the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
As of July 28, 2023, we had a total of 261,050,255 shares of our common stock outstanding. Any shares held by our affiliates, as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act (“Rule 144”), including our directors, executive officers and other affiliates, may be sold in the public market only if they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to an exemption from registration such as Rule 144. In addition, Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. may, after pricing, hedge its position in our common stock by offering and selling our common stock, from time to time, pursuant to block sales, on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or in negotiated transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices and by short selling shares of our common stock, which such shares will not be subject to lock-up agreements as set forth herein and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
In addition, we also have outstanding options to purchase our common stock. To the extent that these options are exercised, there will be further dilution. We have filed a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering all of the common stock subject to outstanding equity awards, as well as options and shares reserved for future issuance, under our stock incentive plans. These shares may be freely sold in the public market upon issuance and vesting, unless they are held by “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144. Sales of a substantial number of these shares could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
In the future, we may also issue our securities in connection with investments or acquisitions. The amount of shares of our common stock issued in connection with an investment or acquisition could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding shares of our common stock. Any issuance of additional securities in connection with investments or acquisitions may result in additional dilution.
There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock, and our indebtedness could limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.
Payment of cash dividends on our common stock is subject to our compliance with applicable law and depends on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, level of indebtedness, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, business prospects and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is limited by covenants in our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our senior notes and may be further restricted by the terms of any future debt or preferred securities. Furthermore, our decision to pay dividends is impacted by results of operations and available cash. Although we have paid cash dividends in the past, there can be no assurance that we will continue to pay any dividend in the future. For more information, see “Dividend Policy” in this prospectus supplement.
If securities or industry research analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about our business or if they issue unfavorable commentary or downgrade our common stock, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock relies in part on the research and reports that securities and industry research analysts publish about us, our industry, our competitors and our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. Our share price and trading volumes could decline if one or more securities or industry analysts downgrade our common stock, issue unfavorable commentary about us, our industry or our business, cease to cover our company or fail to regularly publish reports about us, our industry or our business.
We may issue preferred stock the terms of which could adversely affect the voting power or value of our common stock.
Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences,
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