Form DEF 14A - Other definitive proxy statements

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

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

 

SAFETY SHOT, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

☒	No fee required.
☐	Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11

 

	(1)	Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
	(2)	Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
	(3)	Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
	(4)	Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
	(5)	Total fee paid:

 

☐	Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
☐	Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

	(1)	Amount Previously Paid:
	(2)	Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
	(3)	Filing Party:
	(4)	Date Filed:

 

 

 

 

SAFETY SHOT, INC.

1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110

Jupiter, FL 33477

 

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

 

Date:	July 31, 2024
Time:	10 AM EST
Location:	1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110 Jupiter, FL 33477
Record Date:	June 7, 2024

 

To the stockholders of Safety Shot, Inc.,

 

You are cordially invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Safety Shot, Inc. to be held in a virtual-only meeting format via live webcast on the Internet on July 31, 2024 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. At the annual meeting you will be asked to vote on the following matters:

 

1.	Re-elect six directors to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Safety Shot, Inc. (the “Company”) to serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders or until their earlier resignation or removal;
2.	Ratify the appointment of M&K CPAS, PLLC (“M&K”) as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024;
3.	A proposal to ratify the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, including the reservation of 15,000,000 shares of common stock thereunder (the “2024 Equity Incentive Plan”); and
4.	To approve an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock from 100,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares.

 

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES INCLUDED IN PROPOSAL NO. 1, AND “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 2, NO. 3 AND NO. 4.

 

Holders of record of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on June 7, 2024 (the “Record Date”) will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company (the “Meeting”) and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Each share of common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote.

 

Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Even if you plan to attend the Meeting virtually, it is strongly recommended that you complete the enclosed proxy card before the meeting date, to ensure that your shares will be represented at the Meeting if you are unable to attend.

 

A complete list of stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Meeting will be available, by appointment, for 10 days before the Meeting at the principal executive office of the Company for inspection by stockholders during ordinary business hours for any purpose germane to the Meeting.

 

You are urged to review carefully the information contained in the enclosed proxy statement prior to deciding how to vote your shares.

 

We are holding the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in a virtual-only meeting format via live webcast on the Internet. You will not be able to attend at a physical location. Stockholders will be able to join and attend online by logging in at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SHOT2024. Your proxy is revocable in accordance with the procedures set forth in the proxy statement.

 

		By Order of the Board,
Date:	June 24, 2024	By:	/s/ Jarrett Boon
		Name:	Jarrett Boon
		Title:	Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

IF YOU RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD WITHOUT AN INDICATION OF HOW YOU WISH TO VOTE, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” ALL OF THE PROPOSALS LISTED ABOVE.

 

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

for the 2024 annual meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10 AM EST on July 31, 2024

 

The Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, this proxy statement, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2023 (the “Annual Report”) are available at https://safetyshotofficial.com/sec-filings/.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	Page
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS	1
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING	5
PROPOSAL NO. 1 — RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS	7
SECTION 16(A) COMPLIANCE	15
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT	15
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	16
PROPOSAL NO. 2 — RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM	17
PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF THE 2024 Equity Incentive Plan	18
PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION	19
OTHER MATTERS	21
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION	21
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION	22

 

i

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS

 

Why am I receiving this proxy statement?

 

In this proxy statement, we refer to Safety Shot, Inc. as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our.”

 

This proxy statement describes the proposals on which the Board would like you, as a stockholder, to vote at the Meeting, which will take place virtual-only (online) meeting format via live webcast on the Internet on July 31, 2024 at 10 AM, EST, at 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477.

 

Stockholders are being asked to consider and vote upon proposals to (i) re-elect six directors to the Board to serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders or until their earlier resignation or removal, (ii) ratify the appointment of M&K CPAS, PLLC (“M&K”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024; (iii) to ratify the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, including the reservation of 15,000,000 shares of common stock under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan; and (iv) to approve an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock from 100,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares.

 

This proxy statement also gives you information on the proposals so that you can make an informed decision. You should read it carefully. Your vote is important. You are encouraged to submit your proxy card as soon as possible after carefully reviewing this proxy statement.

 

Who can vote at the Meeting?

 

Stockholders who owned shares of our common stock on the Record Date may attend and vote at the Meeting. There were 51,765,949 shares of common stock outstanding on the Record Date. All shares of common stock shall have one vote per share. Information about the stockholdings of our directors, executive officers, and significant stockholders is contained in the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” beginning on page 15 of this proxy statement.

 

What is the proxy card?

 

The card enables you to appoint Jarrett Boon as your representative at the Meeting. By completing and returning the proxy card, you are authorizing this person to vote your shares at the Meeting in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Meeting, it is strongly recommended to complete and return your proxy card before the Meeting date just in case your plans change. If a proposal comes up for vote at the Meeting that is not on the proxy card, the proxy will vote your shares, under your proxy, according to his best judgment.

 

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

 

The Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” each of the director nominees listed in proposal No. 1, and “FOR” proposal No. 2, No. 3, and No.4.

 

1

 

What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

 

Certain of our stockholders hold their shares in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee holder, rather than holding share certificates in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.

 

Stockholder of Record/Registered Stockholders

 

If, on the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, ClearTrust, LLC, you are a “stockholder of record” who may vote at the Meeting, and we are sending these proxy materials directly to you. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to direct the voting of your shares by returning the enclosed proxy card to us or to vote virtually at the Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, please complete, date, and sign the enclosed proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted.

 

Beneficial Owner

 

If, on the Record Date, your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm or at a bank or other nominee holder, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held “in street name,” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker on how to vote your shares and to attend the Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares virtually at the Meeting unless you receive a valid proxy from your brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee holder. To obtain a valid proxy, you must make a special request of your brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee holder. If you do not make this request, you can still vote by using the voting instruction card enclosed with this proxy statement; however, you will not be able to vote virtually at the Meeting.

 

What are broker non-votes?

 

Broker non-votes are shares held by brokers that do not have discretionary authority to vote on the matter and have not received voting instructions from their clients. Brokers holding shares of record for customers generally are not entitled to vote on “non-routine” matters, unless they receive voting instructions from their customers. Brokers, banks and other nominees can, however, vote on “routine” matters if the client does not provide voting instructions. For instance, the proposed ratification of the appointment of M&K as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 and the amendment of the certificate of incorporation are considered “routine” matters. Accordingly, brokers, banks and other nominees are entitled to vote uninstructed shares with respect to the ratification of the appointment of M&K as our independent registered public accounting firm and the amendment of the certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized capital. Whereas the proposed appointment of the nominee directors and the ratification of the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan are considered as “non-routine” matters. Accordingly, brokers, banks and other nominees are not entitled to vote uninstructed shares with respect to the approval of the appointment of the director nominees and the ratification of the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

If my bank, broker or other nominee holds my shares in “street name,” will such party vote my shares for me?

 

For all “non-routine” matters, not without your direction. Your broker, bank or other nominee will be permitted to vote your shares on any “non-routine” proposal only if you instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote. Under applicable stock exchange rules, brokers, banks or other nominees have the discretion to vote your shares on routine matters if you fail to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares with respect to such matters. The proposed ratification of the appointment of M&K as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 and the proposed amendment to the certificate of incorporation are considered “routine” matters. Accordingly, brokers, banks and other nominees are entitled to vote uninstructed shares with respect to the ratification of the appointment of M&K as our independent registered public accounting firm and approval of the amendment to the certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized capital. Therefore, if you do not want your broker, bank or other nominee to vote on “routine” matters, it is important that you instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how you wish to vote your shares.

 

How do I vote my shares if I hold my shares in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee?

 

If you hold your shares as a beneficial owner through a bank, broker or other nominee, you should have received instructions on how to vote your shares from your broker, bank or other nominee. Please follow their instructions carefully. You must provide voting instructions to your bank, broker or other nominee by the deadline provided in the materials you receive from your bank, broker or other nominee to ensure your shares are voted in the way you would like at the Meeting.

 

2

 

How do I vote?

 

If you were a stockholder of record of the Company’s common stock on the Record Date, you may vote virtually at the Meeting or by submitting a proxy. Each share of common stock that you own in your name entitles you to one vote, in each case, on the applicable proposals.

 

(1)

You may submit your proxy by mail. You may submit your proxy by mail by completing, signing, and dating your proxy card and returning it in the enclosed, postage-paid, and addressed envelope. If we receive your proxy card prior to the Meeting and if you mark your voting instructions on the proxy card, your shares will be voted:

 

●	as you instruct, and
●	according to the best judgment of the proxies if a proposal comes up for a vote at the Meeting that is not on the proxy card.

 

We encourage you to examine your proxy card closely to make sure you are voting all of your shares in the Company.

 

Mark, sign, and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

 

If you return a signed card, but do not provide voting instructions, your shares will be voted:

 

●	FOR each nominee for director; and
●	FOR the selection of M&K as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

 

(2)	You may vote virtually at the Meeting. On the day of the meeting, you may go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SHOT2024, and log in by entering the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form, or Notice, as applicable. If you do not have your control number, you will be able register as a guest; however, you will not be able to vote or submit questions during the meeting.
(3)	You may vote online. You may use the website www.proxyvote.com to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m., EST, July 30, 2024. 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.
(4)	You may vote via phone. You may use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions by calling [phone].

 

3

 

What happens if I abstain?

 

If you abstain, whether by proxy or virtually at the Meeting, or if you instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to abstain your abstention will not be counted for or against the proposals, but will be counted as “present” at the Meeting in determining whether or not a quorum exists.

 

If I plan on attending the Meeting, should I return my proxy card?

 

Yes. Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, after carefully reading and considering the information contained in this proxy statement, please complete and sign your proxy card, and then return the proxy card in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided herewith as soon as possible, so your shares may be represented at the Meeting.

 

May I change my mind after I return my proxy?

 

Yes. You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the polls close at the Meeting. You may do this by:

 

●	sending a written notice to the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s executive offices stating that you would like to revoke your proxy of a particular date;
●	signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it to the Secretary before the polls close at the Meeting; or
●	attending the Meeting and voting virtually.

 

However, your attendance at the Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy unless you vote at the Meeting or specifically request in writing that your prior proxy be revoked.

 

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?

 

You may have multiple accounts at the transfer agent and/or with brokerage firms. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

 

What happens if I do not indicate how to vote my proxy?

 

Signed and dated proxies received by the Company without an indication of how the stockholder desires to vote on a proposal will be voted in favor of each director and proposal presented to the stockholders.

 

Will my shares be voted if I do not sign and return my proxy card?

 

If you do not sign and return your proxy card, your shares will not be voted unless you vote virtually at the Meeting.

 

Is my vote kept confidential?

 

Proxies, online votes, and voting tabulations identifying stockholders are kept confidential and will not be disclosed, except as may be necessary to meet legal requirements.

 

Where do I find the voting results of the Meeting?

 

We will announce voting results at the Meeting and also file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) reporting the voting results.

 

Who can help answer my questions?

 

You can contact Jarrett Boon at [phone] or by sending a letter to the offices of the Company at 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477, with any questions about proposals described in this proxy statement or how to execute your vote.

 

4

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING

 

We are furnishing this proxy statement to you, as a stockholder of Safety Shot, Inc., as part of the solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the Meeting to be held in a virtual-only (online) meeting format via live webcast on the Internet on July 31, 2024, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement provides you with information you need to know to be able to vote or instruct your proxy how to vote at the Meeting.

 

Date, Time, and Place of the Meeting		The Meeting will be held in a virtual-only (online) meeting format via live webcast on the Internet on July 31, 2024, at 10 AM, EST, at 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477, or such other date, time, and place to which the Meeting may be adjourned or postponed.
Purpose of the Meeting		At the Meeting, the Company will ask stockholders to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

1.	Re-elect 6 directors to the Board the Company to serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders or until their earlier resignation or removal;
2.	Ratify the appointment of M&K as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024;
3.	A proposal to ratify the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, including the reservation of 15,000,000 shares of common stock under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan; and
4.	A proposal to approve an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock from 100,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares.

 

5

 

Record Date and Voting Power		The Board fixed the close of business on June 7, 2024, as the record date for the determination of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to notice of, and to vote on, the matters presented at the Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 51,765,949 shares of common stock outstanding. Each share of common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote.
Quorum and Required Vote		A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present at the meeting if holders of one-third (33.33%) of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereat, present virtually or represented by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes (i.e., shares held by brokers on behalf of their customers, which may not be voted on certain matters because the brokers have not received specific voting instructions from their customers with respect to such matters) will be counted solely for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at the Meeting.   Proposal No. 1 (re-election of six directors) requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes of the shares of stock present virtually or represented by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat.   Proposal No. 2 (ratification of appointment of M&K to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending December 31, 2024) requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the number of shares of stock present virtually or represented by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat.   Proposal No. 3 (ratification of the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan) requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the number of shares of stock present virtually or represented by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat.   Proposal No. 4 (approval of an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock from 100,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares) requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock.
Revocability of Proxies		Any proxy may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before it is voted. A proxy may be revoked by (A) sending to our Secretary, at Safety Shot, Inc., 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477, either (i) a written notice of revocation bearing a date later than the date of such proxy or (ii) a subsequent proxy relating to the same shares, or (B) by virtually attending the Meeting and voting at the Meeting.
Proxy Solicitation Costs		The cost of soliciting proxies relating to the Meeting, will be borne by the Company. If any additional solicitation of the holders of our outstanding shares of common stock is deemed necessary, we (through our directors and officers) anticipate making such solicitation directly. The solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, telegram, and personal solicitation by officers, directors, and other employees of the Company, but no additional compensation will be paid to such individuals.
No Right of Appraisal		None of Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation, or our Bylaws provides for appraisal or other similar rights for dissenting stockholders in connection with any of the proposals to be voted upon at the Meeting. Accordingly, our stockholders will have no right to dissent on any of the proposals presented at the Meeting.
Who Can Answer Your Questions about Voting Your Shares		You can contact Jarrett Boon at [phone] or by sending a letter to the offices of the Company at 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477, with any questions about proposals described in this proxy statement or how to execute your vote.
Principal Offices		The principal executive offices of our Company are located at 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477. The Company’s telephone number is [phone].

 

6

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1 — RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board consists of six directors, all of whom have been nominated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (the “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee”) and approved by the Board to stand for re-election as directors of the Company. Unless such authority is withheld, proxies will be voted for the re-election of the persons named below, each of whom has been designated as a nominee. If, for any reason, any nominee/director becomes unavailable for re-election, the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee(s) as the Board may propose.

 

We believe that the collective skills, experiences, and qualifications of our directors provide the Board with the expertise and experience necessary to advance the interests of our stockholders. While the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board does not have any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met by each of our directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee uses a variety of criteria to evaluate the qualifications and skills necessary for each member of the Board. In addition to the individual attributes of each of our current directors described below, we believe that our directors should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values, consistent with our longstanding values and standards. They should have broad experience at the policy-making level in business, exhibit commitment to enhancing stockholder value, and have sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on their past experiences.

 

The director nominees recommended by the Board are as follows:

 

The Board Recommends The Re-Election Of These Nominees :

 

Name		Age		Position(s)
David J. Long		45		Director
John Gulyas		49		Chairman and Director
Jordan Schur		59		Director and President
Richard Pascucci		48		Director
Christopher Marc Melton		52		Director
Jarrett Boon		54		Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

7

 

Nominee Information

 

David Long, Director, has served as one of our directors since March 2024. Mr. Long has over 20 years of experience in leading and increasing growth for companies in the fitness and wellness industries. Since January 2010 Mr. Long has served as the CEO and the Co-Founder of Orangetheory Fitness Corporate. From June 2008 to June 2007 Mr. Long served as the Developer and Owner of European Wax Center. Mr. Long has a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, Physical Therapy, and International Business from University of Florida and an MBA from University of Florida.

 

John Gulyas, Chairman and Director, has served as one of our directors since July 2023. Mr. Gulyas has owned and operated multiple franchise brands over the last 13 years. Since 2015 John has been the owner and the CEO of 2v consulting LLC. Since February 2020 John has been working as the Founder and President of GBB Drink Lab, who is the world’s first rapid blood alcohol detoxification drink, and which was recently acquired by the Company. From October 2018 to September 2021, John worked as a vice president of franchise development at Vio Med Spa. He worked as site development coordinator at European Wax Center from June 2007 to March 2017.

 

Jordan Schur, Director and President, has served as Director and President of the Company since March of 2024. In 2006, Schur founded Los Angeles-based Suretone Entertainment, an independent full-service entertainment company. Suretone Entertainment encompasses Suretone Records, Suretone Pictures and Suretone Management. In addition, Mr. Schur co-founded film production company Mimran Schur Pictures in 2007. Mr. Schur worked as the President of Geffen Records/UMG from January 1999 to June of 2007. Under Mr. Schur’s oversight, Geffen Records achieved over $1 billion in revenue while becoming a consistent global market share leader for Universal Music Group. Mr. Schur has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College.

 

Richard Pascucci, Director, has served as one of our directors since December 2023. Mr. Pascucci has over 20 years of experience in the beverage industry. Since May 2018 Mr. Pascucci has been working as the founder and owner of Black Apple Group, LLC, a consulting group specializing in strategy, brand marketing, business intelligence, business insights and category development. Since May 2017, Mr. Pascucci has been working as the Beverage Consultant at Pascucci Enterprise, wherein he is responsible for the company’s key strategic areas, while identifying and delivering key projects and priorities. Between May 2011 and May 2017, Mr. Pascucci worked as the Chief Growth Officer and the VP of Business Development at Pabst Brewing Company. Mr. Pascucci has a Bachelors of Arts from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia.

 

Christopher Marc Melton, Director, has served as one of our directors since August 2019. Mr. Melton has served as director of SG Blocks, Inc. since November of 2011 and currently serves as the Audit Committee Chairman. From 2000 to 2008, Mr. Melton was a Portfolio Manager for Kingdon Capital Management (“Kingdon”) in New York City, where he ran in excess of $1 Billion book in media, telecom, and Japanese investment. Mr. Melton opened Kingdon’s office in Japan, where he set up a Japanese research company. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Melton served as a Vice President at JPMorgan Investment Management as an equity research analyst, where he helped manage $1 Billion plus in REIT funds under management. Mr. Melton was a Senior Real Estate Equity Analyst at RREEF Funds in Chicago from 1995 to 1997. Mr. Melton is Principal and co-founder of Callegro Investments, a specialist land investor. He currently serves on several Public and Private Boards as well as Chairman of the Audit Committee of a Nasdaq listed company.

 

Jarrett Boon, Chief Executive Officer and Director, has served as the director since October 2023 and was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in February 2024. Mr. Boon was the Co-Founder and CEO of GBB Drink Lab, which developed Safety Shot Beverages, the first patented beverage on Earth that helps people feel better faster by reducing blood alcohol content and boosting clarity. Mr. Boon has over 30 years of experience building successful businesses from creation to exit. He was one of the original thought leaders and investors in LifeLock, a leading identity protection provider, where he applied his expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic business development to grow LifeLock to $500 million in revenue. LifeLock went public in 2012 and was subsequently acquired by Symantec in 2016 for $2.3 billion. Prior to LifeLock, Mr. Boon founded SW Promotions, a marketing and advertising company. SW Promotions and its 400 employees were acquired by one of its publicly traded partners.

 

8

 

Vote Required

 

Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the annual meeting of stockholders and entitled to vote on the election of directors. “Plurality” means that the nominees receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes will be elected as directors, up to the number of directors to be chosen at the meeting. Broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the election of directors because brokers do not have discretion to cast votes on this proposal without instruction from the beneficial owner of the shares.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” ELECTION OF
THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AND POLICIES

 

Board and Committee Independence

 

The Board determines whether each of our directors is considered independent. For a director to be considered independent, the director must meet the bright-line independence standards under the Nasdaq listing standards. The Board must also affirmatively determine that, in its opinion, each director has no relationship that would interfere with the directors’ exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the director’s responsibilities. In addition to the Nasdaq listing standards, the Board will consider all relevant facts and circumstances in determining whether a director is independent. There are no family relationships among any of our directors and executive officers. The Board has determined that the following nominees satisfy the independence requirements of Nasdaq: Messrs. Melton, Long, Pascucci and Gulyas

 

Board Committees and Meetings

 

The Board held seven meetings during fiscal year 2023. No director attended fewer than 90% the  aggregate number of all meetings of the Board and committees on which he or she served during fiscal year 2023. The Company expects the directors to attend the Meeting either online or by conference call.

 

Board Committees

 

The Board has created three standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board has adopted a formal, written charter for each of the committees under which each committee operates. The charters can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Investor Relations tab on the Company’s website at https://safetyshotofficial.com/sec-filings/. As a matter of routine corporate governance, each committee intends to review its charter and practices on an annual basis to determine whether its charter and practices are consistent with listing standards of Nasdaq.

 

Committee Composition

 

Director		Audit Committee				Compensation Committee				Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Dave Long			(1	)			(1) (2)				(1	)
Christopher Marc Melton			(1) (2) (3)				(1	)			(1	)
Rich Pascucci			(1	)			(1	)			(1) (2)

 

(1)	Committee member.
(2)	Committee chair.
(3)	The Board has determined that we have at least one “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC and that is Mr. Melton.

 

9

 

Audit Committee

 

Upon re-election, Mr. Melton, Mr. Pascucci and Mr. Long will continue to be members of our Audit Committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”), where Mr. Melton shall continue to serve as the chairman. All members of our Audit Committee satisfy the independence standards promulgated by the SEC and by Nasdaq as such standards apply specifically to members of Audit Committees.

 

We have adopted and approved a charter for the Audit Committee. In accordance with our Audit Committee Charter, our Audit Committee shall perform several functions, including:

 

●	selecting a qualified firm to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements;
●	helping to ensure the independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm;
●	discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviewing, with management and the independent accountants, our interim and year-end operating results;
●	developing procedures for employees to submit concerns anonymously about questionable accounting or audit matters;
●	reviewing our policies on risk assessment and risk management;
●	reviewing related party transactions;
●	obtaining and reviewing a report by the independent registered public accounting firm at least annually, that describes our internal quality-control procedures, any material issues with such procedures, and any steps taken to deal with such issues when required by applicable law; and
●	approving (or, as permitted, pre-approving) all audit and all permissible non-audit services, other than de minimis non-audit services, to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

It is determined that Mr. Melton possesses accounting or related financial management experience that qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

The Audit Committee held 4 meetings in fiscal year 2023.

 

Compensation Committee

 

Upon re-election, Messrs. Melton, Pascucci and Long will be members of our Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) and Mr. Long shall serve as the chairman. All members of our Compensation Committee are qualified as independent under the current definition promulgated by Nasdaq. We have adopted a charter for the Compensation Committee. In accordance with the Compensation Committee’s Charter, the Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing and making recommendations to the Board regarding the salaries and other compensation of our executive officers and general employees and providing assistance and recommendations with respect to our compensation policies and practices.

 

The Compensation Committee held 3 meetings in fiscal year 2023.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Upon re-election, Messrs. Melton, Pascucci and Long will be the members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, where Mr. Pascucci shall serve as the chairman. All members of our Nominating and Governance Committee are qualified as independent under the current definition promulgated by Nasdaq. The Board adopted and approved a charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In accordance with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s Charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible to identify and propose new potential director nominees to the board of directors for consideration and review our corporate governance policies.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held 1 meetings in fiscal year 2023.

 

10

 

The table below provides certain highlights of the diversity characteristics of our directors:

 

Board Diversity Matrix (As of June 7, 2024)

 

Total Number of Directors – 6

 

Female

Male

Non-Binary

Did Not Disclose Gender

Part I: Gender Identity

Directors

6

Part II: Demographic Background

African American or Black

Alaskan Native or Native American

Asian

Hispanic or Latinx

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

White

6

Two or More Races or Ethnicities

LGBTQ+

Did Not Disclose Demographic Background

 

Our Board seeks members from diverse professional backgrounds who combine a solid professional reputation and knowledge of our business and industry with a reputation for integrity. Our Board does not have a formal policy concerning diversity and inclusion but is in the process of establishing a policy on diversity. Diversity of experience, expertise, and viewpoints is one of many factors the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers when recommending director nominees to our Board. Further, our Board is committed to actively seeking highly qualified women and individuals from minority groups and the LGBTQ+ community to include in the pool from which new candidates are selected. Our Board also seeks members that have experience in positions with a high degree of responsibility or are, or have been, leaders in the companies or institutions with which they are, or were, affiliated, but may seek other members with different backgrounds, based upon the contributions they can make to our Company. While the Board has continued its efforts to identify candidates that have such experience, they have currently been unable to identify any such candidates which fulfill the diversity requirement with the requisite professional experience.

 

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

 

The Board is primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes. The Board receives and reviews periodic reports from management, auditors, legal counsel, and others, as considered appropriate regarding our assessment of risks. The Board focuses on the most significant risks we face our general risk management strategy, and also ensures that risks we undertake are consistent with the Board’s appetite for risk. While the Board oversees our risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most effective approach for addressing the risks we face and that the Board leadership structure supports this approach.

 

Our amended and restated bylaws provide the Board with flexibility in its discretion to combine or separate the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Board currently separates the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board in recognition of the differences between the two roles. Our Chief Executive Officer, who is also a member of the Board, is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Company and the day-to-day leadership and performance of the Company, while the Chairman of the Board provides guidance to the Chief Executive Officer, sets the agenda for the Board meetings, presides over meetings of the Board and tries to reach a consensus on Board decisions. Although these roles are currently separate, the Board believes it should be able to freely select the Chairman of the Board based on criteria that it deems to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders, and therefore one person may, in the future, serve as both the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a code of ethics and conduct applicable to all of our directors, officers, employees and all persons performing similar functions. A copy of that code is attached as Exhibit 14.1 to the registration statement filed with the SEC on July 14, 2020. We expect that any amendments to the code, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed in our public filings with the Commission.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships between or among the director nominees or other executive officers of the Company.

 

11

 

Legal Proceedings Involving Officers and Directors

 

To our knowledge, except as set forth in the biography of Brian John, our directors and executive officers have not been involved in any of the following events during the past ten years:

 

1.	any bankruptcy petition filed by or against such person or any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time;
2.	any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
3.	being subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities or to be associated with any person practicing in banking or securities activities;
4.	being found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action, the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a Federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated;
5.	being subject of, or a party to, any Federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of any Federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or
6.	being subject of or party to any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.

 

Stockholder Communications with the Board

 

We have not implemented a formal policy or procedure by which our stockholders can communicate directly with the Board. Nevertheless, every effort will be made to ensure that the views of stockholders are heard by the Board, and that appropriate responses are provided to stockholders in a timely manner. During the upcoming year, the Board will continue to monitor whether it would be appropriate to adopt such a process.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following table sets forth the amounts paid to Directors during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Directors		2023				2022
Brian John (former)		$	25,000				-
Dr. Skender Fani (former)		$	25,000				20,000
Glynn Wilson (former)		$	25,000				-
Hector Alila (former)		$	25,000				20,000
Nancy Torres Kaufman (former)		$	25,000				20,000
Christopher Melton		$	25,000				20,000
Gary Herman (former)		$	25,000				20,000
		$	175,000				100,000

 

Executive Officers

 

No compensation was paid to our principal executive officer and our two other most highly compensated executive officers during the fiscal years indicated below.

 

Name and Principal Position		Year				Salary ($)				Bonus ($)				Stock Awards ($)				Option Awards ($)				All Other Compensation ($)(5)				Total Compensation ($)
Brian S. John(1)(4)(5)			2022			$	250,000			$	293,122			$				$				$				$	543,122
Former Chief Executive Officer			2023			$	293,958			$	159,000			$	-			$				$	25,000			$	477,958
Richard Miller(2)			2022			$	175,000			$	218,122			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	393,172
Former Chief Compliance Officer			2023			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-
Dr. Glynn Wilson(3)(4)			2022			$	150,000			$	150,000			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	300,000
Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Science Officer			2023			$	179,375			$	-			$	-			$				$	25,000			$	204375
Markita Russell (6)
Former Chief Financial Officer			2022			$	-				-				-				-				-				-
			2023			$	93,750				-				-				-				-				-

 

1.	Mr. John was appointed as Chief Executive Officer on October 28, 2018 and resigned from his position on February 28, 2024.
2.	Mr. Miller is no longer an officer of the Company.
3.	Dr. Wilson was appointed as a director in November 2018 and as Chairman on October 15, 2019 and resigned from his position on February 28, 2024.
4.	Mr. Brian and Dr. Wilson both received 1,050,000 5-year options to purchase the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.84 and $0.76 per share, respectively. The options were granted with an exercise price equal to market on date of grant.
5.	Mr. John’s employment agreement calls for a bonus on investments made by the Company. In 2023, Mr. John received 267,500 shares of restricted Chijet Motor Company common stock from the Company’s SPAC transaction and 500,000 restricted shares of SRM Entertainment Inc. related to the sale of SRM Entertainment Ltd.
6.	Ms. Russell is no longer an officer of the Company.

 

12

 

Employment Agreements with Named Officers

 

On February 1, 2020, we entered into a written employment agreement with Brian John, pursuant to which Mr. John shall serve as our Chief Executive Officer (the “John Employment Agreement”). The John Employment Agreement has an initial term from February 1, 2020 through January 1, 2021, and shall automatically renew for one (1) year periods unless otherwise terminated by either party. Mr. John shall be paid a salary of $150,000 (the “Base Salary”) for the period commencing February 1, 2020 and ending January 1, 2021, with such Base Salary increasing by 10% for each renewal term. Mr. John shall also be entitled to a quarterly cash bonus as follows: 5% of net revenues up to $1 Million; plus 4% of the second $1 Million in net revenues; plus 3% of the third $1 Million in net revenues; plus 2% of the fourth $1 Million in net revenues; plus 1% of all net revenues in excess of $4 Million; provided, that: (i) the bonus is subject to a cap of $2 Million; and (ii) the bonus may be paid, at the election of Mr. John, in cash or shares of our common stock (calculated at the fair market value of such shares as determined by the Board). In the event of Mr. John’s death during the term of the John Employment Agreement, his Base Salary at that time shall be paid to his designated beneficiary, or, in the absence of such designation, to his estate or other legal representative, for three (3) months from the date of death. In addition, all granted but unvested stock options shall immediately vest and all vested but unexercised stock options shall remain exercisable by Mr. John’s designated beneficiary, or, in the absence of such designation, to his estate or other legal representative, through the term of such stock options. In the event of Mr. John’s disability, he shall be entitled to compensation in accordance with our disability compensation practice for senior executives, including any separate arrangement or policy covering him, but in all events he shall continue to receive his Base Salary at the time of his disability for a for a period of three (3) months beginning on the date the disability is deemed to have occurred. In addition, all granted but unvested stock options shall immediately vest and all vested but unexercised stock options shall remain exercisable by Mr. John through the term of such stock options. In the event we terminate the John Employment Agreement without cause, Mr. John shall continue to carry out his responsibilities under the John Employment Agreement for one month and shall be paid his normal Base Salary. In addition, upon such termination without cause, we shall pay Mr. John a lump sum equal to his entire remaining Base Salary under the John Employment Agreement, all granted but unvested stock options shall immediately vest and all vested but unexercised stock options shall remain exercisable by Mr. John through the term of such stock options. In the event of a Change in Control or Attempted Change in Control, each as defined in the John Employment Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.8, during the term of the John Employment Agreement, Mr. John shall have the right to terminate the John Employment Agreement upon thirty (30) days’ written notice given at any time within one year after the occurrence of such event, and Mr. John shall be entitled to the same compensation as if the John Employment Agreement was terminated without cause.

 

Effective June 1, 2021, the John Employment Agreement was amended to increase Mr. John’s base salary to $250,000, annual 10% increase in base salary and options for 2022 and 2023 and bonus plan based on net revenues and effective December 6, 2021 if Mr. John is terminated either Voluntarily or Involuntarily other than for Cause, including but not limited to (i) a Change of Control or Attempted Change of Control, (ii) material merger or other material business combination, (iii) change of Board of Directors or Executive Officers or (iv) or other events as set forth in the respective Employment Agreement, the Employee is entitled to all compensation remaining to be paid during the then-current term of the Employment Agreement or one year whichever is greater plus an additional two-years.

 

On August 18, 2023, the Company entered into a written employment agreement with Jarrett Boon, pursuant to which Mr. Boon shall serves as the chief operating officer of the Company (the “Jarrett Employment Agreement”). Jarrett Employment Agreement has an initial term of two years from September 1, 2022, and shall automatically renew for one (1) year periods unless otherwise terminated by either party. Mr. Boon shall be paid a salary of $150,000 (the “Base Salary”), with such Base Salary increasing by 5% for each renewal term. Mr. Boon shall also be entitled to a cash bonus between a range of 33%-50% of the Base Salary, based on his achievements and at the discretion of the Company. Mr. Boon shall be entitled to options to purchase 100,000 shares of Company’s common stock, granted at market price and which shall vest quarterly over a period of three years.

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company also entered into the Omnibus Agreement with Brian John and Dr. Glynn Wilson Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. John also transferred certain options to the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer, Jarrett Boon and Dr. Glynn Wilson, the Company’s Chief Science Officer agreed to transfer certain options to John Gulyas, the Company’s new Chairman of the Board. Mr. John received the right to 10% of any proceeds from the sale by the Company of any shares of SRM or Chijet. owned by the Company.

 

13

 

Employment Agreements with Senior Management

 

On October 15, 2019, (the “Wilson Execution Date”), we entered into a written employment agreement with Dr. Glynn Wilson, pursuant to which Dr. Wilson shall serve as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific officer (the “Wilson Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Wilson Employment Agreement, we shall grant Dr. Wilson up to 800,000 shares of our common stock, whereby 300,000 shares shall be granted to Dr. Wilson and vest on the Wilson Execution Date, either i) 200,000 shares or ii) an option to purchase 200,000 shares, issued pursuant to our contemplated equity incentive plan, shall be granted to Dr. Wilson on the first anniversary of the Wilson Execution Date, and either i) 200,000 shares or ii) an option to purchase 200,000 shares, issued pursuant to our contemplated equity incentive plan, shall be granted to Dr. Wilson on the second anniversary of the Wilson Execution Date. The Wilson Employment Agreement has a term of three (3) years and shall automatically renew for one (1) year periods unless otherwise terminated by either party. In the event we terminate the Wilson Employment Agreement without cause, we shall pay to Dr. Wilson his base salary, including participation in all benefit programs, for one (1) year or the remainder of the then-current term, whichever is more.

 

Effective June 1, 2021, the Wilson Employment Agreement was amended to increase Mr. Wilson’s base salary to $150,000, annual 10% increase in base salary and options for 2022 and 2023 and effective December 6, 2021 if Mr. Wilson is terminated either Voluntarily or Involuntarily other than for Cause, including but not limited to (i) a Change of Control or Attempted Change of Control, (ii) material merger or other material business combination, (iii) change of Board of Directors or Executive Officers or (iv) or other events as set forth in the respective Employment Agreement, the Employee is entitled to all compensation remaining to be paid during the then-current term of the Employment Agreement or one year whichever is greater plus an additional two-years

 

During 2020, Dr. Wilson was issued 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock representing the 300,000 shares due for 2019 and 200,000 shares due for 2020.

 

On April 22, 2024, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Danielle De Rosa. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Ms. Rosa is entitled to a base salary of $250,000 per-annum, payable bi-monthly, and option to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $1.57. The options shall expire 5 years after the date of issuance and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the stock award agreement entered into by and between the Company and Ms. Rosa on April 22, 2024.

 

Stock Incentive Plan

 

On October 31, 2023 and December 5, 2023, our Board of Directors and majority shareholders, respectively, approved the Safety Shot, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”), to be administered by our Compensation Committee. Pursuant to the 2023 Plan, we are authorized to grant options and other equity awards to officers, directors, employees and consultants. The purchase price of each share of common stock purchasable under an award issued pursuant to the 2023 Plan, shall be determined by our Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, at the time of grant, but shall not be less than 100% of the fair market of such share of common stock on the date the award is granted, subject to adjustment. Our Compensation Committee shall also have sole authority to set the terms of all awards at the time of the grant. Pursuant to the 2023 Plan, a maximum of 7,000,000 shares of our common stock shall be set aside and reserved for issuance, subject to adjustments as may be required in accordance with the terms of the 2023 Plan.

 

On September 14, 2022, and December 22, 2022, our Board of Directors and majority shareholders, respectively, approved the Safety Shot, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”), to be administered by the our Compensation Committee. Pursuant to the 2022 Plan, we are authorized to grant options and other equity awards to officers, directors, employees and consultants. The purchase price of each share of common stock purchasable under an award issued pursuant to the 2022 Plan, shall be determined by our Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, at the time of grant, but shall not be less than 100% of the fair market of such share of common stock on the date the award is granted, subject to adjustment. Our Compensation Committee shall also have sole authority to set the terms of all awards at the time of grant. Pursuant to the 2022 Plan, a maximum of 4,000,000 shares of our common stock shall be set aside and reserved for issuance, subject to adjustments as may be required in accordance with the terms of the 2022 Plan.

 

On December 30, 2022, the Company, in connection with the 2022 Plan, granted the directors and officers of the Company options to purchase shares of common stock. The table below shows the options granted to each director and officers, and their respective terms.

 

Name		Options				Exercise Price				Term
Brian S John			1,050,000			$	0.836			Five years from the grant date
Dr. Glynn Wilson			1,050,000			$	0.7600			Five years from the grant date
Doug McKinnon			500,000			$	0.7600			Five years from the grant date
Christopher Melton			50,000			$	0.7600			Five years from the grant date
Dr. Skander Fani			50,000			$	0.7600			Five years from the grant date
Nancy Torres Kauffman			50,000			$	0.7600			Five years from the grant date
Gary Hermann			50,000			$	0.7600			Five years from the grant date

 

In addition to the directors and officers, on December 30, 2022, the Company granted 100,000 options to purchase shares of common stock, at an exercise price of $0.7600 and a five year term, to Mesers. Markita Russell, Paul Jones and Zachary Greave, each. The Company also granted 50,000 options to purchase shares of common stock, at an exercise price of $0.7600 and a five year term, to each of Mesers. Michelle Basantes, George Hall, and Dr. Hector Alia.

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, Mr. Guylas and Mr. Boon each purchased 1,050,000 of the above referenced options each from Mr. John and Dr. Wilson.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

There were no equity awards granted for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

14

 

SECTION 16(A) COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, requires our directors, officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other of our equity securities. To our knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to us, as of the date of this proxy, all Section 16(a) filings applicable to officers, directors, and greater than 10% stockholders were made except Messrs. Richard Pascucci and David Sandler did not file Form 3s upon their employment or appointment to the Board and the Company, as applicable.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by any person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock, by directors and certain executive officers, and by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she, or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security or has the right to acquire securities within 60 days from the Record Date, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days from the Record Date.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by them. The calculation of percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 51,765,949 shares of our common stock that were outstanding as of the Record Date .

 

		Shares of				% of Shares of
		Common Stock				Common Stock
		Beneficially				Beneficially
Name of Beneficial Owner		Owned				Owned
Directors and Officers:
Jordan Schur (6)
Director			300,000				0.50	%
Danielle De Rosa (1)
Chief Financial Officer			200,000				0.33	%
Jarrett Boon (2)
Chief Operating Officer			4,917,000				8.21	%
John Gulyas (3)			4,867,000				8.13	%
Chairman and Director
Richard Pascucci (4)			120,000				0.25	%
Director
David J. Long (7)			150,000				0.24	%
Director
David Sandler (8)			750,000				1.25	%
Chief Operating Officer
Christopher Melton (5)			141,000				0.24	%
Director
All officers and directors (9 persons)			11,445,000				19.13	%

 

(1) Includes 200,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

(2) Includes 2,000,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

(3) Includes 1,950,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

(4) Includes 120,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

(5) Includes 141,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

(6) Includes 300,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

(7) Includes 150,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

(8) Includes 750,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

 

15

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

 

At December 31, 2022, the Company had invested $2,908,300 in Jupiter Wellness Sponsor LLC (“JWSL”), a limited liability company formed for the purpose of sponsorship of Jupiter Wellness Acquisition Corp. (“JWAC”), a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) and a unconsolidated subsidiary. Mr. Brian John, our CEO, was the managing member of JWSL and Chief Executive Officer of JWAC.

 

JWAC filed a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on May 2, 2023. JWAC’s stockholders approved JWAC’s business combination with Chijet Inc. and its affiliates including Chijet Motor Company Inc. (collectively “Chijet”), at its Special Meeting of Stockholders held on May 2, 2023 and closed the transaction on June 1, 2023. As a result, on June 27, 2023, the Company received a total of 1,662,434 shares of restricted common stock of Chijet (Nasdaq: CJET) in exchange for its Loans. In August 2023, the Company receive 96,000 additional shares ChiJet due to downside protection clauses in the business combination agreements.

 

In May 2023, the Company purchased 48,000 shares of JWAC (now Chijet) common stock for $508,800 and in September and October 2023, the Company purchased an additional 18,200 shares for $36,330.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023 the Company sold 271,679 ChiJet shares for a realized gain of $238,839.

 

At December 31, 2023 the Company, the Company held 1,200,821 common shares of Chijet (the “CJET Shares”) are considered trading securities and are categorized as marketable securities on the balance sheet. At December 31, 2023 the CJET Shares had a combined fair market value of $842,976 had a combined unrealized loss of $1,511,488 which is included in other income.

 

On December 9, 2022, The Company entered into a stock exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with SRM Entertainment, Inc. (“SRM”) to govern the separation of SRM from the Company. On May 26, 2023, we amended and restated the Exchange Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement”) to include additional information regarding the distribution and the separation of SRM the Company. The separation as set forth in the Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement with Jupiter closed August 14, 2023. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement, on May 31, 2023, SRM issued to the Company 6,500,000 shares of SRM Common Stock (representing 79.3% of SRM’s outstanding shares of Common Stock) in exchange for 2 ordinary shares of SRM Ltd owned by the Company (representing all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of SRM) (the “Share Exchange”). On August 14, 2023, SRM consummated its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), pursuant to which it sold 1,250,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $5.00 per share. In connection with the Share Exchange and SRM’s IPO, the Company distributed 2,000,000 shares of SRM’s common stock to the Company’s stockholders and certain warrant holders (out of the 6.5 million shares issued in May 2023) which occurred on the effective date of the Registration Statement but prior to the closing of the IPO. Following such distribution, the Company owns 4.5 million of the 9,450,000 shares of common stock outstanding and SRM is now a minority owned subsidiary of the Company. SRM.

 

At December 31, 2022, the Company had an outstanding unsecured, non-interest bearing loan receivable balance of $1,482,673 from SRM Entertainment, Ltd, its wholly owned subsidiary. On September 1, 2022, the loan was converted to a six percent (6%) interest-bearing promissory note (the “Note”) due on the earlier of: (i) September 30, 2023 or (ii) the date on which the Company consummates an initial public offering of its securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company accrued $55,847 interest expense on the Note. The total balance of $1,538,520 ($1,482,673 note and $55,847 interest) due Jupiter was paid from proceeds SRM’s Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) on August 14, 2023.

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company entered into a transition advisory agreement (the “Agreement”) with Brian S. John, pursuant to which the Mr. John resigned from his position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and was hired as an advisor to the Company for a term of 3 months ending on June 1, 2024, and a further 3 months extension with the mutual consent of the parties therein. Mr. John shall receive $12,500 as a monthly compensation for his services under the Agreement.

 

16

 

PROPOSAL NO. 2 - RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT

OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

While stockholder ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accountants is not required by our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, or otherwise, the Audit Committee and management believe that it is desirable and a matter of good corporate practice for stockholders to ratify the Company’s selection of the independent registered public accountants. The Audit Committee has selected M&K to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Therefore, we are requesting that stockholders approve the proposal to ratify the appointment of M&K as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Audit Committee values the input of our stockholders. In the event that stockholders do not approve this proposal, the Audit Committee may reconsider this appointment.

 

We have been advised by M&K that neither the firm nor any of its associates had any relationship during the last fiscal year with our Company other than the usual relationship that exists between independent registered public accountant firms and their clients. Representatives of M&K are not expected to attend the Meeting virtually and therefore are not expected to be available to respond to any questions. As a result, representatives of M&K will not make a statement at the Meeting.

 

The Board recommends that you vote “for” ratifying the appointment of M&K to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

 

Fees Paid to the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Audit Fees totaling $65,000 and $90,000 were paid to M&K CPAS during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

No other fees were paid to M&K CPAS.

 

Policies and Procedures Relating to Approval of Services by our Independent Registered Public Accountants

 

The Audit Committee is solely responsible for the approval in advance of all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firms (including the fees and other terms thereof), subject to the de minimus exceptions for non-audit services provided by Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act, which services are subsequently approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of the audit. None of the fees listed above are for services rendered pursuant to such de minimus exceptions.

 

The Audit Committee has established its pre-approval policies and procedures, pursuant to which the Audit Committee approved the foregoing audit, tax, and non-audit services provided by M&K in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Consistent with the Audit Committee’s responsibility for engaging our independent auditors, all audit and permitted non-audit services require pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The full Audit Committee approves proposed services and fee estimates for these services. One or more independent directors serving on the Audit Committee may be delegated by the full Audit Committee to pre-approve any audit and non-audit services. Any such delegation shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. Pursuant to these procedures, the Audit Committee approved the foregoing audit services provided by M&K.

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee our financial reporting activities. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing with both our independent registered public accounting firm and management, our accounting and reporting principles, policies and practices, and our accounting, financial, and operating controls and staff. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements with management, and has discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (the “PCAOB”) Rule 3200T. Additionally, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from our independent registered public accounting firm, as required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence. Based upon such review and discussion, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the last fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee has also approved, subject to stockholders’ ratification, the appointment of M&K to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

 

The information contained in this proxy statement with respect to the Audit Committee’s report above and the independence of the members of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference in such filing.

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 3 —APPROVAL OF THE 2024 Equity Incentive PLAN

 

Proposal

 

On January 17, 2024, the Board of Directors adopted the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, an omnibus equity incentive plan pursuant to which the Company may grant equity-linked awards to officers, directors, consultants and others. The Board adopted the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan as a means to offer incentives and attract, motivate and retain and reward persons eligible to participate in the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan. Accordingly, the Board unanimously approved and adopted the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, including authorization of the issuance of 15,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock thereunder.

 

Set forth below is a summary of the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, a copy of which is included as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

 

Summary of 2024 Equity Incentive Plan

 

Administration.

 

The Board of Directors has the sole authority to grant options or restricted stock. The authority to manage the operation of and administer the Plan shall be vested in the Compensation Committee. The Committee shall consist of two or more directors who are (i) “Independent Directors” (as such term is defined under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market) and (ii) “Non-Employee Directors” (as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3), which shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Board or the Committee administering the plan shall have full power and authority to designate recipients of options and restricted stock, and to determine the terms and conditions of the respective option and restricted stock agreements (which need not be identical) and to interpret the provisions and supervise the administration of the Plan.

 

Eligibility.

 

The persons eligible for participation in the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan as recipients of options or restricted stock shall include directors, officers and employees of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company or any Subsidiary; provided that incentive options may only be granted to employees of the Company and any Subsidiary.

 

Awards.

 

A maximum of 15,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share shall be subject to the Plan. The shares of common stock subject to the Plan shall consist of unissued shares, treasury shares or previously issued shares held by any Subsidiary of the Company, and such number of shares of common stock shall be and is hereby reserved for such purpose.

 

Options.

 

The purchase price of each share of common stock purchasable under an incentive option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share of common stock on the date the option is granted.

 

The term of each option shall be fixed by the Committee, but no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date such option is granted and in the case of an incentive option granted to an optionee who, at the time such incentive option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the company or of any subsidiary, no such incentive option shall be exercisable more than five years after the date such incentive option is granted

 

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Change of Control.

 

Upon the occurrence of a change in control the Committee may accelerate the vesting of outstanding restricted stock, in whole or in part, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.

 

Eligible Persons Under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

As of the Record Date, there were approximately 8 employees, 6 directors and 3 consultants eligible for Awards under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

More Information

 

More information on the Plan can be found attached hereto in Appendix A.

 

Required Stockholder Vote and Recommendation of Our Board of Directors

 

In voting to approve the above resolution, stockholders may vote for the resolution, against the resolution or abstain from voting. This matter will be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the number of shares of stock present virtually or represented by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat. An abstention is effectively treated as a vote cast against this proposal.

 

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE

“FOR” THE 2024 Equity Incentive Plan PROPOSAL

 

PROPOSAL NO. 4 —APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK from 100,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares

 

Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Existing Certificate of Incorporation”) currently authorizes us to issue a total of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), and 100,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. The Board has approved, and is seeking stockholder approval of, an amendment and restatement of the Existing Certificate of Incorporation (the “Proposed Certificate of Incorporation”) to increase the number of shares of authorized Common Stock from 100,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 (the “Share Increase Proposal”).

 

The Board has unanimously approved, subject to stockholder approval, the Share Increase Proposal, and recommends that our stockholders approve the Share Increase Proposal. In accordance with the DGCL, the Company is seeking approval of the Share Increase Proposal by our stockholders. If the Share Increase Proposal is approved by stockholders, the Share Increase Proposal will become effective upon the filing of the Proposed Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware.

 

No other changes to the Existing Certificate of Incorporation are being proposed, including with respect to the number of authorized shares of preferred stock. The Share Increase Proposal is not intended to modify the rights of existing stockholders in any material respect. The additional shares of Common Stock to be authorized pursuant to the Share Increase Proposal would be identical to the shares of Common Stock currently authorized and outstanding under the Existing Certificate of Incorporation, none of which have preemptive or similar rights to acquire the newly authorized shares.

 

Rationale for Increase in Authorized Number of Shares of Common Stock

 

As of the Record Date, there were approximately 51,765,949 shares of the Company’s Common Stock issued and outstanding and approximately 32,609,578 shares of Common Stock reserved for future issuance under the Company’s outstanding options, restricted stock awards, warrants and convertible notes. Thus, approximately 15,624,473 shares of Common Stock currently remain authorized and available for issuance.

 

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The Board believes it is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock to provide the Company with flexibility to issue shares of Common Stock for general corporate purposes, which may include strategic investments, strategic partnership arrangements, awards or grants under employee equity incentive plans, or equity-based financing to support execution of the Company’s business strategies. The availability of additional authorized shares of Common Stock would allow the Company to issue shares of Common Stock in the future without additional stockholder approval, except as may be required in particular cases by the Company’s charter, applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or other system on which the Company’s securities may then be listed. Without an increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock, the Company may be constrained in its ability to raise capital in a timely fashion or at all and may lose important business opportunities, which could adversely affect our financial performance and growth.

 

The Board believes it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to have authorized shares of Common Stock available for all or any of these purposes, if needed.

 

Effects of the Increase in Authorized Common Stock

 

Approving the Share Increase Proposal will not result in any dilution to current stockholders unless and until the Company issues such additional shares in the future. The Board selected the size of the proposed increase to provide the Company with sufficient authorized shares for use for any of the purposes described above, as well as to provide the Company the ability to take advantage of other opportunities that may be available to the Company that would require the use of shares of Common Stock without the cost and time that would be needed to seek further amendments to its certificate of incorporation.

 

If this proposal is approved, the newly authorized shares of Common Stock would have the same rights as the presently authorized shares of Common Stock, including the right to cast one vote per share of Common Stock. Although the authorization of additional shares would not, in itself, have any effect on the rights of any holder of Common Stock, the future issuance of additional shares of Common Stock (other than a stock split or dividend) would have the effect of diluting the voting rights and could have the effect of diluting earnings per share and book value per share of existing stockholders.

 

Potential Anti-takeover Effects of Increase in Authorized Common Stock

 

In addition to the more traditional uses described above, the Company could issue shares of its stock as a defense against efforts to obtain control of the Company. The Board does not intend or view the increase in authorized shares of stock as an anti-takeover measure, nor is the Company presently aware of any third party who is or intends to accumulate our securities or obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation in opposition to management or otherwise.

 

No Appraisal Rights

 

Our stockholders are not entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights under the DGCL with respect to the Share Increase Proposal, and we will not independently provide stockholders with any such right.

 

No Interests of Directors and Executive Officers

 

Our directors and executive officers have no substantial interests, directly or indirectly, in the matters set forth in the Share Increase Proposal except to the extent of their ownership of shares of Common Stock.

 

Vote Required

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock is required to approve the Share Increase Proposal. As a result, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote “against” the proposal. Your vote is therefore extremely important.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.

 

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OTHER MATTERS

 

The Board knows of no other matter to be presented at the Meeting. If any additional matter should properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote such proxy in accordance with their judgment on any such matters.

 

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

Deadline for Submission of Stockholder Proposals for 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

 

For any proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy for submission to the stockholders at our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, it must be submitted in writing and comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. Such proposals must be received by the Company at its offices at 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477, no later than January 3, 2025.

 

If we are not notified of a stockholder proposal within a reasonable time prior to the time we send our proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board will have discretionary authority to vote on the stockholder proposal, even though the stockholder proposal is not discussed in the proxy statement. In order to curtail any controversy as to the date on which a stockholder proposal was received by us, it is suggested that stockholder proposals be submitted by certified mail, return receipt requested, and be addressed to Safety Shot, Inc., 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477. Notwithstanding, the foregoing shall not affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in our proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act nor grant any stockholder a right to have any nominee included in our proxy statement.

 

Proxy Solicitation

 

The solicitation of proxies is made on behalf of the Board and we will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock, ClearTrust, LLC, as a part of its regular services and for no additional compensation other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, has been engaged to assist in the proxy solicitation. Proxies may be solicited through the mail and through telephonic or telegraphic communications to, or by meetings with, stockholders or their representatives by our directors, officers, and other employees who will receive no additional compensation therefor. We may also retain a proxy solicitation firm to assist us in obtaining proxies by mail, facsimile, or email from record and beneficial holders of shares for the Meeting. If we retain a proxy solicitation firm, we expect to pay such firm reasonable and customary compensation for its services, including out-of-pocket expenses.

 

We request persons such as brokers, nominees, and fiduciaries holding stock in their names for others, or holding stock for others who have the right to give voting instructions, to forward proxy material to their principals and to request authority for the execution of the proxy. We will reimburse such persons for their reasonable expenses.

 

Annual Report

 

The Annual Report is available at https://safetyshotofficial.com/sec-filings/ as well as on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Annual Report contains our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The Annual Report, however, is not to be regarded as part of the proxy soliciting material.

 

Households of Proxy Materials

 

Only one copy of proxy card and notice of the Meeting are being delivered to multiple registered stockholders who share an address unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. A separate proxy card and notice of the Meeting are being included for each account at the shared address. Registered stockholders who share an address and would like to receive a separate copy of our Annual Report and/or a separate copy of this proxy statement, or have questions regarding the householding process, may contact the Company’s transfer agent: ClearTrust, LLC, by calling [phone], or by forwarding a written request addressed to ClearTrust, LLC, 18 Lafayette Pl, Woodmere, NY 11598.

 

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Promptly upon request, a separate copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and/or a separate copy of this proxy statement will be sent. By contacting ClearTrust, LLC, registered stockholders sharing an address can also (i) notify the Company that the registered stockholders wish to receive separate annual reports to stockholders, proxy statements, and/or Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, in the future or (ii) request delivery of a single copy of annual reports to stockholders and proxy statements in the future if registered stockholders at the shared address are receiving multiple copies.

 

Many brokers, brokerage firms, broker/dealers, banks, and other holders of record have also instituted “householding” (delivery of one copy of materials to multiple stockholders who share an address). If your family has one or more “street name” accounts under which you beneficially own shares of our common stock, you may have received householding information from your broker, brokerage firm, broker/dealer, bank, or other nominee in the past. Please contact the holder of record directly if you have questions, require additional copies of this proxy statement or our Annual Report or wish to revoke your decision to household and thereby receive multiple copies. You should also contact the holder of record if you wish to institute householding.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Accompanying this proxy statement is a copy of the Annual Report. Such Annual Report constitutes the Company’s annual report to its stockholders for purposes of Rule 14a-3 under the Exchange Act. Such Annual Report includes the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and certain other financial information, which is incorporated by reference herein. The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements, and other information are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Stockholders who have questions in regard to any aspect of the matters discussed in this proxy statement should contact Jarrett Boon, our Chief Executive Officer, at 1061 E. Indiantown, Suite 110, Jupiter, FL 33477 or by telephone on [phone].

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement and the Annual Report are available at https://safetyshotofficial.com/sec-filings/.

 

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Appendix A

 

SAFETY SHOT, INC.

(formerly Jupiter Wellness, Inc.)

 

2024 Equity Incentive PLAN

 

1.

Purpose of the Plan.

 

This 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is intended as an incentive, to retain in the employ of and as directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees to Safety Shot, Inc. (formerly Jupiter Wellness, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and any Subsidiary of the Company, within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), persons of training, experience and ability, to attract new directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees whose services are considered valuable, to encourage the sense of proprietorship and to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

It is further intended that certain options granted pursuant to the Plan shall constitute incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (the “Incentive Options”) while certain other options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be nonqualified stock options (the “Nonqualified Options”). Incentive Options and Nonqualified Options are hereinafter referred to collectively as “Options.”

 

The Company intends that the Plan meet the requirements of Rule 16b-3 (“Rule 16b-3”) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and that transactions of the type specified in subparagraphs (c) to (f) inclusive of Rule 16b-3 by officers and directors of the Company pursuant to the Plan will be exempt from the operation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. In all cases, the terms, provisions, conditions and limitations of the Plan shall be construed and interpreted consistent with the Company’s intent as stated in this Section 1.

 

2.

Administration of the Plan.

 

The Board of Directors has the sole authority to grant options or restricted stock. The authority to manage the operation of and administer the Plan shall be vested in the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) consisting of two or more directors who are (i) “Independent Directors” (as such term is defined under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market) and (ii) “Non-Employee Directors” (as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3), which shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Committee, subject to Sections 3, 5 and 6 hereof, shall have full power and authority to designate recipients of Options and restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”), and to determine the terms and conditions of the respective Option and Restricted Stock agreements (which need not be identical) and to interpret the provisions and supervise the administration of the Plan. The Committee shall have the authority, without limitation, to designate which Options granted under the Plan shall be Incentive Options and which shall be Nonqualified Options. To the extent any Option does not qualify as an Incentive Option, it shall constitute a separate Nonqualified Option.

 

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall interpret the Plan and all Options and Restricted Stock (the “Securities”) granted under the Plan, shall make such rules as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, shall make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan and shall correct any defects or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Securities granted under the Plan in the manner and to the extent that the Committee deems desirable to carry into effect the Plan or any Securities. The act or determination of a majority of the Committee shall be the act or determination of the Committee and any decision reduced to writing and signed by all of the members of the Committee shall be fully effective as if it had been made by a majority of the Committee at a meeting duly held for such purpose. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, any action taken or determination made by the Committee pursuant to this and the other Sections of the Plan shall be conclusive on all parties.

 

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In the event that for any reason the Committee is unable to act or if the Committee at the time of any grant, award or other acquisition under the Plan does not consist of two or more Non-Employee Directors, or if there shall be no such Committee, or if the Board otherwise determines to administer the Plan, then the Plan shall be administered by the Board, and references herein to the Committee (except in the proviso to this sentence) shall be deemed to be references to the Board, and any such grant, award or other acquisition may be approved or ratified in any other manner contemplated by subparagraph (d) of Rule 16b-3.

 

3.

Designation of Optionees and Grantees.

 

The persons eligible for participation in the Plan as recipients of Options (the “Optionees”) or Restricted Stock (the “Grantees” and together with Optionees, the “Participants”) shall include directors, officers and employees of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company or any Subsidiary; provided that Incentive Options may only be granted to employees of the Company and any Subsidiary. In selecting Participants, and in determining the number of shares to be covered by each Option or award of Restricted Stock granted to Participants, the Committee may consider any factors it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the office or position held by the Participant or the Participant’s relationship to the Company, the Participant’s degree of responsibility for and contribution to the growth and success of the Company or any Subsidiary, the Participant’s length of service, promotions and potential. A Participant who has been granted an Option or Restricted Stock hereunder may be granted an additional Option or Options, or Restricted Stock if the Committee shall so determine.

 

4.

Stock Reserved for the Plan.

 

Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 8 hereof, a maximum of 15,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), shall be subject to the Plan. The shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan shall consist of unissued shares, treasury shares or previously issued shares held by any Subsidiary of the Company, and such number of shares of Common Stock shall be and is hereby reserved for such purpose. Any of such shares of Common Stock that may remain unissued and that are not subject to outstanding Options at the termination of the Plan shall cease to be reserved for the purposes of the Plan, but until termination of the Plan the Company shall at all times reserve a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock to meet the requirements of the Plan. Should any Securities expire or be canceled prior to its exercise, satisfaction of conditions or vesting in full, as applicable, or should the number of shares of Common Stock to be delivered upon the exercise or vesting in full of an Option or award of Restricted Stock be reduced for any reason, the shares of Common Stock theretofore subject to such Option or Restricted Stock, as applicable, may be subject to future Options or Restricted Stock under the Plan.

 

5.

Terms and Conditions of Options.

 

Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:

 

(a) Option Price. The purchase price of each share of Common Stock purchasable under an Incentive Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of such share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted; provided, however, that with respect to an Optionee who, at the time such Incentive Option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The purchase price of each share of Common Stock purchasable under a Nonqualified Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted. The exercise price for each Option shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 8 below. “Fair Market Value” means the closing price on the final trading day immediately prior to the grant date of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market or other principal securities exchange on which shares of Common Stock are listed (if the shares of Common Stock are so listed), or, if not so listed, the mean between the closing bid and asked prices of publicly traded shares of Common Stock in the over the counter market, or, if such bid and asked prices shall not be available, as reported by any nationally recognized quotation service selected by the Company, or as determined by the Committee in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Code. Anything in this Section 5(a) to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the purchase price of a share of Common Stock be less than the minimum price permitted under the rules and policies of any national securities exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are listed.

 

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(b) Option Term. The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee, but no Option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date such Option is granted and in the case of an Incentive Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time such Incentive Option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, no such Incentive Option shall be exercisable more than five years after the date such Incentive Option is granted.

 

(c) Exercisability. Subject to Section 5(j) hereof, Options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant; provided, however, that in the absence of any Option vesting periods designated by the Committee at the time of grant, Options shall vest and become exercisable as to one-third of the total number of shares subject to the Option on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant; and provided further that no Options shall be exercisable until such time as any vesting limitation required by Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and related rules, shall be satisfied if such limitation shall be required for continued validity of the exemption provided under Rule 16b-3(d)(3).

 

Upon the occurrence of a “Change in Control” (as hereinafter defined), the Committee may accelerate the vesting and exercisability of outstanding Options, in whole or in part, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. In its sole discretion, the Committee may also determine that, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, each outstanding Option shall terminate within a specified number of days after notice to the Optionee thereunder, and each such Optionee shall receive, with respect to each share of Common Stock subject to such Option, an amount equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of such shares immediately prior to such Change in Control over the exercise price per share of such Option; such amount shall be payable in cash, in one or more kinds of property (including the property, if any, payable in the transaction) or a combination thereof, as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.

 

For purposes of the Plan, unless otherwise defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, a

 

Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred if:

 

(i) a tender offer (or series of related offers) shall be made and consummated for the ownership of 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, unless as a result of such tender offer more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to the commencement of such offer), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and their affiliates;

 

(ii) the Company shall be merged or consolidated with another corporation, unless as a result of such merger or consolidation more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to such transaction), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and their affiliates;

 

(iii) the Company shall sell substantially all of its assets to another corporation that is not wholly owned by the Company, unless as a result of such sale more than 50% of such assets shall be owned in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to such transaction), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries and their affiliates; or

 

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(iv) a Person (as defined below) shall acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (whether directly, indirectly, beneficially or of record), unless as a result of such acquisition more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to the first acquisition of such securities by such Person), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and their affiliates.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Change of Control is defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, then, with respect to such Optionee, Change of Control shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such employment agreement.

 

For purposes of this Section 5(c), ownership of voting securities shall take into account and shall include ownership as determined by applying the provisions of Rule 13d-3(d)(I)(i) (as in effect on the date hereof) under the Exchange Act. In addition, for such purposes, “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof; provided, however, that a Person shall not include (A) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities; or (D) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

(d) Method of Exercise. Options to the extent then exercisable may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the option period, by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price, in cash, or by check or such other instrument as may be acceptable to the Committee. As determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, at or after grant, payment in full or in part may be made at the election of the Optionee (i) in the form of Common Stock owned by the Optionee (based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock which is not the subject of any pledge or security interest, (ii) in the form of shares of Common Stock withheld by the Company from the shares of Common Stock otherwise to be received with such withheld shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price of the Option, or (iii) by a combination of the foregoing, such Fair Market Value determined by applying the principles set forth in Section 5(a), provided that the combined value of all cash and cash equivalents and the Fair Market Value of any shares surrendered to the Company is at least equal to such exercise price and except with respect to (ii) above, such method of payment will not cause a disqualifying disposition of all or a portion of the Common Stock received upon exercise of an Incentive Option. An Optionee shall have the right to dividends and other rights of a stockholder with respect to shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of an Option at such time as the Optionee (i) has given written notice of exercise and has paid in full for such shares, and (ii) has satisfied such conditions that may be imposed by the Company with respect to the withholding of taxes.

 

(e) Non-transferability of Options. Options are not transferable and may be exercised solely by the Optionee during his lifetime or after his death by the person or persons entitled thereto under his will or the laws of descent and distribution. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a transfer of a Nonqualified Option to (i) a trust for the benefit of the Optionee, (ii) a member of the Optionee’s immediate family (or a trust for his or her benefit) or (iii) pursuant to a domestic relations order. Any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of, or to subject to execution, attachment or similar process, any Option contrary to the provisions hereof shall be void and ineffective and shall give no right to the purported transferee.

 

(f) Termination by Death. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if any Optionee’s employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of death, the Option may thereafter be exercised, to the extent then exercisable (or on such accelerated basis as the Committee shall determine at or after grant), by the legal representative of the estate or by the legatee of the Optionee under the will of the Optionee, for a period of one (1) year after the date of such death (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or until the expiration of the stated term of such Option as provided under the Plan, whichever period is shorter.

 

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(g) Termination by Reason of Disability. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if any Optionee’s employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of Disability (as defined below), then any Option held by such Optionee may thereafter be exercised, to the extent it was exercisable at the time of termination due to Disability (or on such accelerated basis as the Committee shall determine at or after grant), but may not be exercised after ninety (90) days after the date of such termination of employment or service (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or the expiration of the stated term of such Option, whichever period is shorter; provided, however, that, if the Optionee dies within such ninety (90) day period, any unexercised Option held by such Optionee shall thereafter be exercisable to the extent to which it was exercisable at the time of death for a period of one (1) year after the date of such death (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or for the stated term of such Option, whichever period is shorter. “Disability” shall mean an Optionee’s total and permanent disability; provided, that if Disability is defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, then, with respect to such Optionee, Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such employment agreement

 

(h) Termination by Reason of Retirement. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if any Optionee’s employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of Normal or Early Retirement (as such terms are defined below), any Option held by such Optionee may thereafter be exercised to the extent it was exercisable at the time of such Retirement (or on such accelerated basis as the Committee shall determine at or after grant), but may not be exercised after ninety (90) days after the date of such termination of employment or service (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or the expiration of the stated term of such Option, whichever date is earlier; provided, however, that, if the Optionee dies within such ninety (90) day period, any unexercised Option held by such Optionee shall thereafter be exercisable, to the extent to which it was exercisable at the time of death, for a period of one (1) year after the date of such death (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or for the stated term of such Option, whichever period is shorter.

 

For purposes of this paragraph (h), “Normal Retirement” shall mean retirement from active employment with the Company or any Subsidiary on or after the normal retirement date specified in the applicable Company or Subsidiary pension plan or if no such pension plan, age 65, and “Early Retirement” shall mean retirement from active employment with the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to the early retirement provisions of the applicable Company or Subsidiary pension plan or if no such pension plan, age 55.

 

(i) Other Terminations. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee upon grant, if any Optionee’s employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary is terminated by such Optionee for any reason other than death, Disability, Normal or Early Retirement or Good Reason (as defined below), the Option shall thereupon terminate, except that the portion of any Option that was exercisable on the date of such termination of employment or service may be exercised for the lesser of ninety (90) days after the date of termination (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or the balance of such Option’s term, which ever period is shorter. The transfer of an Optionee from the employ of or service to the Company to the employ of or service to a Subsidiary, or vice versa, or from one Subsidiary to another, shall not be deemed to constitute a termination of employment or service for purposes of the Plan.

 

(i) In the event that the Optionee’s employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary is terminated by the Company or such Subsidiary for “cause” any unexercised portion of any Option shall immediately terminate in its entirety. For purposes hereof, unless otherwise defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, “Cause” shall exist upon a good-faith determination by the Board, following a hearing before the Board at which an Optionee was represented by counsel and given an opportunity to be heard, that such Optionee has been accused of fraud, dishonesty or act detrimental to the interests of the Company or any Subsidiary of Company or that such Optionee has been accused of or convicted of an act of willful and material embezzlement or fraud against the Company or of a felony under any state or federal statute; provided, however, that it is specifically understood that “Cause” shall not include any act of commission or omission in the good-faith exercise of such Optionee’s business judgment as a director, officer or employee of the Company, as the case may be, or upon the advice of counsel to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Cause is defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, then, with respect to such Optionee, Cause shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such employment agreement.

 

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(ii) In the event that an Optionee is removed as a director, officer or employee by the Company at any time other than for “Cause” or resigns as a director, officer or employee for “Good Reason” the Option granted to such Optionee may be exercised by the Optionee, to the extent the Option was exercisable on the date such Optionee ceases to be a director, officer or employee. Such Option may be exercised at any time within one (1) year after the date the Optionee ceases to be a director, officer or employee (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof), or the date on which the Option otherwise expires by its terms; whichever period is shorter, at which time the Option shall terminate; provided, however, if the Optionee dies before the Options terminate and are no longer exercisable, the terms and provisions of Section 5(f) shall control. For purposes of this Section 5(i), and unless otherwise defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, Good Reason shall exist upon the occurrence of the following:

 

	(A)	the assignment to Optionee of any duties inconsistent with the position in the Company that Optionee held immediately prior to the assignment;
	(B)	a Change of Control resulting in a significant adverse alteration in the status or conditions of Optionee’s participation with the Company or other nature of Optionee’s responsibilities from those in effect prior to such Change of Control, including any significant alteration in Optionee’s responsibilities immediately prior to such Change in Control; and
	(C)	the failure by the Company to continue to provide Optionee with benefits substantially similar to those enjoyed by Optionee prior to such failure.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Good Reason is defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, then, with respect to such Optionee, Good Reason shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such employment agreement.

 

(j) Limit on Value of Incentive Option. The aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date the Incentive Option is granted, of Common Stock for which Incentive Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee during any calendar year under the Plan (and/or any other stock option plans of the Company or any Subsidiary) shall not exceed $100,000. Should it be determined that an Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan exceeds such maximum for any reason other than a failure in good faith to value the Stock subject to such option, the excess portion of such option shall be considered a Nonqualified Option. To the extent the employee holds two (2) or more such Options which become exercisable for the first time in the same calendar year, the foregoing limitation on the exercisability of such Option as Incentive Stock Options under the Federal tax laws shall be applied on the basis of the order in which such Options are granted. If, for any reason, an entire Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option by reason of exceeding such maximum, such Option shall be considered a Nonqualified Option.

 

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6.

Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock.

 

Restricted Stock may be granted under this Plan aside from, or in association with, any other award and shall be subject to the following conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions (including provisions relating to the acceleration of vesting of Restricted Stock upon a Change of Control), not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:

 

(a) Grantee rights. A Grantee shall have no rights to an award of Restricted Stock unless and until Grantee accepts the award within the period prescribed by the Committee and, if the Committee shall deem desirable, makes payment to the Company in cash, or by check or such other instrument as may be acceptable to the Committee. After acceptance and issuance of a certificate or certificates, as provided for below, the Grantee shall have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Restricted Stock subject to the non-transferability and forfeiture restrictions described in Section 6(d) below.

 

(b) Issuance of Certificates. The Company shall issue in the Grantee’s name a certificate or certificates for the shares of Common Stock associated with the award promptly after the Grantee accepts such award.

 

(c) Delivery of Certificates. Unless otherwise provided, any certificate or certificates issued evidencing shares of Restricted Stock shall not be delivered to the Grantee until such shares are free of any restrictions specified by the Committee at the time of grant.

 

(d) Forfeitability, Non-transferability of Restricted Stock. Shares of Restricted Stock are forfeitable until the terms of the Restricted Stock grant have been satisfied. Shares of Restricted Stock are not transferable until the date on which the Committee has specified such restrictions have lapsed. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after grant, distributions in the form of dividends or otherwise of additional shares or property in respect of shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same restrictions as such shares of Restricted Stock.

 

(e) Change of Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control as defined in Section 5(c), the Committee may accelerate the vesting of outstanding Restricted Stock, in whole or in part, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.

 

(f) Termination of Employment. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at or after grant, in the event the Grantee ceases to be an employee or otherwise associated with the Company for any other reason, all shares of Restricted Stock theretofore awarded to him which are still subject to restrictions shall be forfeited and the Company shall have the right to complete the blank stock power. The Committee may provide (on or after grant) that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to shares of Restricted Stock will be waived in whole or in part in the event of termination resulting from specified causes, and the Committee may in other cases waive in whole or in part restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock.

 

7.

Term of Plan.

 

No Securities shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the date which is ten years from the effective date of the Plan, but Options and awards of Restricted Stock theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.

 

8.

Capital Change of the Company.

 

In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, stock dividend, or other change in corporate structure affecting the Common Stock of the Company, the Committee shall make an appropriate and equitable adjustment in the number and kind of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan and (A) in the number and option price of shares subject to outstanding Options granted under the Plan, to the end that after such event each Optionee’s proportionate interest shall be maintained (to the extent possible) as immediately before the occurrence of such event. The Committee shall, to the extent feasible, make such other adjustments as may be required under the tax laws so that any Incentive Options previously granted shall not be deemed modified within the meaning of Section 424(h) of the Code. Appropriate adjustments shall also be made in the case of outstanding Restricted Stock granted under the Plan.

 

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The adjustments described above will be made only to the extent consistent with continued qualification of the Option under Section 422 of the Code (in the case of an Incentive Option) and Section 409A of the Code.

 

9.

Purchase for Investment/Conditions.

 

Unless the Options and shares covered by the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Company has determined that such registration is unnecessary, each person exercising or receiving Securities under the Plan may be required by the Company to give a representation in writing that he is acquiring the securities for his own account for investment and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, the distribution of any part thereof. The Committee may impose any additional or further restrictions on awards of Securities as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of award.

 

10.

Taxes.

 

(a) The Company may make such provisions as it may deem appropriate, consistent with applicable law, in connection with any Securities granted under the Plan with respect to the withholding of any taxes (including income or employment taxes) or any other tax matters.

 

(b) If any Grantee, in connection with the acquisition of Restricted Stock, makes the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code (that is, an election to include in gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Section 83(b)), such Grantee shall notify the Company of the election with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to regulations issued under the authority of Code Section 83(b).

 

(c) If any Grantee shall make any disposition of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Option under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions), such Grantee shall notify the Company of such disposition within ten (10) days hereof.

 

11.

Effective Date of Plan.

 

The Plan was approved by the Board of Directors on January 17, 2024; the Plan was approved by majority vote of the Company’s stockholders on ____________; and the effective date is ____________.

 

12.

Amendment and Termination.

 

The Board may amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan, except that no amendment shall be made that would impair the rights of any Participant under Securities theretofore granted without the Participant’s consent, and except that no amendment shall be made which, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company would:

 

(a) materially increase the number of shares that may be issued under the Plan, except as is provided in Section 8;

 

(b) materially increase the benefits accruing to the Participants under the Plan;

 

(c) materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan;

 

(d) decrease the exercise price of an Incentive Option to less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant thereof or the exercise price of a Nonqualified Option to less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant thereof;

 

(e) extend the term of any Option beyond that provided for in Section 5(b);

 

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(f) except as otherwise provided in Sections 5(d) and 8 hereof, reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or effect repricing through cancellations and re-grants of new Options;

 

(g) increase the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued or issuable under the Plan to an amount that is equal to or in excess of 19.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding before the issuance of the stock or securities; or

 

(h) otherwise require stockholder approval pursuant to the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

Subject to the forgoing, the Committee may amend the terms of any Option theretofore granted, prospectively or retrospectively, but no such amendment shall impair the rights of any Optionee without the Optionee’s consent. It is the intention of the Board that the Plan comply strictly with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulations and other Internal Revenue Service guidance promulgated thereunder (the “Section 409A Rules”) and the Committee shall exercise its discretion in granting awards hereunder (and the terms of such awards), accordingly. The Plan and any grant of an award hereunder may be amended from time to time (without, in the case of an award, the consent of the Participant) as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with the Section 409A Rules.

 

13.

Government Regulations.

 

The Plan, and the grant and exercise or conversion, as applicable, of Securities hereunder, and the obligation of the Company to issue and deliver shares under such Securities shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies, national securities exchanges and interdealer quotation systems as may be required.

 

14.

General Provisions.

 

(a) Certificates. All certificates for shares of Common Stock delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other securities commission having jurisdiction, any applicable Federal or state securities law, any stock exchange or interdealer quotation system upon which the Common Stock is then listed or traded and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

 

(b) Employment Matters. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any grant or award under the Plan shall confer upon any Participant who is an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary any right to continued employment or, in the case of a Participant who is a director, continued service as a director, with the Company or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate the employment of any of its employees, the service of any of its directors or the retention of any of its consultants or advisors at any time.

 

(c) Limitation of Liability. No member of the Committee, or any officer or employee of the Company acting on behalf of the Committee, shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Committee and each and any officer or employee of the Company acting on their behalf shall, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company in respect of any such action, determination or interpretation.

 

(d) Registration of Stock. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan, no Option may be exercised unless and until the Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise thereof has been registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or are, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, exempt from such registration in the United States. The Company shall not be under any obligation to register under applicable federal or state securities laws any Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of an Option granted hereunder in order to permit the exercise of an Option and the issuance and sale of the Common Stock subject to such Option, although the Company may in its sole discretion register such Common Stock at such time as the Company shall determine. If the Company chooses to comply with such an exemption from registration, the Common Stock issued under the Plan may, at the direction of the Committee, bear an appropriate restrictive legend restricting the transfer or pledge of the Common Stock represented thereby, and the Committee may also give appropriate stop transfer instructions with respect to such Common Stock to the Company’s transfer agent.

 

15.

Non-Uniform Determinations.

 

The Committee’s determinations under the Plan, including, without limitation, (i) the determination of the Participants to receive awards, (ii) the form, amount and timing of such awards, (iii) the terms and provisions of such awards and (iv) the agreements evidencing the same, need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among Participants who receive, or who are eligible to receive, awards under the Plan, whether or not such Participants are similarly situated.

 

16.

Governing Law.

 

The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws, and applicable federal law.

 

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