TruGolf Holdings, Inc DEF 14A, filed Jan 26, 2026
TruGolf Holdings, Inc. (TRUG)
About this DEF 14A
TruGolf Holdings, Inc filed this DEF 14A on January 26, 2026.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
| Filed by the Registrant ☒ |
| Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐ |
| Check the appropriate box: |
| ☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2) |
| ☒ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| ☒ | No fee required. |
| ☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
| ☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.
60 North 1400
West Centerville, Utah 84014
January 26, 2026
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and management of TruGolf Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), you are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held online at https://www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf, on February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time (the “Annual Meeting”).
The attached Notice of the Annual Meeting (the “Notice”) and proxy statement (“Proxy Statement”) describe in greater detail all of the formal business that will be transacted at the Annual Meeting. There will not be a physical location for the Annual Meeting. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online, vote your shares electronically, and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting https://www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf. Directors and officers of the Company will be available at the Annual Meeting to respond to any questions that you may have regarding the business to be transacted.
The Company’s Board has determined that each of the proposals that will be presented to the stockholders for their consideration at the Annual Meeting are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and unanimously recommends and urges you to vote “FOR” the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement. If any other business is properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Company’s Board.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on January 20, 2026 are entitled to vote on the matters presented at the Annual Meeting.
We encourage you to attend the Annual Meeting online, but if you are unable to attend, it is important that you vote in advance via the Internet, by telephone, or sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Your cooperation is appreciated since a majority of the common stock entitled to vote must be represented, either in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
On behalf of the Board and all of the employees of the Company, we thank you for your continued support.
| Sincerely, | |
| /s/ Christopher Jones | |
| Christopher Jones | |
| Chief Executive Officer |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Annual Stockholder Meeting to be Held on February 9, 2026:
Electronic Copies of the Proxy Statement and our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at
https:// www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf
TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.
60 North 1400
West Centerville, Utah 84014
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 9, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of TruGolf Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held online at https://www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf, on February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, for the following purposes:
Proposal 1. To elect five Board nominees to the Board of Directors of the Company, each to serve until the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company or until such person’s successor is qualified and elected (“Proposal 1”).
Proposal 2. To ratify the appointment of Haynie & Company as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026 (“Proposal 2”).
Proposal 3. To approve the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (“Proposal 3”).
Proposal 4. To approve the redomestication of the Company’s jurisdiction of incorporation from Delaware to Nevada (the “Redomestication”), including the terms, conditions and effect of such Redomestication (the “Proposal 4”).
Proposal 5. To approve the increase in the Company’s authorized shares of Class A common stock from 650,000,000 shares to 1,000,000,000 shares in connection with the Redomestication (the “Proposal 5”).
Proposal 6. To approve, for purposes of complying with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), the issuance of more than 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock pursuant to the Company’s equity purchase facility agreement dated May 14, 2025 with SZOP Opportunities I LLC (“Proposal 6”).
Proposal 7. To approve an adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposals 2-6 (the “Proposal 7”).
Please refer to the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting (the “Proxy Statement”) for detailed information on the above proposals.
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) is not aware of any other business that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters should be properly presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting for action by stockholders, the persons named in the form of proxy will vote the proxy in accordance with their best judgment on that matter.
Only stockholders of record of the Company at the close of business on January 20, 2026 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. A complete list of these stockholders will be open for the examination of any stockholder of record at the Company’s principal executive offices located at 60 North 1400, West Centerville, Utah 84014 for a period of ten days prior to the Annual Meeting. The list will also be available for the examination of any stockholder of record present at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting may be adjourned or postponed from time to time without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
| /s/ Christopher Jones | |
| Christopher Jones | |
| Chief Executive Officer | |
| January 26, 2026 |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Annual Stockholder Meeting to be Held on February 9, 2026:
Electronic Copies of the Proxy Statement and our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at
https:// www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.
60 North 1400
West Centerville, Utah 84014
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
For the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held on February 9, 2026
Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held virtually on February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, for the purposes set forth in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Notice”) and in this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement and the proxies solicited hereby are being first sent or delivered to stockholders of the Company on or about February 9, 2026.
As used in this Proxy Statement, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “TruGolf” refer to TruGolf Holdings, Inc., and the terms “Board of Directors” and “Board” refers to the Board of Directors of the Company.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
What information is contained in this Proxy Statement?
This information relates to the proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, the voting process, and certain other required information.
Can I access the Company’s proxy materials electronically?
Yes. The Proxy Statement and form of Proxy are available at https://www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf. To view this material, you must have available the control number located on the proxy card or, if shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, the voting instruction form.
What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?
It means your shares are registered differently or are in more than one account. Please provide voting instructions for each account for which you have received a set of proxy materials.
Who is soliciting my vote pursuant to this Proxy Statement?
Our directors and employees may solicit proxies in person, by telephone, fax, electronic transmission or other means of communication. We will not pay these directors and employees any additional compensation for these services. We will ask banks, brokerage firms, and other institutions, nominees, and fiduciaries to forward these proxy materials to their principal, and to obtain authority to execute proxies, and will reimburse them for their expenses.
Who is entitled to vote?
Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on January 20, 2026 (the “Record Date”), are entitled to have their vote counted at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name. If on the record date your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote online at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting online, we urge you to submit your proxy vote either online, by telephone, or by filling out and returning the enclosed proxy card to ensure your vote is counted.
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Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank. If on the record date your shares were held, not in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting if your bank or broker provides you with a control number.
How many shares are eligible to be voted?
As of the Record Date, we had 5,057,444 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 4,857,445 shares are Class A common stock and 199,999 shares are Class B common stock. Each outstanding share of our Class A common stock will entitle its holder to one vote on each of the matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, and each outstanding share of our Class B common stock will entitle its holder to 25 votes on each proposal at the Annual Meeting.
What am I voting on?
You are voting on the following matters:
Proposal 1. To elect five Board nominees to the Board of Directors of the Company, each to serve until the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company or until such person’s successor is qualified and elected (“Proposal 1”).
Proposal 2. To ratify the appointment of Haynie & Company as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026 (“Proposal 2”).
Proposal 3. To approve the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (“Proposal 3”).
Proposal 4. To approve the redomestication of the Company’s jurisdiction of incorporation from Delaware to Nevada (the “Redomestication”), including the terms, conditions and effect of such Redomestication (referred to as either “Proposal 4” or the “Redomestication Proposal”).
Proposal 5. To approve the increase in the Company’s authorized shares of Class A common stock from 650,000,000 shares to 1,000,000,000 shares in connection with the Redomestication (referred to as either “Proposal 5” or the “Share Increase Proposal”).
Proposal 6. To approve, for purposes of complying with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), the issuance of more than 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock pursuant to the Company’s equity purchase facility agreement dated May 14, 2025 with SZOP Opportunities I LLC (referred to as either “Proposal 6” or the “Nasdaq Proposal”).
Proposal 7. To approve an adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposals 2-6 (the “Proposal 7”).
How many votes are required to hold the Annual Meeting and what are the voting procedures?
Quorum Requirement: As of the Record Date, 5,057,444 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued and outstanding, of which 4,857,445 shares are Class A common stock and 199,999 shares are Class B common stock. The shares of Class B common stock are entitled to 25 votes per share. The holders of a majority of our shares of capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, present or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the purpose of adopting proposals at the Annual Meeting. If you submit a properly executed proxy, then you will be considered part of the quorum. The Annual Meeting will be postponed if a quorum is not present. If a quorum is not present, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned until a quorum is obtained.
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Required Votes: Each outstanding share of our Class A common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal at the Annual Meeting, and each outstanding share of our Class B common stock is entitled to 25 votes on each proposal at the Annual Meeting. If there is a quorum at the Annual Meeting, the matters to be voted upon by the stockholders require the following votes for such matter to be approved:
● Election of Directors: A plurality of the votes cast is required to elect director nominees, and as such, the five nominees who receive the greatest number of “FOR” votes cast by stockholders, entitled to vote at the meeting, will be elected. A nominee who receives a plurality means he or she has received more “FOR” votes than any other nominee for the same director’s seat. Broker non-votes and “WITHHOLD” votes will have no effect on this proposal.
● Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Proposal: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the shares of stock present or represented (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve Proposal 2. Abstentions shall have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
● Approval of the Equity Plan Proposal: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the shares of stock present or represented (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve Proposal 3. Abstentions shall have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
● Approval of the Redomestication Proposal: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of our shares of common stock (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve the Redomestication Proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” this proposal.
● Approval of the Share Increase Proposal: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of our shares of common stock (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve the Share Increase Proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” this proposal.
● Approval of the Nasdaq Proposal: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the shares of stock present or represented (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve the Nasdaq Proposal. Abstentions shall have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
● Approval of the Adjournment Proposal: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the shares of stock present or represented (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve the Adjournment Proposal. Abstentions shall have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
If a broker indicates on its proxy submitted to the Company that it does not have authority to vote certain shares held in “street name,” the shares not voted are referred to as “broker non-votes.” Broker non-votes occur when brokers do not have discretionary voting authority to vote certain shares held in “street name” on particular proposals under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, and the “beneficial owner” of those shares has not instructed the broker how to vote on those proposals. If you are a beneficial owner and you do not provide instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or other nominee is permitted to vote your shares for or against “routine” matters. Brokers are not permitted to exercise discretionary voting authority to vote your shares for or against “non-routine” matters.
How can I vote my shares in person and participate at the Annual Meeting?
The Annual Meeting will be held entirely online. Stockholders may participate in the Annual Meeting by visiting the following website: https://www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf. To participate in the Annual Meeting, you will need the control number included on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. Shares held in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted electronically during the Annual Meeting. Shares for which you are the beneficial owner but not the stockholder of record also may be voted electronically during the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee. However, even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting online, the Company recommends that you vote your shares in advance, so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.
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How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?
If you are the stockholder of record, you may vote by one of the following four methods:
| ● | Online at the Annual Meeting; | |
| ● | Via the Internet; | |
| ● | By telephone; or | |
| ● | By mail. |
If you elect to vote by mail and you requested and received a printed set of proxy materials, you may mark, sign, date and mail the proxy card you received from us in the return envelope. If you did not receive a printed proxy card and wish to vote by mail, you may do so by requesting a paper copy of the proxy materials (as described below), which will include a proxy card.
Whichever method of voting you use, the proxies identified on the proxy card will vote the shares of which you are the stockholder of record in accordance with your instructions. If you submit a proxy card properly voted and returned through available channels without giving specific voting instructions, the proxies will vote the shares as recommended by our Board.
If you own your shares in “street name,” that is, through a brokerage account or in another nominee form, you must provide instructions to the broker or nominee as to how your shares should be voted. Your broker or nominee will usually provide you with the appropriate instruction forms at the time you receive the proxy materials. If you own your shares in this manner, you cannot vote in person at the Annual Meeting unless you receive a proxy to do so from the broker or the nominee.
How may I cast my vote over the Internet or by Telephone?
Voting over the Internet: If you are a stockholder of record, you may use the Internet to transmit your vote up until 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, February 8, 2026 (the day before the Annual Meeting). Visit https://www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf and have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
Voting by Telephone: If you are a stockholder of record, you may call 1-813-235-4490, toll-free in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada, and use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your vote up until 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, February 8, 2026 (the day before the Annual Meeting). Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
If you hold your shares in “street name,” that is through a broker, bank or other nominee, that institution will instruct you as to how your shares may be voted by proxy, including whether telephone or Internet voting options are available.
How may a stockholder bring any other business before the Annual Meeting?
The Company’s bylaws (the “Bylaws”) provide that the only matters that may be brought before an Annual Meeting are the matters specified in the notice of meeting, and, as such, stockholders shall not be permitted to propose business at the Annual Meeting.
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How may I revoke or change my vote?
If you are the record owner of your shares, and you completed and submitted a proxy card, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by:
● submitting a new proxy card with a later date;
● delivering written notice to our Corporate Secretary on or before 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on, February 9, 2026 (the Annual Meeting date and time), stating that you are revoking your proxy;
● attending the Annual Meeting and voting your shares online; or
● if you are a record owner of your shares and you submitted your proxy by telephone or via the Internet, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy with a later telephone or Internet proxy, as the case may be.
Please note that attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, in itself, constitute revocation of your proxy.
If you own your shares in “street name,” you may later revoke your voting instructions by informing the bank, broker or other holder of record in accordance with that entity’s procedures.
Who is paying for the costs of this proxy solicitation?
The Company will bear the cost of preparing, printing, and mailing the materials in connection with this solicitation of proxies. In addition to mailing these materials, officers and regular employees of the Company may, without being additionally compensated, solicit proxies personally and by mail, telephone, facsimile or electronic communication.
Are there any rights of appraisal for the holders of our Class A common stock?
The Board of Directors is not proposing any action for which the laws of the State of Delaware, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or our Bylaws provide a right of a holder of our Class A common stock to obtain appraisal of or payment for such stockholder’s shares.
Who will count the votes?
The inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting will receive and tabulate the ballots and voting instruction forms. The Board has appointed ClearTrust, LLC, or its designee, to serve as the inspector of election.
Where do I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?
The voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we will file with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting.
How can I obtain the Company’s corporate governance information?
Our corporate governance information is available on our website at www.trugolf.com under “Investor Relations—Corporate Governance.” Our stockholders may also obtain written copies at no cost by writing to us at TruGolf Holdings, Inc., 60 North 1400 West Centerville, Utah 84014, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by calling (917) 886-9071.
How do I request electronic or printed copies of this and future proxy materials?
You may request and consent to delivery of electronic or printed copies of this and future proxy statements, annual reports and other stockholder communications by visiting www.cleartrustonline.com/trugolf:
When requesting copies of proxy materials and other stockholder communications, you should have available the control number located on the proxy card or, if shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, the voting instruction form.
Where are the Company’s principal executive offices?
The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 60 North 1400 West Centerville, Utah 84014, and our telephone number is (917) 886-9071.
How can I obtain additional information about the Company?
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which requires that we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website address is www.sec.gov. In addition, our filings may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E. Washington, DC 20549.
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth information, as of January 20, 2026, regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock by:
● each of our directors;
● each of our named executive officers;
● all directors and executive officers as a group; and
● each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than five percent of our shares of common stock.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally provide that a person is the beneficial owner of securities if such person has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting of securities, or to dispose or direct the disposition of securities, or has the right to acquire such powers within 60 days through (i) the exercise of any option or warrant, (ii) the conversion of a security, (iii) the power to revoke a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement or (iv) the automatic termination of a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement.
Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that the beneficial owners of common stock listed below, based on the information each of them has given to us, have sole investment and voting power with respect to their shares, except where community property laws may apply. Except as otherwise noted below, the address for each person or entity listed in the table is c/o TruGolf Holdings, Inc., 60 North 1400 West Centerville, Utah 84014.
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Shares of Common Stock | % of Common Stock* | % of Total Voting Power* | |||||||||
| Directors and executive officers | ||||||||||||
| Christopher Jones (1) | 2,601,088 | 4.2 | % | 24.7 | % | |||||||
| Brenner Adams (2) | 5,236 | * | * | |||||||||
| Nathan E. Larsen (3) | 6,536 | * | * | |||||||||
| Lindsay Jones | - | - | - | |||||||||
| B. Shaun Limbers | 5,868 | * | * | |||||||||
| Steven R. Johnson (4) | 1,214,825 | 1.2 | % | 11.6 | % | |||||||
| Humphrey P. Polanen | * | * | ||||||||||
| Riley Russell | - | - | - | |||||||||
| AJ Redmer | - | - | - | |||||||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group (9 individuals) | 3,834,053 | 5.8 | % | 26.9 | % | |||||||
| Other 5% beneficial owners | ||||||||||||
| Christopher Jones (1) | 2,601,088 | 4.2 | % | 24.7 | % | |||||||
| David Ashby (5) | 1,303,220 | 2.1 | % | 12.4 | % | |||||||
| Steven R. Johnson (4) | 1,214,825 | 1.2 | % | 11.6 | % | |||||||
| * | Less than 1%. |
| (1) | Includes 2,522,200 shares underlying 100,888 shares of Class B Common Stock, which are entitled to 25 votes per share and are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, and 4,000 shares underlying option awards. |
| (2) | Includes 2,400 shares underlying option awards. |
| (3) | Includes 2,400 shares underlying option awards. |
| (4) | Includes 1,212,825 shares underlying 48,513 shares of Class B Common Stock, which are entitled to 25 votes per share and are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, and 2,000 shares underlying option awards. |
| (5) | Includes 1,264,950 shares underlying 50,598 shares of Class B Common Stock, which are entitled to 25 votes per share and are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, and 400 shares underlying option awards. |
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INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the names and ages of all of our directors and executive officers as of January 20, 2026. Our officers are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors.
| Name | Age | Position | ||
| Christopher (Chris) Jones | 71 | Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, President and Chairman, Director | ||
| Brenner Adams | 54 | Chief Growth Officer | ||
| Nathan E. Larsen | 56 | Chief Experience Officer | ||
| Steven R. Johnson | 73 | Chief Hardware Officer | ||
| Non-Employee Directors | ||||
Shaun B. Limbers |
46 |
Director | ||
| Humphrey P. Polanen (1) (2) (3) | 76 | Independent Director | ||
| Riley Russell (1) (2) (3) | 54 | Independent Director | ||
| AJ Redner (1) (2) (3) | 63 | Independent Director |
| (1) | Member of the Audit Committee |
| (2) | Member of the Compensation Committee |
| (3) | Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee |
Our Executive Officers
Christopher (Chris) Jones – Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, President, Chairman and Director
Mr. Jones is the Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, President and Director at TruGolf. He founded Access Software, one of the earliest leaders in gaming and software in 1982. As a founder of Access Software, Mr. Jones helped pioneer 3D simulation. In addition to creating the LINKSTM golf franchise–a highly awarded PC sports title–Access Software gained critical acclaim for the Tex Murphy adventure game series, and its early use of 3D engines and high-quality full motion video. After Access Software was acquired by Microsoft Corp. in 1999, Mr. Jones served as Project Manager for several XBOX titles through July 2004. In 2007, Mr. Jones became Chief Executive Officer of TruGolf and has presided over TruGolf’s growth as a leader in the virtual golf industry ever since. Mr. Jones obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Finance from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah.
We believe that Mr. Jones is well qualified to serve on the TruGolf Board due to his background in video game development, his numerous years of management experience and the fact that he has been the driving force behind the Company’s operations since the Company’s formation.
Brenner Adams – Chief Growth Officer
Mr. Adams is the Chief Growth Officer at TruGolf. He has served as the Chief Growth Officer of TruGolf since January 2022. Mr. Adams also provides consulting services from time to time through Octant Consulting, of which he is the principal owner. From August 2021 to January 2022, Mr. Adams served as the Chief Information Officer of The Food Truck League. From April 2019 to August 2021, Mr. Adams served as Chief Innovation Officer for Med USA, a medical billing company. From January 2015 to December 2020, Mr. Adams served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah. From February 2012 to April 2019, Mr. Adams served as Chief Executive Officer of The LINK Group, a point-of-sale software company. Mr. Adam’s prior work experience also includes serving as Global Brand Director for Burton Snowboards (2006-2008) and Director of Business Development for Xbox / Take Two (2001 to 2006). Mr. Adams serves on the Board of Directors of a number of private companies. Mr. Adams received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Utah.
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Nathan E. Larsen – Chief Experience Officer
Mr. Larsen is the Chief Experience Officer at TruGolf. He has served as the Chief Experience Officer of TruGolf since October 2021. From January 2019 to October 2021, Mr. Larsen provided freelance brand and marketing consultation services to various companies in the medical, forestry and construction industries. From 2006 to 2019, Mr. Larsen served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Equity Building Solutions Inc., a resident development and construction company. From 2004 to 2006, Mr. Larsen served as Creative Director and Director of Business Development for Take Two Interactive / Indie Built Studio, a software development company which developed games for Xbox and the PlayStation 2. From 1999 to 2004, Mr. Larsen served as Creative Director for Microsoft Corp., in its Xbox Games development division. From 1991 to 1999, Mr. Larsen served as an artist, animator and art director for Access Software. Prior to that, he served as an artist and animator on five PC games published by Sierra On-Line. Mr. Larsen is a member of the Salt Lake Home Builders Association, Utah Valley Home Builders Association and the Park City Area Home Builders Association.
Steven R. Johnson – Chief Hardware Officer
Mr. Johnson is the Chief Hardware Officer of TruGolf. Mr. Johnson has been an employee in a variety of positions with TruGolf since May 1999. He began as a Product Development Manager and became the Executive Vice President in 2007. Prior to joining TruGolf, Mr. Johnson was a Sales Manager of Cassette Productions, LLC, an audio, video and software company. Mr. Johnson attended the University of Utah.
Our Non-Employee Directors
Shaun B. Limbers – Director
Mr. Limbers is a Director at TruGolf. He has served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Institute for Family Business at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Since May 2019, Mr. Limbers has served as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Baylor University and Associate Director for Baylor University’s entrepreneurship center. Since March 2010, Mr. Limbers has served as the Chief Executive Officer and founder of McIntyre Investment, LLC (“McIntyre”), an investment banking firm specializing in middle market transactions including primary and secondary investments, merger and acquisition advisory services and real estate. Mr. Limbers is a registered representative with McIntyre’s SEC registered broker-dealer entity, McIntyre Capital Partners, LLC, which is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). He holds a Series 7 license as well as a Series 63 license with FINRA. Prior to forming McIntyre, Mr. Limbers served as Vice President of Christina Development corporation, a real estate investment company, from 2003 to 2010. Mr. Limbers obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
We believe that Mr. Limbers is well qualified to serve on the TruGolf Board due to his significant experience with private investments, transaction structuring, joint ventures, investment banking and fund raising.
Humphrey P. Polanen – Independent Director
Mr. Polanen serves as an independent director at TruGolf. He is the Chief Executive Officer and managing member of NeoVista Ventures LLC, a healthcare focused holding company. Mr. Polanen was the director of Heritage Commerce Corp (Nasdaq: HTBK), a bank holding company offering a wide array of business and personal banking services, from 1994 to April 2016. Since 1999, Mr. Polanen has been actively involved as an investor and director in various venture capital-backed companies in the technology industry and has served as a director of various private equity funds. He was the Managing Director of Internet Venture Partners BV, an investment firm, from 2000 to 2004. Prior to joining Internet Ventures, he served in various executive positions with Sun Microsystems and Tandem Computers. Mr. Polanen was a director (and former Chairman of the Board) of St. Bernard Software, a publicly traded Internet security company. Mr. Polanen has been a director of TechFlow Inc., an information technology service company, since June 2016. Mr. Polanen practiced corporate law for over ten years at the beginning of his career. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard University.
We believe that Mr. Polanen is well qualified to serve on the TruGolf Board due to his experience as an executive, investor, director and business manager with advanced technology companies and private equity firms.
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AJ Redmer – Independent Director
Mr. Redmer serves as an independent director at TruGolf. He is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Redmer Productions LLC. Mr. Redmer founded Redmersoft in 1986 which operated within Lucasfilm Ltd.’s Skywalker Ranch. He helped evolve Redmersoft into Maxis Software Corporation before taking on senior management responsibilities at Lucasfilm Ltd. AJ subsequently went on to senior leadership positions at Spectrum Holobyte, Nintendo and Microsoft where he played a key role in the development of the original Xbox and the Xbox 360. He has also served as the chief executive officer of WeMade Entertainment USA, Inc. He has over 25 years of experience building video game franchises in the entertainment industry. Mr. Redmer has designed and/or overseen the development of some of the most well-known franchises in the gaming industry including: SimCity, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Tetris, Ridge Racer, Pokémon, Flight Simulator, Age of Empires, Project Gotham Racing and Forza Motorsport.
We believe that Mr. Redmer is well qualified to serve on the TruGolf Board due to his executive experience in the franchising side of the gaming and entertainment industries.
Riley Russell – Independent Director
Mr. Russell serves as an independent director at TruGolf. Mr. Russell has over 30 years’ experience working in the games and interactive entertainment industry. He is currently the Executive Vice President and Studio head at Kojima Productions US. Prior to joining Kojima, Mr. Russell has served as an Executive Vice President with Penumbra, Inc. and as the Chief Legal Officer at Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC until 2021. At Sony, Mr. Russell was responsible for Sony’s interactive division that produces the Sony PlayStation. He has global experience in the video games, entertainment and technology sectors. Mr. Russell is also an active board member of the Video Game Bar Association and the XR Association.
We believe that Mr. Russell is well qualified to serve on the TruGolf Board due to his experience as an executive in the video game and entertainment and technology sector.
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
Board Constitution
Our Board of Directors currently consists of five members. All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire are elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the next annual meeting following election or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
Our Board of Directors oversees the business affairs of the Company and monitors the performance of management. Members of the Board of Directors discussed various business matters informally on numerous occasions throughout the year ended December 31, 2025, and held one formal meeting during 2025. In addition to meetings of the full Board of Directors, our Board has established an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. We believe that such interaction between fellow Board members and with management provided proper oversight of the Company. Each incumbent director attended more than 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and committee meetings of which such director was a member (held during the period for which such director was in office).
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Director Independence
The rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, or the Nasdaq Rules, require a majority of a listed company’s board of directors to be composed of independent directors. In addition, the Nasdaq Rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees be independent. Under the Nasdaq Rules, a director will only qualify as an independent director if, in the opinion of our Board of Directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The Nasdaq Rules also require that audit committee members satisfy independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. In order to be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3, a member of an audit committee of a listed company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee, accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries. In considering the independence of compensation committee members, the Nasdaq Rules require that our board of directors must consider additional factors relevant to the duties of a compensation committee member, including the source of any compensation we pay to the director and any affiliations with our company.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of a majority of independent directors, as “independence,” is defined by the Nasdaq Rules and by the SEC. Our Board of Directors has concluded that each of Messrs. Polanen, Redmer, and Mr. Russell are “independent”, having concluded that any relationship between such director and our company, in its opinion, does not interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Mr. Jones is an employee director.
Board Committees
Our Board of Directors has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors was established in accordance with Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. The current members of our Audit Committee are Messrs. Polanen, Redmer, and Russell with Mr. Polanen serving as the chair. Each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence and other requirements to serve on our Audit Committee under The Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and the rules of the SEC. In addition, our Board of Directors determined that Mr. Polanen is considered an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the rules of the SEC.
The Audit Committee was formed in 2024. Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, a copy of which is posted in the Investor Resources and Corporate Governance section of our website at www.ir.trugolf.com/governance-documents. The principal functions of the Audit Committee are to oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our consolidated financial statements; oversee our relationship with our independent auditors, including selecting, evaluating, and setting the compensation of, and approving all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors; and facilitate communication among our independent auditors and our financial and senior management. The Audit Committee is also responsible for oversight of cybersecurity risk.
Compensation Committee
We have a standing Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The members of our Compensation Committee are Messrs. Polanen, Redmer, and Russell with Mr. Redmer serving as the chair. Each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence and other requirements to serve on our Compensation Committee under The Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and the rules of the SEC.
The Compensation Committee was formed in 2024. Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, a copy of which is posted in the Investor Resources and Corporate Governance section of our website at www.ir.trugolf.com/governance-documents. The Compensation Committee has responsibilities relating to the performance evaluation and the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer; the compensation of our executive officers and directors; and our significant compensation arrangements, plans, policies, and programs, including our stock compensation plans. Certain of our executive officers, our outside counsel, and consultants may occasionally attend the meetings of the Compensation Committee. However, no officer of our company is present during discussions or deliberations regarding that officer’s own compensation.
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Governance and Nominating Committee
We have a standing Governance and Nominating Committee of our Board of Directors. The current members of our Governance and Nominating Committee are Messrs. Polanen, Redmer and Russell with Mr. Russell serving as the chair. Each of Messrs. Polanen, Redmer, and Russell meets the independence and other requirements to serve on our Governance and Nominating Committee under The Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and the rules of the SEC.
The Governance and Nominating Committee was formed in 2024. Our Board of Directors has yet to adopt a written charter for the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee considers the performance of the members of our Board of Directors and nominees for director positions and evaluates and oversees corporate governance and related issues.
The goal of the Governance and Nominating Committee is to ensure that our directors possess a variety of perspectives and skills derived from high-quality business and professional experience. The Governance and Nominating Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience, and capability on our Board of Directors. To this end, the Governance and Nominating Committee seeks nominees with the highest professional and personal ethics and values, an understanding of our business and industry, diversity of business experience and expertise, a high level of education, broad-based business acumen, and the ability to think strategically. Although the Governance and Nominating Committee uses these and other criteria to evaluate potential nominees to our Board of Directors, it has no stated minimum criteria for such nominees. The Governance and Nominating Committee does not use different standards to evaluate nominees depending on whether they are proposed by our directors and management or by our stockholders. To date, we have not paid any third parties to assist us in this process.
Nomination of Director Candidates
We receive suggestions for potential director nominees from many sources, including members of the Board, advisors, and stockholders. Any such nominations, together with appropriate biographical information, should be submitted to the Chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee in the manner discussed below. Any candidates submitted by a stockholder or stockholder group are reviewed and considered in the same manner as all other candidates.
Qualifications for consideration as a Board nominee may vary according to the particular areas of expertise being sought as a complement to the existing board composition. However, minimum qualifications include high level leadership experience in business activities, breadth of knowledge about issues affecting the Company, experience on other boards of directors, preferably public company boards, and time available for meetings and consultation on Company matters. Our Governance and Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director candidates, but seeks a diverse group of candidates who possess the background, skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to the Board, to the Company and our stockholders. Candidates whose evaluations are favorable are recommended by our Governance and Nominating Committee to the full Board for consideration. The full Board selects and recommends candidates for nomination as directors for stockholders to consider and vote upon at the annual meeting.
A stockholder wishing to nominate a candidate for election to our Board of Directors at any annual meeting at which the Board of Directors has determined that one or more directors will be elected must submit a written notice of his or her nomination of a candidate to the Chairperson of the Governance and Nominating Committee (c/o the Corporate Secretary), providing the candidates name, biographical data and other relevant information together with a consent from the nominee. Pursuant to our Bylaws, the submission must be received at our principal executive offices no earlier than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the mailing date of our previous year’s proxy statement and no later than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the mailing date of our previous year’s proxy statement so as to permit the Board of Directors time to evaluate the qualifications of the nominee.
In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under our Bylaws, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than our nominees must comply with the additional requirements of Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act to comply with the universal proxy rules. The requirements under the universal proxy rules are in addition to the applicable procedural requirements under our Bylaws described above.
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Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (“Code of Ethics”) that sets forth various policies and procedures to promote ethical behavior and that applies to all our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Ethics is publicly available on our website at www.ir.trugolf.com/governance-documents. Amendments to the Code of Ethics and any grant of a waiver from a provision of the Code of Ethics requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules will be disclosed on our website.
Board Member Attendance at Annual Meetings
We do not have a formal policy regarding Board attendance at our annual meetings, however, all of our directors are invited to the Annual Meeting. This will be our first Annual Meeting since our business combination.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Christopher Jones serves as our Chairman of the Board and as our Chief Executive Officer. Our Board of Directors has no policy with regard to the separation of the offices of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and believes, given the size of our company, it is appropriate for Mr. Jones to serve in both roles.
Our management is responsible for managing risks in our business, including developing processes to manage and monitor risks. The Board views its role as one of oversight. The Board focuses on understanding management’s risk management systems, the effectiveness of those systems, and the way in which management proactively manages risks. In addition, the Board utilizes the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee to manage risks that arise under each committee’s area of focus.
The Audit Committee is responsible for oversight of cybersecurity risk. Our Chief Executive Officer is the member of management responsible for managing and assessing our cybersecurity practices.
Stockholder Communications with Directors
Persons wishing to write to our Board of Directors, or to a specified director or committee of the Board, should send correspondence to the Corporate Secretary at 60 North 1400, West Centerville, Utah 84014. Electronic submissions of stockholder correspondence will not be accepted.
The Corporate Secretary will forward to the directors all communications that, in his or her judgment, are appropriate for consideration by the directors. Examples of communications that would not be appropriate for consideration by the directors include commercial solicitations and matters not relevant to the stockholders, to the functioning of the Board or to the affairs of the Company. Any correspondence received that is addressed generically to the Board of Directors will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Board.
Anti-Hedging Policy
Our policies prohibit directors, officers and other employees from purchasing financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds), or otherwise engaging in transactions, that hedge or offset, or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of our equity securities without our prior approval.
Insider Trading Policy
Our
Board has
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, requires officers and directors of our company and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our company’s equity securities to file initial statements of beneficial ownership of common stock (Form 3) and statements of changes in beneficial ownership of common stock (Forms 4 or 5) with the SEC. Officers, directors, and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all such forms they file. Except as set forth below, we believe that all directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of the common stock complied in a timely manner with the filing requirements applicable to them with respect to transactions during the year ended December 31, 2025: Christopher Jones and Steven R. Johnson had one late Form 4 filing on April 25, 2025 reporting one transaction that occurred on April 21, 2025.
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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table shows the total compensation paid or accrued during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 to our named executive officers who were serving as executive officers in all capacities (our “named executive officers”).
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($)(1) | Option Awards ($) (1) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($)(2) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Christopher Jones | 2024 | 72,000 | 95,091 | - | - | - | 167,091 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | 2023 | 150,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 150,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brenner Adams | 2024 | 84,000 | - | - | 57,055 | - | - | $ | 79,000 | 220,055 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Growth Officer | 2023 | 168,000 | - | 690,000 | - | - | - | - | 858,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nathan Larsen | 2024 | 163,000 | - | - | 57,055 | - | - | - | 220,055 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Experience Officer | 2023 | 163,000 | - | 690,000 | - | - | - | - | 853,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lindsay Jones | 2024 | 82,000 | 10,000 | 119,959 | - | - | - | - | 211,959 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former Chief Financial Officer | 2023 | 24,892 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 24,892 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Represents the full grant date fair value of the option grant or stock award calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These amounts do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that may be realized by the named executive officer. For a summary of the assumptions made in the valuation of the awards, please see Note 19 to our financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2024 included in the 2024 Annual Report. |
| (2) | Represents payments made by us for consulting services while the officer was not a salaried employee. |
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2024
As of December 31, 2024, the named executive officers collectively hold 8,800 outstanding option awards granted by the Company, with individual holdings as detailed in the table below.
Employment Agreements with our Named Executive Officers
Christopher Jones
On January 1, 2023, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Jones to serve as our Chief Executive Officer (the “Jones Employment Agreement”). The Jones Employment Agreement has an initial term of five years ending on January 1, 2028, and can be terminated by either party. Pursuant to the Jones Employment Agreement, Mr. Jones is eligible to receive an annual base salary of $160,000 and performance-based annual bonuses along with equity incentive plans. Mr. Jones is also eligible for certain compensation based on future changes of control (50% or greater) as well as compensation based upon termination of his employment or resignation. In addition, Mr. Jones received 4,000 options to purchase the Company’s Class A common stock in accordance with the Company’s 2024 Stock Incentive Plan.
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Brenner Adams
On January 18, 2024, effective January 25, 2024, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Adams to serve as our Chief Growth Officer (the “Adams Employment Agreement”). The Adams Employment Agreement is evergreen and can be terminated by either party. Pursuant to the Adams Employment Agreement, Mr. Adams is eligible to receive an annual base salary of $120,000 and a quarterly bonus. In addition, Mr. Adams received 2,400 options to purchase the Company’s Class A common stock in accordance with the Company’s 2024 Stock Incentive Plan. Mr. Adams serves on a part-time basis.
Nathan Larsen
On January 18, 2024, effective January 25, 2024, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Larsen to serve as our Chief Experience Officer (the “Larsen Employment Agreement”). The Larsen Employment Agreement is evergreen and can be terminated by either party. Pursuant to the Larsen Employment Agreement, Mr. Larsen is eligible to receive an annual base salary of $144,000 and a quarterly bonus. In addition, Mr. Larsen received 2,400 options to purchase the Company’s Class A common stock in accordance with the Company’s 2024 Stock Incentive Plan.
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following table sets forth certain information concerning our outstanding options for our named executive officers as of December 31, 2024:
| Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable | Option Exercise Price ($) | Option Expiration Date | ||||||||||||
| Christopher Jones | 4,000 | - | $ | 46.50 | 10/11/2034 | |||||||||||
| Brenner Adams | 2,400 | - | $ | 46.50 | 10/11/2034 | |||||||||||
| Nathan Larsen | 2,400 | - | $ | 46.50 | 10/11/2034 | |||||||||||
Recoupment Policy
We adopted the TruGolf Holdings, Inc. Dodd-Frank Restatement Recoupment Policy effective as of October 2, 2023. In the event that we are required to prepare a financial restatement, the Committee will seek to recoup, to the extent required by applicable law and the policy, all erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation calculated on a pre-tax basis received after October 2, 2023, by a person (i) after beginning service as an executive officer, (ii) who served as an executive officer at any time during the performance period for that incentive-based compensation, and (iii) during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that the Company is required to prepare a restatement, and any transition period (that results from a change in the Company’s fiscal year) of less than nine months within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years. “Clawback” or recoupment policy in our executive compensation program contributes to creating and maintaining a culture that emphasizes integrity and accountability and reinforces the performance-based principles underlying our executive compensation program.
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Granting of Certain Equity Awards Close in Time to the Release of Material Nonpublic Information
Risks from Compensation Policies and Practices
Our Compensation Committee reviews our compensation policies and practices to determine areas of potential risks and the actions we have taken, or should take, to mitigate any such identified risks. Based on the Compensation Committee’s review of our compensation policies and practices, we do not believe that any risks relating to our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our business.
Director Compensation
Other than the named executive officers that received compensation for services rendered in all capacities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, no other directors on the TruGolf Board received any compensation for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Existing Equity Compensation Plan
The following table summarizes certain information regarding our equity compensation plan as of December 31, 2024:
| Plan Category | Number of to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding | Number of Remaining Future
Issuance Under Equity Plans (Excluding Securities Column (a)) | |||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 22,620 | $ | 46.50 | 7,944 | ||||||||
| Total | 22,620 | $ | 46.50 | 7,944 | ||||||||
| (1) | Consists of the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan. For a description of this plan, see Note 19 to our 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. |
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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Except as set out below, during the year ended December 31, 2024, there were no transactions, or currently proposed transactions, in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any of the following persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest:
| ● | any director or executive officer of our company; | |
| ● | any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, shares carrying more than 5% of the voting rights attached to our outstanding shares of common stock; | |
| ● | any promoters and control persons; and | |
| ● | any member of the immediate family (including spouse, parents, children, siblings and in laws) of any of the foregoing persons. |
Note Payable with ARJ Trust
In December 2008, we entered into a $500,000, 8.50% annual interest rate note payable with a trust (“ARJ Trust”) indirectly controlled by our chief executive officer. We make monthly interest-only payments of $3,451. The outstanding principal balance of this note was $500,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
In June 2010, we entered into a second $150,000, 8.50% annual interest rate note with ARJ Trust. We make monthly interest-only payments of $1,063. The outstanding principal balance of this note was $150,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Note Payable with McKettrick
In May 2019, we entered into a $1,750,000, zero interest rate note payable with a former shareholder to repurchase all of their shares in the Company. The note is payable in annual installments of $250,000 due on December 21 of each year. The note matures on December 1, 2027. There is a late fee of 5%, if not paid within 10 days of the due date. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 the Company made cash payments of $500,000 and $300,000 ($250,000 for the installment fee and $50,000 for a negotiated extension fee). The outstanding principal balance of this note was $800,000 and $1,300,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Note Payable with Carver
In January 2021, we entered into a $220,000, zero interest rate note payable with a former shareholder to repurchase all of their shares in the Company. The note is payable in semi-annual installments of $18,500 due on March 31 and September 30 each year and matures on October 1, 2027. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company made cash payments of $37,000 and $37,000, respectively. The outstanding principal balance of this note was $111,000 and $148,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Note Payable with Chris Jones
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company chief executive officer loaned the Company an aggregate of $2 million for operating expenses. The loaned amount has a zero interest rate and no stated maturity date. The Company made $350,000 in payments towards the loan during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, however, the Company expects to pay back the loan in full. The principal balance of the loan payable was $1,650,000 and $2,000,000 at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions
Our audit committee charter provides that our audit committee is responsible for reviewing and approving in advance any related party transaction. This will cover, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which we were or will be a participant to, where the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including, without limitation, purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness and employment by us of a related person. In determining whether to approve a proposed transaction, our audit committee will consider all relevant facts and circumstances including: (i) the materiality and character of the related party’s direct or indirect interest; (ii) the commercial reasonableness of the terms; (iii) the benefit or perceived benefit, or lack thereof, to us; (iv) the opportunity cost of alternate transactions; and (v) the actual or apparent conflict of interest of the related party.
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PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors currently consists of five members: Christopher Jones, B. Shaun Limbers, Humphrey P. Polanen, Riley Russell, and AJ Redmer. The Nominating and Governance Committee nominated, and the Board approved and recommended, all of the current members of our Board for re-election. All nominees have consented to being named herein and have indicated their intention to serve as our directors, if elected. The Board has no reason to believe that any nominee would be unable or unwilling to serve if elected. Unless authority to do so is withheld, the persons named as proxies will vote the shares represented by such proxies for the election of the named director nominees. In case any of the nominees becomes unavailable for election to the Board the persons named as proxies will have full discretion and authority to vote or refrain from voting for any other nominees in accordance with their judgment. The Board nominees, if elected, will serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until each successor is duly elected and qualified.
Biographical information for our directors is provided above in the section entitled “Information About Directors and Executive Officers.”
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
A plurality of the votes cast is required to elect director nominees, and as such, the five nominees who receive the greatest number of FOR votes cast by stockholders, entitled to vote at the meeting, will be elected. A nominee who receives a plurality means he or she has received more FOR votes than any other nominee for the same director’s seat. Broker non-votes and WITHHOLD votes will have no effect on this proposal.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR each of the five nominees for election to our Board of Directors.
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PROPOSAL 2:
TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Our Audit Committee has selected Haynie & Company (“Haynie”) as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Our stockholders are being asked to ratify this appointment. In the event that ratification of this selection of auditors is not approved by the stockholders, we will reassess our selection of auditors. Representatives of Haynie are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will be available to respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to make a statement at the Annual Meeting.
The following table sets forth the fees billed to our company for professional services rendered by Haynie for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Services | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Audit fees (1) | $ | 188,000 | $ | 140,000 | ||||
| Audit-related fees (2) | - | - | ||||||
| Tax fees (3) | 13,000 | - | ||||||
| All other fees(4) | 3,500 | - | ||||||
| Total fees | $ | 204,500 | $ | 140,000 | ||||
| (1) | Audit fees consisted of billing for professional services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, including (i) fees associated with the audits of our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and, (ii) fees associated with quarterly reviews for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, June 30, 2024 and 2023, and September 30, 2024 and 2023. |
| (2) | Audit related fees consisted of billings for professional services for reviews of our periodic filings under form 10-K and 10-Q and acquisition audits for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. |
| (3) | Tax fees consisted primarily of tax related advisory and preparation services. |
| (4) | All Other Fees consist of fees billed for products and services provided by our independent registered public accountants, other than those disclosed above. |
Audit Fees
Audit fees represent the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our independent accounting firm for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports, comfort and consent procedures for registration statements or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees represent the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under Audit Fees.
Tax Fees
Tax fees represent the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for permissible tax compliance services.
All Other Fees
All other fees represent the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than the services reported in the other categories.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee on an annual basis reviews audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditors. All audit and non-audit services are pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which considers, among other things, the possible effect of the performance of such services on the auditors’ independence.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the shares of stock present or represented (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve Proposal 2. Abstentions shall have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Haynie as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors with its oversight responsibilities regarding the Company’s financial reporting process. The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the reporting process, including the Company’s accounting policies, internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Haynie & Company, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, is responsible for performing an audit of the Company’s financial statements.
We have reviewed and discussed with management and Haynie & Company the Company’s audited financial statements. We discussed with Haynie & Company the overall scope and plans of their audit. We met with Haynie & Company, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examinations, its evaluation of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.
With regard to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Audit Committee (i) reviewed and discussed with management the Company’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2024, and for the year then ended; (ii) discussed with Haynie & Company the matters required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission; (iii) received the written disclosures and the letter from Haynie & Company required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB Haynie & Company’s communications with the Audit Committee regarding independence; and (iv) discussed with Haynie & Company their independence.
Based on the review and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Humphrey P. Polanen (Chairperson)
Riley Russell
AJ Redner
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PROPOSAL 3:
TO APPROVE THE 2026 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
In January 2026, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved the TruGolf Holdings, Inc. 2026 Stock Plan (the “2026 Plan”), subject to the receipt of stockholder approval, which the Company is seeking at this stockholders’ meeting. The 2026 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock.
Overview
Equity awards have been historically and, we believe, will continue to be, an integral component of our overall compensation program for our employees, directors and consultants. We previously utilized our 2024 Stock Incentive Plan (“2024 Plan”) for awards. As of the Record Date, our 2024 Plan has 7,944 shares available for issuance. Upon approval of the 2026 Plan, no further awards will be granted under the 2024 Plan, and any shares remaining available under the 2024 Plan will be cancelled and will not carry over to the 2026 Plan. Approval of the 2026 Plan will allow us to continue to grant equity awards at levels we determine to be appropriate in order to attract new employees and directors, retain our existing employees and directors and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for our success. The 2026 Plan will allow us to continue to utilize a broad array of equity incentives with flexibility in designing equity incentives, including stock option grants, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, and stock unit awards.
We believe it is critical for our long-term success that the interests of our employees and directors are tied to our success as “owners” of our business. The equity incentive programs we have in place are intended to build stockholder value by attracting and retaining talented employees and directors. We believe we must continue to offer competitive equity compensation packages in order to retain and motivate the talent necessary for our continued growth and success. We carefully monitor the equity compensation and equity holdings of our employees, directors and consultants as well as the type of equity awards we grant to ensure these awards continue to provide incentives for the recipients to work towards our success. To date, stock options and restricted stock units have been the sole component of our equity program. The potential value of stock options is realized only if our share price increases, and so stock options provide a strong incentive for individuals to work to build stockholder value.
We have and we expect to continue to experience some growth in personnel as we progress our business. Additionally, we aim to conserve cash and use equity as a significant part of our employee compensation. If our stockholders do not approve the 2026 Plan we believe that we will be unable to successfully use equity as part of our compensation program, as most of our competitors in the industry do, putting us at a significant disadvantage. Additionally, we would then have to utilize more cash to compensate our employees. Therefore, we believe that approval of this request is in the best interest of our stockholders and our company.
Key Features Designed to Protect Stockholders’ Interests
The design of the 2026 Plan reflects our commitment to corporate governance and the desire to preserve stockholder value as demonstrated by the following features of the plan:
Independent administrator. The compensation committee of the board of directors, which is comprised solely of non-employee directors, will administer the 2026 Plan.
Repricing prohibited. Stockholder approval is required for any repricing of any stock options or stock appreciation rights.
Limitations on Dividend Payments on Awards. Dividends and dividend equivalents on all stock units and stock awards are paid only to the extent the awards vest, and no dividends or dividend equivalents are ever paid on stock options or stock appreciation rights.
No discount awards; maximum term specified. Stock options and stock appreciation rights must have an exercise price or base price no less than the fair market value on the date the award is granted and a term no longer than ten years’ duration.
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Award design flexibility. Different kinds of awards may be granted under the 2026 Plan, giving us the flexibility to design our equity incentives to compliment the other elements of compensation and to support the attainment of our strategic goals.
Share counting. The number of shares available for grant under the 2026 Plan is reduced by the gross number of shares subject to awards, and shares withheld for taxes in connection with awards or tendered in payment of an option’s exercise price cannot be used for future grants. Shares subject to awards that expire, are forfeited, or are settled in cash will become available again for future grants under the 2026 Plan.
Non-employee director limits. The 2026 Plan contains a limit on the compensation that may be paid to any non-employee member of our Board in any calendar year.
No tax gross-ups. The 2026 Plan does not provide for tax gross-ups.
Fixed term. The 2026 Plan has a fixed term of ten years from its initial effective date, which would be the date of the Annual Meeting if this Proposal 3 is approved.
Description of the 2026 Plan
The 2026 Plan is a stock-based compensation plan that provides for discretionary grants of stock options, stock awards, stock unit awards and stock appreciation rights to key employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The material features of the 2026 Plan are outlined below. The following description of the 2026 Plan is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the 2026 Plan. Stockholders are urged to read the actual text of the 2026 Plan in its entirety, which is appended to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
Administration. The 2026 Plan is administered by our compensation committee of the board of directors (we refer to the body administering the 2026 Plan as the “Committee”). The Committee, which is comprised of directors who satisfy the non-employee director definition under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, has full authority to select the individuals who will receive awards under the 2026 Plan, determine the form and amount of each of the awards to be granted and establish the terms and conditions of awards.
Limit on Non-Employee Director Compensation. Under the 2026 Plan, the following limits apply to non-employee directors. The aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid, as applicable, to any individual for service as a non-employee director with respect to any calendar year, including awards granted under the 2026 Plan and cash fees paid to such non-employee director, will not exceed $500,000 in total value. For purposes of these limitations, the value of awards is calculated based on the grant date fair value of such awards for financial reporting purposes.
Number of Shares of Common Stock. 2,000,000 shares will be available for issuance under the 2026 Plan. Shares issuable under the 2026 Plan may be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2026 Plan will automatically increase on January 1st of each calendar year, beginning on January 1, 2027 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2036 (each, an “Evergreen Date”) in an amount equal to 5% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on the December 31st immediately preceding the applicable Evergreen Date (the “Evergreen Increase”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, our board of directors may act prior to the Evergreen Date of a given year to provide that there will be no Evergreen Increase for such year, or that the Evergreen Increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares of common stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence. If there is a lapse, forfeiture, expiration, termination or cancellation of any award made under the 2026 Plan for any reason, the shares subject to the award will again be available for issuance. Any shares subject to an award that are delivered to us by a participant, or withheld by us on behalf of a participant, as payment for an award or payment of withholding taxes due in connection with an award will not again be available for issuance, and all such shares will count toward the number of shares issued under the 2026 Plan. The number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2026 Plan is subject to adjustment, in the event of any reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock distribution, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, subdivision, consolidation or exchange of shares, any change in the capital structure of the company or any similar corporate transaction. In each case, the Committee has the discretion to make adjustments it deems necessary to preserve the intended benefits under the 2026 Plan. No award granted under the 2026 Plan may be transferred, except by will, the laws of descent and distribution.
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Eligibility. All employees designated as key employees for purposes of the 2026 Plan, all non-employee directors and consultants are eligible to receive awards under the 2026 Plan. As of the Record Date, all employees and all four non-employee directors were eligible to participate in the 2026 Plan.
Awards to Participants. The 2026 Plan provides for discretionary awards of stock options, stock awards, stock unit awards and stock appreciation rights to participants. Each award made under the 2026 Plan will be evidenced by a written award agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the award as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, consistent with the terms of the 2026 Plan.
Stock Options. The Committee has the discretion to grant non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options to participants and to set the terms and conditions applicable to the options, including the type of option, the number of shares subject to the option and the vesting schedule; provided that the exercise price of each stock option will be not less than the closing price of the common stock on the date on which the option is granted (“fair market value”), each option will expire not more than ten years from the date of grant (or such shorter period as may be specified in the award agreement) and no dividend equivalents may be paid with respect to stock options.
In addition, an incentive stock option granted to a key employee is subject to the following rules: (i) the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the option is granted) of the shares of common stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by a key employee during any calendar year (under all incentive stock option plans of the company and its subsidiaries) cannot exceed $100,000, and if this limitation is exceeded, that portion of the incentive stock option that does not exceed the applicable dollar limit will be an incentive stock option and the remainder will be a non-qualified stock option; (ii) if an incentive stock option is granted to a key employee who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the company, the exercise price of the incentive stock option will be 110% of the closing price of the common stock on the date of grant and the incentive stock option will expire no later than five years from the date of grant; and (iii) no incentive stock option can be granted after ten years from the initial effective date of the 2026 Plan.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee has the discretion to grant stock appreciation rights to participants. The Committee determines the exercise price for a stock appreciation right, which cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right, we will pay the participant in common stock or in cash, at our discretion, an amount equal to the product of (1) the excess of the per share fair market value of our common stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price, multiplied by (2) the number of shares of common stock with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. The Committee has the discretion to set the terms and conditions applicable to the award, including the number of shares subject to the stock appreciation right and the vesting schedule, provided that each stock appreciation right will expire not more than ten years from the date of grant and no dividends or dividend equivalents shall be paid with respect to any stock appreciation right prior to the exercise of the stock appreciation right.
Stock Awards. The Committee has the discretion to grant stock awards to participants. Stock awards will consist of shares of common stock granted without any consideration from the participant or shares sold to the participant for appropriate consideration as determined by the Committee. The number of shares awarded to each participant, and the restrictions, terms and conditions of the award, will be at the discretion of the Committee. Subject to the restrictions, a participant will be a shareholder with respect to the shares awarded to him or her and will have the rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares, including the right to vote the shares and receive dividends on the shares; provided that dividends otherwise payable on any stock award subject to restrictions will be held by us and will be paid to the holder of the stock award only to the extent the restrictions on such stock award lapse.
Stock Units. The Committee has the discretion to grant stock unit awards to participants. Each stock unit entitles the participant to receive, on a specified date or event set forth in the award agreement, one share of common stock or cash equal to the fair market value of one share on such date or event, as provided in the award agreement. The number of stock units awarded to each participant, and the terms and conditions of the award, will be at the discretion of the Committee. Unless otherwise specified in the award agreement, a participant will not be a shareholder with respect to the stock units awarded to him prior to the date they are settled in shares of common stock. The award agreement may provide that until the restrictions on the stock units lapse, the participant will be paid an amount equal to the dividends that would have been paid had the stock units been actual shares; provided that such dividend equivalents will be held by us and paid only to the extent the restrictions lapse.
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Award Limits. The 2026 Plan contains a limit on the number of shares of common stock as to which any one recipient may receive stock options or stock appreciation rights in any calendar year to $1.0 million in total value (calculating the value of any such awards based on the grant date fair value of such awards for financial reporting purposes). In addition, the 2026 Plan contains a limit on the number of shares of common stock that may be used for stock awards and/or stock unit awards to any one recipient in any calendar year to $1.0 million in total value (calculating the value of any such awards based on the grant date fair value of such awards for financial reporting purposes). Each of the above limits is calculated separately and the issuance of stock options or stock appreciation rights will not limit the stock awards and/or stock unit awards that may also be issued to the same person. We believe this modification will prevent the volatility of our stock price from effecting our ability to plan future awards.
Payment for Stock Options and Withholding Taxes. The Committee may make one or more of the following methods available for payment of any award, including the exercise price of a stock option, and for payment of the tax obligation associated with an award: (i) cash; (ii) cash received from a broker-dealer to whom the holder has submitted an exercise notice together with irrevocable instructions to deliver promptly to us the amount of sales proceeds from the sale of the shares subject to the award to pay the exercise price or withholding tax; (iii) by directing us to withhold shares of common stock otherwise issuable in connection with the award having a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld; and (iv) by delivery of previously acquired shares of common stock that are acceptable to the Committee and that have an aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price or withholding tax, or certification of ownership by attestation of such previously acquired shares.
Provisions Relating to a “Change in Control” of the Company. Notwithstanding any other provision of the 2026 Plan or any award agreement, in the event of a “Change in Control” of the company, the Committee has the discretion to provide that all outstanding awards will become fully exercisable, all restrictions applicable to all awards will terminate or lapse, and performance goals applicable to any stock awards will be deemed satisfied at the target level. In addition, upon such Change in Control, the Committee has sole discretion to provide for the purchase of any outstanding stock option for cash equal to the difference between the exercise price and the then fair market value of the common stock subject to the option had the option been currently exercisable, make such adjustment to any award then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change in Control and cause any such award then outstanding to be assumed by the acquiring or surviving corporation after such Change in Control.
Amendment of Award Agreements; Amendment and Termination of the 2026 Plan; Term of the 2026 Plan. The Committee may amend any award agreement at any time, provided that no amendment may adversely affect the right of any participant under any agreement in any material way without the written consent of the participant, unless such amendment is required by applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule.
The Board may terminate, suspend or amend the 2026 Plan, in whole or in part, from time to time, without the approval of the stockholders, unless such approval is required by applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, and provided that no amendment may adversely affect the right of any participant under any outstanding award in any material way without the written consent of the participant, unless such amendment is required by applicable law, regulation or rule of any stock exchange on which the shares are listed.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the 2026 Plan nor any outstanding award agreement can be amended in a way that results in the repricing of a stock option. Repricing is broadly defined to include reducing the exercise price of a stock option or stock appreciation right or cancelling a stock option or stock appreciation right in exchange for cash, other stock options or stock appreciation rights with a lower exercise price or other stock awards. (This prohibition on repricing without stockholder approval does not apply in case of an equitable adjustment to the awards to reflect changes in the capital structure of the company or similar events.)
No awards may be granted under the 2026 Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the initial effective date of the 2026 Plan, which would be the date of the Annual Meeting if this Proposal 3 is approved.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The information set forth below is a summary only and does not purport to be complete. The information is based upon current U.S. federal income tax rules and therefore is subject to change when those rules change. Because the tax consequences to any recipient of an award may depend on his or her particular situation, each recipient should consult the recipient’s tax adviser regarding the federal, state, local, and other tax consequences of the grant or exercise of an award or the disposition of shares acquired as a result of an award. The 2026 Plan will not be qualified under the provisions of section 401(a) of the Code and will not be subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
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Non-Qualified Stock Options. A participant will not recognize any income at the time of grant. On the date the participant exercises the non-qualified stock option, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price. The participant will be responsible for remitting to us the withholding tax obligation that arises at the time the option is exercised. We generally will receive a tax deduction for the same amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant. When the participant sells these shares, any gain or loss recognized by the participant is treated as either short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on whether the participant has held the shares more than one year.
Incentive Stock Options. A participant will not recognize any income at the time of grant. If the participant is issued shares pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option, and if the participant does not make a disqualifying disposition of the shares within one year after the date of exercise or within two years after the date of grant, the participant will not recognize any income, for federal income tax purposes, at the time of the exercise. When the participant sells the shares issued pursuant to the incentive stock option, the participant will be taxed, for federal income tax purposes, as a long-term capital gain on any amount recognized by the participant in excess of the exercise price, and any loss sustained by the participant will be a long-term capital loss. No deduction will be allowed to us for federal income tax purposes. If, however, the participant sells the shares before the expiration of the holding periods, the participant will recognize ordinary income on the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value at exercise, and we generally will receive a tax deduction in the same amount. Upon exercise of an incentive stock option, the excess of the fair market value over the exercise price is an item of tax preference to the participant for purposes of determining the alternative minimum tax.
In order to qualify as an incentive stock option, the option must be exercised within three months after the participant’s termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability and within one year after termination of the participant’s employment due to disability. If the option is not exercised within this time period, it will be treated as a non-qualified stock option and taxed accordingly.
Stock Awards/Stock Units. If a participant receives a stock award, the participant will recognize ordinary income upon becoming entitled to transfer the shares at the end of the restriction period without forfeiture. A participant generally will recognize ordinary income when he receives cash or shares pursuant to the settlement of stock units, provided that if the shares are subject to any further restrictions on transfer, the participant will recognize ordinary income upon becoming entitled to transfer the shares at the end of the restriction period without forfeiture. The amount of income the participant recognizes will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on such date, or the amount of cash received less the amount paid by the participant for the shares. This amount will also be the participant’s tax basis for the shares. The participant will be responsible for remitting to us the withholding tax obligation that arises at the time the ordinary income is recognized. In addition, the holding period begins on the day the restrictions lapse, or the date the shares are received if not subject to any restrictions, for purposes of determining whether the participant has long-term or short-term capital gain or loss on a subsequent sale of the shares. We generally will be entitled to a deduction with respect to the ordinary income recognized by the participant.
If a participant who receives a stock award subject to restrictions makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days after the date of the grant, the participant will have ordinary income equal to the fair market value on the date of grant, less the amount paid by the participant for the shares, and the participant will recognize no additional income until the participant subsequently sells the shares. The participant will be responsible for remitting to us the withholding tax obligation that arises at the time the ordinary income is recognized. When the participant sells the shares, the tax basis will be equal to the fair market value on the date of grant and the holding period for capital gains purposes begins on the date of the grant. If the participant forfeits the shares subject to the Section 83(b) election, the participant will not be entitled to any deduction, refund, or loss for tax purposes (other than a capital loss with respect to the amount previously paid by the participant), and we will have to include the amount that was previously deducted from our gross income in the taxable year of the forfeiture.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A participant will not recognize any income at the time of the grant of a stock appreciation right. Upon exercise of the stock appreciation right, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the amount received upon exercise. The participant will be responsible for remitting to us the withholding tax obligation that arises at the time the ordinary income is recognized. We generally will be entitled to a deduction with respect to the ordinary income recognized by the participant.
Awards Granted Under the 2026 Plan
No awards have been granted under the 2026 Plan.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the shares of stock present or represented (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve Proposal 3. Abstentions shall have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval of the 2026 Plan.
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PROPOSAL 4:
THE REDOMESTICATION PROPOSAL
Introduction
Our Board has approved a proposal to redomesticate the Company from a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware to a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Nevada (the “Redomestication”). The Board recommends that stockholders approve the Redomestication and adopt the plan of conversion by which the Redomestication will be effectuated (the “Plan of Conversion”), which is included as Appendix B to this proxy statement and described in more detail below. Upon the completion of the Redomestication, the Company will become a Nevada corporation and will operate its business under its name “TruGolf Holdings, Inc.”
The Redomestication is expected to reduce the Company’s overall tax burden given the franchise taxes imposed on Delaware corporations. The Board also believes that the Redomestication in Nevada will give the Company a greater measure of flexibility and simplicity in corporate governance than is currently available under Delaware law and will provide for greater protection for our directors and officers from unmeritorious lawsuits. The Redomestication will not result in any change in the Company’s business, operations, management, assets, liabilities or net worth.
Accordingly, the Board believes that it is in the Company’s and stockholders’ best interests that the Company’s state of incorporation be changed from Delaware to Nevada.
Reasons for the Redomestication
The Board believes that there are several reasons the Redomestication is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. In particular, the Board believes that the Redomestication will allow the Company to take advantage of certain provisions of the corporate and tax laws of Nevada.
The Redomestication will eliminate the Company’s obligation to pay the annual Delaware franchise tax, which we expect will result in substantial savings to us over the long term. For example, based on our current capital structure and assets, the Company’s Delaware franchise taxes are expected to be approximately $79,000 per year if it remained a Delaware company. If the Company redomesticates in Nevada, its annual state-level fees are expected to include an annual business license fee of $500 and a fee of $150 for filing the Company’s annual list of directors and officers. In addition, in connection with the redomestication, the Company will be required to pay a one-time filing fee to file its articles of incorporation in Nevada, which is based on the number of authorized shares and their par value and is currently expected to be approximately $150.
In addition, the Redomestication will provide potentially greater protection from unmeritorious litigation for directors and officers of the Company. Delaware law permits a corporation to adopt provisions limiting or eliminating the liability of a director or an officer to a company and its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty, provided that the liability does not arise from certain proscribed conduct, including breach of the duty of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law. In contrast, Nevada law permits a broader exclusion of individual liability of both officers and directors to a company and its stockholders, providing for an exclusion of any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his or her capacity as a director or officer unless the presumption that the director or officer acted in good faith, on an informed basis and with a view to the interests of the company, has been rebutted, and it is proven that the director’s or officer’s act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer, and such breach involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. As a result, under Nevada law, directors and officers generally will not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages arising from alleged breaches of fiduciary duty unless it is proven that such individual engaged in intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law.
There is currently no known pending claim or litigation against any of our directors or officers for breach of fiduciary duty related to their service as directors or officers of the Company. Nevertheless, the directors and officers of the Company have an interest in the Redomestication to the extent that they will be entitled to such limitation of liability in the future. The Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to approve the Redomestication and to recommend that stockholders vote in favor of this proposal.
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Furthermore, by reducing the risk of lawsuits being filed against the Company’s directors and officers, the Redomestication may help us attract and retain qualified management. As previously discussed and for the reasons described below, we believe that, in general, Nevada law provides greater protection to our directors, officers and the Company than Delaware law. The increasing frequency of claims and litigation directed towards directors and officers has greatly expanded the risks facing directors and officers of public companies in exercising their duties. The amount of time and money required to respond to these claims and to defend these types of litigation matters can be substantial. Delaware law provides that every person becoming a director or officer of a Delaware corporation consents to the personal jurisdiction of the Delaware courts in connection with any action concerning the corporation. Accordingly, both directors and officers can be personally sued in Delaware, even though the director or officer has no other contacts with the state. Similarly, Nevada law provides that every person who accepts election or appointment, including reelection or reappointment, as a director or officer of a Nevada corporation consents to the personal jurisdiction of the Nevada courts in connection with all civil actions or proceedings brought in Nevada by, on behalf of or against the entity in which the director or officer is a necessary or proper party, or in any action or proceeding against the director or officer for a violation of a duty in such capacity, whether or not the person continues to serve as a director or officer at the time the action or proceeding is commenced. Though Delaware corporate law has recently been amended to, among other things, increase protections for officers of a corporation, we believe Nevada is more advantageous than Delaware because Nevada has pursued a statute-focused approach that does not depend upon judicial interpretation, supplementation and revision, and is intended to be stable, predictable and more efficient, whereas much of Delaware corporate law still consists of judicial decisions that migrate and develop over time.
The Redomestication is also expected to provide corporate flexibility in connection with certain corporate transactions. However, the Redomestication is not being effected to prevent a change in control, nor is it in response to any present attempt known to our Board to acquire control of the Company or obtain representation on the Board. Nevertheless, certain effects of the proposed Redomestication may be considered to have anti-takeover implications by virtue of being subject to Nevada law.
Principal Terms of the Redomestication
The Redomestication would be effected through a conversion pursuant to Section 266 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) as set forth in the Plan of Conversion. The Plan of Conversion provides that the Company will convert from a Delaware corporation into a Nevada corporation pursuant to Section 266 of the DGCL and Sections 92A.195 and 92A.205 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”).
The Plan of Conversion provides that upon the Redomestication each outstanding share of Class A common stock and each share of Class B common stock of the Delaware Corporation will be automatically converted into one outstanding share of Class A common stock or Class B common stock, respectively, of the Nevada Corporation. Similarly, each outstanding share of the Series A Preferred Stock of the Delaware Corporation will be automatically converted into one outstanding share of Series A Preferred Stock of the Nevada Corporation.
At the Effective Time (as defined below) of the Redomestication, the Class A common stock will continue to be traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the existing trading symbol, “TRUG”. There is not expected to be any interruption in the trading of the Class A common stock as a result of the Redomestication.
The Board currently intends that the Redomestication will occur as soon as practicable following the Annual Meeting. If the Redomestication is approved by stockholders, it is anticipated that the Redomestication will become effective at the date and time (the “Effective Time”) specified in each of (i) the Articles of Conversion to be executed and filed with the office of the Nevada Secretary of State in accordance with NRS 92A.205 and (ii) the Certificate of Conversion to be executed and filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of Delaware in accordance with Section 266 of the DGCL. However, the Redomestication may be delayed by the Board or the Plan of Conversion may be terminated and abandoned by action of the Board at any time prior to the Effective Time of the Redomestication, whether before or after the approval by the Company’s stockholders, if the Board determines for any reason that the consummation of the Redomestication should be delayed or would be inadvisable or not in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, as the case may be.
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Effects of the Redomestication
Following the Redomestication, the Company will be governed by the NRS instead of the DGCL, and the Company will be governed by the form of Nevada Articles of Incorporation (the “Nevada Charter”) and the form of Nevada Bylaws (the “Nevada Bylaws”), included as Appendix C and Appendix D, respectively, to this proxy statement. The Company’s current Charter, as amended (collectively, the “Delaware Charter”), and its current Bylaws (the “Delaware Bylaws”) will no longer be applicable following completion of the Redomestication.
Following completion of the Redomestication, the Company will continue to exist in the form of a Nevada corporation. By virtue of the Redomestication, all of the rights, privileges, and powers of the Delaware corporation, and all property, real, personal, and mixed, and all debts due to the Delaware corporation, as well as all other things and causes of action belonging to the Delaware corporation, will remain vested in the Nevada corporation and will be the property of the Nevada corporation. In addition, all debts, liabilities, and duties of the Delaware corporation will remain attached to the Nevada corporation and may be enforced against the Nevada corporation.
There will be no change in our business, properties, assets, obligations, or management as a result of the Redomestication. Our directors and officers immediately prior to the Redomestication will serve as our directors and officers following the completion of the Redomestication. We will continue to maintain our headquarters in Centerville, Utah.
Effect of Vote for the Redomestication
A vote in favor of this Redomestication Proposal is a vote to approve the Plan of Conversion and therefore the Redomestication. A vote in favor of the Redomestication Proposal is also effectively a vote in favor of the Nevada Charter and the Nevada Bylaws.
If the Redomestication Proposal fails to obtain the requisite vote for approval, the Redomestication will not be consummated and the Company will continue to be incorporated in Delaware and be subject to the Delaware Charter, Delaware Bylaws and the DGCL.
No Securities Act Consequences
The Company will continue to be a publicly held company following completion of the Redomestication, and its Class A common stock will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the corporate name, “TruGolf Holdings, Inc.” and its existing trading symbol “TRUG”. The Company will continue to file required periodic reports and other documents with the SEC. There is not expected to be any interruption in the trading of the Class A common stock as a result of the Redomestication. We and our stockholders will be in the same respective positions under the federal securities laws after the Redomestication as we and our stockholders were prior to the Redomestication.
Key Differences Between Delaware Charter and Bylaws and Nevada Charter and Bylaws
Following completion of the Redomestication, the Company will be governed by the NRS instead of the DGCL as well as the Nevada Charter and Nevada Bylaws, forms of which are included as Appendix C and Appendix D, respectively, to this proxy statement. Our current Delaware Charter and Delaware Bylaws will no longer be applicable following completion of the Redomestication.
Comparison of Stockholder Rights Under Delaware and Nevada Law
The rights of our stockholders are currently governed by the DGCL, the Delaware Charter and the Delaware Bylaws. Following completion of the Redomestication, the rights of our stockholders will be governed by the NRS, the Nevada Charter and the Nevada Bylaws.
The statutory corporate laws of Nevada, as governed by the NRS, are similar in many respects to those of Delaware, as governed by the DGCL. However, there are certain differences that may affect your rights as a stockholder, as well as the corporate governance of the Company. The following are brief summaries of material differences between the current rights of stockholders of the Company and the rights of stockholders of the Company following completion of the Redomestication. The following discussion does not provide a complete description of the differences that may affect you. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the NRS and DGCL as well as the Delaware Charter and Delaware Bylaws and the Nevada Charter and Nevada Bylaws.
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Increasing or Decreasing Authorized Capital Stock. The NRS allows the board of directors of a corporation, unless restricted by the articles of incorporation, to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares in a class or series of the corporation’s shares and correspondingly effect a forward or reverse split of any class or series of the corporation’s shares (and change the par value thereof) without a vote of the stockholders, so long as the action taken does not adversely change or alter any right or preference of the stockholders and does not include any provision or provisions pursuant to which only money will be paid or scrip issued to stockholders who hold 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the affected class and series. Delaware law has no similar provision.
If the Share Increase Proposal is approved, the Nevada Charter will reflect the increase in the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock and the corresponding increase in authorized capital stock. The Nevada Charter will thus authorize the following: 1,000,000,000 shares Class A common stock, 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. If the Share Increase Proposal is not approved, the Nevada Charter will be filed with the current authorized number of shares.
Cumulative Voting. Cumulative voting for directors entitles each stockholder to cast a number of votes that is equal to the number of voting shares held by such stockholder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected and to cast all such votes for one nominee or distribute such votes among up to as many candidates as there are positions to be filled. Cumulative voting may enable a minority stockholder or group of stockholders to elect at least one representative to the board of directors where such stockholders would not be able to elect any directors without cumulative voting.
Although the DGCL does not generally grant stockholders cumulative voting rights, a Delaware corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation for cumulative voting in the election of directors. The NRS also permits any Nevada corporation to provide in its articles of incorporation the right to cumulative voting in the election of directors as long as certain procedures are followed.
Neither the Delaware Charter nor the Nevada Charter provides for cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Vacancies. Under both the DGCL and the NRS, subject to the certificate or articles of incorporation and bylaws, vacancies on the board of directors, including those resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors, may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum. Any director so appointed will hold office for the remainder of the term of the director no longer on the board.
Removal of Directors. Under the DGCL, the holders of a majority of shares of each class entitled to vote at an election of directors may vote to remove any director or the entire board without cause unless (i) the board is a classified board, in which case directors may be removed only for cause, or (ii) the corporation has cumulative voting, in which case, if less than the entire board is to be removed, no director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against his or her removal would be sufficient to elect him or her. The NRS requires the vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares or class or series of shares of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote at an election of directors in order to remove a director or all of the directors. The articles of incorporation may provide for a voting threshold higher than two-thirds, but not lower. Furthermore, the NRS does not make a distinction between removals for cause and removals without cause.
The Delaware Charter requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the stock of the Company entitled to elect directors and effect their removal, but only for cause. On the other hand, the Nevada Charter requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the stock of the Company entitled to elect directors and effect their removal, with or without cause. Under NRS § 78.335, directors can be removed with or without cause, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws specifically require removal only for cause. The Nevada Charter provides that directors can be removed with or without cause.
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Fiduciary Duties and Business Judgment. Nevada, like most jurisdictions, requires that directors and officers of Nevada corporations exercise their powers in good faith and with a view to the interests of the corporation, but, unlike some other jurisdictions, fiduciary duties of directors and officers are codified in the NRS. As a matter of law, directors and officers are presumed to act in good faith, on an informed basis and with a view to the interests of the corporation in making business decisions. In performing such duties, directors and officers may exercise their business judgment through reliance on information, opinions, reports, financial statements and other financial data prepared or presented by corporate directors, officers or employees who are reasonably believed to be reliable and competent. Reliance may also be extended to legal counsel, public accountants, advisors, bankers or other persons reasonably believed to be competent, and to the work of a committee (on which the particular director or officer does not serve) if the committee was established and empowered by the corporation’s board of directors, and if the committee’s work was within its designated authority and was about matters on which the committee was reasonably believed to merit confidence. However, directors and officers may not rely on such information, opinions, reports, books of account or similar statements if they have knowledge concerning the matter in question that would make such reliance unwarranted.
Under Delaware law, members of the board of directors or any committee designated by the board of directors are similarly entitled to rely in good faith upon the records of the corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports and statements presented to the corporation by corporate officers, employees, committees of the board of directors or other persons as to matters such member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence, provided that such other person has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the corporation. Such appropriate reliance on records and other information protects directors from liability related to decisions made based on such records and other information. Both Delaware and Nevada law extend the statutory protection for reliance on such persons to corporate officers.
Flexibility for Decisions, Including Takeovers. Nevada provides directors with more discretion than Delaware in making corporate decisions, including decisions made in takeover situations. Under Nevada law, director and officer actions taken in response to a change or potential change in control are granted the benefits of the business judgment rule. However, in the case of an action to resist a change or potential change in control that impedes the rights of stockholders to vote for or remove directors, directors will only be given the benefit of the presumption of the business judgment rule if the directors have reasonable grounds to believe a threat to corporate policy and effectiveness exists and the action taken that impedes the exercise of the stockholders’ rights is reasonable in relation to such threat.
In exercising their powers, including in response to a change or potential change of control, directors and officers of Nevada corporations may consider all relevant facts, circumstances, contingencies or constituencies, which may include, without limitation, the effect of the decision on several corporate constituencies in addition to the stockholders, including the corporation’s employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy of the state and nation, the interests of the community and society in general, and the long-term as well as short-term interests of the corporation and its stockholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the corporation. To underscore the discretion of directors and officers of Nevada corporations, the NRS specifically states that such directors and officers are not required to consider the effect of a proposed corporate action upon any constituent as a dominant factor. Further, a director may resist a change or potential change in control of the corporation if the board of directors determines that the change or potential change of control is opposed to or not in the best interest of the corporation upon consideration of any relevant facts, circumstances, contingencies or constituencies, including that there are reasonable grounds to believe that, within a reasonable time, the corporation or any successor would be or become insolvent or subjected to bankruptcy proceedings.
The DGCL does not provide a similar list of statutory factors that corporate directors and officers may consider in making decisions. In a number of cases and in certain situations, Delaware law has been interpreted to provide that fiduciary duties require directors to accept an offer from the highest bidder regardless of the effect of such sale on the corporate constituencies other than the stockholders. Thus, the flexibility granted to directors of Nevada corporations when making business decisions, including in the context of a hostile takeover, are greater than those granted to directors of Delaware corporations.
Limitation on Personal Liability of Directors and Officers. The NRS and the DGCL each, by way of statutory provisions or permitted provisions in corporate charter documents, eliminate or limit the personal liability of directors and officers to the corporation or their stockholders for monetary damages for breach of a director’s fiduciary duty, subject to the differences discussed below.
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The DGCL precludes liability limitation for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct and for paying dividends or repurchasing stock out of other than lawfully available funds. Under the NRS, in order for a director or officer to be individually liable to the corporation or its stockholders or creditors for damages as a result of any act or failure to act, the presumption of the business judgment rule must be rebutted and it must be proven that the director’s or officer’s act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer and that the breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. Unlike the DGCL, however, the limitation on director and officer liability under the NRS does not distinguish the duty of loyalty or transactions from which a director derives an improper personal benefit, but does, pursuant to NRS 78.300, impose limited personal liability on directors for distributions made in violation of NRS 78.288. Further, the NRS permits a corporation to renounce in its articles of incorporation any interest or expectancy to participate in specific or specified classes or categories of business opportunities. Both the DGCL and the NRS permit limitation of liability which applies to both directors and officers, though the NRS expressly also applies this limitation to liabilities owed to creditors of the corporation. Furthermore, under the NRS, it is not necessary to adopt provisions in the articles of incorporation limiting personal liability of directors or officers as this limitation is provided by statute. Under Delaware law, the exculpation of officers is authorized only in connection with direct claims brought by stockholders, including class actions; however, the DGCL does not eliminate monetary liability of officers for breach of fiduciary duty arising out of claims brought by the corporation itself or for derivative claims brought by stockholders in the name of the corporation.
Both the Delaware Charter and the Nevada Charter provide a limitation to personal liability of a director or officer to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware and Nevada law, respectively.
Indemnification. The NRS and the DGCL each permit corporations to indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents in similar circumstances, subject to the differences discussed below.
In suits that are not brought by or in the right of the corporation, both jurisdictions permit a corporation to indemnify current and former directors, officers, employees and agents for attorneys’ fees and other expenses, judgments and amounts paid in settlement that the person actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the action, suit or proceeding. The person seeking indemnity may recover as long as he or she acted in good faith and believed his or her actions were either in the best interests of or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. Under the NRS, the person seeking indemnity may also be indemnified if he or she is not liable for breach of his or her fiduciary duties. Similarly, with respect to a criminal proceeding, the person seeking indemnification must not have had any reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
In derivative suits, a corporation in either jurisdiction may indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents for expenses that the person actually and reasonably incurred. A corporation may not indemnify a person if the person was adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless a court otherwise orders. No corporation may indemnify a party unless it decides that indemnification is proper. Under the DGCL, the corporation through its stockholders, directors or independent legal counsel will determine whether the conduct of the person seeking indemnity conformed with the statutory provisions governing indemnity. Under the NRS, the corporation through its stockholders, directors or independent counsel must determine that the indemnification is proper.
The NRS and the DGCL also each permit corporations to pay the expenses of officers and directors incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.
Under the NRS, the indemnification pursuant to the statutory mechanisms available under the NRS, as described above, does not exclude any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the articles of incorporation or any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, but unless ordered by a court, indemnification may not be made to or on behalf of any director or officer finally adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of any appeals taken therefrom, to be liable for intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, and such misconduct, fraud or violation was material to the cause of action.
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Both the Delaware Bylaws and the Nevada Bylaws include substantially similar provisions providing for indemnification, including advancement of expenses, consistent with the laws of the respective states. In addition, both the Delaware Charter and Nevada Charter provides for indemnification and advancement of expenses to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Director Compensation. The DGCL does not have a specific statute on the fairness of director compensation. In contrast, the NRS provides that, unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, the board of directors, without regard to personal interest, may establish the compensation of directors for services in any capacity. If the board of directors so establishes the compensation of directors, such compensation is presumed to be fair to the corporation unless proven unfair by a preponderance of the evidence.
Action by Written Consent of Directors. Both the DGCL and NRS provide that, unless the articles or certificate of incorporation or the bylaws provide otherwise, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the directors or a committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the board or committee, as the case may be, consent to the action in writing. Neither the Delaware Charter or Delaware Bylaws nor the Nevada Charter or Nevada Bylaws limit Board action by written consent.
Actions by Written Consent of Stockholders. Both the DGCL and NRS provide that, unless the articles or certificate of incorporation provides otherwise, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting if the holders of outstanding stock having at least the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting of stockholders consent to the action in writing. In addition, the DGCL requires the corporation to give prompt notice of the taking of corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent to those stockholders who did not consent in writing. There is no equivalent requirement under the NRS. Except with respect to changes to the preferred stock, neither the Delaware Charter nor the Nevada Charter allow stockholder action by written consent.
Dividends and Distributions. Delaware law is more restrictive than Nevada law with respect to dividend payments. Unless further restricted in the certificate of incorporation, the DGCL permits a corporation to declare and pay dividends out of either (i) surplus, or (ii) if no surplus exists, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year (provided that the amount of capital of the corporation is not less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets). The DGCL defines surplus as the excess, at any time, of the net assets of a corporation over its stated capital. In addition, the DGCL provides that a corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares only when the capital of the corporation is not impaired and only if such redemption or repurchase would not cause any impairment of the capital of the corporation.
The NRS provides that no distribution (including dividends on, or redemption or purchases of, shares of capital stock or distributions of indebtedness) may be made if, after giving effect to such distribution, (i) the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business, or, (ii) except as otherwise specifically permitted by the articles of incorporation, the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed at the time of a dissolution to satisfy the preferential rights of preferred stockholders. Directors may consider financial statements prepared on the basis of accounting practices that are reasonable in the circumstances, a fair valuation, including but not limited to unrealized appreciation and depreciation, and any other method that is reasonable in the circumstances.
Restrictions on Business Combinations. Both Delaware and Nevada law provide certain protections to stockholders in connection with certain business combinations. These protections can be found in NRS 78.411 to 78.444, inclusive, and Section 203 of the DGCL. Under Section 203 of the DGCL, certain “business combinations” with “interested stockholders” of the Company are subject to a three-year moratorium unless specified conditions are met. For purposes of Section 203, the term “business combination” is defined broadly to include (i) mergers with or caused by the interested stockholder; (ii) sales or other dispositions to the interested stockholder (except proportionately with the corporation’s other stockholders) of assets of the corporation or a subsidiary equal to 10% or more of the aggregate market value of either the corporation’s consolidated assets or its outstanding stock; (iii) the issuance or transfer by the corporation or a subsidiary of stock of the corporation or such subsidiary to the interested stockholder (except for transfers in a conversion or exchange or a pro rata distribution or certain other transactions, none of which increase the interested stockholder’s proportionate ownership of any class or series of the corporation’s or such subsidiary’s stock); or (iv) receipt by the interested stockholder (except proportionately as a stockholder), directly or indirectly, of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation or a subsidiary.
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The three-year moratorium imposed on business combinations by Section 203 of the DGCL does not apply if: (i) prior to the time on which such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) the interested stockholder owns 85% of the corporation’s voting stock upon consummation of the transaction that made him, her or it an interested stockholder (excluding from the 85% calculation shares owned by directors who are also officers of the target corporation and shares held by employee stock plans that do not permit employees to decide confidentially whether to accept a tender or exchange offer); or (iii) at or after the time on which such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, the board approves the business combination and it is also approved at a stockholder meeting by at least two-thirds (66-2/3%) of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.
In contrast, the NRS imposes a maximum moratorium of two years versus Delaware’s three-year moratorium on business combinations. However, NRS 78.411 to 78.444, inclusive, regulate combinations more stringently. First, an interested stockholder is defined as a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power. Second, the two-year moratorium can be lifted only by advance approval of the combination or the transaction by which such person first becomes an interested stockholder by a corporation’s board of directors or unless the combination is approved by the board and 60% of the corporation’s voting power not beneficially owned by the interested stockholder, its affiliates and associates, as opposed to Delaware’s provision that allows interested stockholder combinations with stockholder approval at the time of such combination. Finally, after the two-year period, a combination remains prohibited unless (i) it is approved by the board of directors, the disinterested stockholders or a majority of the outstanding voting power not beneficially owned by the interested stockholder and its affiliates and associates or (ii) the interested stockholders satisfy certain fair value requirements. But note that these statutes do not apply to any combination of a corporation and an interested stockholder after the expiration of four years after the person first became an interested stockholder. The combinations statutes in Nevada apply only to Nevada corporations with 200 or more stockholders of record. As of the record date, the Company has fewer than 200 stockholders of record.
Companies are entitled to opt out of the business combination provisions of the DGCL and NRS. The Company is subject to the business combination provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL and plans to be subject to the business combination provisions of NRS 78.411 to 78.444, inclusive, under the Nevada Charter.
Acquisition of Controlling Interests. In addition to certain restrictions on business combinations with interested stockholders, Nevada law also protects the corporation and its stockholders from persons acquiring a “controlling interest” in a corporation. The provisions can be found in NRS 78.378 to 78.3793, inclusive. Delaware law does not have similar provisions. Pursuant to NRS 78.379, any person who acquires a controlling interest in a corporation may not exercise voting rights on any control shares unless such voting rights are conferred by a majority vote of the disinterested stockholders of the issuing corporation at a special meeting of such stockholders held upon the request and at the expense of the acquiring person. NRS 78.3785 provides that a “controlling interest” means the ownership of outstanding voting shares of an issuing corporation sufficient to enable the acquiring person, individually or in association with others, directly or indirectly, to exercise (i) one fifth or more but less than one third, (ii) one third or more but less than a majority or (iii) a majority or more of the voting power of the issuing corporation in the election of directors, and once an acquirer crosses one of these thresholds, shares which it acquired in the transaction taking it over the threshold and within the 90 days immediately preceding the date when the acquiring person acquired or offered to acquire a controlling interest become “control shares” to which the voting restrictions described above apply. In the event that the control shares are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring person acquires control shares with a majority or more of all the voting power, any stockholder, other than the acquiring person, who does not vote in favor of authorizing voting rights for the control shares is entitled to demand payment for the fair value of such person’s shares, and the corporation must comply with the demand.
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NRS 78.378(1) provides that the control share statutes of the NRS do not apply to any acquisition of a controlling interest in an issuing corporation if the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation in effect on the 10th day following the acquisition of a controlling interest by the acquiring person provide that the provisions of those sections do not apply to the corporation or to an acquisition of a controlling interest specifically by types of existing or future stockholders, whether or not identified. In addition, NRS 78.3788 provides that the controlling interest statutes apply as of a particular date only to a corporation that has 200 or more stockholders of record, at least 100 of whom have addresses in Nevada appearing on the corporation’s stock ledger at all times during the 90 days immediately preceding that date, and which does business directly or indirectly in Nevada. NRS 78.378(2) provides that the corporation may impose stricter requirements if it so desires. Corporations are entitled to opt out of the above controlling interest provisions of the NRS.
Stockholder Vote for Mergers and Other Corporate Reorganizations. Under the DGCL, unless the certificate of incorporation specifies a higher percentage, the stockholders of a corporation that is being acquired in a merger or selling substantially all of its assets must authorize such merger or sale of assets by vote of an absolute majority of outstanding shares entitled to vote. The corporation’s board of directors must also approve such transaction. Similarly, under the NRS, a merger or sale of all assets requires authorization by stockholders of the corporation being acquired or selling its assets by at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, as well as approval of such corporation’s board of directors. Although a substantial body of case law has been developed in Delaware as to what constitutes the “sale of substantially all of the assets” of a corporation, it is difficult to determine the point at which a sale of virtually all, but less than all, of a corporation’s assets would be considered a “sale of all of the assets” of the corporation for purposes of Nevada law. It is possible that many sales of less than all of the assets of a corporation requiring stockholder authorization under Delaware law would not require stockholder authorization under Nevada law.
The DGCL and NRS have substantially similar provisions with respect to approval by stockholders of a surviving corporation in a merger. The DGCL does not require a stockholder vote of a constituent corporation in a merger (unless the corporation provides otherwise in its certificate of incorporation) if (i) the plan of merger does not amend the existing certificate of incorporation, (ii) each share of stock of such constituent corporation outstanding immediately before the effective date of the merger is an identical outstanding share after the effective date of merger and (iii) either no shares of the common stock of the surviving corporation and no shares, securities or obligations convertible into such stock are to be issued or delivered under the plan of merger, or the authorized unissued shares or treasury shares of the common stock of the surviving corporation to be issued or delivered under the plan of merger plus those initially issuable upon conversion of any other shares, securities or obligations to be issued or delivered under such plan do not exceed 20% of the shares of common stock of such constituent corporation outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger. The NRS does not require a stockholder vote of the surviving corporation in a merger under substantially similar circumstances. The Delaware Charter does not require a higher percentage to vote to approve certain corporate transactions. The Nevada Charter also does not specify a higher percentage.
Appraisal or Dissenter’s Rights. In both jurisdictions, dissenting stockholders of a corporation engaged in certain major corporate transactions are entitled to appraisal rights. Appraisal or dissenter’s rights permit a stockholder to receive cash generally equal to the fair value of the stockholder’s shares (as determined by agreement of the parties or by a court) in lieu of the consideration such stockholder would otherwise receive in any such transaction.
Under Section 262 of the DGCL, appraisal rights are generally available for the shares of any class or series of stock of a Delaware corporation in a merger, consolidation or conversion, provided that no appraisal rights are available with respect to shares of any class or series of stock if, at the record date for the meeting held to approve such transaction, such shares of stock, or depositary receipts in respect thereof, are either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders, unless the stockholders receive in exchange for their shares anything other than shares of stock of the surviving or resulting corporation (or depositary receipts in respect thereof), or of any other corporation that is listed on a national securities exchange or held by more than 2,000 holders of record, cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depositary receipts described above or any combination of the foregoing.
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In addition, Section 262 of the DGCL allows beneficial owners of shares to file a petition for appraisal without the need to name a nominee holding such shares on behalf of such owner as a nominal plaintiff and makes it easier than under Nevada law to withdraw from the appraisal process and accept the terms offered in the merger, consolidation or conversion. Under the DGCL, no appraisal rights are available to stockholders of the surviving or resulting corporation if the merger did not require their approval. The Delaware Charter and Delaware Bylaws do not provide for appraisal rights in addition to those provided by the DGCL.
Under the NRS, a stockholder is entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment for, the fair value of the stockholder’s shares in the event of (i) certain acquisitions of a controlling interest in the corporation, (ii) consummation of a plan of merger, if approval by the stockholders is required for the merger, regardless of whether the stockholder is entitled to vote on the merger or if the domestic corporation is a subsidiary and is merged with its parent, or if the domestic corporation is a constituent entity in a merger pursuant to NRS 92A.133, (iii) consummation of a plan of conversion to which the corporation is a party, (iv) consummation of a plan of exchange in which the corporation is a party, (v) any corporate action taken pursuant to a vote of the stockholders, if the articles of incorporation, bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors provides that voting or nonvoting stockholders are entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares, or (vi) any corporate action to which the stockholder would be obligated, as a result of the corporate action, to accept money or scrip rather than receive a fraction of a share in exchange for the cancellation of all the stockholder’s outstanding shares, except where the stockholder would not be entitled to receive such payment pursuant to NRS 78.205, 78.2055 or 78.207.
Holders of covered securities (generally those that are listed on a national securities exchange), any shares traded in an organized market and held by at least 2,000 stockholders of record with a market value of at least $20,000,000, and any shares issued by an open end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and which may be redeemed at the option of the holder at net asset value are generally not entitled to dissenter’s rights. However, this exception is not available if (i) the articles of incorporation of the corporation issuing the shares provide that such exception is not available, (ii) the resolution of the board of directors approving the plan of merger, conversion or exchange expressly provides otherwise or (iii) the holders of the class or series of stock are required by the terms of the corporate action to accept for the shares anything except cash, shares of stock or other securities as described in NRS 92A.390(3) or any combination thereof. The NRS prohibits a dissenting stockholder from voting his or her shares or receiving certain dividends or distributions after his or her dissent. The Nevada Charter and Nevada Bylaws do not provide for dissenter’s rights in addition to those provided by the NRS. The mechanics and timing procedures vary somewhat between Delaware and Nevada, but both require technical compliance with specific notice and payment protocols.
Special Meetings of the Stockholders. The DGCL permits special meetings of stockholders to be called by the board of directors or by any other person authorized in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws to call a special stockholder meeting. In contrast, the NRS permits special meetings of stockholders to be called by the entire board of directors, any two directors or the President, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise. Under the Delaware Charter and Delaware Bylaws, a special meeting of stockholders may be called by resolution of the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Chairman of the Board. The Nevada Bylaws contain identical provisions.
Special Meetings Pursuant to Petition of Stockholders. The DGCL provides that a director or a stockholder of a corporation may apply to the Court of Chancery of Delaware if the corporation fails to hold an annual meeting for the election of directors or there is no written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting for a period of 30 days after the date designated for the special meeting or, if there is no date designated, within 13 months after the last annual meeting.
Under the NRS, stockholders having not less than 15% of the voting interest may petition the district court to order a meeting for the election of directors if a corporation fails to call a meeting for that purpose within 18 months after the last meeting at which directors were elected.
Adjournment of Stockholder Special Meetings. Under the DGCL, if a meeting of stockholders is adjourned due to lack of a quorum and the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. At the adjourned meeting the corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting.
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In contrast, under the NRS, a corporation is not required to give any notice of an adjourned meeting or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting, other than by announcement at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless the board of directors of the corporation fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting or the meeting date is adjourned to a date more than 60 days later than the date set for the original meeting, in which case a new record date must be fixed and notice given.
Duration of Proxies. Under the DGCL, a proxy executed by a stockholder may not be voted after a period of three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. The Delaware Bylaws provide that a proxy is valid for three years, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Under the NRS, a proxy is effective only for a period of six months, unless it is coupled with an interest or unless otherwise provided in the proxy, which duration may not exceed seven years. The NRS also provides for irrevocable proxies, without limitation on duration, in limited circumstances. The proxy provisions in the Nevada Bylaws are consistent with the NRS.
Quorum and Voting. The DGCL provides that the certificate of incorporation and bylaws may establish quorum and voting requirements, but in no event shall quorum consist of less than one-third of the shares entitled to vote. If the certificate of incorporation and bylaws are silent as to specific quorum and voting requirements: (a) a majority of the shares entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders; (b) in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders; (c) directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors; and (d) where a separate vote by a class or series is required, a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or series shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter and, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares of such class or series present at the meeting shall be the act of such class or series or classes or series. A bylaw amendment adopted by stockholders which specifies the votes that shall be necessary for the election of directors shall not be further amended or repealed by the board. The Delaware Bylaws provide that the holders of a majority of the Company’s shares of capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation.
The NRS provides that, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, a majority of the voting power of the corporation, present in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders (regardless of whether the proxy has authority to vote on any matter), constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Under the NRS, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide for different proportions, action by the stockholders on a matter other than the election of directors is approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action. Unless provided otherwise in the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, directors are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders by plurality vote. The Nevada Bylaws provide that the holders of one-third of the Company’s stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided by law, the Nevada Charter or the Nevada Bylaws. Consistent with the NRS, the Nevada Bylaws also provide that, except as otherwise provided by law, in the Nevada Charter or the Nevada Bylaws, that action by the stockholders on a matter other than the election of directors is approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action.
Stockholder Inspection Rights. The DGCL grants any stockholder or beneficial owner of shares the right, upon written demand under oath stating the proper purpose thereof, either in person or by attorney or other agent, to inspect and make copies and extracts from a corporation’s stock ledger, list of stockholders and its other books and records for any proper purpose. A proper purpose is one reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder.
Inspection rights under Nevada law are more limited. The NRS grants any person who has been a stockholder of record of a corporation for at least six months immediately preceding the demand, or any person holding, or thereunto authorized in writing by the holders of, at least 5% of all of its outstanding shares, upon at least five days’ written demand the right to inspect in person or by agent or attorney, during usual business hours (i) the articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto, (ii) the bylaws and all amendments thereto and (iii) a stock ledger or a duplicate stock ledger, revised annually, containing the names, alphabetically arranged, of all persons who are stockholders of the corporation, showing their places of residence, if known, and the number of shares held by them respectively. A Nevada corporation may require a stockholder to furnish the corporation with an affidavit that such inspection is for a proper purpose related to his or her interest as a stockholder of the corporation.
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In addition, the NRS grants certain stockholders the right to inspect the books of account and records of a corporation for any proper purpose. The right to inspect the books of account and all financial records of a corporation, to make copies of records and to conduct an audit of such records is granted only to a stockholder who owns at least 15% of the issued and outstanding shares of a Nevada corporation, or who has been authorized in writing by the holders of at least 15% of such shares. However, these requirements do not apply to any corporation that furnishes to its stockholders a detailed annual financial statement or any corporation that has filed during the preceding 12 months all reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Business Opportunities. Under Delaware law, the corporate opportunity doctrine holds that a corporate officer or director may not generally and unilaterally take a business opportunity for his or her own if: (i) the corporation is financially able to exploit the opportunity; (ii) the opportunity is within the corporation’s line of business; (iii) the corporation has an interest or expectancy in the opportunity; and (iv) by taking the opportunity for his or her own, the corporate fiduciary will thereby be placed in a position inimical to his duties to the corporation. The DGCL permits a Delaware corporation to renounce, in its certificate of incorporation or by action of the board of directors, any interest or expectancy of the corporation in, or being offered an opportunity to participate in, specified business opportunities or specified classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the corporation or one or more of its officers, directors or stockholders.
Similar to the DGCL, the NRS permits a Nevada corporation to renounce, in its articles of incorporation or by action of the board of directors, any interest or expectancy to participate in specified business opportunities or specified classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the corporation or one or more of its officers, directors or stockholders. Neither the Company’s Delaware Charter, nor the Company’s Nevada Charter contain such provisions.
Potential Risks and Disadvantages of the Redomestication
Because of Delaware’s prominence as a state of incorporation for many large corporations, the Delaware courts have developed considerable expertise in dealing with corporate issues and a substantial body of case law has developed construing Delaware law and establishing public policies with respect to Delaware corporations. While Nevada also has encouraged incorporation in that state and has adopted comprehensive, modern and flexible statutes that it periodically updates and revises to meet changing business needs, Nevada case law concerning the effects of its statutes and regulations is more limited. As a result, the Company and its stockholders may experience less predictability with respect to the legality of certain corporate affairs and transactions and stockholders’ rights to challenge them, to the extent Nevada’s statutes do not provide a clear answer and a Nevada court must make a determination.
Also, underwriters and other members of the financial services industry may be less willing and able to assist the Company with capital-raising transactions because they might perceive Nevada’s laws as being less flexible or developed than those of Delaware. Certain investment funds, sophisticated investors and brokerage firms may likewise be less comfortable and less willing to invest in a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction other than Delaware whose corporate laws may be less understood or perceived to be unresponsive to stockholder rights.
The Company will also incur certain non-recurring costs in connection with the Redomestication, including legal and other transaction costs. A majority of these costs have already been incurred or will be incurred regardless of whether the Redomestication is ultimately completed. Many of the expenses that will be incurred are difficult to accurately estimate at the present time, and additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in connection with the Redomestication.
Regulatory Matters
The consummation of the Redomestication requires the filing of the Articles of Conversion and the Nevada Charter with the office of the Nevada Secretary of State and the Certificate of Conversion with the Office of the Secretary of State in Delaware. No other regulatory or governmental approvals or consents will be required in connection with the Redomestication.
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No Appraisal Rights
Under the DGCL, holders of our Class A common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights with respect to the Redomestication described in this Proposal.
If the Redomestication is completed, holders of record and beneficial owners of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock who (1) do not vote in favor of the approval of the Redomestication; (2) properly demand appraisal of their shares; (3) continuously hold of record or beneficially own their shares through the Effective Time; (4) otherwise comply with the procedures of Section 262 of the DGCL (“Section 262”); and (5) do not withdraw their demands or otherwise lose their rights to appraisal may, subject to the conditions thereof, seek appraisal of their shares in connection with the Redomestication under Section 262. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references in Section 262 and in this summary to a “stockholder” are to a record holder of Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock, all references in Section 262 and in this summary to “beneficial owner” mean a person who is the beneficial owner of shares of the Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock held either in voting trust or by a nominee on behalf of such person, and all references in Section 262 and in this summary to the word “person” mean any individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity.
The following discussion is not a complete statement of the law pertaining to appraisal rights under the DGCL and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of Section 262, which is available at the following URL, accessible without subscription or cost, which is incorporated herein by reference: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title8/c001/sc09/index.html#262. The following summary does not constitute any legal or other advice and does not constitute a recommendation that our stockholders exercise their appraisal rights under Section 262.
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE FULL TEXT OF SECTION 262 AS WELL AS THE INFORMATION DISCUSSED BELOW.
Under Section 262, if the Redomestication is completed, holders of record and beneficial owners of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock who (1) deliver a written demand for appraisal of such person’s shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock to us prior to the vote on the approval of the Redomestication; (2) do not vote, in person or by proxy, in favor of the proposal to approve the Redomestication; (3) continuously hold of record or beneficially own such shares on the date of making the demand for appraisal through the Effective Time; and (4) otherwise comply with the procedures set forth in Section 262 may be entitled to have their shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock appraised by the Delaware Court of Chancery and to receive payment in cash, in lieu of the Nevada Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock set forth in the Plan of Conversion, for the “fair value” of their shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock, exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the Redomestication, together with (unless the Delaware Court of Chancery in its discretion determines otherwise for good cause shown) interest, if any, on the amount determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery to be the fair value from the Effective Time through the date of payment of the judgment (or in certain circumstances described herein, on the difference between the amount determined to be the fair value and the amount paid by the converted corporation in the Redomestication to each person entitled to appraisal prior to the entry of judgment in the appraisal proceeding) as described further below.
Unless the Delaware Court of Chancery, in its discretion, determines otherwise for good cause shown, interest on the amount determined to be the fair value of the shares subject to appraisal will accrue and compound quarterly from the Effective Time through the date the judgment is paid at 5% over the Federal Reserve discount rate (including any surcharge) as established from time to time during such period (except that, if at any time before the entry of judgment in the proceeding, the converted corporation makes a voluntary cash payment to each person entitled to appraisal, interest will accrue thereafter only upon the sum of (x) the difference, if any, between the amount so paid and the fair value of the shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery and (y) interest theretofore accrued, unless paid at that time). The converted corporation is under no obligation to make such voluntary cash payment prior to such entry of judgment.
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Under Section 262, where a proposed conversion is to be submitted for approval at a meeting of stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to the meeting, must notify each of its stockholders of record as of the record date for notice of such meeting that appraisal rights are available and include in the notice a copy of Section 262 or information directing the stockholders to a publicly available electronic resource at which Section 262 may be accessed without subscription or cost. This proxy statement constitutes our notice to the holders of record and beneficial owners of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock that appraisal rights are available in connection with the Redomestication, and the full text of Section 262 is available at the following URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title8/c001/sc09/index.html#262. In connection with the Redomestication, any holder of record or beneficial owner of shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock who wishes to exercise appraisal rights, or who wishes to preserve such person’s right to do so, should review Section 262 carefully. Failure to strictly comply with the requirements of Section 262 in a timely and proper manner may result in the loss of appraisal rights under the DGCL. A person who loses appraisal rights will be entitled to receive the Nevada Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock described in the Plan of Conversion. Because of the complexity of the procedures for exercising the right to seek appraisal of shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock, we believe that if a person is considering exercising such rights, such person should seek the advice of legal counsel.
Stockholders or beneficial owners wishing to exercise the right to seek an appraisal of their shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock must do ALL of the following:
● such person must not vote in favor of the proposal to approve the Redomestication;
● such person must deliver to us a written demand for appraisal before the vote on the Redomestication at the annual meeting; and
● such person must continuously hold of record or beneficially own the shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock from the date of making the demand through the Effective Time (a person will lose appraisal rights if the person transfers the shares before the Effective Time).
As described below, within 120 days after the Effective Time, but not thereafter, an appraisal proceeding must be commenced by filing a petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery demanding a determination of the fair value of the shares held by all dissenting stockholders entitled to appraisal. The converted corporation is under no obligation, and has no present intention, to file a petition, and stockholders and beneficial owners should not assume that the converted corporation will file a petition or initiate any negotiations with respect to the fair value of the shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock.
Because a proxy that does not contain voting instructions will, unless revoked, be voted in favor of the approval of the Redomestication, each person who votes by proxy and who wishes to exercise appraisal rights must vote against the approval of the Redomestication or abstain.
Filing Written Demand
A person wishing to exercise appraisal rights must deliver to us, before the vote on the approval of the Redomestication at the annual meeting, a written demand for the appraisal of such person’s shares. In addition, that person must not vote or submit a proxy in favor of the approval of the Redomestication. A vote in favor of the approval of the Redomestication, in person at the annual meeting or by proxy (whether by mail or via the Internet or telephone), will constitute a waiver of appraisal rights in respect of the shares so voted and will nullify any previously filed written demands for appraisal. A person exercising appraisal rights must own or hold, as applicable, beneficially or of record, the shares on the date the written demand for appraisal is delivered and must continue to hold or own, as applicable, the shares through the Effective Time. A proxy that is submitted and does not contain voting instructions will, unless revoked, be voted in favor of the approval of the Redomestication, and it will constitute a waiver of such person’s right of appraisal and will nullify any previously delivered written demand for appraisal. Therefore, a stockholder who submits a proxy and who wishes to exercise appraisal rights must submit a proxy containing instructions to vote against the approval of the Redomestication or abstain from voting on the approval of the Redomestication. Neither voting against the approval of the Redomestication nor abstaining from voting or failing to vote on the proposal to approve the Redomestication will, in and of itself, constitute a written demand for appraisal satisfying the requirements of Section 262. The written demand for appraisal must be in addition to and separate from any proxy or vote on the approval of the Redomestication. A proxy or vote against the approval of the Redomestication will not constitute a demand. A person’s failure to make the written demand prior to the taking of the vote on the approval of the Redomestication at the annual meeting will constitute a waiver of appraisal rights.
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In the case of a written demand for appraisal made by a stockholder of record, the demand must reasonably inform us of the identity of the stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to demand an appraisal of such stockholder’s shares of Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock. In the case of a written demand for appraisal made by a beneficial owner, the demand must reasonably identify the record holder of the shares for which the demand is made, be accompanied by documentary evidence of such beneficial owner’s beneficial ownership of such stock and a statement that such documentary evidence is a true and correct copy of what it purports to be and provide an address at which such beneficial owner consents to receive notices given by the converted corporation and to be set forth on the verified list (as defined below).
All written demands for appraisal pursuant to Section 262 should be mailed or delivered to:
TruGolf Holdings, Inc.
600 North 1400 West
Centerville, Utah 84014
Attention: Corporate Secretary
At any time within 60 days after the Effective Time, any person entitled to appraisal rights who has not commenced an appraisal proceeding or joined that proceeding as a named party may withdraw such person’s demand for appraisal and accept the terms offered pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, by delivering to us, as the converted corporation, a written withdrawal of the demand for appraisal. Any withdrawal of a demand for appraisal made more than 60 days after the Effective Time may only be made with the written approval of the converted corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no appraisal proceeding in the Delaware Court of Chancery will be dismissed as to any person without the approval of the Delaware Court of Chancery, and such approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Delaware Court of Chancery deems just, including, without limitation, a reservation of jurisdiction (which we refer to as a “reservation”) for any application (as defined below) to the Delaware Court of Chancery; provided, however, that this will not affect the right of any person who has not commenced an appraisal proceeding or joined that proceeding as a named party to withdraw such person’s demand for appraisal and to accept the applicable Nevada Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock within 60 days after the Effective Time. If the Delaware Court of Chancery does not approve the dismissal of an appraisal proceeding with respect to a person, such person will be entitled to receive only the fair value determined in any such appraisal proceeding, which value could be less than, equal to or more than the value of the Nevada Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock being offered pursuant to the Plan of Conversion.
Notice by the Converted Corporation
If the Redomestication is completed, within ten days after the Effective Time, the converted corporation will notify each stockholder (including any beneficial owner) who has submitted a demand for appraisal in accordance with Section 262, and who has not voted in favor of the approval of the Redomestication, that the Redomestication has become effective and the effective date thereof.
Filing a Petition for Appraisal
Within 120 days after the Effective Time, but not thereafter, the converted corporation or any person who has complied with Section 262 and is otherwise entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262 may commence an appraisal proceeding by filing a petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery, with a copy served on the converted corporation in the case of a petition filed by any person other than the converted corporation, demanding a determination of the fair value of the shares held by all dissenting stockholders entitled to appraisal. The converted corporation is under no obligation, and has no present intention, to file a petition, and stockholders and beneficial owners should not assume that the converted corporation will file a petition or initiate any negotiations with respect to the fair value of the shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock. Accordingly, any persons who desire to have their shares of Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock appraised should initiate all necessary action to perfect their appraisal rights in respect of their shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock within the time and in the manner prescribed in Section 262. The failure to file such a petition within the period specified in Section 262 could nullify a previous written demand for appraisal.
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Within 120 days after the Effective Time, any person who has complied with the requirements for an appraisal of such person’s shares pursuant to Section 262 will be entitled, upon written request, to receive from the converted corporation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not voted in favor of the approval of the Redomestication and with respect to which we have received demands for appraisal, and the aggregate number of stockholders or beneficial owners holding or owning such shares (provided that, where a beneficial owner makes a demand for appraisal directly, the record holder of such shares will not be considered a separate stockholder holding such shares for purposes of this aggregate number). Such statement must be given within ten days after receipt by the converted corporation of the written request for such a statement or within ten days after the expiration of the period for delivery of demands for appraisal, whichever is later.
If a petition for an appraisal is duly filed by any person other than the converted corporation, service of a copy thereof must be made upon the converted corporation, which will then be obligated within 20 days after such service to file with the Delaware Register in Chancery a duly verified list (which we refer to as the “verified list”) containing the names and addresses of all persons who have demanded appraisal for their shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not been reached. The Delaware Court of Chancery may order the Register in Chancery to give notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing of such petition to the converted corporation and all of the persons shown on the verified list at the addresses stated therein. The costs of any such notice are borne by the converted corporation.
After notice is provided to the applicable persons as required by the Delaware Court of Chancery, at the hearing on such petition, the Delaware Court of Chancery will determine the persons who have complied with Section 262 and who have become entitled to appraisal rights thereunder. The Delaware Court of Chancery may require the persons who demanded appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by stock certificates to submit their stock certificates to the Register in Chancery for notation thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings. Accordingly, persons holding stock represented by stock certificates and wishing to seek appraisal of their shares are cautioned to retain their stock certificates pending resolution of the appraisal proceedings. If any person fails to comply with this requirement, the Delaware Court of Chancery may dismiss the proceedings as to such person. Upon application by the converted corporation or by any person entitled to participate in the appraisal proceeding, the Delaware Court of Chancery may, in its discretion, proceed to trial upon the appraisal prior to the final determination of the persons entitled to an appraisal. Any person whose name appears on the verified list may participate fully in all proceedings until it is finally determined that such person is not entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262.
Determination of Fair Value
After the Delaware Court of Chancery determines the persons entitled to appraisal, then the appraisal proceeding will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the Delaware Court of Chancery, including any rules specifically governing appraisal proceedings. Through such proceeding, the Delaware Court of Chancery will determine the “fair value” of the shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock, exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the Redomestication, together with interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount determined to be the fair value. Unless the Delaware Court of Chancery in its discretion determines otherwise for good cause shown, interest from the Effective Time through the date of payment of the judgment will be compounded quarterly and will accrue at five percent over the Federal Reserve discount rate (including any surcharge) as established from time to time during the period between the Effective Time and the date of payment of the judgment. However, the converted corporation has the right, at any time prior to the Delaware Court of Chancery’s entry of judgment in the proceedings, to make a voluntary cash payment to each person seeking appraisal. If the converted corporation makes a voluntary cash payment pursuant to subsection (h) of Section 262, interest will accrue thereafter only on the sum of (x) the difference, if any, between the amount paid by the converted corporation in such voluntary cash payment and the fair value of the shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery and (y) interest accrued before such voluntary cash payment, unless paid at that time.
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In determining fair value, the Delaware Court of Chancery will take into account all relevant factors. In Weinberger v. UOP, Inc., the Supreme Court of Delaware discussed the factors that could be considered in determining fair value in an appraisal proceeding, stating that “proof of value by any techniques or methods which are generally considered acceptable in the financial community and otherwise admissible in court” should be considered, and that “[f]air price obviously requires consideration of all relevant factors involving the value of a company.” The Delaware Supreme Court stated that, in making this determination of fair value, the court must consider market value, asset value, dividends, earnings, prospects, the nature of the enterprise and any other facts that could be ascertained as of the date of the transaction that “throw any light on future prospects” of the corporation. Section 262 provides that fair value is to be “exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation” of the transaction. In Cede & Co. v. Technicolor, Inc., the Delaware Supreme Court stated that such exclusion is a “narrow exclusion [that] does not encompass known elements of value,” but which rather applies only to the speculative elements of value arising from such accomplishment or expectation. In Weinberger, the Supreme Court of Delaware also stated that “elements of future value, including the nature of the enterprise, which are known or susceptible of proof as of the date of the [transaction] and not the product of speculation, may be considered.”
Persons considering seeking appraisal should be aware that the fair value of their shares as so determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery could be more than, the same as or less than the value of the Nevada Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock they would receive pursuant to the Redomestication if they did not seek appraisal of their shares. ALTHOUGH WE BELIEVE THAT THE VALUE OF THE NEVADA CORPORATION CLASS B COMMON STOCK AND SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE REDOMESTICATION IS FAIR, NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE AS TO THE OUTCOME OF THE APPRAISAL OF FAIR VALUE AS DETERMINED BY THE DELAWARE COURT OF CHANCERY, AND STOCKHOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT SUCH AN APPRAISAL COULD RESULT IN A DETERMINATION OF A VALUE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN, OR THE SAME AS, THE VALUE OF THE NEVADA CORPORATION CLASS B COMMON STOCK AND SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE REDOMESTICATION. We do not anticipate offering more than the applicable shares of Nevada Corporation Class B common stock in connection with the Redomestication to any persons exercising appraisal rights, and we reserve the right to make a voluntary cash payment pursuant to subsection (h) of Section 262 and to assert, in any appraisal proceeding, that for purposes of Section 262, the “fair value” of a share of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock is less than the value of the Nevada Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock to be issued in connection with the Redomestication. If a petition for appraisal is not timely filed, then the right to an appraisal will cease.
The Delaware Court of Chancery will direct the payment of the fair value of the shares, together with interest, if any, by the converted corporation to the persons entitled thereto. Payment will be so made to each such person upon such terms and conditions as the Delaware Court of Chancery may order. The Delaware Court of Chancery’s decree may be enforced as other decrees in such Delaware Court of Chancery may be enforced.
The costs of the appraisal proceedings (which do not include attorneys’ fees or the fees and expenses of experts) may be determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery and taxed upon the parties as the Delaware Court of Chancery deems equitable under the circumstances. Upon application of a person whose name appears on the verified list who participated in the proceeding and incurred expenses in connection therewith (which we refer to as an “application”), the Delaware Court of Chancery may also order that all or a portion of such expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and the fees and expenses of experts, be charged pro rata against the value of all the shares entitled to an appraisal that were not dismissed pursuant to the terms of Section 262 or subject to an award pursuant to a reservation. In the absence of such determination or assessment, each party bears its own expenses.
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If any person who demands appraisal of shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock under Section 262 fails to perfect, or loses or validly withdraws, such person’s right to appraisal, such person’s shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock will be deemed to have been converted at the Effective Time into the right to receive shares of Nevada Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock in connection with the Redomestication. A person will fail to perfect, or effectively lose, such person’s right to appraisal if no petition for appraisal is filed within 120 days after the Effective Time or if the person delivers to the converted corporation a written withdrawal of such person’s demand for appraisal and an acceptance of the applicable shares of Nevada Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock in connection with the Redomestication in accordance with Section 262.
From and after the Effective Time, no person who has demanded appraisal rights in compliance with Section 262 will be entitled to vote such shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and Series A Preferred Stock for any purpose or to receive payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock (except dividends or other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date which is prior to the Effective Time).
Failure to comply strictly with all of the procedures set forth in Section 262 may result in the loss of appraisal rights. Consequently, any person wishing to exercise appraisal rights is encouraged to consult legal counsel before attempting to exercise those rights.
As of January 20, 2026, we had three holders of record of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock and 199,999 shares of our Delaware Corporation Class B common stock outstanding.
As of January 26, 2026, we had five holders of record of our Delaware Corporation Series A Preferred Stock and 4,802 shares of our Delaware Corporation Series A Preferred Stock outstanding.
No Exchange of Stock Certificates Required
Stockholders will not have to exchange their existing stock certificates for new stock certificates.
No Material Accounting Implications
Effecting the Redomestication will not have any material accounting implications.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Redomestication to holders of the shares of the common stock of the Company as a Delaware corporation (the “Delaware Common Stock”), each of which shares shall be converted into one share of common stock of the Company as a Nevada corporation (the “Nevada Common Stock”) in connection with the Redomestication.
This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable Treasury regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder (collectively, the “Treasury Regulations”), judicial authority, and administrative rulings and practice, all as in effect as of the date of this proxy statement, and all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought and will not seek an opinion from counsel or any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Redomestication, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a contrary position to the U.S. federal income tax consequences described below or that any such contrary position will not be sustained by a court. This discussion is limited to holders of the Delaware Common Stock that are U.S. holders (as defined below) who hold their shares of Delaware Common Stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. Further, this discussion does not discuss all tax considerations that may be relevant to holders of the Delaware Common Stock in light of their particular circumstances (including the Medicare tax imposed on net investment income and the alternative minimum tax), nor does it address any tax consequences to holders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as tax-exempt entities, partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein), mutual funds, regulated investment companies, holders that acquired their shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers or traders in securities, holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, U.S. expatriates and former citizens or former long-term residents of the United States, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, non-U.S. persons, and holders that hold their shares of common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale, synthetic security, integrated investment, or other risk-reduction transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This discussion does not address any U.S. federal estate, gift, or other non-income tax consequences or any state, local, or foreign tax consequences.
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For purposes of this section, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of the Delaware Common Stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual that is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof; (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust, if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or (b) it has a valid election in place under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of the Delaware Common Stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding shares of the Delaware Common Stock should consult his, her or its tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the Redomestication.
Treatment of the Redomestication. Subject to the caveats and qualifications noted above, we intend the Redomestication, under U.S. federal income tax law, to qualify as a tax-free “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code. Assuming the Redomestication qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code, then, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
● no gain or loss is expected to be recognized by, and no amount is expected to be included in the income of, a holder of the Delaware Common Stock upon the conversion of such Delaware Common Stock into the Nevada Common Stock in connection with the Redomestication;
● the aggregate tax basis of the shares of the Nevada Common Stock received by a holder of shares of the Delaware Common Stock in connection with the Redomestication is expected to equal the aggregate tax basis of the shares of the Delaware Common Stock converted into such shares of the Nevada Common Stock; and
● the holding period of the shares of the Nevada Common Stock received by a holder of the Delaware Common Stock in connection with the Redomestication is expected to include the holding period of the common stock converted into such shares of the Nevada Common Stock.
Stockholders that have acquired different blocks of the Delaware Common Stock at different times or at different prices, and whose blocks of such common stock are converted into shares of Nevada Common Stock in connection with the Redomestication, should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of their aggregate tax basis among, and the holding period of, such shares of the Nevada Common Stock.
Information Reporting. A U.S. holder of the Delaware Common Stock that owns at least 5% of the outstanding stock of the Company (by vote or value) immediately before the Redomestication will generally be required to attach to such holder’s U.S. federal income tax return for the year in which the Redomestication occurs a statement setting forth certain information relating to the Redomestication, including the aggregate fair market value and tax basis of the stock of such holder converted in connection with the Redomestication. Holders of the Delaware Common Stock should consult their tax advisors to determine whether they are required to provide the foregoing statement.
THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. MOREOVER, THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT ADDRESS ANY NON-INCOME, STATE, LOCAL, OR NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REDOMESTICATION. ALL HOLDERS OF THE DELAWARE COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REDOMESTICATION TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS, AS WELL AS TAX RETURN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX AND THE EFFECT OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE TAX LAWS.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of our shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve the Redomestication Proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the Redomestication Proposal.
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PROPOSAL 5:
SHARE INCREASE PROPOSAL
Introduction
Our Board has approved, subject to stockholder approval, an increase in the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock from 650,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 and to make a corresponding change to the number of authorized shares of capital stock.
We currently have a total of 670,000,000 shares of capital stock authorized under our Charter, consisting of (a) 660,000,000 shares of common stock, including 650,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, and (b) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
If this proposal and the Redomestication Proposal are approved, the increase in authorized shares of our Class A common stock will be reflected in the Nevada Charter filed with the office of the Secretary of State of Nevada.
If the Share Increase Proposal and Redomestication Proposal are approved by our stockholders, our Board will be authorized, in its discretion, to file the Nevada Charter reflecting the increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 660,000,000 to 1,010,000,000 and the increase in the number of authorized shares of all classes of stock from 670,000,000 to 1,020,000,000. The number of shares of authorized preferred stock would remain unchanged.
Following the increase in authorized shares, 1,000,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock will be authorized. There will be no changes to the issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, or preferred stock as a result of the amendment.
Background and Purpose of the Proposal
Our Board has determined that it would be in the Company’s best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock in order to provide the Company with additional flexibility to issue Class A common stock for a variety of general corporate purposes as the Board may determine to be desirable including, without limitation, future financings, investment opportunities, acquisitions, or other distributions and stock splits (including splits effected through the declaration of stock dividends), without the need to obtain additional stockholder approvals. Each additional authorized share of common stock would have the same rights and privileges as each share of currently authorized Class A common stock.
Further, the Board believes that unless we obtain stockholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock, we will be severely limited by the inability to issue additional shares pursuant to awards under our equity incentive plan or in connection with future capital raising transactions or strategic transactions. This may cause a delay in our future capital raising or other strategic transactions and may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Consequences of Not Approving this Proposal
If this proposal is not approved by our stockholders, our financing alternatives may be limited by the lack of any available unissued and unreserved authorized shares of common stock, and stockholder value may be harmed by this limitation. In addition, our future success depends upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly-skilled employees, and if this proposal is not approved by our stockholders, the lack of any available unissued and unreserved authorized shares of common stock to provide future equity incentive opportunities could adversely impact our ability to achieve these goals. In short, if our stockholders do not approve this proposal, we may not be able to access the capital markets, complete corporate collaborations, partnerships or other strategic transactions, attract, retain and motivate employees, and pursue other business opportunities integral to our growth and success.
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Rights of Additional Authorized Shares
If and when issued, the additional Class A common stock to be authorized by the filing of the Nevada Charter would have rights and privileges identical to our currently outstanding Class A common stock.
Potential Adverse Effects of Increase in Authorized Common Stock
The authorization of additional shares of Class A common stock sought by this proposal would not have any immediate dilutive effect upon the proportionate voting power or rights of our existing stockholders; however, to the extent that the additional authorized shares of Class A common stock are issued in the future, including in connection with future capital raising transactions or strategic transactions, such issuance will decrease existing stockholders’ percentage equity ownership and will be dilutive to existing stockholders and could have a negative effect upon the market price of the Class A common stock. Our stockholders do not have preemptive rights, which means they do not have the right to purchase shares in any future issuance of Class A common stock in order to maintain their proportionate ownership of Class A common stock.
Anti-Takeover Effects
The increased proportion of unissued authorized shares, compared to issued shares could, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect (for example, by permitting issuances that would dilute the stock ownership of a person seeking to effect a change in the composition of our Board or contemplating a tender offer or other transaction for our combination with another company). However, the Share Increase Proposal is not being proposed in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate shares of our Class A common stock or obtain control of our Company, nor is it part of a plan by management to recommend a series of similar amendments to our Board and stockholders.
Timing of Proposed Amendment
If both the Redomestication Proposal and this proposal are approved, the Board will have the authority to file the Nevada Charter with the Secretary of State of Nevada to implement the increase in the authorized number of shares of Class A common stock and corresponding change to the number of authorized shares of capital stock. The actual timing for implementation of the Nevada Charter would be determined by the Board based upon its evaluation as to when such action would be most advantageous to the Company and its stockholders. For more information on the Nevada Charter, please see the Redomestication Proposal. Notwithstanding approval of this proposal by our stockholders, the Board will have the sole authority to elect whether or not to file the Nevada Charter with the increased number of authorized shares. If the Board should decide to file the Nevada Charter with the office of the Secretary of State of Nevada with the increased number of authorized shares per this proposal, the increase in the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock will become effective on the date it is filed.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The approval of Proposal 5 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the votes cast (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes and abstentions will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of the proposal.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the Share Increase Proposal.
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PROPOSAL 6: THE NASDAQ PROPOSAL
Background and Description of the Issuance Proposal
On May 14, 2025, we entered into an Equity Purchase Facility Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with SZOP Opportunities I LLC (the “Investor”) pursuant to which, subject to certain conditions precedent contained therein, we have the right to issue and sell to the Investor, from time to time, and the Investor shall purchase from the Company, up to an aggregate of $20 million (the “Commitment Amount”) in newly issued shares of our Class A common stock.
We are submitting this Proposal 6 to you in order to obtain the requisite stockholder authorization in accordance with The Nasdaq Listing Rules to sell 20% or more of our issued and outstanding Class A common stock to the Investor (as of the date we entered into the Purchase Agreement), if we so choose, as more fully described below.
Description of Purchase Agreement
Under the terms and subject to the conditions of the Purchase Agreement, we have the right, but not the obligation, to sell to the Investor, and the Investor is obligated to purchase up to $20.0 million worth of shares of Class A common stock. Such sales of Class A common stock by us, if any, will be subject to certain limitations, and may occur from time to time, at our sole discretion, over the 36-month period commencing after certain conditions have been satisfied (“Commencement Date”) pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Purchase Agreement, at any time until the Purchase Agreement is terminated, we, in our sole discretion, have the right, but not the obligation, to issue and sell to the Investor, and the Investor must subscribe for and purchase from the Company, Class A common stock (“Advance Shares”) by the delivery to the Investor of Advance Notices (as defined below). We must, in our sole discretion, select the number of Advance Shares, not to exceed the Maximum Advance Amount (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), we desires to issue and sell to the Investor in each Advance Notice and the time we desire to deliver each written notice to the Investor setting forth the number of Advance Shares that we desire to issue and sell to the Investor (the “Advance Notice”). There are no mandatory minimum Advances and there are no non-usage fees for not utilizing the Commitment Amount or any part thereof. The price per Advance Share will be determined by multiplying the market price by 93% in respect of an Advance Notice.
In connection with entering into the Purchase Agreement, we agreed to issue a commitment fee in an amount equal to 1.00% of the Commitment Amount (the “Commitment Fee”) by the issuance to the Investor of such number of shares of Class A common stock (collectively, the “Commitment Shares”) that is equal to the Commitment Fee divided by the lowest daily VWAP of the Class A common stock during the ten trading days immediately prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement registering the resale of the Advance Shares and Commitment Shares. Fifty percent of the Commitment Shares are due and must be issued on the date this Proposal 6 is approved and the remaining fifty percent of such Commitment Shares will be due and issued on the date we deliver the first Advance Notice to the Investor, provided that such Advance Notice is received prior to the six month anniversary of the Effective Date.
In connection with entering into the Purchase Agreement with the Investor, we also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “RRA”) with the Investor. Pursuant to the RRA, we agreed to register the resale the shares that are to be issued to the Investor under the Purchase Agreement.
In all instances, we may not sell shares of our Class A common stock to the Investor under the Purchase Agreement if it would result in the Investor beneficially owning more than 4.99% of our Class A common stock.
We currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities to the Investor for working capital and general corporate purposes.
Requirement to Seek Stockholder Approval
As a result of our listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, issuances of our Class A common stock are subject to the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, including Rule 5635(d), which requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to the issuance of securities in connection with a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by us of shares of our Class A common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of our Class A common stock ) at a price less than the lower of: (i) the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement; or (ii) the average Nasdaq Official Closing Price of the Class A common stock (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement if such issuance would result in the issuance of more than 19.99% of the shares of our Class A common stock outstanding immediately prior to the execution of the agreements related to such issuance (the “Nasdaq 20% Rule”).
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Under the Nasdaq 20% Rule, in no event may we issue or sell to the Investor under the Purchase Agreement more than 19.99% of the shares of our Class A common stock outstanding immediately prior to the execution of the Purchase Agreement (which was approximately 125,669 shares, including the Commitment Shares, based on 628,343 shares outstanding immediately prior to the execution of the Purchase Agreement) (the “Exchange Cap”), unless (i) we obtain stockholder approval to issue shares of Class A common stock in excess of the Exchange Cap or (ii) the average price of all shares of Class A common stock issued to the Investor under the Purchase Agreement equals or exceeds the lower of (A) the official closing price of our Class A common stock on Nasdaq on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the Purchase Agreement and (B) the average official closing price of our Class A common stock on Nasdaq for the five consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the Purchase Agreement, as adjusted under applicable Nasdaq rules to take into account the issuance of shares of the Commitment Shares to the Investor for non-cash consideration as payment of the commitment fee described above so that the Exchange Cap limitation would not apply to issuances and sales of our Class A common stock under the Purchase Agreement pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq (the “Minimum Price”).
As of the Record Date, we had not issued any shares under the Purchase Agreement, leaving 125,669 shares of our Class A common stock minus the Commitment Shares available for issuance under the Purchase Agreement without (i) seeking stockholder approval or (ii) assuming the average price per share of such shares equals or exceeds the Minimum Price. In any event, the Purchase Agreement specifically provides that we may not issue or sell any shares of our common stock under the Purchase Agreement if such issuance or sale would breach any applicable Nasdaq rules, including the Nasdaq 20% Rule. Based on the closing sale price of our common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Capital Market on January 20, 2026, to fully utilize the amount available to us, we would need to issue 23,529,412 shares of Class A common stock to the Investor (which excludes the Commitment Shares), which would be in excess of the Nasdaq 20% Rule. Accordingly, in order to be able to sell to the Investor the full amount available under the Purchase Agreement, we are seeking stockholder approval to issue 20% or more of our outstanding shares as of the date we entered into the Purchase Agreement with the Investor.
Effect of Failure to Obtain Stockholder Approval
If the stockholders do not approve Proposal 6, we will be unable to issue shares of Class A common stock to the Investor pursuant to the Purchase Agreement in excess of the Exchange Cap if sold at a price less than the Minimum Price.
Effect of Approval
Upon obtaining the stockholder approval requested in this Proposal 6, we would no longer be bound by the Nasdaq 20% Rule restriction on issuances of Class A common stock to the Investor. If this Proposal is approved by our stockholders, we would be able to issue more than the original Exchange Cap (or 125,669 shares, which includes the Commitment Shares) to the Investor under the Purchase Agreement at a price less than the Minimum Price. The maximum number of shares of Class A common stock that we may issue would fluctuate from time to time based on the price of our Class A common stock; however we would seek additional stockholder approval before agreeing to any increase in the value of the shares of Class A common stock we may issue to the Investor under the Purchase Agreement above $20.0 million. In addition, the additional shares that we could issue to the Investor will result in greater dilution to existing stockholders and may result in a decline in our stock price or greater price volatility. Each additional share of Class A common stock that would be issuable to the Investor would have the same rights and privileges as each share of our currently authorized Class A common stock.
Reasons for Transaction and Effect on Current Stockholders
Our Board has determined that the Purchase Agreement with the Investor is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders because the right to sell shares to the Investor provides the Company with a potential source of capital and the ability to access that capital when and as needed.
The Purchase Agreement does not affect the rights of the holders of outstanding Class A common stock, but the sale of shares to the Investor pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement will have a dilutive effect on the existing stockholders, including the voting power and economic rights of the existing stockholders.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the shares of stock present or represented (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve the Nasdaq Proposal. Abstentions shall have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval, for purposes of complying with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), of the issuance of more than 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock pursuant to the Company’s Purchase Agreement.
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PROPOSAL 7:
ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
Overview
If the Annual Meeting is convened and a quorum is present, but there are not sufficient votes to approve one or more of Proposals 2-6 one or more of our proxy holders may move to adjourn the Annual Meeting at that time in order to enable our Board to solicit additional proxies.
In this proposal, we are asking our stockholders to authorize one or more of our proxy holders to adjourn the Annual Meeting to another time and place, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes to approve one or more of Proposals 2-6. If our stockholders approve this proposal, one or more of our proxy holders can adjourn the Annual Meeting and any adjourned session of the Annual Meeting to allow for additional time to solicit additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from our stockholders that have previously voted. Among other things, approval of this proposal could mean that, even if we had received proxies representing a sufficient number of votes to defeat Proposals 2-6, we could adjourn the Annual Meeting without a vote on such proposals and seek to convince our stockholders to change their votes in favor of such proposals.
If it is necessary to adjourn the Annual Meeting, no notice of the adjourned meeting is required to be given to our stockholders, other than an announcement at the Annual Meeting of the time and place to which the Annual Meeting is adjourned, so long as the meeting is adjourned for 30 days or less and no new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting. At the adjourned meeting, we may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the shares of stock present or represented (in person or by proxy) at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve the Adjournment Proposal. Abstentions shall have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval to authorize the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of one or more of Proposals 2-6.
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AVAILABILITY OF ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Copies of the TruGolf Holdings, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, are available without charge (except for exhibits, which are available upon payment of a reasonable fee) upon written request to TruGolf Holdings, Inc., 60 North 1400, West Centerville, Utah 84014.
OTHER PROPOSED ACTION
Our Board of Directors does not intend to bring any other matters before the Annual Meeting, nor does it know of any matters which other persons intend to bring before the Annual Meeting. If, however, other matters not mentioned in this proxy statement properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy will vote thereon in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors.
HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for the Notice of Internet Availability with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice of Internet Availability addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
A number of brokers with account holders who are the Company’s stockholders may be “householding” our proxy materials. A single copy of these proxy materials may be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be householding communications to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate copy of the proxy materials, please (1) notify your broker, or (2) direct your written request to TruGolf Holdings, Inc., 60 North 1400, West Centerville, Utah 84014, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy materials at their address and would like to request householding of their communications should contact their brokers. In addition, upon written request to the address set forth above, we will promptly deliver a separate copy of the proxy materials to any stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND SUBMISSIONS
In order to be eligible for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy for our next Annual Meeting, a proposal of a stockholder, including the submission of a stockholder nominee for election to our Board of Directors, must be received at our principal executive offices no later than December 11, 2026. For any proposal that a stockholder wishes to propose for consideration at our next Annual Meeting but does not wish to include in the proxy materials for that meeting, our Bylaws require that the submission must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of our previous year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received, not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the tenth day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made by us; provided, further, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received, not later than the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the tenth day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made by us. The notice of the proposal also must comply with the content requirements for such notices set forth in our Bylaws.
To comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than our nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than December 11, 2026. The requirements under the universal proxy rules are in addition to the applicable procedural requirements under our Bylaws.
Whether or not you expect to be present at the Annual Meeting, please sign and return the enclosed proxy promptly. Your vote is important. If you are a stockholder of record and attend the Annual Meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw your proxy at any time prior to the vote.
| By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
| /s/ Christoper Jones | |
| Christopher Jones | |
| Chief Executive Officer | |
| January 26, 2026 |
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Appendix A
TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.
2026 STOCK PLAN
Section 1. Establishment and Purpose.
The Board of Directors of TruGolf Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) established the TruGolf Holdings, Inc. 2026 Stock Plan (the “Plan”) effective as of the Company’s stockholders’ approval of the Plan on ______, 2026.
1.2 The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain outstanding individuals as Key Employees, Directors and Consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to recognize the contributions made to the Company and its Subsidiaries by Key Employees, Directors and Consultants, and to provide such Key Employees, Directors and Consultants with additional incentive to expand and improve the profits and achieve the objectives of the Company and its Subsidiaries, by providing such Key Employees, Directors and Consultants with the opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary interest in the Company through receipt of Awards.
Section 2. Definitions.
As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
2.1 “Award” means any award or benefit granted under the Plan, which shall be a Stock Option, a Stock Award, a Stock Unit Award or an SAR.
2.2 “Award Agreement” means, as applicable, a Stock Option Agreement, Stock Award Agreement, Stock Unit Award Agreement or SAR Agreement evidencing an Award granted under the Plan.
2.3 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.4 “Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2 of the Plan.
2.5 “Cause” means that the Participant: (A) pleads “guilty” or “no contest” to, or is convicted of an act which is defined as a felony under federal or state law, or is indicted or formally charged with acts involving criminal fraud or embezzlement; (B) in carrying out his or her duties, engages in conduct that constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct; (C) engages in substantiated fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement against the Company; (D) engages in any inappropriate or improper conduct that causes material harm to the reputation of the Company; or (E) materially breaches the terms of any agreement between the Participant and the Company.
2.6 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
2.7 “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee as may be designated by the Board from time to time to administer the Plan, or, if no such committee has been designated at the time of any grants, it shall mean the Board.
2.8 “Common Stock” means the Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
2.9 “Company” means TruGolf Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.1
2.10 “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, who is engaged by the Company or an affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, will not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant under this Plan only if a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act is available to register either the offer or the sale of the Company’s securities to such person.
1 If the Redomestication to be considered by the shareholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting is approved, all references to Delaware will be changed to Nevada.
2.11 “Director” means a director of the Company who is not an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary.
2.12 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
2.13 “Fair Market Value” means as of any date, the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed, or, if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange, the over-the-counter market on which the Common Stock trades, or, if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or an over-the-counter market, as determined by the Board as of such date, or, if no trading occurred on such date, as of the trading day immediately preceding such date.
2.14 “Incentive Stock Option” or “ISO” means a Stock Option granted under Section 5 of the Plan that meets the requirements of Section 422(b) of the Code or any successor provision.
2.15 “Key Employee” means an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary selected to participate in the Plan in accordance with Section 3. A Key Employee may also include a person who is granted an Award (other than an Incentive Stock Option) in connection with the hiring of the person prior to the date the person becomes an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, provided that such Award shall not vest prior to the commencement of employment.
2.16 “Non-Qualified Stock Option” or “NSO” means a Stock Option granted under Section 5 of the Plan that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
2.17 “Participant” means a Key Employee, Director or Consultant selected to receive an Award under the Plan.
2.18 “Plan” means the TruGolf Holdings, Inc. 2026 Stock Plan.
2.19 “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a grant of a right to receive shares of Common Stock or cash under Section 8 of the Plan.
2.20 “Stock Award” means a grant of shares of Common Stock under Section 6 of the Plan.
2.21 “Stock Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option granted under Section 5 of the Plan.
2.22 “Stock Unit Award” means a grant of a right to receive shares of Common Stock or cash under Section 7 of the Plan.
2.23 “Subsidiary” means an entity of which the Company is the direct or indirect beneficial owner of not less than 50% of all issued and outstanding equity interest of such entity.
Section 3. Administration.
3.1 The Committee.
The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall be comprised of at least two members of the Board who satisfy the “non-employee director” definition set forth in Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, unless the Board otherwise determines.
3.2 Authority of the Committee.
(a) The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine the Key Employees, Consultants and Directors to whom, and the time or times at which Awards will be granted, the form and amount of each Award, the expiration date of each Award, the time or times within which the Awards may be exercised, the cancellation of the Awards and the other limitations, restrictions, terms and conditions applicable to the grant of the Awards. The terms and conditions of the Awards need not be the same with respect to each Participant or with respect to each Award.
(b) To the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation, and rules of a stock exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or traded, the Committee may delegate its authority to grant Awards to Key Employees and to determine the terms and conditions thereof to such officer of the Company as it may determine in its discretion, on such terms and conditions as it may impose, except with respect to Awards to officers subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(c) The Committee may, subject to the provisions of the Plan, establish such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or advisable for the proper administration of the Plan, and may make determinations and may take such other action in connection with or in relation to the Plan as it deems necessary or advisable. Each determination or other action made or taken pursuant to the Plan, including interpretation of the Plan and the specific terms and conditions of the Awards granted hereunder, shall be final and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons.
(d) No member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action taken or determination made hereunder in good faith. Service on the Committee shall constitute service as a Director so that the members of the Committee shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement as Directors of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.
3.3 Award Agreements.
(a) Each Award shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the Award. In the sole discretion of the Committee, the Award Agreement may condition the grant of an Award upon the Participant’s entering into one or more of the following agreements with the Company: (i) an agreement not to compete with the Company and its Subsidiaries which shall become effective as of the date of the grant of the Award and remain in effect for a specified period of time following termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company; (ii) an agreement to cancel, to the extent permitted under Section 409A of the Code, any employment agreement, fringe benefit or compensation arrangement in effect between the Company and the Participant; and (iii) an agreement to retain the confidentiality of certain information. Such agreements may contain such other terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. If the Participant shall fail to enter into any such agreement at the request of the Committee, then the Award granted or to be granted to such Participant shall be forfeited and cancelled.
(b) Performance-Based Awards.
(i) The Committee may, in its discretion, provide that any Award granted under the Plan shall be subject to the attainment of performance goals.
(ii) Performance goals may be based on one or more business criteria, including, but not limited to: earnings, earnings per share or earnings per share growth; earnings before interest and taxes, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization; Share price; total stockholder return, return on assets; net asset turnover; inventory turnover; return on capital or return on invested capital; return on equity; cash flow; net or pre-tax income; profit margin; working capital turns; market share; expense management; revenue; revenue growth; stockholder equity; leverage ratio; investment rating; debt coverage; the achievement of clinical milestones; and the achievement of technological milestones. Performance goals may be absolute in their terms or measured against or in relationship to the performance of other companies or indices selected by the Committee, and may be particular to one or more lines of business or Subsidiaries or may be based on the performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole. In addition, the Committee may adjust performance goals for any events that occur during a performance period, including significant acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets by the Company; litigation, judgments or settlements; changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results; any reorganization and restructuring programs; unusual and/or non-recurring items; and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
(iii) With respect to each performance period established by the Committee, the Committee shall establish such performance goals relating to one or more of the business criteria identified above, and shall establish targets for Participants for achievement of performance goals. The performance goals and performance targets established by the Committee may be identical for all Participants for a given performance period or, at the discretion of the Committee, may differ among Participants. Following the completion of each performance period, the Committee shall determine the extent to which performance goals for that performance period have been achieved, and the related performance-based restrictions shall lapse in accordance with the terms of the applicable Award Agreement.
Section 4. Shares of Common Stock Subject to Plan.
4.1 Total Number of Shares.
(a) The total number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall be 2,000,000 plus any additional shares of Common Stock that become available for issuance under the Plan under Sections 4.1(c)-(d) below. Such shares may be either authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares, and shall be adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.3 of the Plan.
(b) The number of shares of Common Stock delivered by a Participant or withheld by the Company on behalf of any such Participant as full or partial payment of the exercise price of a Stock Option or of any required withholding taxes shall not again be available for issuance pursuant to subsequent Awards, and shall count towards the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock purchased by the Company with proceeds from a Stock Option exercise shall not again be available for issuance pursuant to subsequent Awards, shall count against the aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan and shall not increase the number of shares available under the Plan.
(c) If there is a lapse, forfeiture, expiration, termination or cancellation of any Award for any reason (including for reasons described in Section 3.3), or if shares of Common Stock are issued under such Award and thereafter are reacquired by the Company pursuant to rights reserved by the Company upon issuance thereof, the shares of Common Stock subject to such Award or reacquired by the Company shall again be available for issuance pursuant to subsequent Awards, and shall not count towards the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan.
(d) The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan will automatically increase on January 1st of each calendar year, beginning on January 1, 2027 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2036 (each, an “Evergreen Date”) in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31st immediately preceding the applicable Evergreen Date (the “Evergreen Increase”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may act prior to the Evergreen Date of a given year to provide that there will be no Evergreen Increase for such year, or that the Evergreen Increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence.
4.2 Shares Under Awards.
Of the shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 4.1:
(a) Commencing on or after the date the Company’s Common Stock begins trading on a national securities exchange, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock as to which a Key Employee or Consultant may receive Stock Options or SARs in any calendar year will not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such Stock Options or SARs based on the grant date fair value of such Stock Options or SARs for financial reporting purposes). For the avoidance of doubt, shares of Common Stock that may be used for Stock Awards and/or Stock Unit Awards pursuant to Section 4.2(c) shall not be included in the foregoing calculation.
(b) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to Stock Options (ISOs and/or NSOs) is the full number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under Section 4.1 of the Plan.
(c) Commencing on or after the date the Company’s Common Stock begins trading on a national securities exchange, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be used for Stock Awards and/or Stock Unit Awards that may be granted to any Key Employee or Consultant in any calendar year will not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such Stock Awards and/or Stock Unit Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Stock Awards and/or Stock Unit Awards for financial reporting purposes). For the avoidance of doubt, shares of Common Stock that may be used for Stock Options and/or SARs pursuant to Section 4.2(a) shall not be included in the foregoing calculation.
(d) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards granted under the Plan or otherwise during any one calendar year to any Director, taken together with any cash fees paid by the Company to such Director during such calendar year for service on the Board, will not exceed $500,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes).
The numbers of shares described herein shall be as adjusted in accordance with Section 4.3 of the Plan.
4.3 Adjustment.
In the event of any reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock distribution, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, subdivision, consolidation or exchange of shares, any change in the capital structure of the Company or any similar corporate transaction, the Committee shall make such adjustments as it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion, to preserve the benefits or intended benefits of the Plan and Awards granted under the Plan. Such adjustments may include: (a) adjustment in the number and kind of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan; (b) adjustment in the number and kind of shares covered by outstanding Awards; (c) adjustment in the exercise price of outstanding Stock Options or SARs or the price of Stock Awards or Stock Unit Awards under the Plan; (d) adjustments to any of the shares limitations set forth in Section 4.1 or 4.2 of the Plan; and (e) any other changes that the Committee determines to be equitable under the circumstances.
Section 5. Grants of Stock Options.
5.1 Grant.
Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee may from time to time grant Stock Options to Participants. Unless otherwise expressly provided at the time of the grant, Stock Options granted under the Plan to Key Employees will be NSOs. Stock Options granted under the Plan to Directors or Consultants who, in each case are not employees of the Company or any Subsidiary will be NSOs. Only Key Employees of the Company, any “parent corporation” (as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code or any Subsidiary that is a “subsidiary company” (as defined in Section 424(f) and (g) of the Code) are eligible to be granted ISOs.
5.2 Stock Option Agreement.
The grant of each Stock Option shall be evidenced by a written Stock Option Agreement specifying the type of Stock Option granted, the exercise period, the exercise price, the terms for payment of the exercise price, the expiration date of the Stock Option, the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to each Stock Option and such other terms and conditions established by the Committee, in its sole discretion, not inconsistent with the Plan.
5.3 Exercise Price and Exercise Period.
With respect to each Stock Option granted to a Participant:
(a) The per share exercise price of each Stock Option shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Stock Option on the date on which the Stock Option is granted.
(b) Each Stock Option shall vest and become exercisable as provided in the Stock Option Agreement and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee; provided that the Committee shall have the discretion to accelerate the date as of which any Stock Option shall become exercisable in the event of the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company, or service on the Board or as a Consultant, for any reason other than Cause.
(c) Each Stock Option shall expire, and all rights to purchase shares of Common Stock thereunder shall expire, on the date ten years after the date of grant.
5.4 Required Terms and Conditions of ISOs.
In addition to the foregoing, each ISO granted to a Key Employee shall be subject to the following specific rules:
(a) The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined with respect to each ISO at the time such Option is granted) of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by a Key Employee during any calendar year (under all incentive stock option plans of the Company and its Subsidiaries) shall not exceed $100,000. If the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of the Common Stock subject to an ISO which first becomes exercisable in any calendar year exceeds the limitation of this Section 5.4(a), so much of the ISO that does not exceed the applicable dollar limit shall be an ISO and the remainder shall be a NSO; but in all other respects, the original Stock Option Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if an ISO is granted to a Key Employee who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or its parent or subsidiaries within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code): (i) the purchase price of each share of Common Stock subject to the ISO shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date the ISO is granted; and (ii) the ISO shall expire, and all rights to purchase shares of Common Stock thereunder shall expire, no later than the fifth anniversary of the date the ISO was granted.
(c) No ISOs shall be granted under the Plan after ten years from the earlier of the date the Plan is adopted or approved by shareholders of the Company.
5.5 Exercise of Stock Options.
(a) A Participant entitled to exercise a Stock Option may do so by delivering written notice to that effect specifying the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Stock Option is being exercised and any other information the Committee may prescribe. Such notice will be accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price. All notices or requests provided for herein shall be delivered to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
(b) The Committee in its sole discretion may make available one or more of the following alternatives for the payment of the Stock Option exercise price: (i) in cash or by certified or bank check; (ii) in cash received from a broker-dealer to whom the Participant has submitted an exercise notice together with irrevocable instructions to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sales proceeds from the sale of the shares subject to the Stock Option to pay the exercise price; (iii) by directing the Company to withhold such number of shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable in connection with the exercise of the Stock Option having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price; (iv) by delivering previously acquired shares of Common Stock that are acceptable to the Committee and that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the Stock Option exercise price; (v) by certifying to ownership by attestation of such previously acquired shares of Common Stock; or (vi) by combination of any of the foregoing methods.
The Committee shall have the sole discretion to establish the terms and conditions applicable to any alternative made available for payment of the Stock Option exercise price.
Section 6. Stock Awards.
6.1 Grant.
The Committee may, in its discretion, (a) grant shares of Common Stock under the Plan to any Participant without consideration from such Participant or (b) sell shares of Common Stock under the Plan to any Participant for such amount of cash, Common Stock or other consideration as the Committee deems appropriate.
6.2 Stock Award Agreement.
Each share of Common Stock granted or sold hereunder shall be subject to such restrictions, conditions and other terms as the Committee may determine at the time of grant or sale, the general provisions of the Plan, the restrictions, terms and conditions of the related Stock Award Agreement, and the following specific rules:
(a) The Award Agreement shall specify whether the shares of Common Stock are granted or sold to the Participant and such other provisions, not inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine.
(b) The restrictions to which the shares of Common Stock awarded hereunder are subject shall lapse as provided in the Stock Award Agreement; provided that the Committee shall have the discretion to accelerate the date as of which the restrictions lapse with respect to any Award held by a Participant in the event of the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company, or service on the Board or as a Consultant, for any reason other than Cause.
(c) Except as provided in this subsection (c) and unless otherwise set forth in the related Stock Award Agreement, the Participant receiving a grant of or purchasing Common Stock pursuant to an Award Agreement shall thereupon be a stockholder with respect to such shares and shall have the rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares, including the right to vote such shares and to receive dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such shares; provided that any dividends or other distributions payable with respect to the Stock Award shall be accumulated and held by the Company and paid to the Participant only upon, and to the extent that, the restrictions lapse in accordance with the terms of the applicable Stock Award Agreement. Any such dividends or other distributions held by the Company attributable to the portion of a Stock Award that is forfeited shall also be forfeited.
Section 7. Stock Unit Awards.
7.1 Grant.
The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Unit Awards to any Participant. Each Stock Unit subject to the Award shall entitle the Participant to receive, on the date or the occurrence of an event (including the attainment of performance goals) as described in the Stock Unit Award Agreement, a share of Common Stock or cash equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on such date or the date of such event as provided in the Stock Unit Award Agreement.
7.2 Stock Unit Agreement.
Each Stock Unit Award shall be subject to such restrictions, conditions and other terms as the Committee may determine at the time of grant, the general provisions of the Plan, the restrictions, terms and conditions of the related Stock Unit Award Agreement and the following specific rules:
(a) The Stock Unit Agreement shall specify such provisions, not inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine.
(b) The restrictions to which the Stock Units awarded hereunder are subject shall lapse as provided in the Stock Unit Award Agreement; provided that the Committee shall have the discretion to accelerate the date as of which the restrictions lapse with respect to any Award held by a Participant in the event of the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company, or service on the Board or as a Consultant, for any reason other than Cause.
(c) Except as provided in this subsection (c) and unless otherwise set forth in the Stock Unit Agreement, the Participant receiving a Stock Unit Award shall have no rights of a stockholder, including voting or dividends or other distributions rights, with respect to any Stock Units prior to the date they are settled in shares of Common Stock; provided that a Stock Unit Award Agreement may provide that until the Stock Units are settled in shares or cash, the Participant shall be entitled to receive on each dividend or distribution payment date applicable to the Common Stock an amount equal to the dividends or other distributions that the Participant would have received had the Stock Units held by the Participant as of the related record date been actual shares of Common Stock. Such amounts shall be accumulated and held by the Company and paid to the Participant only upon, and to the extent that, the restrictions lapse in accordance with the terms of the applicable Stock Unit Award Agreement. Such amounts held by the Company attributable to the portion of the Stock Unit Award that is forfeited shall also be forfeited.
Section 8. SARs.
8.1 Grant.
The Committee may grant SARs to Participants. Upon exercise, an SAR entitles the Participant to receive from the Company the number of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share as of the date on which the SAR is exercised over the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares with respect to which the SAR is being exercised. The Committee, in its discretion, shall be entitled to cause the Company to elect to settle any part or all of its obligations arising out of the exercise of an SAR by the payment of cash in lieu of all or part of the shares it would otherwise be obligated to deliver in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of such shares on the date of exercise. Cash shall be delivered in lieu of any fractional shares. The terms and conditions of any such Award shall be determined at the time of grant.
8.2 SAR Agreement.
(a) Each SAR shall be evidenced by a written SAR Agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the SAR as the Committee may determine, including the SAR exercise price, expiration date of the SAR, the number of shares of Common Stock to which the SAR pertains, the form of settlement and such other terms and conditions established by the Committee, in its sole discretion, not inconsistent with the Plan.
(b) The per Share exercise price of each SAR shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the SAR is granted.
(c) Each SAR shall expire and all rights thereunder shall cease on the date fixed by the Committee in the related SAR Agreement, which shall not be later than ten years after the date of grant; provided however, to the extent permitted under Section 409A of the Code and regulations thereunder, if a Participant is unable to exercise an SAR because trading in the Common Stock is prohibited by law or the Company’s insider-trading policy, the SAR exercise date shall be extended to the date that is 30 days after the expiration of the trading prohibition.
(d) Each SAR shall become exercisable as provided in the related SAR Agreement; provided that notwithstanding any other Plan provision, the Committee shall have the discretion to accelerate the date as of which any SAR shall become exercisable in the event of the Participant’s termination of employment, or service on the Board or as a Consultant, for any reason other than Cause.
(e) No dividends or dividend equivalents shall be paid with respect to any SAR prior to the exercise of the SAR.
(f) A person entitled to exercise an SAR may do so by delivery of a written notice in accordance with procedures established by the Committee specifying the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the SAR is being exercised and any other information the Committee may prescribe. As soon as reasonably practicable after the exercise of an SAR, the Company shall (i) issue the total number of full shares of Common Stock to which the Participant is entitled and cash in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value, as of the date of exercise, of any resulting fractional share, and (ii) if the Committee causes the Company to elect to settle all or part of its obligations arising out of the exercise of the SAR in cash, deliver to the Participant an amount in cash equal to the Fair Market Value, as of the date of exercise, of the shares it would otherwise be obligated to deliver.
Section 9. Change in Control.
9.1 Effect of a Change in Control.
(a) Notwithstanding any of the provisions of the Plan or any outstanding Award Agreement, upon a Change in Control of the Company (as defined in Section 9.2), the Committee is authorized and has sole discretion to provide that (i) all outstanding Awards shall become fully exercisable, (ii) all restrictions applicable to all Awards shall terminate or lapse and (iii) performance goals applicable to any Awards shall be deemed satisfied at the highest level, as applicable, in order that Participants may realize the benefits thereunder.
(b) In addition to the Committee’s authority set forth in Section 3 and except as set forth in any written employment agreement between the Company and the Participant, upon such Change in Control of the Company, the Board is authorized and has sole discretion as to any Award, either at the time such Award is granted hereunder or any time in anticipation of or thereafter, as applicable, to take any one or more of the following actions: (i) cause any outstanding Stock Option or SAR to become fully vested and immediately exercisable for a reasonable period in advance of the Change in Control and, to the extent exercised prior to the Change in Control, cancel that Stock Option or SAR upon the Change in Control; (ii) cancel any Award in exchange for a substitute award; (iii) redeem any shares subject to an outstanding Stock Award or Stock Unit Award for cash and/or other substitute consideration with value equal to the Fair Market Value of an unrestricted share of Common Stock on the date of the Change in Control; (iv) provide for the purchase of any outstanding Stock Option or SAR, for an amount of cash equal to the difference between the exercise price and the then Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered thereby had such Stock Option been currently exercisable, provided that, if the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of the Change in Control does not exceed the exercise price of the Stock Option or SAR, can the Stock Option or SAR without any consideration; (v) make such adjustment to any such Award then outstanding as the Board deems appropriate to reflect such Change in Control; and (vi) cause any such Award then outstanding to be assumed by the acquiring or surviving corporation after such Change in Control; or (vii) take such other action as the Committee shall determine to be reasonable under the circumstances.
(c) In the discretion of the Committee, any cash or substitute consideration payable upon cancellation of an Award may be subjected to (i) vesting terms substantially identical to those that applied to the cancelled Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, or (ii) earn-out, escrow, holdback or similar arrangements, to the extent such arrangements are applicable to any consideration paid to stockholders in connection with the Change in Control.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 9.1, in the case of any Award subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Committee shall only be permitted to take actions under this Section 9.1 to the extent that such actions would be consistent with the intended treatment of such Award under Section 409A of the Code.
9.2 Definition of Change in Control.
“Change in Control” of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred if at any time during the term of an Award granted under the Plan any of the following events occurs:
(a) any Person (other than the Company, a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, or a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of Common Stock of the Company) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Person” and “Beneficial Owner” being defined in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations of the Exchange Act);
(b) the Company is party to a merger, consolidation, reorganization or other similar transaction with another corporation or other Person unless, following such transaction, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation or Person or its parent entity entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or Persons performing similar functions) is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Company’s outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such transaction, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such transaction, of the Company’s outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
(c) the election to the Board, without the recommendation or approval of two-thirds of the incumbent Board, of the lesser of: (i) three Directors; or (ii) Directors constituting a majority of the number of Directors of the Company then in office; provided, however, that Directors whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of Directors of the Company will not be considered as incumbent members of the Board for purposes of this Section; or
(d) there is a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or the Company sells all or substantially all of its business and/or assets to another corporation or other Person unless, following such sale, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the acquiring corporation or Person or its parent entity entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or Persons performing similar functions) is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Company’s outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such sale, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such sale, of the Company’s outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
In no event, however, shall a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred, with respect to a Participant, if that Participant is part of a purchasing group which consummates the Change in Control transaction. A Participant shall be deemed “part of a purchasing group” for purposes of the preceding sentence if the Participant is an equity participant or has agreed to become an equity participant in the purchasing company or group (except for (a) passive ownership of less than 3% of the shares of the purchasing company; or (b) ownership of equity participation in the purchasing company or group which is otherwise not deemed to be significant, as determined prior to the Change in Control by a majority of the disinterested Directors).
Section 10. Payment of Taxes.
(a) In connection with any Award, and as a condition to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock to the Participant in connection therewith, the Company shall require the Participant to pay to the Company the minimum amount of federal, state, local or foreign taxes required to be withheld, and in the Company’s sole discretion, the Company may permit the Participant to pay to the Company up to the maximum individual statutory rate of applicable withholding.
(b) The Company in its sole discretion may make available one or more of the following alternatives for the payment of such taxes: (i) in cash; (ii) in cash received from a broker-dealer to whom the Participant has submitted notice together with irrevocable instructions to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sales proceeds from the sale of the shares subject to the Award to pay the withholding taxes; (iii) by directing the Company to withhold such number of shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable in connection with the Award having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld; (iv) by delivering previously acquired shares of Common Stock of the Company that are acceptable to the Board that have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld; or (v) by certifying to ownership by attestation of such previously acquired shares of Common Stock.
The Committee shall have the sole discretion to establish the terms and conditions applicable to any alternative made available for payment of the required withholding taxes.
Section 11. Postponement.
The Committee may postpone any grant or settlement of an Award or exercise of a Stock Option or SAR for such time as the Committee in its sole discretion may deem necessary in order to permit the Company:
(a) to effect, amend or maintain any necessary registration of the Plan or the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to an Award, including upon the exercise of a Stock Option or SAR, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any applicable jurisdiction;
(b) to permit any action to be taken in order to (i) list such shares of Common Stock on a stock exchange if shares of Common Stock are then listed on such exchange or (ii) comply with restrictions or regulations incident to the maintenance of a public market for its shares of Common Stock, including any rules or regulations of any stock exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are listed; or
(c) to determine that such shares of Common Stock and the Plan are exempt from such registration or that no action of the kind referred to in (b)(ii) above needs to be taken; and the Company shall not be obligated by virtue of any terms and conditions of any Award or any provision of the Plan to sell or issue shares of Common Stock in violation of the Securities Act of 1933 or the law of any government having jurisdiction thereof.
Any such postponement shall not extend the term of an Award and neither the Company nor its Directors or officers shall have any obligation or liability to a Participant, the Participant’s successor or any other person with respect to any shares of Common Stock as to which the Award shall lapse because of such postponement.
Section 12. Nontransferability.
Awards granted under the Plan, and any rights and privileges pertaining thereto, may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any manner, or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process, by operation of law or otherwise, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Section 13. Delivery of Shares.
Shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to a Stock Award, the exercise of a Stock or SAR or the settlement of a Stock Unit Award shall be represented by stock certificates or on a non-certificated basis, with the ownership of such shares by the Participant evidenced solely by book entry in the records of the Company’s transfer agent; provided, however, that upon the written request of the Participant, the Company shall issue, in the name of the Participant, stock certificates representing such shares of Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares granted pursuant to a Stock Award shall be held by the Secretary of the Company until such time as the shares are forfeited or settled.
Section 14. Termination or Amendment of Plan and Award Agreements.
14.1 Termination or Amendment of Plan.
(a) Except as described in Section 14.3 below, the Board may terminate, suspend, or amend the Plan, in whole or in part, from time to time, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, unless such approval is required by applicable law, regulation or rule of any stock exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are listed. No amendment or termination of the Plan shall adversely affect the right of any Participant under any outstanding Award in any material way without the written consent of the Participant, unless such amendment or termination is required by applicable law, regulation or rule of any stock exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are listed. Subject to the foregoing, the Committee may correct any defect or supply an omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award granted hereunder in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable, in its sole discretion, to effectuate the Plan.
(b) The Board shall have the authority to amend the Plan to the extent necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law, regulation or accounting rules in order to permit Participants who are located outside of the United States to participate in the Plan.
14.2 Amendment of Award Agreements.
The Committee shall have the authority to amend any Award Agreement at any time; provided however, that no such amendment shall adversely affect the right of any Participant under any outstanding Award Agreement in any material way without the written consent of the Participant, unless such amendment is required by applicable law, regulation or rule of any stock exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are listed.
14.3 No Repricing of Stock Options.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, and except as described in Section 4.3, there shall be no amendment to the Plan or any outstanding Stock Option Agreement or SAR Agreement that results in the repricing of Stock Options or SARs without stockholder approval. For this purpose, repricing includes (i) a reduction in the exercise price of the Stock Options or SARs or (ii) the cancellation of a Stock Option or SAR in exchange for cash, Stock Options or SARs with an exercise price less than the exercise price of the cancelled Stock Options or SARs, other Awards or any other consideration provided by the Company, but does not include any adjustment described in Section 4.3.
Section 15. No Contract of Employment.
Neither the adoption of the Plan nor the grant of any Award under the Plan shall be deemed to obligate the Company or any Subsidiary to continue the employment or service of any Participant for any particular period, nor shall the granting of an Award constitute a request or consent to postpone the retirement date of any Participant.
Section 16. Applicable Law.
All questions pertaining to the validity, construction and administration of the Plan and all Awards granted under the Plan shall be determined in conformity with the laws of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of law provisions of any state, and, in the case of Incentive Stock Options, Section 422 of the Code and regulations issued thereunder.
Section 17. Effective Date and Term of Plan.
17.1 Effective Date.
The Plan has been adopted by the Board and stockholders of the Company, and is effective, as of __________, 2026.
17.2 Term of Plan.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Awards shall be granted on or after __________, 2026.
APPENDIX B
PLAN OF CONVERSION
OF
TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.,
A DELAWARE CORPORATION,
TO
TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.,
A NEVADA CORPORATION
This Plan of Conversion (this “Plan”) sets forth certain terms of the conversion of TruGolf Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Delaware Corporation”), to TruGolf Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Nevada Corporation”), pursuant to the terms of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (as amended, the “DGCL”) and Chapters 78 and 92A of the Nevada Revised Statutes (as amended, the “NRS”).
RECITALS
A. The Delaware Corporation was incorporated on July 8, 2020.
B. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Plan, and in accordance with Section 266 of the DGCL and Section 92A.195 of the NRS, the Delaware Corporation will be converted to a Nevada Corporation.
C. The Board of Directors of the Delaware Corporation (the “Board”) has (i) determined that the Conversion (as defined below) is advisable and in the best interests of the Delaware Corporation and its shareholders and recommended the approval of the Conversion by the shareholders of the Delaware Corporation and (ii) approved and adopted this Plan, the Conversion, and the other documents and transactions contemplated by this Plan, including the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Nevada Corporation, the Delaware Certificate of Conversion and the Nevada Articles of Conversion (as each is defined below).
D. The shareholders of the Delaware Corporation have approved and adopted this Plan, the Conversion, and the other documents and transactions contemplated by this Plan, including the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Nevada Corporation, the Delaware Certificate of Conversion and the Nevada Articles of Conversion.
E. In connection with the Conversion, at the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined), each share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Delaware Class A Common Stock”), each share of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Delaware Class B Common Stock”), and each share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Delaware Series A Preferred Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into one share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Nevada Class A Common Stock”), one share of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Nevada Class B Common Stock”), and one share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Nevada Series A Preferred Stock”), respectively, of the Nevada Corporation.
F. The mode of carrying out the Conversion into effect shall be as described in this Plan.
ARTICLE I
THE CONVERSION
1.1 Conversion. At the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined), the following shall occur (collectively, the “Conversion”):
1.1.1 the Delaware Corporation will be converted to the Nevada Corporation, in accordance with Section 266 of the DGCL and Section 92A.195 of the NRS, and shall be governed by the Nevada Governing Documents (as defined below), whereupon the Delaware Corporation will continue its existence in the organizational form of the Nevada Corporation, which will be subject to the laws of the State of Nevada; and
1.2 Certificate of Conversion. The Delaware Corporation shall file a certificate of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Delaware Certificate of Conversion”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Secretary of State”) and shall file articles of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Nevada Articles of Conversion”) and articles of incorporation in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Nevada Articles of Incorporation”) with the Nevada Secretary of State, and the Delaware Corporation or the Nevada Corporation, as applicable, shall make all other filings or recordings required by the DGCL or the NRS in connection with the Conversion.
1.3 Approval. The Board and the shareholders of the Delaware Corporation have approved and adopted this Plan, and the other documents and transactions contemplated by this Plan, including the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Nevada Corporation, the Delaware Certificate of Conversion and the Nevada Articles of Conversion.
1.4 Effective Time. The Conversion will become effective upon the filing of the Delaware Certificate of Conversion with the Delaware Secretary of State and the Nevada Articles of Conversion and Nevada Articles of Incorporation filed with the Nevada Secretary of State or at a such later time as specified in the Delaware Certificate of Conversion and the Nevada Articles of Conversion (the “Effective Time”).
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION
2.1 Nevada Governing Documents. At the Effective Time, the Nevada Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Nevada Corporation in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (together with the Nevada Articles of Incorporation, the “Nevada Governing Documents”), shall govern the Nevada Corporation until amended and/or restated in accordance with the Nevada Governing Documents and applicable law.
2.2 Directors and Officers. From and after the Effective Time, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Delaware Corporation or its shareholders, the members of the Board and the officers of the Delaware Corporation holding their respective offices in the Delaware Corporation existing immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in their respective offices as members of the Board and officers of the Nevada Corporation.
ARTICLE III
EFFECT OF THE CONVERSION
3.1 Effect of Conversion. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Conversion will be as provided by this Plan and by the applicable provisions of the DGCL and the NRS. Without limitation of the foregoing, for all purposes of the laws of the States of Delaware and Nevada, all of the rights, privileges, and powers of the Delaware Corporation, and all property, real, personal, and mixed, and all debts due to the Delaware Corporation, as well as all other things and causes of action belonging to the Delaware Corporation, shall remain vested in the Nevada Corporation and shall be the property of the Nevada Corporation, and all debts, liabilities, and duties of the Delaware Corporation shall remain attached to the Nevada Corporation, and may be enforced against the Nevada Corporation to the same extent as if such debts, liabilities, and duties had originally been incurred or contracted by the Nevada Corporation.
3.2 Conversion of Shares. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action by the Delaware Corporation or the shareholders, each share of Delaware Class A Common Stock, Delaware Class B Common Stock, and Delaware Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately before the Effective Time shall be converted into one share of Nevada Class A Common Stock, one share of Nevada Class B Common Stock, and one share of Nevada Series A Preferred Stock.
3.3 Effect on Stock Certificates. All of the outstanding certificates representing shares of Delaware Class A Common Stock, Delaware Class B Common Stock, and Delaware Series A Preferred Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be deemed for all purposes to continue to evidence ownership of and to represent the same number of shares of Nevada Class A Common Stock, Nevada Class B Common Stock, and Nevada Series A Preferred Stock.
3.4 Effect on Employee Benefit, Equity Incentive or Other Similar Plans. Upon the Effective Time, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Delaware Corporation or its shareholders, each employee benefit plan, equity incentive plan or other similar plan to which the Delaware Corporation is a party shall continue to be a plan of the Nevada Corporation.
ARTICLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS
4.1 Abandonment or Amendment. At any time prior to the filing of the Certificate of Conversion with the Delaware Secretary of State, the Delaware Corporation, by action of the Board of Directors, may abandon the proposed Conversion and terminate this Plan to the extent permitted by law or may amend this Plan if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Delaware Corporation, such action would be in the best interests of the Delaware Corporation and its shareholders. In the event of termination of this Plan, this Plan shall become void and of no further force or effect.
4.2 Captions. The captions in this Plan are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part, or to affect the construction or interpretation, of any provision of this Plan.
4.3 Tax Reporting. The Conversion is intended to be a “reorganization” for purposes of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and this Plan of Conversion is hereby adopted as a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of the Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code.
4.4 Governing Law. This Plan shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.
4.5 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Plan shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Plan is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of this Plan.
APPENDIX C
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.
TruGolf Holdings, Inc., a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Nevada (the “Corporation” or “Company”), by its Chief Executive Officer, hereby certifies as follows:
FIRST: The name of the corporation is “TruGolf Holdings, Inc.” (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Corporation”).
SECOND: The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Nevada is to be located at [_____________________________]. The name of its registered agent at that address is [________________________].
THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation shall be to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the NRS.
FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,020,000,000 of which (i) 1,010,000,000 shares shall be Common Stock of the par value of $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), representing (a) 1,000,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (“Class A Common Stock”) and (b) 10,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock (“Class B Common Stock”), and (ii) 10,000,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock of the par value of $0.0001 per share.
A. Common Stock. All shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be identical and will entitle the holders thereof to the same rights and privileges, except as otherwise provided herein.
(1) Voting. The holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and of Class B Common Stock shall have the following voting rights:
| a. | Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by the NRS, each share of Class A Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation. |
| b. | Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by the NRS, each share of Class B Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to twenty-five (25) votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation. |
| c. | Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall (a) vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation (or, if any holders of shares of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as a single class with such holders of shares of Preferred Stock), (b) be entitled to notice of any stockholders’ meeting in accordance with the Bylaws of the corporation and (c) be entitled to vote upon such matters and in such manner as may be provided by the NRS. |
(2) Dividend and Distribution Rights. Shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be treated equally, identically and ratably, on a per share basis, with respect to any dividends or distributions as may be declared and paid from time to time by the Board of Directors out of any assets of the corporation legally available therefor; provided, however, that in the event a dividend is paid in the form of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock (or rights to acquire such shares), then holders of Class A Common Stock shall receive shares of Class A Common Stock (or rights to acquire such shares, as the case may be) and holders of Class B Common Stock shall receive shares of Class B Common Stock (or rights to acquire such shares, as the case may be), with holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock receiving, on a per share basis, an identical number of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may pay or make a disparate dividend or distribution per share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock (whether in the amount of such dividend or distribution payable per share, the form in which such dividend or distribution is payable, the timing of the payment, or otherwise) if such disparate dividend or distribution is approved in advance by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.
(3) Subdivisions, Combinations or Reclassifications. Shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock may not be subdivided, combined or reclassified unless the shares of the other class are concurrently therewith proportionately subdivided, combined or reclassified in a manner that maintains the same proportionate equity ownership between the holders of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on the record date for such subdivision, combination or reclassification; provided, however, that shares of one such class may be subdivided, combined or reclassified in a different or disproportionate manner if such subdivision, combination or reclassification is approved in advance by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.
(4) Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up of the Corporation. Subject to the preferential or other rights of any holders of Preferred Stock then outstanding, upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be entitled to receive ratably all assets of the corporation available for distribution to its stockholders unless disparate or different treatment of the shares of each such class with respect to distributions upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up is approved in advance by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.
(5) Issuance of Class B Common Stock. From and after the effective time of these Third Amended and Restated Articles (the “Effective Time”), additional shares of Class B Common Stock may be issued only to, and registered in the name of, (A) Christopher Jones, Steve Johnson, and David Ashby (each a “Founder” and collectively the “Founders”) and (B) any entities, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned by (or in the case of a trust solely for the benefit of) the Founders (including all subsequent successors, assigns and permitted transferees) (collectively, “Permitted Class B Owners”).
(6) Conversion of Class B Common Stock.
(i) Voluntary Conversion. Each share of Class B Common Stock shall be convertible into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holder thereof at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. In order to effectuate a conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock, a holder shall (a) submit a written election to the Corporation that such holder elects to convert shares of Class B Common Stock, the number of such shares elected to be converted and (b) (if such shares are certificated), along with such written election, surrender to the Corporation the certificate or certificates representing the shares being converted, duly assigned or endorsed for transfer to the Corporation (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers relating thereto) or, in the event the certificate or certificates are lost, stolen or missing, accompanied by an affidavit of loss executed by the holder. The conversion of such shares hereunder shall be deemed effective as of the date of surrender of such Class B Common Stock certificate or certificates, delivery of such affidavit of loss or the written election to convert for uncertificated shares. Upon the receipt by the Corporation of a written election and, if applicable, the surrender of such certificate(s) and accompanying materials, the Corporation shall as promptly as practicable (but in any event within 10 days thereafter) either (a) deliver to the relevant holder (i) a certificate in such holder’s name (or the name of such holder’s designee as stated in the written election) for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled upon conversion of the applicable shares as calculated pursuant to this Section and, if applicable (ii) a certificate in such holder’s (or the name of such holder’s designee as stated in the written election) for the number of shares of Class B Common Stock (including any fractional share) represented by the certificate or certificates delivered to the Corporation for conversion but otherwise not elected to be converted pursuant to the written election or (b) note the conversion of the shares on the stock ledger of the Corporation. All shares of capital stock issued hereunder by the Corporation shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all taxes, liens, charges and encumbrances with respect to the issuance thereof. Each share of Class B Common Stock that is converted pursuant to this Section shall be retired by the Corporation and shall not be available for reissuance.
(ii) Automatic Conversion of Class B Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock will automatically convert into one (1) share of Class A Common Stock upon any sale, pledge or other transfer (a “Transfer”), whether or not for value, by the initial registered holder thereof, upon any Transfer, other than in each case any Transfer to a Permitted Class B Owner. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any holder of Class B Common Stock may pledge his, her or its shares of Class B Common Stock to a pledgee pursuant to a bona fide pledge of the shares as collateral security for indebtedness due to the pledgee so long as the shares are not transferred to or registered in the name of the pledgee. In the event of any pledge meeting these requirements, the pledged shares will not be converted automatically into shares of Class A Common Stock. If the pledged shares of Class B Common Stock become subject to any foreclosure, realization or other similar action by the pledgee, they will be converted automatically into shares of Class A Common Stock upon the occurrence of that action.
(iii) The Corporation may, from time to time, establish such policies and procedures, not in violation of applicable law or the other provisions of these Articles of Incorporation, relating to the conversion of the Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock and the dual class common stock structure contemplated by these Articles of Incorporation as it may deem necessary or advisable.
B. Preferred Stock.
(1) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) is hereby authorized to provide by resolution or resolutions from time to time for the issuance, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, of one or more series of Preferred Stock, without stockholder approval, by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Nevada (the “Preferred Stock Designation”), setting forth such resolution and, with respect to each such series, establishing the number of shares to be included in such series, and fixing the voting powers, full or limited, or no voting power of the shares of such series, and the designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, of the shares of each such series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. The powers, designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. The authority of the Board with respect to each series of Preferred Stock shall include, but not be limited to, the determination of the following:
| (i) | the designation of the series, which may be by distinguishing number, letter or title; | |
| (ii) | the number of shares of the series, which number the Board may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock Designation) increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding); | |
| (iii) | the amounts or rates at which dividends will be payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in respect of dividends, and whether such dividends, if any, shall be cumulative or noncumulative; | |
| (iv) | the dates on which dividends, if any, shall be payable; | |
| (v) | the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series; | |
| (vi) | the terms and amount of any sinking fund, if any, provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series; | |
| (vii) | the amounts payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation; | |
| (viii) | whether the shares of the series shall be convertible into or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Corporation or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such other security, the conversion or exchange price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates at which such shares shall be convertible or exchangeable and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange may be made; | |
| (ix) | restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or any other class or series; | |
| (x) | the voting rights, if any, of the holders of shares of the series generally or upon specified events; and | |
| (xi) | any other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, all as may be determined from time to time by the Board and stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such Preferred Stock. |
(2) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the resolutions providing for issuance of any series of Preferred Stock may provide that such series shall be superior or rank equally or be junior to any other series of Preferred Stock to the extent permitted by law.
(3) Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
1. Designation and Number of Shares. There shall hereby be created and established a series of preferred stock of the Company designated as “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”). The authorized number of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Shares”) shall be fifty thousand (50,000) shares (including thirty-seven thousand and thirty three (37,033) Preferred Shares issuable upon exercise of the Preferred Warrants). Each Preferred Share shall have a par value of $0.0001 per share. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 31 below.
2. Ranking. Except to the extent that the Required Holders (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) expressly consent to the creation of Parity Stock (as defined below) or Senior Preferred Stock (as defined below) in accordance with Section 16, all shares of capital stock of the Company shall be junior in rank to all Preferred Shares with respect to the preferences as to dividends, distributions and payments upon the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company (such junior stock is referred to herein collectively as “Junior Stock”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Preferred Shares will, with respect to dividend rights and rights on liquidation, winding-up and dissolution, rank (A) junior to the Senior Preferred Stock, (B) on parity with the Parity Stock and (C) senior to the Junior Stock. The rights of all such shares of capital stock of the Company shall be subject to the rights, powers, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Shares. Without limiting any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation, without the prior express consent of the Required Holders, voting separately as a single class, the Company shall not hereafter authorize or issue any additional or other shares of capital stock that is (i) of senior rank to the Preferred Shares in respect of the preferences as to dividends, distributions and payments upon the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company (collectively, the “Senior Preferred Stock”) (ii) of pari passu rank to the Preferred Shares in respect of the preferences as to dividends, distributions and payments upon the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company (collectively, the “Parity Stock”) or (iii) any Junior Stock having a maturity date or any other date requiring redemption or repayment of such shares of Junior Stock that is prior to the second anniversary of the Initial Issuance Date. In the event of the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation, the Preferred Shares shall maintain their relative rights, powers, designations, privileges and preferences provided for herein and no such merger or consolidation shall result inconsistent therewith.
3. Dividends.
(a) From and after the first date of issuance of any Preferred Shares (the “Initial Issuance Date”), the Preferred Shares shall commence accruing dividends (“Dividends”) at the Dividend Rate computed on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months. Dividends shall be payable in arrears on the first Trading Day of each Fiscal Quarter (each, an “Dividend Date”) with the first Dividend Date being the first Trading Day of the initial Fiscal Quarter commencing after the Initial Issuance Date. Dividends shall be payable on each Dividend Date, to each record holder (each, a “Holder”, and collectively, the “Holders”) of Preferred Shares on the applicable Dividend Date, in shares of Common Stock (“Dividend Shares”) so long as no Equity Conditions Failure exists; provided however, that the Company may, at its option following notice to each Holder, capitalize such Dividend by increasing the Stated Value of each Preferred Share on such Dividend Date (“Capitalized Dividend”) or in a combination of a Capitalized Dividend and a payment in Dividend Shares. The Company shall deliver a written notice (each, an “Dividend Election Notice”) to each Holder of the Preferred Shares on or prior to the fifth (5th) Trading Day immediately prior to the applicable Dividend Date (each, an “Dividend Notice Due Date”) (the date such notice is delivered to all of the Holders, the “Dividend Notice Date”) which notice (i) either (A) confirms that Dividend to be paid on such Dividend Date shall be paid entirely in Dividend Shares or (B) elects to effect a Capitalized Dividend or a combination of Capitalized Dividend and a payment in Dividend Shares and specifies the amount of Dividend that shall be a Capitalized Dividend and the amount of Dividend, if any, that shall be paid in Dividend Shares and (ii) to the extent Dividend Shares are being issued, certifies that there has been no Equity Conditions Failure. If an Equity Conditions Failure exists as of the Dividend Notice Date, then unless the Company has elected to effect a Capitalized Dividend, the Dividend Election Notice shall indicate that unless such applicable Holder waives the Equity Conditions Failure, the Dividend shall be effected as a Capitalized Dividend. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if no Equity Conditions Failure exists as of the Dividend Notice Date, but an Equity Conditions Failure occurs at any time prior to the Dividend Date, (A) the Company shall provide each Holder a subsequent notice to that effect and (B) unless such applicable Holder waives such Equity Conditions Failure, the Dividend shall be paid to such Holder in cash or as a Capitalized Dividend. Dividend to be paid on a Dividend Date in Dividend Shares shall be paid in a number of fully paid and nonassessable shares (rounded to the nearest whole share) of Common Stock equal to the quotient of (1) the amount of Dividend payable on such Dividend Date less any Capitalized Dividend and (2) the Dividend Conversion Price in effect on the applicable Dividend Date.
(b) When any Dividend Shares are to be paid on a Dividend Date to a Holder, the Company shall (i) (A) provided that the Company’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) is participating in the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program (“FAST”), credit such aggregate number of Dividend Shares to which such Holder shall be entitled to such Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system, or (B) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST, issue and deliver on the applicable Dividend Date, to the address set forth in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose pursuant to the Exchange Agreements or to such address as specified by such Holder in writing to the Company at least two (2) Business Days prior to the applicable Dividend Date, a certificate, registered in the name of such Holder or its designee, for the number of Dividend Shares to which such Holder shall be entitled and (ii) with respect to each Dividend Date, increase the Stated Value of the Preferred Shares by the amount of any Capitalized Dividend; provided that in the event of the Conversion Floor Price Condition, on the applicable Dividend Date the Stated Value of the remaining Preferred Shares of such Holder shall automatically increase, pro rata, by the applicable Dividend Floor Amount or, at the Company’s option, the Company shall deliver the applicable Dividend Floor Amount to such applicable Holder on the applicable Dividend Date.
(c) Prior to the payment of Dividends on a Dividend Date, Dividends on the Preferred Shares shall accrue at the Dividend Rate and be payable by way of inclusion of the Dividends in the Conversion Amount on each Conversion Date in accordance with Section 4(b) or upon any redemption in accordance with Section 9 or upon any required payment upon any Bankruptcy Triggering Event. From and after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Triggering Event, the Dividend Rate in effect with respect to such determination shall automatically be increased to the Default Rate. In the event that such Triggering Event is subsequently cured (and no other Triggering Event then exists (including, without limitation, for the Company’s failure to pay such Dividends at the Default Rate on the applicable Dividend Date)), the adjustment referred to in the preceding sentence shall cease to be effective as of the calendar day immediately following the date of such cure; provided that the Dividends as calculated and unpaid at such increased rate during the continuance of such Triggering Event shall continue to apply to the extent relating to the days after the occurrence of such Triggering Event through and including the date of such cure of such Triggering Event.
4. Conversion. At any time after the Initial Issuance Date, each Preferred Share shall be convertible into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (the “Conversion Shares”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 4.
(a) Holder’s Conversion Right. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(d), at any time or times on or after the Initial Issuance Date, each Holder shall be entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding Preferred Shares held by such Holder into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Conversion Shares in accordance with Section 4(c) at the Conversion Rate (as defined below). The Company shall not issue any fraction of a share of Common Stock upon any conversion. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of a share of Common Stock, the Company shall round such fraction of a share of Common Stock up to the nearest whole share. The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp, issuance and similar taxes, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of the Company’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”)) that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Stock upon conversion of any Preferred Shares.
(b) Conversion Rate. Except as otherwise provided herein, the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of any Preferred Share pursuant to this Section 4 shall be determined by dividing (x) the Conversion Amount of such Preferred Share by (y) the Conversion Price (or, with respect to the conversion of any Make-Whole Amount, the Alternate Conversion Price as of the applicable Conversion Date (as defined below)) (the “Conversion Rate”).
(i) For purposes of these Articles of Incorporation, the term “Conversion Amount” means, with respect to each Preferred Share, as of the applicable date of determination, the sum of (1) the Stated Value thereof plus (2) any Additional Amount thereon as of such date of determination plus (3) the Make-Whole Amount, if any, plus (4) any other amounts owed to such Holder pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation these Articles of Incorporation or any other Exchange Document (as defined in the Exchange Agreements).
(ii) For purposes of these Articles of Incorporationthese Articles of Incorporation, the term “Conversion Price” means, with respect to each Preferred Share, as of any Conversion Date or other date of determination, $1.00, subject to adjustment as provided herein.
(c) Mechanics of Conversion. The conversion of each Preferred Share shall be conducted in the following manner:
(i) Optional Conversion. To convert one or more Preferred Shares into Conversion Shares on any date (a “Conversion Date”), a Holder shall deliver (whether via electronic mail or otherwise), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion of the Preferred Share(s) subject to such conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “Conversion Notice”) to the Company. If required by Section 4(c)(ii), within two (2) Trading Days following a conversion of any such Preferred Shares as aforesaid, such Holder shall surrender to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company the original certificates, if any, representing the Preferred Shares (the “Preferred Share Certificates”) so converted as aforesaid (or an indemnification undertaking with respect to the Preferred Shares in the case of its loss, theft or destruction as contemplated by Section 18(b)). On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall transmit by electronic mail an acknowledgment of confirmation and representation as to whether such shares of Common Stock may then be resold pursuant to Rule 144 or an effective and available registration statement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit II, of receipt of such Conversion Notice to such Holder and the Transfer Agent, which confirmation shall constitute an instruction to the Transfer Agent to process such Conversion Notice in accordance with the terms set forth herein. On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following each date on which the Company has received a Conversion Notice (or such earlier date as required pursuant to the 1934 Act or other applicable law, rule or regulation for the settlement of a trade initiated on the applicable Conversion Date of such Conversion Shares issuable pursuant to such Conversion Notice) (the “Share Delivery Deadline”), the Company shall (1) provided that the Transfer Agent is participating in FAST and such shares of Common Stock (i) (A) may then be sold by the applicable Holder pursuant to an available and effective registration statement and (B) such Holder provides such documentation or other information evidencing the sale of the shares of Common Stock as the Company, the Transfer Agent or legal counsel to the Company shall reasonably request (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include the requirement of a medallion guarantee or a legal opinion) or (ii) may be sold by such Holder pursuant to Rule 144 of the 1933 Act, as applicable (the “Resale Eligibility Conditions”), credit such aggregate number of Conversion Shares to which such Holder shall be entitled pursuant to such conversion to such Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system, or (2) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST or the Resale Eligibility Conditions are not satisfied, upon the request of such Holder, issue and deliver (via reputable overnight courier) to the address as specified in such Conversion Notice, a certificate, registered in the name of such Holder or its designee, for the number of Conversion Shares to which such Holder shall be entitled; provided that in the event of the Conversion Floor Price Condition, on the applicable Conversion Date the Stated Value of the remaining Preferred Shares of such Holder shall automatically increase, pro rata, by the applicable Make-Whole Floor Amount or, at the Company’s option, the Company shall deliver the applicable Make-Whole Floor Amount to such applicable Holder on the applicable Conversion Date. If the number of Preferred Shares represented by the Preferred Share Certificate(s) submitted for conversion pursuant to Section 4(c)(ii) is greater than the number of Preferred Shares being converted, then the Company shall, as soon as practicable and in no event later than two (2) Trading Days after receipt of the Preferred Share Certificate(s) and at its own expense, issue and mail to such Holder (or its designee) by overnight courier service a new Preferred Share Certificate or a new Book-Entry (in either case, in accordance with Section 18(d)) representing the number of Preferred Shares not converted. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Conversion Shares issuable upon a conversion of Preferred Shares shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Conversion Shares on the Conversion Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Holder delivers a Conversion Notice to the Company prior to the date of issuance of Preferred Shares to such Holder, whereby such Holder elects to convert such Preferred Shares pursuant to such Conversion Notice, the Share Delivery Deadline with respect to any such Conversion Notice shall be the later of (x) the date of issuance of such Preferred Shares and (y) the first (1st) Trading Day after the date of such Conversion Notice. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in these Articles of Incorporation these Articles of Incorporationor the Registration Rights Agreement, after the effective date of a Registration Statement (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) and prior to a Holder’s receipt of the notice of a Grace Period (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the Company shall cause the Transfer Agent to deliver unlegended shares of Common Stock to such Holder (or its designee) in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) with respect to which such Holder has entered into a contract for sale, and delivered a copy of the prospectus included as part of the particular Registration Statement to the extent applicable, and for which such Holder has not yet settled.
(ii) Company’s Failure to Timely Convert. If the Company shall fail, for any reason or for no reason, on or prior to the applicable Share Delivery Deadline, either (I) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST or the Resale Eligibility Conditions are not satisfied, to issue and deliver to such Holder (or its designee) a certificate for the number of Conversion Shares to which such Holder is entitled and register such Conversion Shares on the Company’s share register or, if the Transfer Agent is participating in FAST and the Resale Eligibility Conditions are satisfied, to credit such Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC for such number of Conversion Shares to which such Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion of any Conversion Amount (as the case may be) or (II) if the Registration Statement covering the resale of the Conversion Shares that are the subject of the Conversion Notice (the “Unavailable Conversion Shares”) is not available for the resale of such Unavailable Conversion Shares and the Company fails to promptly, but in no event later than as required pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (x) notify such Holder and (y) deliver the shares of Common Stock electronically without any restrictive legend by crediting such aggregate number of shares of Common Stock to which such Holder is entitled pursuant to such conversion to such Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian system (the event described in the immediately foregoing clause (II) is hereinafter referred to as a “Notice Failure” and together with the event described in clause (I) above, a “Conversion Failure”), and if on or after such Share Delivery Deadline such Holder acquires (in an open market transaction, stock loan or otherwise) shares of Common Stock corresponding to all or any portion of the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon such conversion that such Holder is entitled to receive from the Company and has not received from the Company in connection with such Conversion Failure or Notice Failure, as applicable (a “Buy-In”), then, in addition to all other remedies available to such Holder, the Company shall, within two (2) Business Days after receipt of such Holder’s request and in such Holder’s discretion, either: (I) pay cash to such Holder in an amount equal to such Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, stock loan costs and other out-of-pocket expenses, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so acquired (including, without limitation, by any other Person in respect, or on behalf, of such Holder) (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to so issue and deliver such certificate (and to issue such Conversion Shares) or credit to the balance account of such Holder or such Holder’s designee, as applicable, with DTC for the number of Conversion Shares to which such Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion hereunder (as the case may be) (and to issue such Conversion Shares) shall terminate, or (II) promptly honor its obligation to so issue and deliver to such Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Conversion Shares or credit the balance account of such Holder or such Holder’s designee, as applicable, with DTC for the number of Conversion Shares to which such Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion hereunder (as the case may be) and pay cash to such Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (x) such number of shares of Common Stock multiplied by (y) the lowest Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on any Trading Day during the period commencing on the date of the applicable Conversion Notice and ending on the date of such issuance and payment under this clause (II) (each, a “Buy-In Payment Amount”). In addition to the foregoing, if on or prior to the Share Delivery Deadline either (A) the Transfer Agent is not participating in FAST or the Resale Eligibility Conditions are not satisfied, the Company shall fail to issue and deliver to such Holder (or its designee) a certificate and register such Conversion Shares on the Company’s share register or, if the Transfer Agent is participating in the FAST and the Resale Eligibility Conditions are satisfied, the Transfer Agent shall fail to credit the balance account of such Holder or such Holder’s designee, as applicable, with DTC for the number of Conversion Shares to which such Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion hereunder or pursuant to the Company’s obligation pursuant to clause (ii) below or (B) a Notice Failure occurs, then, in addition to all other remedies available to such Holder, (X) the Company shall pay in cash to such Holder on each day after the Share Delivery Deadline that the issuance of such Conversion Shares is not timely effected an amount equal to 2% of the product of (A) the sum of the number of Conversion Shares not issued to such Holder on or prior to the Share Delivery Deadline and to which such Holder is entitled, multiplied by (B) any trading price of the Common Stock selected by such Holder in writing as in effect at any time during the period beginning on the applicable Conversion Date and ending on the applicable Share Delivery Deadline and (Y) such Holder, upon written notice to the Company, may void its Conversion Notice with respect to, and retain or have returned, as the case may be, all, or any portion, of such Preferred Shares that has not been converted pursuant to such Conversion Notice; provided that the voiding of a Conversion Notice shall not affect the Company’s obligations to make any payments which have accrued prior to the date of such notice pursuant to this Section 4(c)(ii) or otherwise. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity, including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver certificates representing Conversion Shares (or to electronically deliver such Conversion Shares) upon the conversion of the Preferred Shares as required pursuant to the terms hereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, with respect to any given Notice Failure and/or Conversion Failure, as applicable, this Section 4(c)(ii) shall not apply to a Holder to the extent the Company has already paid such amounts in full to such Holder with respect to such Notice Failure and/or Conversion Failure, as applicable, pursuant to the analogous sections of the Exchange Agreement.
(iii) Registration; Book-Entry. At the time of issuance of any Preferred Shares hereunder, the applicable Holder may, by written request (including by electronic-mail) to the Company, elect to receive such Preferred Shares in the form of one or more Preferred Share Certificates or in Book-Entry form. The Company (or the Transfer Agent, as custodian for the Preferred Shares) shall maintain a register (the “Register”) for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Holders of each Preferred Share and the Stated Value of the Preferred Shares and whether the Preferred Shares are held by such Holder in Preferred Share Certificates or in Book-Entry form (the “Registered Preferred Shares”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The Company and each Holder of the Preferred Shares shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as the owner of a Preferred Share for all purposes (including, without limitation, the right to receive payments and Dividends hereunder) notwithstanding notice to the contrary. A Registered Preferred Share may be assigned, transferred or sold only by registration of such assignment or sale on the Register. Upon its receipt of a written request to assign, transfer or sell one or more Registered Preferred Shares by such Holder thereof, the Company shall record the information contained therein in the Register and issue one or more new Registered Preferred Shares in the same aggregate Stated Value as the Stated Value of the surrendered Registered Preferred Shares to the designated assignee or transferee pursuant to Section 18, provided that if the Company does not so record an assignment, transfer or sale (as the case may be) of such Registered Preferred Shares within two (2) Business Days of such a request, then the Register shall be automatically deemed updated to reflect such assignment, transfer or sale (as the case may be). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Section 4, following conversion of any Preferred Shares in accordance with the terms hereof, the applicable Holder shall not be required to physically surrender such Preferred Shares held in the form of a Preferred Share Certificate to the Company unless (A) the full or remaining number of Preferred Shares represented by the applicable Preferred Share Certificate are being converted (in which event such certificate(s) shall be delivered to the Company as contemplated by this Section 4(c)(ii)) or (B) such Holder has provided the Company with prior written notice (which notice may be included in a Conversion Notice) requesting reissuance of Preferred Shares upon physical surrender of the applicable Preferred Share Certificate. Each Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the Stated Value and Dividends converted and/or paid (as the case may be) and the dates of such conversions and/or payments (as the case may be) or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to such Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of a Preferred Share Certificate upon conversion. If the Company does not update the Register to record such Stated Value and Dividends converted and/or paid (as the case may be) and the dates of such conversions and/or payments (as the case may be) within two (2) Business Days of such occurrence, then the Register shall be automatically deemed updated to reflect such occurrence. In the event of any dispute or discrepancy, the records of the Company establishing the number of Preferred Shares to which the record holder is entitled shall be controlling and determinative in the absence of manifest error. A Holder and any transferee or assignee, by acceptance of a certificate, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following conversion of any Preferred Shares, the number of Preferred Shares represented by such certificate may be less than the number of Preferred Shares stated on the face thereof. Each Preferred Share Certificate shall bear the following legend:
ANY TRANSFEREE OR ASSIGNEE OF THIS CERTIFICATE SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE TERMS OF THE CORPORATION’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION RELATING TO THE SHARES OF SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE, INCLUDING SECTION 4(c)(ii) THEREOF. THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE LESS THAN THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK STATED ON THE FACE HEREOF PURSUANT TO SECTION 4(c)(ii) OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION RELATING TO THE SHARES OF SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE.
(iv) Pro Rata Conversion; Disputes. In the event that the Company receives a Conversion Notice from more than one Holder for the same Conversion Date and the Company can convert some, but not all, of such Preferred Shares submitted for conversion, the Company shall convert from each Holder electing to have Preferred Shares converted on such date a pro rata amount of such Holder’s Preferred Shares submitted for conversion on such date based on the number of Preferred Shares submitted for conversion on such date by such Holder relative to the aggregate number of Preferred Shares submitted for conversion on such date. In the event of a dispute as to the number of Conversion Shares issuable to a Holder in connection with a conversion of Preferred Shares, the Company shall issue to such Holder the number of Conversion Shares not in dispute and resolve such dispute in accordance with Section 23. If a Conversion Notice delivered to the Company would result in a breach of Section 4(d) below, and the applicable Holder does not elect in writing to withdraw, in whole, such Conversion Notice, the Company shall hold such Conversion Notice in abeyance until such time as such Conversion Notice may be satisfied without violating Section 4(d) below (with such calculations thereunder made as of the date such Conversion Notice was initially delivered to the Company).
(d) Limitation on Beneficial Ownership.
(i) Beneficial Ownership. The Company shall not effect the conversion of any of the Preferred Shares held by a Holder, and such Holder shall not have the right to convert any of the Preferred Shares held by such Holder pursuant to the terms and conditions of these Articles of Incorporation these Articles of Incorporation and any such conversion shall be null and void and treated as if never made, to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, such Holder together with the other Attribution Parties collectively would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (the “Maximum Percentage”) of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Holder and the other Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock held by such Holder and all other Attribution Parties plus the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares with respect to which the determination of such sentence is being made, but shall exclude shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (A) conversion of the remaining, nonconverted Preferred Shares beneficially owned by such Holder or any of the other Attribution Parties and (B) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any convertible notes, convertible preferred stock or warrants, including the Preferred Shares) beneficially owned by such Holder or any other Attribution Party subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained in this Section 4(d). For purposes of this Section 4(d), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act. For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of the Maximum Percentage shall take into account the concurrent exercise and/or conversion, as applicable, of the unexercised or unconverted portion of any other securities of the Company beneficially owned by such Holder and/or any other Attribution Party, as applicable. For purposes of determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock a Holder may acquire upon the conversion of such Preferred Shares without exceeding the Maximum Percentage, such Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (x) the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other public filing with the SEC, as the case may be, (y) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (z) any other written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent, if any, setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (the “Reported Outstanding Share Number”). If the Company receives a Conversion Notice from a Holder at a time when the actual number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is less than the Reported Outstanding Share Number, the Company shall notify such Holder in writing of the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding and, to the extent that such Conversion Notice would otherwise cause such Holder’s beneficial ownership, as determined pursuant to this Section 4(d), to exceed the Maximum Percentage, such Holder must notify the Company of a reduced number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to such Conversion Notice. For any reason at any time, upon the written or oral request of any Holder, the Company shall within one (1) Business Day confirm orally and in writing or by electronic mail to such Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including such Preferred Shares, by such Holder and any other Attribution Party since the date as of which the Reported Outstanding Share Number was reported. In the event that the issuance of shares of Common Stock to a Holder upon conversion of such Preferred Shares results in such Holder and the other Attribution Parties being deemed to beneficially own, in the aggregate, more than the Maximum Percentage of the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock (as determined under Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act), the number of shares so issued by which such Holder’s and the other Attribution Parties’ aggregate beneficial ownership exceeds the Maximum Percentage (the “Excess Shares”) shall be deemed null and void and shall be cancelled ab initio, and such Holder shall not have the power to vote or to transfer the Excess Shares. Upon delivery of a written notice to the Company, any Holder may from time to time increase (with such increase not effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after delivery of such notice) or decrease the Maximum Percentage of such Holder to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99% as specified in such notice; provided that (i) any such increase in the Maximum Percentage will not be effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after such notice is delivered to the Company and (ii) any such increase or decrease will apply only to such Holder and the other Attribution Parties and not to any other Holder that is not an Attribution Party of such Holder. For purposes of clarity, the shares of Common Stock issuable to a Holder pursuant to the terms of these Articles of Incorporation in excess of the Maximum Percentage shall not be deemed to be beneficially owned by such Holder for any purpose including for purposes of Section 13(d) or Rule 16a-1(a)(1) of the 1934 Act. No prior inability to convert such Preferred Shares pursuant to this paragraph shall have any effect on the applicability of the provisions of this paragraph with respect to any subsequent determination of convertibility. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 4(d) to the extent necessary to correct this paragraph (or any portion of this paragraph) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended beneficial ownership limitation contained in this Section 4(d) or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitation contained in this paragraph may not be waived and shall apply to a successor holder of such Preferred Shares.
(ii) Principal Market Regulation. The Company shall not issue any shares of Common Stock upon conversion of any Preferred Shares or otherwise pursuant to the terms of these Articles of Incorporation if the issuance of such shares of Common Stock would exceed the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue upon conversion of the Preferred Shares without breaching the Company’s obligations under the rules and regulations the listing rules of the Principal Market (the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued without violating such rules and regulations, the “Exchange Cap”), except that such limitation shall not apply in the event that the Company obtains the approval of its stockholders as required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Principal Market for issuances of shares of Common Stock in excess of such amount. Until such approval is obtained, no Holder shall be issued in the aggregate, upon conversion of any Preferred Shares, shares of Common Stock in an amount greater than the product of (i) the Exchange Cap as of the Initial Issuance Date multiplied by (ii) the quotient of (1) the aggregate number of Preferred Shares issued to such Holder on the Initial Issuance Date, divided by (2) the aggregate number of shares of Preferred Shares and Parity Stock outstanding as of the Initial Issuance Date (with respect to each Holder, the “Exchange Cap Allocation”). In the event that any Holder shall sell or otherwise transfer any of such Holder’s Preferred Shares, the transferee shall be allocated a pro rata portion of such Holder’s Exchange Cap Allocation with respect to such portion of such Preferred Shares so transferred, and the restrictions of the prior sentence shall apply to such transferee with respect to the portion of the Exchange Cap Allocation so allocated to such transferee. Upon conversion in full of a Holder’s Preferred Shares, the difference (if any) between such Holder’s Exchange Cap Allocation and the number of shares of Common Stock actually issued to such Holder upon such Holder’s conversion in full of such Preferred Shares shall be allocated, to the remaining holders of Preferred Shares and Parity Stock on a pro rata basis in proportion to the shares of Common Stock underlying the shares of preferred stock of the Company then held by each such holder of Preferred Shares and/or Parity Stock, as applicable.
(e) Right of Alternate Conversion Upon a Triggering Event.
(i) General. Subject to Section 4(d), at any time after the earlier of a Holder’s receipt of a Triggering Event Notice (as defined below) and such Holder becoming aware of a Triggering Event (such earlier date, the “Alternate Conversion Right Commencement Date”) and ending (such ending date, the “Alternate Conversion Right Expiration Date”, and each such period, an “Alternate Conversion Right Period”) on the tenth (10th) Trading Day after the later of (x) the date such Triggering Event is cured and (y) such Holder’s receipt of a Triggering Event Notice that includes (I) a reasonable description of the applicable Triggering Event, (II) a certification as to whether, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, such Triggering Event is capable of being cured and, if applicable, a reasonable description of any existing plans of the Company to cure such Triggering Event and (III) a certification as to the date the Triggering Event occurred and, if cured on or prior to the date of such Triggering Event Notice, the applicable Alternate Conversion Right Expiration Date, such Holder may, at such Holder’s option, by delivery of a Conversion Notice to the Company (the date of any such Conversion Notice, each an “Alternate Conversion Date”), convert all, or any number of Preferred Shares held by such Holder into shares of Common Stock at the Alternate Conversion Price (each, an “Alternate Conversion”).
(ii) Mechanics of Alternate Conversion. On any Alternate Conversion Date, a Holder may voluntarily convert any number of Preferred Shares held by such Holder pursuant to Section 4(c) (with “Alternate Conversion Price” replacing “Conversion Price” for all purposes hereunder with respect to such Alternate Conversion and with “the applicable Required Premium multiplied by the Conversion Amount” replacing “Conversion Amount” in clause (x) of the definition of Conversion Rate in Section 4(b) above with respect to such Alternate Conversion) by designating in the Conversion Notice delivered pursuant to this Section 4(f)(ii) of these Articles of Incorporation that such Holder is electing to use the Alternate Conversion Price for such conversion; provided that in the event of the Conversion Floor Price Condition, on the applicable Alternate Conversion Date the Stated Value of the remaining Preferred Shares of such Holder shall automatically increase, pro rata, by the applicable Alternate Conversion Floor Amount or, at the Company’s option, the Company shall deliver the applicable Alternate Conversion Floor Amount to such applicable Holder on the applicable Alternate Conversion Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4(f)(ii), but subject to Section 4(d), until the Company delivers to such Holder the shares of Common Stock to which such Holder is entitled pursuant to the applicable Alternate Conversion of such Holder’s Preferred Shares, such Preferred Shares may be converted by such Holder into shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 4(c) without regard to this Section 4(f)(ii). In the event of an Alternate Conversion pursuant to this Section 4(f)(ii) of all, or any portion, of any Preferred Shares of a Holder, such Holder’s damages would be uncertain and difficult to estimate because of the parties’ inability to predict future interest rates and the uncertainty of the availability of a suitable substitute investment opportunity for such Holder. Accordingly, any redemption premium due under this Section 4(f)(ii), together the Alternate Conversion Price used in such Alternate Conversion, as applicable, is intended by the parties to be, and shall be deemed, a reasonable estimate of, such Holder’s actual loss of its investment opportunity and not as a penalty.
5. Triggering Events.
(a) General. Each of the following events shall constitute a “Triggering Event” and each of the events in clauses 5(a)(x), 5(a)(xi), and 5(a)(xii), shall constitute a “Bankruptcy Triggering Event”:
(i) the failure of the applicable Registration Statement (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) to be filed with the SEC on or prior to the date that is five (5) days after the applicable Filing Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) or the failure of the applicable Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the date that is fifteen (15) days after the applicable Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement);
(ii) while the applicable Registration Statement is required to be maintained effective pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the effectiveness of the applicable Registration Statement lapses for any reason (including, without limitation, the issuance of a stop order) or such Registration Statement (or the prospectus contained therein) is unavailable to any holder of Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) for sale of all of such holder’s Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, and such lapse or unavailability continues for a period of five (5) consecutive days or for more than an aggregate of ten (10) days in any 365-day period (excluding days during an Allowable Grace Period (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement));
(iii) the suspension from trading or the failure of the Common Stock to be trading or listed (as applicable) on an Eligible Market for a period of five (5) consecutive Trading Days;
(iv) the Company’s (A) failure to cure a Conversion Failure by delivery of the required number of shares of Common Stock within five (5) Trading Days after the applicable Conversion Date or exercise date (as the case may be) or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holder of Preferred Shares, including, without limitation, by way of public announcement or through any of its agents, at any time, of its intention not to comply, as required, with a request for conversion of any Preferred Shares into shares of Common Stock that is requested in accordance with the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation, other than pursuant to Section 4(d) hereof;
(v) except to the extent the Company is in compliance with Section 11(b) below, at any time following the tenth (10th) consecutive day that a Holder’s Authorized Share Allocation (as defined in Section 11(a) below) is less than 200% of the number of shares of Common Stock that such Holder would be entitled to receive upon a conversion, in full, of all of the Preferred Shares then held by such Holder (assuming conversions at the Floor Price then in effect without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth in these Articles of Incorporation);
(vi) the Board fails to declare any Dividend to be paid on the applicable Dividend Date in accordance with Section 3;
(vii) the Company’s failure to pay to any Holder any Dividend on any Dividend Date (whether or not declared by the Board) or any other amount when and as due under these Articles of Incorporation (including, without limitation, the Company’s failure to pay any redemption payments or amounts hereunder), the Exchange Agreements or any other Exchange Document or any other agreement, document, certificate or other instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (in each case, whether or not permitted pursuant to the NRS), except, in the case of a failure to pay Dividends when and as due, in each such case only if such failure remains uncured for a period of at least two (2) Trading Days;
(viii) the Company fails to remove any restrictive legend on any certificate or any shares of Common Stock issued to the applicable Holder upon conversion or exercise (as the case may be) of any Securities (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) acquired by such Holder under the Exchange Documents as and when required by such Securities or the Exchange Agreement, as applicable, unless otherwise then prohibited by applicable federal securities laws, and any such failure remains uncured for at least five (5) days;
(ix) the occurrence of any default under, redemption of or acceleration prior to maturity of at least an aggregate of $500,000 of Indebtedness (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(x) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings for the relief of debtors shall be instituted by or against the Company or any Subsidiary and, if instituted against the Company or any Subsidiary by a third party, shall not be dismissed within sixty (60) days of their initiation;
(xi) the commencement by the Company or any Subsidiary of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree, order, judgment or other similar document in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal, state or foreign law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the execution of a composition of debts, or the occurrence of any other similar federal, state or foreign proceeding, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, the taking of corporate action by the Company or any Subsidiary in furtherance of any such action or the taking of any action by any Person to commence a Uniform Commercial Code foreclosure sale or any other similar action under federal, state or foreign law;
(xii) the entry by a court of (i) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary of a voluntary or involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (ii) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document adjudging the Company or any Subsidiary as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary under any applicable federal, state or foreign law or (iii) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree, order, judgment or other similar document or any such other decree, order, judgment or other similar document unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days;
(xiii) a final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating in excess of $500,000 are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within sixty (60) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within sixty (60) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a credit worthy party shall not be included in calculating the $500,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides each Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to each Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;
(xiv) the Company and/or any Subsidiary, individually or in the aggregate, either (i) fails to pay, when due, or within any applicable grace period, any payment with respect to any Indebtedness in excess of $500,000 due to any third party (other than, with respect to unsecured Indebtedness only, payments contested by the Company and/or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) in good faith by proper proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside for the payment thereof in accordance with GAAP) or is otherwise in breach or violation of any agreement for monies owed or owing in an amount in excess of $500,000, which breach or violation permits the other party thereto to declare a default or otherwise accelerate amounts due thereunder, or (ii) suffer to exist any other circumstance or event that would, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in a default or event of default under any agreement binding the Company or any Subsidiary, which default or event of default would or is likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, operations (including results thereof), liabilities, properties, condition (including financial condition) or prospects of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate;
(xv) other than as specifically set forth in another clause of this Section 5(a), the Company or any Subsidiary breaches any representation or warranty in any material respect (other than representations or warranties subject to material adverse effect or materiality, which may not be breached in any respect) or any covenant or other term or condition of any Exchange Document, except, in the case of a breach of a covenant or other term or condition that is curable, only if such breach remains uncured for a period of two (2) consecutive Trading Days;
(xvi) a false or inaccurate certification (including a false or inaccurate deemed certification) by the Company that either (A) the Equity Conditions are satisfied, (B) there has been no Equity Conditions Failure, or (C) as to whether any Triggering Event has occurred;
(xvii) any breach or failure in any respect by the Company or any Subsidiary to comply with any provision of Section 13 of these Articles of Incorporation;
(xviii) any Preferred Shares remain outstanding on or after January 8, 2030;
(xix) any Change of Control occurs without the prior written consent of the Required Holders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed;
(xx) any Material Adverse Effect occurs; or
(xxi) any provision of any Exchange Document shall at any time for any reason (other than pursuant to the express terms thereof) cease to be valid and binding on or enforceable against the Company, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any Subsidiary, or a proceeding shall be commenced by the Company or any Subsidiary or any governmental authority having jurisdiction over any of them, seeking to establish the invalidity or unenforceability thereof or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall deny in writing that it has any liability or obligation purported to be created under one or more Exchange Documents.
(b) Notice of a Triggering Event. Upon the occurrence of a Triggering Event with respect to the Preferred Shares, the Company shall within two (2) Business Days deliver written notice thereof via electronic mail and overnight courier (with next day delivery specified) (a “Triggering Event Notice”) to each Holder.
(c) Mandatory Redemption upon Bankruptcy Triggering Event. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, and notwithstanding any conversion that is then required or in process, upon any Bankruptcy Triggering Event, the Company shall immediately redeem, in cash, each of the Preferred Shares then outstanding at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount to be redeemed multiplied by (B) the Required Premium and (ii) the product of (X) the Conversion Rate (calculated using the lowest Alternate Conversion Price during the period commencing on the 20th Trading Day immediately preceding such public announcement and ending on the date the Company makes the entire redemption payment pursuant to this Section 5(b)) with respect to the Conversion Amount in effect immediately following the date of initial public announcement (or public filing of bankruptcy documents, as applicable) of such Bankruptcy Triggering Event multiplied by (Y) the product of (1) the Required Premium multiplied by (2) the greatest Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on any Trading Day during the period commencing on the date immediately preceding such Bankruptcy Triggering Event and ending on the date the Company makes the entire payment required to be made under this Section 5(b), without the requirement for any notice or demand or other action by any Holder or any other person or entity, provided that a Holder may, in its sole discretion, waive such right to receive payment upon a Bankruptcy Triggering Event, in whole or in part, and any such waiver shall not affect any other rights of such Holder or any other Holder hereunder, including any other rights in respect of such Bankruptcy Triggering Event or any right to conversion (or Alternate Conversion), as applicable.
6. Rights Upon Fundamental Transactions.
(a) Assumption. The Company shall not enter into or be party to a Fundamental Transaction unless (i) the Successor Entity assumes in writing all of the obligations of the Company under these Articles of Incorporation and the other Exchange Documents in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6 pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Required Holders, including agreements to deliver to each holder of Preferred Shares in exchange for such Preferred Shares a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to these Articles of Incorporation, including, without limitation, having a stated value and dividend rate equal to the stated value and dividend rate of the Preferred Shares held by the Holders and having similar ranking to the Preferred Shares, and reasonably satisfactory to the Required Holders and (ii) the Successor Entity (including its Parent Entity) is a publicly traded corporation whose common stock is quoted on or listed for trading on an Eligible Market. Upon the occurrence of any Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation and the other Exchange Documents referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under these Articles of Incorporation and the other Exchange Documents with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein and therein. In addition to the foregoing, upon consummation of a Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall deliver to each Holder confirmation that there shall be issued upon conversion or redemption of the Preferred Shares at any time after the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction, in lieu of the shares of Common Stock (or other securities, cash, assets or other property (except such items still issuable under Sections 7 and 15, which shall continue to be receivable thereafter)) issuable upon the conversion or redemption of the Preferred Shares prior to such Fundamental Transaction, such shares of the publicly traded common stock (or their equivalent) of the Successor Entity (including its Parent Entity) which each Holder would have been entitled to receive upon the happening of such Fundamental Transaction had all the Preferred Shares held by each Holder been converted immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitations on the conversion of the Preferred Shares contained in these Articles of Incorporation), as adjusted in accordance with the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Holder may elect, at its sole option, by delivery of written notice to the Company to waive this Section 6 to permit the Fundamental Transaction without the assumption of the Preferred Shares. The provisions of this Section 6 shall apply similarly and equally to successive Fundamental Transactions and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of the Preferred Shares.
(b) Notice of a Change of Control; Change of Control Election Notice. No sooner than the earlier of (x) twenty (20) Trading Days prior to the consummation of a Change of Control or (y) the public announcement of the entry into an agreement with respect to a Change of Control, nor later than ten (10) Trading Days prior to the consummation of a Change of Control (the “Change of Control Date”), the Company shall deliver written notice thereof via electronic mail and overnight courier to each Holder (a “Change of Control Notice”). At any time during the period beginning after a Holder’s receipt of a Change of Control Notice or such Holder becoming aware of a Change of Control if a Change of Control Notice is not delivered to such Holder in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence (as applicable) and ending on twenty (20) Trading Days after the later of (A) the date of consummation of such Change of Control or (B) the date of receipt of such Change of Control Notice or (C) the date of the announcement of such Change of Control, such Holder may require, by delivering written notice thereof (“Change of Control Election Notice”) to the Company (which Change of Control Election Notice shall indicate the number of Preferred Shares subject to such election), to have the Company exchange such Holder’s Preferred Shares designated in such Change of Control Election Notice for consideration equal to the Change of Control Election Price (as defined below), to be satisfied at the Company’s election (such election to pay in cash or by delivery of the Rights (as defined below), a “Consideration Election”), in either (I) rights (with a beneficial ownership limitation in the form of Section 4(d) hereof, mutatis mutandis) (collectively, the “Rights”), convertible in whole, or in part, at any time, without the requirement to pay any additional consideration, at the option of the Required Holders, into such Corporate Event Consideration (as defined below) applicable to such Change of Control equal in value to the Change of Control Election Price (as determined with the fair market value of the aggregate number of Successor Shares (as defined below) issuable upon conversion of the Rights to be determined in increments of 10% (or such greater percentage as the applicable Holder may notify the Company from time to time) of the portion of the Change of Control Election Price attributable to such Successor Shares (the “Successor Share Value Increment”), with the aggregate number of Successor Shares issuable upon exercise of the Rights with respect to the first Successor Share Value Increment determined based on 70% of the VWAP of the Successor Shares on the date the Rights are issued and on each of the nine (9) subsequent Trading Days, in each case, the aggregate number of additional Successor Shares issuable upon exercise of the Rights shall be determined based upon a Successor Share Value Increment at 70% of the VWAP of the Successor Shares in effect for such corresponding Trading Day (such ten (10) Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the date the Rights are issued, the “Rights Measuring Period”)), or (II) in cash; provided, that the Company shall not consummate a Change of Control if the Corporate Event Consideration includes capital stock or other equity interest (the “Successor Shares”) either in an entity that is not listed on an Eligible Market or an entity in which the daily share volume for the applicable Successor Shares for each of the twenty (20) Trading Days prior to the date of consummation of such Change of Control is less than the aggregate number of Successor Shares issuable to all Holders upon conversion in full of the applicable Rights (without regard to any limitations on conversion therein, assuming the exercise in full of the Rights on the date of issuance of the Rights and assuming the VWAP of the Successor Shares for each Trading Day in the Rights Measuring Period is the VWAP on the Trading Day ended immediately prior to the time of consummation of the Change of Control). The Company shall give each Holder written notice of each Consideration Election at least twenty (20) Trading Days prior to the time of consummation of such Change of Control. Payment of such amounts or delivery of the Rights, as applicable, shall be made by the Company (or at the Company’s direction) to each Holder on the later of (x) the second (2nd) Trading Day after the date of such request and (y) the date of consummation of such Change of Control (or, with respect to any Right, if applicable, such later time that holders of shares of Common Stock are initially entitled to receive Corporate Event Consideration with respect to the shares of Common Stock of such holder). Any Corporate Event Consideration included in the Rights, if any, pursuant to this Section 6(b) is pari passu with the Corporate Event Consideration to be paid to holders of shares of Common Stock and the Company shall not permit a payment of any Corporate Event Consideration to the holders of shares of Common Stock without on or prior to such time delivering the Right to the Holders in accordance herewith. Cash payments, if any, required by this Section 6(b) shall have priority to payments to all other stockholders of the Company in connection with such Change of Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6(b), but subject to Section 4(d), until the applicable Change of Control Election Price is paid in full to the applicable Holder in cash or Corporate Event Consideration in accordance herewith, the Preferred Shares submitted by such Holder for exchange or payment, as applicable, under this Section 6(b) may be converted, in whole or in part, by such Holder into Common Stock pursuant to Section 4 or in the event the Conversion Date is after the consummation of such Change of Control, stock or equity interests of the Successor Entity substantially equivalent to the Company’s shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 6. In the event of the Company’s repayment or exchange, as applicable, of any of the Preferred Shares under this Section 6(b), such Holder’s damages would be uncertain and difficult to estimate because of the parties’ inability to predict future interest rates and the uncertainty of the availability of a suitable substitute investment opportunity for a Holder. Accordingly, any Required Premium due under this Section 6(b) is intended by the parties to be, and shall be deemed, a reasonable estimate of such Holder’s actual loss of its investment opportunity and not as a penalty. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in connection with any redemption hereunder at a time a Holder is entitled to receive a cash payment under any of the other Exchange Documents, at the option of such Holder delivered in writing to the Company, the applicable redemption price hereunder shall be increased by the amount of such cash payment owed to such Holder under such other Exchange Document and, upon payment in full or conversion in accordance herewith, shall satisfy the Company’s payment obligation under such other Exchange Document.
7. Rights Upon Issuance of Purchase Rights and Other Corporate Events.
(a) Purchase Rights. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 8 and Section 15 below, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Options, Convertible Securities or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to all or substantially all of the record holders of any class of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then each Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which such Holder could have acquired if such Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of all the Preferred Shares (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of the Preferred Shares and assuming for such purpose that all the Preferred Shares were converted at the Alternate Conversion Price as of the applicable record date) held by such Holder immediately prior to the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights; provided, however, to the extent that such Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in such Holder and the other Attribution Parties exceeding the Maximum Percentage, then such Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent of the Maximum Percentage (and shall not be entitled to beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right (and beneficial ownership) to such extent of any such excess) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance (and, if such Purchase Right has an expiration date, maturity date or other similar provision, such term shall be extended by such number of days held in abeyance, if applicable) for the benefit of such Holder until such time or times, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in such Holder and the other Attribution Parties exceeding the Maximum Percentage, at which time or times such Holder shall be granted such right (and any Purchase Right granted, issued or sold on such initial Purchase Right or on any subsequent Purchase Right held similarly in abeyance (and, if such Purchase Right has an expiration date, maturity date or other similar provision, such term shall be extended by such number of days held in abeyance, if applicable)) to the same extent as if there had been no such limitation.
(b) Other Corporate Events. In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, prior to the consummation of any Fundamental Transaction pursuant to which holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange for shares of Common Stock (a “Corporate Event”), the Company shall make appropriate provision to ensure that each Holder will thereafter have the right, at such Holder’s option, to receive upon a conversion of all the Preferred Shares held by such Holder (i) such securities or other assets (the “Corporate Event Consideration”) to which such Holder would have been entitled with respect to such shares of Common Stock had such shares of Common Stock been held by such Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of the Preferred Shares set forth in these Articles of Incorporation) or (ii) in lieu of the shares of Common Stock otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of shares of Common Stock in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as such Holder would have been entitled to receive had the Preferred Shares held by such Holder initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to shares of Common Stock) at a conversion rate for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Rate of an Alternate Conversion. Provision made pursuant the preceding sentence shall be in a form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Required Holders. The provisions of this Section 7 shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of the Preferred Shares set forth in these Articles of Incorporation.
8. Rights Upon Issuance of Other Securities.
(a) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Issuance of Common Stock. If and whenever on or after the Exchange Date the Company grants, issues or sells (or enters into any agreement to grant, issue or sell), or in accordance with this Section 8(a) is deemed to have granted, issued or sold, any shares of Common Stock (including the granting, issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock owned or held by or for the account of the Company, but excluding any Excluded Securities granted, issued or sold or deemed to have been granted, issued or sold) for a consideration per share (the “New Issuance Price”) less than a price equal to the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such granting, issuance or sale or deemed granting, issuance or sale (such Conversion Price then in effect is referred to herein as the “Applicable Price”) (the foregoing a “Dilutive Issuance”), then, immediately after such Dilutive Issuance, the Conversion Price then in effect shall be reduced to an amount equal to the New Issuance Price. For all purposes of the foregoing (including, without limitation, determining the adjusted Conversion Price and the New Issuance Price under this Section 8(a)), the following shall be applicable:
(i) Issuance of Options. If the Company in any manner grants, issues or sells (or enters into any agreement to grant, issue or sell) any Options and the lowest price per share for which one share of Common Stock is at any time issuable upon the exercise of any such Option or upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities issuable upon exercise of any such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof is less than the Applicable Price, then such share of Common Stock shall be deemed to be outstanding and to have been issued and sold by the Company at the time of the granting, issuance or sale of such Option for such price per share. For purposes of this Section 8(a)(i), the “lowest price per share for which one share of Common Stock is at any time issuable upon the exercise of any such Option or upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities issuable upon exercise of any such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof” shall be equal to (1) the lower of (x) the sum of the lowest amounts of consideration (if any) received or receivable by the Company with respect to any one share of Common Stock upon the granting, issuance or sale of such Option, upon exercise of such Option and upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Security issuable upon exercise of such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof and (y) the lowest exercise price set forth in such Option for which one share of Common Stock is issuable (or may become issuable assuming all possible market conditions) upon the exercise of any such Options or upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities issuable upon exercise of any such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof, minus (2) the sum of all amounts paid or payable to the holder of such Option (or any other Person) with respect to any one share of Common Stock upon the granting, issuance or sale of such Option, upon exercise of such Option and upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Security issuable upon exercise of such Option or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof plus the value of any other consideration (including, without limitation, consideration consisting of cash, debt forgiveness, assets or any other property) received or receivable by, or benefit conferred on, the holder of such Option (or any other Person). Except as contemplated below, no further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made upon the actual issuance of such share of Common Stock or of such Convertible Securities upon the exercise of such Options or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof or upon the actual issuance of such shares of Common Stock upon conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Securities.
(ii) Issuance of Convertible Securities. If the Company in any manner issues or sells (or enters into any agreement to issue or sell) any Convertible Securities and the lowest price per share for which one share of Common Stock is at any time issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange thereof or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof is less than the Applicable Price, then such share of Common Stock shall be deemed to be outstanding and to have been issued and sold by the Company at the time of the issuance or sale (or the time of execution of such agreement to issue or sell, as applicable) of such Convertible Securities for such price per share. For the purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the “lowest price per share for which one share of Common Stock is at any time issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange thereof or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof” shall be equal to (1) the lower of (x) the sum of the lowest amounts of consideration (if any) received or receivable by the Company with respect to one share of Common Stock upon the issuance or sale (or pursuant to the agreement to issue or sell, as applicable) of the Convertible Security and upon conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Security or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof and (y) the lowest conversion price set forth in such Convertible Security for which one share of Common Stock is issuable (or may become issuable assuming all possible market conditions) upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof minus (2) the sum of all amounts paid or payable to the holder of such Convertible Security (or any other Person) with respect to any one share of Common Stock upon the issuance or sale (or the agreement to issue or sell, as applicable) of such Convertible Security plus the value of any other consideration received or receivable (including, without limitation, any consideration consisting of cash, debt forgiveness, assets or other property) by, or benefit conferred on, the holder of such Convertible Security (or any other Person). Except as contemplated below, no further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made upon the actual issuance of such shares of Common Stock upon conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Securities or otherwise pursuant to the terms thereof, and if any such issuance or sale of such Convertible Securities is made upon exercise of any Options for which adjustment of the Conversion Price has been or is to be made pursuant to other provisions of this Section 8(a), except as contemplated below, no further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made by reason of such issuance or sale.
(iii) Change in Option Price or Rate of Conversion. If the purchase or exercise price provided for in any Options, the additional consideration, if any, payable upon the issue, conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities, or the rate at which any Convertible Securities are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock increases or decreases at any time (other than proportional changes in conversion or exercise prices, as applicable, in connection with an event referred to in Section 8(a) below), the Conversion Price in effect at the time of such increase or decrease shall be adjusted to the Conversion Price which would have been in effect at such time had such Options or Convertible Securities provided for such increased or decreased purchase price, additional consideration or increased or decreased conversion rate (as the case may be) at the time initially granted, issued or sold. For purposes of this Section 8(a)(iii), if the terms of any Option or Convertible Security (including, without limitation, any Option or Convertible Security that was outstanding as of the Exchange Date) are increased or decreased in the manner described in the immediately preceding sentence, then such Option or Convertible Security and the shares of Common Stock deemed issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange thereof shall be deemed to have been issued as of the date of such increase or decrease. No adjustment pursuant to this Section 8(a) shall be made if such adjustment would result in an increase of the Conversion Price then in effect.
(iv) Calculation of Consideration Received. If any Option and/or Convertible Security and/or Adjustment Right is issued in connection with the issuance or sale or deemed issuance or sale of any other securities of the Company (as determined by the Required Holders, the “Primary Security”, and such Option and/or Convertible Security and/or Adjustment Right, the “Secondary Securities” and together with the Primary Security, each a “Unit”), together comprising one integrated transaction (or one or more transactions if such issuances or sales or deemed issuances or sales of securities of the Company either (A) have at least one investor or purchaser in common, (B) are consummated in reasonable proximity to each other and/or (C) are consummated under the same plan of financing), the aggregate consideration per share of Common Stock with respect to such Primary Security shall be deemed to be the lowest of (x) the purchase price of such Unit, (y) if such Primary Security is an Option and/or Convertible Security, the lowest price per share for which one share of Common Stock is at any time issuable upon the exercise or conversion of the Primary Security and (z) the lowest VWAP on any Trading Day during the five (5) Trading Day period (the “Adjustment Period”) immediately following the public announcement of such Dilutive Issuance (for the avoidance of doubt, if such public announcement is released prior to the opening of the applicable Trading Market on a Trading Day, such Trading Day shall be the first Trading Day in such five Trading Day period and if any Preferred Shares are converted, on any given Conversion Date during any such Adjustment Period, solely with respect to such Preferred Shares converted on such applicable Conversion Date, such applicable Adjustment Period shall be deemed to have ended on, and included, the Trading Day immediately prior to such Conversion Date). If any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities are issued or sold for a consideration other than cash, the amount of such consideration received by the Company will be the fair value of such consideration, except where such consideration consists of publicly traded securities, in which case the amount of consideration received by the Company for such securities will be the arithmetic average of the VWAPs of such security for each of the five (5) Trading Days immediately preceding the date of receipt. If any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities are issued to the owners of the non-surviving entity in connection with any merger in which the Company is the surviving entity, the amount of consideration therefor will be deemed to be the fair value of such portion of the net assets and business of the non-surviving entity as is attributable to such shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities (as the case may be). The fair value of any consideration other than cash or publicly traded securities will be determined jointly by the Company and the Required Holder. If such parties are unable to reach agreement within ten (10) days after the occurrence of an event requiring valuation (the “Valuation Event”), the fair value of such consideration will be determined within five (5) Trading Days after the tenth (10th) day following such Valuation Event by an independent, reputable appraiser jointly selected by the Company and the Required Holder. The determination of such appraiser shall be final and binding upon all parties absent manifest error and the fees and expenses of such appraiser shall be borne by the Company.
(v) Record Date. If the Company takes a record of the holders of shares of Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them (A) to receive a dividend or other distribution payable in shares of Common Stock, Options or in Convertible Securities or (B) to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, then such record date will be deemed to be the date of the issuance or sale of the shares of Common Stock deemed to have been issued or sold upon the declaration of such dividend or the making of such other distribution or the date of the granting of such right of subscription or purchase (as the case may be).
(b) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Common Stock. Without limiting any provision of Section 7 or Section 15, if the Company at any time on or after the Exchange Date subdivides (by any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction) one or more classes of its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision will be proportionately reduced. Without limiting any provision of Section 7 or Section 15, if the Company at any time on or after the Exchange Date combines (by any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction) one or more classes of its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination will be proportionately increased. Any adjustment pursuant to this Section 8(a) shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision or combination. If any event requiring an adjustment under this Section 8(a) occurs during the period that a Conversion Price is calculated hereunder, then the calculation of such Conversion Price shall be adjusted appropriately to reflect such event.
(c) Holder’s Right of Adjusted Conversion Price. In addition to and not in limitation of the other provisions of this Section 8(b), if the Company in any manner issues or sells or enters into any agreement to issue or sell, any Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities (other than pursuant to a Permitted ATM) (any such securities, “Variable Price Securities”) after the Subscription Date that are issuable pursuant to such agreement or convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Common Stock at a price which varies or may vary with the market price of the shares of Common Stock, including by way of one or more reset(s) to a fixed price, but exclusive of such formulations reflecting share splits, share combinations, and share dividends (each of the formulations for such variable price being herein referred to as, the “Variable Price”), the Company shall provide written notice thereof via electronic mail and overnight courier to each Holder on the date of such agreement and/or the issuance of such shares of Common Stock, Convertible Securities or Options, as applicable. From and after the date the Company enters into such agreement or issues any such Variable Price Securities, each Holder shall have the right, but not the obligation, in its sole discretion to substitute the Variable Price for the Conversion Price upon conversion of the Preferred Shares by designating in the Conversion Notice delivered upon any conversion of Preferred Shares that solely for purposes of such conversion such Holder is relying on the Variable Price rather than the Conversion Price then in effect. A Holder’s election to rely on a Variable Price for a particular conversion of Preferred Shares shall not obligate such Holder to rely on a Variable Price for any future conversions of Preferred Shares.
(d) Stock Combination Event Adjustments. If at any time and from time to time on or after the Subscription Date there occurs any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination recapitalization or other similar transaction involving the Common Stock (each, a “Stock Combination Event”, and such date thereof, the “Stock Combination Event Date”) and the Event Market Price is less than the Conversion Price then in effect (after giving effect to the adjustment in Section 8(b) above), then on the sixteenth (16th) Trading Day immediately following such Stock Combination Event Date, the Conversion Price then in effect on such sixteenth (16th) Trading Day (after giving effect to the adjustment in Section 8(b) above) shall be reduced (but in no event increased) to the Event Market Price. For the avoidance of doubt, if the adjustment in the immediately preceding sentence would otherwise result in an increase in the Conversion Price hereunder, no adjustment shall be made.
(e) Other Events. In the event that the Company (or any Subsidiary) shall take any action to which the provisions hereof are not strictly applicable, or, if applicable, would not operate to protect any Holder from dilution or if any event occurs of the type contemplated by the provisions of this Section 8 but not expressly provided for by such provisions (including, without limitation, the granting of stock appreciation rights, phantom stock rights or other rights with equity features), then the Board shall in good faith determine and implement an appropriate adjustment in the Conversion Price so as to protect the rights of such Holder, provided that no such adjustment pursuant to this Section 8(b) will increase the Conversion Price as otherwise determined pursuant to this Section 8, provided further that if such Holder does not accept such adjustments as appropriately protecting its interests hereunder against such dilution, then the Board and such Holder shall agree, in good faith, upon an independent investment bank of nationally recognized standing to make such appropriate adjustments, whose determination shall be final and binding absent manifest error and whose fees and expenses shall be borne by the Company.
(f) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 8 shall be made by rounding to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as applicable. The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any given time shall not include shares owned or held by or for the account of the Company, and the disposition of any such shares shall be considered an issue or sale of Common Stock.
(g) Voluntary Adjustment by Company. Subject to the rules and regulations of the Principal Market, the Company may at any time any Preferred Shares remain outstanding, with the prior written consent of the Required Holder, reduce the then current Conversion Price to any amount and for any period of time deemed appropriate by the Board.
(h) Resets. If on April 22, 2025 and any six month anniversary thereafter (each, a “Reset Date”), the Conversion Price then in effect is greater than the Closing Bid Price of the Common Stock as of such applicable Reset Date (each, a “Reset Price”), immediately after the close of the Principal Market on such applicable Reset Date the Conversion Price shall automatically lower to such applicable Reset Price.
9. Redemption at the Company’s Election. At any time, the Company shall have the right to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Shares then outstanding (the “Company Optional Redemption Amount”) on the Company Optional Redemption Date (each as defined below) (a “Company Optional Redemption”). The Preferred Shares subject to redemption pursuant to this Section 9 shall be redeemed by the Company in cash at a price (the “Company Optional Redemption Price”) equal to the greater of (i) the Conversion Amount being redeemed as of the Company Optional Redemption Date and (ii) the product of (1) the Conversion Rate with respect to the Conversion Amount being redeemed as of the Company Optional Redemption Date multiplied by (2) the greatest Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on any Trading Day during the period commencing on the date immediately preceding such Company Optional Redemption Notice Date and ending on the Trading Day immediately prior to the date the Company makes the entire payment required to be made under this Section 9. The Company may exercise its right to require redemption under this Section 9 by delivering a written notice thereof by electronic mail and overnight courier to all, but not less than all, of the Holders (the “Company Optional Redemption Notice” and the date all of the Holders received such notice is referred to as the “Company Optional Redemption Notice Date”). Such Company Optional Redemption Notice shall be irrevocable; provided that the Company Optional Redemption Notice may be conditioned upon the consummation of a refinancing transaction or a Going Private Transaction. The Company Optional Redemption Notice shall (x) state the date on which the Company Optional Redemption shall occur (the “Company Optional Redemption Date”) which date shall not be less than ten (10) Trading Days nor more than twenty (20) Trading Days following the Company Optional Redemption Notice Date, and (y) state the aggregate Conversion Amount of the Preferred Shares which is being redeemed in such Company Optional Redemption from such Holder and all of the other Holders of the Preferred Shares pursuant to this Section 9 on the Company Optional Redemption Date. The Company shall deliver the applicable Company Optional Redemption Price to each Holder in cash on the applicable Company Optional Redemption Date. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, at any time prior to the date the Company Optional Redemption Price is paid, in full, the Company Optional Redemption Amount may be converted, in whole or in part, by any Holder into shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 4. All Conversion Amounts converted by a Holder after the Company Optional Redemption Notice Date shall reduce the Company Optional Redemption Amount of the Preferred Shares of such Holder required to be redeemed on the Company Optional Redemption Date. In the event of the Company’s redemption of any of the Preferred Shares under this Section 9, a Holder’s damages would be uncertain and difficult to estimate because of the parties’ inability to predict future interest rates and the uncertainty of the availability of a suitable substitute investment opportunity for such Holder. Accordingly, any redemption premium due under this Section 9 is intended by the parties to be, and shall be deemed, a reasonable estimate of such Holder’s actual loss of its investment opportunity and not as a penalty. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall have no right to effect a Company Optional Redemption if any Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing, but any Triggering Event shall have no effect upon any Holder’s right to convert Preferred Shares in its discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to a Going Private Transaction, the Company may effect a Company Optional Redemption under this Section 9, but with “Change of Control Election Price” replacing “Company Optional Redemption Price” for all purposes in this Section 9 in connection therewith.
10. Noncircumvention. The Company hereby covenants and agrees that the Company will not, by amendment of its Articles of Incorporation, bylaws or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, scheme of arrangement, dissolution, issue or sale of securities, or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of these Articles of Incorporation, and will at all times in good faith carry out all the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation and take all action as may be required to protect the rights of the Holders hereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation or the other Exchange Documents, the Company (a) shall not increase the par value of any shares of Common Stock receivable upon the conversion of any Preferred Shares above the Conversion Price then in effect, (b) shall take all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock upon the conversion of Preferred Shares and (c) shall, so long as any Preferred Shares are outstanding, take all action necessary to reserve and keep available out of its authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Preferred Shares, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be necessary to effect the conversion of the Preferred Shares then outstanding (without regard to any limitations on conversion contained herein). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if after the sixty (60) calendar day anniversary of the Initial Issuance Date, each Holder is not permitted to convert such Holder’s Preferred Shares in full for any reason (other than pursuant to restrictions set forth in Section 4(d) hereof), the Company shall use its best efforts to promptly remedy such failure, including, without limitation, obtaining such consents or approvals as necessary to effect such conversion into shares of Common Stock.
11. Authorized Shares.
(a) Reservation. So long as any Preferred Shares remain outstanding, the Company shall at all times reserve at least 150% of the number of shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be necessary to effect the conversion, including without limitation, Alternate Conversions, of all of the Preferred Shares then outstanding at the Floor Price then in effect (without regard to any limitations on conversions) (the “Required Reserve Amount”). The Required Reserve Amount (including, without limitation, each increase in the number of shares so reserved) shall be allocated pro rata among the Holders based on the number of the Preferred Shares held by each Holder on the Initial Issuance Date or increase in the number of reserved shares, as the case may be (the “Authorized Share Allocation”). In the event that a Holder shall sell or otherwise transfer any of such Holder’s Preferred Shares, each transferee shall be allocated a pro rata portion of such Holder’s Authorized Share Allocation. Any shares of Common Stock reserved and allocated to any Person which ceases to hold any Preferred Shares shall be allocated to the remaining Holders of Preferred Shares, pro rata based on the number of the Preferred Shares then held by the Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Holder may allocate its Authorized Share Allocation to any other of the securities of the Company held by such Holder (or any of its designees) by delivery of a written notice to the Company.
(b) Insufficient Authorized Shares. If, notwithstanding Section 11(a) and not in limitation thereof, at any time while any of the Preferred Shares remain outstanding the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized and unreserved shares of Common Stock to satisfy its obligation to reserve for issuance upon conversion of the Preferred Shares at least a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Required Reserve Amount (an “Authorized Share Failure”), then the Company shall immediately take all action necessary to increase the Company’s authorized shares of Common Stock to an amount sufficient to allow the Company to reserve the Required Reserve Amount for the Preferred Shares then outstanding. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, as soon as practicable after the date of the occurrence of an Authorized Share Failure, but in no event later than sixty (60) days after the occurrence of such Authorized Share Failure, the Company shall hold a meeting of its stockholders for the approval of an increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock. In connection with such meeting, the Company shall provide each stockholder with a proxy statement and shall use its best efforts to solicit its stockholders’ approval of such increase in authorized shares of Common Stock and to cause its board of directors to recommend to the stockholders that they approve such proposal (or, if a majority of the voting power then in effect of the capital stock of the Company consents to such increase, in lieu of such proxy statement, deliver to the stockholders of the Company an information statement that has been filed with (and either approved by or not subject to comments from) the SEC with respect thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any such time of an Authorized Share Failure, the Company is able to obtain the written consent of a majority of the shares of its issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock to approve the increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock, the Company may satisfy this obligation by obtaining such consent and submitting for filing with the SEC an Information Statement on Schedule 14C. Nothing contained in Section 11(a) or this Section 11(b) shall limit any obligations of the Company under any provision of the Exchange Agreements or Registration Rights Agreement.
12. Voting Rights. The holders of the Preferred Shares shall have no voting power and no right to vote on any matter at any time, either as a separate series or class or together with any other series or class of share of capital stock, and shall not be entitled to call a meeting of such holders for any purpose nor shall they be entitled to participate in any meeting of the holders of Common Stock, except as provided in this Section 16 and Section 20 or as otherwise required by the NRS. To the extent that under the NRS the vote of the holders of the Preferred Shares, voting separately as a class or series, as applicable, is required to authorize a given action of the Company, the affirmative vote or consent of the Required Holders of the Preferred Shares, voting together in the aggregate and not in separate series unless required under the NRS, represented at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is presented or by written consent of the Required Holders (except as otherwise may be required under the NRS), voting together in the aggregate and not in separate series unless required under the NRS, shall constitute the approval of such action by both the class or the series, as applicable. Holders of the Preferred Shares shall be entitled to written notice of all stockholder meetings or written consents (and copies of proxy materials and other information sent to stockholders) with respect to which they would be entitled to vote, which notice would be provided pursuant to the Company’s bylaws (the “Bylaws”) and the NRS.
13. Covenants.
(a) Incurrence of Indebtedness. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, incur or guarantee, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness).
(b) Existence of Liens. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, allow or suffer to exist any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or other encumbrance upon or in any property or assets (including accounts and contract rights) owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, “Liens”) other than Permitted Liens.
(c) Restricted Payments and Investments. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, redeem, defease, repurchase, repay or make any payments in respect of, by the payment of cash or cash equivalents (in whole or in part, whether by way of open market purchases, tender offers, private transactions or otherwise), all or any portion of any Indebtedness (other pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation) whether by way of payment in respect of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on, such Indebtedness or make any Investment, as applicable, if at the time such payment with respect to such Indebtedness and/or Investment, as applicable, is due or is otherwise made or, after giving effect to such payment, (i) an event constituting a Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing or (ii) an event that with the passage of time and without being cured would constitute a Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing.
(d) Restriction on Redemption and Cash Dividends. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, redeem, repurchase or declare or pay any cash dividend or distribution on any of its capital stock (other than as required by these Articles of Incorporation), provided that the cashless or net exercise of any Options or Convertible Securities, or the withholding of Common Stock in the ordinary course of business in connection with the exercise or vesting of any employee options or restricted stock units, shall not be deemed to be a redemption.
(e) Restriction on Transfer of Assets. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, spin-off, split-off, close, convey or otherwise dispose of any assets or rights of the Company or any Subsidiary owned or hereafter acquired whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, other than (i) sales, leases, licenses, assignments, transfers, conveyances and other dispositions of such assets or rights by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with its past practice and (ii) sales of inventory and product in the ordinary course of business.
(f) Change in Nature of Business. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by or publicly contemplated to be conducted by the Company and each of its Subsidiaries on the Exchange Date or any business substantially related or incidental thereto. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, modify its or their corporate structure or purpose.
(g) Preservation of Existence, Etc. The Company shall maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, its existence, rights and privileges, and become or remain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to become or remain, duly qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it or in which the transaction of its business makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to become or remain duly qualified or in good standing could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(h) Maintenance of Properties, Etc. The Company shall maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, all of its material properties which are necessary or useful in the proper conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to materially comply, at all times with the provisions of all leases to which it is a party as lessee or under which it occupies property, so as to prevent any loss or forfeiture thereof or thereunder.
(i) Maintenance of Intellectual Property. The Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, take all action necessary or advisable to maintain all of the Intellectual Property Rights of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries that are necessary or material to the conduct of its business in full force and effect.
(j) Maintenance of Insurance. The Company shall maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations (including, without limitation, comprehensive general liability, hazard, rent and business interruption insurance) with respect to its properties (including all real properties leased or owned by it) and business, in such amounts and covering such risks as is required by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto or as is carried generally in accordance with sound business practice by companies in similar businesses similarly situated.
(k) Transactions with Affiliates. The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into, renew, extend or be a party to, any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease, transfer or exchange of property or assets of any kind or the rendering of services of any kind) with any affiliate, except transactions in the ordinary course of business in a manner and to an extent consistent with past practice and necessary or desirable for the prudent operation of its business, for fair consideration and on terms no less favorable to it or its Subsidiaries than would be obtainable in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an affiliate thereof.
(l) Restricted Issuances. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Required Holders, (i) issue any Preferred Shares (other than as contemplated by the Exchange Agreements and these Articles of Incorporation), (ii) issue any other securities that would cause a breach or default under these Articles of Incorporation or (iii) issue, grant or otherwise agree to issue, as applicable, any security of the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) with a New Issuance Price less than 120% of the Floor Price then in effect.
(m) Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. To the extent that it may lawfully do so, the Company (A) agrees that it will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law (wherever or whenever enacted or in force) that may affect the covenants or the performance of these Articles of Incorporation; and (B) expressly waives all benefits or advantages of any such law and agrees that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power granted to the Holders by these Articles of Incorporation, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
(n) Taxes. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall pay when due all material taxes, fees or other charges of any nature whatsoever (together with any related interest or penalties) now or hereafter imposed or assessed against the Company and its Subsidiaries or their respective assets or upon their ownership, possession, use, operation or disposition thereof or upon their rents, receipts or earnings arising therefrom (except where the failure to pay would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries). The Company and its Subsidiaries shall file on or before the due date therefor all personal property tax returns (except where the failure to file would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Subsidiaries may contest, in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, taxes for which they maintain adequate reserves therefor in accordance with GAAP.
(o) PCAOB Registered Auditor. At all times any Preferred Shares remain outstanding, the Company shall have engaged an independent auditor to audit its financial statements that is registered with (and in compliance with the rules and regulations of) the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
(p) Section 3(a)(9) or 3(a)(10) Transaction. So long as any Preferred Shares remain outstanding, the Company shall not enter into any transaction or arrangement structured in accordance with, based upon, or related or pursuant to, in whole or in part, either Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act (other than the cashless exercise of Options in the ordinary course of business and the conversion of the Company’s Class B common stock into Common Stock) (a “3(a)(9) Transaction”) or Section 3(a)(10) of the 1933 Act (a “3(a)(10) Transaction”). In the event that the Company does enter into, or makes any issuance of Common Stock related to a 3(a)(9) Transaction or a 3(a)(10) Transaction while any Preferred Shares remain outstanding, an additional special dividend shall immediately accrue with respect to any such Preferred Shares then outstanding equal to 10% of the Stated Value of such Preferred Shares as of such date of determination.
(q) Independent Investigation. At the request of the Required Holders either (x) at any time when a Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing, (y) upon the occurrence of an event that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute a Triggering Event or (z) at any time such Required Holders reasonably believe a Triggering Event may have occurred or be continuing, the Company shall hire an independent, reputable investment bank selected by the Company and approved by such Holder (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to investigate as to whether any breach of these Articles of Incorporation has occurred (the “Independent Investigator”). If the Independent Investigator determines that such breach of these Articles of Incorporation has occurred, the Independent Investigator shall notify the Company of such breach and the Company shall deliver written notice to each Holder of such breach. In connection with such investigation, the Independent Investigator may, during normal business hours, inspect all contracts, books, records, personnel, offices and other facilities and properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the extent available to the Company after the Company uses reasonable efforts to obtain them, the records of its legal advisors and accountants and any books of account, records, reports and other papers not contractually required of the Company to be confidential or secret, or subject to attorney-client or other evidentiary privilege, and the Independent Investigator may make such copies and inspections thereof as the Independent Investigator may reasonably request. The Company shall furnish the Independent Investigator with such financial and operating data and other information with respect to the business and properties of the Company as the Independent Investigator may reasonably request. The Company shall permit the Independent Investigator to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company with, and to make proposals and furnish advice with respect thereto to, the Company’s officers, directors, key employees and independent public accountants or any of them (and by this provision the Company authorizes said accountants to discuss with such Independent Investigator the finances and affairs of the Company and any Subsidiaries), all at such reasonable times, upon reasonable notice, and as often as may be reasonably requested.
14. Liquidation, Dissolution, Winding-Up. In the event of a Liquidation Event, the Holders shall be entitled to receive in cash out of the assets of the Company, whether from capital or from earnings available for distribution to its stockholders (the “Liquidation Funds”), before any amount shall be paid to the holders of any of shares of Junior Stock, but pari passu with any Parity Stock then outstanding, an amount per Preferred Share equal to the greater of (A) 125% of the Conversion Amount of such Preferred Share on the date of such payment and (B) the amount per share such Holder would receive if such Holder converted such Preferred Share into Common Stock immediately prior to the date of such payment, provided that if the Liquidation Funds are insufficient to pay the full amount due to the Holders and holders of shares of Parity Stock, then each Holder and each holder of Parity Stock shall receive a percentage of the Liquidation Funds equal to the full amount of Liquidation Funds payable to such Holder and such holder of Parity Stock as a liquidation preference, in accordance with their respective certificate of designations (or equivalent), as a percentage of the full amount of Liquidation Funds payable to all holders of Preferred Shares and all holders of shares of Parity Stock. To the extent necessary, the Company shall cause such actions to be taken by each of its Subsidiaries so as to enable, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the proceeds of a Liquidation Event to be distributed to the Holders in accordance with this Section 14. All the preferential amounts to be paid to the Holders under this Section 14 shall be paid or set apart for payment before the payment or setting apart for payment of any amount for, or the distribution of any Liquidation Funds of the Company to the holders of shares of Junior Stock in connection with a Liquidation Event as to which this Section 14 applies.
15. Distribution of Assets. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 7 and Section 8, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distributions of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to any or all holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (the “Distributions”), then each Holder, as holders of Preferred Shares, will be entitled to such Distributions as if such Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of the Preferred Shares (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of the Preferred Shares and assuming for such purpose that the Preferred Share was converted at the Alternate Conversion Price as of the applicable record date) immediately prior to the date on which a record is taken for such Distribution or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of Common Stock are to be determined for such Distributions (provided, however, that to the extent that such Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in such Holder and the other Attribution Parties exceeding the Maximum Percentage, then such Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent of the Maximum Percentage (and shall not be entitled to beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution (and beneficial ownership) to such extent of any such excess) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of such Holder until such time or times as its right thereto would not result in such Holder and the other Attribution Parties exceeding the Maximum Percentage, at which time or times, if any, such Holder shall be granted such Distribution (and any Distributions declared or made on such initial Distribution or on any subsequent Distribution held similarly in abeyance) to the same extent as if there had been no such limitation).
16. Vote to Change the Terms of or Issue Preferred Shares. In addition to any other rights provided by law, except where the vote or written consent of the holders of a greater number of shares is required by law or by another provision of the Articles of Incorporation, without first obtaining the affirmative vote at a meeting duly called for such purpose or the written consent without a meeting of the Required Holders, voting together as a single class, the Company shall not: (a) amend or repeal any provision of, or add any provision to, its Articles of Incorporation or bylaws, or file any certificate of designations or articles of amendment of any series of shares of preferred stock, if such action would adversely alter or change in any respect the preferences, rights, privileges or powers, or restrictions provided for the benefit of the Preferred Shares hereunder, regardless of whether any such action shall be by means of amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or by merger, consolidation or otherwise; (b) increase or decrease (other than by conversion) the authorized number of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; (c) without limiting any provision of Section 2, create or authorize (by reclassification or otherwise) any new class or series of Senior Preferred Stock or Parity Stock; (d) purchase, repurchase or redeem any shares of Junior Stock (other than pursuant to the terms of the Company’s equity incentive plans and options and other equity awards granted under such plans (that have in good faith been approved by the Board)); (e) without limiting any provision of Section 2, pay dividends or make any other distribution on any shares of any Junior Stock; (f) issue any Preferred Shares other than as contemplated hereby or pursuant to the Exchange Agreement; or (g) without limiting any provision of Section 14, whether or not prohibited by the terms of the Preferred Shares, circumvent a right of the Preferred Shares hereunder.
17. Transfer of Preferred Shares. A Holder may offer, sell or transfer some or all of its Preferred Shares without the consent of the Company subject only to the provisions of Section 6(f) of the Exchange Agreement.
18. Reissuance of Preferred Share Certificates and Book Entries.
(a) Transfer. If any Preferred Shares are to be transferred, the applicable Holder shall surrender the applicable Preferred Share Certificate to the Company (or, if the Preferred Shares are held in Book-Entry form, a written instruction letter to the Company), whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of such Holder a new Preferred Share Certificate (in accordance with Section 18(d)) (or evidence of the transfer of such Book-Entry), registered as such Holder may request, representing the outstanding number of Preferred Shares being transferred by such Holder and, if less than the entire outstanding number of Preferred Shares is being transferred, a new Preferred Share Certificate (in accordance with Section 18(d)) to such Holder representing the outstanding number of Preferred Shares not being transferred (or evidence of such remaining Preferred Shares in a Book-Entry for such Holder). Such Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of the Preferred Share Certificate or evidence of Book-Entry issuance, as applicable, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of Section 4(c)(i) following conversion or redemption of any of the Preferred Shares, the outstanding number of Preferred Shares represented by the Preferred Shares may be less than the number of Preferred Shares stated on the face of the Preferred Shares.
(b) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Preferred Share Certificate. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of a Preferred Share Certificate (as to which a written certification and the indemnification contemplated below shall suffice as such evidence), and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the applicable Holder to the Company in customary and reasonable form and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of such Preferred Share Certificate, the Company shall execute and deliver to such Holder a new Preferred Share Certificate (in accordance with Section 18(d)) representing the applicable outstanding number of Preferred Shares.
(c) Preferred Share Certificate and Book-Entries Exchangeable for Different Denominations and Forms. Each Preferred Share Certificate is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the applicable Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Preferred Share Certificate or Preferred Share Certificate(s) or new Book-Entry (in accordance with Section 18(d)) representing, in the aggregate, the outstanding number of the Preferred Shares in the original Preferred Share Certificate, and each such new Preferred Share Certificate and/or new Book-Entry, as applicable, will represent such portion of such outstanding number of Preferred Shares from the original Preferred Share Certificate as is designated in writing by such Holder at the time of such surrender. Each Book-Entry may be exchanged into one or more new Preferred Share Certificates or split by the applicable Holder by delivery of a written notice to the Company into two or more new Book-Entries (in accordance with Section 18(d)) representing, in the aggregate, the outstanding number of the Preferred Shares in the original Book-Entry, and each such new Book-Entry and/or new Preferred Share Certificate, as applicable, will represent such portion of such outstanding number of Preferred Shares from the original Book-Entry as is designated in writing by such Holder at the time of such surrender.
(d) Issuance of New Preferred Share Certificate or Book-Entry. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Preferred Share Certificate or a new Book-Entry pursuant to the terms of these Articles of Incorporation, such new Preferred Share Certificate or new Book-Entry (i) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such Preferred Share Certificate or in such Book-Entry, as applicable, the number of Preferred Shares remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Preferred Share Certificate or new Book-Entry being issued pursuant to Section 18(a) or Section 18(c), the number of Preferred Shares designated by such Holder) which, when added to the number of Preferred Shares represented by the other new Preferred Share Certificates or other new Book-Entry, as applicable, issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the number of Preferred Shares remaining outstanding under the original Preferred Share Certificate or original Book-Entry, as applicable, immediately prior to such issuance of new Preferred Share Certificate or new Book-Entry, as applicable, and (ii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Preferred Share Certificate or in such new Book-Entry, as applicable, which is the same as the issuance date of the original Preferred Share Certificate or in such original Book-Entry, as applicable.
19. Remedies, Characterizations, Other Obligations, Breaches and Injunctive Relief. The remedies provided in these Articles of Incorporation shall be cumulative and in addition to all other remedies available under these Articles of Incorporation and any of the other Exchange Documents, at law or in equity (including a decree of specific performance and/or other injunctive relief), and nothing herein shall limit any Holder’s right to pursue actual and consequential damages for any failure by the Company to comply with the terms of these Articles of Incorporation. No failure on the part of a Holder to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise by such Holder of any right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. In addition, the exercise of any right or remedy of a Holder at law or equity or under these Articles of Incorporation or any of the documents shall not be deemed to be an election of such Holder’s rights or remedies under such documents or at law or equity. The Company covenants to each Holder that there shall be no characterization concerning this instrument other than as expressly provided herein. Amounts set forth or provided for herein with respect to payments, conversion and the like (and the computation thereof) shall be the amounts to be received by a Holder and shall not, except as expressly provided herein, be subject to any other obligation of the Company (or the performance thereof). No failure on the part of a Holder to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise by such Holder of any right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. In addition, the exercise of any right or remedy of any Holder at law or equity or under Preferred Shares or any of the documents shall not be deemed to be an election of such Holder’s rights or remedies under such documents or at law or equity. The Company acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the Holders and that the remedy at law for any such breach may be inadequate. The Company therefore agrees that, in the event of any such breach or threatened breach, each Holder shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies, to specific performance and/or temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive or other equitable relief from any court of competent jurisdiction in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages and without posting a bond or other security. The Company shall provide all information and documentation to a Holder that is requested by such Holder to enable such Holder to confirm the Company’s compliance with the terms and conditions of these Articles of Incorporation.
20. Payment of Collection, Enforcement and Other Costs. If (a) any Preferred Shares are placed in the hands of an attorney for collection or enforcement or is collected or enforced through any legal proceeding or a Holder otherwise takes action to collect amounts due under these Articles of Incorporation with respect to the Preferred Shares or to enforce the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation or (b) there occurs any bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership of the Company or other proceedings affecting Company creditors’ rights and involving a claim under these Articles of Incorporation, then the Company shall pay the costs reasonably incurred by such Holder for such collection, enforcement or action or in connection with such bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership or other proceeding, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements. The Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that no amounts due under these Articles of Incorporation with respect to any Preferred Shares shall be affected, or limited, by the fact that the purchase price paid for each Preferred Share was less than the original Stated Value thereof.
21. Construction; Headings. These Articles of Incorporation shall be deemed to be jointly drafted by the Company and the Holders and shall not be construed against any such Person as the drafter hereof. The headings of these Articles of Incorporation are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, these Articles of Incorporation. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each pronoun herein shall be deemed to include the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular and plural forms thereof. The terms “including,” “includes,” “include” and words of like import shall be construed broadly as if followed by the words “without limitation.” The terms “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereof” and words of like import refer to these entire Articles of Incorporation instead of just the provision in which they are found. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, all section references are to sections of these Articles of Incorporation. Terms used in these Articles of Incorporation and not otherwise defined herein, but defined in the other Exchange Documents, shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms on the Initial Issuance Date in such other Exchange Documents unless otherwise consented to in writing by the Required Holders.
22. Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver. No failure or delay on the part of a Holder in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or privilege. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the waiving party. These Articles of Incorporation shall be deemed to be jointly drafted by the Company and all Holders and shall not be construed against any Person as the drafter hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 22 shall permit any waiver of any provision of Section 4(d).
23. Dispute Resolution.
(a) Submission to Dispute Resolution.
(i) In the case of a dispute relating to a Closing Bid Price, a Closing Sale Price, a Conversion Price, a Dividend Conversion Price, an Alternate Conversion Price, a VWAP or a fair market value or the arithmetic calculation of a Conversion Rate, or the applicable redemption price (as the case may be) (including, without limitation, a dispute relating to the determination of any of the foregoing), the Company or the applicable Holder (as the case may be) shall submit the dispute to the other party via electronic mail (A) if by the Company, within two (2) Business Days after the occurrence of the circumstances giving rise to such dispute or (B) if by such Holder at any time after such Holder learned of the circumstances giving rise to such dispute. If such Holder and the Company are unable to promptly resolve such dispute relating to such Closing Bid Price, such Closing Sale Price, such Conversion Price, such Dividend Conversion Price, such Alternate Conversion Price, such VWAP or such fair market value, or the arithmetic calculation of such Conversion Rate or such applicable redemption price (as the case may be), at any time after the second (2nd) Business Day following such initial notice by the Company or such Holder (as the case may be) of such dispute to the Company or such Holder (as the case may be), then such Holder may, with the consent of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), select an independent, reputable investment bank to resolve such dispute.
(ii) Such Holder and the Company shall each deliver to such investment bank (A) a copy of the initial dispute submission so delivered in accordance with the first sentence of this Section 23 and (B) written documentation supporting its position with respect to such dispute, in each case, no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York time) by the fifth (5th) Business Day immediately following the date on which such Holder selected such investment bank (the “Dispute Submission Deadline”) (the documents referred to in the immediately preceding clauses (A) and (B) are collectively referred to herein as the “Required Dispute Documentation”) (it being understood and agreed that if either such Holder or the Company fails to so deliver all of the Required Dispute Documentation by the Dispute Submission Deadline, then the party who fails to so submit all of the Required Dispute Documentation shall no longer be entitled to (and hereby waives its right to) deliver or submit any written documentation or other support to such investment bank with respect to such dispute and such investment bank shall resolve such dispute based solely on the Required Dispute Documentation that was delivered to such investment bank prior to the Dispute Submission Deadline). Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by both the Company and such Holder or otherwise requested by such investment bank, neither the Company nor such Holder shall be entitled to deliver or submit any written documentation or other support to such investment bank in connection with such dispute (other than the Required Dispute Documentation).
(iii) The Company and such Holder shall cause such investment bank to determine the resolution of such dispute and notify the Company and such Holder of such resolution no later than ten (10) Business Days immediately following the Dispute Submission Deadline. The fees and expenses of such investment bank shall be borne by the party in whose favor the investment bank decides such dispute or, in the event that the investment bank determines that the applicable calculation is in between the amounts submitted by the Company and such Holder, then half of such fees and expenses shall be borne by the Company and half of such fees and expenses shall be borne by the Holder, and such investment bank’s resolution of such dispute shall be final and binding upon all parties absent manifest error.
(b) Miscellaneous. The Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) this Section 23 constitutes an agreement to arbitrate between the Company and each Holder, (ii) the terms of these Articles of Incorporation and each other applicable Exchange Document shall serve as the basis for the selected investment bank’s resolution of the applicable dispute, such investment bank shall be entitled (and is hereby expressly authorized) to make all findings, determinations and the like that such investment bank determines are required to be made by such investment bank in connection with its resolution of such dispute and in resolving such dispute such investment bank shall apply such findings, determinations and the like to the terms of these Articles of Incorporation and any other applicable Exchange Documents, (iii) the applicable Holder (and only such Holder with respect to disputes solely relating to such Holder), in its sole discretion, shall have the right to submit any dispute described in this Section 23 to any state or federal court sitting in the State of Nevada, in lieu of utilizing the procedures set forth in this Section 23 and (iv) nothing in this Section 23 shall limit such Holder from obtaining any injunctive relief or other equitable remedies (including, without limitation, with respect to any matters described in this Section 23).
24. Notices; Currency; Payments.
(a) Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of these Articles of Incorporation must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered on the earliest of: (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (ii) upon receipt, when sent by electronic mail (provided that such sent email is kept on file (whether electronically or otherwise) by the sending party and the sending party does not receive an automatically generated message from the recipient’s email server that such e-mail could not be delivered to such recipient); or (iii) one (1) Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier service with next day delivery specified, in each case, properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The mailing address and e-mail address for any such communications to the Company shall be: 60 North 1400 West. Centerville, Utah Attention: Christopher Jones, e-mail address: chrjones@trugolf.com, or such other mailing address and/or e-mail address as the Company has specified by written notice given to each of the Holders in accordance with this Section 24 not later than five (5) days prior to the effectiveness of such change. The mailing address and e-mail address for any such communications to any Holder shall be as set forth on such Holder’s respective signature page to the Exchange Agreement, or such other mailing address and/or e-mail address as such Holder has specified by written notice given to the Company in accordance with this Section 24 not later than five (5) days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (B) mechanically or electronically generated by the sender’s e-mail containing the time, date and recipient’s e-mail or (C) provided by an overnight courier service shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt by e-mail or receipt from an overnight courier service in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.
(b) The Company shall provide each Holder with prompt written notice of all actions taken pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation, including in reasonable detail a description of such action and the reason therefore. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company shall give written notice to each Holder (i) immediately upon any adjustment of the Conversion Price, setting forth in reasonable detail, and certifying, the calculation of such adjustment and (ii) at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date on which the Company closes its books or takes a record (A) with respect to any dividend or distribution upon the Common Stock, or (B) for determining rights to vote with respect to any Fundamental Transaction, dissolution or liquidation, provided in each case that such information shall be made known to the public prior to or in conjunction with such notice being provided to such Holder.
(c) Currency. All dollar amounts referred to in these Articles of Incorporation are in United States Dollars (“U.S. Dollars”), and all amounts owing under these Articles of Incorporation shall be paid in U.S. Dollars. All amounts denominated in other currencies (if any) shall be converted into the U.S. Dollar equivalent amount in accordance with the Exchange Rate on the date of calculation. “Exchange Rate” means, in relation to any amount of currency to be converted into U.S. Dollars pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation, the U.S. Dollar exchange rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the relevant date of calculation (it being understood and agreed that where an amount is calculated with reference to, or over, a period of time, the date of calculation shall be the final date of such period of time).
(d) Payments. Whenever any payment of cash is to be made by the Company to any Person pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation, unless otherwise expressly set forth herein, such payment shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to wire transfer instructions that Holder shall provide to the Company in writing from time to time. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of these Articles of Incorporation is due on any day which is not a Business Day, the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day.
25. Waiver of Notice. To the extent permitted by law, the Company hereby irrevocably waives demand, notice, presentment, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation and the Exchange Agreement.
26. Governing Law. Section B(3) of these Articles of Incorporation shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and all questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and performance of these Articles of Incorporation shall be governed by, the internal laws of the State of Nevada, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Nevada or any other jurisdictions) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdictions other than the State of Nevada. Except as otherwise required by Section 23 above, the Company hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Nevada, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. Nothing contained herein (i) shall be deemed or operate to preclude any Holder from bringing suit or taking other legal action against the Company in any other jurisdiction to collect on the Company’s obligations to such Holder, to realize on any collateral or any other security for such obligations, or to enforce a judgment or other court ruling in favor of such Holder or (ii) shall limit, or shall be deemed or construed to limit, any provision of Section 23 above. THE COMPANY AND EACH HOLDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THESE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
27. Judgment Currency.
(a) If for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing judgment against the Company in any court in any jurisdiction it becomes necessary to convert into any other currency (such other currency being hereinafter in this Section 27 referred to as the “Judgment Currency”) an amount due in U.S. Dollars under these Articles of Incorporation, the conversion shall be made at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the Trading Day immediately preceding:
(i) the date actual payment of the amount due, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of New York or in the courts of any other jurisdiction that will give effect to such conversion being made on such date: or
(ii) the date on which the foreign court determines, in the case of any proceeding in the courts of any other jurisdiction (the date as of which such conversion is made pursuant to this Section 27(a)(ii) being hereinafter referred to as the “Judgment Conversion Date”).
(b) If in the case of any proceeding in the court of any jurisdiction referred to in Section 27(a)(ii) above, there is a change in the Exchange Rate prevailing between the Judgment Conversion Date and the date of actual payment of the amount due, the applicable party shall pay such adjusted amount as may be necessary to ensure that the amount paid in the Judgment Currency, when converted at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the date of payment, will produce the amount of US dollars which could have been purchased with the amount of Judgment Currency stipulated in the judgment or judicial order at the Exchange Rate prevailing on the Judgment Conversion Date.
(c) Any amount due from the Company under this provision shall be due as a separate debt and shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other amounts due under or in respect of these Articles of Incorporation.
28. TAXES.
(a) All payments made by the Company hereunder or under any other Exchange Document shall be made in accordance with the terms of the respective Exchange Document and shall be made without set-off, counterclaim, withholding, deduction or other defense. Without limiting the foregoing, all such payments shall be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding (i) taxes imposed on the net income of a Holder by the jurisdiction in which such Holder is organized or where it has its principal lending office, (ii) with respect to any payments made by the Company hereunder, taxes (including, but not limited to, backup withholding) to the extent such taxes are imposed due to the failure of the applicable recipient of such payment to provide the Company with whichever (if any) is applicable of valid and properly completed and executed IRS Forms W-9, W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI, and/or W-8IMY, when requested in writing by the Company, and (iii) with respect to any payments made by the Company, taxes to the extent such taxes are imposed due to the failure of the applicable recipient of such payment to comply with FATCA (all such nonexcluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities, collectively or individually, “Taxes”). If the Company shall be required to deduct or to withhold any Taxes from or in respect of any amount payable hereunder or under any other Exchange Document:
(i) the amount so payable shall be increased to the extent necessary so that after making all required deductions and withholdings (including Taxes on amounts payable to a Holder pursuant to this sentence) such Holder receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made,
(ii) the Company shall make such deduction or withholding,
(iii) the Company shall pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, and
(iv) as promptly as possible thereafter, the Company shall send such Holder an official receipt (or, if an official receipt is not available, such other documentation as shall be satisfactory to such Holder, as the case may be) showing payment. In addition, the Company agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies that arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, registration or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Preferred Shares or any other Exchange Document (collectively, “Other Taxes”).
(b) The Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold each Holder and each of their affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors (each, an “Indemnified Party”) each Indemnified Party harmless from and against Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 28) paid by any Indemnified Party as a result of any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, registration or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Preferred Shares or any other Exchange Document, and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses for nonpayment, late payment or otherwise) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the date on which such Holder makes written demand therefor, which demand shall identify the nature and amount of such Taxes or Other Taxes.
(c) If the Company fails to perform any of its obligations under this Section 28, the Company shall indemnify such Holder for any taxes, interest or penalties that may become payable as a result of any such failure. The obligations of the Company under this Section 28 shall survive the repayment and/or conversion, as applicable, in full of the Preferred Shares and all other amounts payable with respect thereto.
(d) If any Indemnified Party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 28 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 28), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 28 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including taxes) of such Indemnified Party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such Indemnified Party, shall repay to such Indemnified Party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (d) (plus any penalties, interest, or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such Indemnified Party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (d), in no event will the Indemnified Party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (d) the payment of which would place the Indemnified Party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the Indemnified Party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This paragraph (d) shall not be construed to require any Indemnified Party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.
29. Severability. If any provision of these Articles of Incorporation is prohibited by law or otherwise determined to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision that would otherwise be prohibited, invalid or unenforceable shall be deemed amended to apply to the broadest extent that it would be valid and enforceable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of these Articles of Incorporation so long as these Articles of Incorporation as so modified continues to express, without material change, the original intentions of the parties as to the subject matter hereof and the prohibited nature, invalidity or unenforceability of the provision(s) in question does not substantially impair the respective expectations or reciprocal obligations of the parties or the practical realization of the benefits that would otherwise be conferred upon the parties. The parties will endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s) with a valid provision(s), the effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s).
30. Maximum Payments. Without limitation Section 9(d) of the Exchange Agreement, nothing contained herein shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of a rate of interest or other charges in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. In the event that the rate of interest required to be paid or other charges hereunder exceed the maximum permitted by such law, any payments in excess of such maximum shall be credited against amounts owed by the Company to the applicable Holder and thus refunded to the Company.
31. Stockholder Matters; Amendment.
(a) Stockholder Matters. Any stockholder action, approval or consent required, desired or otherwise sought by the Company pursuant to the NRS, these Articles of Incorporation or otherwise with respect to the issuance of Preferred Shares may be effected by written consent of the Company’s stockholders or at a duly called meeting of the Company’s stockholders, all in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the NRS. This provision is intended to comply with the applicable sections of the NRS permitting stockholder action, approval and consent affected by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
(b) Amendment. Except for Section 4(d)(i), which may not be amended or waived hereunder, this Article Fourth, Section B(3) of these Articles of Incorporation may be amended by obtaining the affirmative vote at a meeting duly called for such purpose, or written consent without a meeting in accordance with the NRS, of the Required Holders, voting separate as a single class, and with such other stockholder approval, if any, as may then be required pursuant to the NRS and the Articles of Incorporation. Except (a) to the extent otherwise expressly provided in these Articles of Incorporation with respect to voting or approval rights of a particular class or series of capital stock or (b) to the extent otherwise provided pursuant to the NRS, the holders of each outstanding class or series of shares of the Company shall not be entitled to vote as a separate voting group on any amendment to the terms of these Articles of Incorporation with respect to which such class or series would otherwise be entitled under the NRS to vote as a separate voting group.
32. Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of these Articles of Incorporation, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) “1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(b) “1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(c) “Additional Amount” means, as of the applicable date of determination, with respect to each Preferred Share, all declared and unpaid Dividends on such Preferred Share.
(d) “Adjustment Right” means any right granted with respect to any securities issued in connection with, or with respect to, any issuance or sale (or deemed issuance or sale in accordance with Section 8(a)) of shares of Common Stock (other than rights of the type described in Section 7(a) hereof) that could result in a decrease in the net consideration received by the Company in connection with, or with respect to, such securities (including, without limitation, any cash settlement rights, cash adjustment or other similar rights).
(e) “Affiliate” or “Affiliated” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person, it being understood for purposes of this definition that “control” of a Person means the power directly or indirectly either to vote 10% or more of the stock having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by contract or otherwise.
(f) “Alternate Conversion Price” means, with respect to any Alternate Conversion that price which shall be the lowest of (i) the applicable Conversion Price as in effect on the applicable Conversion Date of the applicable Alternate Conversion, and (ii) the greater of (x) the Floor Price and (y) 90% of the lowest VWAP of the Common Stock during the five (5) consecutive Trading Day period ending and including the Trading Day immediately preceding the delivery or deemed delivery of the applicable Conversion Notice (such period, the “Alternate Conversion Measuring Period”). All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, reclassification or similar transaction that proportionately decreases or increases the Common Stock during such Alternate Conversion Measuring Period.
(g) “Alternate Conversion Floor Amount” means an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the higher of (I) the highest price that the Common Stock trades at on the Trading Day immediately preceding the relevant Alternate Conversion Date and (II) the applicable Alternate Conversion Price and (B) the difference obtained by subtracting (I) the number of shares of Common Stock delivered (or to be delivered) to such Holder on the applicable Share Delivery Deadline with respect to such Alternate Conversion from (II) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the applicable Conversion Amount that such Holder has elected to be the subject of the applicable Alternate Conversion, by (y) the applicable Alternate Conversion Price without giving effect to clause (x) of such definition.
(h) “Applicable Date” means the earlier to occur of (A) the effective date of a registration statement registering the resale by the Holders of the Required Registration Amount (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares then outstanding and (B) the date the Preferred Shares are eligible to be resold by the Holders (assuming such Holders are not then affiliates of the Company) without restriction under Rule 144 of the 1933 Act (in each case, without regard to any limitations on exercise herein).
(i) “Approved Stock Plan” means any employee benefit plan or agreement which has been approved by the Board prior to or subsequent to the Exchange Date pursuant to which shares of Common Stock and standard options to purchase Common Stock may be issued to any employee, officer, consultant or director for services provided to the Company in their capacity as such.
(j) “Attribution Parties” means, collectively, the following Persons and entities: (i) any investment vehicle, including, any funds, feeder funds or managed accounts, currently, or from time to time after the Initial Issuance Date, directly or indirectly managed or advised by a Holder’s investment manager or any of its Affiliates or principals, (ii) any direct or indirect Affiliates of such Holder or any of the foregoing, (iii) any Person acting or who could be deemed to be acting as a Group together with such Holder or any of the foregoing and (iv) any other Persons whose beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock would or could be aggregated with such Holder’s and the other Attribution Parties for purposes of Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act. For clarity, the purpose of the foregoing is to subject collectively such Holder and all other Attribution Parties to the Maximum Percentage.
(k) “Black Scholes Consideration Value” means the value of the applicable Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be) as of the date of issuance thereof calculated using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model obtained from the “OV” function on Bloomberg utilizing (i) an underlying price per share equal to the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the execution of definitive documents with respect to the issuance of such Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be), (ii) a risk-free interest rate corresponding to the U.S. Treasury rate for a period equal to the remaining term of such Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be) as of the date of issuance of such Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be), (iii) a zero cost of borrow and (iv) an expected volatility equal to the greater of 100% and the 100 day volatility obtained from the “HVT” function on Bloomberg (determined utilizing a 365 day annualization factor) as of the Trading Day immediately following the date of issuance of such Option, Convertible Security or Adjustment Right (as the case may be).
(l) “Bloomberg” means Bloomberg, L.P.
(m) “Book-Entry” means each entry on the Register evidencing one or more Preferred Shares held by a Holder in lieu of a Preferred Share Certificate issuable hereunder.
(n) “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any Governmental Authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in The City of New York generally are open for use by customers on such day.
(o) “Cash” of the Company and its Subsidiaries on any date shall be determined from such Persons’ books maintained in accordance with GAAP, and means, without duplication, the cash, cash equivalents and Eligible Marketable Securities accrued by the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis on such date.
(p) “Change of Control” means any Fundamental Transaction other than (i) any merger of the Company or any of its, direct or indirect, wholly-owned Subsidiaries with or into any of the foregoing Persons, (ii) any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of the shares of Common Stock in which holders of the Company’s voting power immediately prior to such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification continue after such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification to hold publicly traded securities and, directly or indirectly, are, in all material respects, the holders of the voting power of the surviving entity (or entities with the authority or voting power to elect the members of the board of directors (or their equivalent if other than a corporation) of such entity or entities) after such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification, or (iii) pursuant to a migratory merger effected solely for the purpose of changing the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(q) “Change of Control Election Price” means, with respect to any given Change of Control, such price equal to the greatest of (i) the product of (A) the Required Premium multiplied by (B) the Conversion Amount of the Preferred Shares subject to the applicable election, as applicable, (ii) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount of the Preferred Shares being redeemed or exchanged, as applicable, multiplied by (B) the quotient determined by dividing (I) the greatest Closing Sale Price of the shares of Common Stock during the period beginning on the date immediately preceding the earlier to occur of (1) the consummation of the applicable Change of Control and (2) the public announcement of such Change of Control and ending on the date such Holder delivers the Change of Control Election Notice by (II) the Alternate Conversion Price then in effect, and (iii) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount of the Preferred Shares being redeemed multiplied by (B) the quotient of (I) the aggregate cash consideration and the aggregate cash value of any non-cash consideration per share of Common Stock to be paid to such holders of the shares of Common Stock upon consummation of such Change of Control (any such non-cash consideration constituting publicly-traded securities shall be valued at the highest of the Closing Sale Price of such securities as of the Trading Day immediately prior to the consummation of such Change of Control, the Closing Sale Price of such securities on the Trading Day immediately following the public announcement of such proposed Change of Control and the Closing Sale Price of such securities on the Trading Day immediately prior to the public announcement of such proposed Change of Control) divided by (II) the Conversion Price then in effect.
(r) “Closing Bid Price” and “Closing Sale Price” means, for any security as of any date, the last closing bid price and last closing trade price, respectively, for such security on the Principal Market, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if the Principal Market begins to operate on an extended hours basis and does not designate the closing bid price or the closing trade price (as the case may be) then the last bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security prior to 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if the Principal Market is not the principal securities exchange or trading market for such security, the last closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security on the principal securities exchange or trading market where such security is listed or traded as reported by Bloomberg, or if the foregoing do not apply, the last closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security as reported by Bloomberg, or, if no closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, is reported for such security by Bloomberg, the average of the bid prices, or the ask prices, respectively, of any market makers for such security as reported in The Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices). If the Closing Bid Price or the Closing Sale Price cannot be calculated for a security on a particular date on any of the foregoing bases, the Closing Bid Price or the Closing Sale Price (as the case may be) of such security on such date shall be the fair market value as mutually determined by the Company and the Required Holders. If the Company and the Required Holders are unable to agree upon the fair market value of such security, then such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures in Section 23. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions during such period.
(s) “Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Exchange Agreement, which date is the date the Company initially issued the Preferred Shares pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement.
(t) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(u) “Common Stock” as used in Section B(3) of these Articles of Incorporation means (i) the Class A Common Stock, and (ii) any capital stock into which such common stock shall have been changed or any share capital resulting from a reclassification of such common stock.
(v) “Contingent Obligation” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with respect to any Indebtedness, lease, dividend or other obligation of another Person if the primary purpose or intent of the Person incurring such liability, or the primary effect thereof, is to provide assurance to the obligee of such liability that such liability will be paid or discharged, or that any agreements relating thereto will be complied with, or that the holders of such liability will be protected (in whole or in part) against loss with respect thereto.
(w) “Conversion Floor Price Condition” means that the relevant Alternate Conversion Price or Dividend Conversion Price is being determined based on clause (x) of such definitions.
(x) “Convertible Securities” means any stock or other security (other than Options) that is at any time and under any circumstances, directly or indirectly, convertible into, exercisable or exchangeable for, or which otherwise entitles the holder thereof to acquire, any shares of Common Stock.
(y) “Default Rate” means, as applicable, (i) with respect to any payments of any Dividends hereunder in cash, fifteen percent (15%) per annum or (ii) with respect to any conversions of Dividends hereunder into shares (or otherwise satisfaction of any amounts outstanding hereunder in any non-cash consideration), eighteen percent (18%) per annum.
(z) “Dividend Conversion Price” means, with respect to any given Dividend Date, that price which shall be the lowest of (i) the applicable Conversion Price as in effect on the applicable Dividend Date, (ii) the greater of (x) the Floor Price and (y) 90% of the lowest VWAP of the Common Stock during the five (5) consecutive Trading Day period ending and including the Trading Day immediately preceding the applicable Dividend Date (such period, the “Dividend Conversion Measuring Period”). All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, reclassification or similar transaction that proportionately decreases or increases the Common Stock during such Dividend Conversion Measuring Period.
(å) “Dividend Floor Amount” means an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the higher of (I) the highest price that the Common Stock trades at on the Trading Day immediately preceding the relevant Dividend Date and (II) the applicable Dividend Conversion Price and (B) the difference obtained by subtracting (I) the number of shares of Common Stock delivered (or to be delivered) to such Holder on the applicable Share Delivery Deadline with respect to such Dividend Date from (II) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the applicable aggregate amount of such Dividend, by (y) the applicable Dividend Conversion Price without giving effect to clause (x) of such definition.
(bb) “Dividend Rate” means, as of any date of determination, ten percent (10%) per annum; provided, that if such Dividends are being paid in shares of Common Stock hereunder, such Dividends shall recalculated in connection with such issuance of shares of Common Stock at a deemed rate of fifteen percent (15%) per annum; provided, further, that each of the forgoing rates shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in accordance with Section 3.
(cc) “Eligible Market” means The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Capital Market.
(dd) “Eligible Marketable Securities” as of any date means marketable securities which would be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and which are permitted under the Company’s investment policies as in effect on the Issuance Date or approved thereafter by the Company’s Board of Directors.
(ee) “Equity Conditions” means, with respect to an given date of determination: (i) on each day during the period beginning five Trading Days prior to such applicable date of determination and ending on and including such applicable date of determination either (x) one or more Registration Statements filed pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be effective and the prospectus contained therein shall be available on such applicable date of determination (with, for the avoidance of doubt, any shares of Common Stock previously sold pursuant to such prospectus deemed unavailable) for the resale of all shares of Common Stock to be issued in connection with the event requiring this determination, as applicable, in the event requiring this determination at the Alternate Conversion Price then in effect (without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth herein) (each, a “Required Minimum Securities Amount”), in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement and there shall not have been during such period any Grace Periods (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) or (y) all Registrable Securities shall be eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144 (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) without the need for registration under any applicable federal or state securities laws (in each case, disregarding any limitation on conversion of the Preferred Shares) and no Current Information Failure (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) exists or is continuing; (ii) on each day during the period beginning thirty calendar days prior to the applicable date of determination and ending on and including the applicable date of determination (the “Equity Conditions Measuring Period”), the Common Stock (including all shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares) is listed or designated for quotation (as applicable) on an Eligible Market and shall not have been suspended from trading on an Eligible Market (other than suspensions of not more than two (2) days and occurring prior to the applicable date of determination due to business announcements by the Company) nor shall delisting or suspension by an Eligible Market have been threatened (with a reasonable prospect of delisting occurring after giving effect to all applicable notice, appeal, compliance and hearing periods) or reasonably likely to occur or pending as evidenced by (A) a writing by such Eligible Market notifying the Company of its intent to delist the Company (and not solely a notification that the Company has fallen below the minimum listing maintenance requirements of the Eligible Market) or (B) the Company falling below the minimum listing maintenance requirements (after taking into effect the receipt of proceeds from the transaction subject to these Equity Conditions) of the Eligible Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or designated for quotation with no available grace period for curing such deficiencies, as applicable; (iii) during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, the Company shall have delivered all shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares on a timely basis as set forth in Section 4 hereof and all other shares of capital stock required to be delivered by the Company on a timely basis as set forth in the other Exchange Documents; (iv) any shares of Common Stock to be issued in connection with the event requiring determination may be issued in full without violating Section 4(d) hereof; (v) any shares of Common Stock to be issued in connection with the event requiring determination may be issued in full without violating the rules or regulations of the Eligible Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or designated for quotation (as applicable); (vi) on each day during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, no public announcement of a pending, proposed or intended Fundamental Transaction shall have occurred which has not been abandoned, terminated or consummated; (vii) the Company shall have no knowledge of any fact that would reasonably be expected to cause (1) any Registration Statement required to be filed pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement to not be effective or the prospectus contained therein to not be available for the resale of the applicable Required Minimum Securities Amount of Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement or (2) any Registrable Securities to not be eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144 without the need for registration under any applicable federal or state securities laws (in each case, disregarding any limitation on conversion of the Preferred Shares) and no Current Information Failure exists or is continuing, (viii) none of the Holders shall be in possession of any material, non-public information provided to any of them by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates, employees, officers, representatives, agents or the like; (ix) on each day during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, the Company otherwise shall have been in compliance with each, and shall not have breached any representation or warranty in any material respect (other than representations or warranties subject to material adverse effect or materiality, which may not be breached in any respect) or any covenant or other term or condition of any Exchange Document, including, without limitation, the Company shall not have failed to timely make any payment pursuant to any Exchange Document; (x) there shall not have occurred any Volume Failure or Price Failure as of such applicable date of determination; (xi) on the applicable date of determination (A) no Authorized Share Failure shall exist or be continuing and the applicable Required Minimum Securities Amount of shares of Common Stock are available under the Articles of Incorporation of the Company and reserved by the Company to be issued pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation and (B) all shares of Common Stock to be issued in connection with the event requiring this determination may be issued in full without resulting in an Authorized Share Failure; (xii) on each day during the Equity Conditions Measuring Period, there shall not have occurred and there shall not exist a Triggering Event or an event that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute a Triggering Event; or (xiii) the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the event requiring the satisfaction of the Equity Conditions are duly authorized and listed and eligible for trading without restriction on an Eligible Market.
(ff) “Equity Conditions Failure” means on the date of determination, the Equity Conditions have not been satisfied (or waived in writing by the Holder).
(gg) “Event Market Price” means, with respect to any Stock Combination Event Date, 120% of the quotient determined by dividing (x) the sum of the VWAP of the Common Stock for each of the five (5) Trading Days with the lowest VWAP of the Common Stock during the fifteen (15) consecutive Trading Day period ending and including the Trading Day immediately preceding the sixteenth (16th) Trading Day after such Stock Combination Event Date, divided by (y) five (5).
(hh) “Exchange Agreements” means, collectively, those certain exchange agreements, each by and between the Company and an initial Holder, as may be amended from time in accordance with the terms thereof.
(ii) “Exchange Documents” shall have the meaning as set forth in the Exchange Agreements.
(jj) “Exchange Date” means April 21, 2025.
(kk) “Excluded Securities” means (i) shares of Common Stock or standard options to purchase Common Stock issued to directors, officers, consultants or employees of the Company for services rendered to the Company in their capacity as such pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan (as defined above), provided that (B) the exercise price of any such options is not lowered, none of such options are amended to increase the number of shares issuable thereunder and none of the terms or conditions of any such options are otherwise materially changed in any manner that adversely affects any of the Holders; (ii) shares of Common Stock issued upon the conversion or exercise of Convertible Securities or Options (other than standard options to purchase Common Stock issued pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan that are covered by clause (i) above) issued prior to the Subscription Date, provided that the conversion price of any such Convertible Securities (other than standard options to purchase Common Stock issued pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan that are covered by clause (i) above) is not lowered, none of such Convertible Securities or Options (other than standard options to purchase Common Stock issued pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan that are covered by clause (i) above) are amended to increase the number of shares issuable thereunder and none of the terms or conditions of any such Convertible Securities or Options (other than standard options to purchase Common Stock issued pursuant to an Approved Stock Plan that are covered by clause (i) above) are otherwise materially changed in any manner that adversely affects any of the Holders; (iii) the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares (including any Preferred Shared issued or issuable upon exercise of the Preferred Warrants) or otherwise pursuant to the terms of these Articles of Incorporation; (iv) any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 31, 2023, as amended and restated through the Subscription Date, with DMAC Merger Sub Inc., a Nevada corporation and newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Bright Vision Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and (v) any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable in connection with any bona fide strategic or commercial alliances, acquisitions, mergers, licensing arrangements, and strategic partnerships, provided, that (1) the primary purpose of such issuance is not to raise capital as reasonably determined, and (2) the purchaser or acquirer or recipient of the securities in such issuance solely consists of either (I) the actual participants in such strategic or commercial alliance, strategic or commercial licensing arrangement or strategic or commercial partnership, (II) the actual owners of such assets or securities acquired in such acquisition or merger or (III) the stockholders, partners, employees, consultants, officers, directors or members of the foregoing Persons, in each case, which is, itself or through its subsidiaries, an operating company or an owner of an asset, in a business synergistic with the business of the Company and shall provide to the Company additional benefits in addition to the investment of funds, and (IV) the number or amount of securities issued to such Persons by the Company shall not be disproportionate to each such Person’s actual participation in (or fair market value of the contribution to) such strategic or commercial alliance or strategic or commercial partnership or ownership of such assets or securities to be acquired by the Company, as applicable.
(ll) “FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of these Articles of Incorporation (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.
(mm) “Fiscal Quarter” means each of the fiscal quarters adopted by the Company for financial reporting purposes that correspond to the Company’s fiscal year as of the date hereof that ends on December 31.
(nn) “Floor Price” means $3.50 (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations and similar events), or, subject to the rules and regulations of the Principal Market, such lower price as the Company and the Required Holders may agree, from time to time.
(oo) “Fundamental Transaction” means (A) that the Company shall, directly or indirectly, including through subsidiaries, Affiliates or otherwise, in one or more related transactions, (i) consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) another Subject Entity, or (ii) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its “significant subsidiaries” (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X) to one or more Subject Entities, or (iii) make, or allow one or more Subject Entities to make, or allow the Company to be subject to or have its Common Stock be subject to or party to one or more Subject Entities making, a purchase, tender or exchange offer that is accepted by the holders of at least either (x) 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (y) 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock calculated as if any shares of Common Stock held by all Subject Entities making or party to, or Affiliated with any Subject Entities making or party to, such purchase, tender or exchange offer were not outstanding; or (z) such number of shares of Common Stock such that all Subject Entities making or party to, or Affiliated with any Subject Entity making or party to, such purchase, tender or exchange offer, become collectively the beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) of at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or (iv) consummate a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with one or more Subject Entities whereby all such Subject Entities, individually or in the aggregate, acquire, either (x) at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (y) at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock calculated as if any shares of Common Stock held by all the Subject Entities making or party to, or Affiliated with any Subject Entity making or party to, such stock purchase agreement or other business combination were not outstanding; or (z) such number of shares of Common Stock such that the Subject Entities become collectively the beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) of at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or (v) reorganize, recapitalize or reclassify its Common Stock, (B) that the Company shall, directly or indirectly, including through subsidiaries, Affiliates or otherwise, in one or more related transactions, allow any Subject Entity individually or the Subject Entities in the aggregate to be or become the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act), directly or indirectly, whether through acquisition, purchase, assignment, conveyance, tender, tender offer, exchange, reduction in outstanding shares of Common Stock, merger, consolidation, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off, scheme of arrangement, reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification or otherwise in any manner whatsoever, of either (x) at least 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by issued and outstanding Common Stock, (y) at least 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by issued and outstanding Common Stock not held by all such Subject Entities as of the date of these Articles of Incorporation calculated as if any shares of Common Stock held by all such Subject Entities were not outstanding, or (z) a percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company sufficient to allow such Subject Entities to effect a statutory short form merger or other transaction requiring other stockholders of the Company to surrender their shares of Common Stock without approval of the stockholders of the Company or (C) directly or indirectly, including through subsidiaries, Affiliates or otherwise, in one or more related transactions, the issuance of or the entering into any other instrument or transaction structured in a manner to circumvent, or that circumvents, the intent of this definition in which case this definition shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this definition to the extent necessary to correct this definition or any portion of this definition which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended treatment of such instrument or transaction.
(pp) “GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.
(qq) “Going Private Transaction” means any Change of Control (i) pursuant to which, the Company (and the Successor Entity, if applicable) ceases to have any securities registered under the 1934 Act or (ii) that results in the purchase and/or cancellation of all of the Common Stock of the Company solely for cash (and not in whole, or in part, for any other securities of any Person).
(rr) “Group” means a “group” as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act and as defined in Rule 13d-5 thereunder.
(ss) “Governmental Authority” means any federal, foreign, state, county, municipal, provincial, or local governmental authority, court, judicial body, arbitration tribunal, government or self-regulatory organization, commission, tribunal or organization, or any regulatory, administrative, or other agency, or any political or other subdivision, department, commission, board, bureau, branch, division, ministry, or instrumentality of any of the foregoing.
(tt) “Indebtedness” means of any Person means, without duplication (A) all indebtedness for borrowed money, (B) all obligations issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services, including, without limitation, “capital leases” in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied for the periods covered thereby (other than trade payables entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (C) all reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar instruments, (D) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses, (E) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect to any property or assets acquired with the proceeds of such indebtedness (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (F) all monetary obligations under any leasing or similar arrangement which, in connection with United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied for the periods covered thereby, is classified as a capital lease, (G) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (A) through (F) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever in or upon any property or assets (including accounts and contract rights) with respect to any asset or property owned by any Person, even though the Person which owns such assets or property has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, and (H) all Contingent Obligations in respect of indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (A) through (G) above.
(uu) “Intellectual Property Rights” means, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, all of their rights or licenses to use all trademarks, trade names, service marks, service mark registrations, service names, original works of authorship, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, approvals, governmental authorizations, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights and all applications and registrations therefor.
(vv) “Investment” means any beneficial ownership (including stock, partnership or limited liability company interests) of or in any Person, or any loan, advance or capital contribution to any Person or the acquisition of all, or substantially all, of the assets of another Person or the purchase of any assets of another Person for greater than the fair market value of such assets.
(ww) “Liquidation Event” means, whether in a single transaction or series of transactions, the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or such Subsidiaries the assets of which constitute all or substantially all of the assets of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(xx) “Make-Whole Amount” means, as of any given date, with respect to any given Preferred Shares, and as applicable, in connection with any conversion, redemption or other repayment hereunder, an amount equal to the amount of additional Dividends that would accrue on any outstanding Preferred Shares at the Dividend Rate then in effect assuming for calculation purposes that such converted, redeemed or repaid Preferred Shares remained outstanding through and including the five year anniversary of the applicable date of issuance of such applicable Preferred Shares.
(vv) “Make-Whole Floor Amount” means an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the higher of (I) the highest price that the Common Stock trades at on the Trading Day immediately preceding the relevant Conversion Date and (II) the applicable Alternate Conversion Price and (B) the difference obtained by subtracting (I) the number of shares of Common Stock delivered (or to be delivered) to such Holder on the applicable Share Delivery Deadline with respect to such conversion of such Make-Whole Amount included in the applicable Conversion Amount that such Holder has elected to be the subject of the applicable conversion from (II) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) such Make-Whole Amount included in the applicable Conversion Amount that such Holder has elected to be the subject of the applicable conversion, by (y) the applicable Alternate Conversion Price without giving effect to clause (x) of such definition.
(zz) “Material Adverse Effect” means any material adverse effect on the business, properties, assets, liabilities, operations, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, if any, individually or taken as a whole, or on the transactions contemplated hereby or on the other Exchange Documents, or by the agreements and instruments to be entered into in connection therewith or on the authority or ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the Exchange Documents.
(aaa) “Options” means any rights, warrants or options to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities.
(bbb) “Parent Entity” of a Person means an entity that, directly or indirectly, controls the applicable Person and whose common stock or equivalent equity security is quoted or listed on an Eligible Market, or, if there is more than one such Person or Parent Entity, the Person or Parent Entity with the largest public market capitalization as of the date of consummation of the Fundamental Transaction.
(ccc) “Permitted A/R Indebtedness” means Indebtedness arising pursuant to an accounts receivable and/or purchase order factoring facility in which the sole recourse of such Indebtedness is to such accounts receivable and/or purchase order supporting such Indebtedness, in an aggregate amount not to exceed the difference of (x) $2 million and (y) the aggregate amount of any other Permitted Additional Indebtedness then outstanding.
(ddd) “Permitted ATM” shall mean an “at-the-market” offering within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5 million, pursuant to an agreement approved in writing by the Required Holders pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell shares of Common Stock from time to time after the date hereof both (x) at a price per share of Common Stock no less than 150% of the Floor Price and (y) an aggregate number of shares of Common Stock sold on any Trading Day not to exceed 5% of the aggregate daily trading volume of the Common Stock on such applicable Trading Day.
(eee) “Permitted Additional Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company (including, without limitation, any Permitted A/R Indebtedness), in an aggregate amount outstanding not to exceed $2 million, sourced from Chris Jones or affiliates of the Company or through accounts receivable or purchase order factoring; provided that, at no time any Permitted Additional Indebtedness remains outstanding either (x) the Company fails to be in full compliance with the NASDAQ continuing listing standards and (y) the terms, conditions or existence of such Indebtedness could not reasonably be expected to result in the Company’s failure to comply in full with the NASDAQ continuing listing standards at any time such Indebtedness remains outstanding.
(fff) “Permitted Indebtedness” means (i) Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 5(s) to the Exchange Agreement, as in effect as of the Subscription Date, (ii) Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens or unsecured but as described in clauses (iv) and (v) of the definition of Permitted Liens and (iii) Permitted Additional Indebtedness.
(ggg) “Permitted Liens” means (i) any Lien for taxes not yet due or delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (ii) any statutory Lien arising in the ordinary course of business by operation of law with respect to a liability that is not yet due or delinquent, (iii) any Lien created by operation of law, such as materialmen’s liens, mechanics’ liens and other similar liens, arising in the ordinary course of business with respect to a liability that is not yet due or delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (iv) Liens (A) upon or in any equipment acquired or held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the purchase price of such equipment or Indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition or lease of such equipment, or (B) existing on such equipment at the time of its acquisition, provided that the Lien is confined solely to the property so acquired and improvements thereon, and the proceeds of such equipment, in either case, with respect to Indebtedness in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000, (v) Liens incurred in connection with the extension, renewal or refinancing of the Indebtedness secured by Liens of the type described in clause (iv) above, provided that any extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing Lien and the principal amount of the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced does not increase, (vi) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payments of custom duties in connection with the importation of goods, (vii) Liens on any accounts receivable and/or purchase order supporting Permitted A/R Indebtedness then outstanding; and, (viii) Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments in circumstances not constituting a Triggering Event under Section 5(a)(xiii).
(hhh) “Person” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity or a government or any department or agency thereof.
(iii) “Preferred Warrants” shall have the meaning as set forth in the Exchange Agreements.
(jjj) “Price Failure” means, with respect to a particular date of determination, the VWAP of the Common Stock on any Trading Day during the ten (10) Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day immediately preceding such date of determination fails to exceed 75% of the Conversion Price on such date of determination (excluding for such purpose any temporary reductions in the Conversion Price made in accordance with Section 8(g)) (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions occurring after the Subscription Date). All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions during any such measuring period.
(kkk) “Principal Market” means, as of any time of determination, the principal trading market, if any, in which the shares of Common Stock then trade.
(lll) “Registration Rights Agreement” means that certain registration rights agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among the Company and the initial holders of the Preferred Shares relating to, among other things, the registration of the resale of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares or otherwise pursuant to the terms of these Articles of Incorporation, as may be amended from time to time.
(mmm) “Required Premium” means (x) solely if in connection with a Change of Control at a time no other Triggering Event exists, 105% or (y) otherwise, 125%.
(nnn) “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or the successor thereto.
(ooo) “Securities” shall mean the Preferred Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares.
(ppp) “Stated Value” shall mean $1,000 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations, reorganizations, reclassifications, combinations, subdivisions or other similar events occurring after the Initial Issuance Date with respect to the Preferred Shares.
(qqq) “Subsequent Placement” means any direct, or indirect, issuance, offer, sale, grant of any option or right to purchase, or otherwise disposal of (or announcement of any issuance, offer, sale, grant of any option or right to purchase or other disposition of) any equity security or any equity-linked or related security (including, without limitation, any “equity security” (as that term is defined under Rule 405 promulgated under the 1933 Act), any Convertible Securities, any debt, any preferred stock or any purchase rights) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(rrr) “Stock Combination Event” means the occurrence at any time and from time to time on or after the Subscription Date of any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination recapitalization or other similar transaction involving the Common Stock.
(sss) “Subject Entity” means any Person, Persons or Group or any Affiliate or associate of any such Person, Persons or Group.
(ttt) “Subscription Date” means April 21, 2025.
(uuu) “Subsidiary” shall have the meaning set forth in the Exchange Agreement.
(vvv) “Successor Entity” means the Person (or, if so elected by the Required Holders, the Parent Entity) formed by, resulting from or surviving any Fundamental Transaction or the Person (or, if so elected by the Required Holders, the Parent Entity) with which such Fundamental Transaction shall have been entered into.
(www) “Trading Day” means, as applicable, (x) with respect to all price or trading volume determinations relating to the Common Stock, any day on which the Common Stock is traded on the Principal Market, or, if the Principal Market is not the principal trading market for the Common Stock, then on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which the Common Stock is then traded, provided that “Trading Day” shall not include any day on which the Common Stock is scheduled to trade on such exchange or market for less than 4.5 hours or any day that the Common Stock is suspended from trading during the final hour of trading on such exchange or market (or if such exchange or market does not designate in advance the closing time of trading on such exchange or market, then during the hour ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time) unless such day is otherwise designated as a Trading Day in writing by the applicable Holder or (y) with respect to all determinations other than price determinations relating to the Common Stock, any day on which The New York Stock Exchange (or any successor thereto) is open for trading of securities.
(xxx) “Volume Failure” means, with respect to a particular date of determination, the aggregate daily dollar trading volume (as reported on Bloomberg) of the Common Stock on the Principal Market on any Trading Day during the twenty (20) Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day immediately preceding such date of determination (such period, the “Volume Failure Measuring Period”), is less than $50,000.
(yyy) “VWAP” means, for any security as of any date, the dollar volume-weighted average price for such security on the Principal Market (or, if the Principal Market is not the principal trading market for such security, then on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which such security is then traded), during the period beginning at 9:30 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg through its “VAP” function (set to 09:30 start time and 16:00 end time) or, if the foregoing does not apply, the dollar volume-weighted average price of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security during the period beginning at 9:30 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if no dollar volume-weighted average price is reported for such security by Bloomberg for such hours, the average of the highest closing bid price and the lowest closing ask price of any of the market makers for such security as reported in The Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices). If the VWAP cannot be calculated for such security on such date on any of the foregoing bases, the VWAP of such security on such date shall be the fair market value as mutually determined by the Company and the Required Holders. If the Company and the Required Holders are unable to agree upon the fair market value of such security, then such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures in Section 23. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction during such period.
33. Disclosure. Upon receipt or delivery by the Company of any notice in accordance with the terms of these Articles of Incorporation, unless the Company has in good faith determined that the matters relating to such notice do not constitute material, non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company shall on or prior to 9:00 am, New York city time on the Business Day immediately following such notice delivery date, publicly disclose such material, non-public information on a Current Report on Form 8-K or otherwise. In the event that the Company believes that a notice contains material, non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company so shall indicate to the applicable Holder explicitly in writing in such notice (or promptly (but no later than the next Business Day) following receipt of notice from such Holder, as applicable), and in the absence of any such written indication in such notice (or notification from the Company promptly (but no later than the next Business Day) following receipt of notice from such Holder), such Holder shall be entitled to presume that information contained in the notice does not constitute material, non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Nothing contained in this Section 32 shall limit any obligations of the Company, or any rights of any Holder, under Section 7 of the Exchange Agreement.
34. Absence of Trading and Disclosure Restrictions. The Company acknowledges and agrees that no Holder is a fiduciary or agent of the Company and that each Holder shall have no obligation to (a) maintain the confidentiality of any information provided by the Company or (b) refrain from trading any securities while in possession of such information in the absence of a written non-disclosure agreement signed by an officer of such Holder that explicitly provides for such confidentiality and trading restrictions. In the absence of such an executed, written non-disclosure agreement, the Company acknowledges that each Holder may freely trade in any securities issued by the Company, may possess and use any information provided by the Company in connection with such trading activity, and may disclose any such information to any third party.
FIFTH:
A. The number of members of the entire Board shall be fixed, from time to time, exclusively by the Board, in accordance with the bylaws of the Corporation (as amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof and thereof, the “Bylaws”), subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to the election of directors, if any.
B. The number of directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of one or more series of the Preferred Stock voting separately by class or series, shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board. Except as the NRS may otherwise require, in the interim between annual meetings of stockholders or special meetings of stockholders called for the election of directors and/or the removal of one or more directors and the filling of any vacancy in that connection, newly created directorships and any vacancies in the Board, including unfilled vacancies resulting from the removal of directors, may be filled only by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, although less than a quorum (as defined in the Bylaws), or by the sole remaining director. All directors shall hold office until the expiration of their respective terms of office and until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. A director elected to fill a vacancy resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a director shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the director whose death, resignation or removal shall have created such vacancy and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. Directors may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the holders of the voting power of all then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
C. Preferred Stock Directors. During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock have the right to elect additional directors as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV hereof or any Preferred Stock Designation, then upon commencement and for the duration of the period during which such right continues: (i) the then otherwise total number of authorized directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such specified number of directors, and the holders of such Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to said provisions, and (ii) each such additional director shall serve until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s right to hold such office terminates pursuant to said provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to his earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV hereof or any Preferred Stock Designation, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be reduced accordingly.
SIXTH: The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:
A. Election of directors need not be by ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.
B. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Nevada, the Board is expressly authorized to make, alter and repeal the Bylaws without the consent of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Nevada or this Certificate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Certificate or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote of the stockholders, the stockholders may adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws only with the affirmative vote of a majority of the holders of the voting power of all outstanding securities of the Corporation generally entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
C. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws.
D. The directors in their discretion may submit any contract or act for approval or ratification at any annual meeting of the stockholders or at any special meeting of the stockholders called for the purpose of considering any such act or contract, and any contract or act that shall be approved or be ratified by the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation which is represented in person or by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat (provided that a lawful quorum of stockholders be there represented in person or by proxy), unless a higher vote is required by applicable law, shall be as valid and binding upon the Corporation and upon all the stockholders as though it had been approved or ratified by every stockholder of the Corporation, whether or not the contract or act would otherwise be open to legal attack because of directors’ interests, or for any other reason.
E. In addition to the powers and authorities hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation; subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the statutes of the State of Nevada and of this Certificate.
SEVENTH:
A. A director or officer of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the NRS, as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended from time to time. If the NRS is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors or officers, then the liability of a director or officer of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the NRS, as so amended. Neither the repeal or modification of this paragraph A nor, to the fullest extent permitted by the NRS, any modification of law shall adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation with respect to events occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.
B. The Corporation, to the full extent permitted by the NRS, as amended from time to time, shall indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto, and such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which such officer or director may be entitled to indemnification hereunder shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized hereby.
C. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred in this Article Seventh of this Certificate shall neither be exclusive of, nor be deemed in limitation of, any rights to which any person may otherwise be or become entitled or permitted under this Certificate, the Bylaws, any statute, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
D. Any repeal or modification of this Article Seventh shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
EIGHTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Nevada may, on the application in a summary way of this Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under Section 78.635 of the NRS or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under Section 78A.140 of the NRS order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this Corporation.
NINTH:
A. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (an “Alternative Forum Consent”), the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada, located in Clark County, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, stockholder, employee, or agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director, officer, stockholder, employee, or agent of the Corporation arising out of or relating to any provision of the NRS, Articles of Incorporation , or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director, officer, stockholder, employee, or agent of the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Nevada; provided, however, that in the event that the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada lacks subject matter jurisdiction over any such action or proceeding, including in the event claims are brought under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the sole and exclusive forum for such action or proceeding shall be another state or federal court located within the State of Nevada, in each such case, unless the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada (or such other state or federal court located within the State of Nevada, as applicable) has dismissed a prior action by the same plaintiff asserting the same claims because such court lacked personal jurisdiction over an indispensable party named as a defendant therein. Failure to enforce the foregoing provisions would cause the Corporation irreparable harm and the Corporation shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, to enforce the foregoing provisions. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article Ninth. The existence of any prior Alternative Forum Consent shall not act as a waiver of the Corporation’s ongoing consent right as set forth above in this Article Ninth with respect to any current or future actions or claims.
B. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of paragraph A immediately above is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Nevada (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Nevada in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce paragraph A immediately above (an “Enforcement Action”) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.
C. If any provision or provisions of this Article Ninth shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article Ninth (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Article Ninth containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article Ninth.
TENTH: The doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any other analogous doctrine, shall not apply with respect to the Corporation or any of its officers or directors in circumstances where the application of any such doctrine would conflict with any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations they may have as of the date of this Certificate or in the future, and the Corporation renounces any expectancy that any of the directors or officers of the Corporation will offer any such corporate opportunity of which he or she may become aware to the Corporation. In addition to the foregoing, the doctrine of corporate opportunity shall not apply to any other corporate opportunity with respect to any of the directors or officers of the Corporation unless such corporate opportunity is offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation and such opportunity is one the Corporation is legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for the Corporation to pursue.
ELEVENTH: The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by this Certificate and the NRS, and all rights, preferences and privileges herein conferred upon stockholders of the Corporation by and pursuant to this Certificate in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the right reserved in this Article Eleventh. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any other vote that may be required by law, applicable stock exchange rule or the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, the stockholders may amend, alter, or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, any provision of Article Fifth, Sixth or Eleventh of this Certificate only with the affirmative vote of a majority of the holders of the voting power of all outstanding securities of the Corporation generally entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
TWELFTH: The Corporation will not be subject to Sections 78.378 to 78.3793 of the NRS.
THIRTEENTH: Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Nevada, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the NRS) outside the State of Nevada at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws.
FOURTEENTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the laws of the State of Nevada, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall be required to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws. The Bylaws also may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors.
FIFTEENTH: The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in these Articles of Incorporation , in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused these Articles of Incorporation to be signed by its Chief Executive Officer, as of the [___] day of [______], 2026.
TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.
| Name: | Christopher Jones | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
APPENDIX D
BYLAWS
OF
TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of TruGolf Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”) in the State of Nevada shall be established and maintained at [________] and [__________________] shall be the registered agent of the corporation in charge thereof.
1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Nevada as the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
2.1 Place of Meetings. All meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Nevada, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 78.320(4) of the Nevada Revised Statutes of the State of Nevada (the “NRS”). In the absence of any such designation or determination, stockholders’ meetings shall be held at the Corporation’s principal executive office.
2.2 Annual Meetings.
(a) The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be fixed by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of only such other business as is properly brought before the meeting in accordance with these Bylaws (the “Bylaws”).
(b) Written notice of an annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting.
(c) To be properly brought before the annual meeting, business must be either (i) specified in the notice of annual meeting (or any supplement or amendment thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) otherwise brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by a stockholder. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than seventy (70) days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by a stockholder, to be timely, must be received no later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever first occurs. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (a) as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, and (ii) any material interest of the stockholder in such business, and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and record address of the stockholder and (ii) the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at the annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article II, Section 2. The officer of the Corporation presiding at an annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the annual meeting that business was not properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Article II, Section 2, and if such officer should so determine, such officer shall so declare to the annual meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
2.3 Special Meetings.
(a) Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”), may only be called by the chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer of the Corporation, the president of the Corporation or the Board of Directors. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.
(b) Unless otherwise provided by law, written notice of a special meeting of stockholders, stating the time, place and purpose or purposes thereof, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, not less than ten (10) or more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for the meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice.
2.4 Quorum. The holders of one-third of the voting power entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than sixty (60) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.
2.5 Organization.
(a) The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall act as chairman of meetings of the stockholders. The Board of Directors may designate any other officer or director of the Corporation to act as chairman of any meeting in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors may further provide for determining who shall act as chairman of any stockholders meeting in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and such designee.
(b) The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all meetings of the stockholders, but in the absence of the Secretary the presiding officer may appoint any other person to act as secretary of any meeting.
2.6 Voting. The stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 of these Bylaws, subject to Section 78.352 (relating to voting rights of fiduciaries, pledgors and joint owners of stock) and Section 78.365 (relating to voting trusts and other voting agreements) of the NRS. Except as may be otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange, in all matters other than the election of directors, an act of the stockholders shall be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action. Except as otherwise required by law, the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of the voting power of shares of such class or series or classes or series present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting shall be the act of such class or series or classes or series, except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange.
2.7 No Stockholder Action by Written Consent. Unless permitted by law and the Articles of Incorporation, no action that is required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be effected by written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting.
2.8 Voting List. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If the board of directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the board of directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the provisions of Section 78.350 of the NRS and this Section 2.8 at the adjourned meeting. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
2.9 Stock Ledger. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 2.8 or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
2.10 Adjournment. Any meeting of the stockholders, including one at which directors are to be elected, may be adjourned for such periods as the presiding officer of the meeting or the stockholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall direct.
2.11 Ratification. Any transaction questioned in any stockholders’ derivative suit, or any other suit to enforce alleged rights of the Corporation or any of its stockholders, on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of any director, officer or stockholder, nondisclosure, miscomputation or the application of improper principles or practices of accounting may be approved, ratified and confirmed before or after judgment by the Board of Directors or by the holders of Common Stock and, if so approved, ratified or confirmed, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned transaction had been originally duly authorized, and said approval, ratification or confirmation shall be binding upon the Corporation and all of its stockholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned transaction.
2.12 Inspectors. The election of directors and any other vote by ballot at any meeting of the stockholders shall be supervised by at least one inspector. Such inspectors shall be appointed by the Board of Directors in advance of the meeting. If the inspector so appointed shall refuse to serve or shall not be present, such appointment shall be made by the officer presiding at the meeting.
2.13 Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after six months from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period not exceeding seven years. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the provisions of Section 78.355 of the NRS. A written proxy may be in the form of a telegram, cablegram, or other means of electronic transmission which sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram, or other means of electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
3.1 Powers; Number; Qualifications. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise provided by law or in the Articles of Incorporation. The number of directors which shall constitute the Board of Directors shall be not less than one (1) nor more than nine (9). The exact number of directors shall be fixed from time to time, within the limits specified in this Section 3.1 or in the Articles of Incorporation, by the Board of Directors. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation.
3.2 Election; Term of Office; Resignation; Removal; Vacancies. Each director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until such director’s earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or from any other cause may be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director and each director so chosen shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity.
3.3 Nominations. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be made at such meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, by any committee or persons appointed by the Board of Directors or by any stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 3.3. Such nominations by any stockholder shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting; provided however, that in the event that less than seventy (70) days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder, to be timely, must be received no later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever first occurs. Such stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, (a) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (b) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (c) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the person, and (d) any other information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice (a) the name and record address of the stockholder and (b) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth herein. The officer of the Corporation presiding at an annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
3.4 Meetings. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Nevada. The first meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the meeting of the stockholders at which it is elected and no notice of such meeting shall be necessary to the newly elected directors in order to legally constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman or a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone, facsimile, telegram or e-mail on twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.
3.5 Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, a majority of the entire Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
3.6 Organization of Meetings.
(a) The Board of Directors shall elect one of its members to be Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall lead the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities as set forth in these Bylaws, including its responsibility to oversee the performance of the Corporation, and shall determine the agenda and perform all other duties and exercise all other powers which are or from time to time may be delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors.
(b) Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or in his or her absence, by the President, or in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President by such other person as the Board of Directors may designate or the members present may select.
3.7 Actions of Board of Directors Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filled with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.
3.8 Removal of Directors by Stockholders. Except as provided in the Articles of Incorporation, the entire Board of Directors or any individual Director may be removed from office with or without cause by a vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the voting power then entitled to vote at an election of directors.
3.9 Resignations. Any Director may resign at any time by submitting his written resignation to the Board of Directors or Secretary of the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of its receipt by the Corporation unless another time be fixed in the resignation, in which case it shall become effective at the time so fixed. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be required to make it effective.
3.10 Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided by law and in the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to amending the Articles of Incorporation, adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation, recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s property and assets, recommending to the stockholders a dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution or amending the Bylaws of the Corporation; and, unless the resolution expressly so provides, no such committee shall have the power or authority to declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock or to adopt a certificate of ownership and merger. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required.
3.11 Compensation. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors. Without limiting the foregoing, the directors shall be paid their reasonable expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board or any committee thereof and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each such meeting and an annual retainer or salary for service as director or committee member, payable in cash or securities. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Directors who are full-time employees of the Corporation shall not receive any compensation for their service as director.
3.12 Interested Directors. No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because his or their votes are counted for such purpose, if (i) the material facts as to his or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to his or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.
3.13 Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone. Members of the Board of Directors or any committee designed by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this subsection shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
4.1 General. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors and may consist of: a Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also elect one or more Vice Presidents (including Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents), Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, a Controller and or desirable. Any number of offices may be held by the same person and more than one person may hold the same office, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation, nor need such officers be directors of the Corporation.
4.2 Election. The Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each annual meeting of stockholders shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors ; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal. Except as otherwise provided in this ARTICLE IV, any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The salaries of all officers who are directors of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
4.3 Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation. Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the President or any Vice President, and any such officer may, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.
4.4 Chief Executive Officer. Subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer shall have ultimate authority for decisions relating to the general management and control of the affairs and business of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers which are or from time to time may be delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws, all in accordance with basic policies as established by and subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors.
4.5 President. At the request of the Chief Executive Officer, or in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer, or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the President shall perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon such office. The President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe.
4.6 Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall have general supervision, direction and control of the financial affairs of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers which are or from time to time may be delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws, all in accordance with basic policies as established by and subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors. In the absence of a named Treasurer, the Chief Financial Officer shall also have the powers and duties of the Treasurer as hereinafter set forth and shall be authorized and empowered to sign as Treasurer in any case where such officer’s signature is required.
4.7 Vice Presidents. At the request of the President or in the absence of the President, or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice President or the Vice Presidents if there is more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors) shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon such office. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of such officer to act, shall perform the duties of such office, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon such office.
4.8 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, then any Assistant Secretary shall perform such actions. If there be no Assistant Secretary, then the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.
4.9 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Corporation.
4.10 Assistant Secretaries. Except as may be otherwise provided in these Bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.
4.11 Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer. If required by the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Corporation.
4.12 Controller. The Controller shall establish and maintain the accounting records of the Corporation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, maintain proper internal control of the assets of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors, the President or any Vice President of the Corporation may prescribe.
4.13 Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.
4.14 Vacancies. The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill any vacancies in any office occurring from whatever reason.
4.15 Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by submitting his written resignation to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of its receipt by the Corporation, unless another time be fixed in the resignation, in which case it shall become effective at the time so fixed. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be required to make it effective.
4.16 Removal. Subject to the provisions of any employment agreement approved by the Board of Directors, any officer of the Corporation may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL STOCK
5.1 Form of Certificates. The shares of stock in the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporation’s stock shall be in uncertificated form. Stock certificates shall be in such forms as the Board of Directors may prescribe and signed by the Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation.
5.2 Signatures. Any or all of the signatures on a stock certificate may be a facsimile, including, but not limited to, signatures of officers of the Corporation and countersignatures of a transfer agent or registrar. In case an officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
5.3 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new stock certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any stock certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new stock certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
5.4 Transfers. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these Bylaws. Transfers of certificated stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be canceled before a new certificate shall be issued. Transfers of uncertificated stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person then registered on the books of the Corporation as the owner of such shares or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and written instruction to the Corporation containing such information as the Corporation or its agents may prescribe. No transfer of uncertificated stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred. The Corporation shall have no duty to inquire into adverse claims with respect to any stock transfer unless (a) the Corporation has received a written notification of an adverse claim at a time and in a manner which affords the Corporation a reasonable opportunity to act on it prior to the issuance of a new, reissued or re-registered share certificate, in the case of certificated stock, or entry in the stock record books of the Corporation, in the case of uncertificated stock, and the notification identifies the claimant, the registered owner and the issue of which the share or shares is a part and provides an address for communications directed to the claimant; or (b) the Corporation has required and obtained, with respect to a fiduciary, a copy of a will, trust, indenture, articles of co-partnership, Bylaws or other controlling instruments, for a purpose other than to obtain appropriate evidence of the appointment or incumbency of the fiduciary, and such documents indicate, upon reasonable inspection, the existence of an adverse claim. The Corporation may discharge any duty of inquiry by any reasonable means, including notifying an adverse claimant by registered or certified mail at the address furnished by him or, if there be no such address, at his residence or regular place of business that the security has been presented for registration of transfer by a named person, and that the transfer will be registered unless within thirty days from the date of mailing the notification, either (a) an appropriate restraining order, injunction or other process issues from a court of competent jurisdiction; or (b) an indemnity bond, sufficient in the Corporation’s judgment to protect the Corporation and any transfer agent, registrar or other agent of the Corporation involved from any loss which it or they may suffer by complying with the adverse claim, is filed with the Corporation.
5.5 Fixing Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting, nor more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date of action with a meeting is adopted by the Board of Directors, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other action. If no record date is fixed:
(a) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.
(b) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is necessary, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent is delivered to the Corporation.
(c) The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
5.6 Registered Stockholders. Prior to due presentment for transfer of any share or shares, the Corporation shall treat the registered owner thereof as the person exclusively entitled to vote, to receive notifications and to all other benefits of ownership with respect to such share or shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State Nevada.
ARTICLE VI
NOTICES
6.1 Form of Notice. Notices to directors and stockholders other than notices to directors of special meetings of the board of Directors which may be given by any means stated in Section 3.4, shall be in writing and delivered personally or mailed to the directors or stockholders at their addresses appearing on the books of the corporation. Notice by mail shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be mailed. Notice to directors may also be given by telegram.
6.2 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of law or the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws of the Corporation, a written waiver, signed by the person or persons entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular, or special meeting of the stockholders, Directors, or members of a committee of Directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so required by the Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
7.1 Indemnification of Directors and Officers in Third Party Proceedings. Subject to the other provisions of this Article VII, the Corporation shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the NRS, as now or hereinafter in effect, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director of the Corporation or an officer of the Corporation, or while a director of the Corporation or officer of the Corporation is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.
7.2 Indemnification of Directors and Officers in Actions by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to the other provisions of this Article VII, the Corporation shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the NRS, as now or hereinafter in effect, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or while a director or officer of the Corporation is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such Proceeding was brought or another court of competent jurisdiction shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.
7.3 Successful Defense. To the extent that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding described in Section 7.1 or Section 7.2, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
7.4 Indemnification of Others; Advance Payment to Others. Subject to the other provisions of this Article VII, the Corporation shall have power to advance expenses to and indemnify its employees and its agents to the extent not prohibited by the NRS or other applicable law. The board of directors shall have the power to delegate the determination of whether employees or agents shall be indemnified or receive an advancement of expenses to such person or persons as the board of directors determines.
7.5 Advance Payment of Expenses. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director of the Corporation in defending any Proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding upon receipt of a written request therefor (together with documentation reasonably evidencing such expenses) and an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VII or the NRS. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Corporation deems reasonably appropriate and shall be subject to the Corporation’s expense guidelines. The right to advancement of expenses shall not apply to any claim for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to these Bylaws, but shall apply to any Proceeding referenced in Section 7.6(ii) or 7.6(iii) prior to a determination that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation.
7.6 Limitation of Indemnification. Subject to the requirements in Section 7.3 and the NRS, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any person pursuant to this Article VII in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding):
(i) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of such person under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid;
(ii) for an accounting or disgorgement of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or similar provisions of federal, state or local statutory law or common law, if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);
(iii) for any reimbursement of the Corporation by such person of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by such person from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by such person of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);
(iv) initiated by such person against the Corporation or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless (a) the Board of Directors authorized the Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (b) the Corporation provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Corporation under applicable law, (c) otherwise required to be made under Section 7.7 or (d) otherwise required by applicable law; or
(v) if prohibited by applicable law; provided, however, that if any provision or provisions of this Article VII shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (1) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article VII (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph or clause containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (2) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article VII (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph or clause containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
7.7 Determination; Claim. If a claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article VII is not paid in full within 90 days after receipt by the Corporation of the written request therefor, the claimant shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of expenses. The Corporation shall indemnify such person against any and all expenses that are incurred by such person in connection with any action for indemnification or advancement of expenses from the Corporation under this Article VII, to the extent such person is successful in such action, and to the extent not prohibited by law. In any such suit, the Corporation shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proving that the claimant is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses.
7.8 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Articles of Incorporation or any statute, Bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advancement of expenses, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the NRS or other applicable law.
7.9 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of the NRS.
7.10 Survival. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Article VII shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
7.11 Effect of Repeal or Modification. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal.
7.12 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article VII, references to the “Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of this Article VII, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan (excluding any “parachute payments” within the meanings of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended); and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article VII.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Reliance on Books and Records. Each Director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the Corporation, shall, in the performance of his duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation, including reports made to the Corporation by any of its officers, by an independent certified public accountant, or by an appraiser selected with reasonable care.
8.2 Maintenance and Inspection of Records.
(a) The Corporation shall, either at its principal executive office or at such place or places as designated by the Board of Directors, keep a record of its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of shares held by each stockholder, a copy of these by-laws, as may be amended to date, minute books, accounting books and other records.
(b) Any such records maintained by the Corporation may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device or method, provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time. The Corporation shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect such records pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statues. When records are kept in such manner, a clearly legible paper form produced from or by means of the information storage device or method shall be admissible in evidence, and accepted for all other purposes, to the same extent as an original paper form accurately portrays the record.
(c) Any stockholder of record, in person or by attorney or other agent, shall, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose the Corporation’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records and to make copies or extracts therefrom. A proper purpose shall mean a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder. In every instance where an attorney or other agent is the person who seeks the right to inspection, the demand under oath shall be accompanied by a power of attorney or such other writing that authorizes the attorney or other agent to so act on behalf of the stockholder. The demand under oath shall be directed to the Corporation at its registered office in Nevada or at its principal executive office.
8.3 Inspection by Directors. Any director shall have the right to examine the Corporation’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records for a purpose reasonably related to his or her position as a director.
8.4 Dividends. Subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, if any, dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the Directors shall think conducive to the interest of the Corporation, and the Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
8.5 Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
8.6 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be as determined by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors shall fail to do so, the President shall fix the fiscal year.
8.7 Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Nevada”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any manner reproduced.
8.8 Amendments. Subject to any limitations in the Articles of Incorporation, the original or other Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the stockholders entitled to vote thereon at any regular or special meeting or, if the Articles of Incorporation so provides, by the Board of Directors. The fact that such power has been so conferred upon the Board of Directors shall not divest the stockholders of the power nor limit their power to adopt, amend or repeal Bylaws, subject to any limitations in the Articles of Incorporation.
8.9 Interpretation of Bylaws. All words, terms and provisions of these Bylaws shall be interpreted and defined by and in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Nevada, as amended, and as amended from time to time hereafter.