Stran & Company, Inc 10-Q for FY2021 Q3
Stran & Company, Inc. (SWAG)
About this 10-Q
Stran & Company, Inc filed this 10-Q on December 7, 2021, covering the quarter ended September 30, 2021 (FY2021 Q3).
Headline figures
Quarter ended September 30, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $10.95M
- up 30.9% from $8.36M a year earlier
- Net income
- $723.87K
- compared with a net loss of $231.02K a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For
the quarterly period ended:
or
For the transition period from ____________ to _____________
Commission
File Number:
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
| 800-833-3309 |
| (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
| (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| The | ||||
| Warrants, each warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.1875 | STRNW | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC |
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit
such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ | ||
| Smaller reporting company | |||
| Emerging growth company |
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
As
of December 6, 2021, there were
STRAN & COMPANY, INC.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Period Ended September 30, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 33 |
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 33 |
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 33 |
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 33 |
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 33 |
| Item 5. | Other Information | 34 |
| Item 6. | Exhibits | 35 |
i
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
| ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
STRAN & COMPANY, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1
STRAN & COMPANY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
STRAN & COMPANY, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts Receivable | ||||||||
| Deferred IPO Costs | ||||||||
| Due From Wildman | ||||||||
| Inventory | ||||||||
| Prepaid Corporate Taxes | ||||||||
| Prepaid Expenses | ||||||||
| Security Deposit | ||||||||
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET: | ||||||||
| OTHER ASSETS: | ||||||||
| Intangible Asset - Customer List, Net | ||||||||
| Due From Stockholder | - | |||||||
| Right of Use Asset - Office Leases | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY | ||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
| Note Payable - Line of Credit | $ | $ | ||||||
| Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | ||||||||
| Current Portion of Wildman Contingent Earn-Out Liability | ||||||||
| Current Obligation under Right of Use Asset - Office Leases | ||||||||
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | ||||||||
| Accrued Payroll and Related | ||||||||
| Corporate Income Taxes Payable | ||||||||
| Deferred Income Taxes | ||||||||
| Due to Stockholder | - | |||||||
| Unearned Revenue | ||||||||
| Rewards Program Liability | ||||||||
| Sales Tax Payable | ||||||||
| Note Payable - Wildman | ||||||||
| LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
| Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion | ||||||||
| Long-Term Wildman Contingent Earn-Out Liability | ||||||||
| Long-Term Obligation under Right of Use Asset - Office Leases | ||||||||
| STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY: | ||||||||
| Common Stock, $.0001 Par Value; 300,000,000 Shares Authorized, | ||||||||
| Retained Earnings | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
2
STRAN & COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) AND RETAINED EARNINGS
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020
(UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||
| SALES | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| COST OF SALES: | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | ||||||||||||||||
| Freight | ||||||||||||||||
| GROSS PROFIT | ||||||||||||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||||||
| Bad Debt Expense | ||||||||||||||||
| General and Administrative Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSE): | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Income | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | ||||||||||||||||
| INCOME TAXES: | ||||||||||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||||||
| State | ||||||||||||||||
| Federal | ||||||||||||||||
| Deferred: | ||||||||||||||||
| State | - | |||||||||||||||
| Federal | - | |||||||||||||||
| - | ||||||||||||||||
| NET EARNINGS (LOSS) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| RETAINED EARNINGS, BEGINNING | ||||||||||||||||
| RETAINED EARNINGS, ENDING | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
3
STRAN & COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020
(UNAUDITED)
| Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Retained | Stockholders | ||||||||||||||
| Shares | Value | Earnings | Equity | |||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Net Earnings | - | |||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2020 | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Net Earnings | - | |||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Net Earnings | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Net Earnings | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2021 | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Net Earnings | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Net Earnings | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2021 | $ | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
4
STRAN & COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020
(UNAUDITED)
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Net Earnings | $ | $ | ||||||
| Noncash Items Included in Net Earnings: | ||||||||
| Deferred Income Taxes | ||||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | ||||||||
| Gain on Extinguishment of Debt | ( | ) | ||||||
| Intangible Asset - Customer List Impairment | ||||||||
| Reduction in Wildman Earn-Out Payment | ( | ) | ||||||
| (Increase) Decrease In: | ||||||||
| Accounts Receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Deferred IPO Costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Due From Affiliate | ||||||||
| Due From Wildman | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventory | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Prepaid Expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Security Deposit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Increase (Decrease) In: | ||||||||
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued Payroll and Related | ( | ) | ||||||
| Corporate Income Taxes Payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Unearned Revenue | ( | ) | ||||||
| Rewards Program Liability | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Sales Tax Payable | ||||||||
| ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Additions to Property and Equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| New Borrowings: | ||||||||
| Note Payable - Line of Credit | ||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | ||||||||
| Debt Reduction: | ||||||||
| Note Payable - Line of Credit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Increase in Due To/From Stockholder | ( | ) | ||||||
| ( | ) | |||||||
| NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH | ( | ) | ||||||
| CASH - BEGINNING | ||||||||
| CASH - ENDING | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
5
STRAN & COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020
(UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Cash Paid During The Period For: | ||||||||
| Interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Income Taxes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Transactions: | ||||||||
| Cost of Intangible Asset - Customer List | $ | $ | ||||||
| Wildman Contingent Earn-Out | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash Used for Purchase of Intangible Asset - Customer List | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cost of Wildman Inventory | $ | $ | ||||||
| Note Payable - Wildman | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash Used for Purchase Wildman Inventory | $ | $ | ||||||
6
Stran & Company, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
| A. | ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: |
| 2. | Operations - The Company is an outsourced marketing solutions provider that sells branded products to customers. The Company purchases products and branding through various third-party manufacturers and decorators and resells the finished goods to customers. |
In addition to selling branded products, the Company offers clients custom sourcing capabilities; a flexible and customizable e-commerce solution for promoting branded merchandise and other promotional products, managing promotional loyalty and incentives, print collateral, and event assets, order and inventory management, and designing and hosting online retail popup shops, fixed public retail online stores, and online business-to-business service offerings; creative and merchandising services; warehousing/fulfillment and distribution; print-on-demand; kitting; point of sale displays; and loyalty and incentive programs.
| 9. | Revenue Recognition - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"), which is aimed at creating common revenue recognition guidance for GAAP and the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). This new guidance provides a comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue guidance issued by the FASB. ASU 2014-09 also requires both qualitative and quantitative disclosures, including descriptions of performance obligations. |
7
Stran & Company, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Continued)
| A. | ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued) |
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and all related amendments ("ASC 606") and applied its provisions to all uncompleted contracts using the modified retrospective basis. The application of this new revenue recognition standard resulted in no adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.
Performance Obligations - Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when, or as, the Company satisfies its performance obligations by transferring goods or services to customers. A good or service is transferred to a customer when, or as, the customer obtains control of that good or service. A performance obligation may be satisfied over time or at a point in time. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied at a point in time is recognized at the point in time that the company determines the customer has obtained control over the promised good or service. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration of which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for the promised goods or services.
The following provides detailed information on the recognition of the Company's revenue from contracts with customers:
Product Sales - The Company is engaged in the development and sale of promotional programs and products. Revenue on the sale of these products is recognized after orders are shipped.
Reward Card Program - The Company facilitates a reward card program for a customer and receives a transaction fee when the customer issues or replenishes a new reward card. Revenue is recognized when cards are issued or replenished.
The following table disaggregates the Company's revenue based on the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations for the nine months ended September 30,:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Performance Obligations Satisfied at a Point in Time | $ | $ | ||||||
| Performance Obligations Satisfied Over Time | ||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
8
Stran & Company, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Continued)
| A. | ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued) |
| B. | ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS, NET: |
The
Company uses the allowance method to account for uncollectible accounts receivable balances. Under the allowance method, an estimate
of uncollectible customer balances is made based on the Company’s prior history and other factors such as credit quality of the
customer and economic conditions of the market. Based on these factors, at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there was an allowance
for doubtful accounts of $
| C. | INVENTORY: |
Inventory consists of the following as of:
| September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Finished Goods (branded products) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Goods in Process (un-branded products) | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| D. | PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: |
Property and Equipment consists of the following as of:
| September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Leasehold Improvements | $ | $ | ||||||
| Office Furniture and Equipment | ||||||||
| Software | ||||||||
| Transportation Equipment | ||||||||
| Accumulated Depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| E. | DUE FROM STOCKHOLDER: |
The
amount due from stockholder is unsecured and non-interest bearing. There is no formal repayment plan and, accordingly, this amount has
been recorded as long-term. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the amounts due from stockholder were $
9
Stran & Company, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Continued)
| F. | NOTE PAYABLE - LINE OF CREDIT: |
The
Company has a $
| G. | LONG-TERM DEBT: |
Long-Term Debt consists of the following at September 30,:
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
| Loan Payable - PPP Loan - Bank of America: Due in monthly installments of $1,209 including interest to March 2025. | $ | $ | |||||||
| Loan Payable - EIDL Loan - SBA: Due in monthly installments of $731 including interest to April 2051. | |||||||||
| Current Portion | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
| Long-Term Debt | $ | $ | |||||||
On
April 15, 2020, the Company received loan proceeds from Bank of America in the amount of approximately $
The
unforgiven portion of the PPP loan is payable over
The following is a schedule by years of aggregate maturities of indebtedness at September 30, 2021:
| 2022 | $ | |||
| 2023 | ||||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| $ |
10
Stran & Company, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Continued)
| H. | contingent earn-out liability: |
In
connection with the asset acquisition, as discussed in Note M, the customer list was purchased using a Contingent Earn-Out Calculation.
The purchase price is equal to fifteen percent (
| I. | UNearned revenue: |
Unearned
revenue includes customer deposits and deferred revenue which represent prepayments from customers. At September 30, 2021 and December
31, 2020, the Company had unearned revenue totaling $
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Beginning Balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Revenue recognized | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Amounts collected or invoiced | ||||||||
| Ending Balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| J. | reward card program liability: |
The
Company manages reward card programs for customers. Under this program, the Company receives cash and simultaneously records a liability
for the total amount received. These accounts are adjusted on a periodic basis as reward cards are funded or reduced at the direction
of the customers. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the company had deposits totaling $
| K. | DUE TO STOCKHOLDER: |
The
amount due to stockholder is unsecured and accrues interest at
| L. | Note Payable - wildman: |
In
connection with the asset acquisition as discussed in Note M, the Company had an amount due to the seller of $
| M. | ACquisition: |
On August 24, 2020 the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire inventory, select fixed assets, and a customer list from Wildman Business Group, LLC (WBG). In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB” ASC 805), “Business Combinations”, the acquisition method of accounting is used and recognition of the assets acquired is at fair value as of the acquisition dates. All acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. Amortization of the acquired customer list is straight-line for ten years.
11
Stran & Company, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Continued)
| M. | ACquisition: (Continued) |
The
consideration paid has been allocated to the assets acquired based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The estimate
of fair values for tangible assets acquired were agreed to by both buyer and seller. The aggregate purchase price was $
| Fair Value of Identifiable Assets Acquired: | ||||
| Inventory | $ | |||
| Property and Equipment | ||||
| Intangible - Customer List | ||||
| $ | ||||
| Consideration Paid: | ||||
| Cash | $ | |||
| Note Payable - Wildman | ||||
| Wildman Contingent Earn-Out Liability | ||||
| $ | ||||
| N. | LEASE OBLIGATIONS: |
The Company recognizes and measures its leases in accordance with FASB ASC 842, Leases. The company is a lessee in a non-cancellable operating lease for office space. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at inception of a contract and when the terms of an existing contract are changed. The company recognizes a lease liability and right of use (ROU) asset at the commencement date of the lease. The lease liability is initially and subsequently recognized based on the present value of its future payments. Variable payments are included in the future lease payments when those variable payments depend on an index or a rate. The discount rate is the implicit rate if it is readily determinable or otherwise the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate. The implicit rates of the Company's lease are not readily determinable and accordingly, the Company used their incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date of the lease. The Company's incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest it would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms and in a similar economic environment. The ROU asset is subsequently measured throughout the lease term at the amount of the remeasured lease liability (i.e., present value of the remaining lease payments), plus unamortized initial direct costs, plus (minus) any prepaid (accrued) lease payments, less the unamortized balance of lease incentives received, and any impairment recognized. Lease costs for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has entered into operating lease agreements for its office space.
The following is a schedule by years of future minimum lease payments at September 30, 2021:
| 2022 | $ | ||||
| 2023 | |||||
| 2024 | |||||
| 2025 | |||||
| 2026 | |||||
| $ |
Rent
expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 totaled $
12
Stran & Company, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Continued)
| O. | CAPITAL STRUCTURE: |
On
May 24, 2021 the Company authorized a capital stock change from
| P. | ADVERTISING: |
The
Company follows the policy of charging the costs of advertising to expense as incurred. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021
and 2020, advertising costs amounted to $
| Q. | MAJOR CUSTOMERs: |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company had no major customers.
For
the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company had two major customers to which sales accounted for approximately
| R. | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAM: |
Effective
September 1998, the Company has a SIMPLE IRA plan (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) covering all employees who meet certain
requirements. Each employee is
| S. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS: |
Management has evaluated events occurring after the balance sheet date through December 7, 2021, the date in which the financial statements were available to be issued.
On
November 12, 2021, the closing of the Offering was completed. At the closing, the underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase
an additional
On
November 22, 2021, the Company entered into a secured revolving line of credit with Salem Five Bank permitting the Company to borrow
up to $
13
| ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. |
The following management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our plans and financial condition. The following financial information is derived from our condensed consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with such condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto set forth elsewhere herein.
Use of Terms
Except as otherwise indicated by the context and for the purposes of this report only, references in this report to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” are to Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
| ● | the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our operations and financial condition; | |
| ● | our goals and strategies; | |
| ● | our future business development, financial condition and results of operations; | |
| ● | expected changes in our revenue, costs or expenditures; | |
| ● | growth of and competition trends in our industry; | |
| ● | our expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, our products; | |
| ● | our expectations regarding our relationships with investors, institutional funding partners and other parties we collaborate with; | |
| ● | fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in the markets in which we operate; and | |
| ● | relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry. |
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could materially affect results. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under Item 1A “Risk Factors” included in our Registration Statement on Form S-1, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7, 2021, as amended, and elsewhere in this report. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance.
The forward-looking statements made in this report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this report. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, there is no undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason.
14
Overview
We are an outsourced marketing solutions provider that sells branded products to customers. We purchase products and branding through various third-party manufacturers and decorators and resell the finished goods to customers.
In addition to selling branded products, we offer clients custom sourcing capabilities; a flexible and customizable e-commerce solution for promoting branded merchandise and other promotional products, managing promotional loyalty and incentives, print collateral, and event assets, order and inventory management, and designing and hosting online retail popup shops, fixed public retail online stores, and online business-to-business service offerings; creative and merchandising services; warehousing/fulfillment and distribution; print-on-demand; kitting; point of sale displays; and loyalty and incentive programs.
We earn the majority of our revenue from the sale of unique, quality promotional products for a wide variety of industries primarily to support marketing efforts. We also derive revenues from service fees from loyalty programs, event management, print services, fulfillment services, and technology services.
The majority of our revenue is derived from program business, although only a small percentage of our customers are considered programmatic. For the years 2019 and 2020, program clients accounted for 70.2% and 77.6% of total revenue, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2021, program clients accounted for 77.8% and 76.6% of total revenue, respectively. Less than 350 of our more than 2,000 active customers are considered to be program clients. Our active customers are any organizations, businesses, or divisions of a parent organization which have purchased directly or indirectly from us within the last two years, and include organizations that have bought from other organizations for which Stran acts as an established sub-contractor. With a larger sales force and other resources, we believe we can convert more of our customer base from transactional customers into program clients with much greater revenue potential. We define transactional customers as customers that place an order with us and do not have an agreement with us covering ongoing branding requirements. We define program clients as clients that have a contractual obligation for specific ongoing branding needs. Program offerings include ongoing inventory, use of technology platform, warehousing, creative services, and additional client support. Those program customers are geared towards longer-lasting relationships that helps secure recurring revenue well into the future.
Our sales declined 4.9% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the first nine months of 2020 due to the completion of the U.S. Census program in 2020, market saturation of personal protective equipment in 2021, a lack of in-person events, and businesses still not being fully reopened throughout 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we expect going forward that pent-up demand from more widespread immunity to the COVID-19 virus and societal reopening will help compensate for lower sales in prior periods. However, this will be partially offset by increases in expenses, especially higher freight charges, raw material costs and a more challenging supply chain such as port congestion. According to a global pricing index by London-based Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd, the average price worldwide to ship a 40-foot shipping container reached $9,186 for the week ended November 25, 2021, which is 224% higher than the same week in 2020. According to Denmark-based shipping research group Sea-Intelligence ApS, schedule reliability in September 2021 was down 22% compared to September 2020 and the average delay for late vessel arrivals was 7.27 days. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Producer Price Index, on an unadjusted basis, the final demand index moved up 8.6 percent for the 12 months ended in October 2021, the largest advance since 12-month data were first calculated in November 2010.
We have also noted that some of our customers have indicated that a greater number of their employees work from home than in past periods. We believe this increase may be partially a result of the relatively new risk to office work from the COVID-19 pandemic, and that this trend may continue due to the growing spread of the more contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. In addition, many customers appear to be continuing to shift their promotional marketing efforts from in-person events and meetings towards a more targeted approach that includes direct mail, kits, and personalized products. For example, instead of traditional holiday parties, many customers have indicated that they are planning on using at least some of their holiday party budgets to promote employee recognition and engagement by sending gifts and promotional items to those employees. As a result, we have been, and expect to continue to, drop-ship more materials directly to people at their homes than in periods before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect that this trend will continue to yield increased freight service fees and fulfillment revenue as well as associated costs.
For additional discussion, see “Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic” below.
As of September 30, 2021, we had $16.9 million of total assets with $1.9 million of total shareholder equity.
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Recent Developments
Initial Public Offering
Underwriting Agreement
On November 8, 2021, we entered into an Underwriting Agreement, or the Underwriting Agreement, with EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, as the representative, or the Representative, for the underwriters listed on Schedule 1 thereto, or the Underwriters, relating to our initial public offering, or the Offering, of 4,337,349 units, or, collectively, the Units, at a price to the public of $4.15 per Unit, or the Offering Price, with each Unit consisting of one share of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, or the Common Stock, and a warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock, or, collectively, the Warrants, before underwriting discounts and commissions. Each whole share of Common Stock exercisable pursuant to the Warrants has an exercise price per share at $5.1875, equal to 125% of the initial public offering price per Unit in the Offering. The Warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the original issuance date. The Units were not certificated. The shares of Common Stock and related Warrants were immediately separable and were to be issued separately, but needed to be purchased together as a Unit in the Offering. We also granted the Representative a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 650,602 shares of Common Stock and/or Warrants to purchase up to 650,602 shares of Common Stock at the Offering Price less the underwriting discounts, representing fifteen percent (15%) of the Units sold in the Offering, from the Company.
On November 12, 2021, the closing of the Offering was completed. At the closing, the Representative fully exercised its option to purchase an additional 650,602 shares of Common Stock and 650,602 Warrants. Therefore, we sold 4,987,951 shares of Common Stock and 4,987,951 Warrants for total gross proceeds of $20,699,996.65. After deducting the underwriting commission and expenses, we received net proceeds of approximately $18,747,317.
The Offering was made pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-260109), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and became effective on November 8, 2021, or the Initial Registration Statement, and our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-260880), which was filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which was effective immediately upon filing on November 8, 2021.
The foregoing description of the Underwriting Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Underwriting Agreement, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 1.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Warrant Agency Agreement
On November 8, 2021, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, we entered into a Warrant Agency Agreement, dated November 8, 2021, or the Warrant Agency Agreement, between us and VStock Transfer, LLC, or the Warrant Agent, as warrant agent. The Warrants were issued under the Warrant Agency Agreement in the form attached thereto. The Warrant Agent will maintain books for the registration and transfer of the Warrants, and cause the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon proper exercise of the Warrants. The material terms and provisions of the Warrants are summarized above.
The foregoing description of the Warrant Agency Agreement and form of Warrant do not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Warrant Agency Agreement and form of Warrant, which are filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1 and are incorporated herein by reference.
Representative’s Warrant Agreement
On November 12, 2021, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, we entered into a representative’s warrant agreement, or the Representative’s Warrant Agreement, with each of the designees of the Representative, pursuant to which we issued the designees of the Representative warrants to purchase 149,639 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate. Such warrants may be exercised beginning on May 12, 2022 until November 12, 2026. The initial exercise price of these warrants is $5.1875 per share.
The foregoing summary of the Representative’s Warrant Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of the Representative’s Warrant Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibits 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by reference.
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Executive Compensation Agreements
Under our employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Shape, dated July 13, 2021 and effective as of November 8, 2021, we agreed that, for a three-year term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, we will pay Mr. Shape an annual salary of $400,000 and will be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus as determined by the board of directors. In addition, the agreement provides that, as soon as practical after the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering, or the IPO, Mr. Shape shall be awarded stock options for the purchase of 323,810 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price equal to the price per share paid by investors in the IPO. The stock options will vest in accordance with the following vesting schedule: the options will vest over a four-year period with 25% of the options vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the options (75%) will vest monthly over the following three years after the first anniversary of the date of grant at a rate of 1/36 per month. The parties acknowledged that Mr. Shape was owed sales commissions for sales generated for the Company during 2018, 2019 and 2020 in the gross amount of $140,926.69 that were earned and due to Mr. Shape as of a date prior to the date of the employment agreement and that Mr. Shape did not waive his right to these sales commissions by entering into the agreement. Beginning on the date of the agreement, and continuing thereafter, interest at the rate of 2% per annum accrues on unpaid earned sales commissions. Beginning one month after the effective date of the agreement, the Company will pay Mr. Shape the gross amount of $10,000 per month towards Mr. Shape’s unpaid earned sales commissions, less deductions applicable to wages, or such lesser amount as the Company can afford, when the Company has “available cash,” defined as sufficient cash to ensure that the Company is not at material risk of default on any material financial obligation due in the next three months. Whether the Company has “available cash” shall be determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion, acting in good faith, taking into account any factors it deems germane, including without limitation the maintenance of reserves for future liabilities, whether certain or uncertain, and the preservation of funds for capital expenditures. At the earlier of the termination of Mr. Shape’s employment for any reason, regardless of whether termination is for cause, and thirty (30) months after the date of the employment agreement, Mr. Shape shall have the right to demand immediate payment of all unpaid earned sales commissions and interest in cash. Mr. Shape will be provided with standard executive benefits. The Company will also provide standard indemnification and directors’ and officers’ insurance. The Company may terminate Mr. Shape’s employment by giving at least 30 days written notice. If we terminate Mr. Shape without cause or he resigns for good reason as provided under the agreement, and Mr. Shape then delivers his signature to the general release and waiver form annexed to the employment agreement, we must pay at least 24 months’ severance, reimbursement of Mr. Shape for the first 18 months of the premiums associated with Mr. Shape’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA, and immediate vesting of any outstanding unvested equity granted to Mr. Shape during his employment and immediate lifting of all lockups and restrictions on sales of such equity, or exercise of stock options. If we do not renew his employment agreement after the initial three-year term, then we must pay six months’ severance and reimburse the first six months of the premiums associated with Mr. Shape’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA. Mr. Shape is also subject to standard confidentiality and non-competition provisions.
Under our employment agreement with our Executive Vice President, Randolph Birney, dated July 13, 2021 and effective as of November 8, 2021, we agreed that, for a three-year term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, we will pay Mr. Birney an annual salary of $300,000 and an annual cash bonus as determined by the board of directors. In addition, the agreement provides that, as soon as practical after the consummation of the Company’s IPO Mr. Birney shall be awarded stock options for the purchase of 76,190 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price equal to the price per share paid by investors in the IPO. The stock options will vest in accordance with the following vesting schedule: the options will vest over a four-year period with 25% of the options vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the options (75%) will vest monthly over the following three years after the first anniversary of the date of grant at a rate of 1/36 per month. The parties acknowledged that Mr. Birney was owed sales commissions for sales generated for the Company during 2018, 2019 and 2020 in the gross amount of $197,109.95 that were earned and due to Mr. Birney as of a date prior to the date of the employment agreement and that Mr. Birney did not waive his right to these sales commissions by entering into the agreement. Beginning on the date of the agreement, and continuing thereafter, interest at the rate of 2% per annum accrues on unpaid earned sales commissions. Beginning one month after the effective date of the agreement, the Company will pay Mr. Birney the gross amount of $10,000 per month for unpaid earned sales commissions, less deductions applicable to wages, or such lesser amount as the Company can afford, when the Company has “available cash,” defined as sufficient cash to ensure that the Company is not at material risk of default on any material financial obligation due in the next three months. Whether the Company has “available cash” shall be determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion, acting in good faith, taking into account any factors it deems germane, including without limitation the maintenance of reserves for future liabilities, whether certain or uncertain, and the preservation of funds for capital expenditures. At the earlier of the termination of Mr. Birney’s employment for any reason, regardless of whether termination is for cause, and thirty (30) months after the date of the employment agreement, he shall have the right to demand immediate payment of all unpaid earned sales commissions and interest in cash. Mr. Birney will be provided with standard executive benefits. The Company will also provide standard indemnification and directors’ and officers’ insurance. The Company may terminate Mr. Birney’s employment by giving at least 30 days written notice. If we terminate Mr. Birney without cause or he resigns for good reason as provided under the agreement, and Mr. Birney then delivers his signature to the general release and waiver form annexed to the employment agreement, we must pay at least 24 months’ severance, reimbursement of Mr. Birney for the first 18 months of the premiums associated with Mr. Birney’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA, and immediate vesting of any outstanding unvested equity granted to Mr. Birney during his employment and immediate lifting of all lockups and restrictions on sales of such equity, or exercise of stock options. If we do not renew his employment agreement after the initial three-year term, then we must pay six months’ severance and reimburse the first six months of the premiums associated with Mr. Birney’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA. Mr. Birney is also subject to standard confidentiality and non-competition provisions.
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Under our employment agreement with our Executive Chairman, Andrew Stranberg, dated July 13, 2021 and effective as of November 8, 2021, we agreed that, for a three-year term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, we will pay Mr. Stranberg an annual salary of $500,000 and will be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus as determined by the board of directors. In addition, the agreement provides that, as soon as practical after the consummation of the Company’s IPO Mr. Stranberg shall be awarded stock options for the purchase of 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price equal to the price per share paid by investors in the IPO. The stock options will vest in accordance with the following vesting schedule: the options will vest over a four-year period with 25% of the options vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the options (75%) will vest monthly over the following three years after the first anniversary of the date of grant at a rate of 1/36 per month. Mr. Stranberg will be provided with standard executive benefits. The Company will also provide standard indemnification and directors’ and officers’ insurance. The Company may terminate Mr. Stranberg’s employment by giving at least 30 days written notice. If we terminate Mr. Stranberg without cause or he resigns for good reason as provided under the agreement, and Mr. Stranberg then delivers his signature to the general release and waiver form annexed to the employment agreement, we must pay at least 24 months’ severance, reimbursement of Mr. Stranberg for the first 18 months of the premiums associated with Mr. Stranberg’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA, and immediate vesting of any outstanding unvested equity granted to Mr. Stranberg during his employment and immediate lifting of all lockups and restrictions on sales of such equity, or exercise of stock options. If we do not renew his employment agreement after the initial three-year term, then we must pay six months’ severance and reimburse the first six months of the premiums associated with Mr. Stranberg’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA. Mr. Stranberg is also subject to standard confidentiality and non-competition provisions.
Under our employment agreement with Christopher Rollins, our Chief Financial Officer, dated September 7, 2021 and effective as of November 8, 2021, we agreed that, for a two-year term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, Mr. Rollins will serve as our Chief Financial Officer. We will pay Mr. Rollins an annual salary of $250,000. For each fiscal year completed during this term, Mr. Rollins will be eligible to receive a cash bonus determined by the achievement of specified Company performance metrics. Prior to each fiscal year, a Company net sales target will be set for the following fiscal year. Mr. Rollins will receive a bonus equal to: (i) 20% of salary if 75% of the net sales target is achieved; (ii) 25% of salary if 100% of the net sales target is achieved; (iii) 50% of salary if 125% of the net sales target is achieved; or (iv) 80% of salary if 150% of the net sales target is achieved. Actual net sales for the fiscal year will be determined by the Company’s audited financial statements and according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. If actual net sales is between two of the bonus thresholds, then Mr. Rollins will receive a pro rata performance basis. Mr. Rollins may also be eligible for additional bonus amounts as determined by the board of directors. In addition, the agreement provides that, as soon as practical after the consummation of the Company’s IPO Mr. Rollins shall be awarded stock options for the purchase of 81,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price equal to the price per share paid by investors in the IPO. The agreement further provides that we shall also enter into a restricted stock award agreement with Mr. Rollins granting him 10,000 restricted shares of common stock. Both the restricted stock and the stock options will vest in accordance with the following vesting schedule: the options will vest over a two-year period with 33% of the options vesting immediately upon issuance and the balance of the options (67%) vesting monthly over the following two years at a rate of 1/24 per month. Mr. Rollins will be provided with standard executive benefits. The Company will also provide standard indemnification and directors’ and officers’ insurance. The Company may terminate Mr. Rollins’s employment by giving at least 30 days written notice. If we terminate Mr. Rollins without cause or he resigns for good reason as provided under the agreement, and Mr. Rollins then delivers his signature to the general release and waiver form annexed to the employment agreement, we must pay the lesser of the number of months’ severance remaining under the term of the agreement, or six months, provided that he will receive at least three months’ severance; reimbursement of Mr. Rollins for the first 18 months of the premiums associated with Mr. Rollins’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA; and immediate vesting of any outstanding unvested equity granted to Mr. Rollins during his employment and immediate lifting of all lockups and restrictions on sales of such equity, or exercise of stock options. If we do not renew his employment agreement after the initial two-year term, then we must pay six months’ severance and reimburse the first six months of the premiums associated with Mr. Rollins’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA. Mr. Rollins is also subject to standard confidentiality and non-competition provisions.
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Under our consulting agreement with John Audibert, our Vice President of Strategy and Growth Initiatives, and his wholly-owned company, Josselin Capital Advisors, Inc., or the Consultant, dated December 2, 2021, we agreed that, for a 27-month term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, we will receive the services of the Consultant and pay or grant the Consultant the compensation described below, and Mr. Audibert will continue to serve as our Vice President of Strategy and Growth Initiatives. We agreed to pay the Consultant a signing fee of $30,000, an annual fee of $100,000 and a monthly automobile bonus of $750. We agreed to grant the Consultant base restricted stock bonuses as follows: (i) 20,000 restricted shares of common stock, granted as of the agreement date, which vests on the three-month anniversary of the date of grant; (ii) 20,000 additional fully-vested shares of common stock to be granted on the six-month anniversary of the agreement date; and (iii) 20,000 additional fully-vested shares of Common Stock to be granted on the twelve-month anniversary of the agreement date. We also agreed to performance-based equity grants to the Consultant consisting of (i) the grant of an option which may be exercised to purchase 65,000 shares of common stock at the exercise price per share of $3.90 which will vest based on the attainment of the option’s performance-based criteria, and fully-vested restricted stock to be granted upon attainment of the same performance-based criteria, as follows: (i) 10,000 fully-vested restricted shares will be granted and the stock option will vest as to 10,000 shares of common stock if our sales exceed $21,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeds $65,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the agreement term; (ii) 10,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares will be granted and the stock option will vest as to 10,000 additional shares of common stock if our sales exceed $25,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeds $75,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the term; (iii) 15,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares will be granted and the stock option shall vest as to 20,000 additional shares if our sales exceed $37,500,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeds $90,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the agreement term; and (iv) 25,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares will be granted and the stock option will vest as to 25,000 additional shares if our sales exceed $45,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeds $180,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the term. “Sales” will be determined by our audited or reviewed financial statements and according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Our “market capitalization” will be the closing stock price of our common stock as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC multiplied by the total shares of common stock outstanding as of 4:00 PM E.T. on the date that such closing stock price was determined as reported by our transfer agent. All such grants will be subject to standard forms of stock option or restricted stock award agreements and the terms and conditions of our Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. They will also be subject to the lock-up provisions of the Lock-Up Agreement between Mr. Audibert and EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, or the representative, dated November 8, 2021, which generally provides that any shares of our common stock held at any time by Mr. Audibert during the 180 days following our initial public offering may not be transferred without the consent of the representative. Upon the occurrence of a change in control during the consulting agreement’s term, whether or not the Consultant’s engagement is terminated, or upon Consultant’s termination without cause, all restricted stock, stock option, stock appreciation right or similar awards granted to or pending grant to and held by the Consultant will immediately vest and will no longer be subject to forfeiture, unless expressly provided otherwise in the governing documents for such awards. For each fiscal year completed during this term, the Consultant will also be eligible to receive additional bonuses as determined by the board of directors. Both we and the Consultant may terminate the consulting agreement by giving at least 30 days’ written notice. If we or the Consultant terminate the consulting agreement without cause as provided under the agreement, and the Consultant and Mr. Audibert then deliver their signatures to the general release and waiver form annexed to the consulting agreement, we must pay a $25,000 fee. The Consultant and Mr. Audibert are also subject to standard independent contractor, confidentiality and non-interference provisions.
The foregoing summary of each of the foregoing agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreements, copies of which are attached as Exhibits 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.10 and 10.11 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Employee, Officer and Director Equity Grants
On November 12, 2021, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 to register restricted stock and options to purchase stock issuable to certain of our executive officers, directors and employees pursuant to our Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Plan. On November 12, 2021, pursuant to the Plan, we granted options to purchase a total of 1,339,000 shares of our common stock and 80,568 shares of restricted stock, of which 385,000 of the options to purchase common stock and 49,000 of the restricted shares were granted to 60 non-executive employees, an aggregate of 934,000 options and 20,000 of the restricted shares were granted to five executive officers, and a total of 20,000 options and 11,568 of the restricted shares were granted to our independent directors. The options have an exercise price of $4.15 per share, and a term of ten years. 59,000 of the restricted shares and 438,000 options are subject to vesting over a three (3) year period with one-third (1/3) of the restricted stock and options vesting on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. Another 10,000 restricted shares and 81,000 options are subject to vesting over a two (2) year period with one-third (1/3) vesting upon date of grant and the remainder (sixty-seven percent (67%)) vesting monthly over the following two (2) years at a rate of 1/24 per month. The options that we granted to certain of our executive officers and directors, which in aggregate are exercisable to purchase 800,000 shares, vest over a four-year period with 25% of the options vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the options (75%) vesting monthly over the following three years after the first anniversary of the date of grant at a rate of 1/36 per month. Our independent directors’ 20,000 options will vest in twelve (12) equal monthly installments over the first year following the date of grant, subject to continued service, and their 11,568 restricted shares will vest in four (4) equal quarterly installments commencing in the quarter ending March 31, 2022. The restricted stock and option grants will be treated as employee compensation for accounting purposes and will be reported as compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock on the grant date allocated over the service period. For more information regarding determinations of the fair value of equity interests as components of equity compensation, see “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Stock-Based Compensation”.
Since 2018 we have also borrowed funds from our Executive Chairman, Andrew Stranberg, during periods when Mr. Stranberg did not already owe funds to us. The loans are unsecured, non-interest bearing, and there is no formal repayment plan. At December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the amounts due to Mr. Stranberg were $0, $38,207 and $2,097, respectively. In September 2021, Mr. Stranberg loaned us $500,000 on an unsecured basis, accruing interest at 5% compounding monthly with no formal repayment plan. The total amount owed, including principal of $500,000 and interest of $4,740, was repaid to Mr. Stranberg on November 22, 2021.
Revolving Demand Line of Credit Loan
On November 22, 2021, we entered into a Revolving Demand Line of Credit Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”), with Salem Five Cents Savings Bank (the “Lender”), for aggregate loans of up to $7 million (the “Loan” or “Line of Credit”), evidenced by a Revolving Demand Line of Credit Note, also dated November 22, 2021 (the “Note”). The Line of Credit and Note are secured by a first priority security interest in all assets and property of the Company, as more fully described in the Security Agreement, also dated November 22, 2021, between the Lender and the Borrower (the “Security Agreement” and together with the Loan Agreement and the Note, the “Loan Documents”).
The amount available under the Line of Credit is the lesser of $7 million or the sum of (x) eighty percent (80%) of the then-outstanding amount of Eligible Accounts (as defined below), plus (y) fifty percent (50%) of Eligible Inventory (as defined below); minus one hundred (100%) percent of the aggregate amount then drawn under the Line of Credit for the account of the Company. In addition, advances based upon Eligible Inventory must be capped at all times at $2,000,000. “Eligible Accounts” are defined as accounts that meet a number of requirements, including, unless otherwise approved by the Lender, being less than ninety (90) days from the date of invoice not subject to any prior assignment, claim, lien, or security interest, not subject to set-off, credit, allowance or adjustment by the account debtor, arose in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, not an intercompany obligation, not subject to notice of bankruptcy or insolvency of the account debtor, not owed by an account debtor whose principal place of business is outside the United States of America, not a government account, not be evidenced by promissory notes, and not one of the accounts owed by an account debtor 25% or more of whose accounts are 90 or more days past invoice date; or otherwise not deemed acceptable by the Lender in accordance with its normal credit policies. “Eligible Inventory” means all finished goods, work in progress and raw materials and component parts of inventory owned by the Company. It does not include any inventory held on consignment or not otherwise owned by the Company; any inventory which has been returned by a customer or is damaged or subject to any legal encumbrances other than a first priority security interest held by the Company; any inventory which is not in the possession of the Company; any inventory which is held by the Company on property leased by the Company unless the Lender has received a Landlord’s Waiver and Consent from the lessor of such property satisfactory to the Lender; any inventory which is not located within the United States; any inventory which the Lender reasonably deems to be obsolete or non-marketable; and any inventory not subject to a first priority fully perfected lien held by the Lender.
The Loan is subject to interest at the prime rate plus 0.5% per annum. The Company must repay interest on Loan proceeds on a monthly basis. The Loan is expected to continue for 12 months, subject to the Lender’s demand rights and the Company’s ongoing affirmative and other obligations under the Loan Documents, as summarized below.
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The Company may freely drawn upon the Loan subject to the Lender’s right to demand complete repayment of the Loan at any time. Late payments are subject to a late payment charge of 5%. In the event of failure to repay the loan after the Lender makes demand for full repayment, the interest rate will increase by 10%. The Note may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The Lender may assign the Note without the Company’s consent.
Under the Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the Company granted the Lender a first priority security interest in all of its assets, both owned now and in the future, as collateral for full repayment of the Loan. The Lender may file Uniform Commercial Code financing statements with any jurisdiction and with sufficient descriptions of the property to perfect its security interest in all of the Company’s current and future assets. Upon default of the Loan, the Lender may accelerate repayment of the Loan, take possession of the Company’s assets, assign a receiver over the Company’s assets, and enforce other rights as to the Company’s assets as secured creditor. The Company must pay for all of the Lender’s reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred to enforce its rights under the Loan Documents.
Under the Loan Agreement, the Company is required to continue its current business of outsourced marketing solutions and without the prior consent of the Lender will not acquire in whole or in part any other company or business and shall not engage in any other business or open any other locations, and will use the proceeds of the Loan only in connection with the general and ordinary operations of its business and for the following purpose: general working capital for accounts receivable and inventory purchases.
The Loan is also subject to ongoing affirmative obligations of the Company, including punctual repayment of the Loan amount, maintaining proper accounting books and records in accordance with the opinion of LMHS, P.C. or another a Certified Public Accountant acceptable to the Lender, allowing the Lender to inspect its accounting books and records, furnishing audited, quarterly, monthly and other financial statements to the Lender, payment of Lender’s reasonable expenses for a field exam in 2022, allow the Lender to communicate with its accountants; maintain its properties in good repair subject to ordinary wear and tear; and obtain replacement-cost insurance for its property with the Lender as Mortgagee/Loss Payee; and management contracts for the Company’s properties must be subordinated to the rights of the Lender and there shall be no change of management company without the prior written consent of the Lender.
The Loan is further subject to the following financial requirements: (a) Debt Service Coverage Ratio: Cash flow to be calculated on an annual basis of at least 1.20 times EBITDA less cash taxes, distributions, dividends, shareholder withdrawals in any form, and unfinanced CAPEX divided by all scheduled principal payments on all debt plus cash interest payments made on all debt; (b) Minimum Net Worth: The Company will be required to meet the following minimum net worth thresholds: $2,000,000 at December 31, 2021; $2,750,000 at December 31, 2022; and $3,500,000 at December 31, 2023.
The Company may also not incur any additional indebtedness, secured or unsecured, except in the ordinary course of business; make loans or advances to others or guarantee others’ obligations except for certain ordinary advances to employees or ordinary customer credit terms; make investments; acquire any business; make capital expenditures except in the ordinary course of business; sell any material assets except in the ordinary course of business; grant any security interests or mortgages in its properties or assets.
The foregoing summary of the Loan Agreement, the Note, and the Security Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Loan Agreement, the Note, and the Security Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibits 10.12, 10.13 and 10.14 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by reference.
In connection with the Loan Agreement, on November 22, 2021, the Company, the Lender and Harte Hanks Response Management/ Boston, Inc. (the “Warehouse Provider”), the lessor of certain warehouse facilities to the Company, executed a Warehouseman’s Waiver in favor of the Lender (the “Warehouseman’s Waiver”). Under the Warehouseman’s Waiver, the Warehouse Provider disclaimed any interest in the property of the Company stored on the premises (the “Collateral”), and agreed not to interfere with the Lender’s enforcement of its rights in the Collateral. The Warehouse Provider further agreed to provide notice to the Lender of any default by the Company of its obligations as to the Warehouse Provider, and to give the Lender at least 30 days to exercise its rights, which period may be extended by the Lender up to 60 days upon its payment of the per-diem rental amount. After that period, unless the default has been cured by the Lender, the Warehouse Provider may dispose of such Collateral as it deems fit. Upon the receipt of written notice from the Lender and until such notice is rescinded, the Warehouse Provider shall only honor instructions from the Lender with respect to the Collateral, including, any direction from the Lender to dispose of all or any portion of the Collateral at any time, without any further consent or instruction from Company.
The foregoing summary of the Warehouseman’s Waiver is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Warehouseman’s Waiver, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.15 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.
21
Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic
The current global pandemic of a novel strain of coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the global measures taken to combat it, have had, and may in the future continue to have, an adverse effect on our business. Public health authorities and governments at local, national and international levels have announced various measures to respond to the pandemic. Some measures that directly or indirectly impact our business include voluntary or mandatory quarantines, restrictions on travel and limiting gatherings of people in public places.
We believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Stran’s operational and financial performance. Our sales declined 4.9% year-over-year during the first nine months of 2021 compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the completion of the U.S. Census program in 2020, market saturation of personal protective equipment in 2021, a lack of in-person events, and businesses still not being fully reopened throughout 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Census program contributed $10.1 million of sales, or 35.5% of total sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to less than $2,000 of sales, or 0.0% of total sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Additionally, sales of personal protective equipment totaled 3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to less than $200,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. As has been typical for other firms in the promotional products industry, from March 2020 and into 2021 operational and supply chain disruptions combined with decreased demand for promotional products to cause sharp reductions in sales opportunities. We believe that relevant factors included businesses not being fully opened, a lack of in-person events, and decreased marketing budgets leading to decreased demand for promotional products and services such as ours. Although we were able to capitalize on the demand for personal protective equipment such as masks, hand sanitizer, and gowns, these sales are not expected to fully offset the overall decreased demand for promotional products.
We have responded to the challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a clear company-wide strategy and sticking to our hardworking culture and core value of delivering creative merchandise solutions that effectively promote brands. We continue to focus on our core group of customers while providing additional value-added services, including our e-commerce platform for order processing, warehousing and fulfillment functions, and propose alternative product offerings based on their unique needs. We also continue to solicit and market ourselves to long-term prospects that have shown interest in Stran. We have remained committed to being a high-touch customer-focused company that provides our customers with more than just products. Below are some of the specific ways we have responded to the current pandemic:
| ● | Adhered to all state and federal social distancing requirements while prioritizing health and safety for our employees. We allow team members to work remotely, allowing us to continue providing uninterrupted sales and service to our customers throughout the year. |
| ● | Emphasized and established cost savings initiatives, cost control processes, and cash conservation to preserve liquidity. |
| ● | Explored acquisition opportunities and executed the acquisition of the customer base of Wildman Imprints with historical revenue exceeding $10 million annually. |
| ● | Retained key customers through constant communication, making proactive product or program suggestions, driving program efficiencies, and delivering value-added solutions to help them market themselves more effectively. |
| ● | Concentrated and succeeded in earning business from clients in specific verticals that have spent more during the pandemic including customers in the entertainment, beverage, retail, consumer packaged goods, and cannabis industries. |
| ● | Retained key employees by continuing to provide them with competitive compensation and the tools required to be successful in their jobs. |
| ● | Successfully applied for and received Payment Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and government assistance. |
| ● | Refocused our marketing activities on more client-specific revenue generating activities that reduced spend while remaining effective. |
We believe that we have seen encouraging signs of recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a significant increase in the amount of requests for proposal and other customer inquiries beginning in the first quarter of 2021, which leads us to believe that companies are starting to prepare to spend at previous or increased levels. We expect that going forward there will be a significant amount of pent-up demand that may compensate for slower earlier numbers in 2021.
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We believe that we have fully complied with all state and local requirements relating to COVID-19. As described above, we have undertaken various measures in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including encouraging employees to work remotely if possible. We also have enacted business continuity plans, which may make maintaining our normal level of corporate operations, quality controls and internal controls difficult. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic may cause temporary or long-term disruptions in our supply chains and/or delays in the delivery of our inventory. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation efforts may also adversely affect our customers’ financial condition, resulting in reduced spending for the products we sell.
As events are rapidly changing, we do not know how long the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures that have been introduced to respond to it will disrupt our operations or the full extent of that disruption. Further, once we are able to restart normal business hours and operations doing so may take time and will involve costs and uncertainty. We also cannot predict how long the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to contain it could continue to impact our business after the pandemic is under control. Governments could take additional restrictive measures to combat the pandemic that could further impact our business or the economy in the geographies in which we operate. We believe it is also possible that the impact of the pandemic and response on our suppliers, customers and markets will persist for some time after governments ease their restrictions. These measures have negatively impacted, and may continue to impact, our business and financial condition as the responses to control COVID-19 continue.
The extent to which the pandemic may continue to impact our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted as of the date of this report, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity of the pandemic and steps taken to contain the pandemic or treat its impact, among others. Nevertheless, the pandemic and the current financial, economic and capital markets environment, and future developments in the global supply chain and other areas present material uncertainty and risk with respect to our performance, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Emerging Growth Company
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). As a result, we are permitted to, and intend to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements. For so long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to:
| ● | have an auditor report on our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; |
| ● | comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (i.e., an auditor discussion and analysis); |
| ● | submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes, such as “say-on-pay” and “say-on-frequency;” and |
| ● | disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the chief executive officer’s compensation to median employee compensation. |
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering, (ii) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues are $1.07 billion or more, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period.
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Principal Factors Affecting Our Financial Performance
Our operating results are primarily affected by the following factors:
| ● | our ability to acquire new customers or retain existing customers; |
| ● | our ability to offer competitive product pricing; |
| ● | our ability to broaden product offerings; |
| ● | industry demand and competition; |
| ● | our ability to leverage technology and use and develop efficient processes; |
| ● | our ability to attract and retain talented employees; and |
| ● | market conditions and our market position. |
Results of Operations
Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| Consolidated Operations Data | September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | ||||||
| Sales | $ | 10,947,724 | $ | 8,363,825 | ||||
| Cost of Sales: | ||||||||
| Purchases | 6,362,217 | 5,813,427 | ||||||
| Freight | 860,813 | 385,262 | ||||||
| Total Cost of Sales | 7,223,030 | 6,198,689 | ||||||
| Gross Profit | 3,724,694 | 2,165,136 | ||||||
| Operating Expenses: | ||||||||
| Bad Debt Expense | 11,926 | 32,000 | ||||||
| General and Administrative Expenses | 2,677,175 | 2,047,478 | ||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 2,689,101 | 2,079,478 | ||||||
| Earnings (Loss) from Operations | 1,035,593 | 85,658 | ||||||
| Other Income and (Expense): | ||||||||
| Other Income | 6,378 | - | ||||||
| Interest Expense | (26,260 | ) | - | |||||
| Total Other Income and (Expense) | (19,882 | ) | ||||||
| Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes | 1,015,711 | 85,658 | ||||||
| Income Taxes: | ||||||||
| Current | ||||||||
| State | - | 88,725 | ||||||
| Federal | 3,730 | 227,952 | ||||||
| Total Current Income Taxes | 3,730 | 316,677 | ||||||
| Deferred Income Taxes | ||||||||
| State | 78,800 | - | ||||||
| Federal | 209,313 | - | ||||||
| Total Deferred Income Taxes | 288,113 | - | ||||||
| Total Current and Deferred Taxes | 291,843 | 316,677 | ||||||
| Net Earnings (Loss) | 723,868 | (231,019 | ) | |||||
| Retained Earnings, Beginning | 1,168,681 | 2,376,911 | ||||||
| Retained Earnings, Ending | $ | 1,892,549 | $ | 2,145,892 | ||||
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Sales
Sales consist primarily of the selling price of the merchandise, service or outbound shipping and handling charges, less discounts, coupons redeemed, returns and credits.
Our revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2020 include non-recurring revenues representing 25.4% of our overall revenues for this period, as a subcontractor for the 2020 U.S. Census. The customer that engaged us in this regard will not renew their engagement with us due to the U.S. Census only occurring once every ten years. As a result, these non-recurring revenues are not expected to recur in fiscal year 2021 or beyond and do not represent our long-term growth expectations.
Our sales increased 30.9% from $8.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $10.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher spending from existing clients as well as capturing business from new customers. Additionally, we benefited from the acquisition of the Wildman Imprints assets, which generated $1.9 million of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $0 sales in the three months ended September 30, 2020. However, these increases in sales were partially offset by the completion of the U.S. Census program in 2020, market saturation of personal protective equipment in 2021, a lack of in-person events, and businesses still not being fully reopened throughout 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Census program contributed $2.1 million of sales, or 25.4% of total sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to less than $2,000 of sales, or 0.0% of total sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Furthermore, sales of personal protective equipment totaled $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to less than $90,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Our recurring organic sales, defined as those sales excluding the U.S. Census program, revenue from the Wildman Imprints asset acquisition, and personal protective equipment, increased 91.8%, or $4.3 million, from $4.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $8.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists of the costs of purchasing inventory and freight charges. Our total cost of sales increased 16.5% from $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $7.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. More specifically, cost of purchases increased from $5.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $6.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021, or 9.4%, while freight costs increased from $0.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021, or 123.4%. The increase in cost of purchases was primarily due to an increase in sales of 30.9% during that same period, while the increase in freight costs was primarily due to a general increase in freight costs, both domestic and international, we believe as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses consist of bad debt expense and general and administrative expenses. Our operating expenses increased 29.3%, or $0.6 million, to $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses of $0.6 million, or 30.8%, from $2.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $2.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021, which in turn was primarily due to additional expenses related to the acquisition of the Wildman Imprint assets, the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system on Oracle’s NetSuite platform, the recently completed initial public offering and organic growth in our business.
Other Income and Expense
Other income and expense consists of interest expense, interest income and other income. During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2021, we had interest expense and other income. Our interest expense increased $26,260 from $0 in the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $26,260 in the three months ended September 30, 2021. This increase was primarily due to an increase in borrowings on our bank’s line of credit. Our other income increased $6,378 from $0 in the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $6,378 in the three months ended September 30, 2021. This increase was primarily due to a gain on the impairment of Wildman contingent earn-out payments.
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Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate was 28.37% and 369.70% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, our effective income tax rate was 0% and 28.37% for current and deferred taxes, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, our effective tax rate was 369.70% for current taxes. The decrease in the effective tax rate was driven by a decrease from 266.12% to 20.61% in our effective federal income tax rate and by a decrease from 103.58% to 7.76% in our effective state income tax rate due to timing of tax accrual. For further discussion of changes in the effective tax rate, refer to Notes A.11. and A.12. to our Financial Statements.
Net Earnings and Losses
Our net earnings increased 413.3% from a net loss of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to a profit of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. This increase was primarily caused by the growth in organic sales of $4.3 million as well as the increase in sales from the Wildman Imprints asset purchase of $1.9 million, and only partially offset by $2.1 million decline in sales from the completion of the U.S. Census program in 2020 and $1.5 million in sales caused by the decline in sales of personal protective equipment.
Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| Consolidated Operations Data | September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | ||||||
| Sales | $ | 27,075,116 | $ | 28,462,481 | ||||
| Cost of Sales: | ||||||||
| Purchases | 16,435,550 | 18,460,993 | ||||||
| Freight | 2,478,457 | 1,284,732 | ||||||
| Total Cost of Sales | 18,914,007 | 19,745,725 | ||||||
| Gross Profit | 8,161,109 | 8,716,756 | ||||||
| Operating Expenses: | ||||||||
| Bad Debt Expense | 93,971 | 47,899 | ||||||
| General and Administrative Expenses | 8,239,161 | 6,667,643 | ||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 8,333,132 | 6,715,542 | ||||||
| Earnings (Loss) from Operations | (172,023 | ) | 2,001,214 | |||||
| Other Income and (Expense): | ||||||||
| Other Income | 776,440 | 10,000 | ||||||
| Interest Expense | (66,066 | ) | (41,619 | ) | ||||
| Total Other Income and (Expense) | 710,374 | (31,619 | ) | |||||
| Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes | 538,351 | 1,969,595 | ||||||
| Income Taxes: | ||||||||
| Current | ||||||||
| State | 76,338 | 118,300 | ||||||
| Federal | 37,281 | 303,936 | ||||||
| Total Current Income Taxes | 113,619 | 422,236 | ||||||
| Deferred Income Taxes | ||||||||
| State | 44,800 | - | ||||||
| Federal | 115,038 | - | ||||||
| Total Deferred Income Taxes | 159,838 | - | ||||||
| Total Current and Deferred Taxes | 273,457 | 422,236 | ||||||
| Net Earnings (Loss) | 264,894 | 1,547,359 | ||||||
| Retained Earnings, Beginning | 1,627,655 | 598,533 | ||||||
| Retained Earnings, Ending | $ | 1,892,549 | $ | 2,145,892 | ||||
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Sales
Sales consist primarily of the selling price of the merchandise, service or outbound shipping and handling charges, less discounts, coupons redeemed, returns and credits.
Our revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 include non-recurring revenues representing 35.5% of our overall revenues for this period, as a subcontractor for the 2020 U.S. Census. The customer that engaged us in this regard will not renew their engagement with us due to the U.S. Census only occurring once every ten years. As a result, these non-recurring revenue increases are not expected to recur in fiscal year 2021 or beyond and do not represent our long-term growth expectations.
Our sales decreased 4.9% from $28.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $27.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the completion of the U.S. Census program in 2020, market saturation of personal protective equipment in 2021, a lack of in-person events, and businesses still not being fully reopened throughout 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Census program contributed $10.1 million of sales, or 35.5% of total sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to less than $2,000 of sales, or 0.0% of total sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Additionally, sales of personal protective equipment totaled $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to less than $200,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. However, these decreases in sales were partially offset by the acquisition of the Wildman Imprints assets, which generated $6.3 million of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $0 sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Our recurring organic sales, defined as those sales excluding the U.S. Census program, revenue from the Wildman Imprints asset acquisition, and personal protective equipment, increased 40.4%, or $5.9 million, from $14.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $20.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists of the costs of purchasing inventory and freight charges. Our total cost of sales decreased 4.2% from $19.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $18.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. More specifically, cost of purchases decreased from $18.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $16.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, or 11.0%, while freight costs increased from $1.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $2.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, or 92.9%. The decrease in cost of purchases was primarily due to a decrease in sales of 4.9% during that same period, while the increase in freight costs was primarily due to a general increase in freight costs, both domestic and international, we believe as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses consist of bad debt expense and general and administrative expenses. Our operating expenses increased 24.1%, or $1.6 million, to $8.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses of $1.6 million, or 23.6%, from $6.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $8.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, which in turn was primarily due to additional expenses related to the acquisition of the Wildman Imprint assets, the implementation of a new ERP system on Oracle’s NetSuite platform, the recently completed initial public offering, and organic growth in our business.
Other Income and Expense
Other income and expense consists of interest expense, interest income and other income. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2021, we had interest expense and other income. Our interest expense increased $24,447 from $41,619 in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $66,066 in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, or 58.7%. This increase was primarily due to an increase in borrowings on our bank’s line of credit. Our other income increased $766,440 from $10,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $776,440 in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, or 7,664.4%. This increase was primarily due to the forgiveness of the Company’s PPP loan.
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Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate was 50.8% and 21.44% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, our effective income tax rate was 21.11% and 29.69% for current and deferred taxes, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, our effective tax rate was 21.44% for current taxes. The decrease in the effective tax rate was driven by an increase from 6.01% to 14.18% in our effective federal income tax rate offset by an decrease from 15.43% to 6.93% in our effective state income tax rate. For further discussion of changes in the effective tax rate, refer to Notes A.11. and A.12. to our Financial Statements.
Net Earnings and Losses
Our net earnings decreased 82.9% from $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. This decrease was due primarily to reduced revenue of $10.1 million caused by the completion of the U.S. Census program in 2020 and $3.5 million caused by the decline in sales of personal protective equipment, and only partially offset by the increase in sales from the Wildman Imprints asset purchase of $6.3 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $797,428. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through revenue generated from operations and bank borrowings, including a $3.5 million line of credit held with Bank of America as of September 30, 2021. Our line of credit agreement with Bank of America was terminated on November 22, 2021. We currently have a secured revolving demand line of credit with Salem Five Cents Savings Bank for aggregate loans of up to $7 million, subject to a number of asset-related and other financial requirements and other covenants. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Recent Developments – Revolving Demand Line of Credit Loan” for further information.
We believe that our current levels of cash, either with or without the proceeds of this offering, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for our operations for at least the next 12 months, including our anticipated costs associated with becoming a public reporting company. We may, however, in the future require additional cash resources due to changing business conditions, implementation of our strategy to expand our business, or other investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If our own financial resources are insufficient to satisfy our capital requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain additional credit facilities. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financial covenants that would restrict our operations. Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure by us to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, could limit our ability to expand our business operations and could harm our overall business prospects.
Summary of Cash Flow
The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net cash (used in) operating activities | $ | (1,892,107 | ) | $ | (315,752 | ) | ||
| Net cash (used in) investing activities | (314,448 | ) | (99,728 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 2,356,748 | (1,268,245 | ) | |||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 150,193 | (1,683,725 | ) | |||||
| Cash cash equivalents at beginning of period | 647,235 | 2,438,260 | ||||||
| Cash cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 797,428 | $ | 754,535 | ||||
Net cash used in operating activities was $1,892,107 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $315,752 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, increases in inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable accompanied by a one-time gain on extinguishment of debt were the primary drivers of the net cash used in operating activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, decreases in accounts receivable, accounts payable and rewards program liability were the primary drivers of the net cash used in operating activities.
Net cash used in investing activities was $314,448 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and $99,728 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily for additions to software-related property and equipment in both periods.
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Net cash provided by financing activities was $2,356,748 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $1,268,245 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of borrowings and reductions on our line of credit and stockholder loan. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net cash used in financing activities consisted of PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) Program loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), offset by borrowings and reductions on our bank line of credit.
On April 15, 2020, we received loan proceeds from Bank of America in the amount of approximately $770,062 under the PPP. The PPP, established as part of the CARES Act, provides for loans to qualifying businesses for amounts up to 2.5 times the average qualifying monthly payroll expenses of the qualifying business. The loans and accrued interest are forgivable as long as the borrower uses the loan proceeds for eligible purposes, including payroll, benefits, rent and utilities, and maintains its payroll levels.
The unforgiven portion of the PPP loan is payable over five years at an interest rate of 1% with a deferral of payments for the first six months. Subsequent to year (quarter) end, we received forgiveness by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) of the PPP loan in full, effective June 24, 2021. Accordingly, the entire PPP loan balance has been recorded as a liability at September 30, 2020.
On May 15, 2020, the Company received loan proceeds from the SBA in the amount of approximately $150,000 under the EIDL Program. The EIDL Program provides loans to qualifying businesses to provide economic relief to small businesses currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The loan accrues interest at a rate of 3.75% per annum. Installment payments, including principal and interest, begin 12 months from the date of the note and are payable over 30 years.
The following is a schedule by years of aggregate maturities of indebtedness at September 30 of the following years:
| Year | Aggregate Mature Debt | |||
| 2022 | $ | 3,858 | ||
| 2023 | 3,441 | |||
| 2024 | 3,571 | |||
| 2025 | 3,704 | |||
| 2026 | 3,843 | |||
| Thereafter | 131,483 | |||
| Total | $ | 149,900 | ||
Contractual Obligations
Wildman Imprints Acquisition
On August 24, 2020, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire the inventory, select fixed assets, and a customer list of the Wildman Imprints division of Wildman Business Group, LLC, or WBG. In connection with the asset acquisition, the customer list was purchased using a contingent earn-out calculation. The purchase price is equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the gross profit earned from the sale of product to the customer list for year 1 and thirty percent (30%) for years 2 and 3. Payments are due on the anniversary date of the purchase. In connection with the asset acquisition, we also had an amount due to the seller under a note in the amount of $162,358 as of September 30, 2021 for the inventory and property and equipment purchased. This amount accrues no interest, and is to be paid “as used” on a quarterly basis through the three-year earn-out period. We anticipate that the note will be repaid in full within the next twelve months. We anticipate no deficiencies in our ability to make the payments required under the asset purchase agreements. The aggregate purchase price was $2,937,222, as follows:
Fair Value of Identifiable Assets Acquired:
| Inventory | $ | 649,433 | ||
| Property and Equipment | 34,099 | |||
| Intangible - Customer List | 2,253,690 | |||
| Total | $ | 2,937,222 |
Consideration Paid:
| Cash | 521,174 | |||
| Note Payable - Wildman | 162,358 | |||
| Wildman Contingent Earn-Out Liability | 2,253,690 | |||
| Total | $ | 2,937,222 |
For further discussion see Notes L and M to our Financial Statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
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Property Leases
The following is a schedule by years of future minimum property lease payments at September 30, 2021:
| Year | Lease Rent Due | |||
| 2022 | $ | 343,503 | ||
| 2023 | 349,412 | |||
| 2024 | 323,584 | |||
| 2025 | 325,776 | |||
| 2026 | - | |||
| Total | $ | 1,342,275 | ||
Rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2021 totaled $297,105 and $311,430, respectively. We anticipate no deficiencies in our ability to make these payments.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The following discussion relates to critical accounting policies for our company. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported, including the notes thereto, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies, if any. We have identified certain accounting policies that are significant to the preparation of our financial statements. These accounting policies are important for an understanding of our financial condition and results of operation. Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s difficult, subjective, or complex judgment, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting the estimate may differ significantly from management’s current judgments. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve the most significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements:
Method of Accounting
The financial statements are prepared using the accrual method of accounting whereby revenues are recognized when earned and expenses are recognized when incurred. This method of accounting conforms to generally accepted accounting principles.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable and deposits in excess of federally insured limits. These risks are managed by performing ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition and by maintaining all deposits in high quality financial institutions.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred whereas major betterments are capitalized. Depreciation is provided using straight-line and accelerated methods over five years.
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and notes payable. The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and notes payable approximate their fair values based on their short-term nature.
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014- 09"), which is aimed at creating common revenue recognition guidance for GAAP and the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). This new guidance provides a comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue guidance issued by the FASB. ASU 2014-09 also requires both qualitative and quantitative disclosures, including descriptions of performance obligations.
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and all related amendments ("ASC 606") and applied its provisions to all uncompleted contracts using the modified retrospective basis. The application of this new revenue recognition standard resulted in no adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.
Performance Obligations
Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when, or as, the Company satisfies its performance obligations by transferring goods or services to customers. A good or service is transferred to a customer when, or as, the customer obtains control of that good or service. A performance obligation may be satisfied over time or at a point in time. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied at a point in time is recognized at the point in time that the Company determines the customer has obtained control over the promised good or service. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration of which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for the promised goods or services.
The following provides detailed information on the recognition of the Company's revenue from contracts with customers:
Product Sales
The Company is engaged in the development and sale of promotional programs and products. Revenue on the sale of these products is recognized after orders are shipped.
The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue based on the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021:
| Performance Obligations Satisfied at a Point in Time | $ | 27,075,116 | ||
| Performance Obligations Satisfied Over Time | $ | - | ||
| Total Revenue | $ | 27,075,116 |
Freight
The Company includes freight charges as a component of cost of goods sold.
Uncertainty in Income and Other Taxes
The Company adopted the standards for Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (income, sales, use, and payroll), which required the Company to report any uncertain tax positions and to adjust its financial statements for the impact thereof. As of September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company determined that it had no tax positions that did not meet the “more likely than not” threshold of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. The Company files tax and information returns in the United States Federal, Massachusetts, and other state jurisdictions. These returns are generally subject to examination by tax authorities for the last three years.
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Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes. Deferred taxes are provided for differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial statements and income tax purposes. The Company has historically utilized accelerated tax depreciation to minimize federal income taxes.
Sales Tax
Sales tax collected from customers is recorded as a liability, pending remittance to the taxing jurisdiction. Consequently, sales taxes have been excluded from revenues and costs. The Company remits sales, use, and goods and services taxes to Massachusetts, other state jurisdictions, and Canada, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation costs under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Stock based compensation expense recognized includes the compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted to employees, officers, and directors based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718. ASC 718 is also applied to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled during the periods reported. Stock-based compensation is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite vesting period and over the nonemployee’s period of providing goods or services.
| ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have adopted and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is collected, recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As required under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in any other factors that could significantly affect these controls during the three months ended September 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
| ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. |
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise, in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these, or other matters, may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Not applicable.
| ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS. |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we issued the following securities, which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.
On May 24, 2021, Andrew Shape, our Chief Executive Officer, Randolph Birney, our Executive Vice President, and Theseus Capital Ltd., acquired 3,400,000, 800,000 and 700,000 shares of our common stock, respectively, from Andrew Stranberg, our Executive Chairman and sole stockholder immediately prior to these transfers. The shares were sold to Messrs. Shape and Birney at a purchase price per share equal to $0.1985, which was paid in the form of promissory notes. Pursuant to a different arrangement, Theseus paid Mr. Stranberg a nominal cash purchase price of $100 for the stock. Theseus does not have any relationship with the Company other than as a shareholder after the transfer by Mr. Stranberg, and its payment for Mr. Stranberg’s stock was made to Mr. Stranberg and not to the Company. The stock is subject to certain repurchase conditions. In addition, Theseus executed an irrevocable proxy providing that Mr. Stranberg may vote and exercise all voting and related rights with respect to its shares. The irrevocable proxy will automatically terminate with respect to any shares that Theseus sells in a transaction or series of transactions on any national securities exchange or other trading market on which the shares then trade. The transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to the so-called “Section 4(a)(1½)” exemption.
No underwriter was engaged in connection with the foregoing sales of securities. The Company has reason to believe that all of the foregoing purchasers were familiar with or had access to information concerning the operations and financial conditions of the Company, and all of those individuals purchasing securities represented that they were accredited investors, acquiring the shares for investment and without a view to the distribution thereof. At the time of issuance, all of the foregoing securities were deemed to be restricted securities for purposes of the Securities Act and the certificates representing such securities bore legends to that effect.
We did not repurchase any of shares of our common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
As of September 30, 2021, we had used none of the proceeds from the Offering because the proceeds from the Offering were not received until November 12, 2021.
| ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES. |
None.
| ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES. |
Not applicable.
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| ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION. |
As disclosed above, on December 2, 2021, we entered into a consulting agreement with John Audibert, our Vice President of Strategy and Growth Initiatives, and his wholly-owned company, Josselin Capital Advisors, Inc., or the Consultant. Under the consulting agreement, we agreed that, for a 27-month term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, we will receive the services of the Consultant and pay or grant the Consultant the compensation described below, and Mr. Audibert will continue to serve as our Vice President of Strategy and Growth Initiatives. We agreed to pay the Consultant a signing fee of $30,000, an annual fee of $100,000 and a monthly automobile bonus of $750. We agreed to grant the Consultant base restricted stock bonuses as follows: (i) 20,000 restricted shares of common stock, granted as of the agreement date, which vests on the three-month anniversary of the date of grant; (ii) 20,000 additional fully-vested shares of common stock to be granted on the six-month anniversary of the agreement date; and (iii) 20,000 additional fully-vested shares of Common Stock to be granted on the twelve-month anniversary of the agreement date. We also agreed to performance-based equity grants to the Consultant consisting of (i) the grant of an option which may be exercised to purchase 65,000 shares of common stock at the exercise price per share of $3.90 which will vest based on the attainment of the option’s performance-based criteria, and fully-vested restricted stock to be granted upon attainment of the same performance-based criteria, as follows: (i) 10,000 fully-vested restricted shares will be granted and the stock option will vest as to 10,000 shares of common stock if our sales exceed $21,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeds $65,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the agreement term; (ii) 10,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares will be granted and the stock option will vest as to 10,000 additional shares of common stock if our sales exceed $25,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeds $75,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the term; (iii) 15,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares will be granted and the stock option shall vest as to 20,000 additional shares if our sales exceed $37,500,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeds $90,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the agreement term; and (iv) 25,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares will be granted and the stock option will vest as to 25,000 additional shares if our sales exceed $45,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeds $180,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the term. “Sales” will be determined by our audited or reviewed financial statements and according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Our “market capitalization” will be the closing stock price of our common stock as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC multiplied by the total shares of common stock outstanding as of 4:00 PM E.T. on the date that such closing stock price was determined as reported by our transfer agent. All such grants will be subject to standard forms of stock option or restricted stock award agreements and the terms and conditions of our Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. They will also be subject to the lock-up provisions of the Lock-Up Agreement between Mr. Audibert and EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, or the representative, dated November 8, 2021, which generally provides that any shares of our common stock held at any time by Mr. Audibert during the 180 days following our initial public offering may not be transferred without the consent of the representative. Upon the occurrence of a change in control during the consulting agreement’s term, whether or not the Consultant’s engagement is terminated, or upon Consultant’s termination without cause, all restricted stock, stock option, stock appreciation right or similar awards granted to or pending grant to and held by the Consultant will immediately vest and will no longer be subject to forfeiture, unless expressly provided otherwise in the governing documents for such awards. For each fiscal year completed during this term, the Consultant will also be eligible to receive additional bonuses as determined by the board of directors. Both we and the Consultant may terminate the consulting agreement by giving at least 30 days’ written notice. If we or the Consultant terminate the consulting agreement without cause as provided under the agreement, and the Consultant and Mr. Audibert then deliver their signatures to the general release and waiver form annexed to the consulting agreement, we must pay a $25,000 fee. The Consultant and Mr. Audibert are also subject to standard independent contractor, confidentiality and non-interference provisions.
The foregoing summary of the foregoing agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.11 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.
We have no information to disclose that was required to be in a report on Form 8-K during the three months ended September 30, 2021 but was not reported. There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our board of directors.
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| ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS. |
35
| * | Filed herewith |
| ** | Furnished herewith |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| Date: December 7, 2021 | STRAN & COMPANY, INC. | |
| /s/ Andrew Shape | ||
| Name: | Andrew Shape | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer and President | |
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
| /s/ Christopher Rollins | ||
| Name: | Christopher Rollins | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) | ||
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Exhibit 10.2
Representative’s Warrant Agreement
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER OR ASSIGN THIS PURCHASE WARRANT EXCEPT AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE (DEFINED BELOW) TO ANYONE OTHER THAN (I) EF HUTTON, DIVISION OF BENCHMARK INVESTMENTS, LLC OR AN UNDERWRITER OR A SELECTED DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, OR (II) A BONA FIDE OFFICER OR PARTNER OF EF HUTTON, DIVISION OF BENCHMARK INVESTMENTS, LLC OR OF ANY SUCH UNDERWRITER OR SELECTED DEALER.
THIS PURCHASE WARRANT IS NOT EXERCISABLE PRIOR TO MAY 12, 2022. VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, NOVEMBER 12, 2026.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
For the Purchase of 10,101 Shares of Common Stock of
Stran & Company, Inc.
1. Purchase Warrant. THIS CERTIFIES THAT, in consideration of funds duly paid by or on behalf of Benchmark Investments, LLC (“Holder”), as registered owner of this Purchase Warrant of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), Holder is entitled, at any time or from time to time from May 12, 2022 (the “Commencement Date”), and at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, November 12, 2026 (the ”Expiration Date”), but not thereafter, to subscribe for, purchase and receive, in whole or in part, up to 10,101 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6 hereof. If the Expiration Date is a day on which banking institutions are authorized by law to close, then this Purchase Warrant may be exercised on the next succeeding day which is not such a day in accordance with the terms herein. During the period ending on the Expiration Date, the Company agrees not to take any action that would terminate this Purchase Warrant. This Purchase Warrant is initially exercisable at $5.1875 per Share; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 6 hereof, the rights granted by this Purchase Warrant, including the exercise price per Share and the number of Shares to be received upon such exercise, shall be adjusted as therein specified. The term “Exercise Price” shall mean the initial exercise price or the adjusted exercise price, depending on the context. The term “Effective Date” shall mean November 8, 2021, the date on which the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-260109) of the Company was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
| 2. | Exercise. |
2.1 Exercise Form. In order to exercise this Purchase Warrant, the exercise form attached hereto must be duly executed and completed and delivered to the Company, together with this Purchase Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased payable in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company or by certified check or official bank check. If the subscription rights represented hereby shall not be exercised at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date, this Purchase Warrant shall become and be void without further force or effect, and all rights represented hereby shall cease and expire.
2.2 Cashless Exercise. If at any time after the Commencement Date there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the resale of the Shares by the Holder, then in lieu of exercising this Purchase Warrant by payment of cash or check payable to the order of the Company pursuant to Section 2.1 above, Holder may elect to receive the number of Shares equal to the value of this Purchase Warrant (or the portion thereof being exercised), by surrender of this Purchase Warrant to the Company, together with the exercise form attached hereto, in which event the Company shall issue to Holder, Shares in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A-B)
A
Where,
X = The number of Shares to be issued to Holder;
Y = The number of Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised;
A = The fair market value of one Share; and
B = The Exercise Price.
For purposes of this Section 2.2, the fair market value of a Share is defined as follows:
| (i) | if the Company’s common stock is traded on a securities exchange, the value shall be deemed to be the closing price on such exchange prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; or |
| (ii) | if the Company’s common stock is actively traded over-the-counter, the value shall be deemed to be the closing bid price prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; if there is no active public market, the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. |
2.3 Legend. Each certificate for the securities purchased under this Purchase Warrant shall bear a legend as follows unless such securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”):
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR APPLICABLE STATE LAW. NEITHER THE SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE LAW WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY, IS AVAILABLE.”
| 3. | Transfer. |
3.1 General Restrictions. The registered Holder of this Purchase Warrant agrees by his, her or its acceptance hereof, that such Holder will not: (a) sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date to anyone other than: (i) EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (“EF Hutton”) or an underwriter or a selected dealer participating in the Offering, or (ii) a bona fide officer or partner of EF Hutton or of any such underwriter or selected dealer, in each case in accordance with FINRA Conduct Rule 5110(e)(1), or (b) for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date, cause this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder to be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of this Purchase Warrant or the securities hereunder, except as provided for in FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2). On and after one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date, transfers to others may be made subject to compliance with or exemptions from applicable securities laws. In order to make any permitted assignment, the Holder must deliver to the Company the assignment form attached hereto duly executed and completed, together with the Purchase Warrant and payment of all transfer taxes, if any, payable in connection therewith. The Company shall within five (5) business days transfer this Purchase Warrant on the books of the Company and shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant or Purchase Warrants of like tenor to the appropriate assignee(s) expressly evidencing the right to purchase the aggregate number of Shares purchasable hereunder or such portion of such number as shall be contemplated by any such assignment.
3.2 Restrictions Imposed by the Securities Act. The securities evidenced by this Purchase Warrant shall not be transferred unless and until: (i) the Company has received the opinion of counsel for the Holder that the securities may be transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, the availability of which is established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company (the Company hereby agreeing that the opinion of Bevilacqua PLLC shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the availability of an exemption), or (ii) a registration statement or a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement relating to the offer and sale of such securities has been filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and compliance with applicable state securities law has been established.
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| 4 | Registration Rights. |
| 4.1 | Demand Registration. |
4.1.1 Grant of Right. The Company, upon written demand (a “Demand Notice”) of the Holders of at least 51% of the Purchase Warrants and/or the underlying Shares, agrees to register, on one (1) occasion, all or any portion of the Shares underlying the Purchase Warrants (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). On such occasion, the Company will file a registration statement with the Commission covering the Registrable Securities within sixty (60) days after receipt of a Demand Notice and use its reasonable best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective promptly thereafter, subject to compliance with review by the Commission; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to comply with a Demand Notice if the Company has filed a registration statement with respect to which the Holder is entitled to piggyback registration rights pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof and either: (i) the Holder has elected to participate in the offering covered by such registration statement or (ii) if such registration statement relates to an underwritten primary offering of securities of the Company, until the offering covered by such registration statement has been withdrawn or until thirty (30) days after such offering is consummated. The Company covenants and agrees to give written notice of its receipt of any Demand Notice by any Holders to all other registered Holders of the Purchase Warrants and/or the Registrable Securities within ten (10) days after the date of the receipt of any such Demand Notice.
4.1.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to the registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.1.1, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. The Company agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the filing required herein to become effective promptly and to qualify or register the Registrable Securities in such states as are reasonably requested by the Holders; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Registrable Securities in a State in which such registration would cause: (i) the Company to be obligated to register or license to do business in such State or submit to general service of process in such State, or (ii) the principal stockholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the demand right granted under Section 4.1.1 to remain effective for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after the date that the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement are first given the opportunity to sell all of such securities. The Holders shall only use the prospectuses provided by the Company to sell the shares covered by such registration statement, and will immediately cease to use any prospectus furnished by the Company if the Company advises the Holder that such prospectus may no longer be used due to a material misstatement or omission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.1.2, the Holder shall be entitled to a demand registration under this Section 4.1.2 on only one (1) occasion and such demand registration right shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(C).
| 4.2 | “Piggy-Back” Registration. |
4.2.1 Grant of Right. In addition to the demand right of registration described in Section 4.1 hereof, the Holder shall have the right, for a period of no more than seven (7) years from the Effective Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D), to include the Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145(a) promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to Form S-8 or Form S-4 or any equivalent form); provided, however, that if, solely in connection with any primary underwritten public offering for the account of the Company, the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of shares of common stock which may be included in the Registration Statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such Registration Statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which the Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter shall reasonably permit. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities, the holders of which are not entitled to inclusion of such securities in such Registration Statement or are not entitled to pro rata inclusion with the Registrable Securities.
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4.2.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.2.1 hereof, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold by the Holder. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Purchase Warrant, there shall be no limit on the number of times the Holder may request registration under this Section 4.2.2; provided, however, that such registration rights shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Commencement Date.
| 4.3 | General Terms. |
4.3.1 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Holders of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to any registration statement hereunder and each person, if any, who controls such Holders within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement but only to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters contained in Section 5.1 of the Underwriting Agreement between the Underwriters and the Company, dated as of November 8, 2021. The Holders of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement, and their successors and assigns, shall severally, and not jointly, indemnify the Company, against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from information furnished by or on behalf of such Holders, or their successors or assigns, in writing, for specific inclusion in such registration statement to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions contained in Section 5.2 of the Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Company.
4.3.2 Exercise of Purchase Warrants. Nothing contained in this Purchase Warrant shall be construed as requiring the Holders to exercise their Purchase Warrants prior to or after the initial filing of any registration statement or the effectiveness thereof.
4.3.3 Documents Delivered to Holders. The Company shall furnish to each Holder participating in any of the foregoing offerings and to each underwriter of any such offering, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such Holder or underwriter, of: (i) an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, an opinion dated the date of the closing under any underwriting agreement related thereto), and (ii) a “cold comfort” letter dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, a letter dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement) signed by the independent registered public accounting firm which has issued a report on the Company’s financial statements included in such registration statement, in each case covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of such accountants’ letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities. The Company shall also deliver promptly to each Holder participating in the offering requesting the correspondence and memoranda described below and to the managing underwriter, if any, copies of all correspondence between the Commission and the Company, its counsel or auditors and all memoranda relating to discussions with the Commission or its staff with respect to the registration statement and permit each Holder and underwriter to do such investigation, upon reasonable advance notice, with respect to information contained in or omitted from the registration statement as it deems reasonably necessary to comply with applicable securities laws or rules of FINRA. Such investigation shall include access to books, records and properties and opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers and independent auditors, all to such reasonable extent and at such reasonable times as any such Holder shall reasonably request.
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4.3.4 Underwriting Agreement. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with the managing underwriter(s), if any, selected by any Holders whose Registrable Securities are being registered pursuant to this Section 4, which managing underwriter shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. Such agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, each Holder and such managing underwriters, and shall contain such representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and such other terms as are customarily contained in agreements of that type used by the managing underwriter. The Holders shall be parties to any underwriting agreement relating to an underwritten sale of their Registrable Securities and may, at their option, require that any or all the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company to or for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders. Such Holders shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters except as they may relate to such Holders, their Shares and their intended methods of distribution.
4.3.5 Documents to be Delivered by Holders. Each of the Holders participating in any of the foregoing offerings shall furnish to the Company a completed and executed questionnaire provided by the Company requesting information customarily sought of selling security holders.
4.3.6 Damages. Should the registration or the effectiveness thereof required by Sections 4.1 and 4.2 hereof be delayed by the Company or the Company otherwise fails to comply with such provisions, the Holders shall, in addition to any other legal or other relief available to the Holders, be entitled to obtain specific performance or other equitable (including injunctive) relief against the threatened breach of such provisions or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages and without the necessity of posting bond or other security.
4.4 Termination of Registration Rights. The registration rights afforded to the Holders under this Section 4 shall terminate on the earliest date when all Registrable Securities of such Holder either: (i) have been publicly sold by such Holder pursuant to a Registration Statement, (ii) have been covered by an effective Registration Statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3 (or successor form), which may be kept effective as an evergreen Registration Statement, or (iii) may be sold by the Holder within a 90 day period without registration pursuant to Rule 144 or consistent with applicable SEC interpretive guidance (including CD&I no. 201.04 (April 2, 2007) or similar interpretive guidance).
| 5. | New Purchase Warrants to be Issued. |
5.1 Partial Exercise or Transfer. Subject to the restrictions in Section 3 hereof, this Purchase Warrant may be exercised or assigned in whole or in part. In the event of the exercise or assignment hereof in part only, upon surrender of this Purchase Warrant for cancellation, together with the duly executed exercise or assignment form and funds sufficient to pay any Exercise Price and/or transfer tax if exercised pursuant to Section 2.1 hereto, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Holder without charge a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor to this Purchase Warrant in the name of the Holder evidencing the right of the Holder to purchase the number of Shares purchasable hereunder as to which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised or assigned.
5.2 Lost Certificate. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Purchase Warrant and of reasonably satisfactory indemnification or the posting of a bond, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor and date. Any such new Purchase Warrant executed and delivered as a result of such loss, theft, mutilation or destruction shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation on the part of the Company.
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| 6. | Adjustments. |
6.1 Adjustments to Exercise Price and Number of Securities. The Exercise Price and the number of Shares underlying the Purchase Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as hereinafter set forth:
6.1.1 Share Dividends; Split Ups. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is increased by a stock dividend payable in Shares or by a split up of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective day thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be increased in proportion to such increase in outstanding Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately decreased.
6.1.2 Aggregation of Shares. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is decreased by a consolidation, combination or reclassification of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective date thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately increased.
6.1.3 Replacement of Securities upon Reorganization, etc. In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares other than a change covered by Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such Shares, or in the case of any share reconstruction or amalgamation or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation in which the Company is the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the Holder of this Purchase Warrant shall have the right thereafter (until the expiration of the right of exercise of this Purchase Warrant) to receive upon the exercise hereof, for the same aggregate Exercise Price payable hereunder immediately prior to such event, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, share reconstruction or amalgamation, or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, by a Holder of the number of Shares of the Company obtainable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant immediately prior to such event; and if any reclassification also results in a change in Shares covered by Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.2, then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to Sections 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and this Section 6.1.3. The provisions of this Section 6.1.3 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, share reconstructions or amalgamations, or consolidations, sales or other transfers.
6.1.4 Changes in Form of Purchase Warrant. Except as may otherwise be required under Section 6.2 hereof, this form of Purchase Warrant need not be changed because of any change pursuant to this Section 6.1, and Purchase Warrants issued after such change may state the same Exercise Price and the same number of Shares as are stated in the Purchase Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement. The acceptance by any Holder of the issuance of new Purchase Warrants reflecting a required or permissive change shall not be deemed to waive any rights to an adjustment occurring after the Commencement Date or the computation thereof.
6.2 Substitute Purchase Warrant. In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or share reconstruction or amalgamation of the Company with or into, another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation which does not result in any reclassification or change of the outstanding Shares), the corporation formed by such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation shall execute and deliver to the Holder a supplemental Purchase Warrant providing that the holder of each Purchase Warrant then outstanding or to be outstanding shall have the right thereafter (until the stated expiration of such Purchase Warrant) to receive, upon exercise of such Purchase Warrant, the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation, by a holder of the number of Shares for which such Purchase Warrant might have been exercised immediately prior to such consolidation, share reconstruction or amalgamation, sale or transfer. Such supplemental Purchase Warrant shall provide for adjustments which shall be identical to the adjustments provided for in this Section 6. The above provision of this Section shall similarly apply to successive consolidations or share reconstructions or amalgamations.
6.3 Elimination of Fractional Interests. The Company shall not be required to issue certificates representing fractions of Shares upon the exercise of the Purchase Warrant, nor shall it be required to issue scrip or pay cash in lieu of any fractional interests, it being the intent of the parties that all fractional interests shall be eliminated by rounding any fraction up or down, as the case may be, to the nearest whole number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights.
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7. Reservation and Listing. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized Shares, solely for the purpose of issuance upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants, such number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights as shall be issuable upon the exercise thereof. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants and payment of the Exercise Price therefor, in accordance with the terms hereby, all Shares and other securities issuable upon such exercise shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non- assessable and not subject to preemptive rights of any stockholder. As long as the Purchase Warrants shall be outstanding, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares issuable upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants to be listed (subject to official notice of issuance) on all national securities exchanges (or, if applicable, on the OTC Bulletin Board or any successor trading market) on which the Shares issued to the public in the Offering may then be listed and/or quoted.
| 8. | Certain Notice Requirements. |
8.1 Holder’s Right to Receive Notice. Nothing herein shall be construed as conferring upon the Holders the right to vote or consent or to receive notice as a stockholder for the election of directors or any other matter, or as having any rights whatsoever as a stockholder of the Company. If, however, at any time prior to the expiration of the Purchase Warrants and their exercise, any of the events described in Section 8.2 shall occur, then, in one or more of said events, the Company shall give written notice of such event at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date fixed as a record date or the date of closing the transfer books for the determination of the stockholders entitled to such dividend, distribution, conversion or exchange of securities or subscription rights, or entitled to vote on such proposed dissolution, liquidation, winding up or sale. Such notice shall specify such record date or the date of the closing of the transfer books, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall deliver to each Holder a copy of each notice given to the other stockholders of the Company at the same time and in the same manner that such notice is given to the stockholders.
8.2 Events Requiring Notice. The Company shall be required to give the notice described in this Section 8 upon one or more of the following events: (i) if the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Shares for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or distribution payable otherwise than in cash, or a cash dividend or distribution payable otherwise than out of retained earnings, as indicated by the accounting treatment of such dividend or distribution on the books of the Company; (ii) the Company shall offer to all the holders of its Shares any additional shares of capital stock of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company, or any option, right or warrant to subscribe therefor; or (iii) a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company (other than in connection with a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation) or a sale of all or substantially all of its property, assets and business shall be proposed.
8.3 Notice of Change in Exercise Price. The Company shall, promptly after an event requiring a change in the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 6 hereof, send notice to the Holders of such event and change (“Price Notice”). The Price Notice shall describe the event causing the change and the method of calculating same and shall be certified as being true and accurate by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer.
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8.4 Transmittal of Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications under this Purchase Warrant shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly made when hand delivered or mailed by express mail or private courier service: (i) if to the registered Holder of the Purchase Warrant, to the address of such Holder as shown on the books of the Company, or (ii) if to the Company, to the following address or to such other address as the Company may designate by notice to the Holders:
If to the Holder:
EF Hutton
590 Madison Avenue, 39th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Joseph T. Rallo
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Robinson & Cole LLP
1055 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06901
Attn: Mitchell L. Lampert
Fax No.: (203) 462-7599
If to the Company:
Stran & Company, Inc.
2 Heritage Drive, Suite 600
Quincy, MA 02171
Attn: Andrew Shape, Chief Executive Officer
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Bevilacqua PLLC
1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Attn: Louis A. Bevilacqua
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| 9. | Miscellaneous. |
9.1 Amendments. The Company and EF Hutton may from time to time supplement or amend this Purchase Warrant without the approval of any of the Holders in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, or to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder that the Company and EF Hutton may deem necessary or desirable and that the Company and EF Hutton deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders. All other modifications or amendments shall require the written consent of and be signed by the party against whom enforcement of the modification or amendment is sought.
9.2 Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Purchase Warrant.
9.3 Entire Agreement. This Purchase Warrant (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Purchase Warrant) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
9.4 Binding Effect. This Purchase Warrant shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon, the Holder and the Company and their permitted assignees, respective successors, legal representatives and assigns, and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Purchase Warrant or any provisions herein contained.
9.5 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Trial by Jury. This Purchase Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Purchase Warrant shall be brought and enforced in the New York Supreme Court, County of New York, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Any process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 8 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company and the Holder agree that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and the Holder hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
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9.6 Waiver, etc. The failure of the Company or the Holder to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way affect the validity of this Purchase Warrant or any provision hereof or the right of the Company or any Holder to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Purchase Warrant. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.
9.7 Execution in Counterparts. This Purchase Warrant may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Such counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission.
9.8 Exchange Agreement. As a condition of the Holder’s receipt and acceptance of this Purchase Warrant, Holder agrees that, at any time prior to the complete exercise of this Purchase Warrant by Holder, if the Company and EF Hutton enter into an agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which they agree that all outstanding Purchase Warrants will be exchanged for securities or cash or a combination of both, then Holder shall agree to such exchange and become a party to the Exchange Agreement.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Purchase Warrant to be signed by its duly authorized officer as of the 12th day of November, 2021.
Stran & Company, Inc.
| By: | /s/ Andrew Shape | |
| Name: | Andrew Shape | |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
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[Form to be used to exercise Purchase Warrant]
Date:________, 20___
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to exercise the Purchase Warrant for______shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and hereby makes payment of $ (at the rate of $ per Share) in payment of the Exercise Price pursuant thereto. Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised.
or
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to convert its right to purchase____Shares of the Company under the Purchase Warrant for______Shares, as determined in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A-B)
A
| Where, | ||
| X | = | The number of Shares to be issued to Holder; |
| Y | = | The number of Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised; |
| A | = | The fair market value of one Share which is equal to $______; and |
| B | = | The Exercise Price which is equal to $______per share |
The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that the calculation set forth above is subject to confirmation by the Company and any disagreement with respect to the calculation shall be resolved by the Company in its sole discretion.
Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been converted.
Signature ______________________________
Signature Guaranteed_____________________________
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
Name:___________________________________
(Print in Block Letters)
Address:_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
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[Form to be used to assign Purchase Warrant]
ASSIGNMENT
(To be executed by the registered Holder to effect a transfer of the within Purchase Warrant):
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _ does hereby sell, assign and transfer unto the right to purchase shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), evidenced by the Purchase Warrant and does hereby authorize the Company to transfer such right on the books of the Company.
Dated:_________, 20__
Signature ______________________________
Signature Guaranteed___________________________
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
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Exhibit 10.3
Representative’s Warrant Agreement
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER OR ASSIGN THIS PURCHASE WARRANT EXCEPT AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE (DEFINED BELOW) TO ANYONE OTHER THAN (I) EF HUTTON, DIVISION OF BENCHMARK INVESTMENTS, LLC OR AN UNDERWRITER OR A SELECTED DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, OR (II) A BONA FIDE OFFICER OR PARTNER OF EF HUTTON, DIVISION OF BENCHMARK INVESTMENTS, LLC OR OF ANY SUCH UNDERWRITER OR SELECTED DEALER.
THIS PURCHASE WARRANT IS NOT EXERCISABLE PRIOR TO MAY 12, 2022. VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, NOVEMBER 12, 2026.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
For the Purchase of 62,287 Shares of Common Stock of
Stran & Company, Inc.
1. Purchase Warrant. THIS CERTIFIES THAT, in consideration of funds duly paid by or on behalf of David W. Boral (“Holder”), as registered owner of this Purchase Warrant of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), Holder is entitled, at any time or from time to time from May 12, 2022 (the “Commencement Date”), and at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, November 12, 2026 (the ”Expiration Date”), but not thereafter, to subscribe for, purchase and receive, in whole or in part, up to 62,287 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6 hereof. If the Expiration Date is a day on which banking institutions are authorized by law to close, then this Purchase Warrant may be exercised on the next succeeding day which is not such a day in accordance with the terms herein. During the period ending on the Expiration Date, the Company agrees not to take any action that would terminate this Purchase Warrant. This Purchase Warrant is initially exercisable at $5.1875 per Share; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 6 hereof, the rights granted by this Purchase Warrant, including the exercise price per Share and the number of Shares to be received upon such exercise, shall be adjusted as therein specified. The term “Exercise Price” shall mean the initial exercise price or the adjusted exercise price, depending on the context. The term “Effective Date” shall mean November 8, 2021, the date on which the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-260109) of the Company was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2. Exercise.
2.1 Exercise Form. In order to exercise this Purchase Warrant, the exercise form attached hereto must be duly executed and completed and delivered to the Company, together with this Purchase Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased payable in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company or by certified check or official bank check. If the subscription rights represented hereby shall not be exercised at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date, this Purchase Warrant shall become and be void without further force or effect, and all rights represented hereby shall cease and expire.
2.2 Cashless Exercise. If at any time after the Commencement Date there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the resale of the Shares by the Holder, then in lieu of exercising this Purchase Warrant by payment of cash or check payable to the order of the Company pursuant to Section 2.1 above, Holder may elect to receive the number of Shares equal to the value of this Purchase Warrant (or the portion thereof being exercised), by surrender of this Purchase Warrant to the Company, together with the exercise form attached hereto, in which event the Company shall issue to Holder, Shares in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A-B)
A
Where,
X = The number of Shares to be issued to Holder;
Y= The number of Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised; A = The fair market value of one Share; and
B = The Exercise Price.
For purposes of this Section 2.2, the fair market value of a Share is defined as follows:
| (i) | if the Company’s common stock is traded on a securities exchange, the value shall be deemed to be the closing price on such exchange prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; or |
| (ii) | if the Company’s common stock is actively traded over-the-counter, the value shall be deemed to be the closing bid price prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; if there is no active public market, the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. |
2.3 Legend. Each certificate for the securities purchased under this Purchase Warrant shall bear a legend as follows unless such securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”):
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR APPLICABLE STATE LAW. NEITHER THE SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE LAW WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY, IS AVAILABLE.”
3. Transfer.
3.1 General Restrictions. The registered Holder of this Purchase Warrant agrees by his, her or its acceptance hereof, that such Holder will not: (a) sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date to anyone other than: (i) EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (“EF Hutton”) or an underwriter or a selected dealer participating in the Offering, or (ii) a bona fide officer or partner of EF Hutton or of any such underwriter or selected dealer, in each case in accordance with FINRA Conduct Rule 5110(e)(1), or (b) for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date, cause this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder to be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of this Purchase Warrant or the securities hereunder, except as provided for in FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2). On and after one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date, transfers to others may be made subject to compliance with or exemptions from applicable securities laws. In order to make any permitted assignment, the Holder must deliver to the Company the assignment form attached hereto duly executed and completed, together with the Purchase Warrant and payment of all transfer taxes, if any, payable in connection therewith. The Company shall within five (5) business days transfer this Purchase Warrant on the books of the Company and shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant or Purchase Warrants of like tenor to the appropriate assignee(s) expressly evidencing the right to purchase the aggregate number of Shares purchasable hereunder or such portion of such number as shall be contemplated by any such assignment.
3.2 Restrictions Imposed by the Securities Act. The securities evidenced by this Purchase Warrant shall not be transferred unless and until: (i) the Company has received the opinion of counsel for the Holder that the securities may be transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, the availability of which is established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company (the Company hereby agreeing that the opinion of Bevilacqua PLLC shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the availability of an exemption), or (ii) a registration statement or a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement relating to the offer and sale of such securities has been filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and compliance with applicable state securities law has been established.
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4 Registration Rights.
| 4.1 | Demand Registration. |
4.1.1 Grant of Right. The Company, upon written demand (a “Demand Notice”) of the Holders of at least 51% of the Purchase Warrants and/or the underlying Shares, agrees to register, on one (1) occasion, all or any portion of the Shares underlying the Purchase Warrants (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). On such occasion, the Company will file a registration statement with the Commission covering the Registrable Securities within sixty (60) days after receipt of a Demand Notice and use its reasonable best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective promptly thereafter, subject to compliance with review by the Commission; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to comply with a Demand Notice if the Company has filed a registration statement with respect to which the Holder is entitled to piggyback registration rights pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof and either: (i) the Holder has elected to participate in the offering covered by such registration statement or (ii) if such registration statement relates to an underwritten primary offering of securities of the Company, until the offering covered by such registration statement has been withdrawn or until thirty (30) days after such offering is consummated. The Company covenants and agrees to give written notice of its receipt of any Demand Notice by any Holders to all other registered Holders of the Purchase Warrants and/or the Registrable Securities within ten (10) days after the date of the receipt of any such Demand Notice.
4.1.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to the registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.1.1, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. The Company agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the filing required herein to become effective promptly and to qualify or register the Registrable Securities in such states as are reasonably requested by the Holders; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Registrable Securities in a State in which such registration would cause: (i) the Company to be obligated to register or license to do business in such State or submit to general service of process in such State, or (ii) the principal stockholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the demand right granted under Section 4.1.1 to remain effective for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after the date that the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement are first given the opportunity to sell all of such securities. The Holders shall only use the prospectuses provided by the Company to sell the shares covered by such registration statement, and will immediately cease to use any prospectus furnished by the Company if the Company advises the Holder that such prospectus may no longer be used due to a material misstatement or omission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.1.2, the Holder shall be entitled to a demand registration under this Section 4.1.2 on only one (1) occasion and such demand registration right shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(C).
| 4.2 | “Piggy-Back” Registration. |
4.2.1 Grant of Right. In addition to the demand right of registration described in Section 4.1 hereof, the Holder shall have the right, for a period of no more than seven (7) years from the Effective Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D), to include the Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145(a) promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to Form S-8 or Form S-4 or any equivalent form); provided, however, that if, solely in connection with any primary underwritten public offering for the account of the Company, the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of shares of common stock which may be included in the Registration Statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such Registration Statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which the Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter shall reasonably permit. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities, the holders of which are not entitled to inclusion of such securities in such Registration Statement or are not entitled to pro rata inclusion with the Registrable Securities.
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4.2.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.2.1 hereof, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold by the Holder. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Purchase Warrant, there shall be no limit on the number of times the Holder may request registration under this Section 4.2.2; provided, however, that such registration rights shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Commencement Date.
| 4.3 | General Terms. |
4.3.1 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Holders of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to any registration statement hereunder and each person, if any, who controls such Holders within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement but only to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters contained in Section 5.1 of the Underwriting Agreement between the Underwriters and the Company, dated as of November 8, 2021. The Holders of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement, and their successors and assigns, shall severally, and not jointly, indemnify the Company, against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from information furnished by or on behalf of such Holders, or their successors or assigns, in writing, for specific inclusion in such registration statement to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions contained in Section 5.2 of the Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Company.
4.3.2 Exercise of Purchase Warrants. Nothing contained in this Purchase Warrant shall be construed as requiring the Holders to exercise their Purchase Warrants prior to or after the initial filing of any registration statement or the effectiveness thereof.
4.3.3 Documents Delivered to Holders. The Company shall furnish to each Holder participating in any of the foregoing offerings and to each underwriter of any such offering, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such Holder or underwriter, of: (i) an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, an opinion dated the date of the closing under any underwriting agreement related thereto), and (ii) a “cold comfort” letter dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, a letter dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement) signed by the independent registered public accounting firm which has issued a report on the Company’s financial statements included in such registration statement, in each case covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of such accountants’ letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities. The Company shall also deliver promptly to each Holder participating in the offering requesting the correspondence and memoranda described below and to the managing underwriter, if any, copies of all correspondence between the Commission and the Company, its counsel or auditors and all memoranda relating to discussions with the Commission or its staff with respect to the registration statement
and permit each Holder and underwriter to do such investigation, upon reasonable advance notice, with respect to information contained in or omitted from the registration statement as it deems reasonably necessary to comply with applicable securities laws or rules of FINRA. Such investigation shall include access to books, records and properties and opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers and independent auditors, all to such reasonable extent and at such reasonable times as any such Holder shall reasonably request.
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4.3.4 Underwriting Agreement. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with the managing underwriter(s), if any, selected by any Holders whose Registrable Securities are being registered pursuant to this Section 4, which managing underwriter shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. Such agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, each Holder and such managing underwriters, and shall contain such representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and such other terms as are customarily contained in agreements of that type used by the managing underwriter. The Holders shall be parties to any underwriting agreement relating to an underwritten sale of their Registrable Securities and may, at their option, require that any or all the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company to or for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders. Such Holders shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters except as they may relate to such Holders, their Shares and their intended methods of distribution.
4.3.5 Documents to be Delivered by Holders. Each of the Holders participating in any of the foregoing offerings shall furnish to the Company a completed and executed questionnaire provided by the Company requesting information customarily sought of selling security holders.
4.3.6 Damages. Should the registration or the effectiveness thereof required by Sections 4.1 and 4.2 hereof be delayed by the Company or the Company otherwise fails to comply with such provisions, the Holders shall, in addition to any other legal or other relief available to the Holders, be entitled to obtain specific performance or other equitable (including injunctive) relief against the threatened breach of such provisions or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages and without the necessity of posting bond or other security.
4.4 Termination of Registration Rights. The registration rights afforded to the Holders under this Section 4 shall terminate on the earliest date when all Registrable Securities of such Holder either: (i) have been publicly sold by such Holder pursuant to a Registration Statement, (ii) have been covered by an effective Registration Statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3 (or successor form), which may be kept effective as an evergreen Registration Statement, or (iii) may be sold by the Holder within a 90 day period without registration pursuant to Rule 144 or consistent with applicable SEC interpretive guidance (including CD&I no. 201.04 (April 2, 2007) or similar interpretive guidance).
5. New Purchase Warrants to be Issued.
5.1 Partial Exercise or Transfer. Subject to the restrictions in Section 3 hereof, this Purchase Warrant may be exercised or assigned in whole or in part. In the event of the exercise or assignment hereof in part only, upon surrender of this Purchase Warrant for cancellation, together with the duly executed exercise or assignment form and funds sufficient to pay any Exercise Price and/or transfer tax if exercised pursuant to Section 2.1 hereto, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Holder without charge a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor to this Purchase Warrant in the name of the Holder evidencing the right of the Holder to purchase the number of Shares purchasable hereunder as to which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised or assigned.
5.2 Lost Certificate. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Purchase Warrant and of reasonably satisfactory indemnification or the posting of a bond, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor and date. Any such new Purchase Warrant executed and delivered as a result of such loss, theft, mutilation or destruction shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation on the part of the Company.
6. Adjustments.
6.1 Adjustments to Exercise Price and Number of Securities. The Exercise Price and the number of Shares underlying the Purchase Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as hereinafter set forth:
6.1.1 Share Dividends; Split Ups. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is increased by a stock dividend payable in Shares or by a split up of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective day thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be increased in proportion to such increase in outstanding Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately decreased.
6.1.2 Aggregation of Shares. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is decreased by a consolidation, combination or reclassification of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective date thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately increased.
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6.1.3 Replacement of Securities upon Reorganization, etc. In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares other than a change covered by Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such Shares, or in the case of any share reconstruction or amalgamation or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation in which the Company is the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the Holder of this Purchase Warrant shall have the right thereafter (until the expiration of the right of exercise of this Purchase Warrant) to receive upon the exercise hereof, for the same aggregate Exercise Price payable hereunder immediately prior to such event, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, share reconstruction or amalgamation, or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, by a Holder of the number of Shares of the Company obtainable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant immediately prior to such event; and if any reclassification also results in a change in Shares covered by Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.2, then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to Sections 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and this Section 6.1.3. The provisions of this Section 6.1.3 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, share reconstructions or amalgamations, or consolidations, sales or other transfers.
6.1.4 Changes in Form of Purchase Warrant. Except as may otherwise be required under Section 6.2 hereof, this form of Purchase Warrant need not be changed because of any change pursuant to this Section 6.1, and Purchase Warrants issued after such change may state the same Exercise Price and the same number of Shares as are stated in the Purchase Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement. The acceptance by any Holder of the issuance of new Purchase Warrants reflecting a required or permissive change shall not be deemed to waive any rights to an adjustment occurring after the Commencement Date or the computation thereof.
6.2 Substitute Purchase Warrant. In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or share reconstruction or amalgamation of the Company with or into, another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation which does not result in any reclassification or change of the outstanding Shares), the corporation formed by such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation shall execute and deliver to the Holder a supplemental Purchase Warrant providing that the holder of each Purchase Warrant then outstanding or to be outstanding shall have the right thereafter (until the stated expiration of such Purchase Warrant) to receive, upon exercise of such Purchase Warrant, the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation, by a holder of the number of Shares for which such Purchase Warrant might have been exercised immediately prior to such consolidation, share reconstruction or amalgamation, sale or transfer. Such supplemental Purchase Warrant shall provide for adjustments which shall be identical to the adjustments provided for in this Section 6. The above provision of this Section shall similarly apply to successive consolidations or share reconstructions or amalgamations.
6.3 Elimination of Fractional Interests. The Company shall not be required to issue certificates representing fractions of Shares upon the exercise of the Purchase Warrant, nor shall it be required to issue scrip or pay cash in lieu of any fractional interests, it being the intent of the parties that all fractional interests shall be eliminated by rounding any fraction up or down, as the case may be, to the nearest whole number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights.
7. Reservation and Listing. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized Shares, solely for the purpose of issuance upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants, such number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights as shall be issuable upon the exercise thereof. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants and payment of the Exercise Price therefor, in accordance with the terms hereby, all Shares and other securities issuable upon such exercise shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non- assessable and not subject to preemptive rights of any stockholder. As long as the Purchase Warrants shall be outstanding, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares issuable upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants to be listed (subject to official notice of issuance) on all national securities exchanges (or, if applicable, on the OTC Bulletin Board or any successor trading market) on which the Shares issued to the public in the Offering may then be listed and/or quoted.
8. Certain Notice Requirements.
8.1 Holder’s Right to Receive Notice. Nothing herein shall be construed as conferring upon the Holders the right to vote or consent or to receive notice as a stockholder for the election of directors or any other matter, or as having any rights whatsoever as a stockholder of the Company. If, however, at any time prior to the expiration of the Purchase Warrants and their exercise, any of the events described in Section 8.2 shall occur, then, in one or more of said events, the Company shall give written notice of such event at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date fixed as a record date or the date of closing the transfer books for the determination of the stockholders entitled to such dividend, distribution, conversion or exchange of securities or subscription rights, or entitled to vote on such proposed dissolution, liquidation, winding up or sale. Such notice shall specify such record date or the date of the closing of the transfer books, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall deliver to each Holder a copy of each notice given to the other stockholders of the Company at the same time and in the same manner that such notice is given to the stockholders.
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8.2 Events Requiring Notice. The Company shall be required to give the notice described in this Section 8 upon one or more of the following events: (i) if the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Shares for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or distribution payable otherwise than in cash, or a cash dividend or distribution payable otherwise than out of retained earnings, as indicated by the accounting treatment of such dividend or distribution on the books of the Company; (ii) the Company shall offer to all the holders of its Shares any additional shares of capital stock of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company, or any option, right or warrant to subscribe therefor; or (iii) a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company (other than in connection with a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation) or a sale of all or substantially all of its property, assets and business shall be proposed.
8.3 Notice of Change in Exercise Price. The Company shall, promptly after an event requiring a change in the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 6 hereof, send notice to the Holders of such event and change (“Price Notice”). The Price Notice shall describe the event causing the change and the method of calculating same and shall be certified as being true and accurate by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer.
8.4 Transmittal of Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications under this Purchase Warrant shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly made when hand delivered or mailed by express mail or private courier service: (i) if to the registered Holder of the Purchase Warrant, to the address of such Holder as shown on the books of the Company, or (ii) if to the Company, to the following address or to such other address as the Company may designate by notice to the Holders:
| If to the Holder: | |
| EF Hutton | |
| 590 Madison Avenue, 39th Floor | |
| New York, New York 10022 | |
| Attn: Joseph T. Rallo | |
| with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | |
| Robinson & Cole LLP | |
| 1055 Washington Boulevard | |
| Stamford, CT 06901 | |
| Attn: Mitchell L. Lampert | |
| Fax No.: (203) 462-7599 | |
| If to the Company: | |
| Stran & Company, Inc. | |
| 2 Heritage Drive, Suite 600 | |
| Quincy, MA 02171 | |
| Attn: Andrew Shape, Chief Executive Officer | |
| with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | |
| Bevilacqua PLLC | |
| 1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 500 | |
| Washington, DC 20036 | |
| Attn: Louis A. Bevilacqua |
9. Miscellaneous.
9.1 Amendments. The Company and EF Hutton may from time to time supplement or amend this Purchase Warrant without the approval of any of the Holders in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, or to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder that the Company and EF Hutton may deem necessary or desirable and that the Company and EF Hutton deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders. All other modifications or amendments shall require the written consent of and be signed by the party against whom enforcement of the modification or amendment is sought.
9.2 Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Purchase Warrant.
9.3 Entire Agreement. This Purchase Warrant (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Purchase Warrant) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
9.4 Binding Effect. This Purchase Warrant shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon, the Holder and the Company and their permitted assignees, respective successors, legal representatives and assigns, and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Purchase Warrant or any provisions herein contained.
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9.5 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Trial by Jury. This Purchase Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Purchase Warrant shall be brought and enforced in the New York Supreme Court, County of New York, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Any process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 8 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company and the Holder agree that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and the Holder hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
9.6 Waiver, etc. The failure of the Company or the Holder to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way affect the validity of this Purchase Warrant or any provision hereof or the right of the Company or any Holder to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Purchase Warrant. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.
9.7 Execution in Counterparts. This Purchase Warrant may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Such counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission.
9.8 Exchange Agreement. As a condition of the Holder’s receipt and acceptance of this Purchase Warrant, Holder agrees that, at any time prior to the complete exercise of this Purchase Warrant by Holder, if the Company and EF Hutton enter into an agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which they agree that all outstanding Purchase Warrants will be exchanged for securities or cash or a combination of both, then Holder shall agree to such exchange and become a party to the Exchange Agreement.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Purchase Warrant to be signed by its duly authorized officer as of the 12th day of November, 2021.
| Stran & Company, Inc. | |||
| By: | /s/ Andrew Shape | ||
| Name: |
Andrew Shape |
||
| Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
||
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[Form to be used to exercise Purchase Warrant]
Date: , 20
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to exercise the Purchase Warrant for shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and hereby makes payment of $ (at the rate of $ per Share) in payment of the Exercise Price pursuant thereto. Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised.
or
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to convert its right to purchase Shares of the Company under the Purchase Warrant for Shares, as determined in accordance with the following formula:
| X | = Y(A-B) A |
| Where, | ||
| X | = | The number of Shares to be issued to Holder; |
| Y | = | The number of Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised; |
| A | = | The fair market value of one Share which is equal to $ ; and |
| B | = | The Exercise Price which is equal to $ per share |
The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that the calculation set forth above is subject to confirmation by the Company and any disagreement with respect to the calculation shall be resolved by the Company in its sole discretion.
Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been converted.
| Signature | |||
| Signature Guaranteed |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
| Name: |
(Print in Block Letters)
| Address: | ||
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
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[Form to be used to assign Purchase Warrant]
ASSIGNMENT
(To be executed by the registered Holder to effect a transfer of the within Purchase Warrant):
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, does hereby sell, assign and transfer unto the right to purchase shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), evidenced by the Purchase Warrant and does hereby authorize the Company to transfer such right on the books of the Company.
Dated: , 20
| Signature |
| Signature Guaranteed |
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
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Exhibit 10.4
Representative’s Warrant Agreement
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER OR ASSIGN THIS PURCHASE WARRANT EXCEPT AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE (DEFINED BELOW) TO ANYONE OTHER THAN (I) EF HUTTON, DIVISION OF BENCHMARK INVESTMENTS, LLC OR AN UNDERWRITER OR A SELECTED DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, OR (II) A BONA FIDE OFFICER OR PARTNER OF EF HUTTON, DIVISION OF BENCHMARK INVESTMENTS, LLC OR OF ANY SUCH UNDERWRITER OR SELECTED DEALER.
THIS PURCHASE WARRANT IS NOT EXERCISABLE PRIOR TO MAY 12, 2022. VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, NOVEMBER 12, 2026.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
For the Purchase of 62,287 Shares of Common Stock of
Stran & Company, Inc.
1. Purchase Warrant. THIS CERTIFIES THAT, in consideration of funds duly paid by or on behalf of Joseph T. Rallo (“Holder”), as registered owner of this Purchase Warrant of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), Holder is entitled, at any time or from time to time from May 12, 2022 (the “Commencement Date”), and at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, November 12, 2026 (the ”Expiration Date”), but not thereafter, to subscribe for, purchase and receive, in whole or in part, up to 62,287 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6 hereof. If the Expiration Date is a day on which banking institutions are authorized by law to close, then this Purchase Warrant may be exercised on the next succeeding day which is not such a day in accordance with the terms herein. During the period ending on the Expiration Date, the Company agrees not to take any action that would terminate this Purchase Warrant. This Purchase Warrant is initially exercisable at $5.1875 per Share; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 6 hereof, the rights granted by this Purchase Warrant, including the exercise price per Share and the number of Shares to be received upon such exercise, shall be adjusted as therein specified. The term “Exercise Price” shall mean the initial exercise price or the adjusted exercise price, depending on the context. The term “Effective Date” shall mean November 8, 2021, the date on which the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-260109) of the Company was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2. Exercise.
2.1 Exercise Form. In order to exercise this Purchase Warrant, the exercise form attached hereto must be duly executed and completed and delivered to the Company, together with this Purchase Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased payable in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company or by certified check or official bank check. If the subscription rights represented hereby shall not be exercised at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date, this Purchase Warrant shall become and be void without further force or effect, and all rights represented hereby shall cease and expire.
2.2 Cashless Exercise. If at any time after the Commencement Date there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the resale of the Shares by the Holder, then in lieu of exercising this Purchase Warrant by payment of cash or check payable to the order of the Company pursuant to Section 2.1 above, Holder may elect to receive the number of Shares equal to the value of this Purchase Warrant (or the portion thereof being exercised), by surrender of this Purchase Warrant to the Company, together with the exercise form attached hereto, in which event the Company shall issue to Holder, Shares in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A-B)
A
Where,
X = The number of Shares to be issued to Holder;
Y = The number of Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised;
A = The fair market value of one Share; and
B = The Exercise Price.
For purposes of this Section 2.2, the fair market value of a Share is defined as follows:
| (i) | if the Company’s common stock is traded on a securities exchange, the value shall be deemed to be the closing price on such exchange prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; or |
| (ii) | if the Company’s common stock is actively traded over-the-counter, the value shall be deemed to be the closing bid price prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; if there is no active public market, the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. |
2.3 Legend. Each certificate for the securities purchased under this Purchase Warrant shall bear a legend as follows unless such securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”):
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR APPLICABLE STATE LAW. NEITHER THE SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE LAW WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY, IS AVAILABLE.”
3. Transfer.
3.1 General Restrictions. The registered Holder of this Purchase Warrant agrees by his, her or its acceptance hereof, that such Holder will not: (a) sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date to anyone other than: (i) EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (“EF Hutton”) or an underwriter or a selected dealer participating in the Offering, or (ii) a bona fide officer or partner of EF Hutton or of any such underwriter or selected dealer, in each case in accordance with FINRA Conduct Rule 5110(e)(1), or (b) for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date, cause this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder to be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of this Purchase Warrant or the securities hereunder, except as provided for in FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2). On and after one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date, transfers to others may be made subject to compliance with or exemptions from applicable securities laws. In order to make any permitted assignment, the Holder must deliver to the Company the assignment form attached hereto duly executed and completed, together with the Purchase Warrant and payment of all transfer taxes, if any, payable in connection therewith. The Company shall within five (5) business days transfer this Purchase Warrant on the books of the Company and shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant or Purchase Warrants of like tenor to the appropriate assignee(s) expressly evidencing the right to purchase the aggregate number of Shares purchasable hereunder or such portion of such number as shall be contemplated by any such assignment.
3.2 Restrictions Imposed by the Securities Act. The securities evidenced by this Purchase Warrant shall not be transferred unless and until: (i) the Company has received the opinion of counsel for the Holder that the securities may be transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, the availability of which is established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company (the Company hereby agreeing that the opinion of Bevilacqua PLLC shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the availability of an exemption), or (ii) a registration statement or a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement relating to the offer and sale of such securities has been filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and compliance with applicable state securities law has been established.
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4 Registration Rights.
4.1 Demand Registration.
4.1.1 Grant of Right. The Company, upon written demand (a “Demand Notice”) of the Holders of at least 51% of the Purchase Warrants and/or the underlying Shares, agrees to register, on one (1) occasion, all or any portion of the Shares underlying the Purchase Warrants (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). On such occasion, the Company will file a registration statement with the Commission covering the Registrable Securities within sixty (60) days after receipt of a Demand Notice and use its reasonable best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective promptly thereafter, subject to compliance with review by the Commission; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to comply with a Demand Notice if the Company has filed a registration statement with respect to which the Holder is entitled to piggyback registration rights pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof and either: (i) the Holder has elected to participate in the offering covered by such registration statement or (ii) if such registration statement relates to an underwritten primary offering of securities of the Company, until the offering covered by such registration statement has been withdrawn or until thirty (30) days after such offering is consummated. The Company covenants and agrees to give written notice of its receipt of any Demand Notice by any Holders to all other registered Holders of the Purchase Warrants and/or the Registrable Securities within ten (10) days after the date of the receipt of any such Demand Notice.
4.1.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to the registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.1.1, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. The Company agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the filing required herein to become effective promptly and to qualify or register the Registrable Securities in such states as are reasonably requested by the Holders; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Registrable Securities in a State in which such registration would cause: (i) the Company to be obligated to register or license to do business in such State or submit to general service of process in such State, or (ii) the principal stockholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the demand right granted under Section 4.1.1 to remain effective for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after the date that the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement are first given the opportunity to sell all of such securities. The Holders shall only use the prospectuses provided by the Company to sell the shares covered by such registration statement, and will immediately cease to use any prospectus furnished by the Company if the Company advises the Holder that such prospectus may no longer be used due to a material misstatement or omission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.1.2, the Holder shall be entitled to a demand registration under this Section 4.1.2 on only one (1) occasion and such demand registration right shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(C).
4.2 “Piggy-Back” Registration.
4.2.1 Grant of Right. In addition to the demand right of registration described in Section 4.1 hereof, the Holder shall have the right, for a period of no more than seven (7) years from the Effective Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D), to include the Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145(a) promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to Form S-8 or Form S-4 or any equivalent form); provided, however, that if, solely in connection with any primary underwritten public offering for the account of the Company, the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of shares of common stock which may be included in the Registration Statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such Registration Statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which the Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter shall reasonably permit. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities, the holders of which are not entitled to inclusion of such securities in such Registration Statement or are not entitled to pro rata inclusion with the Registrable Securities.
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4.2.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.2.1 hereof, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold by the Holder. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Purchase Warrant, there shall be no limit on the number of times the Holder may request registration under this Section 4.2.2; provided, however, that such registration rights shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Commencement Date.
4.3 General Terms.
4.3.1 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Holders of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to any registration statement hereunder and each person, if any, who controls such Holders within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement but only to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters contained in Section 5.1 of the Underwriting Agreement between the Underwriters and the Company, dated as of November 8, 2021. The Holders of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement, and their successors and assigns, shall severally, and not jointly, indemnify the Company, against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from information furnished by or on behalf of such Holders, or their successors or assigns, in writing, for specific inclusion in such registration statement to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions contained in Section 5.2 of the Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Company.
4.3.2 Exercise of Purchase Warrants. Nothing contained in this Purchase Warrant shall be construed as requiring the Holders to exercise their Purchase Warrants prior to or after the initial filing of any registration statement or the effectiveness thereof.
4.3.3 Documents Delivered to Holders. The Company shall furnish to each Holder participating in any of the foregoing offerings and to each underwriter of any such offering, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such Holder or underwriter, of: (i) an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, an opinion dated the date of the closing under any underwriting agreement related thereto), and (ii) a “cold comfort” letter dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, a letter dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement) signed by the independent registered public accounting firm which has issued a report on the Company’s financial statements included in such registration statement, in each case covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of such accountants’ letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities. The Company shall also deliver promptly to each Holder participating in the offering requesting the correspondence and memoranda described below and to the managing underwriter, if any, copies of all correspondence between the Commission and the Company, its counsel or auditors and all memoranda relating to discussions with the Commission or its staff with respect to the registration statement and permit each Holder and underwriter to do such investigation, upon reasonable advance notice, with respect to information contained in or omitted from the registration statement as it deems reasonably necessary to comply with applicable securities laws or rules of FINRA. Such investigation shall include access to books, records and properties and opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers and independent auditors, all to such reasonable extent and at such reasonable times as any such Holder shall reasonably request.
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4.3.4 Underwriting Agreement. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with the managing underwriter(s), if any, selected by any Holders whose Registrable Securities are being registered pursuant to this Section 4, which managing underwriter shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. Such agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, each Holder and such managing underwriters, and shall contain such representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and such other terms as are customarily contained in agreements of that type used by the managing underwriter. The Holders shall be parties to any underwriting agreement relating to an underwritten sale of their Registrable Securities and may, at their option, require that any or all the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company to or for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders. Such Holders shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters except as they may relate to such Holders, their Shares and their intended methods of distribution.
4.3.5 Documents to be Delivered by Holders. Each of the Holders participating in any of the foregoing offerings shall furnish to the Company a completed and executed questionnaire provided by the Company requesting information customarily sought of selling security holders.
4.3.6 Damages. Should the registration or the effectiveness thereof required by Sections 4.1 and 4.2 hereof be delayed by the Company or the Company otherwise fails to comply with such provisions, the Holders shall, in addition to any other legal or other relief available to the Holders, be entitled to obtain specific performance or other equitable (including injunctive) relief against the threatened breach of such provisions or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages and without the necessity of posting bond or other security.
4.4 Termination of Registration Rights. The registration rights afforded to the Holders under this Section 4 shall terminate on the earliest date when all Registrable Securities of such Holder either: (i) have been publicly sold by such Holder pursuant to a Registration Statement, (ii) have been covered by an effective Registration Statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3 (or successor form), which may be kept effective as an evergreen Registration Statement, or (iii) may be sold by the Holder within a 90 day period without registration pursuant to Rule 144 or consistent with applicable SEC interpretive guidance (including CD&I no. 201.04 (April 2, 2007) or similar interpretive guidance).
5. New Purchase Warrants to be Issued.
5.1 Partial Exercise or Transfer. Subject to the restrictions in Section 3 hereof, this Purchase Warrant may be exercised or assigned in whole or in part. In the event of the exercise or assignment hereof in part only, upon surrender of this Purchase Warrant for cancellation, together with the duly executed exercise or assignment form and funds sufficient to pay any Exercise Price and/or transfer tax if exercised pursuant to Section 2.1 hereto, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Holder without charge a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor to this Purchase Warrant in the name of the Holder evidencing the right of the Holder to purchase the number of Shares purchasable hereunder as to which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised or assigned.
5.2 Lost Certificate. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Purchase Warrant and of reasonably satisfactory indemnification or the posting of a bond, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor and date. Any such new Purchase Warrant executed and delivered as a result of such loss, theft, mutilation or destruction shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation on the part of the Company.
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6. Adjustments.
6.1 Adjustments to Exercise Price and Number of Securities. The Exercise Price and the number of Shares underlying the Purchase Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as hereinafter set forth:
6.1.1 Share Dividends; Split Ups. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is increased by a stock dividend payable in Shares or by a split up of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective day thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be increased in proportion to such increase in outstanding Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately decreased.
6.1.2 Aggregation of Shares. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is decreased by a consolidation, combination or reclassification of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective date thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately increased.
6.1.3 Replacement of Securities upon Reorganization, etc. In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares other than a change covered by Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such Shares, or in the case of any share reconstruction or amalgamation or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation in which the Company is the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the Holder of this Purchase Warrant shall have the right thereafter (until the expiration of the right of exercise of this Purchase Warrant) to receive upon the exercise hereof, for the same aggregate Exercise Price payable hereunder immediately prior to such event, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, share reconstruction or amalgamation, or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, by a Holder of the number of Shares of the Company obtainable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant immediately prior to such event; and if any reclassification also results in a change in Shares covered by Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.2, then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to Sections 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and this Section 6.1.3. The provisions of this Section 6.1.3 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, share reconstructions or amalgamations, or consolidations, sales or other transfers.
6.1.4 Changes in Form of Purchase Warrant. Except as may otherwise be required under Section 6.2 hereof, this form of Purchase Warrant need not be changed because of any change pursuant to this Section 6.1, and Purchase Warrants issued after such change may state the same Exercise Price and the same number of Shares as are stated in the Purchase Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement. The acceptance by any Holder of the issuance of new Purchase Warrants reflecting a required or permissive change shall not be deemed to waive any rights to an adjustment occurring after the Commencement Date or the computation thereof.
6.2 Substitute Purchase Warrant. In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or share reconstruction or amalgamation of the Company with or into, another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation which does not result in any reclassification or change of the outstanding Shares), the corporation formed by such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation shall execute and deliver to the Holder a supplemental Purchase Warrant providing that the holder of each Purchase Warrant then outstanding or to be outstanding shall have the right thereafter (until the stated expiration of such Purchase Warrant) to receive, upon exercise of such Purchase Warrant, the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation, by a holder of the number of Shares for which such Purchase Warrant might have been exercised immediately prior to such consolidation, share reconstruction or amalgamation, sale or transfer. Such supplemental Purchase Warrant shall provide for adjustments which shall be identical to the adjustments provided for in this Section 6. The above provision of this Section shall similarly apply to successive consolidations or share reconstructions or amalgamations.
6.3 Elimination of Fractional Interests. The Company shall not be required to issue certificates representing fractions of Shares upon the exercise of the Purchase Warrant, nor shall it be required to issue scrip or pay cash in lieu of any fractional interests, it being the intent of the parties that all fractional interests shall be eliminated by rounding any fraction up or down, as the case may be, to the nearest whole number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights.
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7. Reservation and Listing. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized Shares, solely for the purpose of issuance upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants, such number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights as shall be issuable upon the exercise thereof. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants and payment of the Exercise Price therefor, in accordance with the terms hereby, all Shares and other securities issuable upon such exercise shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non- assessable and not subject to preemptive rights of any stockholder. As long as the Purchase Warrants shall be outstanding, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares issuable upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants to be listed (subject to official notice of issuance) on all national securities exchanges (or, if applicable, on the OTC Bulletin Board or any successor trading market) on which the Shares issued to the public in the Offering may then be listed and/or quoted.
8. Certain Notice Requirements.
8.1 Holder’s Right to Receive Notice. Nothing herein shall be construed as conferring upon the Holders the right to vote or consent or to receive notice as a stockholder for the election of directors or any other matter, or as having any rights whatsoever as a stockholder of the Company. If, however, at any time prior to the expiration of the Purchase Warrants and their exercise, any of the events described in Section 8.2 shall occur, then, in one or more of said events, the Company shall give written notice of such event at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date fixed as a record date or the date of closing the transfer books for the determination of the stockholders entitled to such dividend, distribution, conversion or exchange of securities or subscription rights, or entitled to vote on such proposed dissolution, liquidation, winding up or sale. Such notice shall specify such record date or the date of the closing of the transfer books, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall deliver to each Holder a copy of each notice given to the other stockholders of the Company at the same time and in the same manner that such notice is given to the stockholders.
8.2 Events Requiring Notice. The Company shall be required to give the notice described in this Section 8 upon one or more of the following events: (i) if the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Shares for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or distribution payable otherwise than in cash, or a cash dividend or distribution payable otherwise than out of retained earnings, as indicated by the accounting treatment of such dividend or distribution on the books of the Company; (ii) the Company shall offer to all the holders of its Shares any additional shares of capital stock of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company, or any option, right or warrant to subscribe therefor; or (iii) a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company (other than in connection with a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation) or a sale of all or substantially all of its property, assets and business shall be proposed.
8.3 Notice of Change in Exercise Price. The Company shall, promptly after an event requiring a change in the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 6 hereof, send notice to the Holders of such event and change (“Price Notice”). The Price Notice shall describe the event causing the change and the method of calculating same and shall be certified as being true and accurate by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer.
8.4 Transmittal of Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications under this Purchase Warrant shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly made when hand delivered or mailed by express mail or private courier service: (i) if to the registered Holder of the Purchase Warrant, to the address of such Holder as shown on the books of the Company, or (ii) if to the Company, to the following address or to such other address as the Company may designate by notice to the Holders:
If to the Holder:
EF Hutton
590 Madison Avenue, 39th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Joseph T. Rallo
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Robinson & Cole LLP
1055 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06901
Attn: Mitchell L. Lampert
Fax No.: (203) 462-7599
If to the Company:
Stran & Company, Inc.
2 Heritage Drive, Suite 600
Quincy, MA 02171
Attn: Andrew Shape, Chief Executive Officer
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Bevilacqua PLLC
1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Attn: Louis A. Bevilacqua
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9. Miscellaneous.
9.1 Amendments. The Company and EF Hutton may from time to time supplement or amend this Purchase Warrant without the approval of any of the Holders in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, or to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder that the Company and EF Hutton may deem necessary or desirable and that the Company and EF Hutton deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders. All other modifications or amendments shall require the written consent of and be signed by the party against whom enforcement of the modification or amendment is sought.
9.2 Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Purchase Warrant.
9.3 Entire Agreement. This Purchase Warrant (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Purchase Warrant) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
9.4 Binding Effect. This Purchase Warrant shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon, the Holder and the Company and their permitted assignees, respective successors, legal representatives and assigns, and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Purchase Warrant or any provisions herein contained.
9.5 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Trial by Jury. This Purchase Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Purchase Warrant shall be brought and enforced in the New York Supreme Court, County of New York, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Any process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 8 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company and the Holder agree that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and the Holder hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
9.6 Waiver, etc. The failure of the Company or the Holder to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way affect the validity of this Purchase Warrant or any provision hereof or the right of the Company or any Holder to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Purchase Warrant. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.
9.7 Execution in Counterparts. This Purchase Warrant may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Such counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission.
9.8 Exchange Agreement. As a condition of the Holder’s receipt and acceptance of this Purchase Warrant, Holder agrees that, at any time prior to the complete exercise of this Purchase Warrant by Holder, if the Company and EF Hutton enter into an agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which they agree that all outstanding Purchase Warrants will be exchanged for securities or cash or a combination of both, then Holder shall agree to such exchange and become a party to the Exchange Agreement.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Purchase Warrant to be signed by its duly authorized officer as of the 12th day of November, 2021.
Stran & Company, Inc.
| By: | /s/ Andrew Shape | ||
| Name: | Andrew Shape | ||
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
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[Form to be used to exercise Purchase Warrant]
Date: , 20
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to exercise the Purchase Warrant for shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and hereby makes payment of $ (at the rate of $ per Share) in payment of the Exercise Price pursuant thereto. Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised.
or
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to convert its right to purchase Shares of the Company under the Purchase Warrant for Shares, as determined in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A-B)
A
Where,
X = The number of Shares to be issued to Holder;
Y = The number of Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised;
A = The fair market value of one Share which is equal to $ ; and
B = The Exercise Price which is equal to $ per share
The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that the calculation set forth above is subject to confirmation by the Company and any disagreement with respect to the calculation shall be resolved by the Company in its sole discretion.
Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been converted.
Signature
Signature Guaranteed
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
| Name: | ||
| (Print in Block Letters) | ||
| Address: | ||
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
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[Form to be used to assign Purchase Warrant]
ASSIGNMENT
(To be executed by the registered Holder to effect a transfer of the within Purchase Warrant):
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, does hereby sell, assign and transfer unto the right to purchase shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), evidenced by the Purchase Warrant and does hereby authorize the Company to transfer such right on the books of the Company.
Dated: 20
Signature
Signature Guaranteed
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
11
Exhibit 10.5
Representative’s Warrant Agreement
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER OR ASSIGN THIS PURCHASE WARRANT EXCEPT AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE (DEFINED BELOW) TO ANYONE OTHER THAN (I) EF HUTTON, DIVISION OF BENCHMARK INVESTMENTS, LLC OR AN UNDERWRITER OR A SELECTED DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, OR (II) A BONA FIDE OFFICER OR PARTNER OF EF HUTTON, DIVISION OF BENCHMARK INVESTMENTS, LLC OR OF ANY SUCH UNDERWRITER OR SELECTED DEALER.
THIS PURCHASE WARRANT IS NOT EXERCISABLE PRIOR TO MAY 12, 2022. VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, NOVEMBER 12, 2026.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
For the Purchase of 14,964 Shares of Common Stock of
Stran & Company, Inc.
1. Purchase Warrant. THIS CERTIFIES THAT, in consideration of funds duly paid by or on behalf of U.S. Tiger Securities, Inc. (“Holder”), as registered owner of this Purchase Warrant of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), Holder is entitled, at any time or from time to time from May 12, 2022 (the “Commencement Date”), and at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, November 12, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”), but not thereafter, to subscribe for, purchase and receive, in whole or in part, up to 14,964 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6 hereof. If the Expiration Date is a day on which banking institutions are authorized by law to close, then this Purchase Warrant may be exercised on the next succeeding day which is not such a day in accordance with the terms herein. During the period ending on the Expiration Date, the Company agrees not to take any action that would terminate this Purchase Warrant. This Purchase Warrant is initially exercisable at $5.1875 per Share; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 6 hereof, the rights granted by this Purchase Warrant, including the exercise price per Share and the number of Shares to be received upon such exercise, shall be adjusted as therein specified. The term “Exercise Price” shall mean the initial exercise price or the adjusted exercise price, depending on the context. The term “Effective Date” shall mean November 8, 2021, the date on which the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-260109) of the Company was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2. Exercise.
2.1 Exercise Form. In order to exercise this Purchase Warrant, the exercise form attached hereto must be duly executed and completed and delivered to the Company, together with this Purchase Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased payable in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company or by certified check or official bank check. If the subscription rights represented hereby shall not be exercised at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date, this Purchase Warrant shall become and be void without further force or effect, and all rights represented hereby shall cease and expire.
2.2 Cashless Exercise. If at any time after the Commencement Date there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the resale of the Shares by the Holder, then in lieu of exercising this Purchase Warrant by payment of cash or check payable to the order of the Company pursuant to Section 2.1 above, Holder may elect to receive the number of Shares equal to the value of this Purchase Warrant (or the portion thereof being exercised), by surrender of this Purchase Warrant to the Company, together with the exercise form attached hereto, in which event the Company shall issue to Holder, Shares in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A-B)
A
Where,
X = The number of Shares to be issued to Holder;
Y = The number of Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised;
A = The fair market value of one Share; and
B = The Exercise Price.
For purposes of this Section 2.2, the fair market value of a Share is defined as follows:
| (i) | if the Company’s common stock is traded on a securities exchange, the value shall be deemed to be the closing price on such exchange prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; or |
| (ii) | if the Company’s common stock is actively traded over-the-counter, the value shall be deemed to be the closing bid price prior to the exercise form being submitted in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; if there is no active public market, the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. |
2.3 Legend. Each certificate for the securities purchased under this Purchase Warrant shall bear a legend as follows unless such securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”):
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR APPLICABLE STATE LAW. NEITHER THE SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE LAW WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY, IS AVAILABLE.”
3. Transfer.
3.1 General Restrictions. The registered Holder of this Purchase Warrant agrees by his, her or its acceptance hereof, that such Holder will not: (a) sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date to anyone other than: (i) EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (“EF Hutton”) or an underwriter or a selected dealer participating in the Offering, or (ii) a bona fide officer or partner of EF Hutton or of any such underwriter or selected dealer, in each case in accordance with FINRA Conduct Rule 5110(e)(1), or (b) for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date, cause this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder to be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of this Purchase Warrant or the securities hereunder, except as provided for in FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2). On and after one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date, transfers to others may be made subject to compliance with or exemptions from applicable securities laws. In order to make any permitted assignment, the Holder must deliver to the Company the assignment form attached hereto duly executed and completed, together with the Purchase Warrant and payment of all transfer taxes, if any, payable in connection therewith. The Company shall within five (5) business days transfer this Purchase Warrant on the books of the Company and shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant or Purchase Warrants of like tenor to the appropriate assignee(s) expressly evidencing the right to purchase the aggregate number of Shares purchasable hereunder or such portion of such number as shall be contemplated by any such assignment.
3.2 Restrictions Imposed by the Securities Act. The securities evidenced by this Purchase Warrant shall not be transferred unless and until: (i) the Company has received the opinion of counsel for the Holder that the securities may be transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, the availability of which is established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company (the Company hereby agreeing that the opinion of Bevilacqua PLLC shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the availability of an exemption), or (ii) a registration statement or a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement relating to the offer and sale of such securities has been filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and compliance with applicable state securities law has been established.
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4 Registration Rights.
4.1 Demand Registration.
4.1.1 Grant of Right. The Company, upon written demand (a “Demand Notice”) of the Holders of at least 51% of the Purchase Warrants and/or the underlying Shares, agrees to register, on one (1) occasion, all or any portion of the Shares underlying the Purchase Warrants (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). On such occasion, the Company will file a registration statement with the Commission covering the Registrable Securities within sixty (60) days after receipt of a Demand Notice and use its reasonable best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective promptly thereafter, subject to compliance with review by the Commission; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to comply with a Demand Notice if the Company has filed a registration statement with respect to which the Holder is entitled to piggyback registration rights pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof and either: (i) the Holder has elected to participate in the offering covered by such registration statement or (ii) if such registration statement relates to an underwritten primary offering of securities of the Company, until the offering covered by such registration statement has been withdrawn or until thirty (30) days after such offering is consummated. The Company covenants and agrees to give written notice of its receipt of any Demand Notice by any Holders to all other registered Holders of the Purchase Warrants and/or the Registrable Securities within ten (10) days after the date of the receipt of any such Demand Notice.
4.1.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to the registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.1.1, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. The Company agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the filing required herein to become effective promptly and to qualify or register the Registrable Securities in such states as are reasonably requested by the Holders; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Registrable Securities in a State in which such registration would cause: (i) the Company to be obligated to register or license to do business in such State or submit to general service of process in such State, or (ii) the principal stockholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the demand right granted under Section 4.1.1 to remain effective for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after the date that the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement are first given the opportunity to sell all of such securities. The Holders shall only use the prospectuses provided by the Company to sell the shares covered by such registration statement, and will immediately cease to use any prospectus furnished by the Company if the Company advises the Holder that such prospectus may no longer be used due to a material misstatement or omission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.1.2, the Holder shall be entitled to a demand registration under this Section 4.1.2 on only one (1) occasion and such demand registration right shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(C).
4.2 “Piggy-Back” Registration.
4.2.1 Grant of Right. In addition to the demand right of registration described in Section 4.1 hereof, the Holder shall have the right, for a period of no more than seven (7) years from the Effective Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D), to include the Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145(a) promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to Form S-8 or Form S-4 or any equivalent form); provided, however, that if, solely in connection with any primary underwritten public offering for the account of the Company, the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of shares of common stock which may be included in the Registration Statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such Registration Statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which the Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter shall reasonably permit. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities, the holders of which are not entitled to inclusion of such securities in such Registration Statement or are not entitled to pro rata inclusion with the Registrable Securities.
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4.2.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.2.1 hereof, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold by the Holder. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Purchase Warrant, there shall be no limit on the number of times the Holder may request registration under this Section 4.2.2; provided, however, that such registration rights shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Commencement Date.
4.3 General Terms.
4.3.1 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Holders of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to any registration statement hereunder and each person, if any, who controls such Holders within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement but only to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters contained in Section 5.1 of the Underwriting Agreement between the Underwriters and the Company, dated as of November 8, 2021. The Holders of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement, and their successors and assigns, shall severally, and not jointly, indemnify the Company, against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from information furnished by or on behalf of such Holders, or their successors or assigns, in writing, for specific inclusion in such registration statement to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions contained in Section 5.2 of the Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Company.
4.3.2 Exercise of Purchase Warrants. Nothing contained in this Purchase Warrant shall be construed as requiring the Holders to exercise their Purchase Warrants prior to or after the initial filing of any registration statement or the effectiveness thereof.
4.3.3 Documents Delivered to Holders. The Company shall furnish to each Holder participating in any of the foregoing offerings and to each underwriter of any such offering, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such Holder or underwriter, of: (i) an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, an opinion dated the date of the closing under any underwriting agreement related thereto), and (ii) a “cold comfort” letter dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, a letter dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement) signed by the independent registered public accounting firm which has issued a report on the Company’s financial statements included in such registration statement, in each case covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of such accountants’ letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities. The Company shall also deliver promptly to each Holder participating in the offering requesting the correspondence and memoranda described below and to the managing underwriter, if any, copies of all correspondence between the Commission and the Company, its counsel or auditors and all memoranda relating to discussions with the Commission or its staff with respect to the registration statement and permit each Holder and underwriter to do such investigation, upon reasonable advance notice, with respect to information contained in or omitted from the registration statement as it deems reasonably necessary to comply with applicable securities laws or rules of FINRA. Such investigation shall include access to books, records and properties and opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers and independent auditors, all to such reasonable extent and at such reasonable times as any such Holder shall reasonably request.
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4.3.4 Underwriting Agreement. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with the managing underwriter(s), if any, selected by any Holders whose Registrable Securities are being registered pursuant to this Section 4, which managing underwriter shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. Such agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, each Holder and such managing underwriters, and shall contain such representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and such other terms as are customarily contained in agreements of that type used by the managing underwriter. The Holders shall be parties to any underwriting agreement relating to an underwritten sale of their Registrable Securities and may, at their option, require that any or all the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company to or for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders. Such Holders shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters except as they may relate to such Holders, their Shares and their intended methods of distribution.
4.3.5 Documents to be Delivered by Holders. Each of the Holders participating in any of the foregoing offerings shall furnish to the Company a completed and executed questionnaire provided by the Company requesting information customarily sought of selling security holders.
4.3.6 Damages. Should the registration or the effectiveness thereof required by Sections 4.1 and 4.2 hereof be delayed by the Company or the Company otherwise fails to comply with such provisions, the Holders shall, in addition to any other legal or other relief available to the Holders, be entitled to obtain specific performance or other equitable (including injunctive) relief against the threatened breach of such provisions or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages and without the necessity of posting bond or other security.
4.4 Termination of Registration Rights. The registration rights afforded to the Holders under this Section 4 shall terminate on the earliest date when all Registrable Securities of such Holder either: (i) have been publicly sold by such Holder pursuant to a Registration Statement, (ii) have been covered by an effective Registration Statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3 (or successor form), which may be kept effective as an evergreen Registration Statement, or (iii) may be sold by the Holder within a 90 day period without registration pursuant to Rule 144 or consistent with applicable SEC interpretive guidance (including CD&I no. 201.04 (April 2, 2007) or similar interpretive guidance).
5. New Purchase Warrants to be Issued.
5.1 Partial Exercise or Transfer. Subject to the restrictions in Section 3 hereof, this Purchase Warrant may be exercised or assigned in whole or in part. In the event of the exercise or assignment hereof in part only, upon surrender of this Purchase Warrant for cancellation, together with the duly executed exercise or assignment form and funds sufficient to pay any Exercise Price and/or transfer tax if exercised pursuant to Section 2.1 hereto, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Holder without charge a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor to this Purchase Warrant in the name of the Holder evidencing the right of the Holder to purchase the number of Shares purchasable hereunder as to which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised or assigned.
5.2 Lost Certificate. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Purchase Warrant and of reasonably satisfactory indemnification or the posting of a bond, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor and date. Any such new Purchase Warrant executed and delivered as a result of such loss, theft, mutilation or destruction shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation on the part of the Company.
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6. Adjustments.
6.1 Adjustments to Exercise Price and Number of Securities. The Exercise Price and the number of Shares underlying the Purchase Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as hereinafter set forth:
6.1.1 Share Dividends; Split Ups. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is increased by a stock dividend payable in Shares or by a split up of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective day thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be increased in proportion to such increase in outstanding Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately decreased.
6.1.2 Aggregation of Shares. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is decreased by a consolidation, combination or reclassification of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective date thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding Shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately increased.
6.1.3 Replacement of Securities upon Reorganization, etc. In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares other than a change covered by Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such Shares, or in the case of any share reconstruction or amalgamation or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation in which the Company is the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the Holder of this Purchase Warrant shall have the right thereafter (until the expiration of the right of exercise of this Purchase Warrant) to receive upon the exercise hereof, for the same aggregate Exercise Price payable hereunder immediately prior to such event, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, share reconstruction or amalgamation, or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, by a Holder of the number of Shares of the Company obtainable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant immediately prior to such event; and if any reclassification also results in a change in Shares covered by Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.2, then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to Sections 6.1.1,
6.1.2 and this Section 6.1.3. The provisions of this Section 6.1.3 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, share reconstructions or amalgamations, or consolidations, sales or other transfers.
6.1.4 Changes in Form of Purchase Warrant. Except as may otherwise be required under Section 6.2 hereof, this form of Purchase Warrant need not be changed because of any change pursuant to this Section 6.1, and Purchase Warrants issued after such change may state the same Exercise Price and the same number of Shares as are stated in the Purchase Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement. The acceptance by any Holder of the issuance of new Purchase Warrants reflecting a required or permissive change shall not be deemed to waive any rights to an adjustment occurring after the Commencement Date or the computation thereof.
6.2 Substitute Purchase Warrant. In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or share reconstruction or amalgamation of the Company with or into, another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation which does not result in any reclassification or change of the outstanding Shares), the corporation formed by such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation shall execute and deliver to the Holder a supplemental Purchase Warrant providing that the holder of each Purchase Warrant then outstanding or to be outstanding shall have the right thereafter (until the stated expiration of such Purchase Warrant) to receive, upon exercise of such Purchase Warrant, the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation, by a holder of the number of Shares for which such Purchase Warrant might have been exercised immediately prior to such consolidation, share reconstruction or amalgamation, sale or transfer. Such supplemental Purchase Warrant shall provide for adjustments which shall be identical to the adjustments provided for in this Section 6. The above provision of this Section shall similarly apply to successive consolidations or share reconstructions or amalgamations.
6.3 Elimination of Fractional Interests. The Company shall not be required to issue certificates representing fractions of Shares upon the exercise of the Purchase Warrant, nor shall it be required to issue scrip or pay cash in lieu of any fractional interests, it being the intent of the parties that all fractional interests shall be eliminated by rounding any fraction up or down, as the case may be, to the nearest whole number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights.
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7. Reservation and Listing. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized Shares, solely for the purpose of issuance upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants, such number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights as shall be issuable upon the exercise thereof. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants and payment of the Exercise Price therefor, in accordance with the terms hereby, all Shares and other securities issuable upon such exercise shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non- assessable and not subject to preemptive rights of any stockholder. As long as the Purchase Warrants shall be outstanding, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares issuable upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants to be listed (subject to official notice of issuance) on all national securities exchanges (or, if applicable, on the OTC Bulletin Board or any successor trading market) on which the Shares issued to the public in the Offering may then be listed and/or quoted.
8. Certain Notice Requirements.
8.1 Holder’s Right to Receive Notice. Nothing herein shall be construed as conferring upon the Holders the right to vote or consent or to receive notice as a stockholder for the election of directors or any other matter, or as having any rights whatsoever as a stockholder of the Company. If, however, at any time prior to the expiration of the Purchase Warrants and their exercise, any of the events described in Section 8.2 shall occur, then, in one or more of said events, the Company shall give written notice of such event at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date fixed as a record date or the date of closing the transfer books for the determination of the stockholders entitled to such dividend, distribution, conversion or exchange of securities or subscription rights, or entitled to vote on such proposed dissolution, liquidation, winding up or sale. Such notice shall specify such record date or the date of the closing of the transfer books, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall deliver to each Holder a copy of each notice given to the other stockholders of the Company at the same time and in the same manner that such notice is given to the stockholders.
8.2 Events Requiring Notice. The Company shall be required to give the notice described in this Section 8 upon one or more of the following events: (i) if the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Shares for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or distribution payable otherwise than in cash, or a cash dividend or distribution payable otherwise than out of retained earnings, as indicated by the accounting treatment of such dividend or distribution on the books of the Company; (ii) the Company shall offer to all the holders of its Shares any additional shares of capital stock of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company, or any option, right or warrant to subscribe therefor; or (iii) a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company (other than in connection with a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation) or a sale of all or substantially all of its property, assets and business shall be proposed.
8.3 Notice of Change in Exercise Price. The Company shall, promptly after an event requiring a change in the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 6 hereof, send notice to the Holders of such event and change (“Price Notice”). The Price Notice shall describe the event causing the change and the method of calculating same and shall be certified as being true and accurate by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer.
8.4 Transmittal of Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications under this Purchase Warrant shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly made when hand delivered or mailed by express mail or private courier service: (i) if to the registered Holder of the Purchase Warrant, to the address of such Holder as shown on the books of the Company, or (ii) if to the Company, to the following address or to such other address as the Company may designate by notice to the Holders:
If to the Holder:
EF Hutton
590 Madison Avenue, 39th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Joseph T. Rallo
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Robinson & Cole LLP
1055 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06901
Attn: Mitchell L. Lampert
Fax No.: (203) 462-7599
If to the Company:
Stran & Company, Inc.
2 Heritage Drive, Suite 600
Quincy, MA 02171
Attn: Andrew Shape, Chief Executive Officer
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Bevilacqua PLLC
1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Attn: Louis A. Bevilacqua
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9. Miscellaneous.
9.1 Amendments. The Company and EF Hutton may from time to time supplement or amend this Purchase Warrant without the approval of any of the Holders in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, or to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder that the Company and EF Hutton may deem necessary or desirable and that the Company and EF Hutton deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders. All other modifications or amendments shall require the written consent of and be signed by the party against whom enforcement of the modification or amendment is sought.
9.2 Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Purchase Warrant.
9.3 Entire Agreement. This Purchase Warrant (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Purchase Warrant) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
9.4 Binding Effect. This Purchase Warrant shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon, the Holder and the Company and their permitted assignees, respective successors, legal representatives and assigns, and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Purchase Warrant or any provisions herein contained.
9.5 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Trial by Jury. This Purchase Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Purchase Warrant shall be brought and enforced in the New York Supreme Court, County of New York, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Any process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 8 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company and the Holder agree that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and the Holder hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
9.6 Waiver, etc. The failure of the Company or the Holder to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way affect the validity of this Purchase Warrant or any provision hereof or the right of the Company or any Holder to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Purchase Warrant. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.
9.7 Execution in Counterparts. This Purchase Warrant may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Such counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission.
9.8 Exchange Agreement. As a condition of the Holder’s receipt and acceptance of this Purchase Warrant, Holder agrees that, at any time prior to the complete exercise of this Purchase Warrant by Holder, if the Company and EF Hutton enter into an agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which they agree that all outstanding Purchase Warrants will be exchanged for securities or cash or a combination of both, then Holder shall agree to such exchange and become a party to the Exchange Agreement.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Purchase Warrant to be signed by its duly authorized officer as of the 12th day of November, 2021.
| Stran & Company, Inc. | |||
| By: | /s/ Andrew Shape | ||
| Name: | Andrew Shape | ||
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
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[Form to be used to exercise Purchase Warrant]
Date:____________ , 20 ______
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to exercise the Purchase Warrant for shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and hereby makes payment of $ (at the rate of $ per Share) in payment of the Exercise Price pursuant thereto. Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised.
or
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to convert its right to purchase_____ Shares of the Company under the Purchase Warrant for________ Shares, as determined in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A-B)
A
| Where, | ||
| X | = | The number of Shares to be issued to Holder; |
| Y | = | The number of Shares for which the Purchase Warrant is being exercised; |
| A | = | The fair market value of one Share which is equal to $ ; and |
| B | = | The Exercise Price which is equal to $ per share |
The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that the calculation set forth above is subject to confirmation by the Company and any disagreement with respect to the calculation shall be resolved by the Company in its sole discretion.
Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been converted.
Signature ______________________
Signature Guaranteed ___________________________________
| INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES | ||
| Name: | ||
| (Print in Block Letters) | ||
| Address: | ||
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
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[Form to be used to assign Purchase Warrant]
ASSIGNMENT
(To be executed by the registered Holder to effect a transfer of the within Purchase Warrant):
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ___________does hereby sell, assign and transfer unto the right to purchase shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), evidenced by the Purchase Warrant and does hereby authorize the Company to transfer such right on the books of the Company.
Dated: ____________, 20 _____
Signature _______________________
Signature Guaranteed _______________________________
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
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Exhibit 10.11
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
Effective Date: December 2, 2021
This Consulting Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of the Effective Date set forth above by and between Stran & Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Client”), the consultant named on the signature page hereto (“Consultant”), and the sole owner and officer of Consultant named on the signature page hereto (“Officer”).
1. Engagement of Services. In connection with Officer’s role as Vice President of Strategy and Growth Initiatives for Client since March 2020, Consultant, an entity whose sole owner and officer is Officer, has been providing services to Client and from and after the date hereof and subject to the terms of this Agreement, Consultant will continue to render these services (all of such services, including those rendered prior to the date hereof, are referred to herein as the “Services”). Consultant will have exclusive control over the manner and means of performing the Services, including the choice of place and time. Consultant will provide, at Consultant’s own expense, a place of work and all equipment, tools and other materials necessary to complete the Services; however, to the extent necessary to facilitate performance of the Services, Client may, in its discretion, make its equipment or facilities available to Officer or Consultant at Officer or Consultant’s request. While on Client’s premises, Officer and Consultant agree to comply with Client’s then-current access rules and procedures, including those related to safety, security and confidentiality. Consultant agrees and acknowledges that Officer and Consultant have no expectation of privacy with respect to Client’s telecommunications, networking or information processing systems (including stored computer files, email messages and voice messages) and that Officer and Consultant’s activities, including the sending or receiving of any files or messages, on or using those systems may be monitored, and the contents of such files and messages may be reviewed and disclosed, at any time, without notice.
2. Compensation. As compensation for the Services, Client will compensate Consultant as follows:
2.1 Signing Fee. Client will pay Consultant a signing fee of $30,000 on the Effective Date.
2.2 Annual Fee. Client will pay Consultant an annual fee of $100,000 during the Term, pro-rated for any period for which the Services are provided for less than the Term’s full length (the “Annual Fee”). Payment to Consultant of the Annual Fee will be due on a monthly basis within thirty (30) days following Client’s receipt of an invoice which contains accurate records of the work performed sufficient to document the invoiced fees during the prior calendar month or unbilled portion thereof. Consultant will be reimbursed only for its reasonable and documented expenses that are preapproved in writing (including by email) by Client.
2.3 Bonus. For each fiscal year completed during the Term, Consultant will be eligible to receive bonus compensation in addition to the bonus compensation provided for under Sections 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, and 2.8 hereof, as determined by the Board (all such compensation, “Bonus”).
2.4 Automobile Bonus. During the Term, Client will pay Consultant an additional $750 per month as an automobile Bonus.
2.5 Base Restricted Stock Bonus. Consultant will be awarded a Bonus of (i) 20,000 restricted shares of Client’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) on the Effective Date, which shall vest on the three-month anniversary of the Effective Date; (ii) 20,000 shares of Common Stock on the six-month anniversary of the Effective Date, which shall vest immediately upon issuance; and (iii) 20,000 shares of Common Stock on the twelve-month anniversary of the Effective Date, which shall vest immediately upon issuance. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that all such shares of Common Stock and any other shares of Common Stock that Consultant now owns or hereafter acquires pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall be subject to the transfer restrictions and other terms and conditions of the Lock-Up Agreement between Officer and EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, dated November 8, 2021 (the “Lock-Up Agreement”). These restricted shares of Common Stock shall be in addition to the shares of Common Stock previously granted by Client to Officer on November 12, 2021.
2.6 Performance-Based Stock Option Bonus. Consultant will be awarded a Bonus of an option to purchase 65,000 shares of Common Stock at the price per share of $3.90 (being the last closing stock price of the Common Stock as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC) on the Effective Date, which shall vest in accordance with the vesting terms of Section 2.7 hereof (the “Performance-Based Stock Option”). This option shall be in addition to the option to purchase 52,000 shares of Common Stock previously granted by Client to Officer on November 12, 2021.
2.7 Performance-Based Equity Bonus. Consultant will be awarded a Bonus of (i) 10,000 fully-vested restricted shares of Common Stock and the Performance-Based Stock Option shall vest as to 10,000 shares of Common Stock if Sales (as defined below) exceed $21,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if Market Capitalization (as defined below) exceeds $65,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the Term; (ii) 10,000 fully-vested restricted shares of Common Stock and the Performance-Based Stock Option shall vest as to 10,000 shares of Common Stock if Sales exceed $25,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if Market Capitalization exceeds $75,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the Term; (iii) 15,000 fully-vested restricted shares of Common Stock and the Performance-Based Stock Option shall vest as to 20,000 shares of Common Stock if Sales exceed $37,500,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if Market Capitalization exceeds $90,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the Term; and (iv) 25,000 fully-vested restricted shares of Common Stock and the Performance-Based Stock Option shall vest as to 25,000 shares of Common Stock if Sales exceed $45,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if Market Capitalization exceeds $180,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the Term. “Sales” means the dollar number on the line item labeled “Sales” of Client’s “Statements Of Earnings (Loss) And Retained Earnings” (or equivalent thereof) forming part of its financial statements as reviewed or audited by Client’s auditing firm according to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. “Market Capitalization” means the closing stock price of the Common Stock as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC multiplied by the total shares of Common Stock outstanding as of 4:00 PM E.T. on the date that such closing stock price was determined as reported by Client’s transfer agent. The restricted shares of Common Stock awarded pursuant to this section shall be in addition to the shares of Common Stock and options to purchase Common Stock previously granted by Client to Officer on November 12, 2021.
2.8 Equity Grants Generally. All grants of or pending grants of restricted shares of Common Stock and options to purchase Common Stock provided for under Sections 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 hereof shall be awarded under the Stran & Company, Inc. Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and shall be subject to the further terms and conditions of the Plan and a Restricted Stock Award Agreement or Stock Option Agreement, respectively.
2.9 Change in Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined below) during the Term, whether or not Consultant’s engagement is terminated, or upon Consultant’s termination without cause, all restricted stock, stock option, SAR or similar awards granted to or pending grant to and held by Consultant shall immediately vest and shall no longer be subject to forfeiture, unless expressly provided otherwise in the governing documents for such awards. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, after the Effective Date, any of the following occurs (through one or a series of related transactions): (a) the sale, disposition or transfer to an unrelated third-party of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of Client and its consolidated subsidiaries, (b) a sale, disposition or transfer resulting in no less than a majority of the voting power or equity interests of Client and its consolidated subsidiaries on a fully-diluted basis being held by a person (as defined below) or persons acting as a group who prior to such sale, disposition or transfer did not have a majority of such voting power, (c) a merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization of Client or its consolidated subsidiaries with or into one or more entities such that “control” (as defined below) of the resulting entity is held, directly or indirectly, by a person or persons acting as a group who did not have control of Client and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to such merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization, or (d) the liquidation or dissolution of Client or its consolidated subsidiaries. For purposes of the foregoing, “control” means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies, or the power to appoint directors, whether through the ownership of voting interests, by contract or otherwise, and “person” shall have the meaning such term has as is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). For the avoidance of doubt any restructuring of Client into a holding company structure, re-domestication of Client into a different jurisdiction or other reorganization of Client where the persons who prior to such restructuring, re-domestication or reorganization held a majority of the voting power continue to hold a majority of the voting power thereafter shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control.
3. Ownership of Work Product. Consultant and Officer agree that any and all Work Product, other than Preexisting IP (as defined below), shall be the sole and exclusive property of Client. Consultant and Officer hereby irrevocably assign to Client all right, title and interest worldwide in and to any deliverables arising from the provision of the Services (“Deliverables”), and to any ideas, concepts, processes, discoveries, developments, formulae, information, materials, improvements, designs, artwork, content, software programs, other copyrightable works, and any other work product created, conceived or developed by Consultant or Officer (whether alone or jointly with others) for Client during or before the term of this Agreement, including all copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and other intellectual property rights therein (the “Work Product”). Consultant and Officer retain no rights to use the Work Product other than rights to Preexisting IP and agree not to challenge the validity of Client’s ownership of the Work Product. Consultant and Officer agree to execute, at Client’s request and expense, all documents and other instruments necessary or desirable to confirm such assignment. In the event that Consultant or Officer does not, for any reason, execute such documents within a reasonable time after Client’s request, Consultant and Officer hereby irrevocably appoint Client as each of Consultant’s and Officer’s attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing such documents on Consultant’s or Officer’s behalf, which appointment is coupled with an interest.
4. Other Rights. If Consultant or Officer has any rights, including without limitation “artist’s rights” or “moral rights,” in the Work Product other than Preexisting IP which cannot be assigned, Consultant and Officer hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grant to Client an exclusive (even as to Consultant and Officer), worldwide, fully paid and royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual license, with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees, to use, reproduce, distribute, create derivative works of, publicly perform and publicly display the Work Product in any medium or format, whether now known of later developed. In the event that Consultant or Officer has any rights in the Work Product that cannot be assigned or licensed, Consultant and Officer unconditionally and irrevocably waive the enforcement of such rights, and all claims and causes of action of any kind against Client or Client’s customers.
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5. License to Preexisting IP. Client acknowledges that Consultant may incorporate into Work Product intellectual property developed by a third party or by Consultant other than in the course of performing services for Client (“Preexisting IP”). To the extent that Consultant uses or incorporates Preexisting IP into Work Product, Consultant and Officer hereby grant to Client a non-exclusive, perpetual, fully-paid and royalty-free, irrevocable and worldwide right, with the right to sublicense through multiple levels of sublicensees, to use, reproduce, distribute, create derivative works of, publicly perform and publicly display in any medium or format, whether now known of later developed, such Preexisting IP incorporated or used in Work Product. However, in no event will Consultant incorporate into the Work Product any software code licensed under the GNU GPL or LGPL or any similar “open source” license. Consultant and Officer represent and warrant that Consultant and Officer have an unqualified right to license to Client all Preexisting IP as provided in this section.
6. Representations and Warranties. Consultant and Officer each represents and warrants that: (a) the Services shall be performed in a professional manner and in accordance with the industry standards, (b) Work Product will be an original work of Consultant or Officer, (c) Consultant and Officer have the right and unrestricted ability to assign the ownership of Work Product to Client as set forth in Section 3 hereof (including without limitation the right to assign the ownership of any Work Product created by Consultant’s or Officer’s employees or contractors), (d) the Work Product nor any element thereof will infringe upon or misappropriate any copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, right of publicity or privacy, or any other proprietary right of any person, whether contractual, statutory or common law, (e) Consultant and Officer have an unqualified right to grant to Client the license to Preexisting IP set forth in Section 5 hereof, and (f) Consultant and Officer will comply with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws governing corporations or self-employed individuals, including laws requiring the payment of taxes, such as income and employment taxes, and social security, disability, and other contributions. Consultant and Officer agree to indemnify and hold Client harmless from any and all damages, costs, claims, expenses or other liability (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from or relating to the breach or alleged breach by Consultant or Officer of the representations and warranties set forth in this Section 6.
7. Independent Contractor Relationship. Consultant’s relationship with Client is that of an independent contractor, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or should be construed to, create a partnership, agency, joint venture or employment relationship between Client and any of Consultant’s or Officer’s employees or agents. Consultant and Officer are not authorized to make any representation, contract or commitment on behalf of Client unless otherwise expressly permitted by Client. Consultant, Officer and Consultant’s and Officer’s employees will not be entitled to any of the benefits that Client may make available to its employees, including, but not limited to, group health or life insurance, profit-sharing or retirement benefits. Because Consultant is an independent contractor, Client will not withhold or make payments for social security, make unemployment insurance or disability insurance contributions, or obtain workers’ compensation insurance on behalf of Consultant. Consultant and Officer are solely responsible for, and will file, on a timely basis, all tax returns and payments required to be filed with, or made to, any federal, state or local tax authority with respect to the performance of Services and receipt of fees under this Agreement. Consultant and Officer are solely responsible for, and must maintain adequate records of, expenses incurred in the course of performing Services under this Agreement. No part of Consultant’s compensation will be subject to withholding by Client for the payment of any social security, federal, state or any other employee payroll taxes. Client will regularly report amounts paid to Consultant by filing Form 1099-MISC with the Internal Revenue Service as required by law. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, Consultant is reclassified as an employee of Client, or any affiliate of Client, by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Labor, or any other federal or state or foreign agency as the result of any administrative or judicial proceeding, Consultant and Officer agree that Consultant and Officer will not, as the result of such reclassification, be entitled to or eligible for, on either a prospective or retrospective basis, any employee benefits under any plans or programs established or maintained by Client.
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8. Confidential Information. Consultant and Officer agree that during the term of this Agreement and thereafter neither will use or permit the use of Client’s Confidential Information in any manner or for any purpose not expressly set forth in this Agreement, will hold such Confidential Information in confidence and protect it from unauthorized use and disclosure, and will not disclose such Confidential Information to any third parties except as set forth in Section 9 below. “Confidential Information” as used in this Agreement shall mean all information disclosed by Client to Consultant or Officer, whether during or before the Term, that is not generally known in the Client’s trade or industry and shall include, without limitation: (a) concepts and ideas relating to the development and distribution of content in any medium or to the current, future and proposed products or services of Client or its subsidiaries or affiliates; (b) trade secrets, drawings, inventions, know-how, software programs, and software source documents; (c) information regarding plans for research, development, new service offerings or products, marketing and selling, business plans, business forecasts, budgets and unpublished financial statements, licenses and distribution arrangements, prices and costs, suppliers and customers; (d) existence of any business discussions, negotiations or agreements between the parties; and (e) any information regarding the skills and compensation of employees, contractors or other agents of Client or its subsidiaries or affiliates. Confidential Information also includes proprietary or confidential information of any third party who may disclose such information to Client, Consultant or Officer in the course of Client’s business. Confidential Information does not include information that (x) is or becomes a part of the public domain through no act or omission of Consultant and Officer, (y) is disclosed to Consultant and Officer by a third party without restrictions on disclosure, or (z) was in Consultant’s and Officer’s lawful possession prior to the disclosure and was not obtained by Consultant or Officer either directly or indirectly from Client. In addition, this section will not be construed to prohibit disclosure of Confidential Information to the extent that such disclosure is required by law or valid order of a court or other governmental authority; provided, however, that Consultant shall first have given notice to Client and shall have made a reasonable effort to obtain a protective order requiring that the Confidential Information so disclosed be used only for the purposes for which the order was issued. All Confidential Information furnished to Consultant or Officer by Client is the sole and exclusive property of Client or its suppliers or customers. Upon request by Client, Consultant and Officer agree to promptly deliver to Client the original and any copies of the Confidential Information.
9. Consultant’s Employees. Consultant will ensure that each of its employees or other agents, including Officer, who will have access to any Confidential Information or perform any Services has entered into a binding written agreement that is expressly for the benefit of Client and protects Client’s rights and interests to at least the same degree as Section 8. Client reserves the right to refuse or limit Consultant’s use of any employee or consultant or to require Consultant to remove any employee or consultant already engaged in the performance of the Services. Client’s exercise of such right will in no way limit Consultant’s and Officer’s obligations under this Agreement.
10. No Conflict of Interest. During the term of this Agreement, Consultant and Officer will not accept work, enter into a contract, or accept an obligation from any third party, inconsistent or incompatible with Consultant’s and Officer’s obligations, or the scope of Services rendered for Client, under this Agreement. Consultant and Officer each warrants that there is no other contract or duty on its part inconsistent with this Agreement. Consultant and Officer each agrees to indemnify Client from any and all loss or liability incurred by reason of the alleged breach by Consultant or Officer of any services agreement with any third party.
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11. Term and Termination.
11.1 Term. The term of this Agreement is for twenty-seven (27) months from the Effective Date set forth above, unless earlier terminated as provided in this Agreement (the “Term”). During the Term, Consultant agrees to perform all legal and contractual duties and Officer accepts all legal and contractual responsibilities of an “executive officer” of Client as such term is defined under Rule 3b-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
11.2 Termination Without Cause. Client may terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, at any time upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Consultant. Consultant may terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, at any time upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Client. In the event that Consultant’s engagement is terminated without cause, Client shall have no further obligations to Consultant hereunder except (a) for unpaid (i) fees provided for under Sections 2.1 or 2.2 hereof; and (ii) any Bonus actually granted by the Board (the “Accrued Amounts”); and (b) upon execution by each of Consultant and Officer of a general release and waiver in the form annexed to this Agreement as Exhibit A (the “Release”), a severance payment of $25,000. Consultant shall have sixty (60) days from the date of termination to execute and return the Release. Payments made on account of Consultant’s execution of the Release shall be paid in three (3) monthly installments within thirty (30) days of each of the three (3) calendar months following the date of termination.
11.3 Termination for Cause. Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately in the event the other party has materially breached the Agreement and failed to cure such breach within fifteen (15) days of receipt of notice by the non-breaching party. In the event that Consultant’s engagement is terminated with cause, Client shall have no further obligations to Consultant hereunder except for any Accrued Amounts.
11.4 Accrued Amounts. All Accrued Amounts provided for under this Agreement shall be paid within seven (7) calendar days after the termination of Consultant.
11.5 Survival. The rights and obligations contained in Sections 3 (“Ownership of Work Product”), 4 (“Other Rights”), 5 (“License to Preexisting IP”), 6 (“Representations and Warranties”), 8 (“Confidential Information”) and 12 (“Noninterference with Business”) hereof will survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.
12. Noninterference with Business. During this Agreement, and for a period of one (1) year immediately following its termination, each of Consultant and Officer agrees not to interfere with the business of Client in any manner. By way of example and not of limitation, each of Consultant and Officer agrees not to solicit or induce any employee, independent contractor, or Client customer to terminate or breach an employment, contractual or other relationship with Client.
13. Successors and Assigns. Consultant and Officer may not subcontract or otherwise delegate or assign this Agreement or any of its obligations under this Agreement without Client’s prior written consent. Any attempted assignment in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement will be for the benefit of Client’s successors and assigns, and will be binding on Consultant’s and Officer’s assignees.
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14. Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered as follows with notice deemed given as indicated: (i) by personal delivery when delivered personally; (ii) by overnight courier upon written verification of receipt; (iii) by telecopy or facsimile transmission upon acknowledgment of receipt of electronic transmission; or (iv) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, upon verification of receipt. Notice shall be sent to the addresses set forth below or such other address as either party may specify in writing.
15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the United States of America and by the laws of the State of Nevada, without giving effect to any conflicts of laws principles that require the application of the law of a different jurisdiction.
16. Severability. Should any provisions of this Agreement be held by a court of law to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired thereby.
17. Waiver. The waiver by Client of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by Consultant or Officer shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach by Consultant or Officer.
18. Injunctive Relief for Breach. Consultant’s and Officer’s obligations under this Agreement are of a unique character that gives them particular value; breach of any of such obligations will result in irreparable and continuing damage to Client for which there will be no adequate remedy at law; and, in the event of such breach, Client will be entitled to injunctive relief and/or a decree for specific performance, and such other and further relief as may be proper (including monetary damages if appropriate).
19. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to this subject matter and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements concerning such subject matter. The terms of this Agreement will govern all services undertaken by Consultant for Client. This Agreement may only be changed or amended by mutual agreement of authorized representatives of the parties in writing. The Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall be taken together and deemed to be one instrument.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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In Witness Whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
| CLIENT: | |||
| Stran & Company, Inc. | |||
| By: | /s/ Andrew Shape | ||
| Name: | Andrew Shape | ||
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Address: |
2 Heritage Drive, Suite 600 Quincy, MA 02171 | ||
| CONSULTANT: | ||
| Josselin Capital Advisors, Inc. | ||
| Name of Consultant (Please Print) | ||
| /s/ John Audibert | ||
| Signature | ||
| By: John Audibert, President | ||
| Title (if applicable) | ||
| Address: | 14 Norfield Road | |
| Weston, CT 06883 | ||
| OFFICER: | ||
| John Audibert | ||
| Name of Officer (Please Print) | ||
| /s/ John Audibert | ||
| Signature | ||
| By: | ||
| Title (if applicable) | ||
| Address: | 14 Norfield Road | |
| Weston, CT 06883 | ||
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EXHIBIT A
RELEASE
The undersigned, and Stran & Company, Inc. (the “Client”) entered into a Consulting Agreement (the “Agreement”) on ______________, 2021, of which this Exhibit A Release forms a part. For purposes of this Exhibit A Release, Client shall be defined the same as in the Agreement.
Client and the undersigned agree that this Exhibit A Release will become effective seven (7) days after the undersigned sign it and do not revoke it. The undersigned understand and agree that the undersigned may not sign the Exhibit A Release prior to the undersigned’s termination in accordance with Section 11.2 of the Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of the Exhibit A Release, the undersigned will be entitled to the payment described in Section 11.2 of the Agreement, in the manner and under the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement.
In exchange for providing the undersigned with these enhanced benefits described in the Agreement, the undersigned agree to waive all claims against Client, and to release and forever discharge Client, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from any and all liability for any claims, rights or damages of any kind, whether known or unknown to the undersigned, that the undersigned may have against Client as of the date of my execution of this Exhibit A Release that arise out of or relate in any way to Consultant’s engagement with Client or the termination of such engagement, arising under any applicable federal, state or local law or ordinance, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Equal Pay Act, the Uniform Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and claims for individual relief under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any other federal, state or local statute or constitutional provision governing employment notwithstanding that none of the undersigned was an employee of Client at any time during the Term; all tort, contract (express or implied), common law, and public policy claims of any type whatsoever; all claims for invasion of privacy, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, injury to reputation, pain and suffering, constructive and wrongful discharge, retaliation, wages, monetary or equitable relief, vacation pay, grants or awards under any unvested and/or cancelled equity and/or incentive compensation plan or program, separation and/or severance pay under any separation or severance pay plan maintained by Client, any other employee fringe benefits plans, medical plans, or attorneys’ fees; or any demand to seek discovery of any of the claims, rights or damages previously enumerated herein.
This Exhibit A Release is not intended to, and does not, release rights or claims that may arise after the date of the undersigned’s execution hereof, including without limitation any rights or claims that the undersigned may have to secure enforcement of the terms and conditions of the Agreement or the Exhibit A Release. To the extent any claim, charge, complaint or action covered by the Exhibit A Release is brought by the undersigned, for the undersigned’s benefit or on the undersigned’s behalf, the undersigned expressly waive any claim to any form of individual monetary or other damages, including attorneys’ fees and costs, or any other form of personal recovery or relief in connection with any such claim, charge, complaint or action. The undersigned further agree to dismiss with prejudice any pending civil lawsuit or arbitration covered by the Exhibit A Release. For purposes of this Exhibit A Release, “the undersigned” shall include the undersigned’s affiliates, heirs, executors, administrators, attorneys, representatives, successors and assigns.
The undersigned acknowledge that the undersigned are executing this Exhibit A Release voluntarily, free of any duress or coercion. Client has urged the undersigned to obtain the advice of an attorney or other representative of my choice, unrelated to Client, prior to executing this Exhibit A Release, and the undersigned acknowledge that the undersigned have had the opportunity to do so. Further, the undersigned acknowledge that the undersigned have a full understanding of the terms of the Agreement and this Exhibit A Release. The undersigned understand that the execution of this Exhibit A Release is not to be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Client or the undersigned.
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The undersigned acknowledge that the undersigned have been given at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider executing this Exhibit A Release (the “Twenty-One (21)-Day Period”) and seven (7) days from the date of my execution of this Exhibit A Release within which to revoke it (the “Exhibit A Revocation Period”). The undersigned understand that my executed Exhibit A Release must be returned to the President or another executive of Client. If the undersigned execute the Exhibit A Release prior to the end of the Twenty-One (21)-Day Period, the undersigned agree and acknowledge that: (i) the undersigned’s execution was a knowing and voluntary waiver of the undersigned’s rights to consider this Exhibit A Release for the full twenty-one (21) days; and (ii) the undersigned had sufficient time in which to consider and understand the Exhibit A Release, and to review it with an attorney or other representative of the undersigned’s choice, if the undersigned wished. Any revocation of this Exhibit A Release must be in writing and returned to the President or another executive officer of Client, via certified U.S. Mail, Return Receipt Requested. In the event that the undersigned revoke this Exhibit A Release, the undersigned acknowledge that the undersigned will not be entitled to receive, and agree not to accept, any payments described in the Agreement. The undersigned agree that the undersigned’s acceptance of any such payments or benefits will constitute an acknowledgment that the undersigned did not revoke the Exhibit A Release. This Exhibit A Release will not become effective or enforceable until the Exhibit A Revocation Period has expired.
BY SIGNING THIS EXHIBIT A RELEASE, THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE UNDERSIGNED ARE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVING AND RELEASING ANY AND ALL RIGHTS THE UNDERSIGNED MAY HAVE AGAINST STRAN & COMPANY, INC. UP TO THE DATE OF THE UNDERSIGNED’S EXECUTION OF THIS EXHIBIT A RELEASE UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT, THE OLDER WORKERS BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT, AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE DISCRIMINATION LAWS, STATUTES, ORDINANCES OR REGULATIONS.
| ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO | |
| (If Individual) | |
| Name: | |
| Date: | |
| (If Entity) |
| By:_____________________________________________ | |
| Name of Entity:____________________________________ | |
| Name of Authorized Signatory:_______________________ | |
| Title of Authorized Signatory:______________________ |
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Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Andrew Shape, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stran & Company, Inc.; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
| a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: December 7, 2021
|
/s/ Andrew Shape | |
| Andrew Shape | |
|
Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Christopher Rollins, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stran & Company, Inc.; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
| a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: December 7, 2021
|
/s/ Christopher Rollins | |
| Christopher Rollins | |
|
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
The undersigned Chief Executive Officer of STRAN & COMPANY, INC. (the “Company”), DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that:
1. The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 (the “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. Information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this statement on December 7, 2021.
|
/s/ Andrew Shape | |
| Andrew Shape | |
| Chief Executive Officer and President | |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Stran & Company, Inc. and will be retained by Stran & Company, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
The forgoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to § 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. It is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
The undersigned Chief Financial Officer of STRAN & COMPANY, INC. (the “Company”), DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that:
1. The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 (the “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. Information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this statement on December 7, 2021.
| /s/ Christopher Rollins | |
| Christopher Rollins | |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Stran & Company, Inc. and will be retained by Stran & Company, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
The forgoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to § 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. It is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.