Hyperscale Data, Inc. 10-Q

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Blockchain Mining Supply and Services, Ltd. On November 28, 2018, Blockchain Mining Supply and Services, Ltd. (“Blockchain Mining”) a vendor who sold computers to our subsidiary, filed a Complaint (the “Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against us and our subsidiary, Digital Farms, Inc. (f/k/a Super Crypto Mining, Inc.), in an action captioned Blockchain Mining Supply and Services, Ltd. v. Super Crypto Mining, Inc. and DPW Holdings, Inc. , Case No. 18-cv-11099. The Complaint asserts claims for breach of contract and promissory estoppel against us and our subsidiary arising from the subsidiary’s alleged failure to honor its obligations under the purchase agreement. The Complaint seeks monetary damages in excess of $1.4 million, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. We believe that these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend them. On April 13, 2020, we and our subsidiary, jointly filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint in its entirety as against us, and the promissory estoppel claim as against our subsidiary. On the same day, our subsidiary also filed a partial Answer to the Complaint in connection with the breach of contract claim. On April 29, 2020, Blockchain Mining filed an amended complaint (the “Amended Complaint”). The Amended Complaint asserts the same causes of action and seeks the same damages as the initial Complaint. On May 13, 2020, we and our subsidiary, jointly filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint in its entirety as against us, and the promissory estoppel claim as against of our subsidiary. On the same day, our subsidiary also filed a partial Answer to the Amended Complaint in connection with the breach of contract claim. In its partial Answer, the Company’s subsidiary admitted to the validity of the contract at issue and also asserted numerous affirmative defenses concerning the proper calculation of damages. On December 4, 2020, the Court issued an Order directing the Parties to engage in limited discovery which was completed on March 4, 2021. In connection therewith, the Court also denied the previously filed motion to dismiss without prejudice. On June 2, 2021, we and our subsidiary filed a motion to dismiss (the “Motion to Dismiss”) the Amended Complaint in its entirety as against us, and the promissory estoppel claim as against the subsidiary. On August 8, 2022, the Court issued an Order denying the Motion to Dismiss, in its entirety. On September 2, 2022, the Company and its subsidiary filed an answer to the Amended Complaint and asserted numerous affirmative defenses. Based on our assessment of the facts underlying the claims, the uncertainty of litigation, and the preliminary stage of the case, we cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss or range of loss that may result from this action. Notwithstanding, we have established a reserve in the amount of the unpaid portion of the purchase agreement. An unfavorable outcome may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Ding Gu (a/k/a Frank Gu) and Xiaodan Wang Litigation On January 17, 2020, Ding Gu (a/k/a Frank Gu) (“Gu”) and Xiaodan Wang (“Wang” and with “Gu” collectively, “Plaintiffs”), filed a Complaint (the “Complaint”) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against us and our Chief Executive Officer, Milton C. Ault, III, in an action captioned Ding Gu (a/k/a Frank Gu) and Xiaodan Wang v. DPW Holdings, Inc. and Milton C. Ault III (a/k/a Milton Todd Ault III a/k/a Todd Ault) , Index No. 650438/2020. 19 The Complaint asserts causes of action for declaratory judgment, specific performance, breach of contract, conversion, attorneys’ fees, permanent injunction, enforcement of Guaranty, unjust enrichment, money had and received, and fraud arising from: (i) a series of transactions entered into between Gu and us, as well as Gu and Ault, in or about May 2019; and (ii) a term sheet entered into between Plaintiffs and DPW, in or about July 2019. The Complaint seeks, among other things, monetary damages in excess of $1.1 million, plus a decree of specific performance directing DPW to deliver unrestricted shares of DPW’s common stock to Gu, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. We believe that these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend them. On May 4, 2020, we and Ault jointly filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint in its entirety, with prejudice (the “Motion to Dismiss”). On July 28, 2021, the Court conducted oral argument (the “Oral Argument”), via Microsoft Teams, in connection with the Motion to Dismiss. During the Oral Argument, the Court informed the parties that the Court would be dismissing the fraud claim, in its entirety, and provided Plaintiffs an opportunity to amend their fraud claim within sixty days of the date of the Oral Argument. The Court reserved decision on the other causes of action. On December 14, 2021, the Court entered a Decision and Order in connection with the Motion to Dismiss (the “Order”) whereby the Court dismissed Plaintiff’s causes of action for specific performance, conversion, permanent injunction, and reiterated its prior determination that the fraud claim was also dismissed. The Court denied the Motion to Dismiss in connection with the other causes of action asserted in the Complaint. On January 26, 2022, we and Ault filed an Answer to the Complaint and asserted numerous affirmative defenses. On November 1, 2022, the parties informed the Court that they reached a settlement in principle and requested an extension of time, until November 22, 2022, to file motions for summary judgment to allow the parties time to draft formal settlement documents. The Court granted the parties’ request and the deadline for us and Mr. Ault to file their summary judgment is November 22, 2022. Based on our assessment of the facts underlying the above claims, the uncertainty of litigation, and the preliminary stage of the case, we cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss or range of loss that may result from this action. An unfavorable outcome may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Subpoena The Company and certain affiliates and related parties have received several subpoenas from the SEC for the production of documents and testimony. The Company is fully cooperating with this non-public, fact-finding inquiry and management believes that the Company has operated its business in compliance with all applicable laws. The subpoenas expressly provide that the inquiry is not to be construed as an indication by the Commission or its staff that any violations of the federal securities laws have occurred, nor should they be considered a reflection upon any person, entity or security. However, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of this matter. Other Litigation Matters The Company is involved in litigation arising from other matters in the ordinary course of business. We are regularly subject to claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings involving labor and employment, commercial disputes, and other matters. Such claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings could result in fines, civil penalties, or other adverse consequences. Certain of these outstanding matters include speculative, substantial or indeterminate monetary amounts. We record a liability when we believe that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, we disclose the reasonably possible loss. We evaluate developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued, and the matters and related reasonably possible losses disclosed, and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both likelihood of there being and the estimated amount of a loss related to such matters. 20 With respect to our other outstanding matters, based on our current knowledge, we believe that the amount or range of reasonably possible loss will not, either individually or in aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the outcome of such matters is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties.