A PROXY, YOU MAY REVOKE IT AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE MEETING OR VOTE AT THE MEETING. IF YOU RECEIVED THIS PROXY STATEMENT IN THE MAIL, A RETURN ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. THIS WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM VOTING AT THE MEETING BUT WILL, HOWEVER, HELP TO ASSURE A QUORUM AND AVOID ADDED PROXY SOLICITATION COSTS.

Eden Prairie, Minnesota

September 10, 2020

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of CHF Solutions, Inc. (the “Company”, “we” or “us”) is soliciting your proxy, as a holder of our common stock, for use at the special meeting of stockholders and any adjournment or postponement of such meeting. We have retained The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC to assist in the solicitation of proxies. The special meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. U.S. Central Time, virtually at https://web.lumiagm.com/257406306.

The notice of special meeting, proxy statement and form of proxy card are expected to be first mailed to stockholders of record on or about September 10, 2020.

At the special meeting, you will be voting on:

The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2, and 3.

Except as noted herein, share numbers are provided as of the record date and on a pre-reverse stock split basis.

You may vote if you owned shares of our common stock at the close of business on August 21, 2020, the record date, provided such shares are held directly in your name as the stockholder of record or are held for you as the beneficial owner through a broker, bank or other nominee. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter properly brought before the meeting. As of August 21, 2020, we had 82,078,107 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.

Stockholders of Record. If your common shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by us. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to us through the enclosed proxy card or to vote at the special meeting.

Beneficial Owners. Many of our stockholders hold their common shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own names. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a

bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner with respect to those shares, and these proxy materials (including a voting instruction card) are being forwarded to you by your broker, bank or nominee who is considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or nominee on how to vote and are also invited to attend the special meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares at the special meeting unless you request and obtain a legal proxy form from your broker, bank or nominee (as described below). Your broker, bank or nominee has enclosed a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the broker, bank or nominee on how to vote your shares.

Stockholders of Record. You may vote by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided.

If you are a stockholder of record, you may also vote by internet or by phone. To vote by internet or phone, you will need to use a control number provided to you in the materials with this proxy statement and follow the additional steps when prompted. The steps have been designed to authenticate your identity, allow you to give voting instructions, and confirm that those instructions have been recorded properly.

Beneficial Owners. If you are a beneficial owner, you must vote your shares in the manner prescribed by your broker, bank or other nominee. You will receive a voting instruction card (not a proxy card) to use in directing the broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares. You may also have the option to vote your shares via the internet or phone.

All of our stockholders are invited to participate in the special meeting. If you are a registered holder you may register and log in on meeting date. The virtual meeting room will be open one hour before the start of the meeting. For shareholders who hold shares via a Broker/Bank, to participate in the special meeting, you must register in advance by September 25, 2020.

Stockholders of Record. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote during the virtual meeting through https://web.lumiagm.com/257406306. To be admitted to the special meeting and vote your shares, you will log in with your control number as provided on the proxy card. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time leaving ample time for the check in.

Beneficial Owners: If you hold your common shares through a broker, bank or other nominee and want to vote such shares during the special meeting, you must first obtain a valid legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee and then register in advance to attend the special meeting. Follow the instructions from your broker or bank included with these proxy materials or contact your broker or bank or other nominee to request a legal proxy form. After obtaining a valid legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee, to then register to attend the special meeting, you must submit your legal proxy reflecting the number of your shares along with your name and email address to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. Requests for registration should be directed to proxy@astfinancial.com or to facsimile number 718-765-8730. Written requests can be mailed to:

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC

Attn: Proxy Tabulation Department

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11219

Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 25, 2020.

After completion of your registration by the registration deadline, further instructions, including a unique link to access the special meeting, will be emailed to you. Follow the instructions provided to vote. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time leaving ample time for the check in.

Stockholders of Record. You may change your vote at any time before your proxy is exercised by sending a written notice of revocation or a later-dated proxy to our Secretary, which must be received prior to commencement of the special meeting; by submitting a later-dated proxy via internet or phone before 11:59 Eastern Time on October 5, 2020; or by voting in person at the special meeting. Your attendance at the special meeting in person virtually will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you file the proper documentation for it to be so revoked.

Beneficial Owners. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee, you should contact such person prior to the time such voting instructions are exercised.

If you receive more than one proxy card or voting instruction card, it means that you have multiple accounts with brokers, banks or other nominees and/or our transfer agent. Please sign and deliver, or otherwise vote, each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive. We recommend that you contact your nominee and/or our transfer agent, as appropriate, to consolidate as many accounts as possible under the same name and address. Our transfer agent is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219; telephone: 800-937-5449.

Stockholders of Record. If you indicate a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon on your proxy card, the shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions. Proxy cards that are signed and returned, but do not contain voting instructions with respect to certain matters, will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board on such matters.

Beneficial Owners. If you indicate a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon on your voting instruction card, the shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you do not indicate a choice or return the voting instruction card, the broker, bank or other nominee will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote on each matter. Under applicable regulations, a broker, bank or nominee has the discretion to vote on routine matters, including Proposal 2 and Proposal 3. In Proposal 1, brokers and certain banks and nominees will be unable to vote on your behalf if you do not instruct them how to vote your shares in the manner set forth on your voting instruction card. Therefore, it is very important for you to vote your shares for each proposal.

In order for us to conduct the special meeting, a majority of our outstanding shares entitled to vote as of August 21, 2020 must be present in person or by proxy at the meeting. This is called a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be considered present for purposes of determining a quorum.

Proposal 1 – Approval of Evergreen Increase. The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of shares entitled to vote and present at the annual meeting, in person or by proxy, is required for approval of the amendment to our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the matter.

Proposal 2 – Approval of Reverse Stock Split. The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of outstanding shares entitled to vote at the special meeting is required for the approval of the reverse stock split. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the same effect as votes against the matter.

Proposal 3 – Approval of Adjournment. The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of shares entitled to vote and present at the special meeting, in person or by proxy, is required for any adjournment of the special meeting to solicit additional proxies in the event there are insufficient votes to approve Proposal 1 and Proposal 2. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the matter.

Other Matters. The Board does not propose to conduct any business at the meeting, nor is it aware of any other matter to be presented for action at the meeting, other than as stated above.

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company will tabulate the voting results. We intend to announce the preliminary voting results at the special meeting and, in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we intend to publish the final results in a current report on Form 8-K within four business days of the special meeting.

If you have more questions about the proposals or voting, you should contact The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC, who is assisting us with the proxy solicitation.

At the Special Meeting, holders of our common stock will be asked to approve the amendment of our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”) to (i) increase the annual replenishment of the share reserve from thirteen percent (13%) to seventeen percent (17%) of the fully diluted number of shares on December 31st of the preceding calendar year (the “Evergreen Provision”), (ii) remove and delete certain references to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and (iii) increase the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options. A copy of the text of the proposed amendment of the 2017 Plan is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A. The full text of the 2017 Plan, showing the effects of the proposed amendment, is attached as Appendix B.

The purpose of the 2017 Plan, through the grant of awards, is to help the Company secure and retain the services of eligible award recipients, provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any affiliate, and provide a means by which the eligible recipients may benefit from the value or increases in value of our common stock.

We believe that our interests and those of the stockholders will be advanced if we can continue to offer our employees, notably at the senior management level, consultants, and directors, the opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary interests in us. We have determined that the number of shares available for issuance under the 2017 Plan is insufficient to fully cover the long-term needs for our equity incentive programs and should be increased annually through the Evergreen Provision by seventeen percent (17%) of the total number of fully diluted shares on December 31st of the preceding calendar year.

Evergreen Increase

The 2017 Plan share reserve currently features the Evergreen Provision that annually replenishes the share reserve by thirteen percent (13%) of the total number of fully diluted shares on December 31st of the preceding calendar year. The Evergreen Provision is set forth in Section 3(a)(ii) of the 2017 Plan, as follows:

3(a)(ii) In addition, the Share Reserve will automatically increase on January 1st of each year, for a period of not more than ten years from the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company, commencing on January 1st of the year following the year in which the Effective Date occurs and ending on (and including) January 1, 2027, to an amount equal to 13% of the Fully Diluted Shares as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that there will be no January 1st increase in the Share Reserve for such year or that the increase in the Share Reserve for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence.

“Fully Diluted Shares” is defined in Section 13(x) of the Plan, as follows:

“Fully Diluted Shares” as of a date means an amount equal to the number of shares of Common Stock (i) outstanding and (ii) issuable upon exercise, conversion or settlement of outstanding Awards under the Plan and any other outstanding options, warrants or other securities of the Company that are (directly or indirectly) convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, in each case as of the close of business of the Company on such date. For purposes of calculating the number of Fully Diluted Shares: (x) if the number of shares subject to an outstanding Award is variable on the applicable date, then the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise or settlement of the Award shall be the maximum number of shares that could be received under such Award and (y) if two or more types of Awards are granted to a Participant in tandem with each other such that the exercise of one type of Award

with respect to a number of shares cancels at least an equal number of shares of the other, then the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise or settlement of the Award shall be the largest number of shares that would be counted under either of the Awards.

This Evergreen Provision allows for the replenishment of the 2017 Plan share reserve without the requirement for the Company to submit a proposal to stockholders to increase the size of the share reserve each year.

The Incentive Stock Option regulations require that an equity plan specify the number of shares available for grant with respect to incentive stock options. As a result of the Company’s current capitalization, the Company wishes to amend the 2017 Plan to set forth a new aggregate maximum share amount.

Generally, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”) provides that compensation to covered employees in excess of $1M is not deductible by the Company. Prior to the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, Section 162(m) included a performance based compensation exemption to the $1M deductibility limit whereby compensation that was subject to the performance based compensation exemption was deductible by the Company. The performance based compensation exemption included many requirements otherwise included in equity plan documents. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act amended Section 162(m) to remove the performance based compensation exemption. Based on this removal, there is no longer an exemption to the $1M deductibility limit, and plans are no longer required to follow the Section 162(m) performance based compensation exemption requirements. As a result, the Company proposes to remove certain references to Section 162(m) in the 2017 Plan, and as reflected in further detail in Appendix B.

In May 2017, our Board and our stockholders adopted and approved the 2017 Plan. The 2017 Plan became effective on May 25, 2017.

Authorized Shares. The maximum number of shares available for future equity awards that may be issued under our 2017 Plan as of August 21, 2020 is 1,546,551 shares of our common stock plus the number of shares of common stock underlying awards granted under the Second Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan that expire or terminate for any reason prior to exercise or settlement, are forfeited because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such shares or otherwise return to the Company or are reacquired, withheld (or not issued) to satisfy a withholding obligation in connection with an award or to satisfy the purchase price or exercise price of a stock award. In addition, the Share Reserve will automatically increase on January 1st of each year, for a period of not more than ten years from the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company, commencing on January 1st of the year following the year in which the Effective Date occurs and ending on (and including) January 1, 2020, to an amount equal to 13% of the Fully Diluted Shares as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year and commencing on January 1, 2021 and on January 1st of each year thereafter and ending on (and including) January 1, 2027, to an amount equal to 17% of the Fully Diluted Shares as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year, or a lesser number of shares determined by our Board. The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued on the exercise of incentive stock options under our 2017 Plan as a result of this amendment will be 7,732,755.

Shares subject to awards granted under our 2017 Plan that expire or terminate without being exercised in full, or that are paid out in cash rather than in shares, do not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under our 2017 Plan. Additionally, shares become available for future grant under our 2017 Plan if they were issued under stock awards under our 2017 Plan and if we repurchase them or they are forfeited. This includes shares used to pay the exercise price of a stock award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to a stock award.

Plan Administration. Our Board, or a duly authorized committee of our Board, administers our 2017 Plan. Our Board may also delegate to one or more of our officers the authority to (1) designate employees (other than officers) to receive specified stock awards and (2) determine the number of shares subject to such stock awards. Under our 2017 Plan, our Board has the authority to determine and amend the terms of awards and underlying agreements, including:

Under the 2017 Plan, the Board also generally has the authority to effect, with the consent of any adversely affected participant:

Stock Options. Incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options are granted under stock option agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the exercise price for stock options, within the terms and conditions of the 2017 Plan, provided that the exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2017 Plan vest at the rate specified in the stock option agreement as determined by the plan administrator.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards. RSUs are granted under restricted stock unit award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. RSUs may be granted in consideration for any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to our Board and permissible under applicable law. An RSU may be settled by cash, delivery of stock, a combination of cash and stock as deemed appropriate by the plan administrator, or in any other form of consideration set forth in the RSU agreement. Additionally, dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares covered by an RSU. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, RSUs that have not vested will be forfeited once the participant’s continuous service ends for any reason.

Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted stock awards are granted under restricted stock award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. A restricted stock award may be awarded in consideration for cash, check, bank draft or money order, past services to us, or any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to our Board and permissible under applicable law. The plan administrator determines the terms and conditions of restricted stock awards, including vesting and forfeiture terms. If a participant’s service relationship with us ends for any reason, we may receive any or all of the shares of Common stock held by the participant that have not vested as of the date the participant terminates service with us through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right.

Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights are granted under stock appreciation grant agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the purchase price or strike price for a stock appreciation right, which generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our Common stock on the date of grant. A stock appreciation right granted under the 2017 Plan vests at the rate specified in the stock appreciation right agreement as determined by the plan administrator.

Performance Awards. The 2017 Plan permits the grant of performance-based stock and cash awards. Our compensation committee may structure awards so that the stock or cash will be issued or paid only following the achievement of certain pre-established performance goals during a designated performance period.

The performance goals that may be selected include one or more of the following: (i) earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); (ii) earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; (iv) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and legal settlements; (v) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, legal settlements and other income (expense); (vi) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, legal settlements, other income (expense) and stock-based compensation; (vii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, legal settlements, other income (expense), stock-based compensation and changes in deferred revenue; (viii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, legal settlements, other income (expense), stock-based compensation, other non-cash expenses and changes in deferred revenue; (ix) total stockholder return; (x) return on equity or average stockholder’s equity; (xi) return on assets, investment, or capital employed; (xii) stock price;

(xiii) margin (including gross margin); (xiv) income (before or after taxes); (xv) operating income; (xvi) operating income after taxes; (xvii) pre-tax profit; (xviii) operating cash flow; (xix) sales or revenue targets; (xx) increases in revenue or product revenue; (xxi) expenses and cost reduction goals; (xxii) improvement in or attainment of working capital levels; (xxiii) economic value added (or an equivalent metric); (xxiv) market share; (xxv) cash flow; (xxvi) cash flow per share; (xxvii) cash balance; (xxviii) cash burn; (xxix) cash collections; (xxx) share price performance; (xxxi) debt reduction; (xxxii) implementation or completion of projects or processes (including, without limitation, clinical trial initiation, new and supplemental indications for existing products, and product supply); (xxxiii) stockholders’ equity; (xxxiv) capital expenditures; (xxxv) debt levels; (xxxvi) operating profit or net operating profit; (xxxvii) workforce diversity; (xxxviii) growth of net income or operating income; (xxxix) billings; (xl) bookings; (xli) employee retention; (xlii) initiation of phases of clinical trials and/or studies by specific dates; (xliii) acquisition of new customers, including institutional accounts; (xliv) customer retention and/or repeat order rate; (xlv) number of institutional customer accounts (xlvi) budget management; (xlvii) improvements in sample and test processing times; (xlviii) regulatory milestones; (xlix) progress of internal research or clinical programs; (l) progress of partnered programs; (li) partner satisfaction; (lii) milestones related to samples received and/or tests run; (liii) expansion of sales in additional geographies or markets; (liv) research progress, including the development of programs; (lv) patient samples processed and billed; (lvi) sample processing operating metrics (including, without limitation, failure rate maximums and reduction of repeat rates); (lvii) strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property); and (lviii) and to the extent that an Award is not intended to constitute “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, other measures of performance selected by the Board.

The performance goals may be based on company-wide performance or performance of one or more business units, divisions, affiliates, or business segments, and may be either absolute or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise by the Board or committee (as applicable) (i) in the award agreement at the time the award is granted or (ii) in such other document setting forth the performance goals at the time the performance goals are established, the Board or committee (as applicable) will appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of performance goals for a performance period as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of any “extraordinary items” as determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a performance period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common stockholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under the Company’s bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles; (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles; (12) to exclude the effect of any other unusual, non-recurring gain or loss or other extraordinary item; and (13) to exclude the effects of the timing of acceptance for review and/or approval of submissions to any regulatory body. In addition, subject to certain limitations, the Board or committee (as applicable) retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due on attainment of performance goals and to define the manner of calculating the performance criteria it selects to use for such performance period. Partial achievement of the specified criteria may result in the payment or vesting corresponding to the degree of achievement as specified in the award agreement or the written terms of a performance cash award.

Other Stock Awards. The plan administrator may grant other awards based in whole or in part by reference to our common stock. The plan administrator sets the number of shares under the stock award and all other terms and conditions of such awards.

Changes to Capital Structure. In the event there is a specified type of change in our capital structure, such as a stock split, reverse stock split, or recapitalization, appropriate adjustments will be made to (1) the class and

maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan, (2) the class and maximum number of shares that may be issued on the exercise of incentive stock options, and (3) the class and number of shares and exercise price, strike price, or purchase price, if applicable, of all outstanding stock awards.

Corporate Transactions. Our 2017 Plan provides that in the event of certain specified significant corporate transactions, including: (1) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, (2) the sale or disposition of more than 90% of our outstanding securities, (3) the consummation of a merger or consolidation where we do not survive the transaction, and (4) the consummation of a merger or consolidation where we do survive the transaction but the shares of our common stock outstanding before such transaction are converted or exchanged into other property by virtue of the transaction, unless otherwise provided in an award agreement or other written agreement between us and the award holder, the administrator may take one or more of the following actions with respect to such stock awards:

The plan administrator is not obligated to treat all stock awards or portions of stock awards, even those that are of the same type, in the same manner and is not obligated to treat all participants in the same manner.

In the event of a change in control, awards granted under the 2017 Plan will not receive automatic acceleration of vesting and exercisability, although this treatment may be provided for in an award agreement. Under the 2017 Plan, a change in control is defined to include (1) the acquisition by any person or company of more than 50% of the combined voting power of our then outstanding stock, (2) a merger, consolidation, or similar transaction in which our stockholders immediately before the transaction do not own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity (or the parent of the surviving entity), (3) a sale, lease, exclusive license, or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets other than to an entity more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned by our stockholders, and (4) an unapproved change in the majority of the Board.

Transferability. A participant may not transfer stock awards under our 2017 Plan other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution, or as otherwise provided under our 2017 Plan.

Plan Amendment or Termination. Our Board has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate our 2017 Plan, provided that such action does not materially impair the existing rights of any participant without such participant’s written consent. Certain material amendments also require the approval of our stockholders. No incentive stock options may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the date our Board adopted our 2017 Plan. No stock awards may be granted under our 2017 Plan while it is suspended or after it is terminated.

The following paragraphs are a summary of the general federal income tax consequences to U.S. taxpayers and the Company of awards granted under the 2017 Plan. Tax consequences for any particular individual may be different.

Incentive Stock Options. A participant recognizes no taxable income as the result of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code (unless the participant is subject to the alternative minimum tax). If the participant exercises the option and then later sells or otherwise disposes of the shares acquired through the exercise of the option after both the two-year anniversary of the grant

date and the one-year anniversary of the exercise date, the difference between the sale price and the exercise price will be taxed as capital gain or loss. If the participant exercises the option and then later sells or otherwise disposes of the shares on or before the two- or one-year anniversaries described above (a “disqualifying disposition”), he or she generally will have ordinary income at the time of the sale equal to the fair market value of the Shares on the exercise date (or the sale price, if less) minus the exercise price of the option.

Nonstatutory Stock Options. A participant generally recognizes no taxable income on the date of grant of a nonstatutory stock option with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Upon the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, the participant generally will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Shares on the exercise date over the exercise price of the option. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon the sale of Shares acquired through the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, any subsequent gain or loss (generally based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the exercise date) will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the shares were held by the participant.

Stock Appreciation Rights. A participant generally recognizes no taxable income on the date of grant of a stock appreciation right with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Upon exercise of the stock appreciation right, the participant generally will be required to include as ordinary income an amount equal to the sum of the amount of any cash received and the fair market value of any shares received upon the exercise. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon the sale of shares acquired by an exercise of the stock appreciation right, any gain or loss (generally based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the exercise date) will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the shares were held by the participant.

Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards, and Performance Shares. A participant generally will not have taxable income at the time an award of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, or performance units is granted. Instead, he or she generally will recognize ordinary income in the first taxable year in which his or her interest in the shares underlying the award has been transferred to him or her and becomes either (i) freely transferable, or (ii) no longer subject to substantial risk of forfeiture. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. However, the recipient of a restricted stock award may elect to recognize income at the time he or she receives the award in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares underlying the award (less any cash paid for the shares) on the date the award is granted.

Section 409A. Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) provides certain requirements for non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements with respect to an individual’s deferral and distribution elections and permissible distribution events. Awards granted under the Plans with a deferral feature will be subject to the requirements of Section 409A. If an award is subject to and fails to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A, the recipient of that award may recognize ordinary income on the amounts deferred under the award, to the extent vested, which may be prior to when the compensation is actually or constructively received. Also, if an award that is subject to Section 409A fails to comply with Section 409A’s provisions, Section 409A imposes an additional 20% tax on compensation recognized as ordinary income, as well as interest on such deferred compensation.

Tax Effect for the Company. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an award under the 2017 Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by a participant and at the time the participant recognizes such income (for example, the exercise of a nonqualified stock option). However, special rules limit the deductibility of compensation paid to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other “covered employees” as determined under Section 162(m) of the Code and applicable guidance. Under Section 162(m), the annual compensation paid to any of these specified executives will be deductible only to the extent that it does not exceed $1,000,000.

THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE TAX EFFECT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UPON PARTICIPANTS AND THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO THE GRANT AND VESTING OR EXERCISE OF AWARDS UNDER THE 2017 PLAN. IT DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE

COMPLETE AND DOES NOT DISCUSS THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF A SERVICE PROVIDER’S DEATH OR THE PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE, OR NON-U.S. COUNTRY TO WHICH THE SERVICE PROVIDER MAY BE SUBJECT.

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2019 concerning our equity compensation plans:

The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of shares entitled to vote and present at the annual meeting, in person or by proxy, is required for approval of the amendment to our 2017 Plan. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the matter.

PROPOSAL NO. 2 – TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO OUR FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, TO EFFECT A REVERSE SPLIT OF OUR OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK AT A RATIO IN THE RANGE OF 1-FOR-5 to 1-FOR-30, TO BE DETERMINED AT THE DISCRETION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHEREBY EACH OUTSTANDING 5 TO 30 SHARES WOULD BE COMBINED, CONVERTED AND CHANGED INTO 1 SHARE OF OUR COMMON STOCK, TO ENABLE THE COMPANY TO COMPLY WITH THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET’S CONTINUED LISTING REQUIREMENTS

The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation currently authorizes the issuance of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. On August 21, 2020, the Company had 82,078,107 shares of common stock issued and outstanding in addition there are 423,418 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding preferred stock, 477,213 shares of common stock issuable under the Company’s equity incentive plans and 17,021,256 shares of common stock reserved pursuant to currently exercisable outstanding warrants.

The Board has unanimously approved an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse split of the Company’s common stock any time prior to the first anniversary of its approval by the stockholders at a ratio in the range of 1-for-5 to 1-for-30, to be determined at the discretion of the Board, whereby each outstanding 5 to 30 shares would be combined, converted and changed into 1 share of the Company’s common stock. A copy of the certificate of amendment for the reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment”) to the Certificate of Incorporation is attached hereto as Appendix C.

If the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment is approved by a majority of the Company’s stockholders, the Board will have discretion to determine, as it deems to be in the best interest of the Company’s stockholders, the specific ratio to be used within the range described above and the timing of the reverse stock split, which must occur any time prior to the first anniversary of its approval by the stockholders. The Board believes that stockholder approval of the range of reverse stock split ratios (as opposed to approval of a single reverse stock split ratio) provides the Board with maximum flexibility to achieve the purpose of a reverse stock split, as discussed below, and therefore is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The Board may, in its discretion, determine not to effect the reverse stock split if it determines, subsequent to obtaining stockholder approval, that such action is not in the best interests of the Company. By voting in favor of the reverse stock split, you are expressly authorizing the Board to determine not to proceed with, and abandon, the reverse stock split if it should so decide.

The Board has recommended that the proposed Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment to effect the reverse stock split be presented to the Company’s stockholders for approval.

As previously disclosed in a current report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2019, on December 17, 2019, we received a letter (the “Notice”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) advising that for 30 consecutive trading days preceding the date of the Notice, the bid price of our common stock had closed below the $1.00 per share minimum required for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The Notice has no effect on the listing of our common stock at this time, and our common stock continues to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CHFS.” Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), if during the 180 calendar day period following the date of the Notice (the “Compliance Period”), the closing bid price of our common stock is at or above $1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, we will regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement and our common stock will continue to be eligible for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, absent noncompliance with any other requirement for continued listing. The Nasdaq letter further states that if compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule cannot be demonstrated by the end of the 180-day period, we may be eligible for a second 180-day period to regain compliance. To be eligible for the second 180 day compliance period, (i) we must meet the market value of publicly held shares requirement for continued listing and all other applicable standards for initial listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market set forth in Marketplace Rule 5505 (except the bid price requirement), (ii) we must provide Nasdaq with written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency, through a reverse stock split, if necessary, and (iii) Nasdaq must determine that the Company will be able to cure

the deficiency. If we do not regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price. Requirement by the end of the Compliance Period (or the Compliance Period as may be extended) the Company’s common stock will be subject to delisting. At such time, we may appeal Nasdaq’s delisting determination.

On April 17, 2020, Nasdaq notified us that the 180-day period to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule has been extended due to the global market impact caused by COVID-19. More specifically, Nasdaq has stated that the compliance periods for any company previously notified about non-compliance are suspended effective April 16, 2020, until June 30, 2020. On July 1, 2020, companies received the balance of any pending compliance period exception to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. As a result of this extension, we were given to August 28, 2020 to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule.

At our annual meeting of stockholders, held on May 20, 2020 and adjourned to June 19, 2020 (the “Annual Meeting”), our board of directors proposed an amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock, which if implemented would increase the closing bid price of our common stock above $1.00. There were insufficient votes to pass such proposal at the Annual Meeting.

We have been monitoring the closing bid price of our common stock through the Compliance Period. We have submitted a request to Nasdaq for a 180-day extension to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

The Board is asking the stockholders to grant it the authority, at its discretion, to effect a reverse stock split, which the Board believes is an effective way to increase the minimum bid price of our common stock proportionately and put us in a position to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

The Board believes that maintaining the listing of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board believes that the delisting of the Company’s common stock from Nasdaq would impair our ability to raise additional funds and result in lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for the Company’s common stock, among other things. See “Certain Risk Factors Associated with the Reverse Stock Split” below for more information.

In determining the ratio to be used, the Board will consider various factors, including but not limited to, (i) the potential impact and anticipated benefits to the Company and its stockholders, (ii) market conditions and existing and expected market price of the Company’s common stock at such time, (iii) the number of shares that will be outstanding after the reverse stock split, (iv) the stockholders’ equity at such time, and (v) the trading volume of the Company’s common stock at such time. Our Board only intends to implement the reverse stock split to the extent it believes necessary to maintain the Company’s listing on Nasdaq for the future.

If approved and effected, the reverse stock split will automatically apply to all shares of the Company’s common stock, and each stockholder will own a reduced number of shares of the Company’s common stock. However, except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares, as described below, or as a result of adjustments to the conversion prices of certain convertible securities, as described below, the reverse stock split will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership or proportionate voting power.

Based on the Company’s capitalization as of August 21, 2020, the principal effect of the reverse stock split (at a ratio between 1-for-5 and 1-for-30), not taking into account the treatment of fractional shares described under “–Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Stock Split–Treatment of Fractional Shares” below, would be that:

The following table contains approximate information relating to our common stock immediately following the reverse stock split under certain possible exchange ratios, based on share information as of August 21, 2020. All share numbers are rounded down to the nearest whole share.

See also “Certain Risk Factors Associated with the Reverse Stock Split or Nasdaq Delisting” and “—Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Stock Split—Treatment of Fractional Shares” below for additional information regarding the potential impact of the reverse stock split.

The number of authorized shares of our common stock and preferred stock will not be diluted as a result of the reverse stock split. The common stock and preferred stock that is authorized but unissued provide the Board with flexibility to effect, among other transactions, public or private financings, acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits and the granting of equity incentive awards. However, these authorized but unissued shares may also be used by the Board, consistent with and subject to its fiduciary duties, to deter future attempts to gain control of

us or make such actions more expensive and less desirable. The Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment would continue to give our Board authority to issue additional shares from time to time without delay or further action by the stockholders except as may be required by applicable law or regulations. The Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment is not being recommended in response to any specific effort of which we are aware to obtain control of us, nor does our Board have any present intent to use the authorized but unissued common stock or preferred stock to impede a takeover attempt.

Except for the Company’s obligation to issue common stock upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants or the conversion of our outstanding shares of preferred stock, we have no specific plan, commitment, arrangement, understanding or agreement, either oral or written, regarding the issuance of common stock subsequent to the reverse stock split at this time, and we have not allocated any specific portion of the authorized number of shares to any particular purpose.

Factors such as our financial results, market conditions and the market perception of our business may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, there can be no assurance that the total market capitalization of our common stock after the proposed reverse stock split will be equal to or greater than the total market capitalization before the proposed reverse stock split or that the per share market price of our common stock following the reverse stock split will increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of common stock outstanding before the reverse stock split. A decline in the market price of our common stock after the reverse stock split may result in a greater percentage decline than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split, and the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected following such a reverse stock split.

In addition, the reverse stock split may increase the number of stockholders who own odd lots (less than 100 shares). Any stockholder who owns fewer than 500 to 3,000 shares of common stock, depending on the final ratio, prior to the reverse stock split will own fewer than 100 shares of common stock following the reverse stock split. Stockholders who hold odd lots typically experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares and may have greater difficulty in effecting sales. Furthermore, some stockholders may cease being stockholders of the Company following the reverse stock split. Any stockholder who owns fewer than 5 to 30 shares of common stock, depending on the final ratio, prior to the reverse stock split will own less than one share of common stock following the reverse stock split and therefore such stockholder will receive cash equal to the market value of such fractional share and cease being a stockholder of the Company, as further described below under “–Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Stock Split–Treatment of Fractional Shares”.

Furthermore, there can also be no assurance that the minimum bid price per share of our common stock would remain in excess of $1.00 following the reverse stock split for a sustained period of time, if at all.

On December 17, 2019, we received a letter (the “Notice”) from Nasdaq advising that for 30 consecutive trading days preceding the date of the Notice, the bid price of our common stock had closed below the $1.00 per share minimum required for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The Notice has no effect on the listing of our common stock at this time, and our common stock continues to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CHFS.” Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), if during the 180 calendar day period following the date of the Notice (the “Compliance Period”), the closing bid price of our common stock is at or above $1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, we will regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement and our common stock will continue to be eligible for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, absent noncompliance with any other requirement for continued listing.

The Nasdaq letter further states that if compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule cannot be demonstrated by the end of the 180-day period, we may be eligible for a second 180-day period to regain compliance. To be eligible for the second 180 day compliance period, (i) we must meet the market value of publicly held shares

requirement for continued listing and all other applicable standards for initial listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market set forth in Marketplace Rule 5505 (except the bid price requirement), (ii) we must provide Nasdaq with written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency, through a reverse stock split, if necessary, and (iii) Nasdaq must determine that the Company will be able to cure the deficiency. If we do not regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price. Requirement by the end of the Compliance Period (or the Compliance Period as may be extended) the Company’s common stock will be subject to delisting. At such time, we may appeal Nasdaq’s delisting determination.

On April 17, 2020, Nasdaq notified us that the 180-day period to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule has been extended due to the global market impact caused by COVID-19. More specifically, Nasdaq has stated that the compliance periods for any company previously notified about non-compliance are suspended effective April 16, 2020, until June 30, 2020. On July 1, 2020, companies received the balance of any pending compliance period exception to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. As a result of this extension, we were given to August 28, 2020 to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule.

At our Annual Meeting, our board of directors proposed an amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock, which if implemented would increase the closing bid price of our common stock above $1.00. There were insufficient votes to pass such proposal at the Annual Meeting.

We have been monitoring the closing bid price of our common stock through the Compliance Period. We have submitted a request to Nasdaq for an 180-day extension to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, although there can be no assurance that we will be granted an extension to regain compliance.

Additionally, Nasdaq has the authority, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), to delist our common stock if our stockholders’ equity falls below $2.5 million. As of December 31, 2019, our stockholders’ equity was $2.0 million, which is below Nasdaq’s stockholders’ equity requirement. Subsequent to year end, on January 28, 2020 and on August 21, 2020, we closed on underwritten public offerings, for net proceeds of approximately $8.6 million and $13.0, respectively, which effectively allows us to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum equity requirements. It is possible that our stockholders’ equity could be reduced again below $2.5 million as a result of operating losses or other reasons. If that occurs, or if we are unable to demonstrate to Nasdaq’s satisfaction that we will be able to sustain compliance with this requirement, Nasdaq may delist our common stock. In addition, even if we regain technical compliance with the stockholders’ equity requirement, we will have to continue to meet other objective and subjective listing requirements to continue to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. We are actively monitoring our stockholders’ equity and will consider any and all options available to us to maintain compliance. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to maintain compliance and meet Nasdaq’s minimum stockholders’ equity requirements.

If our common stock is delisted, our common stock would likely then trade only in the over-the-counter market. If our common stock were to trade on the over-the-counter market, selling our common stock could be more difficult because smaller quantities of shares would likely be bought and sold, transactions could be delayed, and we could face significant material adverse consequences, including: a limited availability of market quotations for our securities; reduced liquidity with respect to our securities; a determination that our shares are a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our securities to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities; a reduced amount of news and analyst coverage for our Company; and a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. These factors could result in lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for our common stock and would substantially impair our ability to raise additional funds and could result in a loss of institutional investor interest and fewer development opportunities for us.

In addition to the foregoing, if our common stock is delisted from Nasdaq and it trades on the over-the-counter market, the application of the “penny stock” rules could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and increase the transaction costs to sell those shares. The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define a “penny stock” as an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to specific exemptions. If our common stock is delisted from Nasdaq and it trades on the over-the-counter market at a price of less than $5.00 per share, our common stock would be considered a penny stock. The SEC’s penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a

standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer must also provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and the salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. In addition, the penny stock rules generally require that before a transaction in a penny stock occurs, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s agreement to the transaction. If applicable in the future, these rules may restrict the ability of brokers-dealers to sell our common stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their shares, until our common stock no longer is considered a penny stock.

Because the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock will not be reduced proportionately, the reverse stock split will increase the Board’s ability to issue authorized and unissued shares without further stockholder action. The issuance of additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock may have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and relative voting power and may cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock. We could use the shares that are available for future issuance in dilutive equity financing transactions, or to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or delay or prevent changes in control or changes in or removal of management, including transactions that are favored by a majority of the stockholders or in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices or benefit in some other manner. We may seek additional financing in the future. Other than the foregoing, we have no existing plans to issue any of the authorized, but unissued and unreserved shares, whether available as a result of the proposed reverse stock split or otherwise.

When and if the Board decides to implement the reverse stock split at any time before the first anniversary of its approval by the stockholders, the Company will promptly file the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to amend its existing Certificate of Incorporation. The reverse stock split will become effective on the date of filing the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment, which is referred to as the “reverse stock split effective date”. Beginning on the reverse stock split effective date, each certificate representing pre-reverse stock split shares will be deemed for all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of post-reverse stock split shares. The text of the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment is set forth in Appendix C to this proxy statement. The text of the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment is subject to modification to include such changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and as the Board deems necessary and advisable to effect the reverse stock split, including the applicable ratio for the reverse stock split.

After the reverse stock split effective date, our common stock will have a new CUSIP number, which is a number used to identify our securities, and stock certificates with the old CUSIP number will need to be exchanged for stock certificates with the new CUSIP number using the procedures described below.

As soon as practicable after the effective date of the reverse stock split, stockholders holding certificated shares, if any, will be notified that the reverse stock split has been effected. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, our transfer agent, will act as exchange agent for purposes of implementing the exchange of stock certificates. Holders of pre-split shares in certificated form will be asked to surrender to the exchange agent certificates representing pre-split shares in exchange for certificates representing post-split shares in accordance with the procedures to be set forth in a letter of transmittal that will be delivered to our stockholders. No new certificates will be issued to a stockholder until the stockholder has surrendered to the exchange agent his, her or its outstanding certificate(s) together with the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal.

STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY RECEIVE A TRANSMITTAL FORM FROM OUR EXCHANGE AGENT.

STOCKHOLDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROMPTLY SURRENDER CERTIFICATES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF TRANSMITTAL FORMS IN ORDER TO AVOID HAVING SHARES POSSIBLY BECOMING SUBJECT TO ESCHEAT LAWS.

Stockholders whose shares are held by their stockbroker do not need to submit old share certificates for exchange. Their accounts will automatically reflect the new quantity of shares based on the selected reverse stock split ratio. Beginning on the reverse stock split effective date, each certificate representing pre-split shares will be deemed for all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of post-split shares.

To avoid the existence of fractional shares of common stock after the reverse stock split, fractional shares that would be created as a result of the reverse stock split will be rounded down to the next whole share and the stockholder will receive cash equal to the market value of the factional share, determined by multiplying such fraction by the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock as reported on Nasdaq on the last trading day before the reverse stock split effective date (as adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Split). The ownership of a fractional interest will not give the holder any voting, dividend or other right except to receive the cash payment therefor. If a stockholder is entitled to a cash payment in lieu of any fractional share interest, a check will be mailed to the stockholder’s registered address as soon as practicable after the reverse stock split effective date. By signing and cashing the check, stockholders will warrant that they owned the shares of common stock for which they received such cash payment.

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our stockholders do not have a right to dissent and are not entitled to appraisal rights with respect to the proposed Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment to effect the reverse stock split, and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such rights.

The following discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences to the Company’s stockholders of the reverse stock split, if effected, does not purport to be a complete discussion of all of the possible U.S. federal income tax consequences and is included for general information only. It not intended as tax advice to any person and is not a comprehensive description of the tax consequences that may be relevant to each stockholder’s own particular circumstances. The discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and current administrative rulings and practices as in effect on the date of this proxy statement. Changes to the laws could alter the tax consequences described below, possibly with retroactive effect. The Company has not sought and will not seek an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split.

This discussion addresses the U.S. federal income tax consequences only to a stockholder that is (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or otherwise subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of our common stock, (iii) a trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person, or (iv) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source. This discussion addresses only those stockholders who hold their pre-reverse stock split shares as “capital assets” as defined in the Code (generally, property held for investment), and will hold the shares received in the reverse stock split as capital assets. Further, it does not address any state, local, foreign or other income tax consequences, nor does it address the tax consequences to stockholders that are subject to special tax rules, such as, without limitation, stockholders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax, banks, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, personal holding companies, stockholders who are not “United States persons” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, U.S. persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, broker-dealers, tax-exempt entities, or S corporations, partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or investors therein). If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax

purposes holds pre-reverse stock split shares of our stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner of the partnership will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership and upon certain determinations made at the partnership level. Partners in partnerships holding our common stock are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split.

No gain or loss will be recognized by a stockholder upon such stockholder’s exchange of pre-reverse stock split shares for post-reverse stock split shares pursuant to the reverse stock split, except to the extent of cash, if any, received in lieu of fractional shares, further described in “—Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares” below. The aggregate tax basis of the post-reverse stock split shares received in the reverse stock split, including any fractional share deemed to have been received, will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the pre-reverse stock split shares exchanged therefor, and the holding period of the post-reverse stock split shares will include the holding period of the pre-reverse stock split shares.

A stockholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of post-reverse stock split shares should generally be treated as having received such fractional share pursuant to the reverse stock split and then as having exchanged such fractional share for cash in a redemption of such fractional share. The amount of any gain or loss should be equal to the difference between the ratable portion of the tax basis of the pre-reverse stock split shares exchanged in the reverse stock split that is allocated to such fractional share and the cash received in lieu thereof. In general, any such gain or loss will constitute a long-term capital gain or loss if the stockholder’s holding period for such pre-reverse stock split shares exceeds one year at the time of the reverse stock split. Deductibility of capital losses by holders is subject to limitations. Depending on a stockholder’s individual facts and circumstances, it is possible that cash received in lieu of a fractional share could be treated as a distribution under Section 301 of the Code, so stockholders should consult their own tax advisors as to that possibility and the resulting tax consequences to them in that event.

The Company will not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the reverse stock split.

The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the special meeting is required for the approval of the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment to effect a reverse stock split. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the same effect as votes against the matter.

The Board has approved the submission to the stockholders of a proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the special meeting in the event that there is not a sufficient number of votes at the special meeting to approve Proposal 1 and Proposal 2. In order to permit proxies that have been timely received to be voted for such adjournments, we are submitting this proposal as a separate matter for your consideration. If it is necessary to adjourn the special meeting, the adjournment is for a period of less than 30 days and the record date remains unchanged, no notice of the time and place of the reconvened meeting will be given to stockholders, other than an announcement made at the special meeting.

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) of our common stock as of August 24, 2020 by (i) each of the directors and named executive officers, (ii) all of the directors and executive officers as a group, and (iii) to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock. As of August 24, 2020, there were 82,078,107 shares of our common stock outstanding. Unless otherwise indicated and subject to applicable community property laws, each owner has sole voting and investment powers with respect to the securities listed below.

 

The Company is unaware of any business, other than as described in this proxy statement, that may be considered at the special meeting. If any other matters should properly come before the special meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the proxies held by them in accordance with their best judgment.

To assure the presence of the necessary quorum and to vote on the matters to come before the special meeting, please promptly indicate your choices via the Internet or phone, or by mail, according to the procedures described on the proxy card. The submission of a proxy via the internet, or by mail does not prevent you from attending and voting at the special meeting.

The Company’s common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CHFS”.

 

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (such as brokers) to implement a delivery procedure called “householding.” Under this procedure, stockholders sharing an address who have been previously notified by their broker, bank or other agent and have consented to householding will receive only one copy of our proxy statement. This procedure reduces printing costs and postage fees, and helps protect the environment as well.

We expect that a number of brokers with account holders who are our stockholders will be “householding” our proxy materials. A single set of proxy materials will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from one or more of the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that it will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. Stockholders may revoke their consent at any time by contacting their broker.

Upon written or oral request, we will undertake to promptly deliver a separate copy of the proxy materials to any stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of any of those documents was delivered. To receive a separate copy of the proxy materials, you may write our Secretary at CHF Solutions, Inc., 12988 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, or call (952) 345-4200.

Any stockholders who share the same address and currently receive multiple copies of the proxy materials who wish to receive only one copy in the future can contact their bank, broker or other holder of record to request information about “householding” or our Secretary.

 

Under the rules of the SEC, if a stockholder wants us to include a proposal in our proxy statement and form of proxy for presentation at our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders (pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act), the proposal must be received by us at our principal executive offices (Secretary, CHF Solutions, Inc., 12988 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344) by the close of business on December 14, 2020. As the rules of the SEC make clear, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee that it will be included.

Any stockholder director nomination or proposal of other business intended to be presented for consideration at the 2021 annual meeting, but not intended to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy relating to such meeting (i.e. not pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act), must be received by us at the address stated above not less than 90 days and not more than 120 days before the first anniversary of the date of the 2020 annual meeting. Therefore, such notice must be received between January 20, 2021 and the close of business on February 19, 2021 to be considered timely. However, if our 2021 annual meeting occurs more than 30 days before or more than 30 days after May 20, 2021, we must receive nominations or proposals

(i) not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the date of the 2021 annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is made of the date of the 2021 annual meeting, and (ii) not earlier than the 120th day prior to the 2021 annual meeting.

The above-mentioned proposals must also be in compliance with our Bylaws and the proxy solicitation rules of the SEC and Nasdaq, including but not limited to the information requirements set forth in our Bylaws. We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with the foregoing and other applicable requirements.

 

Our Board is sending you this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at our special meeting. We have engaged The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC to assist in the solicitation of proxies and provide related advice and informational support, for a services fee and the reimbursement of customary disbursements, which are not expected to exceed $25,000 in total. In addition, our directors, officers and regular employees may solicit proxies personally, telephonically, electronically or by other means of communication, but they will not receive any additional compensation for these services. We will pay the cost of preparing, assembling, and mailing the proxy materials. We have requested brokers, banks and other nominees to send the proxy materials to, and to obtain proxies from, the beneficial owners and we will reimburse such record holders for their reasonable expenses in doing so.

 

The proxy statement and proxy card are available at www.proxyvote.com.

Your cooperation in giving this matter your immediate attention and in voting your proxies promptly is appreciated.

APPENDIX A

“In addition, the Share Reserve will automatically increase on January 1st of each year, for a period of not more than ten years from the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company, commencing on January 1st of the year following the year in which the Effective Date occurs and ending on (and including) January 1, 2020, to an amount equal to 13% of the Fully Diluted Shares as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year and commencing on January 1, 2021 and on January 1st of each year thereafter and ending on (and including) January 1, 2027, to an amount equal to 17% of the Fully Diluted Shares as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that there will be no January 1st increase in the Share Reserve for such year or that the increase in the Share Reserve for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence.”

“Incentive Stock Option Limit. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will be 7,732,755. This Section 3(c) shall not be subject to adjustment pursuant to the applicable provisions of Section 9(a)(i) of the Plan in connection with the first reverse stock split effected by the Company following October 6, 2020.”

* * *

This Option Agreement will be deemed to be signed by you upon the signing by you of the Grant Notice to which

it is attached.

Date of Exercise:          

Vesting Schedule: [    ]

Issuance Schedule: By March 15 of the Year Next Following the Year of Vesting

* * * * *

APPENDIX C