Gulf Resources, Inc PRE 14A, filed Jul 16, 2025
Gulf Resources, Inc. (GURE)
FUNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
| ☒ | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
| ☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| ☐ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Gulf Resources, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| ☒ | No fee required. | |
| ☐ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
| (1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: | |
| (2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: | |
| (3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): | |
| (4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: | |
| (5) | Total fee paid: | |
| ☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
| ☐ | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
| (1) | Amount Previously Paid: | |
| (2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: | |
| (3) | Filing Party: | |
| (4) | Date Filed: | |
GULF RESOURCES, INC.
Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700
The People’s Republic of China
_________________________
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
to be held on September 4, 2025
_________________________
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF Gulf Resources, Inc.:
The Annual Meeting of the stockholders of Gulf Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Company”), will be held on September 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (local time), at the company’s headquarters located at Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700, the People’s Republic of China, for the following purposes:
| 1. | To elect seven directors named in the Proxy Statement, to hold office for a one-year term or until their successors are elected and qualified; |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of GGF CPA LTD., independent public accountants, as the auditor of the Company for the fiscal year 2025; |
| 3. | To approve a reverse split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0005 (the “Common Stock”) on the basis of one (1) share for every two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, so that two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock before the reverse stock split shall represent one (1) share of Common Stock after the reverse stock split; |
| 4. | To approve the Gulf Resources Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan; |
| 5. | To conduct an advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed under the caption Election of Directors – Executive Compensation; and |
| 6. | To transact any other business as may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
Stockholders of record of the Company’s Common Stock at the close of business on July 18, 2025 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
1
Your attention is directed to the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice for a more complete statement of matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Whether or not you expect to attend, you are respectfully requested by the Board of Directors to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy promptly, or follow the instructions contained in the Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials to vote on the Internet. Stockholders who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them at any time prior to the voting thereof. If you received this proxy statement in the mail, a return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. YOU ARE REQUESTED TO CAREFULLY READ THE PROXY STATEMENT. PLEASE VOTE ON THE INTERNET. IF THIS PROXY STATEMENT WAS MAILED TO YOU, COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. YOU MAY ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING TO VOTE IN PERSON.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Xiaobin Liu
Xiaobin Liu
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dated: , 2025
2
GULF RESOURCES, INC.
Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700
The People’s Republic of China
_________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
for
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held on September 4, 2025
_________________________
INTRODUCTION
Your proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Gulf Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on September 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (local time) Beijing Standard Time (the “Annual Meeting”), at the company’s headquarters located at Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700, the People’s Republic of China, for the following purposes:
| 1. | To elect seven directors named in the Proxy Statement, to hold office for a one-year term or until their successors are elected and qualified; |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of GGF CPA LTD., independent public accountants, as the auditor of the Company for the fiscal year 2025; |
| 3. | To approve a reverse split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0005 (the “Common Stock”) on the basis of one (1) share for every two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, so that two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock before the reverse stock split shall represent one (1) share of Common Stock after the reverse stock split; |
| 4. | To approve the Gulf Resources Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan; |
| 5. | To conduct an advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed under the caption Election of Directors – Executive Compensation; and |
| 6. | To transact any other business as may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
The Board of Directors set July 18, 2025 as the record date (the “Record Date”) to determine those holders of common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”), who are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. A list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting may be examined at the Company’s office at Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700, the People’s Republic of China.
On or about July 29, 2025, the Company shall mail to all stockholders of record, as of the Record Date, a Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”). Please carefully review the Notice for information on how to access the Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, proxy card and Annual Report on www.proxyvote.com, in addition to instructions on how you may request to receive a paper or email copy of these documents. There is no charge to you for requesting a paper copy of these documents.
3
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING
Who can vote?
You can vote your shares of Common Stock if our records show that you owned the shares on the Record Date. As of the close of business on the Record Date, a total of 13,346,618 shares of Common Stock are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on matters presented at the Annual Meeting.
How do I vote by proxy?
If you have received a printed copy of these materials by mail, you may simply complete, sign and return your proxy card in the mail. If you did not receive a printed copy of these materials by mail and are accessing them on the Internet, you may simply follow the instructions below to submit your proxy on the Internet.
What if I received a Notice of Availability of proxy materials?
In accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials to each stockholder of record, we may now furnish proxy materials to our stockholders on the Internet. If you received a Notice by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials. Instead, the Notice will instruct you as to how you may access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials. The Notice also instructs you as to how you may submit your proxy on the Internet. If you received a Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, including a proxy card, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice.
If I am a stockholder of record, how do I cast my vote?
If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. We will give you a ballot when you arrive.
If you do not wish to vote in person or you will not be attending the Annual Meeting, you may vote by proxy. If you received a printed copy of these proxy materials by mail, you may vote by proxy using the enclosed proxy card, complete, sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the envelope provided.
If you received a Notice by mail, you may vote by proxy over the Internet by going to www.proxyvote.com to complete an electronic proxy card.
If you vote by proxy, your vote must be received by 12:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time on September 3, 2025 to be
counted.
We provide Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares on-line, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.
What if other matters come up at the Annual Meeting?
The matters described in this proxy statement are the only matters we know of that will be voted on at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are properly presented at the meeting, the proxy holders will vote your shares as they see fit.
4
Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?
Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting in any of three ways:
· by submitting written notice revoking your proxy card to the Secretary of the Company;
· by submitting another proxy via the Internet or by mail that is later dated and, if by mail, that is properly signed; or
· by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
Can I vote in person at the Annual Meeting rather than by completing the proxy card?
Although we encourage you to complete and return the proxy card or vote by proxy on the Internet to ensure that your vote is counted, you can attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares in person.
How are votes counted?
We will hold the Annual Meeting if holders representing a majority of the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote in person or by proxy either sign and return their proxy cards, submit their proxy on the Internet, or attend the meeting. If you sign and return your proxy card, or submit your proxy on the Internet, your shares will be counted to determine whether we have a quorum even if you abstain or fail to vote on any of the proposals listed on the proxy card.
The election of directors under Proposal 1 will be approved by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of Common Stock, represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
Proposal 2 shall be approved upon the vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. An abstention with respect to Proposal 2 will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” such proposal.
Proposal 3 shall be approved upon the affirmative vote of the majority of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the record date. Abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to Proposal 3 will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” such proposal.
Proposal 4 shall be approved upon the vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. Abstention and broker non-votes with respect to Proposal 4 will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” such proposal.
The advisory vote pursuant to Proposal 5 is not binding on the Company, the Board of Directors or management. A majority of votes cast is necessary for approval of executive compensation. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on Proposals 5.
Who pays for this proxy solicitation?
We do. In addition to sending you these materials and posting them on the Internet, some of our employees may contact you by telephone, by mail, by fax, by email, or in person. None of these employees will receive any extra compensation for doing this. We may reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians for their reasonable out-of-pocket costs in forwarding these proxy materials to stockholders.
Why are we seeking stockholder approval for these proposals?
Proposal No. 1: The Nevada Revised Statutes, as amended and the NASDAQ Stock Market require corporations to hold elections for directors each year.
Proposal No. 2: The Company appointed GGF CPA LTD. to serve as the Company’s independent auditors for the 2025 fiscal year. The Company elects to have its stockholders ratify such appointment.
Proposal No. 3: The Nevada Revised Statutes require corporations to obtain shareholder approval to amend its articles of incorporation to effect the split.
Proposal No. 4: The Nevada Revised Statutes and the NASDAQ Stock Market require corporations to obtain shareholder approval to adopt or materially amend equity incentive plan.
Proposal No. 5: The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), provides an advisory vote by stockholders to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers.
5
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Common Stock, as of the Record Date of the meeting, by each of Company’s directors and executive officers; all executive officers and directors as a group, and each person known to Company to own beneficially more than 5% of Company’s Common Stock. Except as otherwise noted, the persons identified have sole voting and investment powers with respect to their shares. As of July 15, 2025, there were 13,346,618 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding.
| Name of Beneficial Owner (1) | Number of Shares | Percent of Class | ||||||||
| Xiaobin Liu (CEO and Chairman) | 138,115 | (2 | ) | 1.0 | % | |||||
| Yibo Yang (Director) | — | — | ||||||||
| Min Li (CFO) | 138,115 | (2 | ) | 1.0 | % | |||||
| Naihui Miao (COO) | 138,115 | (2 | ) | 1.0 | % | |||||
| Shengwei Ma (Director) | 4,000 | (3 | ) | * | ||||||
| Yang Zou (Director) | 6,000 | (4 | ) | * | ||||||
| Shitong Jiang (Director) | 6,000 | (5 | ) | * | ||||||
| Dongshan Wang (Director) | 3,000 | (6 | ) | * | ||||||
| Qiang Liu (Director Nominee) | — | — | ||||||||
| All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (nine persons) | 433,345 | 3.2 | % | |||||||
| Wenxiang Yu | 1,015,945 | (7 | ) | 7.6 | % | |||||
| Shandong Haoyuan Industry Group Ltd. | 824,947 | (7 | ) | 6.2 | % | |||||
| Ming Yang | 1,985,675 | (8 | ) | 14.9 | % | |||||
_______________
* Less than 1%.
(1) The address of each director and executive officer is c/o Gulf Resources, Inc., Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province, 262700, the People’s Republic of China.
| (2) | Consists of 138,115 shares held by each individual. |
| (3) | Consists of 4,000 shares held by Mr. Ma. |
| (4) | Consists of 6,000 shares held by Mr. Zou. |
| (5) | Consists of 6,000 shares held by Mr. Jiang. |
| (6) | Consists of 3,000 shares held by Mr. Wang. |
(7) The address of the shareholder is c/o Gulf Resources, Inc., Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province, 262700, the People’s Republic of China. Chen Yang serves as the General Manager, and owns 82% equity interest, of Shandong Haoyuan Industry Group Ltd.
(8) Consists of 634,770 shares owned by Ming Yang, 1,015,945 shares owned by Ms. Wenxiang Yu, the wife of Mr. Yang, 334,960 shares owned by Mr. Zhi Yang, Mr. Yang’s son. Mr. Yang disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by his wife and son.
6
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has nominated seven (7) persons identified below for election as directors, to serve until the next annual meeting and their successors have been elected and qualified. If any nominee becomes unavailable for election, which is not expected, the persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote for any substitute whom the Board of Directors nominates.
|
Name |
Age |
Other positions with Company; other directorships held in last five years |
Has served as Company director since | ||||
|
Xiaobin Liu |
57 |
Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
March 2009 | ||||
| Naihui Miao | 57 | Secretary, Chief Operating Officer and Director | January 2006 | ||||
| Yibo Yang | 46 | Director | October 2023 | ||||
| Qiang Liu (1)(3) | 48 | Independent Director | — | ||||
| Shengwei Ma(1)(2) | 57 | Independent Director | December 2019 | ||||
|
Shitong Jiang (1)(2)(3) |
57 |
Independent Director |
April 2008 | ||||
|
Dongshan Wang(2)(3) |
59 |
Independent Director |
November 2023 |
| (1) | Serves/will serve as a member of the Audit Committee. |
| (2) | Serves as a member of the Compensation Committee. |
| (3) | Serves/will serve as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. |
Apart from Mr. Qiang Liu, each of the nominees is currently a director of the Company and was elected at the 2024 Annual Meeting to hold office until the 2025 Annual Meeting and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified. Biographical and related information on each nominee is set forth below.
Xiaobin Liu, Chief Executive Officer and Director – Mr. Liu was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company on March 10, 2009, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company in November 30, 2023. Mr. Liu joined the Company as Vice President in December 2007. He has served as the Director of Sanya Kangyangnian Health Management Co. LTD since March, 2021. He has served as Chairman of Chengdu Philosopher's Stone Culture Media Co. LTD since August 2018. He served as Chairman of China Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (Cayman) Inc. from 2011 to 2017. He currently serves as a director of China Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (Cayman) Inc. Before he joined the Company, Mr. Liu served as project manager of Shenzhen Guangshen Accounting Firm from January 2007 to November 2007; the department manager of Hainan Zhongou Accounting Firm from January 2003 to December 2006; the CFO (equivalent of Vice President) of Dasheng Real Estate Development Company, which is the subsidiary of Saige Dasheng Co., Ltd from May 2002 to November 2002; the CFO of Shenzhen Securities Department of Hainan Saige International Trust Investment Company from May 2000 to August 2004; and the financial manager of Hainan Wanquanyuan Hot Spring Tourism Development Co., Ltd from 1995 to 2000. During this time, he also was the CFO of Qionghai City Guantang Hotspring Leisure Center, the CFO of Qionghai City Wanquanhe Agricultural Development Co., Ltd, the CFO of Qionghai Wanquanhe Hotspring Tourist Development Property Management Co., Ltd, and the CFO of Qionghai Guantangyuzhuang Resort Co., Ltd. Prior to that, Mr. Liu worked in the financial department of Hainan Jinyuan Industrial Co., Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Chinese Black Metal Limited Company Northwest Branch from 1992 to 1995, and the financial department of Shanxi Aircraft Manufacturing Company from 1988 to 1992. Mr. Liu earned a master degree from the Economic and Management School at Hong Kong City University.
7
Naihui Miao, Secretary, Chief Operating Officer and Director – Since January 2006, Mr. Miao has served as Director, Vice President and Secretary and, since July, 2009, as Chief Operating officer of the Company. Mr. Miao is in charge of sales, human resource and business management of the Company. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Miao served as Vice President of Shouguang City Yuxin Chemical Company Limited as the deputy general manager. From 1991 to 2005, Mr. Miao served as a Manager and then Vice President of Shouguang City Commercial Trading Center Company Limited. He was the director of Shouguang Business Trade Center since 1986. He has served as Supervisor of Chengdu Philosopher's Stone Culture Media Co. LTD since August 2018.
Yibo Yang, Director – Mr. Yang has served as Director of the Company since November 30, 2023. Mr. Yang has worked at Shouguang Haoyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. since 2009 and currently serves as the deputy general manager of Shouguang Haoyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. Mr. Yang is a 18% shareholder of Shandong Haoyuan Industrial Group. Since December 2020, Mr. Yang has served as the deputy general manager of Shandong Haoyuan Industrial Group. Since July 2023, Mr. Yang has served as the executive director and the managing director for Shouguang City Yuxin Chemical Company Limited. Since June 2023, Mr. Yang has served as the supervisor of Shandong Caiting Lighting Technology Co., Ltd. Mr. Yang holds a Diploma in economic management from Shandong University of Technology.
Qiang Liu, Independent Director Nominee –Mr. Liu has been nominated to serve as Director of the Company. Mr. Liu has served as Chief Financial Officer of Shandong Yijia Agricultural Chemicals Co., Ltd. since 2010. Prior to this role, Mr. Liu served as Director of Business Department One at Shandong Zhongcheng Certified Public Accountants Co., Ltd. from 2005 to 2010, and as Chief Accountant at Dongguan Shijie Town Liuwudong Juji Electromechanical Company from 2001 to 2005. Mr. Liu is a Certified Public Accountant and holds extensive experience of nearly 30 years in financial management and auditing. Mr. Liu graduated from Dalian University of Technology with a bachelor's degree in 2001.
Shitong Jiang, Independent Director – Mr. Jiang has served as Director of the Company since April 23, 2008. Mr. Jiang is Chief of the Shouguang City Audit Bureau, Shandong Province, has been with the Audit bureau since 1990. During his career at the Shouguang City Audit Bureau he has held multiple positions including, Auditing Officer and Audit Section Deputy Chief. The Shouguang City Audit Bureau is responsible for the independent audit supervision of the affairs of the government. From 1987 to 1990 Mr. Jiang attended Shandong Financial Institution.
Dongshan Wang, Independent Director – Mr. Wang has served as Director of the Company since November 30, 2023. Mr. Wang has served as the vice president and the chief financial officer of Central China Headquarters of Anliang Holding Group since April 2018. Mr. Wang is an International Certified Public accountant, and he holds a national Chief accountant (CFO) qualification certificate. Mr. Wang graduated from Zhengzhou College of Light Industry majored in financial management in 1988.
Shengwei Ma, Independent Director – Mr. Ma has served as Director since December 18, 2019. Mr. Ma has served as Department Manager of Shouguang City Urban Construction and Investment Group since March 2012. Mr. Ma holds a Senior Accountant Certificate. Mr. Ma graduated from Central Broadcasting and Television University with bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2004.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among our executive officers, directors and significant employees.
8
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, there have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments, injunctions, orders or decrees material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any director, executive officer, promoter or control person of our Company during the past ten years.
Board Operations
Mr. Xiaobin Liu holds the positions of chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of the Company. The Board believes that Mr. Liu’s services as both chief executive officer and chairman of the Board is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. Mr. Liu possesses detailed and in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the Company in its industries and businesses and is thus best positioned to develop agendas that ensure the Board’s time and attention are focused on the most critical matters relating to the business of the Company. His combined role enables decisive leadership, ensures clear accountability, and enhances the Company’s ability to communicate its message and strategy clearly and consistently to the Company’s shareholders, employees and customers.
The Board has not designated a lead director. Given the limited number of directors comprising the Board, the independent directors call and plan their executive sessions collaboratively and, between meetings of the Board, communicate with management and one another directly. Under these circumstances, the directors believe designating a lead director to take on responsibility for functions in which they all currently participate might detract from rather than enhance performance of their responsibilities as directors.
The Board of Directors held 4 meetings during 2024. During 2024, no director attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and Board committees of which the director was a member.
Director Qualifications
The Company seeks directors with established strong professional reputations and experience in areas relevant to the strategy and operations of our businesses. The Company also seeks directors who possess the qualities of integrity and candor, who have strong analytical skills and who are willing to engage management and each other in a constructive and collaborative fashion, in addition to the ability and commitment to devote time and energy to service on the Board and its committees. We believe that all of our directors and director nominee meet the foregoing qualifications.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board believe that the leadership skills and other experience of the Board members, as described below, provide the Company with a range of perspectives and judgment necessary to guide our strategies and monitor their execution.
Xiaobin Liu was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Director on March 10, 2009, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors on November 30, 2023. Mr. Liu has years of experience in capital markets, financial and business management, and strategic planning and development.
Naihui Miao Since January 2006, Mr. Miao has served as Director, Secretary and Vice President of the Company. He is in charge of sales, human resource and business management. Mr. Miao has years of experience in the chemical industry, business operations and management, and strategic planning and development..
Yibo Yang was appointed as a Director since November 30, 2024. Mr. Yang has been in the chemical industry for more than ten years. Mr. Yang contributes to the Board’s vision for the development of the Company.
Yang Zou was appointed as a Director on March 2, 2011. Mr. Zou has served as the Vice Director of Beijing Zhongtianhuamao Accounting Firm (General Partnership) since July 1, 2016. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds the certificate of Certified Internal Auditor. Mr. Zou has extensive experience in auditing and accounting related matters.
Qiang Liu has served as Chief Financial Officer of Shandong Yijia Agricultural Chemicals Co., Ltd. since 2010. Mr. Liu is a Certified Public Accountant and holds extensive experience of nearly 30 years in financial management and auditing.
Shitong Jiang was appointed as a Director on April 23, 2008. Mr. Jiang is Chief of the Shouguang City Audit Bureau, Shandong Province. He has been with the Audit Bureau since 1990. Mr. Jiang has extensive experience in auditing and management related matters.
Dongshan Wang was appointed as an Independent Director on October 30, 2023. Mr. Wang has vast experience in management, finance, and accounting-related matters.
9
Shengwei Ma was appointed as a Director on December 18, 2019. Mr. Ma holds a Senior Accountant Certificate. Mr. Ma has extensive experience in financial, accounting and management related matters.
Code of Ethics
The Board has adopted a code of ethics applicable to Company’s directors, officers, and employees. The code of ethics is available at Company’s website, www.gulfresourcesinc.com.
Board Meetings
The Board of Directors and its committees held the following number of meetings during 2024:
| Board of Directors | 4 |
| Audit Committee | 4 |
| Compensation Committee | 1 |
|
Nominating Committee |
1 |
Board Committees
Our board of directors has established standing committees in connection with the discharge of its responsibilities. These committees include an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Our board of directors has adopted written charters for each of these committees. Copies of the charters are available on our website at www.gulfresourcesinc.com. Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the results and scope of the audit, and other services provided by our independent auditors, and reviewing and evaluating our system of internal controls. Mr. Jiang is the Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act, and the chair of the Audit Committee. Our Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Jiang, Liu and Ma are “independent directors” within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, as determined based upon the criteria for “independence” set forth in the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is responsible for (a) reviewing and providing recommendations to the Board of Directors on matters relating to employee compensation and benefit plans, and (b) assisting the Board in determining the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of the Chief Financial Officer, other executive officers of the Company and independent directors. Dongshan Wang, Shitong Jiang and Shengwei Ma are current members of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter. Mr. Wang is the Chairman of Compensation Committee.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our Board of Directors established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in June 2009. The purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to assist our Board of Directors in identifying qualified individuals to become board members, in determining the composition of the Board of Directors and in monitoring the process to assess board effectiveness. Dongshan Wang, Shitong Jiang and Yang Zou are current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Qiang Liu will replace Yang Zou as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee once Mr. Liu is elected. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operates under a written charter. Mr. Jiang is the Chairman of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
10
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by security holders. Potential nominees to the Board of Directors are required to have such experience in business or financial matters as would make such nominee an asset to the Board of Directors and may, under certain circumstances, be required to be “independent”, as such term is defined under Rule 5605 of the listing standards of NASDAQ and applicable SEC regulations. Security holders wishing to submit the name of a person as a potential nominee to the Board of Directors must send the name, address, and a brief (no more than 500 words) biographical description of such potential nominee to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at the following address: Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors, c/o Gulf Resources, Inc., Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City , Shandong Province, the People’s Republic of China. Potential director nominees will be evaluated by personal interview, such interview to be conducted by one or more members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and/or any other method the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee deems appropriate, which may, but needs not, include a questionnaire. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may solicit or receive information concerning potential nominees from any source it deems appropriate. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee need not engage in an evaluation process unless (i) there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors, (ii) a director is not standing for re-election, or (iii) the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not intend to recommend the nomination of a sitting director for re- election. Although it has not done so in the past, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may retain search firms to assist in identifying suitable director candidates.
The Board does not have a formal policy on Board candidate qualifications. The Board may consider those factors it deems appropriate in evaluating director nominees made either by the Board or stockholders, including judgment, skill, strength of character, experience with businesses and organizations comparable in size or scope to the Company, experience and skill relative to other Board members, and specialized knowledge or experience. Depending upon the current needs of the Board, certain factors may be weighed more or less heavily. In considering candidates for the Board, the directors evaluate the entirety of each candidate’s credentials and do not have any specific minimum qualifications that must be met. “Diversity,” as such, is not a criterion that the Committee considers. The directors will consider candidates from any reasonable source, including current Board members, stockholders, professional search firms or other persons. The directors will not evaluate candidates differently based on who has made the recommendation.
Stockholder Communications
Stockholders can mail communications to the Board of Directors, c/o Secretary, Gulf Resources, Inc., Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province, the People’s Republic of China 262700, who will forward the correspondence to each addressee.
11
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Company’s directors and executive officers and any beneficial owner of more than 10% of any class of Company equity security to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and furnish copies of the reports to Company. Based solely on the Company’s review of copies of such forms and written representations by Company’s executive officers and directors received by it, Company believes that during 2024, all such reports were filed timely.
Executive Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This compensation discussion describes the overall compensation practices at the Company and specifically describes the compensation for the following named executive officers (“Named Executive Officers”):
| · | Xiaobin Liu, Chief Executive Officer |
| · | Min Li, Chief Financial Officer |
| · | Naihui Miao, Chief Operating Officer |
12
The Board of Directors appointed the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors to evaluate and determine the compensation programs of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our primary goal with respect to our compensation programs has been to attract and retain the most talented and dedicated employees in key positions in order to compete effectively in the market place, successfully execute our growth strategies, and create lasting shareholder value. The Compensation Committee evaluates both individual and Company performance when determining the compensation of our executives. The Compensation Committee believes that a significant portion of our executive’s total compensation should be at-risk compensation that is linked to stock-based incentives to align their interests with those of shareholders.
Additionally, the Compensation Committee has determined that an executive officer who is a Chinese national and is based in China will be entitled to a locally competitive package and an executive officer who is an expatriate or who is based in the U.S. will be paid a salary commensurate with those paid to the executives in the U.S. The Compensation Committee evaluates the appropriateness of the compensation programs annually and may make adjustments after taking account the subjective evaluation described previously.
We apply our compensation policies consistently for determining compensation of our Chief Executive Officer as we do with the other executives. The Compensation Committee assesses the performance of our Chief Executive Officer annually and determines the base salary and incentive compensation of our chief executive officer.
Our Chief Executive Officer is primarily responsible for the assessment of our other executive officers’ performance.
Ultimately, it is the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of the chief executive officer’s assessment along with competitive market data that determines each executive’s total compensation.
Elements of Our Executive Compensation Programs
Base Salary. All full time executives are paid a base salary. Base salaries for our named executives are set based on their professional qualifications and experiences, education background, scope of their responsibilities, taking into account competitive market compensation levels paid by other similar sized companies for similar positions and reasonableness and fairness when compared to other similar positions of responsibility within the Company. Base salaries are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee, and may be adjusted annually as needed.
Annual Bonuses. The Company does not pay guaranteed annual bonuses to our executives or to employees at any level because we emphasize pay-for-performance. The Compensation Committee determines cash bonuses towards the end of each fiscal year to award our executive officers including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer based upon a subjective assessment of the Company’s overall performance and the contributions of the executive officers during the relevant period.
13
Equity Incentive Compensation. A key element of our pay-for-performance philosophy is our reliance on performance-based equity awards through the Company’s stock option plan. This program aligns executives’ and shareholders’ interests by providing executives an ownership stake in the Company. Our Compensation Committee has the authority to award equity incentive compensation, i.e. stock options, to our executive officers in such amounts and on such terms as the Compensation Committee determines in its sole discretion. The Compensation Committee reviews each executive’s individual performance and his or her contribution to our strategic goals and determines the amount of stock options to be awarded towards the end of the fiscal year. The Compensation Committee grants equity incentive compensation at times when there are not material non-public information to avoid timing issues and the appearance that such awards are made based on any such information. The exercise price is the closing market price on the date of the grant.
Other Compensation. We provide our executives with certain other benefits, including reimbursement of business and entertainment expenses, health insurance, vacation and sick leave plan. The Compensation Committee in its discretion may revise, amend or add to the officer’s executive benefits as it deems necessary. We believe that these benefits are typically provided to senior executives of similar companies in China and in the U.S.
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation of the named executive officers for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2024.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMPENSATION TABLE
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus($) | Stock Awards($) | Option Awards$(1) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xiaobin Liu | 2023 | — | — | 61,200 | (1) | — | — | — | — | 61,200 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEO | 2024 | — | — | — | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Min Li | 2023 | 16,943 | — | 61,200 | (1) | — | — | — | — | 78,143 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CFO | 2024 | 16,693 | — | — | (1) | — | — | — | — | 16,693 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Naihui Miao | 2023 | 16,943 | — | 61,200 | (1) | — | — | — | — | 78,143 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COO | 2024 | 16,693 | — | — | (1) | — | 16,693 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) 718 – “Compensation - Stock Compensation.”
Except as disclosed below under the caption “Compensation of Directors,” we have not paid or accrued any fees to any of our executive directors for serving as a member of our Board of Directors. We do not have any retirement, pension, profit sharing or insurance or medical reimbursement plans covering our officers and directors. Our executive officers are reimbursed by us for any out- of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities conducted on our behalf. There is no limit on the amount of these out-of- pocket expenses and there will be no review of the reasonableness of such expenses by anyone other than our Board of Directors, which includes persons who may seek reimbursement, or a court of competent jurisdiction if such reimbursement is challenged.
14
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The Company did not grant any shares of our Common Stock to each of our named executive officers, under Company’s 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, during fiscal year 2024.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Future Payouts | Estimated Future Payouts | Option Awards: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Grant Date | Threshold | Target | Maximum | Threshold | Target | Maximum | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stocks or Units | Number of Securities Underlying Options | Exercise or Base Price of Option Award($) | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Options ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xiaobin Liu, CEO | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Min Li, CFO | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Naihui Miao, COO | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Narrative Discussion
The following employment agreements were entered into by the Company and the named executive officers:
Xiaobin Liu
The employment agreement for Xiaobin Liu to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company was renewed on June 1, 2025 with a term of three years. Xiaobin Liu is also a member of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Liu’s service shall be compensated in the Company's shares only under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
Min Li
The employment agreement for Min Li to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company was renewed on January 1, 2025 with a term of one year. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Li shall receive annual cash compensation equal to approximately $18,500 subject to changes in the foreign exchange rate and market conditions and be compensated in the Company’s shares under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
Naihui Miao
The employment agreement for Naihui Miao to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Company was renewed on June 1, 2025 with a term of three years. Mr. Miao is also a member of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Miao shall receive annual cash compensation equal to approximately $18,500 subject to changes in the foreign exchange rate and market conditions, and be compensated in the Company’s shares under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
In addition, each of our named executive officers is entitled to participate in any and all benefit plans from time to time, in effect for employees, along with vacation, sick and holiday pay in accordance with policies established and in effect from time to time.
Assuming the employment of the Company’s named executive officers was to be terminated without cause or for good reason or in the event of change in control, as of December 31, 2024, the following individuals would have been entitled to payments in the amounts set forth opposite to their name in the below table:
| Name | Cash Payment | |||
| Xiaboin Liu | $ | 0 | ||
| Min Li | $ | 0 | ||
| Naihui Miao | $ | 0 | ||
15
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2024 Year-End
The following table sets forth, for each named executive officer, information regarding unexercised stock options, unvested stock awards, and equity incentive plan awards outstanding as of December 31, 2024.
(1) Represents the shares of Common Stock granted, which are subject to the Awardee’s continued service with the Company, the shares of Restricted Stock shall vest immediately, no longer be subject to restrictions and become transferable pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth aggregate information with respect to each named executive officer regarding the exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, and similar instruments and the vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar instruments, for fiscal 2024.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
| OPTION AWARDS | STOCK AWARDS | |||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares Acquired on | Value Realized on | Number of Shares Acquired | Value Realized on | |||||||||||||
| Name | Exercise (#) | Exercise ($) | on Vesting (#) | Vesting ($) | ||||||||||||
| Xiaobin Liu, CEO | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Min Li, CFO | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Naihui Miao, COO | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
16
Pension Benefits Table
The Company does not provide to any of its named executive officers any plans that provide for payments or other benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement.
Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans Table
None of our named executive officers had any non-qualified defined contribution or other plan that provides for the deferral of compensation, for fiscal 2024.
Compensation of Directors
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation of each director, excluding our executive directors, Xiaobin Liu and Naihui Miao, who do not receive compensation in their capacity as executive directors, for fiscal year 2024.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
| Change in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Equity | Nonqualified | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees Earned | Stock | Option | Incentive Plan | Deferred | All Other | |||||||||||||||||||
| or Paid in | Awards | Awards | Compensation | Compensation | Compensation | |||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Cash ($) | ($)(1) | $ | ($) | Earnings ($) | ($) Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ming Yang | $ | — | — | — | — | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Yibo Yang | 10,016 | — | — | — | — | 10,016 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shitong Jiang | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Yang Zou | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tengfei Zhang | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shengwei Ma | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dongshan Wang | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in accordance with FASB ASC 718 – “Compensation – Stock Compensation.”
Pursuant to the terms of their director agreements, each of our independent directors, receive 1,000 shares of our restricted common stock on an annual basis. The grant of restricted common stock is contingent upon the director’s continued service with the Company. We do not pay any cash compensation to the independent directors.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this item.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
It is our policy to not enter any transaction (other than compensation arrangements in the ordinary course) with any director, executive officer, employee, or principal stockholder or party related to them, unless authorized by a majority of the directors having no interest in the transaction, upon a favorable recommendation by the Audit Committee (or a majority of its disinterested members).
On September 25, 2012, the Company purchased five floors of a commercial building in the PRC, through SYCI, from Shandong Shouguang Vegetable Seed Industry Group Co., Ltd. (the “Seller”) at a cost of approximately $5.7 million in cash, of which Mr. Ming Yang, the Chairman of the Company, had a 99% equity interest in the Seller that time. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with the Seller, a related party, to provide property management services for an annual amount of approximately $87,927 for five years from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027. The expense associated with this agreement for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $87,821. The expense associated with this agreement for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $88,049.
17
| a) | Related parties |
| Name of related parties | Position |
| YangMing | Shareholder |
| LiuXiaoBin | Chief Executive Officer |
| LiMin | Chief Financial Officer |
| MiaoNaiHui | Chief Operating Officer |
| Chengdu Dianjinshi Culture media Co., LTD | Affiliated with company officers |
| b) | ||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Amount due to related parties: | ||||||||
| YangMing | $ | 410,350 | $ | 416,484 | ||||
| LiuXiaoBin | 887,214 | 887,214 | ||||||
| LiMin | 636,264 | 641,480 | ||||||
| MiaoNaiHui | 650,980 | 641,480 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 2,584,808 | $ | 2,586,658 | ||||
| c) | ||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Amount due from related party: | ||||||||
| Chengdu Dianjinshi Culture media Co., LTD | $ | 25,040 | $ | — | ||||
| Total | $ | 25,040 | $ | — | ||||
18
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has determined that Qiang Liu, Shitong Jiang, Dongshan Wang, and Shengwei Ma are independent under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. In addition, under applicable rules and regulations, and as determined by the Board, all of the members of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are “independent” directors.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast in person or by proxy.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ NOMINEES.
19
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Our independent public accounting firm is GGF CPA LTD. (“GGF”), Level 3, Shop 119 No. 20, Jingang Avenue, Nansha District, Guangzhou, Guangdong , PCAOB Auditor ID 2729. The Audit Committee has appointed GGF as independent accountants for fiscal 2025.
Services and Fees of Independent Accountants
The aggregate fees billed to the Company by its principal accountant for the last two fiscal years were as follows:
| Fees | 2023 | 2024 |
| Audit Fees | $ 188,000 | $ 188,000 |
| Audit Related Fees | — | — |
| Tax Fees | — | — |
| All Other Fees | — | — |
| Total | 188,000 | 188,000 |
Audit Fees
This category consists of fees for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
20
Audit-Related Fees
This category consists of services by our independent auditors that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under Audit Fees. This category includes accounting consultations on transaction and proposed transaction related matters. There were no such fees incurred by the Company in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Tax Fees
The tax fee of $nil and $nil relate to tax compliance services rendered in each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
All Other Fees
There are no other fees to disclose.
Pre-Approval of Services
The Audit Committee appoints the independent accountant each year and pre-approves the audit services. The Audit Committee chair is authorized to pre-approve specified non-audit services for fees not exceeding specified amounts, if he promptly advises the other Audit Committee members of such approval.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
A majority of votes present in person or by proxy is required to ratify the appointment of the independent accountants.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.
21
PROPOSAL 3
APPROVAL TO EFFECT A REVERSE SPLIT OF THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK
Purpose of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split
The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that it is in our best interest to effect a reverse split of our Common Stock of one (1) share for a to-be-determined number of shares within a spectrum of two (2) to ten (10) shares, so that, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, every two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock before the stock split shall represent one (1) share of Common Stock after the stock split with all fractional shares rounded up to the next whole share (the “Reverse Split”). The Company’s shareholders are voting to give the Board of Directors discretion in ultimately selecting what the reverse stock split ratio will be. The Board of Directors believes that our Common Stock is undervalued and that the Reverse Split will allow the Company’s Common Stock to trade in a more realistic price range.
Additionally, the Board believes that the Reverse Split could help satisfy the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement (the "Minimum Bid Requirement"), as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the "Rule"), for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. As previously disclosed, on November 5, 2024, the Staff notified the Company that the bid price for the Common Shares had closed below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days and, as a result, the Company no longer satisfied Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1), the minimum bid price requirement applicable to The Nasdaq Global Select Market issuers. Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company was afforded an initial 180-calendar day grace period, through May 5, 2025, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement.
Issuers listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market are not eligible for a second 180-day grace period under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. However, based upon the Company’s compliance with the various criteria required under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(ii) to obtain a second 180-day grace period applicable to issuers listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, the Company applied to transfer the listing of its Common Shares to The Nasdaq Capital Market.
On May 6, 2025, the Company was notified by the Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq that the Staff granted the Company’s request to transfer the listing of its common stock, par value $0.0005 per share, from The Nasdaq Global Select Market tier to The Nasdaq Capital Market tier, and that the Staff granted the Company’s request for a second 180-calendar day period, or until November 3, 2025 (the “Second Compliance Period”), to regain compliance with the $1.00 bid price requirement, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). To regain compliance with such minimum price requirement, the Company must evidence a closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. The transfer of the listing of the Common Shares from The Nasdaq Global Select Market to The Nasdaq Capital Market took effect with the open of business on May 8, 2025.
Given the deficiency aforementioned, the Board believes it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to effect the Reverse Split to increase the market price of the Company’s Common Stock so that the Company is able to regain compliance with NASDAQ listing rules.
Certain Risks Associated With the Reverse Split
While the Board believes that the Company’s Common Stock would trade at higher prices after the consummation of the Reverse Split, there can be no assurance that the increase in the trading price will occur, or, if it does occur, that it will equal or exceed two (2) to ten (10) times the market price of the Common Stock prior to the Reverse Split. In some cases, the total market value of a company following a reverse stock split is lower, and may be substantially lower, than the total market value before the reverse stock split. In addition, the fewer number of shares that will be available to trade could possibly cause the trading market of the Common Stock to become less liquid, which could have an adverse effect on the price of the Common Stock. We cannot provide any assurance that the Company’s Common Stock will meet The NASDAQ Capital Market continued listing requirements following the Reverse Split. The market price of the Common Stock is based on our performance and other factors, some of which may be unrelated to the number of our shares outstanding.
In addition, there can be no assurance that the Reverse Split will result in a per share price that will attract brokers and investors who do not trade in lower priced stock.
22
Principal Effects of the Reverse Split
Subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, on the effective date of the Reverse Split, each two (2) to ten (10) shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Reverse Split effective date (the “Old Shares”) will automatically and without any action on the part of the shareholders be converted into one (1) share of our Common Stock (the “New Shares”). In the following discussion, we provide examples of the effects of a one-for-five reverse stock split.
Corporate Matters. The Reverse Split would have the following effects based upon the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of July 15, 2025:
| • | in the case of a one-for-five reverse stock split, every five (5) of our Old Shares owned by a shareholder would be exchanged for one (1) New Share; and |
| • | the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding will be reduced from 13,346,618 shares to approximately 2,669,324 shares. |
The Reverse Split will be effected simultaneously for all of our outstanding Common Stock and the exchange ratio will be the same for all of our outstanding Common Stock. The Reverse Split will affect all of our shareholders uniformly and will not affect any shareholder’s percentage ownership interests in the Company, except to the extent that the Reverse Split results in any of our shareholders owning a fractional share. As described below, shareholders and holders of options and warrants holding fractional shares will have their shares rounded up to the nearest whole number. Common Stock issued pursuant to the Reverse Split will remain fully paid and non-assessable.
Fractional Shares. No scrip or fractional share certificates will be issued in connection with the Reverse Split. Shareholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares because they hold a number of Old Shares not evenly divisible by the one (1) for five (5) reverse stock split ratio, will be entitled, upon surrender of certificate(s) representing these shares, to a number of shares of New Shares rounded up to the nearest whole number. The ownership of a fractional interest will not give the shareholder any voting, dividend or other rights except to have his or her fractional interest rounded up to the nearest whole number when the New Shares are issued.
Options and Warrants. All outstanding options, warrants, notes, debentures and other securities convertible to Common Stock will be adjusted as a result of the Reverse Split, as required by the terms of these securities. In particular, the conversion ratio for each instrument will be reduced, and the exercise price, if applicable, will be increased, in accordance with the terms of each instrument and based on the one-for-four ratio.
Authorized Shares. The Company is presently authorized under its Articles of Incorporation to issue 80,000,000 shares of Common Stock. Upon effectiveness of the Reverse Split, the number of authorized shares of Common Stock would remain the same, although the number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding will decrease. Because the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock will decrease, the number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance will increase. The issuance in the future of additional shares of our Common Stock may have the effect of diluting the earnings per share and book value per share, as well as the stock ownership and voting rights of the currently outstanding shares of our Common Stock. The effective increase in the number of authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of the Company’s Common Stock may be construed as having an anti-takeover effect as further discussed below. Authorized but unissued shares will be available for issuance, and we may issue such shares in future financings or otherwise. If we issue additional shares, the ownership interest of holders of our Common Stock would be diluted. Also, the issued shares may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our Common Stock. The Company does not currently have any plans, proposal or arrangement to issue any of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock.
Accounting Matters. The Reverse Split will not affect the par value of our Common Stock. As a result, on the effective date of the Reverse Split, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to our Common Stock will be reduced in proportion to the Reverse Split ratio (that is, in a one-for-four reverse stock split, the stated capital attributable to our Common Stock will be reduced to 1/4 of its existing amount) and the additional paid-in capital account shall be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The per share net income or loss and net book value of our Common Stock will also be increased because there will be fewer shares of our Common Stock outstanding.
23
Potential Anti-Takeover Effect. Although the increased proportion of unissued authorized shares to issued shares could, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect (for example, by permitting issuances that would dilute the stock ownership of a person seeking to effect a change in the composition of our Board or contemplating a tender offer or other transaction for the combination of the Company with another company), the Reverse Split was not proposed in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate our shares of Common Stock or obtain control of us, nor is it part of a plan by management to recommend a series of similar actions having an anti-takeover effect to our Board of Directors and shareholders. Other than the Reverse Split, our Board of Directors does not currently contemplate recommending the adoption of any other corporate action that could be construed to affect the ability of third parties to take over or change control of the Company.
The number of shares held by each individual shareholder will be reduced if the Reverse Split is implemented. This will increase the number of shareholders who hold less than a “round lot,” or 100 shares. Typically, the transaction costs to shareholders selling “odd lots” are higher on a per share basis. Consequently, the Reverse Split could increase the transaction costs to existing shareholders in the event they wish to sell all or a portion of their shares.
The Company is subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. If the proposed Reverse Split is implemented, our Common Stock will continue to be reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “GURE” (although NASDAQ will add the letter “D” to the end of the trading symbol for a period of twenty (20) trading days to indicate that the Reverse Split has occurred). We will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.
Procedure for Effecting a Reverse Split
The Reverse Split will be accomplished by amending the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to effect the split. The Reverse Split will become effective at such future date as determined by the Board of Directors, as evidenced by the filing of an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada (which we refer to as the “Effective Time”) following the affirmative vote of the Company’s shareholders at the Annual Meeting. Beginning at the Effective Time, each certificate representing Old Shares will be deemed for all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of New Shares.
SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S)
AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Split
The following discussion is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Split to a current shareholder of the Company that is a “United States person,” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (sometimes referred to herein as a “U.S. shareholder”), and who holds stock of the Company as a “capital asset,” as defined in Section 1221 of the Code. This discussion does not purport to be a complete analysis of all of the potential tax effects of the Reverse Split. Tax considerations applicable to a particular shareholder will depend on that shareholder’s individual circumstances. The discussion does not address the tax consequences that may be relevant to particular categories of shareholders subject to special treatment under certain U.S. federal income tax laws (such as dealers in securities or currencies, banks, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, broker-dealers, regulated investment companies, real estate investment companies, real estate mortgage investment conduits and foreign individuals and entities). The discussion also does not address any tax consequences arising under U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such as gift or estate tax laws, or the laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction. In addition, the discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities or persons who hold stock of the Company through such entities.
The following discussion is based upon the Code, U.S. Treasury Department regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and judicial decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change or to varying interpretation at any time. Any such changes or varying interpretations may also be applied retroactively. The following discussion has no binding effect on the IRS or the courts.
24
No gain or loss should be recognized by a U.S. shareholder upon such shareholder’s deemed exchange of Old Shares for New Shares pursuant to the Reverse Split. The aggregate tax basis of the New Shares received in the Reverse Split should be the same as such shareholder’s aggregate tax basis in the Old Shares being exchanged, and the holding period of the New Shares should include the holding period of such shareholder in the Old Shares.
Because of the complexity of the tax laws and because the tax consequences to the Company or to any particular shareholder may be affected by matters not discussed herein, shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to them in connection with the Reverse Split, including tax reporting requirements, the applicability and effect of foreign, U.S. federal, state and local and other applicable tax laws and the effect of any proposed changes in the tax laws.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal
We are a Nevada corporation and are governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes. Holders of the Company’s Common Stock will not have appraisal or dissenter’s rights under Nevada law in connection with the Reverse Split.
Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted Upon
No director, executive officer, associate of any director or executive officer or any other person has any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in the Reverse Split that is not shared by all other shareholders of ours.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Pursuant to the Nevada Revised Statutes, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required to approve the Reverse Split.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE REVERSE SPLIT.
25
PROPOSAL 4
APPROVAL OF THE GULF RESOURCES INC. 2025 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company is seeking approval of the stockholders to adopt the Company’s 2025 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2025 Plan”). The purpose of the 2025 Plan is to assist the Company to attract, retain and provide incentives to employees and directors of, and consultants and advisers to, the Company and its subsidiaries. If the 2025 Plan is approved, awards under the 2025 Plan will be limited in the aggregate to 2,000,000 shares of our common stock, inclusive of the awards that were previously issued and outstanding under the Company’s 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2019 Plan”). Upon adoption of this 2025 Plan, the 2019 Plan shall be frozen, no new awards shall be granted thereunder, and outstanding awards thereunder shall continue to be governed by the terms and condition of the 2019 Plan and applicable award agreement.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Pursuant to the 2019 Plan, the aggregate number shares of the Company’s common stock available for grant of stock options and issuance is 10,341,989 shares. After the completion of the 1-for-five reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock on January 27, 2020, there were 2,068,398 shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2019 Plan.
As of October 12, 2021, the Company had 159,248 shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2019 Plan. As such, on November 30, 2021, the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders approved to increase the aggregate number of shares reserved and available for grant and issuance under the 2019 Plan to 1,059,248 shares. As of the date of this proxy statement, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance under the 2019 Plan is 1,801. shares.
The total number shares of common stock under the 2019 Plan, including shares originally authorized by equity holders and shares remaining for future issuance as of December 31, 2024, is as follows:
| Plan category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) | |||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 561,801 | |||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | — | |||||||||||
| Total | 561,801 | |||||||||||
26
General
The following summary of the 2025 Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the 2025 Plan, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this section discussing the adoption of the 2025 Plan shall have the meanings given to them in the 2025 Plan.
Our Board of Directors has adopted and approved the 2025 Plan, subject to the effectiveness of stockholder approval. Upon shareholders’ approval, the 2025 Plan will become effective immediately and is a comprehensive incentive compensation plan under which we can grant equity-based and other incentive awards to officers, employees and directors of, and consultants and advisers to, the Company. The purpose of the 2025 Plan is to help us attract, motivate and retain such persons and thereby enhance shareholder value.
Administration.
Upon effectiveness, the 2025 Plan will be administered by a Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Plan Committee”) consisting of two or more persons who will each be (i) “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and (ii) “independent” for purposes of any applicable listing requirements. If a member of the Plan Committee is eligible to receive an award under the 2025 Plan, such Plan Committee member shall have no authority hereunder with respect to his or her own award. Among other things, the Plan Committee has complete discretion, subject to the terms of the 2025 Plan, to determine the employees, directors and consultants to be granted awards under the 2025 Plan, the type of awards to be granted, the number of shares subject to each award, the exercise price under each option and the base price for each stock appreciation right (“SAR”), the term of each award, the vesting schedule for an award, whether to accelerate vesting, the value of the shares underlying the award, and the required withholdings, if any. The Plan Committee is also authorized to construe the award agreements, and may prescribe rules relating to the 2025 Plan. Except to the extent (i) approved in advance by holders of a majority of the shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (ii) as a result of any Change of Control or any adjustment as provided in the 2025 Plan, the Plan Committee shall not have the power or authority to reduce, whether through amendment or otherwise, the exercise price under any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right, or to grant any new Award or make any payment of cash in substitution for or upon the cancellation of Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights previously granted.
Grant of Awards; Shares Available for Awards.
The 2025 Plan provides for the grant of awards which are incentive stock options (“ISOs”), non-qualified stock options (“NQSOs”), unrestricted stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, performance units, SARs, tandem stock appreciation rights or any combination of the foregoing, to key management employees, directors, and consultants of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each a “participant”). We have reserved a total of 2,000,000 shares for issuance as or under awards to be made under the 2025 Plan inclusive of the awards previously issued and outstanding under the Company’s 2019 Plan. To the extent that an award lapses, expires, is canceled, is terminated unexercised or ceases to be exercisable for any reason, or the rights of its holder terminate, any shares subject to such award shall again be available for the grant of a new award. The 2025 Plan shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated, until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date on which it is adopted by the Board of Directors (except as to awards outstanding on that date). The Board of Directors in its discretion may terminate the 2025 Plan at any time with respect to any shares for which awards have not theretofore been granted; provided, however, that the 2025 Plan’s termination shall not materially and adversely impair the rights of a holder, without the consent of the holder, with respect to any award previously granted. The number of shares for which awards which are options or SARs may be granted to a participant under the 2025 Plan during any calendar year is limited to 1,000,000.
Options.
The term of each stock option shall be as specified in the option agreement; provided, however, that except for stock options which are ISOs, granted to an employee who owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules applicable under Code Section 424(d)) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or of any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation thereof (both as defined in Section 424 of the Code), within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code (a “ten percent shareholder”), no option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant (five (5) years for an employee who is a ten percent shareholder).
The price at which a share may be purchased upon exercise of a stock option shall be determined by the Plan Committee; provided, however, that such option price (i) shall not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date such stock option is granted, and (ii) shall be subject to adjustment as provided in the 2025 Plan. The Plan Committee or the Board of Directors shall determine the time or times at which, or the circumstances under which, a stock option may be exercised in whole or in part, the time or times at which options shall cease to be or become exercisable following termination of the stock option holder’s employment or upon other conditions, the methods by which such exercise price may be paid or deemed to be paid, the form of such payment, and the methods by or forms in which shares will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to participants who exercise stock options.
27
Options which are ISOs shall comply in all respects with Section 422 of the Code. In the case of an ISO granted to a ten percent shareholder, the per share exercise price under such ISO (to the extent required by the Code at the time of grant) shall be no less than 110% of the fair market value of a share on the date such ISO is granted. ISOs may only be granted to employees of the Company. In addition, the aggregate fair market value of the shares subject to an ISO (determined at the time of grant) which are exercisable for the first time by an employee during any calendar year under all plans of the Company which provide for the grant of ISOs may not exceed $100,000. Any Option which specifies that it is not intended to qualify as an ISO or any Option that fails to meet the ISO requirements at any point in time will automatically be treated as a NQSO under the terms of the 2025 Plan.
Unrestricted Stock Awards.
Pursuant to the terms of the applicable unrestricted stock award agreement, an unrestricted stock award is the award or sale of shares to employees, directors or consultants, which are not subject to transfer restrictions in consideration for past services rendered to the Company or for other valid consideration.
Restricted Stock Awards.
A restricted stock award is a grant or sale of shares of Common Stock to the holder, subject to such restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions, if any, as the Plan Committee or the Board of Directors may impose, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances (including based on achievement of performance goals and/or future service requirements), in such installments or otherwise, as the Plan Committee or the Board of Directors may determine at the date of grant or purchase or thereafter. If provided for under the restricted stock award agreement, a participant who is granted or has purchased restricted stock shall have all of the rights of a shareholder, including the right to vote the restricted stock and the right to receive dividends thereon (subject to any mandatory reinvestment or other requirement imposed by the Plan Committee or the Board of Directors or in the award agreement). During the restricted period applicable to the restricted stock, subject to certain exceptions, the restricted stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of by the participant.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
A restricted stock unit award provides for a grant of shares of Common Stock or a cash payment to be made to the holder upon the satisfaction of predetermined individual service-related vesting requirements, based on the number of units awarded to the holder. The Plan Committee shall set forth in the applicable restricted stock unit award agreement the individual service-based vesting requirements which the holder would be required to satisfy before the holder would become entitled to payment and the number of units awarded to the holder. At the time of such award, the Plan Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions. The holder of a restricted stock unit shall be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share, as determined in the sole discretion of the 2025 Plan Committee and as set forth in the restricted stock unit award agreement, for each restricted stock unit subject to such restricted stock unit award, if and to the extent the holder satisfies the applicable vesting requirements. Such payment or distribution shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the calendar year in which the restricted stock unit first becomes vested, unless otherwise structured to comply with Code Section 409A.
Performance Stock Awards.
A performance stock award provides for the distribution of shares (or cash equal to the fair market value of shares) to the holder upon the satisfaction of predetermined individual and/or Company goals or objectives. The Plan Committee shall set forth in the applicable performance stock award agreement the performance goals and objectives (and the period of time to which such goals and objectives shall apply) which the holder and/or Company would be required to satisfy before the holder would become entitled to the receipt of shares (or cash equal to the fair market value of shares) pursuant to such holder’s performance stock award and the number of shares of shares subject to such performance stock award. The vesting restrictions under any performance stock award shall constitute a “substantial risk of forfeiture” under Section 409A of the Code and, if such goals and objectives are achieved, the distribution of such shares shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of our fiscal year to which such goals and objectives relate, unless otherwise structured to comply with Code Section 409A. At the time of such award, the Plan Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions. The holder of a performance stock award shall have no rights as a shareholder until such time, if any, as the holder actually receives shares pursuant to the performance stock award.
28
Performance Unit Awards.
A performance unit award provides for a cash payment to be made to the holder upon the satisfaction of predetermined individual and/or Company (or affiliate) performance goals or objectives based on selected performance criteria, based on the number of units awarded to the holder. The Plan Committee shall set forth in the applicable performance unit award agreement the performance goals and objectives (and the period of time to which such goals and objectives shall apply) which the holder and/or Company would be required to satisfy before the holder would become entitled to payment, the number of units awarded to the holder and the dollar value assigned to each such unit. At the time of such award, the Plan Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions. The holder of a performance unit shall be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the dollar value assigned to such unit under the applicable performance unit award agreement if the holder and/or the Company satisfies (or partially satisfies, if applicable under the applicable performance unit award agreement) the performance goals and objectives set forth in such performance unit award agreement. If achieved, such payment shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year to which such performance goals and objectives relate, unless otherwise structured to comply with Code Section 409A.
Stock Appreciation Rights.
A SAR provides the participant to whom it is granted the right to receive, upon its exercise, cash or shares of Common Stock equal to the excess of (A) the fair market value of the number of shares subject to the SAR on the date of exercise, over (B) the product of the number of shares subject to the SAR multiplied by the base value for the SAR, as determined by the Plan Committee or the Board of Directors. The Plan Committee shall set forth in the applicable SAR award agreement the terms and conditions of the SAR, including the base value for the SAR (which shall not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant), the number of shares subject to the SAR and the period during which the SAR may be exercised and any other special rules and/or requirements which the Plan Committee imposes on the SAR. No SAR shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of grant. A tandem SAR is a SAR granted in connection with a related option, the exercise of some or all of which results in termination of the entitlement to purchase some or all of the shares under the related option. If the Plan Committee grants a SAR which is intended to be a tandem SAR, the tandem SAR shall be granted at the same time as the related option and additional restrictions apply.
Recapitalization or Reorganization.
Subject to certain restrictions, the 2025 Plan provides for the adjustment of shares underlying awards previously granted if, and whenever, prior to the expiration or distribution to the holder of shares underlying an award theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation of our Common Stock or the payment of a stock dividend on Common Stock without receipt of consideration by the Company. If the Company recapitalizes or otherwise changes its capital structure, thereafter upon any exercise or satisfaction, as applicable, of a previously granted award, the holder shall be entitled to receive (or entitled to purchase, if applicable) under such award, in lieu of the number of shares then covered by such award, the number and class of shares and securities to which the holder would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to such recapitalization, the holder had been the holder of record of the number of shares then covered by such award. The 2025 Plan also provides for the adjustment of shares underlying awards previously granted in the event of changes to the outstanding shares by reason of an extraordinary cash dividend, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, split-up, spin-off, exchange or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the date of the grant of any award, subject to certain restrictions.
Amendment and Termination.
The 2025 Plan shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated pursuant to its terms, until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date on which it became effective (except as to awards outstanding on that date). The Board of Directors may terminate the 2025 Plan at any time with respect to any shares for which awards have not theretofore been granted; provided, however, that the 2025 Plan’s termination shall not materially and adversely impair the rights of a holder with respect to any award theretofore granted without the consent of the holder. The Board of Directors shall have the right to alter or amend the 2025 Plan or any part thereof from time to time; provided, however, that without the approval by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of our shareholders at which a quorum representing a majority of our shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is present in person or by proxy, no amendment or modification of the 2025 Plan may (i) materially increase the benefits accruing to holders, (ii) except as otherwise expressly provided in the 2025 Plan, materially increase the number of shares subject to the 2025 Plan or the individual award agreements, (iii) materially modify the requirements for participation, or (iv) amend, modify or suspend certain re-pricing prohibitions or amendment and termination provisions as specified therein. In addition, no change in any award theretofore granted may be made which would materially and adversely impair the rights of a holder with respect to such award without the consent of the holder (unless such change is required to cause the 2025 Plan and/or award to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code).
As of the effective date of the 2025 Plan, no awards will have been granted under the 2025 Plan.
29
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 2025 Plan
The following is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences under current tax law to the Company (to the extent it is subject to U.S. federal income taxation on its net income) and to participants in the 2025 Plan who are individual citizens or residents of the United States for federal income tax purposes (“U.S. Participants”) of stock options which are ISOs, or stock options which are NQSOs, unrestricted stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, performance units and SARs. This summary does not purport to cover all of the special rules that may apply, including special rules relating to limitations on our ability to deduct certain compensation, special rules relating to deferred compensation, golden parachutes, U.S. Participants subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or the exercise of a stock option with previously-acquired Common Stock. This summary assumes that U.S. Participants will hold their Common Stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. In addition, this summary does not address the foreign, state or local or other tax consequences, or any U.S. federal non-income tax consequences, inherent in the acquisition, ownership, vesting, exercise, termination or disposition of an award under the 2025 Plan, or shares issued pursuant thereto. Participants are urged to consult with their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences to them of an award under the 2025 Plan or shares issued thereunder pursuant to the 2025 Plan.
A U.S. Participant generally does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a NQSO if structured to be exempt from or comply with Code Section 409A. Upon the exercise of a NQSO, the U.S. Participant generally recognizes ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price thereof, and the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction for such amount at that time. If the U.S. Participant later sells shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a NQSO, the U.S. Participant recognizes a long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the period for which the shares were held. A long-term capital gain is generally subject to more favorable tax treatment than ordinary income or a short-term capital gain. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
A U.S. Participant generally does not recognize taxable income upon the grant or, except for purposes of the U.S. alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) the exercise, of an ISO. For purposes of the AMT, which is payable to the extent it exceeds the U.S. Participant’s regular income tax, upon the exercise of an ISO, the excess of the fair market value of the shares subject to the ISO over the exercise price is a preference item for AMT purposes. If the U.S. Participant disposes of the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO more than two years after the date of grant and more than one year after the transfer of the shares to the U.S. Participant, the U.S. Participant generally recognizes a long-term capital gain or loss, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction. However, if the U.S. Participant disposes of such shares prior to the end of either of the required holding periods, the U.S. Participant will have ordinary compensation income equal to the excess (if any) of the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of such shares) over the exercise price paid for such shares, and the Company generally will be entitled to deduct such amount.
A U.S. Participant generally does not recognize income upon the grant of a SAR. The U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income upon exercise of the SAR equal to the increase in the value of the underlying shares, and the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction for such amount.
A U.S. Participant generally does not recognize income on the receipt of a performance stock award, performance unit award, restricted stock unit award or unrestricted stock award until a cash payment or a distribution of shares is received thereunder. At such time, the U.S. Participant recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares or the amount of cash received over any amount paid therefor, and the Company generally will be entitled to deduct such amount at such time.
A U.S. Participant who receives a restricted stock award generally recognizes ordinary compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such shares at the time the restriction lapses over any amount paid for the shares. Alternatively, the U.S. Participant may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed on the fair market value of such shares at the time of grant. The Company generally will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the income that is required to be included by the U.S. Participant.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
A majority of votes present in person or by proxy is required to approve and adopt the Gulf Resources Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE GULF RESOURCES INC. 2025 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
30
PROPOSAL 5
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
We are submitting to stockholders an advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive offices, as disclosed under the caption Election of Directors—Executive Compensation, pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, compensation tables, and narrative discussion.
The advisory vote is not binding on the Company, the Board of Directors, or management; if executive compensation is not approved by a majority of the votes cast, the Compensation Committee will take account of this fact when considering executive compensation in future years.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
A majority of votes cast in person or by proxy is required for advisory approval of executive compensation.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE FOLLOWING ADVISORY RESOLUTION:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to Company’s named executive offices, as disclosed under the caption Election of Directors —Executive Compensation, pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, compensation tables, and narrative discussion, be, and hereby is, approved.
31
OTHER INFORMATION
Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials
Under rules adopted by the SEC, the Company is making this Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report available on the Internet instead of mailing a printed copy of these materials to each shareholder. Shareholders who received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) by mail will not receive a printed copy of these materials other than as described below. Instead, the Notice contains instructions as to how shareholders may access and review all of the important information contained in the materials on the Internet, including how shareholders may submit proxies by telephone or over the Internet.
Stockholders' Proposals for Next Annual Meeting
A stockholder of record may present a proposal for action at the next annual meeting provided that we receive the proposal at our executive office. We anticipate that the 2026 Annual Meeting will be held in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2026. The proponent may submit a maximum of one (1) proposal of not more than five hundred (500) words for inclusion in our proxy materials for a meeting of security holders. At the Annual Meeting, management proxies will have discretionary authority, under Rule 14a-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to vote on stockholder proposals that are not submitted for inclusion in our proxy statement unless received by us.
Other Business
The Board of Directors knows of no business other than that set forth above to be transacted at the meeting, but if other matters requiring a vote of the stockholders arise, the persons designated as proxies will vote the shares of Common Stock represented by the proxies in accordance with their judgment on such matters. If a stockholder specifies a different choice on the proxy, his or her shares of Common Stock will be voted in accordance with the specification so made.
Where You Can Find More Information
We file annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Stockholders may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that we file at the SEC. Our public filings are also available from commercial document retrieval services and at the Internet Web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K is available on our website at www.gulfresourcesinc.cn.
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO VOTE THEIR SHARES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. NO ONE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS DATED [●], 2025. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THAT DATE, UNLESS OTHERWISE DISCLOSED.
32
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. WE URGE YOU TO FILL IN, SIGN AND RETURN THE FORM OF PROXY IN THE PREPAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL YOUR HOLDINGS MAY BE.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Xiaobin Liu
Xiaobin Liu
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dated: , 2025
33
Appendix A
GULF RESOURCES, INC.
2025 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
GULF RESOURCES, INC.
2025 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of this 2025 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to benefit Gulf Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”) and its stockholders, by assisting the Company and its subsidiaries to attract, retain and provide incentives to key management employees, directors, and consultants of the Company and its Affiliates, and to align the interests of such service providers with those of the Company’s stockholders. Accordingly, the Plan provides for the granting of Non-qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Unit Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Stock Awards, Performance Unit Awards, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Distribution Equivalent Rights or any combination of the foregoing.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan unless the context otherwise requires:
2.1 “Affiliate” shall mean any corporation which, with respect to the Company, is a “subsidiary corporation” within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code or other entity in which the Company has a controlling interest in such entity or another entity which is part of a chain of entities in which the Company or each entity has a controlling interest in another entity in the unbroken chain of entities ending with the applicable entity.
2.2 “Award” shall mean, individually or collectively, any Option, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Stock Award, Performance Unit Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Distribution Equivalent Right or Unrestricted Stock Award.
2.3 “Award Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and the Holder with respect to an Award, setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award, as amended.
2.4 “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.5 “Base Value” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 14.2.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
2.6 “Cause” shall mean (i) if the Holder is a party to an employment or service agreement with the Company or an Affiliate which agreement defines “Cause” (or a similar term), “Cause” shall have the same meaning as provided for in such agreement, or (ii) for a Holder who is not a party to such an agreement, “Cause” shall mean termination by the Company or an Affiliate of the employment (or other service relationship) of the Holder by reason of the Holder’s (A) intentional failure to perform reasonably assigned duties, (B) dishonesty or willful misconduct in the performance of the Holder’s duties, (C) involvement in a transaction which is materially adverse to the Company or an Affiliate, (D) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, (E) willful violation of any law, rule, regulation or court order (other than misdemeanor traffic violations and misdemeanors not involving misuse or misappropriation of money or property), (F) commission of an act of fraud or intentional misappropriation or conversion of any asset or opportunity of the Company or an Affiliate, or (G) material breach of any provision of the Plan or the Holder’s Award Agreement or any other written agreement between the Holder and the Company or an Affiliate, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board, the determination of which shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties.
2.7 “Change of Control” shall mean: (i) for a Holder who is a party to an employment or consulting agreement with the Company or an Affiliate which agreement defines “Change of Control” (or a similar term), “Change of Control” shall have the same meaning as provided for in such agreement, or (ii) for a Holder who is not a party to such an agreement, “Change of Control” shall mean the satisfaction of any one or more of the following conditions (and the “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day that any one or more of the following conditions shall have been satisfied):
(a) Any person (as such term is used in paragraphs 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, hereinafter in this definition, “Person”), other than the Company or an Affiliate or an employee benefit plan of the Company or an Affiliate, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;
(b) The closing of a merger, consolidation or other business combination (a “Business Combination”) other than a Business Combination in which holders of the Shares immediately prior to the Business Combination have substantially the same proportionate ownership of the common stock or ordinary shares, as applicable, of the surviving corporation immediately after the Business Combination as immediately before;
(c) The closing of an agreement for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to any entity that is not an Affiliate;
(d) The approval by the holders of shares of Shares of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company, other than a merger of the Company into any subsidiary or a liquidation as a result of which persons who were stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such liquidation have substantially the same proportionate ownership of shares of common stock or ordinary shares, as applicable, of the surviving corporation immediately after such liquidation as immediately before; or
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
(e) Within any twenty-four (24) month period, the Incumbent Directors shall cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board or the board of directors of any successor to the Company; provided, however, that any director elected to the Board, or nominated for election, by a majority of the Incumbent Directors then still in office, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director for purposes of this paragraph (e), but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of an individual, entity or “group” other than the Board (including, but not limited to, any such assumption that results from paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this definition).
2.8 “Code” shall mean the United States of America Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to any section and any regulation under such section.
2.9 “Committee” shall mean a committee comprised of two (2) or more members of the Board who are selected by the Board as provided in Section 4.1.
2.10 “Company” shall have the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph, including any successor thereto.
2.11 “Consultant” shall mean any non-Employee (individual or entity) advisor to the Company or an Affiliate who or which has contracted directly with the Company or an Affiliate to render bona fide consulting or advisory services thereto.
2.12 “Director” shall mean a member of the Board or a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate, in either case, who is not an Employee.
2.13 “Distribution Equivalent Right” shall mean an Award granted under Article XIII of the Plan which entitles the Holder to receive bookkeeping credits, cash payments and/or Share distributions equal in amount to the distributions that would have been made to the Holder had the Holder held a specified number of Shares during the period the Holder held the Distribution Equivalent Right.
2.14 “Distribution Equivalent Right Award Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Distribution Equivalent Right Award.
2.15 “Effective Date” shall mean September 4, 2025.
2.16 “Employee” shall mean any employee, including any officer, of the Company or an Affiliate.
2.17 “Exchange Act” shall mean the United States of America Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
2.18 “Fair Market Value” shall mean, as of any specified date, the closing sales price of the Shares for such date (or, in the event that the Shares are not traded on such date, on the immediately preceding trading date) on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), as reported by NASDAQ, or such other domestic or foreign national securities exchange on which the Shares may be listed. If the Shares are not listed on NASDAQ or on a national securities exchange, but are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or by the National Quotation Bureau, the Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be the mean of the highest bid and lowest asked prices per Share for such date. If the Shares are not quoted or listed as set forth above, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board in good faith by any fair and reasonable means (which means may be set forth with greater specificity in the applicable Award Agreement). The Fair Market Value of property other than Shares shall be determined by the Board in good faith by any fair and reasonable means consistent with the requirements of applicable law.
2.19 “Family Member” of an individual shall mean any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the Holder’s household (other than a tenant or employee of the Holder), a trust in which such persons have more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which such persons (or the Holder) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which such persons (or the Holder) own more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests.
2.20 “Holder” shall mean an Employee, Director or Consultant who has been granted an Award or any such individual’s beneficiary, estate or representative, who has acquired such Award in accordance with the terms of the Plan, as applicable.
2.21 “Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an Option which is intended by the Committee to constitute an “incentive stock option” and conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.
2.22 “Incumbent Director” shall mean, with respect to any period of time specified under the Plan for purposes of determining whether or not a Change of Control has occurred, the individuals who were members of the Board at the beginning of such period.
2.23 “Non-qualified Stock Option” shall mean an Option which is not an Incentive Stock Option or which is designated as an Incentive Stock Option but does not meet the applicable requirements of Section 422 of the Code.
2.24 “Option” shall mean an Award granted under Article VII of the Plan of an option to purchase Shares and shall include both Incentive Stock Options and Non-qualified Stock Options.
2.25 “Option Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to an Option.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
2.26 “Performance Criteria” shall mean the criteria selected by the Committee for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal(s) for a Holder for a Performance Period.
2.27 “Performance Goals” shall mean, for a Performance Period, the written goal or goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria, which may be related to the performance of the Holder, the Company or an Affiliate.
2.28 “Performance Period” shall mean one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, selected by the Committee, over which the attainment of the Performance Goals shall be measured for purposes of determining a Holder’s right to, and the payment of, a Performance Stock Award or a Performance Unit Award.
2.29 “Performance Stock Award” or “Performance Stock” shall mean an Award granted under Article XII of the Plan under which, upon the satisfaction of predetermined Performance Goals, Shares are paid to the Holder.
2.30 “Performance Stock Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Performance Stock Award.
2.31 “Performance Unit” shall mean a Unit awarded to a Holder pursuant to a Performance Unit Award.
2.32 “Performance Unit Award” shall mean an Award granted under Article XI of the Plan under which, upon the satisfaction of predetermined Performance Goals, a cash payment shall be made to the Holder, based on the number of Units awarded to the Holder.
2.33 “Performance Unit Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Performance Unit Award.
2.34 “Plan” shall mean this Gulf Resources Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, together with each of the Award Agreements utilized hereunder.
2.35 “Restricted Stock Award” and “Restricted Stock” shall mean an Award granted under Article VIII of the Plan of Shares, the transferability of which by the Holder is subject to Restrictions.
2.36 “Restricted Stock Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Restricted Stock Award.
2.37 “Restricted Stock Unit Award” and “RSUs” shall refer to an Award granted under Article X of the Plan under which, upon the satisfaction of predetermined individual service-related vesting requirements, a cash payment shall be made to the Holder, based on the number of Units awarded to the Holder.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
2.38 “Restricted Stock Unit Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Restricted Stock Award.
2.39 “Restriction Period” shall mean the period of time for which Shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to Restrictions, as set forth in the applicable Restricted Stock Agreement.
2.40 “Restrictions” shall mean the forfeiture, transfer and/or other restrictions applicable to Shares awarded to an Employee, Director or Consultant under the Plan pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award and set forth in a Restricted Stock Agreement.
2.41 “Rule 16b-3” shall mean Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act, as such may be amended from time to time, and any successor rule, regulation or statute fulfilling the same or a substantially similar function.
2.42 “Shares” or “Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value $0.0005 per share.
2.43 “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” shall mean an Award granted under Article XIV of the Plan of a right, granted alone or in connection with a related Option, to receive a payment equal to the increase in value of a specified number of Shares between the date of Award and the date of exercise.
2.44 “Stock Appreciation Right Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right.
2.45 “Tandem Stock Appreciation Right” shall mean a Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with a related Option, the exercise of some or all of which results in termination of the entitlement to purchase some or all of the Shares under the related Option, all as set forth in Article XIV.
2.46 “Ten Percent Stockholder” shall mean an Employee who, at the time an Option is granted to him or her, owns shares possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or of any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation thereof (both as defined in Section 424 of the Code), within the meaning of Section 422(b)
(6) of the Code.
2.47 “Termination of Service” shall mean a termination of a Holder’s employment with, or status as a Director or Consultant of, the Company or an Affiliate, as applicable, for any reason, including, without limitation, Total and Permanent Disability or death, except as provided in Section 6.4. In the event Termination of Service shall constitute a payment event with respect to any Award subject to Code Section 409A, Termination of Service shall only be deemed to occur upon a “separation from service” as such term is defined under Code Section 409A and applicable authorities.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
2.48 “Total and Permanent Disability” of an individual shall mean the inability of such individual to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
2.49 “Unit” shall mean a bookkeeping unit, which represents such monetary amount as shall be designated by the Committee in each Performance Unit Agreement, or represents one Share for purposes of each Restricted Stock Unit Award.
2.50 “Unrestricted Stock Award” shall mean an Award granted under Article IX of the Plan of Shares which are not subject to Restrictions.
2.51 “Unrestricted Stock Agreement” shall mean a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to an Unrestricted Stock Award.
ARTICLE III
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date, provided that the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months of such date.
ARTICLE IV
ADMINISTRATION
4.1 Composition of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall be appointed by the Board. If necessary, in the Board’s discretion, to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or relevant securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation service, the Committee shall consist solely of two (2) or more Directors who are each (i) “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 and (ii) “independent” for purposes of any applicable listing requirements. If a member of the Committee shall be eligible to receive an Award under the Plan, such Committee member shall have no authority hereunder with respect to his or her own Award.
4.2 Powers. Subject to the other provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the sole authority, in its discretion, to make all determinations under the Plan, including but not limited to (i) determining which Employees, Directors or Consultants shall receive an Award, (ii) the time or times when an Award shall be made (the date of grant of an Award shall be the date on which the Award is awarded by the Committee), (iii) what type of Award shall be granted, (iv) the term of an Award, (v) the date or dates on which an Award vests, (vi) the form of any payment to be made pursuant to an Award, (vii) the terms and conditions of an Award (including the forfeiture of the Award, and/or any financial gain, if the Holder of the Award violates any applicable restrictive covenant thereof), (viii) the Restrictions under a Restricted Stock Award, (ix) the number of Shares which may be issued under an Award, (x) Performance Goals applicable to any Award and certification of the achievement of such goals, and (xi) the waiver of any Restrictions or Performance Goals, subject in all cases to compliance with applicable laws. In making such determinations the Committee may take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective Employees, Directors and Consultants, their present and potential contribution to the Company’s (or the Affiliate’s) success and such other factors as the Committee in its discretion may deem relevant.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
4.3 Additional Powers. The Committee shall have such additional powers as are delegated to it under the other provisions of the Plan. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee is authorized to construe the Plan and the respective Award Agreements executed hereunder, to prescribe such rules and regulations relating to the Plan as it may deem advisable to carry out the intent of the Plan, to determine the terms, restrictions and provisions of each Award and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in any Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent the Committee shall deem necessary, appropriate or expedient to carry it into effect. The determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this Article IV shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and all Holders.
4.4 Committee Action. Subject to compliance with all applicable laws, action by the Committee shall require the consent of a majority of the members of the Committee, expressed either orally at a meeting of the Committee or in writing in the absence of a meeting. No member of the Committee shall have any liability for any good faith action, inaction or determination in connection with the Plan.
ARTICLE V
SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN AND LIMITATIONS THEREON
5.1 Authorized Shares and Award Limits. The Committee may from time to time grant Awards to one or more Employees, Directors and/or Consultants determined by it to be eligible for participation in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Article VI. Subject to Article XV, the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed 2,000,000 Shares inclusive of awards previously issued and outstanding under the Gulf Resources, Inc. 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”). Upon adoption of this Plan, the 2019 Plan shall be frozen, no new awards shall be granted thereunder, and outstanding awards thereunder shall continue to be governed by the terms and condition of the 2019 Plan and applicable award agreement. Shares shall be deemed to have been issued under the Plan solely to the extent actually issued and delivered pursuant to an Award. To the extent that an Award lapses, expires, is canceled, is terminated unexercised or ceases to be exercisable for any reason, or the rights of its Holder terminate, any Shares subject to such Award shall again be available for the grant of a new Award. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the maximum number of Shares that may be subject to Awards of Options under Article VII and/or Stock Appreciation Rights under Article XIV, in either or both cases granted to any one person during any calendar year, shall be One Million (1,000,000) Shares (subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Article XV with respect to Shares subject to Awards then outstanding).
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
5.2 Types of Shares. The Shares to be issued pursuant to the grant or exercise of an Award may consist of authorized but unissued Shares, Shares purchased on the open market or Shares previously issued and outstanding and reacquired by the Company.
ARTICLE VI
ELIGIBILITY AND TERMINATION OF SERVICE
6.1 Eligibility. Awards made under the Plan may be granted solely to individuals or entities who, at the time of grant, are Employees, Directors or Consultants. An Award may be granted on more than one occasion to the same Employee, Director or Consultant, and, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, such Award may include, a Non-qualified Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, an Unrestricted Stock Award, a Distribution Equivalent Right Award, a Performance Stock Award, a Performance Unit Award, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Tandem Stock Appreciation Right, or any combination thereof, and solely for Employees, an Incentive Stock Option.
6.2 Termination of Service. Except to the extent inconsistent with the terms of the applicable Award Agreement and/or the provisions of Section 6.3 or 6.4, the following terms and conditions shall apply with respect to a Holder’s Termination of Service with the Company or an Affiliate, as applicable:
(a) The Holder’s rights, if any, to exercise any then exercisable Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights shall terminate:
(i) If such termination is for a reason other than the Holder’s Total and Permanent Disability or death, ninety (90) days after the date of such Termination of Service;
(ii) If such termination is on account of the Holder’s Total and Permanent Disability, one (1) year after the date of such Termination of Service; or
(iii) If such termination is on account of the Holder’s death, one (1) year after the date of the Holder’s death.
Upon such applicable date the Holder (and such Holder’s estate, designated beneficiary or other legal representative) shall forfeit any rights or interests in or with respect to any such Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for a different time period in the Award Agreement, or may extend the time period, following a Termination of Service, during which the Holder has the right to exercise any vested Non-qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, which time period may not extend beyond the expiration date of the Award term.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
(b) In the event of a Holder’s Termination of Service for any reason prior to the actual or deemed satisfaction and/or lapse of the Restrictions, vesting requirements, terms and conditions applicable to a Restricted Stock Award and/or Restricted Stock Unit Award, such Restricted Stock and/or RSUs shall immediately be canceled, and the Holder (and such Holder’s estate, designated beneficiary or other legal representative) shall forfeit any rights or interests in and with respect to any such Restricted Stock and/or RSUs. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine, prior to or within thirty (30) days after the date of such Termination of Service that all or a portion of any such Holder’s Restricted Stock and/or RSUs shall not be so canceled and forfeited.
6.3 Special Termination Rule. Except to the extent inconsistent with the terms of the applicable Award Agreement, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article VI, if a Holder’s employment with, or status as a Director of, the Company or an Affiliate shall terminate, and if, within ninety (90) days of such termination, such Holder shall become a Consultant, such Holder’s rights with respect to any Award or portion thereof granted thereto prior to the date of such termination may be preserved, if and to the extent determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, as if such Holder had been a Consultant for the entire period during which such Award or portion thereof had been outstanding. Should the Committee effect such determination with respect to such Holder, for all purposes of the Plan, such Holder shall not be treated as if his or her employment or Director status had terminated until such time as his or her Consultant status shall terminate, in which case his or her Award, as it may have been reduced in connection with the Holder’s becoming a Consultant, shall be treated pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.2, provided, however, that any such Award which is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall, upon the Holder’s no longer being an Employee, automatically convert to a Non-qualified Stock Option. Should a Holder’s status as a Consultant terminate, and if, within ninety (90) days of such termination, such Holder shall become an Employee or a Director, such Holder’s rights with respect to any Award or portion thereof granted thereto prior to the date of such termination may be preserved, if and to the extent determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, as if such Holder had been an Employee or a Director, as applicable, for the entire period during which such Award or portion thereof had been outstanding, and, should the Committee effect such determination with respect to such Holder, for all purposes of the Plan, such Holder shall not be treated as if his or her Consultant status had terminated until such time as his or her employment with the Company or an Affiliate, or his or her Director status, as applicable, shall terminate, in which case his or her Award shall be treated pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.2.
6.4 Termination of Service for Cause. Notwithstanding anything in this Article VI or elsewhere in the Plan to the contrary, and unless a Holder’s Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise, in the event of a Holder’s Termination of Service for Cause, all of such Holder’s then outstanding Awards shall expire immediately and be forfeited in their entirety upon such Termination of Service.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
ARTICLE VII
OPTIONS
7.1 Option Period. The term of each Option shall be as specified in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that except as set forth in Section 7.3, no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant.
7.2 Limitations on Exercise of Option. An Option shall be exercisable in whole or in such installments and at such times as specified in the Option Agreement.
7.3 Special Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time the respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any calendar year under all plans of the Company and any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation thereof (both as defined in Section 424 of the Code) which provide for the grant of Incentive Stock Options exceeds One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) (or such other individual limit as may be in effect under the Code on the date of grant), the portion of such Incentive Stock Options that exceeds such threshold shall be treated as Non-qualified Stock Options. The Committee shall determine, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and other administrative pronouncements, which of a Holder’s Options, which were intended by the Committee to be Incentive Stock Options when granted to the Holder, will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation, and shall notify the Holder of such determination as soon as practicable after such determination. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an Employee if, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, such Employee is a Ten Percent Stockholder, unless (i) at the time such Incentive Stock Option is granted the Option price is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the Incentive Stock Option, and (ii) such Incentive Stock Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted more than ten (10) years from the earlier of the Effective Date or date on which the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders. The designation by the Committee of an Option as an Incentive Stock Option shall not guarantee the Holder that the Option will satisfy the applicable requirements for “incentive stock option” status under Section 422 of the Code.
7.4 Option Agreement. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the other provisions of the Plan as the Committee from time to time shall approve, including, but not limited to, provisions intended to qualify an Option as an Incentive Stock Option. An Option Agreement may provide for the payment of the Option price, in whole or in part, by the delivery of a number of Shares (plus cash if necessary) that have been owned by the Holder for at least six (6) months and having a Fair Market Value equal to such Option price, or such other forms or methods as the Committee may determine from time to time, in each case, subject to such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Committee. Each Option Agreement shall, solely to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of Sections 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4, as applicable, specify the effect of Termination of Service on the exercisability of the Option. Moreover, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement may provide for a “cashless exercise” of the Option, in whole or in part, by (a) establishing procedures whereby the Holder, by a properly-executed written notice, directs (i) an immediate market sale or margin loan as to all or a part of Shares to which he is entitled to receive upon exercise of the Option, pursuant to an extension of credit by the Company to the Holder of the Option price, (ii) the delivery of the Shares from the Company directly to a brokerage firm and (iii) the delivery of the Option price from sale or margin loan proceeds from the brokerage firm directly to the Company, or (b) reducing the number of Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option by the number of such Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the Option price (or portion thereof to be so paid) as of the date of the Option’s exercise. An Option Agreement may also include provisions relating to:
(i) subject to the provisions hereof, accelerated vesting of Options, including but not limited to, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, (ii) tax matters (including provisions covering any applicable Employee wage withholding requirements and requiring additional “gross-up” payments to Holders to meet any excise taxes or other additional income tax liability imposed as a result of a payment made upon a Change of Control resulting from the operation of the Plan or of such Option Agreement) and (iii) any other matters not inconsistent with the terms and provisions of the Plan that the Committee shall in its sole discretion determine. The terms and conditions of the respective Option Agreements need not be identical.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
7.5 Option Price and Payment. The price at which an Share may be purchased upon exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such Option price (i) shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of an Share on the date such Option is granted (or 110% of Fair Market Value for an Incentive Stock Option held by Ten Percent Stockholder, as provided in Section 7.3), and (ii) shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Article XV. The Option or portion thereof may be exercised by delivery of an irrevocable notice of exercise to the Company. The Option price for the Option or portion thereof shall be paid in full in the manner prescribed by the Committee as set forth in the Plan and the applicable Option Agreement, which manner, with the consent of the Committee, may include the withholding of Shares otherwise issuable in connection with the exercise of the Option. Separate share certificates shall be issued by the Company for those Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option and for those Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Non-qualified Stock Option.
7.6 Stockholder Rights and Privileges. The Holder of an Option shall be entitled to all the privileges and rights of a stockholder of the Company solely with respect to such Shares as have been purchased under the Option and for which share certificates have been registered in the Holder’s name.
7.7 Options and Rights in Substitution for Stock or Options Granted by Other Corporations. Options may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for stock options held by individuals employed by entities who become Employees, Directors or Consultants as a result of a merger or consolidation of the employing entity with the Company or any Affiliate, or the acquisition by the Company or an Affiliate of the assets of the employing entity, or the acquisition by the Company or an Affiliate of stock or shares of the employing entity with the result that such employing entity becomes an Affiliate.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
7.8 Prohibition Against Re-Pricing. Except to the extent (i) approved in advance by holders of a majority of the shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (ii) as a result of any Change of Control or any adjustment as provided in Article XV, the Committee shall not have the power or authority to reduce, whether through amendment or otherwise, the exercise price under any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right, or to grant any new Award or make any payment of cash in substitution for or upon the cancellation of Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights previously granted.
ARTICLE VIII
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
8.1 Award. A Restricted Stock Award shall constitute an Award of Shares to the Holder as of the date of the Award which are subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” as defined under Section 83 of the Code during the specified Restriction Period. At the time a Restricted Stock Award is made, the Committee shall establish the Restriction Period applicable to such Award. Each Restricted Stock Award may have a different Restriction Period, in the discretion of the Committee. The Restriction Period applicable to a particular Restricted Stock Award shall not be changed except as permitted by Section 8.2.
8.2 Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article VIII, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Restricted Stock Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Company shall cause the Shares to be issued in the name of Holder, either by book-entry registration or issuance of one or more stock certificates evidencing the Shares, which Shares or certificates shall be held by the Company or the stock transfer agent or brokerage service selected by the Company to provide services for the Plan. The Shares shall be restricted from transfer and shall be subject to an appropriate stop-transfer order, and if any certificate is issued, such certificate shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the restrictions applicable to the Shares. After any Shares vest, the Company shall deliver the vested Shares, in book-entry or certificated form in the Company’s sole discretion, registered in the name of Holder or his or her legal representatives, beneficiaries or heirs, as the case may be, less any Shares withheld to pay withholding taxes. If provided for under the Restricted Stock Agreement, the Holder shall have the right to vote Shares subject thereto and to enjoy all other stockholder rights, including the entitlement to receive dividends on the Shares during the Restriction Period. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the effect of Termination of Service prior to expiration of the Restriction Period. Such additional terms, conditions or restrictions shall, to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of Sections 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4, as applicable, be set forth in a Restricted Stock Agreement made in conjunction with the Award. Such Restricted Stock Agreement may also include provisions relating to: (i) subject to the provisions hereof, accelerated vesting of Awards, including but not limited to accelerated vesting upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, (ii) tax matters (including provisions covering any applicable Employee wage withholding requirements and requiring additional “gross-up” payments to Holders to meet any excise taxes or other additional income tax liability imposed as a result of a payment made in connection with a Change of Control resulting from the operation of the Plan or of such Restricted Stock Agreement) and (iii) any other matters not inconsistent with the terms and provisions of the Plan that the Committee shall in its sole discretion determine. The terms and conditions of the respective Restricted Stock Agreements need not be identical. All Shares delivered to a Holder as part of a Restricted Stock Award shall be delivered and reported by the Company or the Affiliate, as applicable, to the Holder at the time of vesting.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
8.3 Payment for Restricted Stock. The Committee shall determine the amount and form of any payment from a Holder for Shares received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, if any, provided that in the absence of such a determination, a Holder shall not be required to make any payment for Shares received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law.
ARTICLE IX
UNRESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
9.1 Award. Shares may be awarded (or sold) to Employees, Directors or Consultants under the Plan which are not subject to Restrictions of any kind, in consideration for past services rendered thereby to the Company or an Affiliate or for other valid consideration.
9.2 Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article IX, the Company and the Holder shall enter into an Unrestricted Stock Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate.
9.3 Payment for Unrestricted Stock. The Committee shall determine the amount and form of any payment from a Holder for Shares received pursuant to an Unrestricted Stock Award, if any, provided that in the absence of such a determination, a Holder shall not be required to make any payment for Shares received pursuant to an Unrestricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law.
ARTICLE X
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARDS
10.1 Award. A Restricted Stock Unit Award shall constitute a promise to grant Shares (or cash equal to the Fair Market Value of Shares) to the Holder at the end of a specified Restriction Period. At the time a Restricted Stock Unit Award is made, the Committee shall establish the Restriction Period applicable to such Award. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award may have a different Restriction Period, in the discretion of the Committee. A Restricted Stock Unit shall not constitute an equity interest in the Company and shall not entitle the Holder to voting rights, dividends or any other rights associated with ownership of Shares prior to the time the Holder shall receive a distribution of Shares pursuant to Section 10.3.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
10.2 Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article X, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Restricted Stock Unit Agreement shall set forth the individual service-based vesting requirement which the Holder would be required to satisfy before the Holder would become entitled to distribution pursuant to Section 10.3 and the number of Units awarded to the Holder. Such conditions shall be sufficient to constitute a “substantial risk of forfeiture” as such term is defined under Section 409A of the Code. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Unit Awards in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the effect of Termination of Service prior to expiration of the applicable vesting period. The terms and conditions of the respective Restricted Stock Unit Agreements need not be identical.
10.3 Distributions of Shares. The Holder of a Restricted Stock Unit shall be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share, or one Share, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee and as set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, for each Restricted Stock Unit subject to such Restricted Stock Unit Award, if the Holder satisfies the applicable vesting requirement. Such distribution shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the calendar year in which the Restricted Stock Unit first becomes vested (i.e., no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture”).
ARTICLE XI
PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARDS
11.1 Award. A Performance Unit Award shall constitute an Award under which, upon the satisfaction of predetermined individual and/or Company (and/or Affiliate) Performance Goals based on selected Performance Criteria, a cash payment shall be made to the Holder, based on the number of Units awarded to the Holder. At the time a Performance Unit Award is made, the Committee shall establish the Performance Period and applicable Performance Goals. Each Performance Unit Award may have different Performance Goals, in the discretion of the Committee. A Performance Unit Award shall not constitute an equity interest in the Company and shall not entitle the Holder to voting rights, dividends or any other rights associated with ownership of Shares.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
11.2 Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article XI, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Performance Unit Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Committee shall set forth in the applicable Performance Unit Agreement the Performance Period, Performance Criteria and Performance Goals which the Holder and/or the Company would be required to satisfy before the Holder would become entitled to payment pursuant to Section 11.3, the number of Units awarded to the Holder and the dollar value or formula assigned to each such Unit. Such payment shall be subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” under Section 409A of the Code. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions relating to Performance Unit Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the effect of Termination of Service prior to expiration of the applicable performance period. The terms and conditions of the respective Performance Unit Agreements need not be identical.
11.3 Payments. The Holder of a Performance Unit shall be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the dollar value assigned to such Unit under the applicable Performance Unit Agreement if the Holder and/or the Company satisfy (or partially satisfy, if applicable under the applicable Performance Unit Agreement) the Performance Goals set forth in such Performance Unit Agreement. All payments shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year to which such performance goals and objectives relate.
ARTICLE XII
PERFORMANCE STOCK AWARDS
12.1 Award. A Performance Stock Award shall constitute a promise to grant Shares (or cash equal to the Fair Market Value of Shares) to the Holder at the end of a specified Performance Period subject to achievement of specified Performance Goals. At the time a Performance Stock Award is made, the Committee shall establish the Performance Period and applicable Performance Goals based on selected Performance Criteria. Each Performance Stock Award may have different Performance Goals, in the discretion of the Committee. A Performance Stock Award shall not constitute an equity interest in the Company and shall not entitle the Holder to voting rights, dividends or any other rights associated with ownership of Shares unless and until the Holder shall receive a distribution of Shares pursuant to Section 12.3.
12.2 Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article XII, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Performance Stock Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Committee shall set forth in the applicable Performance Stock Agreement the Performance Period, selected Performance Criteria and Performance Goals which the Holder and/or the Company would be required to satisfy before the Holder would become entitled to the receipt of Shares pursuant to such Holder’s Performance Stock Award and the number of Shares subject to such Performance Stock Award. Such distribution shall be subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” under Section 409A of the Code. If such Performance Goals are achieved, the distribution of Shares (or the payment of cash, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee), shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year to which such goals and objectives relate. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms and conditions or restrictions relating to Performance Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the effect of the Holder’s Termination of Service prior to the expiration of the applicable performance period. The terms and conditions of the respective Performance Stock Agreements need not be identical.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
12.3 Distributions of Shares. The Holder of a Performance Stock Award shall be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share, or one Share, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, for each Performance Stock Award subject to such Performance Stock Agreement, if the Holder satisfies the applicable vesting requirement. Such distribution shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year to which such performance goals and objectives relate.
ARTICLE XIII
DISTRIBUTION EQUIVALENT RIGHTS
13.1 Award. A Distribution Equivalent Right shall entitle the Holder to receive bookkeeping credits, cash payments and/or Share distributions equal in amount to the distributions that would have been made to the Holder had the Holder held a specified number of Shares during the specified period of the Award.
13.2 Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article XIII, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Committee shall set forth in the applicable Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement the terms and conditions, if any, including whether the Holder is to receive credits currently in cash, is to have such credits reinvested (at Fair Market Value determined as of the date of reinvestment) in additional Shares or is to be entitled to choose among such alternatives. Such receipt shall be subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” under Section 409A of the Code and, if such Award becomes vested, the distribution of such cash or Shares shall be made no later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the Holder’s interest in the Award vests. Distribution Equivalent Rights Awards may be settled in cash or in Shares, as set forth in the applicable Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement. A Distribution Equivalent Rights Award may, but need not be, awarded in tandem with another Award (other than an Option or a SAR), whereby, if so awarded, such Distribution Equivalent Rights Award shall expire, terminate or be forfeited by the Holder, as applicable, under the same conditions as under such other Award.
13.3 Interest Equivalents. The Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement for a Distribution Equivalent Rights Award may provide for the crediting of interest on a Distribution Rights Award to be settled in cash at a future date (but in no event later than by the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) calendar month next following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which such interest is credited and vested), at a rate set forth in the applicable Distribution Equivalent Rights Award Agreement, on the amount of cash payable thereunder.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
ARTICLE XIV
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
14.1 Award. A Stock Appreciation Right shall constitute a right, granted alone or in connection with a related Option, to receive a payment equal to the increase in value of a specified number of Shares between the date of Award and the date of exercise.
14.2 Terms and Conditions. At the time any Award is made under this Article XIV, the Company and the Holder shall enter into a Stock Appreciation Right Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated thereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The Committee shall set forth in the applicable Stock Appreciation Right Agreement the terms and conditions of the Stock Appreciation Right, including (i) the base value (the “Base Value”) for the Stock Appreciation Right, which shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of an Share on the date of grant of the Stock Appreciation Right, (ii) the number of Shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Right, (iii) the period during which the Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised; provided, however, that no Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant, and (iv) any other special rules and/or requirements which the Committee imposes upon the Stock Appreciation Right. Upon the exercise of some or all of the portion of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Holder shall receive a payment from the Company, in cash or in the form of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value or in a combination of both, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, equal to the product of:
(a) The excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of an Share on the date of exercise, over (ii) the Base Value,
multiplied by,
(b) The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
14.3 Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights. If the Committee grants a Stock Appreciation Right which is intended to be a Tandem Stock Appreciation Right, the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall be granted at the same time as the related Option, and the following special rules shall apply:
(a) The Base Value shall be equal to or greater than the per Share exercise price under the related Option;
(b) The Tandem Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised for all or part of the Shares which are subject to the related Option, but solely upon the surrender by the Holder of the Holder’s right to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option (and when a Share is purchased under the related Option, an equivalent portion of the related Tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall be canceled);
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
(c) The Tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall expire no later than the date of the expiration of the related
Option;
(d) The value of the payment with respect to the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right may be no more than one hundred percent (100%) of the difference between the per Share exercise price under the related Option and the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the related Option at the time the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, multiplied by the number of the Shares with respect to which the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right is exercised; and
(e) The Tandem Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised solely when the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the related Option exceeds the per Share exercise price under the related Option.
ARTICLE XV
RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION
15.1 Adjustments to Shares. The shares with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan are Shares as presently constituted; provided, however, that if, and whenever, prior to the expiration or distribution to the Holder of Shares underlying an Award theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation of the Shares or the payment of an Share dividend on Shares without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of Shares with respect to which such Award may thereafter be exercised or satisfied, as applicable, (i) in the event of an increase in the number of outstanding Shares, shall be proportionately increased, and the purchase price per Share shall be proportionately reduced, and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding Shares, shall be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per Share shall be proportionately increased. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Article XV, any adjustment made with respect to an Award (x) which is an Incentive Stock Option, shall comply with the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code, and in no event shall any adjustment be made which would render any Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan to be other than an “incentive stock option” for purposes of Section 422 of the Code, and (y) which is a Non-qualified Stock Option, shall comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and in no event shall any adjustment be made which would render any Non-qualified Stock Option granted under the Plan to become subject to Section 409A of the Code.
15.2 Recapitalization. If the Company recapitalizes or otherwise changes its capital structure, thereafter upon any exercise or satisfaction, as applicable, of a previously granted Award, the Holder shall be entitled to receive (or entitled to purchase, if applicable) under such Award, in lieu of the number of Shares then covered by such Award, the number and class of shares and securities to which the Holder would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to such recapitalization, the Holder had been the holder of record of the number of Shares then covered by such Award.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
15.3 Other Events. In the event of changes to the outstanding Shares by reason of an extraordinary cash dividend, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, split-up, spin-off, exchange or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the date of the grant of any Award and not otherwise provided for under this Article XV, any outstanding Awards and any Award Agreements evidencing such Awards shall be adjusted by the Board in its discretion in such manner as the Board shall deem equitable or appropriate taking into consideration the applicable accounting and tax consequences, as to the number and price of Shares or other consideration subject to such Awards. In the event of any adjustment pursuant to Sections 15.1, 15.2 or this Section 15.3, the aggregate number of Shares available under the Plan pursuant to Section 5.1 may be appropriately adjusted by the Board, the determination of which shall be conclusive. In addition, the Committee may make provision for a cash payment to a Holder or a person who has an outstanding Award. In addition, the Committee may make provision for a cash payment to a Holder or a person who has an outstanding Award.
15.4 Change of Control. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, at the time an Award is made or at any time prior to, coincident with or after the time of a Change of Control, cause any Award either (i) to be canceled in consideration of a payment in cash or other consideration in amount per share equal to the excess, if any, of the price or implied price per Share in the Change of Control over the per Share exercise, base or purchase price of such Award, which may be paid immediately or over the vesting schedule of the Award; (ii) to be assumed, or new rights substituted therefore, by the surviving corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such surviving corporation following such Change of Control; (iii) accelerate any time periods, or waive any other conditions, relating to the vesting, exercise, payment or distribution of an Award so that any Award to a Holder whose employment has been terminated as a result of a Change of Control may be vested, exercised, paid or distributed in full on or before a date fixed by the Committee; (iv) to be purchased from a Holder whose employment has been terminated as a result of a Change of Control, upon the Holder’s request, for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise, payment or distribution of such rights had such Award been currently exercisable or payable; or (v) terminate any then outstanding Award or make any other adjustment to the Awards then outstanding as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect such transaction or change. The number of Shares subject to any Award shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
15.5 Powers Not Affected. The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or of the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change of the Company’s capital structure or business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or equity securities ahead of or affecting Shares or the rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding.
15.6 No Adjustment for Certain Awards. Except as hereinabove expressly provided, the issuance by the Company of shares of any class or securities convertible into shares of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect previously granted Awards, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to the number of Shares subject to Awards theretofore granted or the purchase price per Share, if applicable.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN
The Plan shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated pursuant to this Article XVI, until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date on which it is adopted by the Board (except as to Awards outstanding on that date). The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with respect to any shares for which Awards have not theretofore been granted; provided, however, that the Plan’s termination shall not materially and adversely impair the rights of a Holder with respect to any Award theretofore granted without the consent of the Holder. The Board shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part hereof from time to time; provided, however, that without the approval by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum representing a majority of the shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is present in person or by proxy, no amendment or modification of the Plan may (i) materially increase the benefits accruing to Holders, (ii) except as otherwise expressly provided in Article XV, materially increase the number of Shares subject to the Plan or the individual Award Agreements specified in Article V, (iii) materially modify the requirements for participation in the Plan, or (iv) amend, modify or suspend Section 7.7 (re- pricing prohibitions) or this Article XVI. In addition, no change in any Award theretofore granted may be made which would materially and adversely impair the rights of a Holder with respect to such Award without the consent of the Holder (unless such change is required in order to exempt the Plan or any Award from Section 409A of the Code).
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS
17.1 No Right to Award. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Company nor any action of the Board or the Committee shall be deemed to give an Employee, Director or Consultant any right to an Award except as may be evidenced by an Award Agreement duly executed on behalf of the Company, and then solely to the extent and on the terms and conditions expressly set forth therein.
17.2 No Rights Conferred. Nothing contained in the Plan shall (i) confer upon any Employee any right with respect to continuation of employment with the Company or any Affiliate, (ii) interfere in any way with any right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate the employment of an Employee at any time, (iii) confer upon any Director any right with respect to continuation of such Director’s membership on the Board, (iv) interfere in any way with any right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate a Director’s membership on the Board at any time, (v) confer upon any Consultant any right with respect to continuation of his or her consulting engagement with the Company or any Affiliate, or (vi) interfere in any way with any right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate a Consultant’s consulting engagement with the Company or an Affiliate at any time.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
17.3 Other Laws; No Fractional Shares; Withholding. The Company shall not be obligated by virtue of any provision of the Plan to recognize the exercise of any Award or to otherwise sell or issue Shares in violation of any laws, rules or regulations, and any postponement of the exercise or settlement of any Award under this provision shall not extend the term of such Award. Neither the Company nor its directors or officers shall have any obligation or liability to a Holder with respect to any Award (or Shares issuable thereunder) (i) that shall lapse because of such postponement, or (ii) for any failure to comply with the requirements of any applicable law, rules or regulations, including but not limited to any failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of this Code. No fractional Shares shall be delivered, nor shall any cash in lieu of fractional Shares be paid. The Company shall have the right to deduct in cash (whether under this Plan or otherwise) in connection with all Awards any taxes required by law to be withheld and to require any payments required to enable it to satisfy its withholding obligations. In the case of any Award satisfied in the form of Shares, no Shares shall be issued unless and until arrangements satisfactory to the Company shall have been made to satisfy any tax withholding obligations applicable with respect to such Award. Subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may impose, the Company shall have the right to retain, or the Committee may, subject to such terms and conditions as it may establish from time to time, permit Holders to elect to tender, Shares (including Shares issuable in respect of an Award) to satisfy, in whole or in part, the amount required to be withheld.
17.4 No Restriction on Corporate Action. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Affiliate from taking any corporate action which is deemed by the Company or such Affiliate to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award made under the Plan. No Employee, Director, Consultant, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any Affiliate as a result of any such action.
17.5 Restrictions on Transfer. No Award under the Plan or any Award Agreement and no rights or interests herein or therein, shall or may be assigned, transferred, sold, exchanged, encumbered, pledged or otherwise hypothecated or disposed of by a Holder except (i) by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or (ii) where permitted under applicable tax rules, by gift to any Family Member of the Holder, subject to compliance with applicable laws. An Award may be exercisable during the lifetime of the Holder only by such Holder or by the Holder’s guardian or legal representative unless it has been transferred by gift to a Family Member of the Holder, in which case it shall be exercisable solely by such transferee. Notwithstanding any such transfer, the Holder shall continue to be subject to the withholding requirements provided for under Section 17.3 hereof.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
17.6 Beneficiary Designations. Each Holder may, from time to time, name a beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be contingent or successive beneficiaries) for purposes of receiving any amount which is payable in connection with an Award under the Plan upon or subsequent to the Holder’s death. Each such beneficiary designation shall serve to revoke all prior beneficiary designations, be in a form prescribed by the Company and be effective solely when filed by the Holder in writing with the Company during the Holder’s lifetime. In the absence of any such written beneficiary designation, for purposes of the Plan, a Holder’s beneficiary shall be the Holder’s estate.
17.7 Rule 16b-3. It is intended that the Plan and any Award made to a person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall meet all of the requirements of Rule 16b-3. If any provision of the Plan or of any such Award would disqualify the Plan or such Award under, or would otherwise not comply with the requirements of, Rule 16b-3, such provision or Award shall be construed or deemed to have been amended as necessary to conform to the requirements of Rule 16b-3.
17.8 Clawback Policy. Notwithstanding any contained herein or in any incentive “performance based” Awards under the Plan shall be subject to reduction, forfeiture or repayment by reason of a correction or restatement of the Company’s financial information if and to the extent such reduction or repayment is required by any applicable law.
17.9 Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Committee shall have no authority to issue an Award under the Plan with terms and/or conditions which would cause such Award to constitute non-qualified “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code unless such Award shall be structured to be exempt from or comply with all requirements of Code Section 409A. The Plan and all Award Agreements are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (or to be exempt therefrom) and shall be so interpreted and construed and no amount shall be paid or distributed from the Plan unless and until such payment complies with all requirements of Code Section 409A. It is the intent of the Company that the provisions of this Agreement and all other plans and programs sponsored by the Company be interpreted to comply in all respects with Code Section 409A, however, the Company shall have no liability to the Holder, or any successor or beneficiary thereof, in the event taxes, penalties or excise taxes may ultimately be determined to be applicable to any payment or benefit received by the Holder or any successor or beneficiary thereof.
17.10 Indemnification. Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred thereby in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which such person may be made a party or may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid thereby in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid thereby in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against such person; provided, however, that such person shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive and shall be independent of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise.
Gulf Resources, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
17.11 Other Benefit Plans. No Award, payment or amount received hereunder shall be taken into account in computing an Employee’s salary or compensation for the purposes of determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, life insurance or other benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate, unless such other plan specifically provides for the inclusion of such Award, payment or amount received. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company to establish other plans or to pay compensation to its employees, in cash or property, in a manner which is not expressly authorized under the Plan.
17.12 Limits of Liability. Any liability of the Company with respect to an Award shall be based solely upon the contractual obligations created under the Plan and the Award Agreement. None of the Company, any member of the Board nor any member of the Committee shall have any liability to any party for any action taken or not taken, in good faith, in connection with or under the Plan.
17.13 Governing Law. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
17.14 Severability of Provisions. If any provision of the Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included in the Plan.
17.15 No Funding. The Plan shall be unfunded. The Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of funds or assets to ensure the payment of any Award. Prior to receipt of Shares or a cash distribution pursuant to the terms of an Award, such Award shall represent an unfunded unsecured contractual obligation of the Company and the Holder shall have no greater claim to the Shares underlying such Award or any other assets of the Company or Affiliate than any other unsecured general creditor.
17.16 Headings. Headings used throughout the Plan are for convenience only and shall not be given legal significance.
| *** Exercise Your Right to Vote *** | ||||||
| Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the | ||||||
Stockholder Meeting to Be Held on September 4, 2025 |
||||||
| Meeting Information | ||||||
| GULF RESOURCES, INC. | Meeting Type: Annual Meeting | |||||
| For holders as of: July 18, 2025 | ||||||
| Date: September 4, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM LST | B | |||||
| Location: Gulf Resources, Inc. | A | |||||
| Level 11, Vegetable Building | R | |||||
| Industrial Park of East City | C | |||||
| Shouguang City | O | |||||
| Shandong Province, China | D | |||||
| E | ||||||
|
GULF RESOURCES, INC. Level 11, Vegetable Building Industrial Park of the East City Shouguang City, Shandong Province People’s Republic of China 262700 |
You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company.
This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side).
We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.
|
|||||
 |
Investor Address Line 1 Investor Address Line 2 Investor Address Line 3 Investor Address Line 4 Investor Address Line 5 John Sample 1234 ANYWHERE STREET ANY CITY, ON A1A 1A1 |
|
||||
 |
See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions. | |||||
|
Broadridge Internal Use Only
Job # Envelope # Sequence # # of # Sequence # |
—— Before You Vote ——
How to Access the Proxy Materials
| Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE: | ||
| 1. Notice & Proxy Statement 2. 10-K | ||
| How to View Online: | ||
Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow  (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com. |
||
| How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy: | ||
| If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request: | ||
| 1) BY INTERNET: www.proxyvote.com | ||
| 2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639 | ||
| 3) BY E-MAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com | ||
| * If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow (located on the following page) in the subject line. |
||
| Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before [ ] to facilitate timely delivery. |
—— How To Vote ——
Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods
 |
Vote In Person: Many stockholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. | |
| Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. |
Internal Use Only | |
| Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card. |
| Voting items | |||||||||||||||||
|
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: |
|||||||||||||||||
| 1. | Election of Directors | ||||||||||||||||
| Nominees | |||||||||||||||||
| 1a. | Xiaobin Liu | 1b. | Yibo Yang | 1c. | Naihui Miao | 1d. | Dongshan Wang | 1e. | Shengwei Ma | B | |||||||
| 1f. | Shitong Jiang | 1g. | Qiang Liu | A | |||||||||||||
| R | |||||||||||||||||
| The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2, 3, 4 and 5. | C | ||||||||||||||||
| O | |||||||||||||||||
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of GGF CPA LTD., independent public accountants, as the auditor of the Company for the fiscal year 2025. |
D E
|
|||||||||||||||
| 3. | To approve a reverse split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0005 (the “Common Stock”) on the basis of one (1) share for every two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, so that two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock before the reverse stock split shall represent one (1) share of Common Stock after the reverse stock split. | ||||||||||||||||
| 4. | To approve the Gulf Resources Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan. | ||||||||||||||||
| 5. | To conduct an advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed under the caption Election of Directors – Executive Compensation. | ||||||||||||||||
| NOTE: To transact any other business as may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |  | ||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||
 |
|||||
|
Broadridge Internal Use Only xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx Cusip Job # Envelope # Sequence # # of # Sequence # |
|||||
| Reserved for Broadridge Internal Control Information | |||||||
| NAME | ||||
| THE COMPANY NAME INC. - COMMON | 123,456,789,012.12345 | |||
| THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS A | 123,456,789,012.12345 | |||
| THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS B | 123,456,789,012.12345 | |||
| THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS C | 123,456,789,012.12345 | |||
| THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS D | 123,456,789,012.12345 | |||
| THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS E | 123,456,789,012.12345 | |||
| THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS F | 123,456,789,012.12345 | |||
| THE COMPANY NAME INC. - 401K | 123,456,789,012.12345 |
 |
|||
| Broadridge Internal Use | |||
| THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR SIGNATURES IF APPLICABLE |
Only Job # Envelope # Sequence # # of # Sequence # |
|
GULF RESOURCES,INC. Level 11, Vegetable Building Industrial Park of the East City Shouguang City, Shandong Province Peoples Republic of China 262700 |
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. |
||||
|
Investor Address Line 1 Investor Address Line 2 Investor Address Line 3 Investor Address Line 4 Investor Address Line 5 John Sample 1234 ANYWHERE STREET ANY CITY, ON A1A 1A1
|
1
OF
2
|
| CONTROL # —> 0000000000000000 | ||||||
|
NAME
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - COMMON THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS A THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS B THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS C THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS D THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS E THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS F THE COMPANY NAME INC. - 401 K |
SHARES
|
123,456,789,012.12345 123,456,789,012.12345 123,456,789,012.12345 123,456,789,012.12345 123,456,789,012.12345 123,456,789,012.12345 123,456,789,012.12345 123,456,789,012.12345 |
||||
| PAGE 1 OF 2 | ||||||
| TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: | ☒ | |
| KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS | ||
| DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY | ||
| THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. | ||
|
For All
|
Withhold All
|
For All Except
|
To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. | ||||||||||||||
| The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||||||||||||
| 1. | Election of Directors | ||||||||||||||||
| Nominees | |||||||||||||||||
| 01 Xiaobin Liu | 02 Yibo Yang | 03 Naihui Miao | 04 Dongshan Wang | ||||||||||||||
| 05 Shengwei Ma | 06 Shitong Jiang | 07 Qiang Liu | |||||||||||||||
| The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2, 3, 4 and 5. | For | Against | Abstain | ||||||||||||||
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of GGF CPA LTD., independent public accountants, as the auditor of the Company for the fiscal year 2025. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||||||||||
| 3. | To approve a reverse split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0005 (the “Common Stock”) on the basis of one (1) share for every two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, so that two (2) to ten (10) outstanding shares of Common Stock before the reverse stock split shall represent one (1) share of Common Stock after the reverse stock split; | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||||||||||
| 4. | To approve the Gulf Resources Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||||||||||
| 5. | To conduct an advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed under the caption Election of Directors – Executive Compensation. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||||||||||
| NOTE: To transact any other business as may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. | |||||||||||||||||
|
Please sign exactly as your name appears below. When shares are held by joint tenants, each should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, corporate officer, or partner, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally.
|
Investor Address Line 1 Investor Address Line 2 Investor Address Line 3 Investor Address Line 4 Investor Address Line 5 John Sample 1234 ANYWHERE STREET ANY CITY, ON A1A 1A1 |
||||||||||||||||
| SHARES | |||||||||||||||||
| CUSIP # | |||||||||||||||||
| Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] | Date | JOB # | Signature (Joint Owners) | Date | SEQUENCE # | ||||||||||||
The Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Gulf Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation
("Company"), will be held on September 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (local time), at the Company's
headquarters located at
Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong
Province, 262700
People's Republic of China.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement, 10-K, as amended, is/are available at www.proxyvote.com
|
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF GULF RESOURCES, INC.
Gulf Resources, Inc., Annual Meeting of Stockholders September 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM Local Time This proxy is solicited by the Board Of Directors
The stockholders hereby appoints Ming Yang and Xiaobin Liu, and each of them, each with full power of substitution, hereby are authorized to vote as specified on the reverse side or, with respect to any matter not set forth on the reverse side, as a majority of those or their substitutes present and acting at the meeting shall determine, all of the shares of capital stock of Gulf Resources, Inc. that the undersigned would be entitled to vote, if personally present, at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournment thereof.
Unless otherwise specified, this proxy will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side |