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AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report” or “Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections. We may use words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “position,” “intend,” “target,” “plan,” “seek,” “believe,” “foresee,” “outlook,” “estimate” and variations of these words and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted. These risks and uncertainties include the following:
● | the risks and other factors described under the caption “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K; | |
● | our ability to efficiently manage and repay our debt obligations; | |
● | our ability to maintain compliance with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq; | |
● | the effect of new tariffs on our business and financial condition; | |
● | risk that we will not be able to remediate identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; | |
● | our failure to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC and our prior restatements have had, and may in the future have further, material adverse consequences to our business, our financial condition, results of operations and our cash flows; | |
● | the outcome of current litigation; | |
● | future acquisitions and operations of new manufacturing facilities and/or sales organizations might prove unsuccessful and could fail; | |
● | our inability to raise additional financing for working capital, especially related to purchasing critical inventory; | |
● | our ability to generate sufficient revenue in our targeted markets to support operations; | |
● | significant dilution resulting from our financing activities: | |
● | actions and initiatives taken by both current and potential competitors; | |
● | shortages of components and materials, as well as supply chain disruptions, may delay or reduce our sales and increase our costs, thereby harming our results of operations; | |
● | we do not have long-term purchase commitments from our customers, and their ability to cancel, reduce, or delay orders could reduce our revenue and increase our costs; | |
● | our success depends on our ability to introduce new products that track customer preferences; | |
● | if we are unable to protect our intellectual property, we may lose a competitive advantage or incur substantial litigation costs to protect our rights; | |
● | as a significant portion of our revenues are derived by demand for our safes and the personal security products for firearms storage, we depend on the availability and regulation of ammunition and firearm storage; | |
● | our future operating results; | |
● | our ability to diversify our operations; | |
● | our inability to effectively meet our short- and long-term obligations; | |
● | the fact that our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we report our financial condition and results of operations, and they may require management to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain; | |
● | given our limited corporate history it is difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects and increases the risks associated with an investment in our securities; | |
● | adverse state or federal legislation or regulation that increases the costs of compliance, or adverse findings by a regulator with respect to existing operations; | |
● | changes in generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (or “U.S. GAAP”) or in the legal, regulatory and legislative environments in the markets in which we operate; | |
● | deterioration in general or global economic, market and political conditions; | |
● | inability to efficiently manage our operations; | |
● | inability to achieve future operating results; | |
● | the unavailability of funds for capital expenditures; | |
● | our ability to recruit and hire key employees; | |
● | the inability of management to effectively implement our strategies and business plans; | |
● | our business prospects; | |
● | any contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties; | |
● | the dependence of our future success on the general economy; | |
● | any possible financings; and | |
● | the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital. |
Because the factors referred to above could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. New factors emerge from time to time, and their emergence is impossible for us to predict. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
This Annual Report should be read completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report are made as of the date of this Annual Report and should be evaluated with consideration of any changes occurring after the date of this Annual Report. We will not update forward-looking statements even though our situation may change in the future and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Except as otherwise indicated by the context, references in this Annual Report to “Company,” “American Rebel Holdings,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “us” and “our” are references to American Rebel Holdings, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries, American Rebel Beverages, LLC, American Rebel, Inc., Champion Safe Co., Inc., Superior Safe, LLC, Safe Guard Security Products, LLC and Champion Safe De Mexico, S.A. de C.V. All references to “USD” or United States Dollar refer to the legal currency of the United States of America.
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC. You can read these SEC filings and reports over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You can also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the operations of the public reference facilities. We will provide a copy of our Annual Report to security holders, including audited financial statements, at no charge, upon receipt of a written request to us at American Rebel Holdings, Inc., 5115 Maryland Way, Suite 303, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Recent Development and Events
Introduction of American Rebel Beer
On August 9, 2023, the Company entered into a Master Brewing Agreement with Associated Brewing. Under the terms of the Brewing Agreement, Associated Brewing has been appointed as the exclusive producer and seller of American Rebel branded spirits, with the initial product being American Rebel Light Beer. American Rebel Light Beer launched regionally in mid-2024. The Company paid a setup fee and security deposit to Associated Brewing. In late 2023, the Company established American Rebel Beverages, LLC as a wholly-owned subsidiary specifically to hold the alcohol licenses and operate the beer business.
Corporate Summary
American Rebel Holdings, Inc. was incorporated on December 15, 2014, in the State of Nevada and is authorized to issue 600,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock (“Common Stock”) and 10,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”).
The Company operates primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products. Additionally, the Company designs and produces branded apparel and accessories.
We believe that when it comes to their homes, consumers place a premium on their security and privacy. Our products are designed to offer our customers convenient, efficient and secure home and personal safes from a provider that they can trust. We are committed to offering products of enduring quality that allow customers to keep their valuable belongings protected and to express their patriotism and style, which is synonymous with the American Rebel brand.
Our safes and personal security products are constructed primarily of U.S. made steel. We believe our products are designed to safely store firearms, as well as store our customers’ priceless keepsakes, family heirlooms and treasured memories and other valuables, and we aim to make our products accessible at various price points for home and office use. We believe our products are designed for safety, quality, reliability, features and performance.
To enhance the strength of our brand and drive product demand, our manufacturing facilities and various suppliers emphasize product quality and mechanical development in order to improve the performance and affordability of our products while providing support to our distribution channel and consumers. We seek to sell products that offer features and benefits of higher-end safes at mid-line price ranges.
We believe that safes are becoming a ‘must-have appliance’ in a significant portion of households. We believe our current safes provide safety, security, style and peace of mind at competitive prices.
In addition to branded safes, we offer an assortment of personal security products as well as apparel and accessories for men and women under the Company’s American Rebel brand. Our backpacks utilize what we believe is a distinctive sandwich-method concealment pocket, which we refer to as Personal Protection Pocket, to hold firearms in place securely and safely. The concealment pockets on our Freedom 3.0 Concealed Carry Jackets incorporate a silent operation opening and closing with the use of a magnetic closure.
We believe that we have the potential to continue to create a brand community presence around the core ideals and beliefs of America, in part through our Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. “Andy” Ross, who has written, recorded and performs a number of songs about the American spirit of independence. We believe our customers identify with the values expressed by our Chief Executive Officer through the “American Rebel” brand.
Through our growing network of dealers, we promote and sell our products in select regional retailers and local specialty safe, sporting goods, hunting and firearms stores, as well as online, including our website.
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American Rebel is boldly positioning itself as “America’s Patriotic Brand” in a time when national spirit and American values are being rekindled and redefined. American Rebel is an advocate for the 2nd Amendment and conveys a sense of responsibility to teach and preach good common practices of gun ownership. American Rebel products keep you concealed and safe inside and outside the home. American Rebel Safes protect your firearms and valuables from children, theft, fire and natural disasters inside the home; and American Rebel Concealed Carry Products provide quick and easy access to your firearm utilizing American Rebel’s Proprietary Protection Pocket in its backpacks and apparel outside the home. The initial company product releases embrace the “concealed carry lifestyle” with a focus on concealed carry products, apparel, personal security and defense. “There’s a growing need to know how to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors or even a room full of total strangers,” says American Rebel’s Chief Executive Officer Andy Ross. “That need is in the forethought of every product we design.”
The “concealed carry lifestyle” refers to a set of products and a set of ideas around the emotional decision to carry a gun everywhere you go. The American Rebel brand strategy is similar to the successful Harley-Davidson Motorcycle philosophy, referenced in this quote from Richard F. Teerlink, Harley’s chairman and former chief executive, “It’s not hardware; it is a lifestyle, an emotional attachment. That’s what we have to keep marketing to.” As an American icon, Harley has come to symbolize freedom, rugged individualism, excitement and a sense of “bad boy rebellion.” American Rebel – America’s Patriotic Brand has significant potential for branded products as a lifestyle brand. Its innovative Concealed Carry Product line and Safe line serve a large and growing market segment; but it is important to note we have product opportunities beyond Concealed Carry Products and Safes.
American Rebel Safes
Keeping your guns in a location only appropriate trusted members of the household can access should be one of the top priorities for every responsible gun owner. Whenever a new firearm is purchased, the owner should look for a way to store and secure it. Storing the firearm in a gun safe will prevent it from being misused by young household members, and it will prevent it from being stolen in a burglary or damaged in a fire or natural disaster. Gun safes may seem pricy at first glance, but once the consumer is educated on their role to protect expensive firearms and other valuables such as jewelry and important documents, the price is justified.
American Rebel produces large floor safes in a variety of sizes as well as small portable keyed safes. Additional opportunities exist for the Company to develop Wall Safes and Handgun Boxes.
Reasons gun owners should own a gun safe:
● | If you are a gun owner and you have children, many states have a law in place that you have to have your gun locked in a safe, away from children. This will prevent your children from getting the gun and hurting themselves or someone else. | |
● | Some states have a law in place that you have to keep your gun locked away when it is not in use even if you don’t have children in your home. California has a law that you have to have your gun locked in a firearms safety device that is considered safe by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). When you buy a safe, you should see if it has approval from the California DOJ. | |
● | Many gun owners own more guns than insurance will cover. Many insurance companies only cover $3,000 worth of guns. Are your weapons worth more? If so, you should invest in a gun safe to make sure your guns are protected from fire, water, and thieves. | |
● | Many insurance companies may give you a discount if you own a gun safe. If you own a gun safe or you purchase one, you should see if your insurance company is one that offers a discount for this. A safe can protect your guns and possibly save you money. | |
● | Do people know you own guns? You might not know that many burglaries are carried out by people they know. | |
● | If a person you know breaks into your home, steals your gun, and murders someone you could be charged with a crime you didn’t commit, or the victim’s family could sue you. | |
● | Gun safes can protect your guns in the event your home goes up in flames. When buying a safe, you should see if it will protect your firearm or any other valuables from fire damage. | |
● | You might be the type of person that has a gun in your home for protection. A gun locked in a safe can still offer you protection. There are quick access gun safes on the market. With a quick access gun safe, you can still retrieve your gun in a few seconds, but when it isn’t needed it will be protected. |
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A gun safe is the best investment a gun owner can make because the safe can protect guns from thieves, fire, water, or accidents. Bills or ballot measures to require safe storage have been discussed in Delaware, Washington, Oregon, Missouri and Virginia; and various laws are on the books in California and Massachusetts. Even a figure as staunchly pro-gun as Texas’s Republican lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, called on gun-owning parents to lock up their weapons after the Santa Fe shooting. The gun safe industry is experiencing rapid growth and innovation. American Rebel Chief Executive Officer Andy Ross and the rest of the American Rebel team are committed to fulfilling the opportunity in the gun safe market and filling the identified void with American Rebel Gun Safes.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe we are progressing toward long-term, sustainable growth, and our business has, and our future success will be driven by, the following competitive strengths:
● Powerful Brand Identity – we believe we have developed a distinctive brand that sets us apart from our competitors. This has contributed significantly to the success of our business. Our brand is predicated on patriotism and quintessential American character: protecting our loved ones. We strive to equip our safes with technologically advanced features that offer customers advanced security to provide the peace of mind they need. Maintaining, protecting and enhancing the “American Rebel” brand is critical to expanding our loyal enthusiasts base, network of dealers and other partners. Through our branded apparel and accessories, we seek to further enhance our connection with the American Rebel community and share the values of patriotism and safety for which our Company stands for. We strive to continue to meet their need for our safes and our success will depend largely on our ability to maintain customer trust, become a gun safe storage leader and continue to provide high-quality safes.
● Product Design and Development – our current safe model relies on time-tested features, such as Four-Way Active Boltworks, pinning the door shut on all four sides (compared to Three-Way Bolt works, which is prevalent in many of our competitors’ safes), and benefits that would not often be available in our price point, including 12-gauge and heavier US-made steel. The sleek exterior of our safes has garnered attention and earned the moniker from our dealers as the “safe with an attitude.” When we set out to enter the safe market, we wanted to offer a safe that we would want to buy, one that would get our attention and provide excellent value for the cost.
● Focus on Product Performance - since the introduction of our first safes, we have maintained a singular focus on creating a full range of safe, quality, reliable safes that were designed to help our customers keep their family and valuables safe at all times. We incorporate advanced features into our safes that are designed to improve strength and durability. Key elements of some of our current model safes’ performance include:
Double Plate Steel Door - 4 ½” Thick
Reinforced Door Edge – 7/16” Thick
Double-Steel Door Casement
Steel Walls – 11-Gauge
Diameter Door Bolts – 1 ¼” Thick
Four-Way Active Boltworks
Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate
* Double Plate Steel Door is formed from two U.S.-made steel plates with fire insulation sandwiched inside. Thicker steel is placed on the outside of the door while the inner steel provides additional door rigidity and attachment for the locking mechanism and bolt works. The door edge is reinforced with up to four layers of laminated steel. Pursuant to industry-standard strength tests performed, this exclusive design offers up to 16 times greater door strength and rigidity than the “thin metal bent to look thick” doors.
* Double-Steel Door Casement is formed from two or more layers of steel and is welded around the perimeter of the door opening. Pursuant to industry-standard strength tests performed, it more than quadruples the strength of the door opening and provides a more secure and pry-resistant door mounting. We install a Double-Steel Door Casement™ on our safes. We believe the reinforced door casement feature provides important security as the safe door is often a target for break-in attempts.
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* Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate Industrial diamond is bonded to a tungsten steel alloy hard plate. Diamond is harder than either a cobalt or carbide drill. If drilling is attempted the diamond removes the cutting edge from the drill, thus dulling the drill bit to where it will not cut.
● Trusted Brand - We believe that we have developed a trusted brand with both retailers and consumers for delivering reliable, secure safe solutions.
● Customer Satisfaction - We believe we have established a reputation for delivering high-quality safes and personal security products in a timely manner, in accordance with regulatory requirements and our retailers’ delivery requirements and supporting our products with a consistent merchandising and marketing message. We believe that our high level of service, combined with strong consumer demand for our products and our focused distribution strategy, produces substantial customer satisfaction and loyalty. We believe we have cultivated an emotional connection with the brand which symbolizes a lifestyle of freedom, rugged individualism, excitement and a sense of bad boy rebellion.
● Proven Management Team - Our founder and Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Ross, Jr., has led the expansion and focus on the select product line we offer today. We believe that Mr. Ross had an immediate and positive impact on our brand, products, team members, and customers. Under Mr. Ross’s leadership, we believe that we have built a strong brand and strengthened the management team. We are refocusing on the profitability of our products, reinforcing the quality of safes to engage customers and drive sales. We believe our management team possesses an appropriate mix of skills, broad range of professional experience, and leadership designed to drive board performance and properly oversee the interests of the Company, including our long-term corporate strategy. Our management team reflects a balanced approach to tenure that will allow the board of directors to benefit from a mix of newer members who bring fresh perspectives and seasoned directors who bring continuity and a deep understanding of our complex business.
Our Growth Strategy
Our goal is to enhance our position as a designer, producer and marketer of premium safes and personal security products. We have established plans to grow our business by focusing on three key areas: (1) organic growth and expansion in existing markets; (2) targeted strategic acquisitions that increase our on-premise and online product offerings, distributor and retail footprint and/or have the ability to increase and improve our manufacturing capabilities and output, and (3) expanding the scope of our operations through brand licensing.
We have developed what we believe is a multi-pronged growth strategy, as described below, to help us capitalize on a sizable opportunity. Through methodical sales and marketing efforts, we believe we have implemented several key initiatives we can use to grow our business more effectively. We believe we made significant progress in 2024 in the largest growing segment of the safe industry, sales to first-time buyers. We have right-sized our manufacturing operation and made many key design improvements. We intend to opportunistically pursue the strategies described below to continue our upward trajectory and enhance stockholder value. Key elements of our strategy to achieve this goal are as follows:
Organic Growth and Expansion in Existing Markets - Build our Core Business
The cornerstone of our business has historically been our safe product offerings. We are focused on continuing to develop our home, office and personal safe product lines. We are investing in adding what we believe are distinctive and advanced technological solutions for our safes and protective product lines.
We are working to increase floor space dedicated to our safes and strengthen our online presence in order to expand our reach to new enthusiasts and build our devoted American Rebel community. We intend to continue to endeavor to create and provide retailers and customers with what we believe are responsible, safe, reliable and stylish products, and we expect to concentrate on tailoring our supply and distribution logistics in response to the specific demands of our customers.
Additionally, our Concealed Carry Product line and Safe line serve a large market segment. We believe that interest in safes increase, as well as in our complimentary concealed carry backpacks and apparel as a byproduct, when interest of the general population in firearms increase. In addition, certain states (such as Massachusetts, California, New York and Connecticut) are starting to legislate new storage requirements in respect of firearms, which is expected to have a positive impact on the sale of safes.
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We continue to strive to strengthen our relationships and our brand awareness with our current distributors, dealers, manufacturers, specialty retailers and consumers and to attract other distributors, dealers, and retailers. We believe that the success of our efforts depends on the distinctive features, quality, and performance of our products; continued manufacturing capabilities and meeting demand for our safes; the effectiveness of our marketing and merchandising programs; and the dedicated customer support.
In addition, we seek to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by offering distinctive, high-quality products on a timely and cost-attractive basis and by offering efficient customer service. We regard the features, quality, and performance of our products as the most important components of our customer satisfaction and loyalty efforts, but we also rely on customer service and support for growing our business.
Furthermore, we intend to continue improving our business operations, including research and development, component sourcing, production processes, marketing programs, and customer support. Thus, we are continuing our efforts to enhance our production by increasing daily production quantities through equipment acquisitions, expanded shifts and process improvements, increased operational availability of our equipment, reduced equipment down times, and increased overall efficiency.
We believe that by enhancing our brand recognition, our market share might grow correspondingly. Industry sources estimate that 70 million to 80 million people in the United States own an aggregate of more than 400 million firearms, creating a large potential market for our safes and personal security products. We are focusing on the premium segment of the market through the quality, distinctiveness, and performance of our products; the effectiveness of our marketing and merchandising efforts; and the attractiveness of our competitive pricing strategies.
Targeted Strategic Acquisitions for Long-term Growth
We are consistently evaluating and considering acquisition opportunities that fit our overall growth strategy as part of our corporate mission to accelerate long-term value for our stockholders and create integrated value chains.
Expanding Scope of Operations Activities through Brand Licensing
We continually seek to target new consumer segments for our safes. As we believe that safes are becoming a must-have household appliance, we strive to establish authenticity by selling our products to additional groups, and to expand our direct-to-consumer presence through our website and our showroom currently in Lenexa, Kansas.
Further, we believe that American Rebel has significant potential for branded products as a lifestyle brand. As the American Rebel Brand continues to grow in popularity, we anticipate generating additional revenues from licensing fees earned from third parties who wish to engage the American Rebel community. While the Company does not currently generate material revenues from licensing fees, our management team believes the American Rebel brand name may in the future have significant licensing value to third parties that seek the American Rebel name to brand their products to market to the American Rebel target demographic. For example, a tool manufacturer that wants to pursue an alternative marketing plan for a different look and feel could license the American Rebel brand name for their line of tools and market their tools under our distinct brand. This licensee would benefit from the strong American Rebel brand with their second line of American Rebel branded tools as they would continue to sell both of the lines of tools. Conversely, American Rebel could potentially benefit as a licensee of products. If American Rebel determines a third party has designed, engineered, and manufactured a product that would be a strong addition to the American Rebel catalog of products, American Rebel could license that product from the third-party and sell the licensed product under the American Rebel brand.
If creating a new product is the best path to growing the business, we will create a new product. American Rebel Light Beer capitalizes on the American Rebel brand and presents an exceptional product. American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers. Initial response to America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer has been very strong.
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Our website addresses are www.americanrebel.com, www.championsafe.com, www.superiorsafe.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. Information available on our websites is not incorporated by reference in and is not deemed a part of this Annual Report, Form 10-K.
Competition
The North American safe industry is dominated by a small number of companies. We compete primarily on the quality, safety, reliability, features, performance, brand awareness, and price of our products. Our primary competitors include companies such as Liberty Safe, Fort Knox Security Products, American Security, Sturdy Safe Company, Homeland Security Safes, SentrySafe and as well as certain other domestic manufacturers, as well as certain China-based manufactured safes. Safes manufactured in China, including Steelwater and Alpha-Guardian, have struggled under the import tariffs initiated under the administration of U.S President Donald Trump. We believe that given the current substantial uncertainty related to the supply chain and delivery of international goods, we have a competitive advantage because our safes are not manufactured overseas.
Intellectual Property
Our commercial success depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our brand and technology, defend and enforce our intellectual property rights, preserve the confidentiality of our trade secrets, operate our business without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property or proprietary rights of third parties and prevent third parties from infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating our intellectual property rights. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States to protect our proprietary technology. We rely on a number of United States registered, pending and common law trademarks to protect our brand “American Rebel”.
On May 29, 2018, US Patent No. 9,984,552, Firearm Detecting Luggage, was issued to us. The term of the patent is 20 years from the issuance date. In addition to our patent, we rely upon unpatented trade secrets and know-how and continuing technological development and maintain our competitive position. Trade secrets and know-how, however, can be difficult to protect. We seek to protect our proprietary information, in part, by entering into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements with our employees and independent contractors.
Regulation
The storage of firearms and ammunition is subject to increasing federal, state and local governmental laws. While the current legislative climate does not appear to seek to limit possession of firearms, there is apparent momentum to require safe storage of firearms and ammunition. Although our safes, which are the primary driver of our sales and revenues, are designed to protect any valuables, a significant number of our safes’ end users have traditionally been gun enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen and competitive shooters. Therefore, we expect the increasing federal, state and local governmental regulation of gun storage to have a materially positive effect on our business.
Our Customers
We primarily market and sell our products to safe-only specialty stores and independent gun stores nationwide. We sell our products online to individuals desiring home, personal and office protection, as well as to recreational shooters and hunters. Our customers choose us for a number of reasons, including the breadth and availability of the products we offer, our extensive expertise, and the quality of our customer service.
We believe the nature of our solutions and our high-touch customer service model strengthens relationships, builds loyalty and drives repeat business as our customers’ businesses expand. In addition, we feel as if our premium product lines and comprehensive product portfolio position us well to meet our customers’ needs. Furthermore, we fully anticipate that we will be able to leverage all of the data that we are collecting from our existing customer base to make continuous improvements to our offerings and better serve our current and new customers in the future.
We intend to expand our distribution to sporting goods stores, farm and home stores, other independent retailers as well as our online customer base upon securing additional funding and expanding our manufacturing facilities.
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Suppliers
We are dependent on the continued supply of materials for the manufacturing of our safes, as well as the continued supply and manufacturing of backpacks and apparel at third-party facilities locations, which are critical to our success. Any event that causes a disruption of the operation of these facilities for even a relatively short period of time would adversely affect our ability to ship and deliver our safes and other products and to provide service to our customers. We have previously experienced, including during the first months after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and may in the future experience, launch and production ramp up delays for our products as a result of disruption at our suppliers and our suppliers’ manufacturing partners. Additionally, we have to date fully qualified only a very limited number of such suppliers and have limited flexibility in changing suppliers. Any disruption in the supply of materials for our branded safes from our suppliers could limit our sales.
Furthermore, the cost of safes depends in part upon the prices and availability of raw manufacturing materials such as steel, locks, fireboard, hinges, pins and other metals. The prices for these materials fluctuate and their available supply may be unstable, depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials, including as a result of increased global production of electric vehicles and energy storage products. Any reduced availability of these materials may impact our access to these parts and any increases in their prices may reduce our profitability if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased safe prices. Moreover, any such attempts to increase product prices may harm our brand, prospects and operating results.
We currently rely on third-party suppliers to ship our products to our customers. We have found that dedicated truckloads from our warehouse to our dealers reduce freight damage and provide the overall best shipping solution. Several companies offer dedicated truckload shipping. Increased sales will offer the opportunity to establish regional distribution centers.
Sales and Marketing
We market our products to consumers through independent safe specialty stores, select national and regional retailers, local specialty firearms stores, as well as via e-commerce. We maintain consumer-focused product marketing and promotional campaigns, which include print and digital advertising campaigns; social and electronic media; product demonstrations; point-of-sales materials; in-store training; and in-store retail merchandising. Our use of social media includes Facebook, and YouTube.
Marketing Team Aligned with Sales Force to Maximize Our Industry Visibility to Drive Revenue
Our Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Ross, is familiar to many in the industry due to his twelve years on television as the host of Maximum Archery World Tour and later American Rebel, that was broadcast on The Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and the Pursuit Channel. Our Marketing and Sales teams have established American Rebel as a brand that our customers want and a brand that they are proud to embrace and bring into their homes.
Direct Marketing
In light of the expertise required to deliver and install safes that weigh 500-1000 pounds, direct marketing is utilized to create awareness and provide information. Our website, AmericanRebel.com, has proven to be a very valuable tool in introducing potential customers to our products. Infomercials and direct-to-consumer campaigns are vehicles to expand our reach at the appropriate time. Currently the demand from our current customers and future customer pool of independent safe specialty stores is high. As the Company grows and seeks out new customers to expand its customer base, direct marketing will be an asset for American Rebel. Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Ross, was basically making infomercials to promote his Ross Archery products when he was filming Maximum Archery World Tour during the mid-2000s.
Social Media and Thought Leadership
A portion of marketing dollars will be directed to social media. American Rebel and Chief Executive Officer Charles A. Ross have large followings on social media and a dedicated social media campaign will efficiently reach large numbers of potential customers and brand adopters. We will leverage our social media assets to cross-promote locally with independent safe specialty store customers to pull out product through the sales channel. Driving demand and awareness of our products to our customers will expand their loyalty to American Rebel and increase each stores’ commitment to our brand.
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Trade Shows
Trade shows have been an important medium to introducing our brand and our products. The NRA Annual Meeting, a consumer trade show, is a valuable opportunity to meet and greet our final customers. When we launched our Concealed Carry line of products at the NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA, in the Spring of 2017, the response from the meeting attendees was overwhelming. We immediately knew the product line resonated with consumers. Similarly, when we introduced our line of safes at the 2019 NRA Annual Meeting in the Spring of 2019, we knew we were on to something significant. The USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) has an annual Concealed Carry and Home Defense Expo. This is an excellent opportunity to meet, greet and sell product to our final customers, the buying public. The Iowa Deer Classic and Illinois Deer Classic are carryovers from our Chief Executive Officer Charles A. Ross’ hosting duties on Maximum Archery World Tour, but we have found that many potential safe buyers attend these shows.
Three industry-only trade shows we attend are the SHOT Show, Nation’s Best Sports (NBS) Spring and Fall Buying Markets, and the Sports, Inc trade show. The SHOT Show is very high-profile show that most movers and shakers in the firearms industry attend. Operated by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the SHOT Show is the first trade show of the calendar year and is a great opportunity to introduce the year’s new products. NBS operates buying group shows where retailers who are members of NBS attend the Spring and Fall Market Buying shows to place orders. NBS provides an excellent base of customers for us to introduce our products. Sports, Inc. is a buying group show where retailers who are members of Sports, Inc. attend to make purchases from attending vendors.
Paid Advertising
We will occasionally purchase paid print advertising to support editorial and events. The American Shooting Journal has been very supportive of our business has featured an interview with our Chief Executive Officer in one of past issues of the magazine.
Legal Proceedings
Various claims and lawsuits, incidental to the ordinary course of our business, may be brought against the Company from time-to-time.
On July 23, 2024, the Company received notice of a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah by Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc. (“Liberty”), in connection with the marketing and sale of the Company’s and its subsidiaries, Champion Safe Company, Inc., line of safe products. As of the date of this Report, the complaint has not been served on the Company or Champion Safe. In the complaint, Liberty alleges trademark infringement as a result of the purported use of the term “Freedom” in the sale of safes, federal false designation of origin and unfair competition, violation of Utah deceptive trade practices, Utah unfair competition, and damages to Liberty. Management believes that this lawsuit is without merit; however has initiated settlement discussions with Liberty and anticipates an amicable settlement to be forthcoming. At this time, Management does not believe a settlement with Liberty will have a material effect on its business or financial condition.
As reported by the Company in the Form 8-K dated August 7, 2024, during February 2023, the Company entered into a $2 million master credit agreement (credit facility) with Bank of America. The credit facility is secured by all the assets of the Company’s Champion subsidiaries and guaranteed by the Company, the Champion subsidiaries and the Company’s CEO. The Line of Credit expired on February 28, 2024, but the Company and Champion Safe Company have been actively working with the bank to extend or modify the credit facility. Despite being current on all payments under the credit facility and actively working with the bank for a long-term solution to repay the credit facility, on July 25, 2024, Champion Safe Company received a notice of default and demand for payment from the bank. On March 21, 2025, Bank of America filed a complaint in the Fourth Judicial District Court in and for Utah County, State of Utah (Case No. 250401345) against the Company and its subsidiaries (Champion Safe Company, Inc., American Rebel, Inc., Superior Safe Co., L.L.C. and Safe Guard Security Products LC) alleging four causes of action related to the credit facility: (i) Breach of the Loan Documents – Champion Safe; (ii) Breach of the Loan Documents – Guarantors (the Company, American Rebel, Inc., Superior Safe Co., L.L.C. and Safe Guard Security Products LC); (iii) Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing – all parties; and (iv) Unjust Enrichment – Champion Safe. The Company plans to defend the complaint, while continuing to work with Bank of American on a settlement.
From time to time, however, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business.
Corporate History
The Company was incorporated on December 15, 2014, under the laws of the State of Nevada, as CubeScape, Inc. Effective January 5, 2017, the Company amended its articles of incorporation and changed its name to American Rebel Holdings, Inc. The Company completed a business combination with its majority shareholder, American Rebel, Inc. on June 19, 2017. On July 29, 2022, the Company closed on the acquisition of Champion.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
The following risk factors should be considered in connection with an evaluation of our business:
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In addition to other information in this Annual Report, the following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating our business because such factors may have a significant impact on our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. As a result of the risk factors set forth below, actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impact our business, result of operations, liquidity and financial condition. If any such risks occur, our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition could be materially affected in an adverse manner. Under such circumstances, if and when a trading market for our various securities (besides our Common Stock and certain Common Stock Purchase Warrants) is established, the trading price of these securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
OUR SECURITIES INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND, THEREFORE, SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EXTREMELY SPECULATIVE. THEY SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED BY PERSONS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE POSSIBILITY OF THE LOSS OF THE ENTIRE INVESTMENT.
RISKS RELATED TO THE BEER INDUSTRY
We face substantial competition within the beer industry.
The beer categories within the United States are highly competitive due to the participation of large domestic and international brewers in the categories and the increasing number of craft brewers and craft distilleries, who distribute similar beers we sell and that have similar pricing and target drinkers.
The two largest brewers in the United States, AB InBev and Molson Coors, participate actively in mass appeal beer offerings as well as the High End and Beyond Beer categories, through numerous launches of new hard seltzers, flavored malt beverages and spirit RTDs from existing brands or new brands, importing and distributing import brands, and with their own domestic specialty beers, either by developing new brands or by acquiring, in whole or part, existing brands. Imported beers, such as Corona®, Heineken®, Modelo Especial® and Stella Artois®, continue to compete aggressively in the United States and have gained market share over the last ten years. All of these brands and companies have substantially greater financial resources, marketing strength and distribution networks than we do. We anticipate competition to be strong as some existing beverage companies are building more capacity, expanding geographically and adding more SKUs and styles. The potential for growth in the sales of hard seltzers, flavored malt beverages, craft-brewed domestic beers, imported beers and spirits RTDs is expected to increase the competition in the market for beer occasions within the United States and, as a result, we anticipate we will face competitive pricing pressures and the demand for and market share of our products, when introduced, may fluctuate and possibly decline.
Our American Rebel Light Lager, competes generally with other alcoholic beverages. We anticipate competing with other beer and beverage companies not only for drinker acceptance and loyalty, but also for traditional retail shelf, cold box and tap space, as well as e-commerce placement and for marketing focus by our distributors and their customers, when established, all of which are anticipated to distribute and sell other alcoholic beverage products. All of our potential competitors at this point in time have substantially greater financial resources, marketing strength and distribution networks than we do. Moreover, the introduction of new products by competitors that compete directly with our first beer and future products or that diminish the importance of our anticipated products to retailers or distributors may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Further, the alcoholic beverage industry has seen continued consolidation among brewers in order to take advantage of cost savings opportunities for supplies, distribution and operations. Also, in the last several years, both AB InBev and Molson Coors have introduced numerous new hard seltzers and purchased multiple regional craft breweries and craft distilleries with the intention to expand the capacity and distribution of these brands.
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More recently in 2021 and into 2022, large non-alcoholic beverage companies including Coca-Cola Company (“Coke”), Pepsi and Monster Beverage Corporation (“Monster”) have begun to enter these markets through licensing agreements with alcoholic beverage companies to develop alcohol versions of existing traditional non-alcohol brands. Coke has entered into agreements with Molson Coors to develop, market and sell Topo Chico brand Hard Seltzer and Simply Spiked Lemonade. Coke announced agreements with Constellation to develop, market and sell FRESCA™ Mixed, a line of spirits RTDs and with Brown Forman to develop, market and sell Jack Daniel’s® Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola®™ Ready-to-Drink Cocktail. The Boston Brewing Company has entered into an agreement with Pepsi to develop, market and sell alcohol beverages which include Hard Mountain Dew, to take advantage of this trend. Pepsi entered an agreement in late 2022 with FIFCO USA, a New York based brewery, to develop, market and sell Lipton Hard Iced Tea which launched in 2023. Lastly, Monster, acquired CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective (“CANarchy”) in early 2022 and launched the Beast Unleashed, a new brand of flavored malt beverages in early 2023 and in January 2024 Monster announced CANarchy will operate under the name of Monster Brewing Company, another testament to craft breweries and distilleries widespread acceptance.
Due to the increased leverage that these combined operations will have in distribution and sales and marketing expenses, the costs to us for competing is anticipated to be great. The potential exists for these large competitors to increase their influence with their distributors, making it difficult for smaller beverage companies to maintain their market presence or enter new markets. The continuing consolidation could reduce the contract brewing capacity that is available to us. These potential increases in the number and availability of competing brands, the costs to compete, reductions in contract brewing capacity and decreases in distribution support and opportunities may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
The global beer industry and the broader alcohol industry are constantly evolving, and our position within these industries and the success of our products in our markets may fundamentally change. If we do not successfully transform along with the evolving industries, market dynamics and consumer preferences, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected.
The brewing industry has significantly evolved over the years becoming an increasingly consolidated beer market. The industry has now become increasingly complex and competitive as the consolidation of brewers has resulted in fewer major market participants. As a result of the increased consolidation of brewers and the dynamic of expanding new segments within the industry with new market entrants, including the non-alcohol market, the markets in which we intend to operate, may evolve at a disadvantage to our market position. Ongoing evolution in certain beer markets, together with emerging changes in consumer preferences, have resulted in a significant increase in market entrants, consumer choices and market competition, as well as increased government scrutiny. In addition, local governments may intervene, which may fundamentally accelerate transformational changes to such markets. For example, the beer markets in the U.S. have long consisted of a select number of significant market participants with government-regulated routes to market.
Changes in public attitudes and drinker tastes could harm our business. Regulatory changes in response to public attitudes could adversely affect our business.
The alcoholic beverage industry has been the subject of considerable societal and political attention for several years, due to public concern over alcohol-related social problems, including driving under the influence, underage drinking and health consequences from the misuse of alcohol, including alcoholism. As an outgrowth of these concerns, the possibility exists that advertising by beer producers could be restricted, that additional cautionary labeling or packaging requirements might be imposed, that further restrictions on the sale of alcohol might be imposed or that there may be renewed efforts to impose increased excise or other taxes on beer sold in the United States.
The domestic beer industry, other than the market for High End beer occasions and Beyond Beer occasions, has experienced a decline in shipments over the last ten years. We believe that this decline is due to declining alcohol consumption per person in the population, drinkers trading up to drink high quality, more flavorful hard seltzers. beers and spirts RTDs, health and wellness trends and increased competition from wine and spirits companies. If consumption of our products, when introduced, in general were to come into disfavor among domestic drinkers, or if the domestic alcohol beverage industry were subjected to significant additional societal pressure or governmental regulations, our business could be materially adversely affected.
Additionally, certain states are considering or have passed laws and regulations that allow the sale and distribution of marijuana. Currently it is not possible to predict the impact of this on sales of alcohol, but it is possible that legal marijuana usage could adversely impact the demand for our products.
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We are dependent on distributors.
In the United States, where our beer is currently sold only in a limited number of states, we are selling most of our beer to independent beer distributors for distribution to retailers and, ultimately, to drinkers. Although we have engaged multiple distributors, sustained growth will require us to maintain such relationships and possibly enter into agreements with additional distributors. Changes in control or ownership within the distribution network could lead to less support of our products.
Contributing to distribution risk is the fact that our distribution agreements, when entered into, are anticipated to be generally terminable by the distributor on relatively short notice. While these distribution agreements are anticipated to contain provisions giving us enforcement and termination rights, some state laws prohibit us from exercising these contractual rights. Our ability to maintain distribution arrangements may be adversely affected by the fact that many distributors are reliant on one of the major beer producers for a large percentage of their revenue and, therefore, they may be influenced by such producers. If our distribution agreements are terminated, we may not be able to enter into new distribution agreements on substantially similar terms, which may result in an increase in the costs of distribution.
No assurance can be given that we will be able to establish or maintain a distribution network or secure additional distributors on terms favorable to us.
Failure of our distributors to distribute our products adequately within their territories or any “under-investment” by our distributors in our brands could result in deteriorating operating performance.
We currently distribute our American Rebel Light Lager in eleven states, with the ability to sell in 40 states online. We are required by law to use state-licensed distributors or, in 17 states known as “control states,” state-owned agencies to sell our products to retail outlets, including liquor stores, bars, restaurants and national chains in the United States. We have established relationships for our brand with a limited number of wholesale distributors. We continue to engage new distributors on a regular basis, however this rate of growth may not continue in the future.
Over the past decade, there has been increasing consolidation in production, distribution, and retail (the three tiers of the current system) that challenges the growth of small businesses in the marketplace. Our distributors also distribute competitive brands for much larger companies with significant pricing power. The ultimate success of our products depends in large part on our distributors’ ability and desire to distribute our products, as we rely significantly on them for product placement and retail store penetration. In many key states, we have signed contracts that greatly limit our ability to replace and pursue recourse with distributor partners that fail to meet their obligations. We cannot assure you that our U.S. distributors will commit sufficient time and resources to promote and market our brand and product lines. If they do not, our sales will be harmed, resulting in a decline in our results of operations.
The success of our business relies heavily on brand image, reputation, product quality and protection of intellectual property.
It is important that we maintain and enhance the image and reputation of our brand and products, including our corporate purpose, mission and values. Concerns about product quality, even when unsubstantiated, could be harmful to our image and the reputation of our brand and products. While we have quality control programs in place, in the event we or our third-party brewers and suppliers experience an issue with product quality or if any of our products become unsafe or unfit for consumption, are misbranded or cause injury, we may experience recalls or liability in addition to business disruption which could further negatively impact our brand image and reputation, negatively affect our sales and cause us to incur additional costs. A widespread product recall, multiple product recalls or a significant product liability judgment could cause our products to be unavailable for a period of time, which could further reduce consumer demand and brand equity. We also could be exposed to lawsuits relating to product liability, labelling, marketing or sales practices or intellectual property infringement. Our brand image and reputation may also be difficult to protect due to less oversight and control as a result of entering new or different product lines. If we are unable to address and uphold our plans with respect to our sustainability initiatives or actions by and attitudes of regulators and the public health community, our image and brand equity may deteriorate, which may be difficult to combat or reverse and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
In addition, our brand image, reputation and financial results may be negatively impacted by our ability to navigate social media campaigns and trends in pursuit of various dynamic issues facing society on regional and global levels across the markets in which we operate.
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Further, our success is dependent on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, domain names, trade secrets and know-how. We cannot be certain that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights will be sufficient or that third parties will not infringe upon or misappropriate these rights or that other parties may claim that our brands infringe on their intellectual property rights. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Loss, operational disruptions or closure of a major brewery or other key facility, including those of our suppliers, due to unforeseen or catastrophic events or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Our business could be interrupted and our financial results could be materially adversely impacted by physical risks such as earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, floods, other severe weather events, acts of war, terrorist attacks, cyberattacks and other disruptions in information systems, disease outbreaks or pandemics and other natural disasters or catastrophic events that damage, disrupt or destroy one of our contracted breweries or key facilities or the key facilities of our significant suppliers. Such significant losses or disruptions could be due to, among other things, the loss or disruption of the timely availability of adequate supplies of essential raw materials for our suppliers, including single-source suppliers; our ability to effectively integrate new suppliers into our operations; material financial issues facing our suppliers, such as bankruptcy or similar proceedings; transportation and logistics challenges, including as a result of governmental restrictions and the availability and capacity of shipping channels as customers may shift to increased online shopping; the loss or disruption of other manufacturing, distribution and supply capabilities; labor shortages, strikes or work stoppages; the loss or disruption of the supply of carbon dioxide gas; acts of war and terrorism; or natural disasters, pandemics, public health crises, or other catastrophic events and the associated impacts of such events, including impacts on our employees, their families, or our suppliers.
If any of our contracted breweries or the key facilities of our significant suppliers experience a significant operational disruption or catastrophic loss, it could delay, disrupt or reduce production, shipments and revenue, and result in potentially significant expenses to repair or replace these properties. Certain catastrophes are not covered by our general insurance policies, which could result in significant unrecoverable losses. Our business and results of operations could also be adversely impacted by under-investment in physical assets or production capacity, including contract brewing and impact the priority of our brands if production capacity is limited. We regularly review our supply chain network in an attempt to ensure that our supply chain capacity is aligned with the needs of the business. Such reviews could potentially result in further closures and the related costs could be material.
Failure to maintain adequate inventory levels would negatively impact operational profitability.
We maintain inventories of our product aging in barrels, as well as inventory needed to meet customer delivery requirements. We have used our barreled spirits inventory at market value as collateral in the Company’s financing. If we do not make timely payments on our financing obligations, or we breach our covenants in any financing document, including maintaining loan-to-value ratios, the lenders may foreclose and take possession of our inventory. In addition, this inventory is always at risk of loss due to theft, fire, evaporation, spoilage, or other damage, and any such loss, whether insured against or not, could cause us to fail to meet our orders and harm our sales and operating results. Also, our inventory may become obsolete as we introduce new products, cease to produce old products or modify the design of our products’ packaging, which would increase our operating losses and negatively impact our results of operations.
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RISKS RELATED TO THE SAFE INDUSTRY
As a significant portion of our revenues is derived by demand for our safes and personal security products for firearms storage purposes, we depend on the availability and regulation of firearm/ammunition storage, as well as various economic, social and political factors.
Our performance is influenced by a variety of economic, social, and political factors. General economic conditions and consumer spending patterns can negatively impact our operating results. Economic uncertainty, unfavorable employment levels, declines in consumer confidence, increases in consumer debt levels, increased commodity prices, and other economic factors may affect consumer spending on discretionary items and adversely affect the demand for our products. In times of economic uncertainty, consumers tend to defer expenditures for discretionary items, which affects demand for our products. Any substantial deterioration in general economic conditions that diminish consumer confidence or discretionary income could reduce our sales and adversely affect our operating results. Economic conditions affect governmental political and budgetary policies. As a result, economic conditions can have an effect on the sale of our products to law enforcement, government, and military customers.
Political and other factors can affect our performance. Concerns about presidential, congressional, and state elections and legislature and policy shifts resulting from those elections can affect the demand for our products. As most of our revenue is generated from sales of safes, which are purchased in large numbers for firearms storage, speculation surrounding control of firearms, firearm products, and ammunition at the federal, state, and local level and heightened fears of terrorism and crime can affect consumer demand for our products. Often, such concerns result in an increase in near-term consumer demand and subsequent softening of demand when such concerns subside. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may negatively impact operating results and cash flow.
Federal and state legislatures frequently consider legislation relating to the regulation of firearms, including amendment or repeal of existing legislation. Existing laws may be affected by future judicial rulings and interpretations firearm products, ammunition, and safe gun storage. If such restrictive changes to legislation develop, we could find it difficult, expensive, or even impossible to comply with them, impeding new product development and distribution of existing products.
A majority of our safes are built in Mexico. Our financial results may be affected by new tariffs or border adjustment taxes or other import restrictions.
A material percentage of our safes are built in Mexico, along with a majority of our soft goods. We also depend on imports from Canada and other parts of the world. The imposition of tariffs or border adjustment taxes may affect our financial results. The current political climate is hostile to companies manufacturing goods outside of the U.S. Restrictions on trade with foreign countries, imposition of customs duties or further modifications to U.S. international trade policy have the potential to disrupt our supply chain or the supply chains of our customers and to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, customers, suppliers and/or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof, potentially leading to negative effects on our business and financial condition. Significant changes to the U.S. federal government’s trade policies, including new tariffs or the renegotiation or termination of existing trade agreements and/or treaties, may adversely affect our financial performance. In recent years, the U.S. federal government has altered U.S. international trade policy and has indicated its intention to renegotiate or terminate certain existing trade agreements and treaties with foreign governments. The U.S. federal government’s decision to implement new trade agreements, and/or withdraw or materially modify other existing trade agreements or treaties may adversely impact our business, customers and/or suppliers by disrupting trade and commercial transactions and/or adversely affect the U.S. economy or specific portions thereof.
Shortages of components and materials, as well as supply chain disruptions, may delay or reduce our sales and increase our costs, thereby harming our results of operations.
The inability to obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials and components, including those necessary for the production of our products could result in reduced or delayed sales or lost orders. Any delay in or loss of sales or orders could adversely impact our operating results. Many of the materials used in the production of our products are available only from a limited number of suppliers. We do not have long-term supply contracts with any suppliers. As a result, we could be subject to increased costs, supply interruptions, and difficulties in obtaining raw materials and components.
Our reliance on third-party suppliers for various raw materials and components for our products exposes us to volatility in the availability, quality, and price of these raw materials and components. Our orders with certain of our suppliers may represent a very small portion of their total orders. As a result, they may not give priority to our business, leading to potential delays in or cancellation of our orders. A disruption in deliveries from our third-party suppliers, capacity constraints, production disruptions, price increases, or decreased availability of raw materials or commodities could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet our commitments to customers or increase our operating costs. Quality issues experienced by third party suppliers can adversely affect the quality and effectiveness of our products and result in liability and reputational harm.
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The sales of our safes are dependent in large part on the sales of firearms.
We market safes and other personal security products for sale to a wide variety of consumers. Although our customer base is large and diverse, and our products serve our customers’ different needs, our products have been particularly popular among collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, and gun enthusiasts. The sale of safe firearms storage and security components is influenced by the sale and usage of firearms. Sales of firearms are influenced by a variety of economic, social, and political factors, which may result in volatile sales.
We do not have long-term purchase commitments from our customers, and their ability to cancel, reduce, or delay orders could reduce our revenue and increase our costs.
Our customers do not provide us with firm, long-term volume purchase commitments, but instead issue purchase orders for our products as needed. As a result, customers can cancel purchase orders or reduce or delay orders at any time. The cancellation, delay, or reduction of customer purchase orders could result in reduced sales, excess inventory, unabsorbed overhead, and reduced income from operations.
We often schedule internal production levels and place orders for products with third party manufacturers before receiving firm orders from our customers. Therefore, if we fail to accurately forecast customer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of products to deliver to our customers. Factors that could affect our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products include the following:
● | an increase or decrease in consumer demand for our products or for the products of our competitors; | |
● | our failure to accurately forecast consumer acceptance of new products; | |
● | new product introductions by us or our competitors; | |
● | changes in our relationships within our distribution channels; | |
● | changes in general market conditions or other factors, which may result in cancellations of orders or a reduction or increase in the rate of reorders placed by retailers; | |
● | changes in laws and regulations governing the activities for which we sell products, such as hunting and shooting sports; and | |
● | changes in laws and regulations regarding the possession and sale of medical or recreational controlled- substances. |
Inventory levels in excess of consumer demand may result in inventory write-downs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. If we underestimate demand for our products, our suppliers may not be able to react quickly enough to meet consumer demand, resulting in delays in the shipment of products and lost revenue, and damage to our reputation and customer and consumer relationships. We may not be able to manage inventory levels successfully to meet future order and reorder requirements.
We face intense competition that could result in our losing or failing to gain market share and suffering reduced sales.
We operate in intensely competitive markets that are characterized by price erosion and competition from major domestic and international companies. Competition in the markets in which we operate is based on a number of factors, including price, quality, performance, reliability, styling, product features, and warranties, and sales and marketing programs. This intense competition could result in pricing pressures, lower sales, reduced margins, and lower market share.
Our competitors include nationwide safe manufacturers and various smaller manufacturers and importers. Most of our competitors have greater market recognition, larger customer bases, and substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution, and other resources than we possess and that afford them competitive advantages. As a result, they may be able to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of products, to invest more funds in intellectual property and product development, to negotiate lower prices for raw materials and components, to deliver competitive products at lower prices, and to introduce new products and respond to consumer requirements more quickly than we can.
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Our competitors could introduce products with superior features at lower prices than our products and could bundle existing or new products with other more established products to compete with us. Certain of our competitors may be willing to reduce prices and accept lower profit margins to compete with us. Our competitors could gain market share by acquiring or forming strategic alliances with other competitors.
Finally, we may face additional sources of competition in the future because new distribution methods offered by the Internet and electronic commerce have removed many of the barriers to entry historically faced by start-up companies. Retailers also demand that suppliers reduce their prices on products, which could lead to lower margins. Any of the foregoing effects could cause our sales to decline, which would harm our financial position and results of operations.
Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, both within and outside our control. These factors include the following:
● | our success in developing, producing, marketing, and successfully selling new products; | |
● | our ability to efficiently manage our operations; | |
● | our ability to implement our strategies and business plans; | |
● | our ability to achieve future operating results; | |
● | our ability to address the needs of our consumer customers; | |
● | the pricing, quality, performance, and reliability of our products; | |
● | the quality of our customer service; | |
● | the efficiency of our production; and | |
● | product or technology introductions by our competitors. |
Because we believe technological and functional distinctions among competing products in our markets are perceived by many end-user consumers to be relatively modest, effectiveness in marketing and manufacturing are particularly important competitive factors in our business.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Our success depends upon our ability to introduce new products that track customer preferences.
Our success depends upon our ability to introduce new products that track consumer preferences. Our efforts to introduce new products into the market may not be successful, and new products that we introduce may not result in customer or market acceptance. We develop new products that we believe will match consumer preferences. The development of a new product is a lengthy and costly process and may not result in the development of a marketable or profitable product. Failure to develop new products that are attractive to consumers could decrease our sales, operating margins, and market share and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our advertising and promotional investments may affect the Company’s financial results but not be effective.
The Company has made and expects to continue to make, significant advertising and promotional expenditures to enhance its brand. These expenditures may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations in a particular quarter or even for the full year, and may not result in increased sales. Variations in the levels of advertising and promotional expenditures have in the past caused, and are expected in the future to continue to cause, variability in the Company’s quarterly results of operations. While the Company attempts to invest only in effective advertising and promotional activities, it is difficult to correlate such investments with sales results, and there is no guarantee that the Company’s expenditures will be effective in building brand equity or growing long term sales.
Our business depends on maintaining and strengthening our brand, as well as our reputation as a producer of high-quality goods, to maintain and generate ongoing demand for our products, and any harm to our brand could result in a significant reduction in such demand which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
The “American Rebel” name and brand image are integral to the growth of our business, as well as to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our business. Our success depends on the value and reputation of our brand, which, in turn, depends on factors such as the quality, design, performance, functionality and durability of our products, e-commerce sales and retail partner floor spaces, our communication activities, including advertising, social media and public relations, and our management of the customer experience, including direct interfaces through customer service. Maintaining, promoting, and positioning our brand are important to expanding our customer base and will depend largely on the success of our marketing and merchandising efforts and our ability to provide consistent, high-quality consumer experiences. To sustain long-term growth, we must continue to successfully promote our products to consumers, as well as other individuals, who value and identify with our brand.
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Ineffective marketing, negative publicity, product diversion to unauthorized distribution channels, product or manufacturing defects, and those and other factors could rapidly and severely diminish customer confidence in us. Maintaining and enhancing our brand image are important to expanding our customer base. If we are unable to maintain or enhance our brand in current or new markets, or if we fail to continue to successfully market and sell our products to our existing customers or expand our customer base, our growth strategy and results of operations could be harmed.
Additionally, independent third parties and consumers often review our products as well as those of our competitors. Perceptions of our offerings in the marketplace may be significantly influenced by these reviews, which are disseminated via various media, including the Internet. If reviews of our products are negative, or less positive as compared to those of our competitors, our brand may be adversely affected and our results of operations materially harmed.
We have a limited operating history on which you can evaluate our company.
We have a limited operating history upon which an evaluation of our business plan or performance and prospects can be made. Our business and prospects must be considered in the light of the potential problems, delays, uncertainties and complications encountered in connection with a newly established business and creating a new line of products. The risks include, in part, the possibility that we will not be able to develop functional and scalable products, or that although functional and scalable, our products and will not be economical to market; that our competitors hold proprietary rights that preclude us from marketing such products; that our competitors market a superior or equivalent product; that our competitors have such a significant advantage in brand recognition that our products will not be considered by potential customers; that we are not able to upgrade and enhance our technologies and products to accommodate new features as the market evolves; or the failure to receive necessary regulatory clearances for our products. To successfully introduce and market our products at a profit, we must establish brand name recognition and competitive advantages for our products. There are no assurances that we can successfully address these challenges. If it is unsuccessful, we and our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
The current and future expense levels are based largely on estimates of planned operations and future revenues. It is difficult to accurately forecast future revenues because our business is relatively new, and our market is rapidly developing. If our forecasts prove incorrect, the business, operating results and our financial condition will be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, we may be unable to adjust our spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unanticipated reduction in revenue. As a result, any significant reduction in revenues would immediately and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are highly dependent on Charles A. Ross, our Chief Executive Officer. The loss of our Chief Executive Officer, whose knowledge, leadership and industry reputation upon which we rely, could harm our ability to execute our business plan.
We are highly dependent on Charles A. Ross, our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of our board of directors (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”) and largest stockholder. Our success depends heavily upon the continued contributions of Mr. Ross, whose leadership, industry reputation entrepreneurial background and creative marketing skills may be difficult to replace at this stage in our business development, and on our ability to attract and retain similarly positioned prominent leaders. If we were to lose the services of our Chief Executive Officer, our ability to execute our business plan may be harmed and we may be forced to limit operations until such time as we could hire suitable replacements.
We cannot predict when we will achieve profitability.
We have not been profitable and cannot predict when or if we will achieve profitability. We have experienced net losses since our inception in December 2014.
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We cannot predict when we will achieve profitability, if ever. Our inability to become profitable may force us to curtail or temporarily discontinue our research and development programs and our day-to-day operations. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that profitability, if achieved, can be sustained on an ongoing basis. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $64,491,550.
We have limited financial resources. Our independent registered auditor’s report includes an explanatory paragraph stating that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have recorded net losses since inception and have significant accumulated deficits. We have relied upon loans and equity financings for operating capital. Total revenues will be insufficient to pay off existing debt and fund operations. We may be required to rely on further debt financing, further loans from related parties, and private placements of our common and preferred stock for our additional cash needs. Such funding sources may not be available, or the terms of such funding sources may not be acceptable to us.
We have identified several material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remediate these weaknesses, or otherwise fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements could be impaired, which could adversely affect our operating results, our ability to operate our business, our stock price and access to the capital markets.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and those weaknesses have led to a conclusion that our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2024 or 2023. Our inability to remediate the material weaknesses, our discovery of additional weaknesses, and our inability to achieve and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, could adversely affect our results of operations, our stock price and investor confidence in our company.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that companies evaluate and report on the effectiveness of their internal control over financial reporting. As disclosed in more detail under Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures” above, we identified material weaknesses as of December 31, 2023 in our internal control over financial reporting, which continues to exist as of December 31, 2024. Due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we have also concluded our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2024.
Failure to have effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures can impair our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis and has led and could again lead to a restatement of our financial statements. For example, the identified material weaknesses resulted in material adjustments to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. If, as a result of the ineffectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, we cannot provide reliable financial statements, our business decision processes may be adversely affected, our business and results of operations could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information and our ability to obtain additional financing, or additional financing on favorable terms, could be adversely affected.
Our management has taken action to begin remediating the material weaknesses; however, certain remedial actions have not started or have only recently been undertaken, and while we expect to continue to implement our remediation plans throughout the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, we cannot be certain as to when remediation will be fully completed. In addition, we could in the future identify additional internal control deficiencies that could rise to the level of a material weakness or uncover other errors in financial reporting. During the course of our evaluation, we may identify areas requiring improvement and may be required to design additional enhanced processes and controls to address issues identified through this review. In addition, there can be no assurance that such remediation efforts will be successful, that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective as a result of these efforts or that any such future deficiencies identified may not be material weaknesses that would be required to be reported in future periods.
If we fail to remediate these material weaknesses and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to rely on the integrity of our financial results, which could result in inaccurate or additional late reporting of our financial results, as well as delays or the inability to meet our future reporting obligations or to comply with SEC rules and regulations. This could result in claims or proceedings against us, including by stockholders or the SEC. The defense of any such claims could cause the diversion of the Company’s attention and resources and could cause us to incur significant legal and other expenses even if the matters are resolved in our favor.
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We restated certain of our previously issued consolidated financial statements, which resulted in unanticipated costs and may affect investor confidence and raise reputational issues.
We reached a determination to restate our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 in our Form 10-K/A filed on January 29, 2025. The restatement also included other adjustments to historical periods. As a result, we have incurred unanticipated costs for accounting, professional and legal fees in connection with or related to the restatement, and have become subject to a number of additional risks and uncertainties, which may affect investor confidence in the accuracy of our financial disclosures and may raise reputational issues for our business.
Absent relief, as a result of our failure to timely file a periodic report with the SEC, we are currently ineligible to continue to use or file short form shelf registration statements on Form S-3, which may impair our ability to raise capital on terms favorable to us, in a timely manner or at all.
Form S-3 permits eligible issuers to conduct registered offerings using a short form registration statement that allows the issuer to incorporate by reference its past and future filings and reports made under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, Form S-3 enables eligible issuers to conduct primary offerings “off the shelf” under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The shelf registration process, combined with the ability to forward incorporate information, allows issuers to avoid delays and interruptions in the offering process and to access the capital markets in a more expeditions and efficient manner than raising capital in a standard registered offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3. The ability to newly register securities for resale may also be limited as a result of the loss of Form S-3 eligibility with respect to such registrations.
As a result of our failure to timely file a periodic report with the SEC in connection with our reaudit of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, absent a waiver of the Form S-3 eligibility requirements, we are ineligible to use or file new short form registration statements on Form S-3. In the event of the absence of a waiver, our inability to use or file new registration statements on Form S-3 may significantly impair our ability to raise necessary capital to run our operations and progress our business and product development programs. If we seek to access the capital markets through a registered offering during the period of time that we are unable to file a new registration statement on Form S-3, we may be required to publicly disclose a proposed offering and the material terms thereof before the offering commences, we may experience delays in the offering process due to SEC review of a Form S-1 registration statement, and we may incur increased offering and transaction costs and other considerations. Disclosing a public offering prior to the formal commencement of an offering may result in downward pressure on our stock price. If we are unable to raise capital through a registered offering, we would be required to conduct our equity financing transactions on a private placement basis, which may be subject to pricing, size and other limitations imposed under the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (“Nasdaq”) rules, or seek other sources of capital. In addition, we will not be permitted to conduct an “at the market offering” absent an effective primary registration statement on Form S-3.
Our failure to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC and our prior restatements have had, and may in the future have further, material adverse consequences to our business, our financial condition, results of operations and our cash flows.
As previously publicly disclosed, we have failed to timely file our quarterly report for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Also as previously publicly disclosed, we have restated previously issued financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Our failure to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC and our prior restatements have had, and may in the future have further, material adverse consequences to, and pose significant risk to, our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, our financial condition, our results of operations and our cash flows. These adverse consequences include, but are not limited to, the potential delisting of our Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (“Nasdaq”), stockholder litigation, SEC investigations, stockholder activism, violations of our obligations under our existing material arrangements, including our credit agreements and the terms of our other financing agreements, our ability to raise capital on attractive terms, or at all, significant fluctuations in the value of our Common Stock, among others.
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Our failure to timely file the September 30, 2024 Form 10-Q with the SEC and our prior restatements may subject us to stockholder litigation or governmental or regulatory investigations. We have incurred, and may be required in future to incur further, significant accounting, consulting, professional and legal fees and other expenses related to the late filing and the restatements.
We also may fail to be timely on our future filings, which, in addition to the risks and consequences described above, may create further harm to us. For example, we may incur penalty or other default fees owed to holders of our debt instruments as a result of our failure to timely file our periodic reports. In addition, the holders of these debt instruments may raise additional claims resulting from the Company’s inability to timely and accurately report its financial information, which could cause further harm to the Company and its stockholders, all of which could materially and adversely affect to our business, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We will need additional capital and continued access to operating lines of credit in the future to finance our planned growth, which we may not be able to raise or it may only be available on terms unfavorable to us or our stockholders, which may result in our inability to fund our working capital requirements and harm our operational results.
We have and expect to continue to have substantial working capital needs. Our cash on hand, together with cash generated from product sales, cash equivalents and short-term investments will not meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next twelve months. Throughout 2024 and continuing into 2025, we have raised a substantial amount of debt to fund our operations. In addition, we will need to raise additional funds to fund our operations and implement our growth strategy, or to respond to competitive pressures and/or perceived opportunities, such as investment, acquisition, marketing and development activities.
If we experience operating difficulties, lose access to important operating lines of credit or other factors, many of which may be beyond our control, cause our revenues or cash flows from operations, if any, to decrease, we may be limited in our ability to spend the capital necessary to complete our development, marketing and growth programs. We require additional financing, in addition to anticipated cash generated from our operations, to fund our working capital requirements. Additional financing might not be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If adequate funds were not available or were not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our operations, take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, develop or enhance our business or otherwise respond to competitive pressures would be significantly limited. In such a capital restricted situation, we may curtail our marketing, development, and operational activities or be forced to sell some of our assets on an untimely or unfavorable basis.
Our financial results may be affected by tariffs or border adjustment taxes or other import restrictions.
Our current backpack and apparel suppliers have facilities both in China and Mexico and the imposition of tariffs or border adjustment taxes may affect our financial results. The current political climate is hostile to companies manufacturing goods outside of the US. At the current manufacturing levels, it is impractical to seek manufacturing facilities in the United States as US manufacturers are unable to meet or even approach the cost of manufacturing small quantities of custom-made goods. We are in the process of locating an alternative supplier which will have the capacity to produce commercial volumes of our backpacks and apparel to meet our expected demands. However, we have not yet located a suitable supplier and, even if we are able to do so, there is no guarantee that our manufacturing process will scale to produce our products in quantities sufficient to meet demand.
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An inability to expand our e-commerce business and sales organization to effectively address existing and new markets that we intend to target could reduce our future growth and impact our business and operating results.
Consumers are increasingly purchasing products online. We operate a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store to maintain an online presence with our end users. The future success of our online operations depends on our ability to use our marketing resources to communicate with existing and potential customers. We face competitive pressure to offer promotional discounts, which could impact our gross margin and increase our marketing expenses. We are limited, however, in our ability to fully respond to competitor price discounting because we cannot market our products at prices that may produce adverse relationships with our customers that operate brick and mortar locations as they may perceive themselves to be at a disadvantage based on lower e-commerce pricing to end consumers. There is no assurance that we will be able to successfully expand our e-commerce business to respond to shifting consumer traffic patterns and direct-to-consumer buying trends.
In addition, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer operations are subject to numerous risks, including implementing and maintaining appropriate technology to support business strategies; reliance on third-party computer hardware/software and service providers; data breaches; violations of state, federal or international laws, including those relating to firearms and ammunition sales; online privacy; credit card fraud; telecommunication failures; electronic break-ins and similar disruptions; and disruption of Internet service. Our inability to adequately respond to these risks and uncertainties or to successfully maintain and expand our direct-to-consumer business may have an adverse impact on our business and operating results.
We sell products that create exposure to potential product liability, warranty liability, or personal injury claims and litigation.
Our products are used to store, in part, items that involve risk of personal injury and death. Our products expose us to potential product liability, warranty liability, and personal injury claims and litigation relating to the use or misuse of our products, including allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product or activities associated with the product, negligence, and strict liability. If successful, any such claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Defects in our products may result in a loss of sales, recall expenses, delay in market acceptance, and damage to our reputation and increased warranty costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Although we maintain product liability insurance in amounts that we believe are reasonable, we may not be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms, if at all, in the future and product liability claims may exceed the amount of insurance coverage. In addition, our reputation may be adversely affected by such claims, whether or not successful, including potential negative publicity about our products.
Despite our indebtedness levels, we are able to incur substantially more debt. This could further increase the risks associated with its leverage.
We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, although certain terms of current debt agreements prohibit us from doing so. To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness, the risks associated with its substantial indebtedness described above, including its possible inability to service its debt, will increase.
At this stage of our business operations, even with our good faith efforts, investors in our company may lose some or all of their investment.
Because the nature of our business is expected to change as a result of shifts in the industries in which we operate, competition, and the development of new and improved technology, management forecasts are not necessarily indicative of future operations and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Further, we have raised substantial debt and equity to fund our business operations, which to date have generated insufficient revenue to support our working capital needs.
While management believes its estimates of projected occurrences and events are within the timetable of its business plan, our actual results may differ substantially from those that are currently anticipated. If our revenues do not increase to a level to support our working capital needs, we will be forced to seek equity capital to fund our operations and repay our substantial debt balances, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
Product defects could adversely affect the results of our operations.
The design, manufacture and marketing of our products involve certain inherent risks. Manufacturing or design defects, unanticipated use of our products, or inadequate disclosure of risks relating to the use of our products can lead to injury or other adverse events. We may not properly anticipate customer applications of our products and our products may fail to survive such unanticipated customer use. If our products fail to adequately perform to meet the customer’s expectations, the customer may demand refunds or replacements which will negatively affect our profitability.
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We could be exposed to significant liability claims if we are unable to obtain insurance at acceptable costs and adequate levels or otherwise protect ourselves against potential product liability claims.
Our products support the use and access to firearms and if our products are ineffective, we could require protection against potential product liability claims.
We will not be profitable unless we can demonstrate that our products can be manufactured at low prices.
To date, we have manufactured our products in limited volume. As we create demand for our products, our projections require the benefit of volume discounts as we increase the size of our order. We can offer no assurance that either we or our manufacturing partners will develop efficient, automated, low-cost manufacturing capabilities and processes to meet the quality, price, engineering, design and production standards or production volumes required to successfully mass market our products. Even if we or our manufacturing partners are successful in developing such manufacturing capability and processes, we do not know whether we or they will be timely in meeting our product commercialization schedule or the production and delivery requirements of potential customers. A failure to develop such manufacturing processes and capabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Our profitability in part is dependent on material and other manufacturing costs. We are unable to offer any assurance that either we or a manufacturing partner will be able to reduce costs to a level that will allow production of a competitive product or that any product produced using lower cost materials and manufacturing processes will not suffer from a reduction in performance, reliability and longevity.
War, terrorism, other acts of violence or natural or manmade disasters such as a pandemic, epidemic, outbreak of an infectious disease or other public health crisis may affect the markets in which we operate, our customers, our delivery of products and customer service, and could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, or financial costs condition.
Our business and supply chain may be adversely affected by instability, disruption or destruction in a geographic region in which it operates, regardless of cause, including war, terrorism, riot, civil insurrection or social unrest, and natural or manmade disasters, including famine, food, fire, earthquake, storm or pandemic events and spread of disease (including the pandemics similar to the outbreak of COVID-19).
Such events may cause customers to suspend their decisions on using our products and services, make it impossible to access some of our inventory, and give rise to sudden significant changes in regional and global economic conditions and cycles that could interfere with purchases of goods or services and commitments to develop new products and services. These events pose significant risks to our personnel and to physical facilities, transportation and operations, which could materially adversely affect our financial results.
Any significant disruption to communications and travel, including travel restrictions and other potential protective quarantine measures against pandemics similar to COVID-19 or other public health crisis by governmental agencies, could make it difficult for us to deliver goods services to its customers. War, riots, or other disasters may increase the need for our products and demand by government and military may make it difficult for use to provide products to customers. Further, travel restrictions and protective measures against pandemics similar to COVID-19 could cause us to incur additional unexpected labor costs and expenses or could restrain our ability to retain the highly skilled personnel we need for our operations. Due to the substantial uncertainty related to the effects of the pandemic, its duration and the related market impacts, including the economic stimulus activity, we are unable to predict the specific impact the pandemic and related restrictions (including the lifting or re-imposing of restrictions due to the Omicron variant or otherwise) will have on our results of operations, liquidity or long-term financial results.
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The costs of being a public company could result in us being unable to continue as a going concern.
As a public company, we are required to comply with numerous financial reporting and legal requirements, including those pertaining to audits and internal control. The costs of maintaining public company reporting requirements could be significant and may preclude us from seeking financing or equity investment on terms acceptable to us and our stockholders. We estimate these costs to be in excess of $1,000,000 per year and may be higher if our business volume or business activity increases significantly. Our current estimate of costs does not include the necessary expenses associated with compliance, documentation and specific reporting requirements of Section 404 as we will not be subject to the full reporting requirements of Section 404 until we exceed $700 million in public float market capitalization.
If our revenues are insufficient or non-existent, or we cannot satisfy many of these costs through the issuance of shares or debt, we may be unable to satisfy these costs in the normal course of business. This would certainly result in our being unable to continue as a going concern.
Any acquisitions that we potentially undertake will involve significant risks, and any acquisitions that we undertake in the future could disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value, and harm our operating results.
Part of our growth strategy is to expand our operations through strategic acquisitions to enhance existing products and offer new products, enter new markets and businesses, strengthen and avoid interruption from our supply chain, and enhance our position in current markets and businesses. Acquisitions involve significant risks and uncertainties. We cannot accurately predict the timing, size, and success of any future acquisitions. We may be unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates or to complete the acquisitions of candidates that we identify. Increased competition for acquisition candidates or increased asking prices by acquisition candidates may increase purchase prices for acquisitions to levels beyond our financial capability or to levels that would not result in the returns required by our acquisition criteria. Unforeseen expenses, difficulties, and delays frequently encountered in connection with expansion through acquisitions could inhibit our growth and negatively impact our operating results.
Our ability to complete acquisitions that we desire to make will depend upon various factors, including the following:
● | the availability of suitable acquisition candidates at attractive purchase prices; | |
● | the ability to compete effectively for available acquisition opportunities; | |
● | the availability of cash resources, borrowing capacity, or stock at favorable price levels to provide required purchase prices in acquisitions; | |
● | the ability of management to devote sufficient attention to acquisition efforts; and | |
● | the ability to obtain any requisite governmental or other approvals. |
We may have little or no experience with certain acquired businesses, which could involve significantly different supply chains, production techniques, customers, and competitive factors than our current business. This lack of experience would require us to rely to a great extent on the management teams of these acquired businesses. These acquisitions could require us to make significant investments in systems, equipment, facilities, and personnel in anticipation of growth. These costs could be essential to implement our growth strategy in supporting our expanded activities and resulting corporate structure changes. We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as we expand into these new markets within the time frames we expect, if at all. If we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as we expand into these new markets, or do not achieve them within the time frames we expect, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Unforeseen expenses, difficulties, and delays frequently encountered in connection with future acquisitions could inhibit our growth and negatively impact our profitability. Any future acquisitions may not meet our strategic objectives or perform as anticipated. In addition, the size, timing, and success of any future acquisitions may cause substantial fluctuations in our operating results from quarter to quarter. These interim fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
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If we finance any future acquisitions in whole or in part through the issuance of common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock, existing stockholders will experience dilution in the voting power of their common stock and earnings per share could be negatively impacted. The extent to which we will be able or willing to use our common stock for acquisitions will depend on the market price of our common stock from time-to-time and the willingness of potential acquisition candidates to accept our common stock as full or partial consideration for the sale of their businesses. Our inability to use our common stock as consideration, to generate cash from operations, or to obtain additional funding through debt or equity financings to pursue an acquisition could limit our growth.
We may not be able to successfully fund future acquisitions of new businesses due to the lack of availability of debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, which could impede the implementation of our acquisition strategy and materially adversely impact our financial condition, business and results of operations.
In order to make future acquisitions, we intend to raise capital primarily through debt financing, additional equity offerings, the sale of stock or assets of our businesses, and by offering equity in the businesses to the sellers of target businesses or by undertaking a combination of any of the above. Since the timing and size of acquisitions cannot be readily predicted, we may need to be able to obtain funding on short notice to benefit fully from attractive acquisition opportunities. Such funding may not be available on acceptable terms. In addition, the level of our indebtedness may impact our ability to borrow funds on acceptable terms. Another source of capital for us may be the sale of additional shares of common stock, subject to market conditions and investor demand for the shares at prices that we consider to be in the interests of our stockholders. These risks may materially adversely affect our ability to pursue our acquisition strategy successfully and materially adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
The industries in which we operate are competitive, price sensitive and subject to risks of governmental regulations or laws. If our competitors are better able to develop and market products that are more effective, less costly, easier to use, or are otherwise more attractive, we may be unable to compete effectively with other companies.
The safe and personal security industry is characterized by intense competition. We will face competition on the basis of product features, reliability, price, apparent value, and other factors. Competitors may include large safe makers and other companies, some of which have significantly greater financial and marketing resources than we do, and firms that are more specialized than we are with respect to particular markets. Our competition may respond more quickly to new or emerging styles, undertake more extensive marketing campaigns, have greater financial, marketing and other resources than ours or may be more successful in attracting potential customers, employees and strategic partners.
Our industry could experience greater scrutiny and regulation by governmental authorities, which may lead to greater governmental regulation in the future.
The rapidly growing interest in new concealed carry products that this rapidly growing market may attract the attention of government regulators and legislators. The current trend in legislation is to roll back or minimize access to firearms restrictions, but there can be no assurance that this trend will continue.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR LEGAL AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Failure to comply with applicable laws and changing legal and regulatory requirements could harm our business and financial results.
Our policies and procedures are reasonably designed to comply with applicable laws, accounting and reporting requirements, tax rules and other regulations and requirements, including those imposed by the SEC, and foreign countries, as well as applicable trade, labor, safety, environmental, labeling and gun safety related laws, such as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act as well as state laws. The complexity of the regulatory environment in which we operate and the related cost of compliance are both increasing due to additional or changing legal and regulatory requirements, our ongoing expansion into new markets and new channels, and the fact that foreign laws occasionally conflict with domestic laws. In addition to potential damage to our reputation and brand, failure by us or our business partners to comply with the various applicable laws and regulations, as well as changes in laws and regulations or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied, may result in litigation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, increased cost of regulatory compliance and restatements of our financial statements and have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
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Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we continue to have net operating loss carryforwards, or “NOLs”, for federal and state income tax purposes of $64,393,753 and $46,789,389, respectively, which begin to expire in 2032. Net operating loss carryforwards are available to reduce future taxable income. Federal net operating losses generated before 2018 will begin to expire in 2032. Federal net operating losses generated in and after 2018 may be carried forward indefinitely. The expiration of state NOL carryforwards vary by state and begin to expire in 2024. It is possible that we will not generate sufficient taxable income in time to use the NOLs before their expiration, or at all. Under Section 382 and Section 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change NOLs and other tax attributes to offset its post-change income may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” will occur if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by “5 percent (and greater than 5 percent) stockholders” that exceeds 50 percentage points or more in change over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. Our ability to use NOLs and other tax attributes to reduce future taxable income and liabilities may be subject to annual limitations as a result of prior ownership changes and ownership changes that may occur in the future (which may be outside our control).
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or the Tax Act, as amended by the CARES Act, NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, are subject to an 80% of taxable income limitation (as calculated before taking the NOLs into account). In addition, NOLs arising in tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020 were subject to a five-year carryback along with an indefinite carryforward, while NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2020, are subject to indefinite carryforward but cannot be carried back. Our NOLs may be subject to limitations in other jurisdictions. For example, California recently enacted legislation suspending the use of NOLs for tax years 2020, 2021, and 2022 for many taxpayers. In future years, if and when a net deferred tax asset is recognized related to our NOLs, the changes in the carryforward/carryback periods as well as new limitations on use of NOLs may significantly impact our valuation allowance assessments for NOLs generated after December 31, 2017.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, we may lose a competitive advantage or incur substantial litigation costs to protect our rights.
Our future success depends upon our proprietary technology. Our protective measures, including patent and trade secret protection, may prove inadequate to protect our proprietary rights. The right to stop others from misusing our trademarks, service marks, and patents in commerce depends to some extent on our ability to show evidence of enforcement of our rights against such misuse in commerce. Our efforts to stop improper use, if insufficient, may lead to loss of trademark and service mark rights, brand loyalty, and notoriety among our customers and prospective customers. The scope of any patent that we have or may obtain may not prevent others from developing and selling competing products. The validity and breadth of claims covered in technology patents involve complex legal and factual questions, and the resolution of such claims may be highly uncertain, and expensive. In addition, our patents may be held invalid upon challenge, or others may claim rights in or ownership of our patents. Company owned trademarks are listed under the heading Intellectual Property.
We are subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 15(d) and 12(g) of the Exchange Act that require us to incur audit fees and legal fees in connection with the preparation of such reports. These additional costs could reduce or eliminate our ability to earn a profit.
We are required to file periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. In order to comply with these requirements, our independent registered public accounting firm will have to review our financial statements on a quarterly basis and audit our financial statements on an annual basis. Moreover, our legal counsel will have to review and assist in the preparation of such reports. The costs charged by these professionals for such services cannot be accurately predicted at this time because factors such as the number and type of transactions that we engage in, and the complexity of our reports cannot be determined at this time and will affect the amount of time to be spent by our auditors and attorneys. However, the incurrence of such costs will obviously be an expense to our operations and thus have a negative effect on our ability to meet our overhead requirements and earn a profit.
However, for as long as we remain a smaller reporting company as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, reduced financial statement disclosure in registration statements, which must include two years of audited financial statements, reduced financial statement disclosure in annual reports on Form 10-K, and exemptions from the auditor attestation of management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer a smaller reporting company.
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If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our common stock, could drop significantly.
We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting which could, if not remediated, result in material misstatements in our financial statements.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. As disclosed in Item 9A, management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting related to the financial reporting cycle.
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result of our material weaknesses, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective. Management has developed a remediation plan in response to the material weakness identified. During 2024, management added additional experienced accounting personnel and continued to leverage external accounting resources to strengthen the financial close and reporting process so as to more effectively detect such misstatements in a more timely fashion. The Company intends to continue strengthening its internal resources while utilizing an external consulting firm to support public reporting requirements. This remediation plan is intended to address the identified material weaknesses and enhance our overall control environment.
Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting have previously required us to restate our financial statements and if our remedial measures are insufficient to address the material weaknesses, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control are discovered or occur in the future, our Consolidated Financial Statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to restate our financial results. We can give no assurance that the measures we have taken and plan to take in the future will remediate the material weakness identified or that any additional material weaknesses or restatements of financial results will not arise in the future due to a failure to implement and maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting or circumvention of these controls. In addition, even if we are successful in strengthening our controls and procedures, in the future those controls and procedures may not be adequate to prevent or identify irregularities or errors or to facilitate the fair presentation of our financial statements.
We may face litigation and other risks as a result of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
The Company previously restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. As a result of material weaknesses that we identified in our internal control over financial reporting, the associated restatement, we may be subject to potential litigation or other disputes which may include, among others, claims invoking the federal and state securities laws, contractual claims or other claims arising from the restatement and material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements. We can provide no assurance that such litigation or dispute will not arise in the future. Any such litigation or dispute, whether successful or not, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
RISKS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES
Stockholders’ voting power and ownership interest may be diluted significantly through our efforts to obtain financing and satisfy obligations through issuance of additional shares.
Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue up to 600,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which we have designated 150,000 shares as Series A – Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) (124,812 of which were issued to three members of management, Messrs. Charles A. Ross, Jr., Doug E. Grau and Corey Lambrecht), and have superior voting rights of 1,000 to 1 over shares of our common stock, resulting in over 98% of the available stockholder votes, and are convertible (subject to vesting requirements) at a ratio of 500 to 1 into shares of common stock. The power of the board of directors to issue shares of common stock, preferred stock, warrants or options to purchase shares of common stock or preferred stock is generally not subject to stockholder approval, except for issuances of more than 20% of the company’s outstanding common stock or its voting power. The Series A Preferred Stock was issued prior to these shareholder approval limitations.
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While we have completed several capital raises utilizing multiple financial institutions, we may attempt to raise additional capital by returning to the market to sell shares of common or preferred stock, possibly at a deep discount to the market price of our common stock. These actions may result in dilution of the ownership interests and voting power of existing stockholders, further dilute common stock book value, and may delay, defer or prevent a change of control. While we are currently in a capital raise utilizing our Series C and D Preferred Stock, we do not believe that the terms of the offering are at a deep discount.
Additionally, other series of preferred stock, besides our Series C and D Preferred Stock, currently being offered, may carry the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock, superior voting or conversion rights and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock.
Our board of directors has the authority, without stockholder approval, to issue additional series of preferred stock with terms that may not be beneficial to Common Stockholders and with the ability to affect adversely stockholder voting power and perpetuate their control over us.
Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation allow us to issue shares of preferred stock without any vote or further action by our stockholders. Our board of directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. As a result, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock.
Our common stock may be affected by limited trading volume and our share price may be volatile, which could adversely impact the value of our common stock.
There can be no assurance that an active trading market in our common stock can be maintained. Our common stock is likely to experience significant price and volume fluctuations in the future, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance and the market price of our common stock may drop below the price paid by investors. In addition, we believe that factors such as our operating results, quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and changes in the overall economy or the condition of the financial markets could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations may also cause short sellers to periodically enter the market in the belief that we will have poor results in the future. We cannot predict the actions of market participants and, therefore, can offer no assurances that the market for our common stock will be stable or appreciate over time.
Short sellers of our common stock may drive down the market price of our common stock.
Short selling is the practice of selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has borrowed or intends to borrow from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities at a later date to return to the lender. A short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the sale. As it is therefore in the short seller’s interest for the price of the stock to decline, some short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, opinions or characterizations regarding the relevant issuer, its business prospects and similar matters calculated to or which may create negative market momentum, which may permit them to obtain profits for themselves as a result of selling the stock short. Issuers whose securities have historically had limited trading volumes and/or have been susceptible to relatively high volatility levels can be particularly vulnerable to such short seller attacks.
The publication of any such commentary regarding us by a short seller may bring about a temporary, or possibly long term, decline in the market price of our common stock. No assurances can be made that we will not become a target of such commentary and declines in the market price of our common stock will not occur in the future, in connection with such commentary by short sellers or otherwise.
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We may not be able to maintain a listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
We must meet certain financial and liquidity criteria to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq. If we violate the Nasdaq’s listing requirements or fail to meet its listing standards, our common stock may be delisted. In addition, our board of directors may determine that the cost of maintaining our listing on a national securities exchange outweighs the benefits of such listing. A delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq may materially impair our stockholders’ ability to buy and sell our common stock and could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the efficiency of the trading market for, our common stock. The delisting of our common stock could significantly impair our ability to raise capital and the value of your investment.
On February 28, 2024 the Company received a written notice from Nasdaq stating that because the Company has not yet held an annual meeting of shareholders within 12 months of the end of the Company’s 2022 fiscal year end, it no longer complies with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(a) for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The Company had until April 15, 2024, which was 45 days from the date of the notice, to submit a plan to regain compliance and, if Nasdaq accepted the plan, it may grant an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the fiscal year end, or until June 28, 2024, to regain compliance. The Company held its annual meeting of stockholders on June 27, 2024, thereby regaining compliance with the Nasdaq annual meeting requirement.
As previously disclosed, on April 23, 2024, the Company received notice from Nasdaq indicating that, while the Company had not regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement, Nasdaq had determined that the Company was eligible for an additional 180-day period, or until October 21, 2024, to regain compliance. On October 2, 2024, the Company effectuated a 1-for-9 reverse stock split, which resulted in its stock price increasing above the Bid Price Requirement. On October 16, 2024, the Company received a written notification from Nasdaq indicating that, as of October 15, 2024, the Company had regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement.
On November 22, 2024, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq indicating that, as a result of not having timely filed the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules which require timely filing of periodic reports with the SEC. Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company has until January 21, 2025 to submit a plan to regain compliance. If the plan is accepted, an extension may be granted of up to 180 calendar days from the due date of the Initial Delinquent Filing, or May 19, 2025, to regain compliance. The Company submitted a compliance plan on January 20, 2025 and filed its Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024 on February 7, 2025. On February 10, 2025, the Company received a written notification from the Staff indicating that the Company had regained compliance with the periodic filing requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rules
On February 19, 2025, the Company received a notification letter Nasdaq stating that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) because the stockholders’ equity of the Company as of September 30, 2024, as reported in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 7, 2025, was below the minimum requirement of $2,500,000 (the “Stockholders’ Equity Requirement”). The Notification Letter has no immediate effect on the Company’s continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, subject to the Company’s compliance with the other continued listing requirements. Pursuant to Nasdaq’s Listing Rules, the Company has 45 calendar days (until April 7, 2025), to submit a plan to evidence compliance with the Rule (a “Compliance Plan”). The Company intends to submit a Compliance Plan within the required time, although there can be no assurance that the Compliance Plan will be accepted by Nasdaq. If the Compliance Plan is accepted by Nasdaq, the Company will be granted an extension of up to 180 calendar days from February 19, 2025 to evidence compliance with the Rule. In the event the Compliance Plan is not accepted by Nasdaq, or in the event the Compliance Plan is accepted but the Company fails to evidence compliance within the extension period, the Company will have the right to a hearing before Nasdaq’s Hearing Panel. The hearing request would stay any suspension or delisting action pending the conclusion of the hearing process and the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the panel following the hearing. The Company submitted the Compliance Plan on April 7, 2025, will continue to monitor its stockholders’ equity and, if appropriate, consider further available options to evidence compliance with the Stockholders’ Equity Requirement.
There can be no assurance as to whether the Company will remain compliant with the Nasdaq Listing Rules. A delisting of our Common Stock from Nasdaq (whether or not our Common Stock is subsequently listed on any of the marketplaces of the OTC Markets Group (the “OTC Markets”) thereafter) could have significant adverse impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by, among other things: reducing the liquidity, public float and market price of our Common Stock; reducing the number of investors, including institutional investors, willing to hold or acquire our Common Stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity; decreasing the amount of news and analyst coverage relating to us; limiting our ability to issue additional securities, obtain additional financing or pursue strategic restructuring, refinancing or other transactions; and impacting our reputation and, as a consequence, our ability to attract new business. In addition, the delisting of our Common Stock from Nasdaq could constitute a breach of many of our existing material arrangements (whether or not our Common Stock is subsequently listed on any of the OTC Markets), including the terms of our credit facilities and the terms of our various debt instruments. If a delisting of our Common Stock were to cause us to violate our obligations under our credit facilities or debt instruments, such occurrence could trigger an event of default, which could have significant adverse impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
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If our Common Stock were to be delisted from Nasdaq, we intend to take actions to apply for listing the Company’s Common Stock on one of the OTC Markets. However, we understand that to be eligible for quotation on certain of the OTC Market, issuers must remain current in their filings with the SEC. In addition, even if our Common Stock is listed on the OTC Markets, the OTC Markets are generally regarded as a less efficient trading market than Nasdaq, and being listed on the OTC Markets may not resolve any breaches that may arise under our existing material arrangements, and thus many of the same risks described above would still apply.
Warrants are speculative in nature.
The common stock warrants (“Warrants”) included in our various public and private offerings do not confer any rights of common stock ownership on their holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of our common stock at a fixed price for a limited period of time. Specifically, commencing on the date of issuance, holders of the Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the common stock and pay an exercise price of per share, prior to five years from the date of issuance, after which date any unexercised Warrants will expire and have no further value. Until holders of the Warrants acquire common stock upon exercise of the Warrants, the holders will have no rights with respect to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. Upon exercise of the Warrants, the holder will be entitled to exercise the rights of a Stockholder as to the security exercised only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise. Moreover, the market value of the Warrants is uncertain and there can be no assurance that the market value of the Warrants will equal or exceed their public offering price. There can be no assurance that the market price of the common stock will ever equal or exceed the exercise price of the Warrants, and consequently, whether it will ever be profitable for holders of the Warrants to exercise the Warrants.
Provisions of the Warrants sold in our public and private offerings could discourage an acquisition of us by a third party.
In addition to the discussion of the provisions of our governing organizational documents, certain provisions of the Warrants offered in our various public and private offerings could make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire us. The Warrants prohibit us from engaging in certain transactions constituting “fundamental transactions” unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the Warrants. These and other provisions of the Warrants could prevent or deter a third party from acquiring us even where the acquisition could be beneficial to our stockholders.
Our executive officers and directors, and their affiliated entities, although they own an insignificant percentage of our common stock, hold super voting preferred stock will allow them to be able to exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval.
Our executive officers and directors beneficially own only approximately 1% of our common stock. However, as referenced above, we issued 124,812 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock to three members of our executive management team, Messrs. Charles A. Ross, Jr., Corey Lambrecht and Doug E. Grau, which have superior voting rights of 1,000 to 1 over shares of our common stock, resulting in over 98% of the current available stockholder votes. In addition, these shares are able to be converted into shares of common stock at a rate of 1 share of Series A Preferred Stock into 500 shares of common stock over a three to five-year period under certain circumstances.
Accordingly, these stockholders who are members of management may, as a practical matter, continue to be able to control the election of a majority of our directors and the determination of all corporate actions after these offerings and any future offerings. This concentration of ownership could delay or prevent a change in control of us.
Certain provisions of our second amended and restated articles of incorporation may make it more difficult for a third party to effect a change-of-control.
Our second amended and restated articles of incorporation authorizes our Board to issue up to a certain number of shares of preferred stock. The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by our Board without further action by the stockholders. These terms may include voting rights including the right to vote as a series on particular matters, preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion rights, redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. The issuance of any preferred stock could diminish the rights of holders of existing shares, and therefore could reduce the value of such shares. In addition, specific rights granted to future holders of preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell assets to, a third party. The ability of our Board to issue preferred stock could make it more difficult, delay, discourage, prevent or make it costlier to acquire or effect a change-in-control, which in turn could prevent our stockholders from recognizing a gain in the event that a favorable offer is extended and could materially and negatively affect the value of our securities.
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We do not anticipate that we will pay dividends on our common stock and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock at any time in the foreseeable future. The future payment of dividends directly depends upon our future earnings, capital requirements, financial requirements and other factors that our board of directors will consider. Since we do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock, return on your investment, if any, will depend solely on an increase, if any, in the market value of our common stock.
We are a smaller reporting company and will be exempt from certain disclosure requirements, which could make our common stock less attractive to potential investors.
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act defines a “smaller reporting company” as an issuer that is not an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent that is not a smaller reporting company and that:
● | had a public float of less than $250 million as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter, computed by multiplying the aggregate worldwide number of shares of its voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates by the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average of the bid and asked prices of common equity, in the principal market for the common equity; or |
● | in the case of an initial registration statement under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act for shares of its common equity, had a public float of less than $250 million as of a date within 30 days of the date of the filing of the registration statement, computed by multiplying the aggregate worldwide number of such shares held by non-affiliates before the registration plus, in the case of a Securities Act registration statement, the number of such shares included in the registration statement by the estimated public offering price of the shares; or |
● | in the case of an issuer whose public float as calculated under paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition was zero or whose public float was less than $700 million, had annual revenues of less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year for which audited financial statements are available. |
If a company determines that it does not qualify for smaller reporting company status because it exceeded one or more of the above thresholds, it will remain unqualified unless when making its annual determination it meets certain alternative threshold requirements which will be lower than the above thresholds if its prior public float or prior annual revenues exceed certain thresholds.
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis section in our proxy statements; we may provide only two years of financial statements; and we need not provide the table of selected financial data. We will also be exempt from certain greenhouse gas emissions disclosure and related third-party assurance requirements. We also have other “scaled” disclosure requirements that are less comprehensive than issuers that are not smaller reporting companies which could make our common stock less attractive to potential investors, which could make it more difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
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● | Monitor emerging data protection laws in conjunction with our advisors and implement changes to our processes to comply; |
● | Maintain firewall and virus protection software, and 2FA logins to servers; and |
● | Seek to obtain a cybersecurity insurance policy where necessary. |
Our
processes also include assessing cybersecurity threat risks associated with our use of third-party service providers in normal course
of business use. Third-party risks are included within our cybersecurity risk management processes discussed above. In addition, we assess
cybersecurity considerations in the selection and
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
American Rebel and Champion Safe Facilities
Headquarters for the Champion Entities (Champion, Superior and Safe Guard) are located in Provo, Utah. These entities lease the following locations:
Location | Square Feet | Use | Lessee | Lease Expiration |
|||||
2055 S. Tracy Hall Parkway Provo, Utah 84606** |
20,000 | Manufacturing | December 31, 2025 | ||||||
2813 S Sierra Vista Way, Provo, Utah 84606* | 8,000 | Executive Offices and Factory Sales Outlet | December 31, 2027 | ||||||
2813 S Sierra Vista Way, Suite 2 Provo, Utah 84606 |
16,000 | Warehouse | December 31, 2027 | ||||||
Champion Safe | |||||||||
792 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 102 Gilbert, Arizona 85233 |
2,600 | Retail Sales | Company, Inc. | June 30, 2026 | |||||
17455 N. Black Canyon Highway Phoenix, Arizona 85023 |
2,400 | Retail Sales | February 28, 2025 | ||||||
9802 N. 91st Avenue, Suite 108 Peoria, Arizona 85345 |
3,907 | Warehouse and Retail Sales | April 30, 2025 | ||||||
Av. Alvaro Obregon 6745, California, 84065 Nogales, Sonora, Mexico | 73,659 | Manufacturing | Champion Safe De Mexico, S.A. DE C.V. | August 31, 2029 | |||||
8500 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66214 | 15,800 | Warehouse and Retail Sales | American Rebel, Inc. | July 31, 2028 | |||||
5115 Maryland Way, Suite 303 and 304, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 | >1,000 | Conference room and private office | American Rebel, Inc. | October 31, 2025 |
** Leased from Utah–Tennessee Holding Company, LLC, a company owned by former Champion founder, owner and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Crosby.
* Leased from Champion Holdings, LLC, a company owned by former Champion founder, owner and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Crosby.
As part of the acquisition of the Champion Entities, several long-term leases were held with the Seller, Mr. Crosby through his ownership in two limited liability companies. These long-term leases were considered fair value as Mr. Crosby provided rental space at what was deemed market value or what could have been negotiated in an arm’s length transaction. Please review the footnotes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosure on the leases the Company is obligated to the Seller of the Champion Entities.
Recently the Company and Mr. Crosby, through his limited liability companies, entered into several short-term extensions on the leased properties. With the extensions of the leases the Company and the limited liability companies generally increased the base rent to be paid by an average of 10% due to inflation. The Company negotiated these extensions and other terms in an arm’s length manner.
The Company believes these facilities are currently adequate for its needs, including providing the space and infrastructure to accommodate its development work based on its operating plans. For the foreseeable future, the Company may lease or license additional facilities for manufacturing, corporate offices and other functions. The Company believes that suitable facilities will be available on commercially reasonable terms to accommodate the foreseeable expansion of our operations and warehousing requirements.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm business.
Liberty Safe
On July 23, 2024, the Company received notice of a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah by Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc. (“Liberty”), in connection with the marketing and sale of the Company’s and its subsidiaries, Champion Safe Company, Inc., line of safe products. As of the date of this Report, the complaint has not been served on the Company or Champion Safe. In the complaint, Liberty alleges trademark infringement as a result of the purported use of the term “Freedom” in the sale of safes, federal false designation of origin and unfair competition, violation of Utah deceptive trade practices, Utah unfair competition, and damages to Liberty. Management believes that this lawsuit is without merit; however has initiated settlement discussions with Liberty and anticipates an amicable settlement to be forthcoming. At this time, Management does not believe a settlement with Liberty will have a material effect on its business or financial condition.
Bank of America
As reported by the Company in the Form 8-K dated August 7, 2024, during February 2023, the Company entered into a $2 million master credit agreement (credit facility) with Bank of America. The credit facility is secured by all the assets of the Company’s Champion subsidiaries and guaranteed by the Company, the Champion subsidiaries and the Company’s CEO. The Line of Credit expired on February 28, 2024, but the Company and Champion Safe Company have been actively working with the bank to extend or modify the credit facility. Despite being current on all payments under the credit facility and actively working with the bank for a long-term solution to repay the credit facility, on July 25, 2024, Champion Safe Company received a notice of default and demand for payment from the bank. On March 21, 2025, Bank of America filed a complaint in the Fourth Judicial District Court in and for Utah County, State of Utah (Case No. 250401345) against the Company and its subsidiaries (Champion Safe Company, Inc., American Rebel, Inc., Superior Safe Co., L.L.C. and Safe Guard Security Products LC) alleging four causes of action related to the credit facility: (i) Breach of the Loan Documents – Champion Safe; (ii) Breach of the Loan Documents – Guarantors (the Company, American Rebel, Inc., Superior Safe Co., L.L.C. and Safe Guard Security Products LC); (iii) Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing – all parties; and (iv) Unjust Enrichment – Champion Safe. The Company plans to defend the complaint, while continuing to work with Bank of American on a settlement.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Reverse Stock Splits
On October 2, 2024, the Company effectuated a 1-for-9 reverse stock split.
On March 31, 2025, the Company effectuated a 1-for-25 reverse stock split.
The share numbers and pricing information in this report are adjusted to reflect the reverse stock splits.
Market for our Common Stock and certain Common Stock Purchase Warrants
Our common stock and certain existing warrants are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “AREB” and “AREBW,” respectively.
On April 8, 2025, the closing price of shares of common stock of the Company was $9.10. Our common stock has been quite volatile over the past two years, with significant fluctuations in volume and price.
Nasdaq Deficiency Notices
On February 28, 2024 the Registrant received a written notice from the Listing Qualifications department of The Nasdaq Stock Market stating that because the Company has not yet held an annual meeting of shareholders within 12 months of the end of the Company’s 2022 fiscal year end, it no longer complies with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(a) for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The Company had until April 15, 2024, which was 45 days from the date of the notice, to submit a plan to regain compliance and, if Nasdaq accepted the plan, it may grant an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the fiscal year end, or until June 28, 2024, to regain compliance. The Company held its annual meeting of stockholders on June 27, 2024, thereby regaining compliance with the Nasdaq annual meeting requirement.
On April 23, 2024, the Company received notice from Nasdaq indicating that, while the Company has not regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement, Nasdaq has determined that the Company is eligible for an additional 180-day period, or until October 21, 2024, to regain compliance. On October 16, 2024, the Company received a written notification from Nasdaq indicating that, as of October 15, 2024, the Company had regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement.
On November 22, 2024, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq indicating that, as a result of not having timely filed the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules which require timely filing of periodic reports with the SEC. Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company has until January 21, 2025 to submit a plan to regain compliance. If the plan is accepted, an extension may be granted of up to 180 calendar days from the due date of the Initial Delinquent Filing, or May 19, 2025, to regain compliance. The Company submitted a compliance plan on January 20, 2025 and filed its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 on February 7, 2025. On February 10, 2025, the Company received a written notification from the Staff indicating that the Company had regained compliance with the periodic filing requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rules.
On February 19, 2025, the Company received a notification letter Nasdaq stating that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) because the stockholders’ equity of the Company as of September 30, 2024, as reported in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 7, 2025, was below the minimum requirement of $2,500,000 (the “Stockholders’ Equity Requirement”). The Notification Letter has no immediate effect on the Company’s continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, subject to the Company’s compliance with the other continued listing requirements. Pursuant to Nasdaq’s Listing Rules, the Company has 45 calendar days (until April 7, 2025), to submit a plan to evidence compliance with the Rule (a “Compliance Plan”). The Company intends to submit a Compliance Plan within the required time, although there can be no assurance that the Compliance Plan will be accepted by Nasdaq. If the Compliance Plan is accepted by Nasdaq, the Company will be granted an extension of up to 180 calendar days from February 19, 2025 to evidence compliance with the Rule. In the event the Compliance Plan is not accepted by Nasdaq, or in the event the Compliance Plan is accepted but the Company fails to evidence compliance within the extension period, the Company will have the right to a hearing before Nasdaq’s Hearing Panel. The hearing request would stay any suspension or delisting action pending the conclusion of the hearing process and the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the panel following the hearing. The Company submitted the Compliance Plan on April 7, 2025, will continue to monitor its stockholders’ equity and, if appropriate, consider further available options to evidence compliance with the Stockholders’ Equity Requirement.
Stockholders of Record
As of April 8, 2025, an aggregate of 1,026,767 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding.
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Dividends
We have not since December 15, 2014 (date of inception) declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and currently do not anticipate paying such cash dividends. We currently anticipate that we will retain all of our future earnings for use in the development and expansion of our business and for general corporate purposes. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, tax laws and other factors as the board, in its discretion, deems relevant.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
On January 1, 2021, our Board approved the establishment of the 2021 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). The LTIP is intended to enable us to continue to attract able directors, employees, and consultants and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities rest for successful administration and management of the Company, and whose present and potential contributions are of importance, can acquire and maintain common stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for our welfare. The aggregate maximum number of shares of common stock (including shares underlying options) that may be issued under the LTIP pursuant to awards of Restricted Shares or Options will be limited to 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock, which calculation shall be made on the first trading day of each new fiscal year. For fiscal year 2024, up to 23,520 shares of common stock were available for participants under the LTIP. For fiscal year 2025, up to 7,652 shares of common stock are available for participants under the LTIP. The number of shares of common stock that are the subject of awards under the LTIP which are forfeited or terminated, are settled in cash in lieu of shares of common stock or in a manner such that all or some of the shares covered by an award are not issued to a participant or are exchanged for awards that do not involve shares will again immediately become available to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the LTIP. If shares of common stock are withheld from payment of an award to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the award, those shares of common stock will be treated as shares that have been issued under the LTIP and will not again be available for issuance under the LTIP. We did not grant or issue any shares of common stock under the LTIP for fiscal year 2024.
On April 2, 2025, Company’s board of directors approved the establishment of a 2025 Stock Incentive Plan (the “SIP”). The SIP is intended to enable the Company to continue to attract able employees and consultants and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities rest for growth of the Company, and whose present and potential contributions are of importance, can acquire and maintain Common Stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the Company’s welfare. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock (including shares underlying options) that may be issued under the SIP pursuant to past or future awards of Restricted Shares, Shares underlying the conversion of currently outstanding preferred stock issued for services or Options will be limited to 500,000 shares of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock that are the subject of awards under the SIP which are forfeited or terminated, are settled in cash in lieu of shares of Common Stock or in a manner such that all or some of the shares covered by an award are not issued to a participant or are exchanged for awards that do not involve shares will again immediately become available to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the SIP. If shares of Common Stock are withheld from payment of an award to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the award, those shares of Common Stock will be treated as shares that have been issued under the SIP and will not again be available for issuance under the SIP. A copy of the SIP is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.67.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On October 1, 2024, the Company issued 53,334 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred stock, valued at $7.50 per share, to a lender pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement.
On October 1, 2024, the Company sold 31,500 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, for $7.50 per share for total proceeds to the Company of $236,250, to two accredited investors.
On October 2, 2024, the Company effectuated a 1-for-9 reverse stock split.
On October 23, 2024, the Company issued 2,280 shares of common stock, valued at $68.75 per share, and a three-year pre-funded warrant to purchase 19,442 shares of common stock at $0.25 per share, valued at $68.50 per share to the Investor pursuant to the terms of a securities exchange agreement.
On October 14, 2024, the Company issued 2,427 shares of common stock upon conversion of 12,134 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to an accredited investor.
On October 30, 2024, the Company entered into a $420,000 Note with a third-party Lender. In addition to the Note, the Company issued the Lender a five-year common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 2,887 shares of Common Stock at $145.50 per share. The Company granted piggyback registration rights to the Lender on the shares of common stock underlying the warrant and the shares of common stock potentially issuable upon default of the Note. On December 31, 2024, the Company and Lender entered into an amendment to the Note, which included a provision to reduce the exercise price of the warrant to $87.50 per share.
On November 1, 2024, the Company authorized the issuance of 2,272 shares of common stock to an accredited investor upon the partial exercise of a prefunded warrant on a cashless basis.
On November 7, 2024, the Company authorized the issuance of 2,872 shares of common stock to an accredited investor upon the partial exercise of a prefunded warrant on a cashless basis.
On November 11, 2024, the Company exchanged $150,469.11 of an assigned note portion for 3,145 shares of the Company’s common stock as a 3(a)(9) exchange.
On November 11, 2024, the Company entered into a $400,000 twelve-month promissory note with an accredited investor. An original issue discount of $80,000 was applied on the issuance date and was paid through the issuance of 1,071 shares of the Company’s common stock, resulting in net loan proceeds to the Company of $320,000.
On November 11, 2024, the Company authorized the issuance of 1,760 shares of common stock to Charles A. Ross, Jr., the Company’s CEO and Chairman, upon the conversion of 88 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
On December 13, 2024, the Company entered into a three-month promissory note with an accredited investor in the principal amount of $213,715. An original issue discount of $63,715 was applied on the issuance date and was paid through the issuance of 1,474 shares of the Company’s common stock, resulting in net loan proceeds to the Company of $150,000.
On December 29, 2024, the Company authorized the issuance of 2,000 shares of common stock to Corey Lambrecht, the Company’s COO and a director, upon the conversion of 100 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
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On December 26, 2024, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Stipulation (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Silverback Capital Corporation (“SCC”) to settle outstanding claims owed to SCC. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, SCC has agreed to purchase certain outstanding payables between the Company and designated vendors of the Company totaling $1,843,595.18 (the “Payables”) and will exchange such Payables for a settlement amount payable in shares of common stock of the Company (the “Settlement Shares”). The Settlement Shares shall be priced at 75% of the average of the three lowest traded prices during the five trading day period prior to a share request, which is subject to a floor price. On January 6, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 3,120 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $99,645, plus 600 shares of Common Stock as a settlement fee.
Repurchase of Equity Securities
We have no plans, programs or other arrangements in regards to repurchases of our common stock. Further, we did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Subsequent Issuances after Year-End
On January 10, 2025, the Company entered into two six-month promissory notes with accredited investors in the principal amounts of $617,100 (“Note 1”) and $123,420 (“Note 2”). An original issue discount of $117,100 was applied to Note 1 and $23,420 was applied to Note 2 on the issuance date and was paid through the issuance of 15,613 (Note 1) and 3,123 (Note 2) shares of the Company’s Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, resulting in net loan proceeds to the Company of $500,000 (Note 1) and $100,000 (Note 2).
On January 10, 2025, the Company authorized the issuance of 2,200 shares of common stock to a consultant pursuant to the terms of an amendment to a current consulting agreement.
On January 13, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 2,800 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $99,750.
On January 14, 2025, the Company authorized the issuance of 43,335 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to seven service providers to the Company and its subsidiaries.
On January 15, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 4,140 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $147,487.50.
On January 24, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 4,400 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $133,200.
On February 3, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 4,600 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $99,187.50.
On February 10, 2025, the Company authorized the issuance of 17,667 shares of common stock to an accredited investor upon the conversion of 88,334 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.
On February 10, 2025, the Company authorized the issuance of 2,480 shares of common stock, valued at $75,000, to a lender for a fee related to a financing agreement.
On February 10, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 4,800 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $92,772.
On February 18, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 5,000 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $92,081.25.
On February 20, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a first closing notice for the exchange of $55,423.57 of assigned note portion for 3,145 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On February 24, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 3,200 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $40,068.00.
On February 25, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 5,700 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $65,193.75.
On February 27, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 6,000 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $63,855.00.
On February 27, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a second closing notice for the exchange of $55,000 of assigned note portion for 5,168 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 4, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 6,800 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $63,750.00.
On March 4, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a third closing notice for the exchange of $52,712.25 of assigned note portion for 5,623 shares of the Company’s common stock.
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On March 5, 2025, the Company authorized the issuance of 8,000 shares of common stock to an accredited investor upon the conversion of $64,950 due under a promissory note dated September 4, 2024.
On March 5, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a fourth closing notice for the exchange of $55,000 of assigned note portion for 8,334 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 6, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 3,200 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $47,655.
On March 7, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 7,400 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $48,978.75.
On March 10, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 7,600 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $43,335.20.
On March 10, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a fifth closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 8,723 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 12, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 11,160 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $63,006.57.
On March 12, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a sixth closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 8,723 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 12, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a seventh closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 8,723 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 12, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a eighth closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 8,723 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 12, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a nineth closing notice for the exchange of $65,000 of assigned note portion for 11,339 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 13, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 11,600 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $47,818.10.
On March 13, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a tenth closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 12,289 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 14, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 12,200 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $46,558.25.
On March 17, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 12,800 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $48,457.60.
On March 17, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a eleventh closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 12,289 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 18, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 13,200 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $49,971.90.
On March 18, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a twelfth closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 13,202 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 19, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a thirteenth closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 13,202 shares of the Company’s common stock. On the same day, the Purchaser sent the Company a fourteenth closing notice for the exchange of $50,000 of assigned note portion for 15,528 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 19, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 13,600 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $51,486.20.
On March 20, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 14,000 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $42,605.50.
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On March 21, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 21,120 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $59,400.
On March 24, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 21,680 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $45,219.06.
On March 24, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a fifteenth closing notice for the exchange of $35,000 of assigned note portion for 16,868 shares of the Company’s common stock. On the same day, the Purchaser sent the Company a sixteenth closing notice for the exchange of $35,000 of assigned note portion for 16,868 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 25, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 23,200 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $45,240.
On March 26, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 24,400 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $45,750.
On March 26, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a seventeenth closing notice for the exchange of $35,000 of assigned note portion for 18,667 shares of the Company’s common stock. On the same day, the Purchaser sent the Company a eighteenth closing notice for the exchange of $35,000 of assigned note portion for 18,667 shares of the Company’s common stock. On the same day, the Purchaser sent the Company a nineteenth closing notice for the exchange of $35,000 of assigned note portion for 18,667 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 27, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 29,920 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $48,433.80.
On March 28, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a twentieth closing notice for the exchange of $35,000 of assigned note portion for 23,333 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 31, 2025, the Company effectuated a 1-for-25 reverse stock split.
On March 31, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a twenty-first closing notice for the exchange of $25,000 of assigned note portion for 29,070 shares of the Company’s common stock. On the same day, the Purchaser sent the Company a twenty-second closing notice for the exchange of $20,000 of assigned note portion for 23,257 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On April 2, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 34,000 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $28,050.
On April 2, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 35,000 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $28,875.
On April 2, 2025, the Company entered into a second Settlement Agreement and Stipulation (the “ Second Settlement Agreement”) with Silverback Capital Corporation (“SCC”) to settle outstanding claims owed to SCC. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, SCC has agreed to purchase certain outstanding payables between the Company and designated vendors of the Company totaling $4,690,773.09 (the “Payables”) and will exchange such Payables for a settlement amount payable in shares of common stock of the Company (the “Settlement Shares”). The Settlement Shares shall be priced at 75% of the average of the three lowest traded prices during the five trading day period prior to a share request, which is subject to a floor price of $2.92. The Company agreed to issue SCC 2,800 shares of Common Stock as a settlement fee.
On April 3, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 36,000 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $29,700.
On April 4, 2025, SCC requested the issuance of 31,956 shares of Common Stock to SCC, representing a payment of approximately $26,363.70.
On April 4, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a twenty-third closing notice for the exchange of $72,500 of assigned note portion for 87,879 shares of the Company’s common stock. The shares have not been issued as of the date of this report.
On April 4, 2025, the Company entered into a conversion agreement with a current noteholder, whereby the noteholder agreed to convert all $617,100 of the principal amount owed under its OID Note dated January 10, 2025 into 82,280 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.
On April 4, 2025, the Company entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 724,640 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof), series A warrants to purchase up to 724,640 shares of common stock and short-term series B warrants to purchase up to 2,173,920 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $3.45 per share of common stock (or per pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) and accompanying warrants in a private placement priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. The series A warrants and the short-term series B warrants will have an exercise price of $2.95 per share and will be exercisable immediately upon issuance. The series A warrants will expire five years from the date of issuance and the short-term series B warrants will expire eighteen months from the date issuance. The private placement is expected to close on or about April 7, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
On April 7 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025, sent the Company a twenty-third closing notice for the exchange of $60,000 of assigned note portion for 72,727 shares of the Company’s common stock. The shares have not been issued as of the date of this report.
All of the above-described issuances were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) and/or Regulation D of the Securities Act as transactions not involving a public offering. With respect to each transaction listed above, no general solicitation was made by either the Company or any person acting on its behalf. All such securities issued pursuant to such exemptions are restricted securities as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) promulgated under the Securities Act, appropriate legends have been placed on the documents evidencing the securities, and may not be offered or sold absent registration or pursuant to an exemption there from.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Item 7 contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Additional risks of which we are not currently aware or which we currently deem immaterial could also cause our actual results to differ, including those discussed in the sections entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Financial Statements”). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Except as otherwise disclosed, all dollar figures included therein and in the following management discussion and analysis are quoted in United States dollars.
The following discussion of the Company’s financial condition and the results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and footnotes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company notes that in addition to the description of historical facts contained herein, this Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as detailed herein and from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and elsewhere. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those, described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others: (a) the Company’s fluctuations in sales and operating results; (b) risks associated with international operations; (c) regulatory, competitive and contractual risks; (d) development risks; (e) the ability to achieve strategic initiatives, including but not limited to the ability to achieve sales growth across the business segments through a combination of enhanced sales force, new products, and customer service; and (f) pending litigation.
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Operations
On June 9, 2016, a change in control occurred, a sixty percent (60%) ownership interest was obtained by American Rebel, Inc. from a former officer and director who was also our founder. On June 17, 2017, the Company acquired the business of its control stockholder accounted for and presented financially as a reverse merger transaction. Our majority stockholder, American Rebel, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and we distributed the shares to the stockholders of American Rebel, Inc. As a result of this reverse merger, the reporting operating history of the Company is now the operating history of American Rebel, Inc. Financial statements of both companies are now consolidated and all material intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated. On July 29, 2022, the Company closed on its acquisition of the Champion Entities, a major acquisition with significant existing operations.
Recent Developments
American Rebel Beer
On August 9, 2023, the Company entered into a Master Brewing Agreement with Associated Brewing. Under the terms of the Brewing Agreement, Associated Brewing has been appointed as the exclusive producer and seller of American Rebel branded spirits, with the initial product being American Rebel Light Beer. American Rebel Light Beer launched regionally in early 2024. The Company paid a setup fee and security deposit to Associated Brewing. We established American Rebel Beverages, LLC as a wholly-owned subsidiary specifically to hold our alcohol licenses and conduct operations for our beer business.
Loans
On January 1, 2024, we entered into a new loan agreement with an existing lender who was owed $150,000 which was due December 31, 2023. We repaid the lender $75,000 due under the prior loan and entered into new loan agreement where we agreed to pay the lender the remaining $75,000 on or before March 31, 2024. The principal balance bears interest at 12% per annum.
On March 21, 2024, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an accredited investor (“the Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to us, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $235,750. A one-time interest charge or points amounting to 15% (or $35,362) and fees of $5,000 were applied at the issuance date, resulting in net proceeds of $200,000. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in seven payments; the first payment shall be in the amount of $162,667.20 and is due on June 30, 2024 with six subsequent payments each in the amount of $18,074.14 due on the 30th of each month thereafter (total repayment of $271,112 on or by December 31, 2024). We have the right to prepay the note within one hundred eighty days at a discount of 5%. Effective interest rate on this loan is 81.1% with 15 points paid up front as a fee.
On March 22, 2024, we entered into another Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from the Company for $100,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by us pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $10,000 per month from us generated from its operating subsidiaries.
On March 27, 2024, we entered into a $1,300,000 Business Loan and Security Agreement with an accredited investor lending source. Under the Secured Loan, we received the loan net of fees of $26,000. We repaid two outstanding secured notes to affiliates of the Lender totaling $769,228, resulting in net proceeds of $504,772. The Secured Loan requires 64 weekly payments of $26,000 each, for a total repayment of $1,664,000. The Secured Loan bears interest at 22.8% per annum. The Secured Loan is secured by all of our assets second to a first priority lien secured the holder of the Line of Credit. Furthermore, our CEO provided a personal guaranty for the Secured Loan. The Secured Loan provides for a default fee of $15,000 for any late payments on the weekly payments. As long as the Secured Loan is not in default, we may prepay the Secured Loan pursuant to certain prepayment amounts set forth in the Secured Loan. Further, any default by us allows the Lender to take necessary actions to secure its collateral and recovery of funds.
On April 1, 2024, we entered into an additional Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from us for $100,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by us pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $10,000 per month from us generated from our operating subsidiaries.
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On April 9, 2024, we entered into an additional Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from us for $100,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by us pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $10,000 per month from us generated from our operating subsidiaries.
On April 9, 2024, we entered into an additional Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from us for $300,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $30,000 per month from us generated from its operating subsidiaries.
On April 9, 2024, we entered into an additional Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from us for $75,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by us pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $7,500 per month from us generated from our operating subsidiaries.
On April 19, 2024, we entered into a Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from us for $500,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by us pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $50,000 per month from us generated from its operating subsidiaries.
On May 28, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to us, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $111,550. An original issue discount of $14,550 and fees of $7,000 were applied on the issuance date, resulting in net loan proceeds of $90,000. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in nine payments in the amount of $13,881.78, with the first payment due on June 30, 2024, and remaining eight payments due on the last day of each month thereafter (a total payback to the Lender of $124,936.00).
On June 14, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Coventry Enterprises, LLC, an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to us, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $111,550. An original issue discount of $14,550 and fees of $7,000 were applied on the issuance date, resulting in net loan proceeds of $90,000. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in nine payments in the amount of $13,881.78, with the first payment due on June 30, 2024, and remaining eight payments due on the last day of each month thereafter (a total payback to the Lender of $124,936.00).
On July 2, 2024, we entered into a Standard Merchant Cash Advance Agreement (the “Factoring Agreement”), with an accredited investor lending source (“Financier”). Under the Factoring Agreement, our wholly-owned subsidiary sold to Financier a specified percentage of its future receipts (as defined by the Factoring Agreement, which include any and future revenues of Champion Safe Company, Inc. (“Champion”), another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Company) equal to $357,500 for $250,000, less origination and other fees of $12,500. Our wholly-owned subsidiary agrees to repay this purchased receivable amount in equal weekly installments of $17,875.
On July 8, 2024, we entered into a subordinated business loan and security agreement with an accredited investor lending source and a subsidiary to that accredited investor lending source as collateral agent, which provides for a term loan in the amount of $1,312,500 which principal and interest (of $577,500) is due on January 20, 2025. Commencing July 15, 2024, we are required to make weekly payments of $67,500 until the due date. The loan may be prepaid subject to a prepayment fee. An administrative agent fee of $62,500 was initially paid on the loan. A default interest rate of 5% becomes effective upon the occurrence of an event of default. In connection with the loan, the holder was issued a subordinated secured promissory note, dated July 8, 2024, in the principal amount of $1,312,500 which note is secured by all of the borrower’s assets, including receivables, subject to certain outstanding liens and agreements.
On July 22, 2024, we and an accredited investor lending source entered into an agreement whereby $300,000 of the Assumption Loan was acquired by the accredited investor lending source from the original holder. The agreement entered into was structured as an installment purchase between the two accredited investor lending sources. We entered into an amended note payable, which by its terms became a $300,000 no interest convertible note, due and payable on July 22, 2025. The conversion price is fixed at $100.80 per share, with the normal share reserve and conversion mechanics. We issued 992 shares of common stock to the holder of the amended note payable and retired $100,000 of this $300,000 debt. The shares were issued to the holder without restrictive legend and a new amended convertible note payable of $200,000, due and payable on July 22, 2025.
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On August 5, 2024, we entered into two securities exchange and amendment agreements with two accredited investors, whereby we agreed to issue the investor 10,010 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in exchange for a portion of a $75,000 revenue interest owned by one such investor, and whereby we agreed to issue the investor 54 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in exchange for a portion of a $100,000 revenue interest owned by a second such investor. Commencing on October 1, 2024, and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by us pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Agreement, the investors have the right to receive $7,500 and $10,000 per month, respectively, from us generated from our operating subsidiaries.
On August 5, 2024, we entered into three Amended Revenue Interest Purchase Agreements with two individual accredited investors and one corporate accredited investor. Commencing on October 1, 2024, and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by us pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Agreement, the investors have the right to receive $10,000, $10,000 and $30,000 per month, respectively, from us generated from our operating subsidiaries.
On August 9, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to us, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $179,400.
On September 4, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Coventry Enterprises, LLC, an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to us, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $300,000. A one-time interest charge of 12% ($36,000) was applied to the Note upon issuance. Further, an original issue discount of $45,000, $75,436.02 was utilized to repay a June 2024 note with the Lender, commissions to a broker dealer of $8,000, and fees of $10,000 were applied on the issuance date, resulting in net loan proceeds to us of $161,563.98. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in eight payments; the first payment shall be in the amount of $37,333.33 and is due on September 30, 2024 with seven (7) subsequent payments each in the amount of $37,333.33 due on the last day of each month thereafter (a total payback to the Lender of $336,000.00). In addition to the Note, the Company and the Lender entered into a conversion agreement (the “Conversion Agreement”), whereby the Lender converted $49,500 of its June 2024 note into 6,600 shares of the Company’s Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.
On October 4, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to us, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $122,960. An original issue discount of $16,960 and fees of $6,000 were applied on the issuance date, resulting in net loan proceeds of $100,000. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in nine payments of $15,574.89, with the first payment due on October 30, 2024, and remaining eight payments due on the 30th day of each month thereafter (a total payback to the Lender of $140,174).
On October 23, 2024, we entered into an Exchange and Settlement Agreement with an individual accredited investor. On April 19, 2024, the Company and the Investor had entered into a $500,000 Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Agreement, the Company and the Investor exchanged the Revenue Agreement and all rights and preferences thereunder for 2,280 shares of common stock, valued at $68.75 per share, and a three-year pre-funded warrant to purchase 19,441 shares of common stock at $0.01 per share, valued at $68.50 per share.
On October 30, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Alumni Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership, pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to us, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $420,000. An original issue discount of $70,000 and commissions to a broker dealer of $28,000 were applied on the issuance date, resulting in net loan proceeds to the Company of $322,000. Accrued, unpaid interest at the rate of 10% and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid on or before December 31, 2024. In addition to the Note, we issued the Lender a five-year common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 2,887 shares of Common Stock at $145.50 per share.
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On November 6, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $122,960. An original issue discount of $16,960 and fees of $6,000 were applied on the issuance date, resulting in net loan proceeds of $100,000. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in nine payments of $15,574.89, with the first payment due on December 15, 2024, and remaining eight payments due on the 15th day of each month thereafter (a total payback to the Lender of $140,174).
On November 11, 2024, we entered into a Purchase and Exchange Agreement among an investor and Altbanq Lending LLC, pursuant to which the Purchaser agreed to purchase from the Seller a portion ($150,469.11) of a promissory note dated March 27, 2024 in the original principal amount of $1,330,000, with a current balance payable of $1,229,350. Contemporaneously with assignment of the assigned note portion to the Purchaser, we exchanged the $150,469.11 of assigned note portion for 78,615 shares of the Company’s common stock as a 3(a)(9) exchange.
On December 13, 2024, we entered into a three-month promissory note with an accredited investor in the principal amount of $213,715 (the “Note”). An original issue discount of $63,715 was applied on the issuance date and was paid through the issuance of 36,830 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Lender, resulting in net loan proceeds to the Company of $150,000. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in one lump sum payment of $155,625 on or before March 13, 2025.
Description of Our Business
Company Overview
American Rebel is boldly positioning itself as America’s Patriotic Brand. The Company has identified the market opportunity to design, manufacture, and market innovative concealed carry products and safes. American Rebel accesses its market uniquely through its positioning as America’s Patriotic Brand and the appeal of its products as well as through the profile and public persona of its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Andy Ross. Andy hosted his own television show for 12 years, has made multiple appearances over the years at trade shows, and is well-known in the archery world as the founder of Ross Archery, which was the world’s fastest-growing bow company in 2007 and 2008. Andy has released 3 CDs, done numerous radio and print interviews, and performed many concerts in front of thousands of people. Andy has the ability to present American Rebel to large numbers of potential customers through the appeal of his music and other supporting appearances. For example, his appearance on the History Channel hit show Counting Cars in February 2014 has been viewed by over 2 million times. Bringing innovative products that satisfy an existing demand to the market through exciting means is the American Rebel blueprint for success.
Other
As a corporate policy, we will not incur any cash obligations that we cannot satisfy with known resources, of which there are currently none except as described in “Liquidity” below or elsewhere in this Annual Report. We believe that the perception that many people have of a public company makes it more likely that they will accept restricted securities from a public company as consideration for indebtedness to them than they would from a private company. We have not performed any studies of this matter. Our conclusion is based on our own observations. Additionally, the issuance of restricted shares will dilute the percentage of ownership interest of our stockholders.
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Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2024
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2023
For the Year Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Revenue | 11,420,268 | 15,998,196 | ||||||
Cost of goods sold | 11,539,905 | 14,199,260 | ||||||
Gross margin | (119,637 | ) | 1,798,936 | |||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Consulting/payroll and other costs | 2,039,777 | 3,598,839 | ||||||
Compensation expense – officers – related party | - | 518,107 | ||||||
Compensation expense – officers – deferred comp – related party | 656,250 | 812,500 | ||||||
Rental expense, warehousing, outlet expense | 468,739 | 871,032 | ||||||
Product development costs | 385,800 | 132,528 | ||||||
Marketing and brand development costs | 2,354,809 | 1,318,890 | ||||||
Administrative and other | 6,049,555 | 3,207,806 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 145,548 | 104,229 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 12,100,478 | 10,563,931 | ||||||
Operating income (loss) | (12,220,115 | ) | (8,764,995 | ) | ||||
Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||
Interest expense | (3,969,485 | ) | (363,567 | ) | ||||
Interest income | 1,364 | 3,780 | ||||||
Employee retention credit funds, net of costs to collect | - | 1,113,337 | ||||||
Gain on sale of equipment | 6,179 | 1,900 | ||||||
Impairment adjustment – goodwill and intangible assets | - | (1,912,559 | ) | |||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | (1,422,307 | ) | - | |||||
Gain on settlement of liability | - | 190,403 | ||||||
Net loss before income tax provision | (17,604,364 | ) | (9,731,701 | ) | ||||
Provision for income tax | - | - | ||||||
Net loss | (17,604,364 | ) | (9,731,701 | ) |
Revenue and cost of goods sold
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we reported Revenues of $11,420,268 compared to Revenues of $15,998,196 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in Revenues of $4,577,928 (or (29)% period over period) for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 is primarily attributable to slower sales driven by current market conditions. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we reported Cost of Goods Sold of $11,539,905, compared to Cost of Goods Sold of $14,199,260 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in Cost of Goods Sold of $2,659,355 (or (19)% period over period) for the current period is due to the direct relationship of decreased sales. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we reported a negative Gross Margin of $(119,637), compared to Gross Margin of $1,798,936 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in Gross Margin of $1,918,573 (or (107)% period over period) for the year ending December 31, 2024 compared to the year ending December 31, 2023 primarily due to slower sales and current market conditions. Gross Margin percentages for the years ended December 31, 2024 were (1)% compared to 11% for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Expenses
Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $12,100,478 compared to $10,563,931 for the year ended December 31, 2023 as further described below. Overall, we saw a $1,536,547 increase in operating expenses or a 15% period over period increase in operating expenses from the prior year comparable period.
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For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred consulting/payroll and other costs of $2,039,777 compared to consulting/payroll and other costs of $3,598,839 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in consulting/payroll and other costs of $1,559,062 (or (43)% period over period) was primarily due to the overall decrease in headcount.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred compensation expense – officers and compensation expense – officers – deferred comp costs of $0 and $656,250 compared to compensation expense – officers and compensation expense – officers – deferred comp costs of $518,107 and $812,500 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in compensation expense – officers – deferred comp costs of $674,357 was due to Company issuing shares of preferred stock that are convertible into common stock of the Company and the relative timing of vesting and expense of the shares. The Company believes that it pays it officers or management a fair and competitive salary, as well as stock grants or awards that are made during the year. Deferred compensation is attributable to the fair value of the common stock equivalents that are underlying our Series A preferred stock that have been issued pursuant to employment agreements and vesting schedules.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred rental expense, warehousing, outlet expense of $468,739, compared to rental expense, warehousing, outlet expense of $871,032 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in rental expense, warehousing, outlet expense of $402,293 (or (46)% period over period) is due to cost cutting on leases and properties that the Company rents to conduct the Champion business acquisition as well as other cost cutting measures or efficiencies put in place. The Company expects to maintain this level of expense on a go-forward basis with its leases and rented properties for the near term.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred product development expenses of $385,800 compared to product development expenses of $132,528 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in product development expenses of $253,272, or 191%, is due to increased private label brewery expenses in connection with the growth of the beer business.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred marketing and brand development expenses of $2,354,809 compared to marketing and brand development expenses of $1,318,890 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in marketing and brand development expenses of $1,035,919 (or 79% period over period) relates primarily to an increase of activities including major trade shows and marketing efforts in connection with the beer business.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred administrative and other expense of $6,049,555 compared to administrative and other expense of $3,207,806 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in administrative and other expense of $2,841,749 (or 89% period over period) relates primarily to legal and other professional fees that we incurred during 2024 in connection with the increased legal, accounting, and audit fees as a result of our reaudits.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred depreciation and amortization expense of $145,548 compared to depreciation and amortization expense of $104,229 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense primarily relates to the amortization related to goodwill and intangible assets.
Other income and expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred interest expense of $3,969,485 compared to interest expense of $363,567 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in interest expense ($3,605,918) is due to a significant number of debt agreements we entered into during 2024 to fund our working capital needs.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred a $1,422,307 loss on debt extinguishment due to the conversion of certain debt arrangements. We incurred a gain of settlement of liability of $190,403 during the year ended December 31, 2023. The 2023 gain relates to shares issued to directors as settlement of accrued and unpaid fees that exceeded the fair value of shares granted at that time.
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For the year ended December 31, 2023 we received approximately $1,286,000 in tax credits under the CARES Act from the US Department of Treasury and in turn paid approximately $178,500 to the service provider, netting the Company $1,113,337 in credits for retaining its employees during COVID. As part of the collection process the Company retained the services of a tax service professional to provide the Company with the specialized tax services. The services included identifying various tax initiatives as well as specifically tasking the tax service professional in applying for and the tax filings for (tax) credits available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). This is a one-time other income item and we do not expect to receive this type of special income in the future.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $0, compared to $1,912,559 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The impairment was due to the charges necessary to write down such asset to fair value as of December 31, 2023. Contributing factors resulting in the impairment charge include changes in future year margin expectations were primarily driven by sustained increases in supply chain costs, expectations for lower or static pricing to maintain a competitive positioning, and expectations for increased marketing investment, primarily in response to increased competition, as well as customer-driven investments. Changes in expectations for lower long-term net sales growth were primarily due to sustained competition and anticipated trends in consumer preferences. Our revised expectations were based on the completion of our fourth quarter results, which were below management’s expectations, and the development of our operating plan in December 2023, along with our inventory management and tracking project which was completed during the early part of October 2023. Additionally, the Company’s share price and market capitalization, for which Champion represents a substantial portion of the Company’s operating activities, declined during 2023.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $17,604,364, resulting in a loss per share of $(306.91), compared to a net loss of $9,731,701 for the year ended December 31, 2023, resulting in a loss per share of $(857.02). Net loss increased by $7,872,663 or 81% period over period due to increase professional fees in connection with our reaudits, lower gross margin due to current market conditions, and significant interest expense due to additional borrowings in 2024.
Liquidity
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the recoverability of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company is in the growth and acquisition stage and, accordingly, will have to raise capital to complete acquisitions and successfully integrate acquired companies. Since inception, the Company has been engaged in financing activities and executing its business plan of operations and incurring costs and expenses related to developing products and market identity, obtaining inventory and preparing for public product launch. As a result, the Company incurred net losses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 of ($17,604,364) and ($9,731,701), respectively. The Company’s accumulated deficit was ($65,086,200) as of December 31, 2024, and ($47,481,836) as of December 31, 2023. The Company’s working capital deficit was $8,940,228 as of December 31, 2024, compared to a surplus of $2,545,744 as of December 31, 2023. In addition, the Company’s development activities since inception have been sustained through equity and debt financing and the deferral of payments on accounts payable and other expenses.
The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise capital from the sale of its equity and, ultimately, the achievement of increased operating revenues. Given recurring losses and reliance on equity and debt financing, these conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management believes the remaining holders of its warrants will execute their outstanding warrants generating investment capital. Management is in discussions with several investment banks and broker dealers regarding the initiation of further capital campaigns.
Management believes sufficient funding can be secured through the obtaining of loans, as well as future offerings of its preferred and common stock to institutional and other financial sources. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will obtain this additional working capital, or if obtained, that such funding will not cause substantial dilution its stockholders. If the Company is unable to secure such additional funds from these sources, it may be forced to change or delay its business plan rollout.
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We expect to require additional funds to further develop our business plan. Since it is impossible to predict with certainty the timing and amount of funds required to establish profitability, we anticipate that we will need to raise additional funds through equity or debt offerings or otherwise in order to meet our expected future liquidity requirements. Any such financing that we undertake will likely be dilutive to existing stockholders.
In addition, we expect to need additional funds to respond to business opportunities and challenges, including our ongoing operating expenses, protecting our intellectual property, developing or acquiring new lines of business and enhancing our operating infrastructure. While we may need to seek additional funding for such purposes, we may not be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, the terms of our financings may be dilutive to, or otherwise adversely affect, holders of our common stock. We may seek additional funds through arrangements with collaborators or other third parties. We may not be able to negotiate any such arrangements on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to obtain additional funding on a timely basis, we may be required to curtail or terminate some or all of our product lines.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related footnotes requires us to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements.
There are no critical policies or decisions that rely on judgments that are based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity to reduce the complexity of accounting for convertible debt and other equity-linked instruments. The guidance is effective for smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company classified its convertible debt issued in 2024 in accordance with ASC 2020-06.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 provide for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company prospectively to all annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our consolidated The adoption had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280)—Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which require public companies disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. The guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements, unless it is impracticable. The adoption had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. This update modifies the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of topics in the Accounting Standards Codification to conform with certain SEC amendments in Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively, and the effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or S-K becomes effective. However, if the SEC has not removed the related disclosure from its regulations by June 30, 2027, the amendments will be removed from the Codification and not become effective. Early adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
We continuously monitor and review all current accounting pronouncements and standards from the FASB for applicability to our operations. As of April 9, 2025, there were no other new pronouncements or interpretations that had or were expected to have a significant impact on our operations.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this item.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
DECEMBER 31, 2024
Page | ||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. |
F-1 | |
Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 | ||
Balance Sheets | F-2 | |
Statements of Operations | F-3 | |
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) | F-4 | |
Statements of Cash Flows | F-5 | |
Notes to the Financial Statements | F-6 |
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and Board of Directors
American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
Brentwood, Tennessee
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Uncertainty
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has missed payments on debt obligations that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Debt and Equity Financing
Description of the Matter
As described in Notes 7, 10 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company approved or otherwise entered into various loan and equity arrangements during the year ended December 31, 2024. Such arrangements included new, amended or otherwise settled loan agreements; authorization, designation and issuance of a new Series D Convertible Preferred Stock; issuance of common stock and warrants; and a reverse split of its common stock. Additionally, certain loan arrangements include or were otherwise impacted by equity securities.
We identified the accounting for debt and equity financing activities for the aforementioned topics as a critical audit matter. Specifically, the evaluation of the appropriate accounting treatment is complex and involves consideration of liability or equity presentation, identifying embedded features, determining whether any embedded features require bifurcation or otherwise separate accounting, assessing the implications of reverse stock splits on conversion features and determining the gain (loss) on debt settlements. Auditing these elements involved complex, challenging and subjective auditor judgments.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
● | Obtained and reviewed loan agreements entered into or otherwise amended during 2024 and the new Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to identify the terms, conditions and features in the arrangements. |
● | Evaluated embedded features for bifurcation or otherwise separate accounting in relation to the appropriate accounting guidance. |
● | Evaluated the accuracy of the Company’s determination and calculation of gain (loss) on debt extinguishments. |
● | Evaluated the implications of the reverse stock split on the Company’s debt and equity arrangements, with emphasis on share-based payment awards. |
/s/
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024.
April 9, 2025
F-1 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
Prepaid expense | ||||||||
Inventory | ||||||||
Inventory deposits | ||||||||
Property and Equipment, net | ||||||||
OTHER ASSETS: | ||||||||
Lease deposits and other | ||||||||
Right-of-use lease assets | ||||||||
Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
Total Other Assets | ||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | $ | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and other payables | $ | $ | ||||||
Accrued expense and other | ||||||||
Accrued interest | ||||||||
Deferred revenue | ||||||||
Loan – Officers – related party | ||||||||
Loans – Working capital, net | ||||||||
Loan – Director – related party | ||||||||
Line of credit | ||||||||
Right-of-use lease liability, current | ||||||||
Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Right-of-use lease liability, long-term | ||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | ||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT): | ||||||||
Preferred stock, $ par value; shares authorized; , and issued and outstanding, respectively at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, comprised of Preferred Shares A, B, and D | ||||||||
Preferred Shares A | ||||||||
Preferred Shares B | ||||||||
Preferred Shares D | ||||||||
Common Stock, $ par value; shares authorized; , and issued and outstanding, respectively at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively | ||||||||
Additional paid in capital | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ( | ) | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | $ | $ |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-2 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Revenue | ||||||||
Cost of goods sold | ||||||||
Gross margin | ( | ) | ||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Consulting/payroll and other costs | ||||||||
Compensation expense – officers – related party | ||||||||
Compensation expense – officers – deferred comp – related party | ||||||||
Rental expense, warehousing, outlet expense | ||||||||
Product development costs | ||||||||
Marketing and brand development costs | ||||||||
Administrative and other | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | ||||||||
Total operating expenses | ||||||||
Operating loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||
Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Interest income | ||||||||
Employee retention credit funds, net of costs to collect | ||||||||
Gain/(loss) on sale of equipment | ||||||||
Impairment adjustment – goodwill and intangible assets | ( | ) | ||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | ( | ) | ||||||
Gain on settlement of liability | ||||||||
Net loss before income tax provision | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Provision for income tax | ||||||||
Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Basic and diluted loss per share | ) | ) | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-3 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
Common Stock | Common Stock Amount | Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock Amount | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Series A compensation expense | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Series D Preferred Stock for liabilities settlement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Series D Preferred Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Common Stock for liabilities settlement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock into Common Stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of Series D Preferred Stock into Common Stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of pre-funded warrants into Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of notes payable into Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of reverse stock split round lot shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - December 31, 2024 | ( | ) | ( | ) |
Common Stock | Common Stock Amount | Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock Amount | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance – December 31, 2022 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale of common stock, net | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale of | pre-funded common stock warrants $ per share, exercise price of $- | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prefunded common stock warrant offering costs and fee | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of reverse stock split round lot shares | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrant inducement and exercise of | repriced common stock warrants at $||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrant inducement offering costs and fees | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of prefunded common stock warrants at $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued as compensation at a price of $ | per share- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued as compensation pursuant to LTIP - three related parties at a price of $ | per share- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued as compensation to independent members of the board of directors - related parties at a price of $ | per share- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series A preferred stock issued as compensation pursuant to an employment agreement - related party, issued at par value or $ | per share||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock equivalents from Series A Preferred stock issued as compensation pursuant to an employment agreement; convertible into | shares of common stock, immediate vesting - related party- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance – December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-4 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Net loss | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
Non-cash, in-kind interest settled | ||||||||
Gain on disposition of property | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
Compensation paid through issuance of common stock | ||||||||
Compensation paid through issuance of common stock – related parties | ||||||||
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment | ||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | ||||||||
Gain on settlement of liability | ( |
) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | ( |
) | ||||||
Prepaid expense and other | ( |
) | ||||||
Inventory | ||||||||
Inventory deposits | ||||||||
Lease deposits and other | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
Accounts payable | ( |
) | ||||||
Accrued expenses | ||||||||
Accrued interest |
( |
) | ||||||
Deferred revenue | ||||||||
Other assets and liabilities | ( |
) | ||||||
Right-of-use lease liabilities | ( |
) | ||||||
Net Cash used in Operating Activities | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Purchase of Champion Entities | ( |
) | ||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of common and preferred stock, net of offering costs | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of warrant inducement, net of offering costs | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of common stock and prefunded warrants, net of offering costs | ||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of prefunded warrants | ||||||||
Proceeds from line of credit | ||||||||
Proceeds from loans - officer - related party | ||||||||
Proceeds from loans - director - related party | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of Series D preferred stock | ||||||||
Repayments of working capital loans, net | ( |
) | ||||||
Origination fees | ( |
) | ||||||
Proceeds from working capital loans, net | ||||||||
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities | ||||||||
CHANGE IN CASH | ( |
) | ||||||
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | ||||||||
CASH AT END OF PERIOD | ||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION | ||||||||
Cash paid for: | ||||||||
Interest | ||||||||
Income taxes |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-5 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024
NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization
The
Company was incorporated on
Nature of Operations
The Company develops and sells branded products in the self-defense, safe storage and other patriotic product areas using a wholesale distribution network, utilizing personal appearances, musical venue performances, as well e-commerce and television. The Company’s products are marketed under the American Rebel Brand and are proudly imprinted with such branding. Through its “Champion Entities” (which consists of Champion Safe Co., Inc., Superior Safe, LLC, Safe Guard Security Products, LLC, and Champion Safe De Mexico, S.A. de C.V.), the Company promotes and sells its safe and storage products through a growing network of dealers, in select regional retailers and local specialty safe, sporting goods, hunting and firearms retail outlets, as well as through online avenues, including website and e-commerce platforms. The Company sells its products under the Champion Safe Co., Superior Safe Company and Safe Guard Safe Co. brands as well as the American Rebel Brand. On August 9, 2023, the Company entered into a Master Brewing Agreement (the “Brewing Agreement”) with Associated Brewing Company, a Minnesota limited liability company (“Associated Brewing”). Under the terms of the Brewing Agreement, Associated Brewing has been appointed as the exclusive producer and seller of American Rebel branded spirits, with the initial product being the American Rebel Light Beer (“American Rebel Beer”). We established American Rebel Beverages, LLC as a wholly-owned subsidiary to hold our licenses with respect to the beer business. American Rebel Beer launched in 2024.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries, American Rebel, Inc., American Rebel Beverages, LLC and the Champion Entities. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
As discussed further in Note 10, the Company effected a series of reverse stock splits. Common shares and related earnings per share in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the reverse stock splits.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of these investments approximates fair value.
Inventory and Inventory Deposits
Finished goods inventory primarily consists of backpacks, jackets, and related accessories, safes, and packaged beer available for sale. Raw materials primarily consists of component parts used in the assembly of safes and packaging materials. Apart from safes, the Company’s finished goods are manufactured or otherwise produced by outside parties to the Company’s specifications. Inventory is carried at the lower of cost (First-in, First-out Method) or net realizable value. The Company determines an estimate for the reserve of slow moving or obsolete inventories by regularly evaluating individual inventory levels, projected sales and current economic conditions. From time-to-time, the Company makes deposit payments on certain inventory purchases that are presented separately in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as inventory deposits until the goods are received into inventory.
F-6 |
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Additions and improvements are capitalized while ordinary maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, which ranges from five to fifteen years.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our clients, in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. To achieve this core principle, we apply the following five steps: (1) Identify the contract with a client; (2) Identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) Determine the transaction price; (4) Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract; and (5) Recognize revenues when or as the company satisfies a performance obligation.
These
steps are met when an order is received, a price is agreed to, and the product is shipped or delivered to that customer.
Additionally, the Company offers extended warranties for the locking mechanism of its safes, which are separately purchased by
customers. Warranty income is recognized over time based on the estimated useful life of the locks, which approximates
The
carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance for bad debts and expected credit losses, as necessary, that reflects
management’s best estimate of the amount that will not be collected. This estimation takes into consideration historical experience,
current conditions and, as applicable, reasonable supportable forecasts. Actual results could vary from the estimate. Accounts are charged
against the allowance when management deems them to be uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $
The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of revenue by primary category:
For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
Percentage of revenue: | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Safes | % | % | ||||||
Soft goods and other | % | % | ||||||
Beverages | % | % | ||||||
Total | % | % |
Advertising costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled
$
Fair Value
Fair value estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The respective carrying value of certain financial instruments approximated their fair values as of year-end. These financial instruments include cash, and accounts payable. Fair values were assumed to approximate carrying values for cash, accounts receivable and payables because they are short term in nature and their carrying amounts approximate fair values or they are payable on demand.
The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1: The preferred inputs to valuation efforts are “quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities,” with the caveat that the reporting entity must have access to that market. Information at this level is based on direct observations of transactions involving the same assets and liabilities, not assumptions, and thus offers superior reliability. However, relatively few items, especially physical assets, actually trade in active markets.
F-7 |
Level 2: FASB acknowledged that active markets for identical assets and liabilities are relatively uncommon and, even when they do exist, they may be too thin to provide reliable information. To deal with this shortage of direct data, the board provided a second level of inputs that can be applied in three situations.
Level 3: If inputs from levels 1 and 2 are not available, FASB acknowledges that fair value measures of many assets and liabilities are less precise. The board describes Level 3 inputs as “unobservable,” and limits their use by saying they “shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.” This category allows “for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date”. Earlier in the standard, FASB explains that “observable inputs” are gathered from sources other than the reporting company and that they are expected to reflect assumptions made by market participants.
The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 718, which requires the Company to recognize expense related to the grant date fair value of its employee stock awards. The Company recognizes the cost of employee share-based awards over the requisite service period, which represents the vesting period of the award. Stock-based compensation primarily relates to the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock awards.
The Company accounts for equity instruments issued in exchange for the receipt of goods or services from non-employees in accordance with ASC 718-10 and the conclusions reached ASC 505-50. Costs are measured at the estimated fair market value of the consideration received or the estimated fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The value of equity instruments issued for consideration other than employee services is determined on the earliest of a performance commitment or completion of performance by the provider of goods or services as defined by ASC 505-50.
Net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period as defined by ASC 260 - Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) calculations are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year and the effect of pre-funded warrants issued. Diluted earnings per common share calculations are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding. Because the Company incurred net losses for each of the years presented, the effect of dilutive securities, excluding pre-funded warrants, have been excluded as the effect on EPS is antidilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net loss per share was $ and $, respectively.
Fully diluted shares outstanding is the total number of shares that the Company would theoretically have if all dilutive securities were exercised and converted into shares. Dilutive securities include options, warrants, convertible debt, preferred stock and anything else that can be converted into shares. Potential dilutive shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of dilutive securities, calculated using the treasury stock method. The calculation of dilutive shares outstanding excludes out-of-the-money options (i.e., such options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common shares for the period) because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Shares used in computation of basic earnings per share for the year ended | ||||||||
Pre-funded warrants | ||||||||
Total denominator | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Fully diluted income (loss) per share | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) |
In periods of losses, diluted loss per share is computed on the same basis as basic loss per share as the inclusion of any other potential shares outstanding would be antidilutive.
F-8 |
Income Taxes
The Company follows ASC Topic 740 for recording provision for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based upon the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate applicable when the related asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is based on the changes in the asset or liability for each period. If available evidence suggests that it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Future changes in such valuation allowance are included in the provision for deferred income tax in the period of change. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, income tax expense has been recorded given significant losses incurred and resulting valuation allowance on such losses.
Deferred income tax may arise from temporary differences resulting from income and expense items reported for financial accounting and tax purposes in different periods. Deferred taxes are classified as current or non-current, depending on the classification of assets and liabilities to which they relate. Deferred taxes arising from temporary differences that are not related to an asset or liability are classified as current or non-current depending on the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
The
Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties. ASC Topic 740 only allows the recognition of
tax benefits that have a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. As of
December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company reviewed its tax positions and determined there were no outstanding, or retroactive tax
positions with
Leases
ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize substantially all leases on the balance sheet as a Right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability and requires leases to be classified as either an operating or a finance type lease. The standard excludes leases of intangible assets or inventory. The Company elected the practical expedient related to treating lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all equipment leases as well as electing a policy exclusion permitting leases with an original lease term of less than one year to be excluded from the ROU assets and lease liabilities.
Under ASC 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. For this purpose, the Company considers only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of commencement. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company estimated the incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. The ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options.
Operating
leases are included in operating lease Right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities, current and non-current, on the Company’s
condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company had
F-9 |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity to reduce the complexity of accounting for convertible debt and other equity-linked instruments. The guidance is effective for smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company classified its convertible debt issued in 2024 in accordance with ASC 2020-06.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 provide for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company prospectively to all annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our consolidated The adoption had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280)—Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which require public companies disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. The guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements, unless it is impracticable. The adoption had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. This update modifies the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of topics in the Accounting Standards Codification to conform with certain SEC amendments in Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively, and the effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or S-K becomes effective. However, if the SEC has not removed the related disclosure from its regulations by June 30, 2027, the amendments will be removed from the Codification and not become effective. Early adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Concentration Risk
The Company did not have any vendor or customer concentrations as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.
NOTE 2 – GOING CONCERN
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates
the recoverability of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company is in the growth and
acquisition stage and, accordingly, has not yet reached profitability or positive cash flow from its operations. Since inception,
the Company has been engaged in financing activities and executing its plan of operations and incurring costs and expenses related
to product development, branding, inventory buildup and product launch. As a result, the Company has continued to incur significant
net losses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 amounting to ($
The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise capital from the sale of its equity and, ultimately, the achievement of significant operating revenues and profitability.
Management believes that sufficient funding can be secured through the obtaining of loans, as well as future offerings of its preferred and common stock. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will obtain this additional working capital, or if obtained, that such funding will not cause substantial dilution to its existing stockholders. If the Company is unable to secure such additional funds from these sources, it may be forced to change or delay some of its business objectives and efforts. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts, or amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE 3 - INVENTORY
Inventory includes the following:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Raw materials | $ | $ | ||||||
Finished goods | ||||||||
Less reserve for excess and obsolete inventory | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
Total Inventory, net | $ | $ |
The Company accounts for excess and obsolete inventory with a reserve that is established based on management’s estimates of the net realizable value of the related products. These reserves are product specific and are based upon analyses of product lines that are slow moving or expected to become obsolete due to significant product enhancements.
F-10 |
Included
in finished goods is approximately $
When
inventory is physically disposed of, the Company accounts for the write-offs by making a debit to the reserve and a credit to inventory
for the standard cost of the inventory item. The valuation reserve is applied as an estimate to specific product lines. Since the inventory
item retains its standard cost until it is either sold or written off, the reserve estimates will differ from the actual write-off. There
were
NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment include the following:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Plant, property and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
Vehicles | ||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net property and equipment | $ | $ |
For
the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 we recognized $
NOTE 5 – RELATED PARTY NOTE PAYABLE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Employment Agreements
Charles
A. Ross, Jr. serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Compensation for Mr. Ross was $
Doug
E. Grau serves as the Company’s President and Interim Principal Accounting Officer. Compensation for Mr. Grau was $
Both Messrs. Ross and Grau serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, respectively. Compensation for both, Messrs. Ross and Grau, includes a base salary and a bonus based upon certain performance measures approved by the board of directors.
Corey
Lambrecht serves as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Lambrecht and the Company entered into an employment agreement
on November 20, 2023. Mr. Lambrecht’s employment agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $
There were no new stock awards granted and issued
to Messrs. Ross, Grau and Lambrecht during 2024 and 2023 apart from Series A Preferred Stock discussed below. Additionally, the aforementioned
officers advanced the Company approximately $
F-11 |
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company, in connection with its employment agreements, as amended, reserved for the issuance of shares of its common stock that are convertible under the Series A preferred stock conversion terms.
Per
Mr. Lambrecht’s employment agreement entered into on November 20, 2023, the share-award grant is to vest 1/4th upon
the signing of Mr. Lambrecht’s employment, another 1/4th on January 1, 2024, another 1/4th on January
1, 2025 and the remaining 1/4th on January 1, 2026. Mr. Lambrecht’s employment agreement has a term running from
November 20, 2023 through December 31, 2026, a term of 37 and ½ months. The Company on November 20, 2023 for Mr. Lambrecht recognized
$
Mr.
Ross’s amended employment agreement had an effective date of November 20, 2023.The share-award grant will vest 1/5th on
January 1, 2024, another 1/5th on January 1, 2025, 1/5th on January 1, 2026, 1/5th on
January 1, 2027 and the remaining 1/5th on January 1, 2028. Mr. Ross’s amended employment agreement has an effective
term running from November 20, 2023 through December 31, 2026, a term of 37 and ½ months. On October 31, 2023, the Company recognized
$
Mr.
Grau’s amended employment agreement had an effective date of November 20, 2023. The share-award grant will vest 1/5th on
January 1, 2024, another 1/5th on January 1, 2025, 1/5th on January 1, 2026, 1/5th on
January 1, 2027 and the remaining 1/5th on January 1, 2028. Mr. Grau’s amended employment agreement has an effective
term running from November 20, 2023 through December 31, 2026, a term of 37 and ½ months. On October 31, 2023, the Company recognized
$
For the year ended December 31, 2024, shares of Series A preferred stock were converted to common stock, totaling shares of common stock in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity (deficit).
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company, in connection with various employment and independent directors’ agreements, is required to issue shares of its common stock as payment for services performed or to be performed. The value of the shares issued is determined by the fair value of the Company’s common stock that trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market. This value on the date of grant is afforded to the Company for the recording of stock compensation to employees and other related parties or control persons and the recognition of this expense over the period in which the services were incurred or performed. Most of the Company’s agreement for stock compensation provide for services performed to have been satisfied by the initial grant, thereby incurring the cost immediately from the grant.
Stock-based compensation is presented in accordance with the guidance of ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Under the provisions of ASC 718, the Company is required to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our statements of operations. Where the stock-based compensation is not an award, option, warrant or other common stock equivalent, the Company values the shares based on fair value with respect to its grant date and the price that investors may have been paying for the Company’s common stock on that date in its various exempt private placement offerings. Stock-based compensation expense totaled $ and $ for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and primarily relates to the aforementioned Series A preferred stock awards.
F-12 |
Taxable value of the stock-based compensation is recorded in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service’s regulations as it pertains to employees, control persons and others whereby they receive share-based payments. This may not always align with what the Company records these issuances in accordance with GAAP. There are no provisional tax agreements or gross-up provisions with respect to any of our share-based payments to these entities. The payment or withholding of taxes is strictly left to the recipient of the share-based payments, or the modification of share-based payments.
Director’s Note
On
June 28, 2024, the Company entered into a short-term loan with a director, Lawrence Sinks (“Mr. Sinks”), evidenced by a promissory
note in the principal amount of $
NOTE 6 – LINE OF CREDIT – FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
During
February 2023, the Company entered into a $
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Line of credit from a financial institution. | $ | $ | ||||||
Total recorded as a current liability | $ | $ |
As
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total balance due of $
The
balance at the maturity date was approximately $
F-13 |
NOTE 7 – NOTES PAYABLE – WORKING CAPITAL
The Company has several working capital loan agreements in place, which are described in detail below.
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Working capital
loans with an irrevocable trust established in the state of Georgia, which assumed a previous loan held by a different limited
liability company in the amount of $ | $ | $ | ||||||
Working capital loan agreement with a limited liability company domiciled in the state of Virginia. The working capital loan requires an initial payment of $ | ||||||||
The Company has entered a number of working capital loan agreements structured as Revenue Interest
Purchase Agreements (“revenue participation interest”, “RIP”). These working capital loans provided for a
purchase of an ownership interest in the revenues of our Champion subsidiary. The revenue participation interest requires payments
ranging from $ | ||||||||
On November 11, 2024, the Company entered into a Purchase and Exchange Agreement among an investor (the “Purchaser”)
and Altbanq Lending LLC (the “Seller”), pursuant to which the Purchaser agreed to purchase from the Seller a portion ($ | ||||||||
Working capital loan agreement with a limited liability company domiciled in the state of New York. The working capital loan is secured by all the assets of the Company that is not secured by the first priority interest of the major financial institution line of credit facility as well as a personal guaranty by our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles A Ross. The working capital loan requires payments of $ | ||||||||
Working capital loan agreement with a limited liability company domiciled in the state of New York. The working capital loan is secured by all the assets of the Company that is not secured by the first priority interest of the major financial institution line of credit facility as well as a personal guaranty by our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles A Ross (Secured Loan #1). The working capital loan requires payments of $ |
F-14 |
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Standard Merchant Cash Advance Agreement (the “Factoring Agreement”), with an accredited investor lending source (“Financier”). Under the Factoring Agreement, our wholly-owned subsidiary sold to Financier a specified percentage of its future receipts (as defined by the Factoring Agreement, which include any and future revenues of Champion Safe Company, Inc. (“Champion”), another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Company) equal to $ | ||||||||
Working Capital loan agreement with an accredited investor lending source and a subsidiary to that accredited
investor lending source as collateral agent, which provides for a term loan in the amount of $ | ||||||||
On September 4, 2024, the Company entered into a
Securities Purchase Agreement with Coventry Enterprises, LLC, an accredited investor (“the Lender”), pursuant to which
the Lender made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $ | ||||||||
On August 8, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited
investor (“the Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal
amount of $ | ||||||||
On August 27, 2024 through September 16, 2024, the Company entered into four loan advances with an investor. The
principle of the advances ranged from $ |
F-15 |
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
On October 4, 2024, the Company entered into a
Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor (“the Lender”), pursuant to which
the Lender made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $ | ||||||||
On October 30, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities
Purchase Agreement with Alumni Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“the Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender
made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $ | ||||||||
On November 6, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities
Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor (the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender
made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $ | ||||||||
On November 11, 2024, the Company entered into a twelve-month
promissory note with an accredited investor (the “Lender”) in the principal amount of $ | ||||||||
On December 13, 2024, the Company entered into a
three-month promissory note with an accredited investor (the “Lender”) in the principal amount of $ | ||||||||
Less: note discount | ( | ) | ||||||
Total recorded as a current liability | $ | $ |
F-16 |
As
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the outstanding balance due on all of the working capital notes payable was $
Accrued
interest was approximately $
The
Company evaluates its convertible notes for potential bifurcation of conversion options or otherwise separate accounting and measurement
of notes at fair value. As of December 31, 2024, the Company recognized approximately $
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized a net loss on debt extinguishment totaling $
Description | Fair Value | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
Series D Preferred Stock | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Common stock and pre-funded warrants | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Convertible notes | $ | $ | $ | $ |
Level 2 fair value measurements in the table above were primarily measured through the Company’s publicly traded common stock price, which is an observable input in determining fair value. Convertible notes were valued on an as-converted basis at the time of settlement as conversion into common stock occurred shortly after.
As discussed further in Note 10, the gain on settlement of liability for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily relates to common stock issued under the Company’s board compensation plan for its independent directors, the fair value measurement of which is a Level 1 input within the fair value hierarchy.
NOTE 8 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to impairment testing annually (on the first day of the fourth quarter), or between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment to evaluate goodwill for potential impairment. If based on that assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The quantitative impairment test requires determining the fair value of the reporting unit. The Company uses the income approach, whereby the fair value is calculated based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using a discount rate that approximates the weighted average cost of capital. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant estimates and assumptions about the future such as sales growth, gross margins, employment costs, capital expenditures, inflation and future economic and market conditions. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, impairment is recorded for the excess, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
As
part of its prior amended and restated filing for fiscal 2023, management performed a qualitative assessment of potential goodwill impairment
and determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit (comprised by the Champion Entities) did not exceed
its carrying value. In conjunction with this assessment, the Company also evaluated its separately identifiable intangible asset associated
with the acquisition of the Champion Entities, concluding a trade name asset in the amount of $
As
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had intangible assets, representing a trade name subject to amortization over a
The Company will review its trade name intangible asset for impairment periodically (based on indicators of impairment) and determine whether impairment is to be recognized within its consolidated statement of operations. impairment charge was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024.
NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income tax using the liability method prescribed by ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The deferred tax assets on December 31, 2024 and 2023 consist of net operating loss carryforwards. The net deferred tax asset has been fully offset by a valuation allowance because of the uncertainty of the attainment of future taxable income.
As
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had approximately $
The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions or events leading to uncertainty in a tax position. The Company’s 2024, 2023 and 2022 Corporate Income Tax Returns are subject to Internal Revenue Service examination.
F-17 |
NOTE 10 – SHARE CAPITAL
The Company is authorized to issue shares of its $ par value common stock and shares of its $ par value preferred stock. The shares of $ par value preferred stock were comprised of shares authorized and shares issued and outstanding of its Series A convertible preferred stock at December 31, 2024 and 2023, shares authorized and shares issued and outstanding of its Series B convertible preferred stock at December 31, 2024 and 2023, shares authorized and shares issued and outstanding of its Series C convertible preferred stock at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and shares authorized and shares issued and outstanding of its Series D convertible preferred stock at December 31, 2024 (At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were shares were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023). and shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively.
The share numbers and pricing information in this report have been adjusted to reflect the effects of the following reverse stock splits, which occurred during 2023, 2024 and subsequent to December 31, 2024 prior to the issuance of the consolidated financial statements:
● | On June 27, 2023, the
Company effectuated a reverse split of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock at a ratio of | |
● | On
October 2, 2024, the Company effectuated a reverse split of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock at a ratio of | |
● | On
March 31, 2025, the Company effectuated a reverse split of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock at a ratio of |
On
June 27, 2023, the Company entered into a PIPE transaction with Armistice Capital for the purchase and sale of $
F-18 |
On
August 21, 2023,
On September 8, 2023, the Company entered into an inducement offer letter agreement (the “Inducement Letter”) with Armistice Capital, the holders of existing common stock purchase warrants, to purchase shares of common stock of the Company. The existing common stock purchase warrants were issued on July 8, 2022 and June 28, 2023 and had an exercise price of $ and $ , respectively per share.
Pursuant
to the Inducement Letter, Armistice Capital agreed to exercise for cash their existing common stock purchase warrants to purchase an
aggregate of
On
September 8, 2023,
On September 19, 2023, the Company issued shares of common stock pursuant to the Company’s 2021 LTIP equity plan. Under the 2021 LTIP equity plan shares of common stock were issued to Mr. Ross and shares of common stock were issued to Mr. Grau.
Additionally, on September 19, 2023, shares of common stock were granted and issued to a vendor associated with one of the Company’s current working capital loans.
On
September 20, 2023, the Company issued shares of common stock pursuant to the Company’s
board compensation plan for its independent directors. The Company recognized approximately $
Shares Reserved for Issuance Pursuant to Certain Executive Employment Agreements
The Company in connection with its employment agreement with Messrs. Ross, Grau and Lambrecht reserved for issuance shares of its common stock that are convertible under the Series A preferred stock.
New Preferred Stock Series and Designations and Reg. A+ Offering
On November 3, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved the designation of a new Series C Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series C Designation”).
The
Company filed a registration statement on Form 1-A offering up to
F-19 |
On May 10, 2024, the Company’s board of directors approved the designation of a new Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series D Designation”). The Series D Designation was filed by the Company with the Secretary of State of Nevada on May 10, 2024, and designated shares of Series D Preferred Stock, $ par value per share. The Series D Preferred Stock has the following rights:
Stated Value. Each share of Series D Preferred Stock has an initial stated value of $ .
Conversion at Option of Holder. Each share of Series D Preferred Stock shall be convertible into shares of Common Stock at a fixed ratio of 1:5 ( share of Series D Preferred Stock converts into shares of Common Stock), at the option of the holder thereof, at any time following the issuance date of such share of Series D Preferred Stock at the Company’s office or any transfer agent for such stock. The conversion ratio shall not be adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar events.
Forced Conversion – If the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock during any ten consecutive trading day period has been at or above $ per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends recapitalizations and similar events), then the Company shall have the right to require the holder of the Series D Preferred Stock to convert all, or any portion of, the shares of Series D Preferred Stock held by such holder for shares of Common Stock. If the Company elects to cause a forced conversion of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock, then it must simultaneously take the same action with respect to all of the other shares of Series D Preferred Stock then outstanding on a pro rata basis.
Voting Rights. The Series D Preferred Stock has no voting rights relative to matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders (other than as required by law). The Company may not amend its articles of incorporation or the Series D Designation (whether by merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to materially and adversely change the rights, preferences or voting power of the Series D Preferred Stock without the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter by holders of the Company’s outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock, voting together as a class.
Conversion of Revenue Interest Loan for Preferred Stock Series D and Potential Issuance of Common Stock Equivalents from the Conversion of Series D
On
May 13, 2024 the Company and the holder of one of the Revenue Interest Loans entered into a settlement and conversion agreement (“Securities
Exchange Agreement”), whereby the Company issued
The Securities Exchange Agreement is intended to be effected as an exchange of securities issued by the Company pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. For the purposes of Rule 144, the Company acknowledges that the holding period of the Securities Exchange Agreement (and upon conversion thereof, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock) may be tacked onto the holding period of the Series D Preferred Stock received by the holder. The Company agrees not to take a position contrary to this unless required by regulatory authorities and their determination to the contrary.
On
July 10, 2024, the Company entered into a separately negotiated Conversion Agreement (the “Conversion Agreement”) with
the Series D convertible preferred stock holder, pursuant to which the holder agreed to convert the
F-20 |
Refer to Note 7 – Notes Payable – Working Capital, for additional information regarding the settlement of debt liabilities through the issuances of Series D Preferred Stock, common stock, pre-funded warrants and convertible notes during the year ended December 31, 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2024,
the Company settled certain operational liabilities, consisting of accounts payable originating during the year, through the issuance
of Series D Preferred Stock and common stock. A total of
On
June 27, 2023, the Company entered into a PIPE transaction with Armistice Capital for the purchase and sale of $
On September 8, 2023, the Company, entered into an inducement offer letter agreement with Armistice Capital the holders of existing common stock purchase warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company. The existing common stock purchase warrants were issued on July 8, 2022 and June 28, 2023 and had an exercise price of $ and $ , respectively per share.
Pursuant
to the Inducement Letter, Armistice Capital agreed to exercise for cash their existing common stock purchase warrants to purchase an
aggregate of
On
August 21, 2023
F-21 |
Along
with the Prefunded Warrants the previous year’s PIPE investors were issued immediately exercisable warrants to purchase up to
On
October 23, 2024, the Company issued
As
of December 31, 2024, there were
The Company evaluates outstanding warrants as derivative liabilities and will recognize any changes in the fair value through earnings. The Company determined that the warrants have an immaterial fair value at December 31, 2024 and 2023. The warrants do not trade in a highly active securities market, and as such, the Company estimated the fair value of these common stock equivalents using Black-Scholes and the following assumptions:
Expected volatility was based primarily on historical volatility. Historical volatility was computed using daily pricing observations for recent periods. The Company believes this method produced an estimate that was representative of the Company’s expectations of future volatility over the expected term which due to their maturity period as expiry, it was three years. The Company had no reason to believe future volatility over the expected remaining life of these common stock equivalents was likely to differ materially from historical volatility. Expected life was based on three years due to the expiry of maturity. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury rate that corresponded to the expected term of the common stock equivalents.
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Stock Price | $ | $ | ||||||
Exercise Price | $ | $ | ||||||
Term (expected in years) | ||||||||
Volatility | % | % | ||||||
Annual Rate of Dividends | % | % | ||||||
Risk-Free Rate | % | % |
Stock Purchase Warrants
Shares | Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share | Remaining term | Intrinsic value | |||||||||||||
Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2022 | $ | years | ||||||||||||||
Granted Prefunded Warrants | $ | years | - | |||||||||||||
Granted in PIPE transaction | $ | * | years | |||||||||||||
Granted pursuant to repricing transaction | $ | * | years | |||||||||||||
Granted pursuant to Inducement Agreement – New Warrants | $ | years | ||||||||||||||
Exercised | ( | ) | $ | years | ||||||||||||
Expired | - | |||||||||||||||
Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2023 | $ | years | ||||||||||||||
Granted Prefunded Warrants | $ | years | - | |||||||||||||
Exercised | ( | ) | $ | - | ||||||||||||
Expired | - | |||||||||||||||
Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2024 | $ | years |
* |
F-22 |
NOTE 12 – LEASES AND LEASED PREMISES
Rental Payments under Non-cancellable Operating Leases and Equipment Leases
The Company, through its purchase of Champion, acquired several long-term leases for two manufacturing facilities, three office spaces, five distribution centers, and five retail spaces. Four of its distribution centers also have retail operations for which it leases its facilities. Lease terms on the various spaces’ range from a month-to-month lease (30 days) to a long-term lease expiring in September of 2028.
Rent
expense for operating leases totaled approximately $
The Company does not have any equipment leases whereby we finance this equipment needed for operations at competitive finance rates. New equipment to be financed in the near term, if necessary, may not be obtainable at competitive pricing with increasing interest rates.
Right of Use Assets and Lease Liabilities
Lease expense for operating leases consists of the lease payments plus any initial direct costs, net of lease incentives, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company’s operating leases are comprised primarily of facility leases. and as such we have no finance leases for our vehicles or equipment currently at this time.
Balance sheet information related to our leases is presented below:
Balance Sheet location | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
Operating leases: | ||||||||||
Right-of-use lease assets | $ | $ | ||||||||
Right-of-use lease liability, current | Other current liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||
Right-of-use lease liability, long-term | Right-of-use operating lease liability | $ | $ |
As of December 31, 2024, weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows:
December 31, 2024 | ||||
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term: | ||||
Operating leases | ||||
Weighted Average Discount Rate: | ||||
Operating leases | % |
F-23 |
The minimum future annual payments under non-cancellable leases during the next five years and thereafter, at rates now in force, are as follows:
Operating leases | ||||
2025 | $ | |||
2026 | ||||
2027 | ||||
2028 | ||||
2029 | ||||
Thereafter | ||||
Total future minimum lease payments, undiscounted | ||||
Less: Imputed interest | ( |
) | ||
Present value of future minimum lease payments | $ |
NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, various claims and lawsuits, incidental to the ordinary course of our business, may be brought against the Company. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, resolution of any of these matters is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
On July 23, 2024, the Company received notice of a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah by Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc. (“Liberty”), in connection with the marketing and sale of the Company’s and its subsidiaries, Champion Safe Company, Inc., line of safe products. As of the date of this Report, the complaint has not been served on the Company or Champion Safe. In the complaint, Liberty alleges trademark infringement as a result of the purported use of the term “Freedom” in the sale of safes, federal false designation of origin and unfair competition, violation of Utah deceptive trade practices, Utah unfair competition, and damages to Liberty. Management believes that this lawsuit is without merit; however has initiated settlement discussions with Liberty and anticipates an amicable settlement to be forthcoming. At this time, Management does not believe a settlement with Liberty will have a material effect on its business or financial condition.
As
reported by the Company in the Form 8-K dated August 7, 2024, during February 2023, the Company entered into a $
Contractual Obligations
The
Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect
on the condensed consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were
Nasdaq Compliance
On April 23, 2024, the Company received notice from Nasdaq indicating that, while the Company has not regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement, Nasdaq has determined that the Company is eligible for an additional 180-day period, or until October 21, 2024, to regain compliance. On October 16, 2024, the Company received a written notification from Nasdaq indicating that, as of October 15, 2024, the Company had regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement.
On February 28, 2024 the Registrant received a written notice from the Listing Qualifications department of The Nasdaq Stock Market stating that because the Company has not yet held an annual meeting of shareholders within 12 months of the end of the Company’s 2022 fiscal year end, it no longer complies with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(a) for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The Company had until April 15, 2024, which was 45 days from the date of the notice, to submit a plan to regain compliance and, if Nasdaq accepted the plan, it may grant an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the fiscal year end, or until June 28, 2024, to regain compliance. The Company held its annual meeting of stockholders on June 27, 2024, thereby regaining compliance with the Nasdaq annual meeting requirement.
On November 22, 2024, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq indicating that, as a result of not having timely filed the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules which require timely filing of periodic reports with the SEC. Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company has until January 21, 2025 to submit a plan to regain compliance. If the plan is accepted, an extension may be granted of up to 180 calendar days from the due date of the Initial Delinquent Filing, or May 19, 2025, to regain compliance. The Company submitted a compliance plan on January 20, 2025 and filed its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2204 on February 7, 2025. On February 10, 2025, the Company received a written notification from the Staff indicating that the Company had regained compliance with the periodic filing requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rules.
On February 19, 2025, the Company received a notification letter Nasdaq stating that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) because the stockholders’ equity of the Company as of September 30, 2024, as reported in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 7, 2025, was below the minimum requirement of $2,500,000 (the “Stockholders’ Equity Requirement”). The Notification Letter has no immediate effect on the Company’s continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, subject to the Company’s compliance with the other continued listing requirements. Pursuant to Nasdaq’s Listing Rules, the Company has 45 calendar days (until April 7, 2025), to submit a plan to evidence compliance with the Rule (a “Compliance Plan”). The Company intends to submit a Compliance Plan within the required time, although there can be no assurance that the Compliance Plan will be accepted by Nasdaq. If the Compliance Plan is accepted by Nasdaq, the Company will be granted an extension of up to 180 calendar days from February 19, 2025 to evidence compliance with the Rule. In the event the Compliance Plan is not accepted by Nasdaq, or in the event the Compliance Plan is accepted but the Company fails to evidence compliance within the extension period, the Company will have the right to a hearing before Nasdaq’s Hearing Panel. The hearing request would stay any suspension or delisting action pending the conclusion of the hearing process and the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the panel following the hearing. The Company submitted the Compliance Plan on April 7, 2025, will continue to monitor its stockholders’ equity and, if appropriate, consider further available options to evidence compliance with the Stockholders’ Equity Requirement.
F-24 |
Executive Employment Agreements and Independent Contractor Agreements
The Company has written employment agreements with various other executive officers. All payments made to its executive officers and significant outside service providers are analyzed and determined by the board of directors’ compensation committee; some payments made to independent contractors (or officer payments characterized as non-employee compensation) may be subject to backup withholding or general withholding of payroll taxes, may make the Company responsible for the withholding and remittance of those taxes. Generally outside service providers are responsible for their own withholding and payment of taxes. Certain state taxing authorities may otherwise disagree with that analysis and Company policy.
NOTE 14 – SEGMENT REPORTING
Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance.
The Company views its operations and manages its business as one operating segment engaged in patriotic goods comprised of safes, soft goods, and beer. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as the CODM, regularly reviews the entity-wide financial and operational performance as a single unit. No financial information is disaggregated into separate lines of business. The CODM makes resource allocation and business process decisions regarding the overall level of resources available and how to best deploy the resources.
The single segment’s principal measure of segment profit and loss is consolidated revenue, gross margin, and total operating expenses. The CODM considers actual and forecasted numbers when evaluating performance.
NOTE 15 – OTHER INCOME – EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT
The Company retained the services of a
tax service professional to provide the Company with certain specialized tax services. The services included identifying various tax
initiatives as well as specifically tasking the tax service professional in applying for and the preparation of tax filings for (tax)
credits available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). During the year ended December
31, 2023, the Company received approximately $
NOTE 16 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluated all events that occurred after the balance sheet date of December 31, 2024 through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that there were the following subsequent events.
On January 10, 2025, the Company authorized the issuance of shares of common stock to a consultant pursuant to the terms of an amendment to a current consulting agreement.
On
January 10, 2025, the Company entered into two six-month promissory notes with accredited investors (the “Lenders”) in the
principal amounts of $
On January 14, 2025, the Company authorized the issuance of shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to seven service providers to the Company and its subsidiaries.
F-25 |
As previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 27, 2024, on November 22, 2024, the Company received a Notice from Nasdaq indicating that, as a result of not having timely filed the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules, which require timely filing of periodic reports with the SEC. Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company had until January 21, 2025 to submit a plan to regain compliance. The Company submitted a plan before such date and subsequently filed its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 on February 7, 2025. On February 10, 2025, the Company received a written notification from the Staff indicating that the Company had regained compliance with the periodic filing requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rules.
On
February 10, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor (the
“Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount
of $
As
previously disclosed in the Form 8-K dated November 13, 2024, on November 11, 2024, the Company entered into a Purchase and Exchange
Agreement among an investor (the “Purchaser”) and Altbanq Lending LLC (the “Seller”), pursuant to which the Purchaser
agreed to purchase from the Seller a portion ($
On
March 3, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor (the
“Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount
of $
F-26 |
On
March 5, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025,
sent the Company a fourth closing notice for the exchange of $
As
reported by the Company in the Form 8-K dated August 7, 2024, during February 2023, the Company entered into a $
On
March 19, 2025, the Purchaser, pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement dated November 11, 2024, as amended on February 19, 2025,
sent the Company a thirteenth closing notice for the exchange of $
On
March 31, 2025, the Company effectuated a reverse split of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock at a ratio of
On April 4, 2025, the Company entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of
F-27 |
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
We have had no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives, and management necessarily is required to use its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the CEO and Interim Principal Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and Interim Principal Accounting Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
Management has concluded that there is a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting due to deficiencies in the design and operation of internal controls. The material weakness resulted in material adjustments to the financial statements included in the Original Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, which were driven by the following: (1) inadequate management reviews and (2) insufficient technical accounting competencies within the organization.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result of the material weakness, our CEO and Interim Principal Accounting Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2024, the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at a reasonable assurance level.
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Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. As we are a non-accelerated filer, management’s report is not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm.
This Annual Report shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
The Company’s management believes that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable assurance and cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met, and no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Further, the design of an internal control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitation in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issuers and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Effective April 12, 2024, the Company completed the negotiations and modification of several debt instruments.
Revenue Interest Purchase Agreements
On March 22, 2024, the Company entered into a Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement”) with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from the Company for $100,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $10,000 per month from the Company generated from its operating subsidiaries (the “Revenue Interest”). Under the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company has an option (the “Call Option”) to repurchase the Revenue Interest at any time upon two days advance written notice. Additionally, the Purchasers have an option (the “Put Option”) to terminate the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement and to require the Company to repurchase future Revenue Interest upon the Company consummating a public offering pursuant to Regulation A. The repurchase price to be paid by the Company will be, if the Call Option or the Put Option is exercised (i) $140,000 if repurchased on or before May 31, 2024; and (ii) $154,000 after June 1, 2024; in each case of (i) or (ii), minus all Revenue Interest or other payments made by the Company to the investor prior to such date. The foregoing description of the material terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2024.
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On April 1, 2024, the Company entered into an additional Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from the Company for $100,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $10,000 per month from the Company generated from its operating subsidiaries. Under the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company has an option to repurchase the Revenue Interest at any time upon two days advance written notice. Additionally, the Purchasers have an option to terminate the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement and to require the Company to repurchase future Revenue Interest upon the Company consummating a public offering pursuant to Regulation A. The repurchase price to be paid by the Company will be, if the Call Option or the Put Option is exercised (i) $140,000 if repurchased on or before May 31, 2024; and (ii) $154,000 after June 1, 2024; in each case of (i) or (ii), minus all Revenue Interest or other payments made by the Company to the investor prior to such date. The foregoing description of the material terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2024.
On April 9, 2024, the Company entered into an additional Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from the Company for $100,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $10,000 per month from the Company generated from its operating subsidiaries. Under the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company has an option to repurchase the Revenue Interest at any time upon two days advance written notice. Additionally, the investor has an option to terminate the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement and to require the Company to repurchase future Revenue Interest upon the Company consummating a public offering pursuant to Regulation A. The repurchase price to be paid by the Company will be, if the Call Option or the Put Option is exercised (i) $140,000 if repurchased on or before May 31, 2024; and (ii) $154,000 after June 1, 2024; in each case of (i) or (ii), minus all Revenue Interest or other payments made by the Company to the investor prior to such date. The foregoing description of the material terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 10.21.
On April 9, 2024, the Company entered into an additional Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from the Company for $300,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $30,000 per month from the Company generated from its operating subsidiaries. Under the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company has an option to repurchase the Revenue Interest at any time upon two days advance written notice. Additionally, the investor has an option to terminate the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement and to require the Company to repurchase future Revenue Interest upon the Company consummating a public offering pursuant to Regulation A. The repurchase price to be paid by the Company will be, if the Call Option or the Put Option is exercised (i) $420,000 if repurchased on or before May 31, 2024; and (ii) $462,000 after June 1, 2024; in each case of (i) or (ii), minus all Revenue Interest or other payments made by the Company to the investor prior to such date. The foregoing description of the material terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 10.22.
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On April 9, 2024, the Company entered into an additional Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with an individual accredited investor, pursuant to which the investor purchased a revenue interest from the Company for $75,000. As consideration for such payment, commencing on June 1, 2024 and continuing thereafter until all amounts are repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the investor has a right to receive $7,500 per month from the Company generated from its operating subsidiaries. Under the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company has an option to repurchase the Revenue Interest at any time upon two days advance written notice. Additionally, the investor has an option to terminate the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement and to require the Company to repurchase future Revenue Interest upon the Company consummating a public offering pursuant to Regulation A. The repurchase price to be paid by the Company will be, if the Call Option or the Put Option is exercised (i) $105,000 if repurchased on or before May 31, 2024; and (ii) $115,500 after June 1, 2024; in each case of (i) or (ii), minus all Revenue Interest or other payments made by the Company to the investor prior to such date. The foregoing description of the material terms of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 10.23.
In addition, the Revenue Interest Purchase Agreements contain various representations and warranties, covenants and other obligations and other provisions that are customary for transactions of this nature.
Secured Loan Agreement
On March 27, 2024, the Company entered into a $1,300,000 Business Loan and Security Agreement (the “Secured Loan”) with an accredited investor lending source (the “Lender”). Under the Secured Loan, the Company received the loan net of fees of $26,000. The Company repaid two outstanding secured notes to affiliates of the Lender totaling $769,228, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $504,772. The Secured Loan requires 64 weekly payments of $26,000 each, for a total repayment of $1,664,000. The Secured Loan bears interest at 22.8% per annum. The Secured Loan is secured by all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries second to a first priority lien secured the holder of the Line of Credit. Furthermore, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, provided a personal guaranty for the Secured Loan. The Secured Loan provides for a default fee of $15,000 for any late payments on the weekly payments. As long as the Secured Loan is not in default, the Company may prepay the Secured Loan pursuant to certain prepayment amounts set forth in the Secured Loan. Further, any default by the Company allows the Lender to take necessary actions to secure its collateral and recovery of funds.
The foregoing description of the Secured Loan does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Secured Loan, which was attached as Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2024.
From time to time, we expect certain of our executive officers and directors will in the future, enter into, amend or terminate written trading arrangements pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act or otherwise.
For
the quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of our officers or directors
On November 18, 2024, the Company, and two of its subsidiaries (American Rebel, Inc. and Champion Safe Company, Inc.) entered into a subordinated business loan and security agreement (“Loan”) with Agile Lending, LLC and Agile Capital Funding, LLC as collateral agent, which provides for a term loan in the amount of $1,347,000 which principal and interest (of $592,680) is due on June 23, 2025. Commencing December 2, 2024, the Company is required to make weekly payments of $64,656 until the due date. The loan may be prepaid subject to a prepayment fee. An administrative agent fee of $64,125 was paid on the loan and $1,282,875 was utilized to repay the July 8, 2024 loan to Agile. A default interest rate of 5% will become effective upon the occurrence of an event of default. In connection with the loan, Agile was issued a subordinated secured promissory note, dated November 18, 2024, in the principal amount of $1,347,000 which note is secured by all of the Borrower’s assets, including receivables, subject to certain outstanding liens and agreements. The foregoing description of the Loan is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.56 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Subsequent Events after Year-End
On March 26, 2024, we entered into an agreement to purchase two additional primary sponsorships for the 2025 NHRA Tony Stewart Racing Nitro team racing season. The price for the sale/transfer was $350,000 and was paid through the issuance of 46,667 shares of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. A copy of the purchase agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.66.
On March 27, 2025, the Company issued a press release titled “American Rebel Expands its Successful Sponsorship for 2025 with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.” A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report.
On March 28, 2025, the Company issued a press release titled “American Rebel Launches Nationwide Ad Campaign on March 31 with 30 Second TV Spot, Complemented by Digital Media Across Leading Websites, to Increase Exposure of the Company and its Products to Millions of Viewers.” A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2 to this Annual Report.
On April 2, 2025, Company’s board of directors approved the establishment of a 2025 Stock Incentive Plan (the “SIP”). The SIP is intended to enable the Company to continue to attract able employees and consultants and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities rest for growth of the Company, and whose present and potential contributions are of importance, can acquire and maintain Common Stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the Company’s welfare. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock (including shares underlying options) that may be issued under the SIP pursuant to past or future awards of Restricted Shares, Shares underlying the conversion of currently outstanding preferred stock issued for services or Options will be limited to 500,000 shares of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock that are the subject of awards under the SIP which are forfeited or terminated, are settled in cash in lieu of shares of Common Stock or in a manner such that all or some of the shares covered by an award are not issued to a participant or are exchanged for awards that do not involve shares will again immediately become available to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the SIP. If shares of Common Stock are withheld from payment of an award to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the award, those shares of Common Stock will be treated as shares that have been issued under the SIP and will not again be available for issuance under the SIP. A copy of the SIP is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.67.
On April 2, 2025, the Company issued a press release titled “American Rebel CEO Andy Ross to Appear on South Florida Television Morning Shows on NBC-TV Channel 5 West Palm Beach and 39 WSFL - Home of the Florida Panthers.” A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.3 to this Annual Report.
On April 2, 2025, the Company entered into a second Settlement Agreement and Stipulation (the “ Second Settlement Agreement”) with Silverback Capital Corporation (“SCC”) to settle outstanding claims owed to SCC. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, SCC has agreed to purchase certain outstanding payables between the Company and designated vendors of the Company totaling $4,690,773.09 (the “Payables”) and will exchange such Payables for a settlement amount payable in shares of common stock of the Company (the “Settlement Shares”). The Settlement Shares shall be priced at 75% of the average of the three lowest traded prices during the five trading day period prior to a share request, which is subject to a floor price of $2.92. SCC has agreed that it will not become the beneficial owner of more than 9.99% of common stock of the Company at any point in time. Further, the Second Settlement Agreement provides that Settlement Shares may not be issued to SCC if such issuance would exceed 19.9% of the outstanding common stock as of the date of the Second Settlement Agreement, until such time as the Second Settlement Agreement is approved by the Company’s stockholders. The Company agreed to issue SCC 2,800 shares of Common Stock as a settlement fee. The Second Settlement Agreement and the issuance of the Settlement Shares is anticipated to be submitted for approval by a Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court for Manatee County, Florida (the “Court”) pursuant to 3(a)(10) within thirty (30) days of the date of the Second Settlement Agreement. The foregoing description of the Second Settlement Agreement and of all of the parties’ rights and obligations under the Second Settlement Agreement are qualified in its entirety by reference to the Second Settlement Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and of which is incorporated herein by reference.
On April 3, 2025, the Company issued a press release titled “American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) Invites Patriotic Investors, Fans, and Beer Enthusiasts to Celebrate Freedom with a New Video Release Highlighting the American Rebel Story.” A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.4 to this Annual Report.
On April 4, 2025, the Company entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 724,640 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof), series A warrants to purchase up to 724,640 shares of common stock and short-term series B warrants to purchase up to 2,173,920 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $3.45 per share of common stock (or per pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) and accompanying warrants in a private placement priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. The series A warrants and the short-term series B warrants will have an exercise price of $2.95 per share and will be exercisable immediately upon issuance. The series A warrants will expire five years from the date of issuance and the short-term series B warrants will expire eighteen months from the date issuance. The private placement is expected to close on or about April 7, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The press release disclosing the private placement is attached and furnished hereto as Exhibit 99.5.
On April 4, 2025, the Company entered into a conversion agreement with a current noteholder, whereby the noteholder agreed to convert all $617,100 of the principal amount owed under its OID Note dated January 10, 2025 into 82,280 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. A copy of the conversion agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.69.
On April 7, 2025, the Company issued a press release titled “American Rebel Holdings Issues Corporate Update Highlighting Recent Key Milestones and Strategic Growth Initiatives.” A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.6 to this Annual Report.
On April 7, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC, an accredited investor (the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender made a loan to the Company, evidenced by a promissory note in the principal amount of $182,275 (the “Note”). An original issue discount of $23,775 and fees of $8,500 were applied on the issuance date, resulting in net loan proceeds to the Company of $150,000. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in ten payments, with the first payment of $20,779.30 due on May 15, 2025, and remaining nine payments in the same amount due on the fifteenth day of each month thereafter (a total payback to the Lender of $207,793.00). Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default, the Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company will be obligated to pay to the Lender, in full satisfaction of its obligations, an amount equal to 150% times the sum of (w) the then outstanding principal amount of the Note plus (x) accrued and unpaid interest on the unpaid principal amount of the Note to the date of payment plus (y) default interest, if any, at the rate of 22% per annum on the amounts referred to in clauses (w) and/or (x) plus (z) any amounts owed to the Lender pursuant to the conversion rights referenced below. Only upon an occurrence of an event of default under the Note, the Lender may convert the outstanding unpaid principal amount of the Note into restricted shares of common stock of the Company at a discount of 25% of the market price. The Lender agreed to limit the amount of stock received to less than 4.99% of the total outstanding common stock. There are no warrants or other derivatives attached to this Note. The Company agreed to reserve a number of shares of common stock equal to four times the number of shares of common stock which may be issuable upon conversion of the Note at all times. The foregoing descriptions of the Note and the Securities Purchase Agreement and of all of the parties’ rights and obligations under the Note and the Securities Purchase Agreement are qualified in its entirety by reference to the Note and the Securities Purchase Agreement, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 10.70 and 10.71 respectively to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and of which are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not Applicable.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers and directors of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2024.
All directors of the Company hold office until the next annual meeting of the security holders or until their successors have been elected and qualified. Officers of the Company are appointed by our Board and hold office until their death, resignation or removal from office. Our directors and executive officers, their ages, positions held, and duration as such, are as follows:
Name | Positions Held with the Company | Age | Date
First Elected or Appointed | |||
Executive Officers | ||||||
Charles A. Ross, Jr. | Chief
Executive Officer, |
58 | June 9, 2016 | |||
Doug E. Grau | President, Interim Principal Accounting Officer | 62 | February 12, 2020 | |||
Corey Lambrecht | Chief Operating Officer and Director | 55 | February 12, 2020 | |||
Non-Employee Directors | ||||||
Michael Dean Smith | Director | 54 | February 8, 2022 | |||
C. Stephen Cochennet | Director | 67 | May 9, 2023 | |||
Larry Sinks | Director | 61 | November 20, 2023 |
Executive Officers
Charles A. Ross, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and Director
Mr. Ross is currently the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and a Director. He has held these positions since June 20, 2016. He is responsible for all duties required of a corporate officer and the development of the business. From December, 2014 through April, 2021, Mr. Ross served as the sole officer and as a director of American Rebel, Inc. He now currently serves as its Secretary, Treasurer and as a director. American Rebel, Inc. has developed a product line of concealed carry products. Prior to American Rebel, Inc. Mr. Ross founded several companies including Digital Ally, Inc. (a Nasdaq listed company, NASDAQ: DGLY), which he established in 2004. In addition to his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Mr. Ross served as the host of his own television sporting show, Maximum Archery World Tour, where he bow hunted all over the world which included traditional bow hunts and bow hunting of the world’s most dangerous game. Maximum Archery World Tour evolved into his new television show, American Rebel, which features Mr. Ross’s music, patriotism, his support of the 2nd Amendment and celebrates the “American Rebel Spirit” in all of us. Mr. Ross professionally released three compact disks (“CDs”) and his popular song “American Rebel” has become the theme song for American Rebel and other American Rebel theme properties.
Doug E. Grau, President, Interim Principal Accounting Officer
Mr. Grau is currently our President and Interim Principal Accounting Officer. Mr. Grau served as a director from February, 2020 through November, 2023. From 2014 through the present, he has served as a director of American Rebel, Inc. Mr. Grau has produced three musical CDs for Andy Ross, the musician, and has worked with Andy Ross, the musician and the business executive in various capacities for more than thirteen years. Mr. Grau worked as an executive at Warner Bros. Records Nashville (nka Warners Records) for more than fifteen years, developing the unique talents of Travis Tritt, Little Texas, David Ball, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, Ron White, and various others. Mr. Grau graduated from Belmont University in Nashville in 1985 with a Bachelor’s of Arts (“B.A.”) degree in Business Administration.
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Corey Lambrecht, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Mr. Lambrecht has served as a director since February, 2020 and was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer in November, 2023. Mr. Lambrecht is a 20+ year public company executive with broad experience in strategic acquisitions, corporate turnarounds, new business development, pioneering consumer products, corporate licensing, interactive technology services in addition to holding various public company executive roles with responsibilities including day-to-day business operations, management, capital raising, board communication as well as investor relations. He is a Certified Director from the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management accredited Directors program. From 2007 through 2023 he was an independent director of Orbital Infrastructure Group, Inc., a former Nasdaq listed company. Mr. Lambrecht served on the Board of HippoFi, Inc. (OTC: ORHB) from July 2016 through December 2019. On January, 2020, Mr. Lambrecht was appointed to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Singlepoint Inc. (CBOE: SING) which he currently serves in as well as his roles with the Company. Mr. Lambrecht previously served as a board member for Lifestyle Wireless, Inc. which, in 2012 merged with Singlepoint. In December 2011 he joined the board of directors of Guardian 8 Holdings, a leading non-lethal security product company, serving in this role until early 2016. He most recently served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Earth911 Inc., a subsidiary of Infinity Resources Holdings Company (an OTCMarkets listed company, OTC: IRHC) from January 2010 through July 2013.
Non-Employee Directors
Michael Dean Smith, Director
Mr. Smith has served as a director since February, 2022. Since 2017, Mr. Smith has been a Vice President of Industrial Maintenance, Inc. a business organization that encompasses a full-circle approach to the manufacturing industry. From 1997 through 2017, Mr. Smith served in various executive and managerial roles with Payless, Inc. (fka Payless ShoeSource). Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor’s of Science (“B.S.”). in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Kansas, and a Masters of Business Administration (“MBA”) from Washburn University.
C. Stephen Cochennet, Director
Mr. Cochennet has served as a director since April, 2023. Mr. Cochennet has served as Chief Executive Officer and President, of Kansas Resource Development Company, a private oil and gas exploration business since 2011. In addition, from 2018 through 2023, Mr. Cochennet served as an independent board and committee member of Orbital Infrastructure Group, Inc., a former Nasdaq listed company. From 2011 through 2015 Mr. Cochennet served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Guardian 8 Corporation. From 2005 to 2010, Mr. Cochennet was the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of EnerJex Resources, Inc., a former publicly traded Commission registered Oil and Gas Company. Prior to joining EnerJex, Mr. Cochennet was President of CSC Group, LLC in which he supported Fortune 500 corporations, international companies, and natural gas/electric utilities as well as startup organizations. Services provided included strategic planning, capital formation, corporate development, executive networking and complex transaction structuring. From 1985 to 2002, Mr. Cochennet held several executive roles with UtiliCorp United Inc. (“Aquila”) located in Kansas City, Missouri. Responsibilities included finance, administration, operations, human resources, corporate development, natural gas/energy marketing, and managing several new startup operations. Prior to Aquila Mr. Cochennet served 6 years with the Federal Reserve managing problematic and failed banking institutions primarily within the oil and gas markets. Mr. Cochennet graduated from the University of Nebraska with a B.A. in Finance and Economics.
Larry Sinks, Director
Mr. Sinks has served as a director since November, 2023. Since 2005, Mr. Sinks has been in the screen printing and embroidering business on a freelance basis. Since 2016, Mr. Sinks has been a consultant for Team Image Marketing, a company specializing in high-end corrugated grocery store displays and consulting services. From 2021 through the present, Mr. Sinks has been consulting for Champion Building Solutions, a private company located in Kansas City, Missouri specializing in general remodeling of residential homes. Mr. Sinks’ passion is in motorsports and professional networking in the auto racing business. Mr. Sinks was instrumental in introducing us to Tony Stewart Racing Nitro, LLC (“Tony Stewart Racing”) which led to the Company sponsoring the team and providing the necessary support for the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat of four-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Concurrent with our February 2022 public offering and uplisting to Nasdaq Capital Markets, we made significant corporate governance changes, which are set forth below. All three independent directors (Larry Sinks, Michael Dean Smith and C. Stephen Cochennet) have maintained their respective roles as members of the board of directors for the year ended December 31, 2024 and through the date of this Annual Report.
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Director Independence
The board of directors has reviewed the independence of our directors based on the listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market. Based on this review, the board of directors has determined that each of Larry Sinks, Michael Dean Smith and C. Stephen Cochennet are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq Capital Market rules. In making this determination, our board of directors considered the relationships that each of these non-employee directors has with us and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence. As required under applicable Nasdaq Capital Market rules, we anticipate that our independent directors will meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors are present.
Board Committees
Our Board has established the following four standing committees: an audit committee; a compensation committee; a nominating and governance committee; and mergers and acquisitions committee. Our board of directors has adopted written charters for each of these committees. Copies of their charters are available on our website. Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.
The following table identifies the independent and non-independent current Board and committee members through the date of this filing or Annual Report:
Name | Audit | Compensation | Nominating and Corporate Governance | Mergers and Acquisitions | Independent | |||||||||||||
Charles A. Ross, Jr. | X | |||||||||||||||||
Corey Lambrecht | ||||||||||||||||||
Michael Dean Smith | X | X | X | X | ||||||||||||||
C. Stephen Cochennet | X | X | X | X | X | |||||||||||||
Larry Sinks | X | X | X | X | X |
Audit Committee
Our board of directors established the audit committee for the purpose of overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process and audits of our financial statements. The audit committee is responsible for, among other matters:
● | appointing, compensating, retaining, evaluating, terminating, and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm; | |
● | discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm the independence of its members from its management; | |
● | reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of their audit; | |
● | approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; | |
● | overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC; | |
● | reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies, financial and accounting controls, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; | |
● | coordinating the oversight by our board of directors of our code of business conduct and our disclosure controls and procedures; | |
● | establishing procedures for the confidential and/or anonymous submission of concerns regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters; and | |
● | reviewing and approving related-person transactions. |
Our audit committee consists of C. Stephen Cochennet, Michael Dean Smith and Larry Sinks. Mr. Cochennet serves as the chairman of the committee. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each of the members; C. Stephen Cochennet, Michael Dean Smith and Larry Sinks qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.
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Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each of the members; C. Stephen Cochennet, Michael Dean Smith and Larry Sinks meet the definition of an “independent director” for purposes of serving on the audit committee under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the Nasdaq Capital Market rules and requirements.
Compensation Committee
Our board of directors has established the compensation committee for the purpose of reviewing, recommending and approving our compensation policies and benefits, including the compensation of all of our executive officers and directors. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other matters:
● | reviewing key employee compensation goals, policies, plans and programs; | |
● | reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors and executive officers; | |
● | reviewing and approving employment agreements and other similar arrangements between us and our executive officers; and | |
● | appointing and overseeing any compensation consultants or advisors. |
Our compensation committee consists of C. Stephen Cochennet, Michael Dean Smith and Larry Sinks. Larry Sinks serves as the chairman of the committee. In determining that each of the members; C. Stephen Cochennet, Michael Dean Smith and Larry Sinks qualify as an “independent director” pursuant to Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, the board of directors considered all factors required by Rule 5605(d)(2)(A) and any and all other applicable regulations or rules promulgated by the SEC and the Nasdaq Capital Market rules relating to the compensation committee composition.
Mergers and Acquisitions Committee
Our board of directors has established the mergers and acquisitions committee for the purpose of assisting the board in identifying and analyzing potential mergers or acquisitions for the Company. Our mergers and acquisitions committee consists of Charles A. Ross, Jr., C. Stephen Cochennet, and Larry Sinks. Mr. Sinks serves as the chairman of the committee.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our board of directors has established the nominating and corporate governance committee for the purpose of assisting the board in identifying qualified individuals to become board members, in determining the composition of the board and in monitoring the process to assess board effectiveness. Our nominating committee consists of C. Stephen Cochennet, Michael Dean Smith and Larry Sinks. Michael Dean Smith serves as the chairman of the committee.
Board Leadership Structure
Our Board has not adopted a formal policy regarding the separation of the offices of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Rather, the Board believes that different leadership structures may be appropriate for the Company at a different time and under different circumstances, and it prefers the flexibility in making this decision based on its evaluation of the relevant facts at any given time.
In June 2016, Mr. Ross was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and became Executive Chairman of the board of directors. Under our current Board leadership structure, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and performance of the Company. Mr. Grau, our President and Interim Principal Accounting Officer, focuses on the allocation of resources and the financial reporting and operational and internal controls necessary to provide accurate and timely financials for which the Audit Committee, chaired by Mr. Cochennet, has oversight over.
Risk Oversight
Our board of directors oversee a company-wide approach to risk management. Our board of directors determines the appropriate risk level for us generally, assesses the specific risks faced by us and review the steps taken by management to manage those risks. While our board of directors have ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees oversee risk in certain specified areas.
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Specifically, our compensation committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements, and the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers. Our audit committee oversees management of enterprise risks and financial risks, as well as potential conflicts of interests. Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our board of directors.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Our board of directors adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. A copy of this code is available on our website. We will disclose on our website any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, or persons performing similar functions.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among our directors and/or executive officers.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past 10 years, been involved in any legal proceedings described in subparagraph (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K.
Board Diversity
While we do not have a formal policy on diversity, our Board considers diversity to include the skill set, background, reputation, type and length of business experience of our Board members as well as a particular nominee’s contributions to that mix. Our Board believes that diversity promotes a variety of ideas, judgments and considerations to the benefit of our Company and stockholders. Although there are many other factors, the Board primarily focuses on public company board experience, knowledge of the safes and concealed self-defense products industry, or background in finance or technology, and experience operating growing businesses.
Board Diversity Matrix (As of December 31, 2024) | ||||||||||||||||
Total Number of Directors | 5 | |||||||||||||||
Female | Male | Non-Binary | Did
Not Disclose Gender |
|||||||||||||
Part I: Gender Identity | ||||||||||||||||
Directors | - | 5 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Part II: Demographic Background | ||||||||||||||||
African American or Black | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Alaskan Native or Native American | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Asian | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Hispanic or Latinx | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | - | 1 | - | - | ||||||||||||
White | - | 5 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Two or More Ethnicities | - | 1 | - | - | ||||||||||||
LGBTQ+ | - | |||||||||||||||
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background | - |
Communication with our Board
Although the Company does not have a formal policy regarding communications with the Board, stockholders may communicate with the Board by writing to us at American Rebel Holdings, Inc., at 5115 Maryland Way, Suite 303, Brentwood, Tennessee, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Stockholders who would like their submission directed to a member of the Board may so specify, and the communication will be forwarded, as appropriate.
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Nominations to the Board of Directors
Our directors take a critical role in guiding our strategic direction and oversee the management of the Company. Board candidates are considered based upon various criteria, such as their broad-based business and professional skills and experiences, a global business and social perspective, concern for the long-term interests of the stockholders, diversity, and personal integrity and judgment.
In addition, directors must have the time available to devote to Board activities and to enhance their knowledge in the growing of our business. Accordingly, we have sought to attract and retain highly qualified independent directors who have the sufficient time to attend to their substantial duties and responsibilities to the Company.
Director Nominations
As of December 31, 2024, we did not make any material changes to the procedures by which our stockholders may recommend nominees to our Board. In January of 2024, the Company and its stockholders approved the election and continuation of the then current board members until the next annual stockholders meeting. In April of 2023, Mr. Yonika resigned as a member of the board of directors and its committees. In May of 2023, this vacancy on the board of directors was filled by the appointment of C. Stephen Cochennet as a member of the Board and its committees. In November of 2023, Mr. Grau resigned as a member of the board of directors and this vacancy was filled by the appointment of Larry Sinks as a member of the Board and its committees.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No interlocking relationship exists between our Board and the board of directors or the compensation committee of any other company, nor has any interlocking relationship existed in the past.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
General Philosophy
During 2024 and 2023, the compensation committee of the board of directors was solely responsible for establishing and administering our executive and director compensation plans.
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth the compensation we paid to our current executive officer(s) during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and | Salary | Bonus | Stock Awards | All Other Compensation | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
principal position | Year | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||
Charles A. Ross, Jr. (1) | 2024 | 341,760 | (2) | 256,320 | - | - | 598,080 | ||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer | 2023 | 228,667 | 90,000 | 1,250,000 | (3) | - | 1,568,667 | ||||||||||||||||
Doug E. Grau(4) | 2024 | 277,680 | (5) | - | - | - | 277,680 | ||||||||||||||||
President | 2023 | 124,456 | 60,000 | 1,250,000 | (6) | - | 1,434,456 | ||||||||||||||||
Corey Lambrecht(7) | 2024 | 277,680 | (8) | 208,260 | - | - | 485,940 | ||||||||||||||||
Chief Operating Officer | 2023 | 10,000 | - | 625,000 | (9) | - | 635,000 |
(1) | On January 1, 2021, the Company entered into a five-year employment agreement with Mr. Ross, with a base annual salary of $180,000. In 2023 the employment agreement was amended to extend the termination date to December 31, 2026 and increase Mr. Ross’ salary to $325,000 per year, and allows for annual increases not to be less than the year-over-year increase in the U.S. Consumer Price Index, which is reflected above. |
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(2) | Includes $111,788.01 of accrued salary as of December 31, 2024. | |
(3) | Deemed value of 40,634 shares of common stock authorized for issuance on December 30, 2023 pursuant to the LTIP. In addition, deemed value of the Equity Awards materially modified during the year ended December 31, 2023 of previously issued 50,000 shares of Series A preferred stock; the Series A preferred stock had its rights modified on October 31, 2023 allowing for the conversion into 25,000,000 common stock equivalent shares. We initially have recognized $1,250,000 as a charge due to the modification of the share-award grant on October 31, 2023 (the modification date). We valued the shares granted and earned out, as well as the additional shares granted but not earned out in accordance with ASC 718 and employee share-awards. Market value for our publicly traded stock at the time of modification of the terms of the Series A preferred stock for Mr. Ross’s shares was $0.05. We believe that Mr. Ross will have performed all of the necessary performance measures of his employment, thereby placing none of the Series A preferred stock and its common stock equivalents at risk of forfeiture. | |
(4) | On January 1, 2021, the Company entered into a five-year employment agreement with Mr. Grau, with a base annual salary of $120,000. In 2023 the employment agreement was amended to extend the termination date to December 31, 2026 and increase Mr. Grau’s salary to $265,000 per year, and allows for annual increases not to be less than the year-over-year increase in the U.S. Consumer Price Index, which is reflected above. | |
(5) | Includes $248,224.01 of accrued salary as of December 31, 2024. | |
(6) | Deemed value of 27,089 shares of common stock authorized for issuance on December 30, 2023 pursuant to the LTIP. In addition, deemed value of the Equity Awards materially modified during the fiscal year Ending December 31, 2023 of previously issued 50,000 shares of Series A preferred stock; the Series A preferred stock had its rights modified on October 31, 2023 allowing for the conversion into 25,000,000 common stock equivalent shares. We initially have recognized $1,250,000 as a charge due to the modification of the share-award grant on October 31, 2023 (the modification date). We valued the shares granted and earned out, as well as the additional shares granted but not earned out in accordance with ASC 718 and employee share-awards. Market value for our publicly traded stock at the time of modification of the terms of the Series A preferred stock for Mr. Grau’s shares was $0.05. We believe that Mr. Grau will have performed all of the necessary performance measures of his employment, thereby placing none of the Series A preferred stock and its common stock equivalents at risk of forfeiture. | |
(7) | On November 20, 2023, the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with Mr. Lambrecht, with an annual base salary of $260,000, and allows for annual increases not to be less than the year-over-year increase in the U.S. Consumer Price Index, which is reflected above. Prior to becoming an executive officer, Mr. Lambrecht served as the Company’s lead independent director and was compensated as set forth below under Director Compensation. | |
(8) | Includes $220,197.89 of accrued salary as of December 31, 2024. | |
(9) | Deemed value of the 25,000 shares of Series A preferred stock convertible into 12,500,000 common stock equivalent shares issued to Mr. Lambrecht on November 20, 2023. We initially recognized $625,000 as a charge for the share-award grant. We valued the shares granted and earned out, as well as the additional shares granted but not earned out in accordance with ASC 718 and employee share-awards. Market value for our publicly traded stock at the time of grant for Mr. Lambrecht’s shares was $0.05. We believe that Mr. Lambrecht will have performed all of the necessary performance measures of his employment, thereby placing none of the Series A preferred stock and its common stock equivalents at risk of forfeiture. |
Employment Agreements
Effective January 1, 2021, the Company entered into employment agreements with Charles A. Ross, Jr., its Chief Executive Officer, and Doug E. Grau, its President. These agreements were amended in April of 2021 and November of 2023. On November 20, 2023, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Corey Lambrecht, its Chief Operating Officer.
Charles A. Ross, Jr. Employment Agreement and Amendments
In general, Mr. Ross’ employment agreement contains provisions concerning terms of employment, voluntary and involuntary termination, indemnification, severance payments, and other termination benefits, in addition to a non-compete clause and certain other perquisites.
The term of Mr. Ross’ employment agreement, as amended, runs from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2026.
Mr. Ross’ employment agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $180,000, which may be adjusted by the Board of the Company. As of the date of this Annual Report Mr. Ross’ annual base salary is $351,329.
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In addition, Mr. Ross is eligible to receive annual short term incentive bonuses as determined by a review at the discretion of the Company’s Board.
Further, the Company granted and issued Mr. Ross 50,000 shares of Series A - Super Voting Convertible preferred stock. Pursuant to the amendment to his employment agreement, the Company issued 50,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Ross and the amendment established a vesting schedule. Typically, a 20/20/20/20/20 vesting of the shares beginning on January 1, 2024 and ending on January 1, 2028.
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Ross for “Good Reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Ross would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to 12-months base salary; and (iii) immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company for “cause” (as defined in the employment agreement), by reason of incapacity, disability or death, Mr. Ross, or his estate, would receive a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment, disability or death.
In the event of a termination of Mr. Ross’ employment with the Company by reason of change in control (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Ross, would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months’ Salary plus 100% of his prior year’s Bonus; and (iii) and immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
The above description of Mr. Ross’ employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of that agreement, a copy of which was attached as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2021. A copy of the first amendment to Mr. Ross’ employment agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.42 to the Form 10-K filed on May 17, 2021. A copy of the second amendment to Mr. Ross’ employment agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2023.
Doug E. Grau Employment Agreement and Amendments
In general, Mr. Grau’s employment agreement contains provisions concerning terms of employment, voluntary and involuntary termination, indemnification, severance payments, and other termination benefits, in addition to a non-compete clause and certain other perquisites.
The term of Mr. Grau’s employment agreement, as amended, runs from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2026.
Mr. Grau’s employment agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $120,000, which may be adjusted by the Board of the Company. As of the date of this Annual Report Mr. Grau’s annual base salary is $277,680.
In addition, Mr. Grau is eligible to receive annual short term incentive bonuses as determined by a review at the discretion of the Company’s Board.
Further, the Company granted and issued Mr. Grau 50,000 shares of Series A - Super Voting Convertible preferred stock. Pursuant to the amendment to his employment agreement, the Company previously issued 50,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Grau and the amendment established a vesting schedule. Typically, a 20/20/20/20/20 vesting of the shares beginning on January 1, 2024 and ending on January 1, 2028.
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Grau for “Good Reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Grau would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to 12-months base salary; and (iii) immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company for “cause” (as defined in the employment agreement), by reason of incapacity, disability or death, Mr. Grau, or his estate, would receive a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment, disability or death.
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In the event of a termination of Mr. Grau’s employment with the Company by reason of change in control (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Grau, would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months’ Salary plus 100% of his prior year’s Bonus; and (iii) and immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
The above description of Mr. Grau’s employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of that agreement, a copy of which was attached as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2021. A copy of the first amendment to Mr. Grau’s employment agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.43 to the Form 10-K filed on May 17, 2021. A copy of the second amendment to Mr. Grau’s employment agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2023.
Corey Lambrecht Employment Agreement
In general, Mr. Lambrecht’s employment agreement contains provisions concerning terms of employment, voluntary and involuntary termination, indemnification, severance payments, and other termination benefits, in addition to a non-compete clause and certain other perquisites.
The original term of Mr. Lambrecht’s employment agreement runs from November 20, 2023 until December 31, 2026. Mr. Lambrecht’s employment agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $260,000, which may be adjusted by the board of directors of the Company. In addition, Mr. Lambrecht is eligible to receive annual short term incentive bonuses as determined by a review at the discretion of our board of directors.
Further, we granted and issued Mr. Lambrecht 25,000 shares of Series A - Super Voting Convertible Preferred Stock. Conversion of the Series A – Super Voting Convertible Preferred Stock shall vest as follows: Twenty-five percent (25%) shall vest immediately and be convertible into shares of common stock, the remainder shall vest (25/25/25) and shall be convertible into shares of common stock equally on January 1, 2024, January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026.
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Lambrecht for “Good Reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Lambrecht would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to 12-months base salary; and (iii) immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company for “cause” (as defined in the employment agreement), by reason of incapacity, disability or death, Mr. Lambrecht, or his estate, would receive a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment, disability or death.
In the event of a termination of Mr. Lambrecht’ employment with the Company by reason of change in control (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Lambrecht, would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months’ Salary plus 100% of his prior year’s Bonus; and (iii) and immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
The above description of Mr. Lambrecht’s employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of that agreement, a copy of which was attached as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2023. As of the date of this Annual Report Mr. Lambrecht’s annual base salary is $285,455.
Options Exercised and Stock Vested Table
None of the named executive officers exercised any stock options, nor were there any restricted stock units held by our named executive officers vested, during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-end Table
None of the named executive officers held any unexercised options and unvested stock awards previously awarded as of December 31, 2024.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control
SEC regulations state that we must disclose information regarding agreements, plans or arrangements that provide for payments or benefits to our executive officers in connection with any termination of employment or change in control of the company. On January 1, 2021 we entered into employment agreements with Charles A. Ross, Jr. and Doug E. Grau. On November 20, 2023 we entered into an employment agreement with Corey Lambrecht. These agreements provide for certain payments to be made in the event of a termination of their employment agreements by reason of change in control (as defined in the employment agreements). Each of them would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment (not applicable to Smith as he receives no salary); (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months’ salary plus 100% of his or her prior year’s bonus; and (iii) and immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares). The following changes were made to these agreements for the year ended December 31, 2023, Mr. Ross and Mr. Grau entered into second amendments to their agreements effectively extending the termination date of the employment agreements for each.
Retirement Plans
We do not offer any annuity, pension, or retirement benefits to be paid to any of our officers, directors, or employees in the event of retirement.
Compensation of Directors
In March of 2022, our Board adopted compensation specific to and for non-employee directors. Non-employee directors are entitled to receive compensation of $60,000 per year for their service. In 2022 such compensation was paid in restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a price determined by the average monthly closing price for each month in service. In 2023 the Company’s Compensation Committee agreed to review how the board would be compensated for their service and has yet to make a final determination. Board members are also paid nominal cash fees and reimbursement of costs for director and committee meetings.
On September 20, 2023, the Company issued 24,129 shares of common stock pursuant to the Company’s board compensation plan for its independent directors for the first two quarters of 2023. The shares were valued at $18,096.75 with a per share value of $0.75 which was the Company’s common stock closing market price on the grant date as well as the issuance date. The Company recognized approximately $228,000 in gain on settlement of debt through the issuance of 24,129 shares of common stock to its independent directors on this date. Shares were issued to Messrs. Lambrecht, Smith, and Yonika to settle all amounts due to them under the stock compensation portion of the independent director’s plan through June 30, 2023.
See Transactions with Related Parties for the complete detail of the independent director’s compensation and issuance of shares. The tax value attributed to the shares of common stock issued was significantly less than the deemed value that the Company reported for each period. Due to the declining market value of the Company’s common stock and the closing price on the date the shares were issued, as stated above, the Company recognized a gain associated with settling the independent directors’ services with equity.
The following table sets forth summary compensation information for the year ended December 31, 2024 for each of our non-employee directors.
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash $ | Stock Awards $ | Option Awards $ | All Other Compensation $ | Total $ | |||||||||||||||
Michael Dean Smith | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 60,000 | (1) (2) | $ | 60,000 | |||||||||
C. Stephen Cochennet | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 60,000 | (1) (3) | $ | 60,000 | |||||||||
Larry Sinks | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 60,000 | (1) (4) | $ | 60,000 |
(1) | For the year ended December 31, 2024, our non-employee directors were eligible for the payment of $60,000 per year as a non-employee director fee for their services. |
(2) | As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Smith had $90,000 in accrued board fees and $33,000 in meeting and other fees. |
(3) | As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Cochennet had $90,000 in accrued board fees and $19,875 in meeting and other fees. |
(4) | As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Sinks had $70,000 in accrued board fees and $33,000 in meeting and other fees. |
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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Long-Term Incentive Plans and Awards
On January 1, 2021, our Board approved the establishment of the 2021 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). The LTIP is intended to enable us to continue to attract able directors, employees, and consultants and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities rest for successful administration and management of the Company, and whose present and potential contributions are of importance, can acquire and maintain common stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for our welfare. The aggregate maximum number of shares of common stock (including shares underlying options) that may be issued under the LTIP pursuant to awards of Restricted Shares or Options will be limited to 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock, which calculation shall be made on the first trading day of each new fiscal year. For fiscal year 2024, up to 23,520 shares of common stock were available for participants under the LTIP. For fiscal year 2025, up to 7,652 shares of common stock are available for participants under the LTIP. The number of shares of common stock that are the subject of awards under the LTIP which are forfeited or terminated, are settled in cash in lieu of shares of common stock or in a manner such that all or some of the shares covered by an award are not issued to a participant or are exchanged for awards that do not involve shares will again immediately become available to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the LTIP. If shares of common stock are withheld from payment of an award to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the award, those shares of common stock will be treated as shares that have been issued under the LTIP and will not again be available for issuance under the LTIP. We did not grant or issue any shares of common stock under the LTIP for fiscal year 2024.
On April 2, 2025, Company’s board of directors approved the establishment of a 2025 Stock Incentive Plan (the “SIP”). The SIP is intended to enable the Company to continue to attract able employees and consultants and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities rest for growth of the Company, and whose present and potential contributions are of importance, can acquire and maintain Common Stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the Company’s welfare. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock (including shares underlying options) that may be issued under the SIP pursuant to past or future awards of Restricted Shares, Shares underlying the conversion of currently outstanding preferred stock issued for services or Options will be limited to 500,000 shares of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock that are the subject of awards under the SIP which are forfeited or terminated, are settled in cash in lieu of shares of Common Stock or in a manner such that all or some of the shares covered by an award are not issued to a participant or are exchanged for awards that do not involve shares will again immediately become available to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the SIP. If shares of Common Stock are withheld from payment of an award to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the award, those shares of Common Stock will be treated as shares that have been issued under the SIP and will not again be available for issuance under the SIP. A copy of the SIP is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.67.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of shares of our common stock owned beneficially as of April 2, 2025 or exercisable within the next 60 days thereafter, by: (i) our directors; (ii) our named executive officers; and (iii) each person or group known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Except as indicated by footnote, the persons named in the table below have sole voting power and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Amount of Beneficial Ownership | Percentage of Common Stock Outstanding(2) | ||||||
Officers and Directors | ||||||||
Charles A. Ross, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, principal executive officer, secretary, treasurer(3) | 9,956,100 | 93.56 | % | |||||
Doug E. Grau, President, Interim Chief Financial Officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer(4) | 10,000,100 | 93.58 | % | |||||
Corey Lambrecht, Chief Operating Officer and director(5) | 9,325,100 | 93.15 | % | |||||
Michael Dean Smith, director | 100 | 0.01 | % | |||||
C. Stephen Cochennet, director | 100 | 0.01 | % | |||||
Larry Sinks, director | - | 0.00 | % | |||||
Directors and executive officers as a group (6 Persons) | 29,281,500 | 97.71 | % |
* Less than 0.01%
(1) | Unless otherwise noted above, the address of the persons and entities listed in the table is c/o American Rebel Holdings, Inc., 5115 Maryland Way, Ste. 303, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027. |
(2) | Percentage is based upon 685,672 shares of Common Stock authorized and outstanding and adjusted as needed for derivative securities held by such stockholders. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. |
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(3) | Includes 19,912 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which is currently convertible into 9,956,000 shares of Common Stock at the option of the holder. Does not include an additional 30,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock, which are convertible, equally every year starting on January 1, 2026 and for two additional years, into shares of Common Stock at a rate of 500 to 1. Further, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to cast one thousand (1,000) votes for each share held of the Series A Preferred stock on all matters presented to the stockholders of the Company for a vote. |
(4) | Includes 20,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which is currently convertible into 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock at the option of the holder. Does not include an additional 30,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock, which are convertible, equally every year starting on January 1, 2026 and for two additional years, into shares of Common Stock at a rate of 500 to 1. Further, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to cast one thousand (1,000) votes for each share held of the Series A Preferred stock on all matters presented to the stockholders of the Company for a vote. |
(5) | Includes 18,650 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which is currently convertible into 9,325,000 shares of Common Stock at the option of the holder. Does not include an additional 6,250 shares of Series A Preferred stock, which are convertible, commencing on January 1, 2026, into shares of Common Stock at a rate of 500 to 1. Further, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to cast one thousand (1,000) votes for each share held of the Series A Preferred stock on all matters presented to the stockholders of the Company for a vote. |
Non-Cumulative Voting
The holders of our shares of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of such outstanding shares, voting for the election of directors, can elect all of the directors to be elected, if they so choose. In such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any of our directors.
Super Majority Voting Powers Attributable to Preferred Stock
As of April 2, 2025, the Company had 685,672 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, which for voting purposes are entitled to one vote per share. If a vote was taken today, the following stockholders (which consist of Messrs. Ross, Lambrecht and Grau) owning a total of 300 shares of common stock and 124,812 shares of Series A Preferred, whereby each share of Series A Preferred is entitled to cast one thousand (1,000) votes for each share held on all matters presented to the stockholders of the Company for a stockholder vote, thereby allowing such common stock and Series A Preferred to cast votes totaling 124,812,300 shares of common stock, delivering an executed written consent authorizing the actions being set forth to the vote. The consenting stockholders’ names, affiliation with the Company and holdings are as follows:
Name | Affiliation | Number
of Voting Shares | %
of Total Voting Shares(4) | |||||||
Charles A. Ross, Jr. | Director, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer | 49,912,100 | (1) | 39.77 | % | |||||
Doug Grau | President | 50,000,100 | (2) | 39.84 | % | |||||
Corey Lambrecht | Director, Chief Operating Officer | 24,900,100 | (3) | 19.84 | % | |||||
Total | 124,812,300 | 99.45 | % |
(1) | Includes 49,912 shares of Series A Preferred with an equivalent of 49,912,000 shares of common stock voting power and 100 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Ross. |
(2) | Includes 50,000 shares of Series A Preferred with an equivalent of 50,000,000 shares of common stock voting power and 100 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Grau. |
(3) | Includes 24,900 shares of Series A Preferred with an equivalent of 24,900,000 shares of common stock voting power and 100 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Lambrecht. |
(4) | Percentage is based upon 685,672 shares of common stock authorized and outstanding and adjusted by the 124,812,000 votes attributable to the Series A Preferred, for a total of 125,497,672 total voting shares. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. |
Transfer Agent
The Transfer Agent for our common stock is Securities Transfer Corporation, 2901 Dallas Parkway, Suite 380, Plano, Texas 75093. Its telephone number is (469) 633-0101.
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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The following information summarizes transactions we have either engaged in for the past two fiscal years or propose to engage in, involving our executive officers, directors, more than 5% stockholders, or immediate family members of these persons. These transactions were negotiated between related parties without “arm’s length” bargaining and, as a result, the terms of these transactions may be different than transactions negotiated between unrelated persons.
Other than as set forth below, we were not a party to any transactions or series of similar transactions that have occurred during fiscal 2024 in which:
● | The amounts involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years ($106,432); and | |
● | A director, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of our common stock or any member of their immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. |
Transactions with Related Parties
The following includes a summary of transactions since January 1, 2022 to which we have been a party in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $106,432, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described under “Executive and Director Compensation.” We describe below certain other transactions with our directors, executive officers and stockholders.
On December 27, 2022, pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, Mr. Ross was awarded 4,153 shares of common stock; however, such shares have not been issued as of the date of this Annual Report.
On December 27, 2022, pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, Mr. Grau was awarded 2,237 shares of common stock; however, such shares have not been issued as of the date of this Annual Report.
Corey Lambrecht was an independent director of the Company’s board of directors through November 20, 2023. On July 1, 2023, the Company authorized 8,132 shares of common stock to Mr. Lambrecht for his services as a non-employee or independent director of the Board as full payment for his services from February 8, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The Company accrued board compensation due and owing to Mr. Lambrecht from July 1, 2023 through November 20, 2023 of approximately $23,333 which shall be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock based on the formula for non-employee directors of Board.
Michael Dean Smith was an independent director of the Company’s board of directors. On July 1, 2023, the Company authorized 8,132 shares of common stock to Mr. Smith for his services as a non-employee or independent director of the Board as full payment for his services from February 8, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The Company accrued board compensation due and owing to Mr. Smith from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 of approximately $30,000 which shall be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock based on the formula for non-employee directors of Board.
C. Stephen Cochennet was an independent director of the Company’s board of directors. On July 1, 2023, the Company authorized 2,203 shares of common stock to Mr. Cochennet for his services as a non-employee or independent director of the Board as full payment for his services from May 9, 2023 through June 30, 2023. The Company accrued board compensation due and owing to Mr. Cochennet from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 of approximately $30,000 which shall be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock based on the formula for non-employee directors of Board.
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Ken Yonika was a former independent director of the Company’s board of directors. On July 1, 2023, the Company authorized 5,662 shares of common stock to Mr. Yonika for his services as a non-employee or independent director of the Board as full payment for his services from February 8, 2022 through April 4, 2023.
On September 20, 2023 the Company issued 24,129 shares of common stock pursuant to the Company’s board compensation plan. The shares were valued at $18,096.75 with a per share value of $0.75 which was the Company’s common stock closing market price on the grant date and the date of issuance. The Company recognized approximately $228,000 in gain on the settlement of a financial obligation through the issuance of common stock on this date. The Company’s non-employee directors plan provides for the accrual of independent board fees with the compensatory factor to be settled in the average price of the Company’s common stock for the month of service. Relatively speaking the Company was not able to book the gain on settlement from the decreasing stock price until the shares were issued as it was uncertain that the share price of the Company’s common stock would not increase until the actual issuance date.
The Company leases multiple facilities from Utah–Tennessee Holding Company, LLC and Champion Holdings, LLC, two companies owned by former Champion Entities founder and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Crosby. The Company believes these facilities are adequate for its needs at this time and are priced at or below market rate.
During November 2023 the Company amended the terms of its Series A preferred stock to reflect the conversion at the right of the holder into common stock of the Company.
As of the January 1, 2024 Messrs. Ross and Grau each have vested ownership in 10,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which are currently convertible into 5,000,000 shares of common stock at the option of the respective holder. This does not include for each, Messrs. Ross and Grau, an additional 40,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock, which are convertible, equally each year starting on January 1, 2025 and for an additional three years, into shares of common stock at a rate of 500 to 1. Furthermore, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to cast one thousand (1,000) votes for each share held of the Series A Preferred stock on all matters presented to the stockholders of the Company for a vote until such shares are converted into common stock of the Company. As of December 31, 2023 the Company has not determined the compensatory value associated with the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock. Prior to November 20, 2023 the Series A Preferred Stock was not afforded the conversion feature and was not exercisable until the 1st of January 2024 for both Messrs. Ross and Grau. Prior to this date for Messrs. Ross and Grau the Series A Preferred Stock was not convertible into common stock and only enjoyed the super voting rights or provision available to it. Upon conversion into common stock of the Company by the holder the Company will be required to record equity compensation to holder under ASC 718 as to the fair value of the shares received at that time under the conversion. The Company for purposes of its financial statements is required to disclose the fair value of the shares that were beneficially owned at the end of each reporting period based on its intrinsic value. That value will change from reporting period to reporting period based on the publicly traded value of the Company’s common stock on such date. Based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of January 2, 2024 this would approximate $1,525,000 each in additional compensation for Messrs. Ross and Grau, respectively and would be subject to adjustment based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on March 31, 2024.
As of the January 1, 2024 Mr. Lambrecht has vested ownership in 12,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which are currently convertible into 6,250,000 shares of common stock at the option of Mr. Lambrecht. This does not include for Mr. Lambrecht an additional 37,500 shares of Series A Preferred stock, which are convertible, equally every year starting on January 1, 2025 and for two additional years, into shares of common stock at a rate of 500 to 1. Furthermore, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to cast one thousand (1,000) votes for each share held of the Series A Preferred stock on all matters presented to the stockholders of the Company for a vote until such shares are converted into common stock of the Company. As of December 31, 2023 the Company has not determined the compensatory value associated with the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock. Prior to November 20, 2023 the Series A Preferred Stock was not afforded the conversion. Prior to this date the Series A Preferred Stock was not convertible into common stock and only had the super voting rights or provision available to it. Upon conversion into common stock of the Company by the holder the Company will be required to record equity compensation to holder under ASC 718 as to the fair value of the shares received at that time. The Company for purposes of its financial statements is required to disclose the fair value of the shares that were beneficially owned at the end of each reporting period based on its intrinsic value. That value will change from reporting period to reporting period based on the publicly traded value of the Company’s common stock on such date. Based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2023 (with respect to the 6,250 shares of Series A Preferred Stock vested on November 20, 2023) this would approximate $968,750 in additional compensation to Mr. Lambrecht on December 31, 2023. Based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of January 2, 2024 (with respect to the 6,250 shares of Series A Preferred Stock vested on January 1, 2024) this would approximate $953,125 in additional compensation to Mr. Lambrecht and would be subject to adjustment based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on March 31, 2024.
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Other than the foregoing, none of the directors or executive officers of the Company, nor any person who owned of record or was known to own beneficially more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of its common stock, nor any associate or affiliate of such persons or companies, has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction that has occurred during the past fiscal year, or in any proposed transaction, which has materially affected or will affect the Company.
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
Although we adopted a Code of Ethics, we still rely on our Board to review related party transactions on an ongoing basis to prevent conflicts of interest. Our Board reviews a transaction in light of the affiliations of the director, officer or employee and the affiliations of such person’s immediate family. Transactions are presented to our Board for approval before they are entered into or, if this is not possible, for ratification after the transaction has occurred. If our Board finds that a conflict of interest exists, then it will determine the appropriate remedial action, if any. Our Board approves or ratifies a transaction if it determines that the transaction is consistent with the best interests of the Company.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table presents the fees for professional audit services rendered by GBQ for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. All services reflected in the following fee table for 2024 and 2023 were pre-approved, respectively, in accordance with the policy of the Board.
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Audit fees (1) | $ | 215,000 | $ | 117,500 | ||||
Audit-related fees | - | - | ||||||
Tax fees | - | - | ||||||
All other fees | - | - | ||||||
Total Fees | $ | 215,000 | $ | 117,500 |
Notes:
(1) | Audit fees consist of audit and review services filed with the SEC for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. |
The following table presents the fees for professional audit services rendered by the Company’s previous auditor, BF Borgers CPA, a professional corporation (“BF Borgers”) for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 and fees billed for other services rendered by BF Borgers during those periods. All services reflected in the following fee table for 2023 and 2022 were pre-approved, respectively, in accordance with the policy of the Board.
December 31, 2023 | ||||
Audit fees (1) | $ | 445,500 | ||
Audit-related fees | - | |||
Tax fees | - | |||
All other fees | - | |||
Total Fees | $ | 445,500 |
Notes:
(1) | Audit fees consist of audit and review services, consent and review of documents filed with the SEC for year ended December 31, 2023. |
In its capacity, the audit committee of the Board pre-approves all audit (including audit-related) and permitted non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors. The committee will annually approve the scope and fee estimates for the year-end audit to be performed by the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year. With respect to other permitted services, the committee pre-approves specific engagements, projects and categories of services on a fiscal year basis, subject to individual project and annual maximums. To date, the Company has not engaged its auditors to perform any non-audit related services.
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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
(a) | Financial Statements |
Page | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-1 |
Financial Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | |
Balance Sheets | F-2 |
Statements of Operations | F-3 |
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) | F-4 |
Statements of Cash Flows | F-5 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | F-6 |
(b) | Financial Statement Schedules |
None.
(c) | Exhibits Index |
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# Filed herewith.
† Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Furnished herewith.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||
(Registrant) | ||
Date: April 9, 2025 | By: | /s/ Charles A. Ross, Jr. |
Charles A. Ross, Jr. | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures | Title(s) | Date | ||
/s/ Charles A. Ross, Jr. | Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | April 9, 2025 | ||
Charles A. Ross, Jr. | ||||
/s/ Doug E. Grau | President (Interim Principal Accounting Officer) | April 9, 2025 | ||
Doug E. Grau | ||||
/s/ Corey Lambrecht | Chief Operating Officer and Director | April 9, 2025 | ||
Corey Lambrecht | ||||
/s/ C. Stephen Cochennet | Director | April 9, 2025 | ||
C. Stephen Cochennet | ||||
/s/ Michael Dean Smith | Director | April 9, 2025 | ||
Michael Dean Smith | ||||
/s/ Larry Sinks | Director | April 9, 2025 | ||
Larry Sinks |
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