Eightco Holdings Inc

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

As used herein, “Eightco” and the “Company” refer to Eightco Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries and/or where applicable, its management, a Delaware corporation originally incorporated on September 21, 2021 (date of inception) under the laws of the State of Nevada. On March 9, 2022, the Company converted to a Delaware corporation pursuant to a plan of conversion entered into with its former parent, Vinco Ventures, Inc. (“Vinco” or “Former Parent”). The Company operates in three main businesses: Forever 8 Inventory Cash Flow Solution, Web3 Business, and Packaging Business. Forever 8 Fund LLC (“Forever 8”), which focuses on purchasing inventory for e-commerce retailers, was acquired by the company on October 1, 2022, and is part of its Inventory Solution Business. The Company previously sold BTC mining equipment and developed an NFT character set under its Web3 Business but has no intention of continuing this business at this time. The Packaging Business manufactures and sells custom packaging for a wide variety of products and helps customers generate brand awareness and promote brand image through packaging. Prior to the Separation (as defined below), the Company was 100% owned by Vinco.

As of December 31, 2023, Eightco had three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Forever 8, Ferguson Containers, Inc. (“Ferguson Containers”) and BlockHiro, LLC. Ferguson Containers owns 100% of 8co Holdings Shared Services, LLC. Eightco owns 51% of CW Machines, LLC which is consolidated under the voting interest entity model. Under the voting interest entity model, control is presumed by the holder of a majority voting interest unless noncontrolling shareholders have substantive participating rights. Forever 8 owns 100% of Forever 8 UK, Ltd and Forever 8 Fund EU Holdings BV.

During 2021, the Former Parent announced it plans to spin-off (the “Separation”) certain of its businesses. The Former Parent has included Ferguson Containers as well as other subsidiaries of the Former Parent (the “Eightco Businesses”) as part of the spin-off. In anticipation of the Separation, the Former Parent contributed its assets and legal entities comprising the Eightco Businesses to facilitate the Separation. As a result of the Separation, the Company has become an independent, publicly traded company comprised of the Eightco Businesses on June 30, 2022.

On March 29, 2022, Ferguson Containers ownership was assigned by the Former Parent to the Company. This transaction between entities under common control resulted in a change in reporting entity and required retrospective combination of the entities for all periods presented, as if the combination had been in effect since the inception of common control. Accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect the accounting of the combined acquired subsidiaries at historical carrying values, except that equity reflects the equity of Eightco.

Basis of Presentation.

The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company is an emerging growth company as the term is used in The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, enacted on April 5, 2021 and has elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

*Reverse Stock Split:*On April 3, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment (the “Certificate of Amendment”) to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) with the Secretary of State of Delaware (1) to effect a 1-for-50 reverse stock split of the shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), either issued and outstanding or held by the Company as treasury stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”) and (2) to change the name of the Company from “Cryptyde, Inc.” to “Eightco Holdings Inc.” (the “Name Change”). Both the Reverse Stock Split and the Name Change were effective as of 4:05 p.m., New York time, on April 3, 2023. The Common Stock began trading on a reverse stock split-adjusted basis on the Nasdaq Capital Market on April 4, 2023. The trading symbol for the Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split and the Name Change is “OCTO.” The new CUSIP number for the Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split and the Name Change is 22890A203. All share, equity award, and per share amounts contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split for all prior periods presented.

*Use of Estimates.*The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company’s significant estimates used in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition and the determination of the economic useful life of depreciable property and equipment. Certain of the Company’s estimates could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to the Company and general economic conditions. It is reasonably possible that these external factors could have an effect on the Company’s estimates and could cause actual results to differ from those estimates.

Business Combinations. For business combinations that meet the accounting definition of a business, the Company determines and allocates the purchase price of an acquired company to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interest, if applicable, as of the date of acquisition at fair value. Fair value may be estimated using comparable market data, a discounted cash flow method, or a combination of the two. In the discounted cash flow method, estimated future cash flows are based on management’s expectations for the future. Revenues and costs of the acquired companies are included in the Company’s operating results from the date of acquisition. The Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, and these estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement during the measurement period not to exceed one year from the acquisition date. As a result, any adjustment identified subsequent to the measurement period is included in operating results in the period in which the amount is determined (See Note 3 – Acquisitions).

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

*Restricted Cash.*The Company’s restricted cash, for the period ended December 31, 2022, consisted of cash that the Company was contractually obligated to maintain in accordance with the terms of its January 26, 2022 Secured Convertible Note.

Accounts Receivable*.* Accounts receivable are carried at their contractual amounts, less an estimated allowance for credit losses. Management estimates the allowance for credit losses usinga loss-rate approach based on historical loss information, adjusted for management’s expectations about current and future economic conditions, as the basis to determine expected credit losses. Management exercises significant judgment in determining expected credit losses. Key inputs include macroeconomic factors, industry trends, the creditworthiness of counterparties, historical experience, the financial conditions of the customers, and the amount and age of past due accounts. Management believes that the composition of receivables at year-end is consistent with historical conditions as credit terms and practices and the client base has not changed significantly. Receivables are considered past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for credit losses only after all collection attempts have been exhausted. The allowance for credit losses was $67,350 and $46,705 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There was one customer who represented 27% of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2023.

Inventories. Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company reduces the carrying value of inventories for those items that are potentially excess, obsolete, or slow moving based on changes in customer demand, technology developments, or other economic factors.

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, which is recorded commencing at the in-service date using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:3 to 5 years for office equipment,5 to 7 years for furniture and fixtures,6 to 10 years for machinery and equipment,10 to 15 years for building improvements,5 years for software,5 years for molds,5 to 7 years for vehicles and 40 years for buildings. When fixed assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the statements of comprehensive loss for the respective period. Minor additions and repairs are expensed in the period incurred. Major additions and repairs which extend the useful life of existing assets are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method over their remaining estimated useful lives.

Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets using undiscounted cash flows. If an asset is found to be impaired, the amount recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the asset’s fair value. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded impairment charges to long lived assets in the amounts of $292,748 and $1,300,000, respectively. We record intangible assets based on their fair value on the date of acquisition. Intangible assets include the cost of developed technology, customer relationships, trademarks and tradenames. Intangible assets are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over their remaining economic useful lives, as follows: 10 years for developed technology, 7 years for customer relationships and 7 years for trademarks and tradenames. The Company reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets for potential impairment annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the event the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including a discounted value of estimated future cash flows. In the event that management decides to no longer allocate resources to an asset, an impairment loss equal to the remaining carrying value of the asset is recorded. The Company did not record any impairment charges related to intangibles assets during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

*Goodwill.*Goodwill is recorded for the difference between the fair value of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired. We perform an impairment assessment of goodwill on an annual basis as of December 31st, or whenever impairment indicators exist. In the absence of any impairment indicators, goodwill is assessed for impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market conditions and operational performance of the business. We may assess our goodwill for impairment initially using a qualitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of these assets is greater than their carrying value. When performing a qualitative test, we assess various factors including industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions and performance of our businesses. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, a quantitative impairment analysis would be performed to determine if impairment is required. We may also elect to perform a quantitative analysis of goodwill initially rather than using a qualitative approach. The impairment testing for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level. The valuation methods used in the quantitative fair value assessment, discounted cash flow and market multiples method, requires our management to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding certain industry trends and future profitability of our reporting units. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the related carrying value, the reporting unit’s goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference. The valuation of goodwill is affected by, among other things, the Company’s business plan for the future and estimated results of future operations. Future events could cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist, and, therefore, that goodwill may be impaired.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

*Contingent Liabilities.*The Company, from time to time, may be involved in certain legal proceedings. Based upon consultation with outside counsel handling its defense in these matters and the Company’s analysis of potential outcomes, if the Company determines that a loss arising from such matters is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an estimate of the contingent liability is recorded in its condensed consolidated financial statements. If only a range of estimated loss can be determined, an amount within the range that, based on estimates, assumptions and judgments, reflects the most likely outcome, is recorded as a contingent liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements. In situations where none of the estimates within the estimated range is a better estimate of probable loss than any other amount, the Company records the low end of the range. Any such accrual would be charged to expense in the appropriate period. Litigation expenses for these types of contingencies are recognized in the period in which the litigation services were provided.

Revenue Recognition*.*In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies performance obligations, by transferring promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for fulfilling those performance obligations. Revenue for product sales is recognized upon receipt by the customer. There are no contract assets or contract liabilities and therefore no unsatisfied performance obligations. One customer represented 71% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Disaggregation of Revenue. The Company’s primary revenue streams include the sale of consumer goods through our inventory management solutions business and the sale of corrugated packaging materials. There are no other material operations that were separately disaggregated for segment purposes.

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues includes freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, depreciation and inspection costs.

Comprehensive income. The Company follows Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 220 in reporting comprehensive income. Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting methodology that includes disclosure of certain financial information that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income. Since the Company has no items of other comprehensive loss, comprehensive loss is equal to net loss.

*Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation.*Eightco’s functional currency is the United States Dollar (“USD”) and the Forever 8 functional currency in which it operates is the Euro (“EUR”).

For the purpose of presenting these condensed consolidated financial statements the reporting currency is USD. Forever 8 assets and liabilities are expressed in USDs at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, equity accounts are translated at historical rates, and income and expense items are translated at the weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under accumulated other comprehensive income in the stockholders’ equity section of the balance sheets.

Transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. At the end of each reporting period, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the end of the reporting periods. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items and on translation of monetary items at period-end are included in statement of comprehensive loss.

Exchange rate used for the translation as follows:

USD to EUR – 1 USD to .9009 EUR’s.

USD to GBP – 1 USD to .7874 GBP’s.

*Earnings Per Share.*The Company follows ASC 260 when reporting Earnings Per Share resulting in the presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic net (loss) income per common share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of vested common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number vested of common shares, plus the net impact of common shares (computed using the treasury stock method), if dilutive, resulting from the exercise of dilutive securities. In periods when losses are reported, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company excluded the common stock equivalents summarized below, which entitle the holders thereof to ultimately acquire shares of common stock, from its calculation of earnings per share, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs include debt discounts and debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability and are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt liability. Amortization of deferred financing costs are included as a component of interest expense. Deferred financing costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the recognized debt liability which approximates the effective interest method.

*Income Taxes.*The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of the FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes” (“ASC Topic 740”). The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of items that have been included or excluded in the condensed consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their respective financial reporting amounts (“temporary differences”) at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The Company utilizes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has evaluated and concluded that there were no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company does not expect any significant changes in its unrecognized tax benefits within twelve months of the reporting date. The Company’s policy is to classify assessments, if any, for tax related interest as interest expense and penalties as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress.

Fair Value Measurements. The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the guidance of ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable

Level 3 — inputs that are unobservable (for example, cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, such as cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company’s long-term debt consists of $31,815,804. The estimated fair value of this debt approximates the carrying value of these instruments, due to the interest rates on this debt approximating current market interest rates.

*Concentration of Credit Risks.*Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are invested in deposits with certain financial institutions and may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents. In regard to trade receivables, the Company performs ongoing evaluations of its customers’ financial condition as well as general economic conditions and, generally, requires no collateral from its customers. On December 31, 2023, amount due from one customer totaled approximately 21% of accounts receivable.

*Leases.*In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02,Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability under most operating leases in its balance sheet. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has adopted ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2022. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the balance sheet. As of April 26, 2022, the date the Company assumed the lease, the operating lease right of use asset and operating lease liability amounted to $98,736 with no cumulative-effect adjustment.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as modified by FASB ASU No. 2019-10 and other subsequently issued related ASUs. The amendments in this Update affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, and any other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The ASU requires an entity to recognize expected credit losses rather than incurred losses for financial assets. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this new guidance effective January 1, 2023 utilizing the modified retrospective transition method. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements, but did change how the allowance for credit losses is determined.

*Segment Reporting.*The Company uses “the management approach” in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company’s reportable segments. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire Company. The Company’s primary revenue streams include inventory management solutions and the sale of corrugated packaging materials. Therefore, the Company only identifies two reportable operating segments.

3. GOING CONCERN

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. The Company has incurred a loss since Inception resulting in an accumulated deficit of 113,278,588 as of December 31, 2023 and further losses are anticipated in the development of its business. Further, the Company has current liabilities in excess of current assets and has a stockholders’ deficit at December 31, 2023. These factors raise substantial doubts about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the issuance of these financial statements.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $5.2 million in cash and cash equivalents as compared to $5.6 million at December 31, 2022. The Company expects that its current cash and cash equivalents, approximately $500,000 as of the date of this annual report, will not be sufficient to support its projected operating requirements for at least the next 12 months from this date.

The Company expects to need additional capital in order to increase revenues above current levels. Any additional equity financing, if available, may not be on favorable terms and would likely be significantly dilutive to the Company’s current stockholders, and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants. The Company’s ability to access capital when needed is not assured and, if not achieved on a timely basis, will likely have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In 2023, the Company began reducing headcount to reduce the corporate overhead. The Company has continued to raise capital in 2024 and will continue to look to reduce costs in 2024.

4. ACQUISITIONS

Effective October 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Forever 8.

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Sellers received consideration consisting of (i) an aggregate of 215,000 non-voting preferred membership units of Forever 8 (the “Initial Base Preferred Units”), subject to adjustments discussed below, (ii) convertible promissory notes in an aggregate principal amount of $27.5 million (the “Promissory Notes”), and (iii) the right to receive potential earnout amounts as discussed below. The following table summarizes the aggregate preliminary purchase price consideration paid to acquire Forever 8 Fund, LLC:

The Company believes that this combination will further strengthen its future growth opportunities. The Company accounted for this acquisition as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

The Company anticipates the goodwill will be tax deductible.

5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable consist of the following at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

6. INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

7. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Other current assets consist of the following at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

8. LOAN HELD-FOR-INVESTMENT, RELATED PARTY

Loan held-for-investment, related party, represents a senior secured promissory note (“Note”) from Wattum Management Inc., a non-controlling member of CW Machines, LLC, a related party. The note bears interest of 5% per annum and matures on October 12, 2026 with the entire outstanding principal and accrued interest due at maturity date. The Note is secured by assets of Wattum Management, Inc. Expected credit losses for loan held for investment are based on management’s assessment of credit risk associated with the loan, including consideration of factors such as the financial condition of the entity, historical payment behavior, and any collateral or guarantees provided. The Company determined it was not necessary to record an allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the principal amount of the loan held for investment was $2,224,252, respectively.

9. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Depreciation and amortization expense was $199,282 and $270,325 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $292,748 and $1,300,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

Intangible assets consist of the following at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Amortization expense was $2,832,724 and $578,608 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:

11. GOODWILL

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

12. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

13. DUE TO AND FROM FORMER PARENT

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, due to Former Parent consists of net amounts due to Vinco related to management fees and borrowings for working capital and financing needs of Eightco Holdings Inc. as well as other operating expenses that were paid for on behalf of one to the other. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the net amount due to Former Parent was $6,977,193 and $7,226,700, respectively.

14. LINES OF CREDIT

Principal due under the lines of credit was as follows at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Interest expense under lines of credit was $227,630 and $- for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

15. LINES OF CREDIT – RELATED PARTIES

Principal due under the lines of credit – related parties was as follows at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Interest expense under lines of credit – related parties was $339,987 and $69,375 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

16.CONVERTIBLE NOTE PAYABLE

Principal due under the convertible note payable was as follows at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Interest expense under convertible notes payable was $7,109,078 and $5,697,149, of which $7,109,078 and $5,697,149 was related to amortization of the debt discount, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

March 2023 Offering

On March 15, 2023, Eightco entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) with Hudson Bay (the “Investor”) for the issuance and sale of a Senior Secured Convertible Note with an initial principal amount of $5,555,000 (the “Note”) at a conversion price of $6.245 per share of Common Stock, and a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 889,512 shares of Common Stock with an initial exercise price of $6.245 per share of Common Stock (the “Private Placement”). The purchase price of the Note was $5,000,000 with an original issue discount of $555,000.

In connection with the Private Placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), a Security and Pledge Agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”), and various ancillary certificates, disclosure schedules and exhibits in support thereof prior to the closing of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

Securities Purchase Agreement

The Securities Purchase Agreement provides for the purchase by Hudson Bay and the sale by the Company of the March 2023 Note and the March 2023 Warrant. The Securities Purchase Agreement contains representations and warranties of the Company and Hudson Bay that are typical for transactions of this type. The representations and warranties made by the Company in the Securities Purchase Agreement are qualified by reference to certain exceptions contained in disclosure schedules delivered to Hudson Bay. Accordingly, the representations and warranties contained in the Securities Purchase Agreement should not be relied upon by third parties who have not reviewed those disclosure schedules and the documentation surrounding the transaction as a whole.

The Securities Purchase Agreement closed upon the satisfaction of certain conditions of Hudson Bay and the Company that are typical for transactions of this type, as well certain other condition including the following:

The Securities Purchase Agreement also obligates the Company to indemnify Hudson Bay for certain losses resulting from (1) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty made by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, (2) any breach of any obligation of the Company or, any subsidiary of the Company, of the Securities Purchase Agreement or any agreements and instruments entered into or connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement and (3) certain third party claims.

Senior Secured Convertible Note

The Company issued the Note upon the closing. The entire outstanding principal balance and any outstanding fees or interest is due and payable in full on January 15, 2024 (“Maturity Date”). The Note does not bear interest, provided, however, that the March 2023 Note will bear interest at 18% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default (as described below).

The Maturity Date may be extended at the sole option of Hudson Bay for so long as certain events of default is continuing or for so long as an event is continuing that if not cured and with the passage of time would result in an event of default.

The March 2023 Note is convertible at the option of Hudson Bay into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $6.245 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits, combinations or similar events (each a “Stock Combination Event”). If on the on the fifth trading day immediately following a Stock Combination Event, the conversion price then in effect on such fifth trading day (after giving effect to a proportional adjustment of the conversion price), is greater than the lowest weighted average price of the Common Stock during the twenty consecutive trading day period ending and including the trading day immediately preceding the fifth trading day after such Stock Combination Event (the “Event Market Price”), then the conversion price shall be adjusted to the Event Market Price.

The March 2023 Note contains certain limitations on conversion. It provides that no conversion may be made if, after giving effect to the conversion, Hudson Bay would own in excess of 9.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock. This percentage may be increased or decreased to a percentage not to exceed 9.99%, at the option of Hudson Bay, except any increase will not be effective until 61-days’ prior notice to the Company.

The conversion price of the March 2023 Note will be subject to adjustments for stock splits, combinations or similar events. In addition, the conversion price of the March 2023 Note will also subject to anti-dilution adjustment which, subject to specified exceptions, in the event that the Company issues or is deemed to have issued certain securities at a price lower than the then applicable conversion price, immediately reduces the conversion price of the March 2023 Note to equal the price at which the Company issues or is deemed to have issued its Common Stock.

The March 2023 Note imposes penalties on the Company for any failure to timely deliver any shares of its Common Stock issuable upon conversion.

The March 2023 Note contains events of default that are typical for transactions of this type, as well as the following events:

If there is an event of default, then Hudson Bay has the right to request redemption of all or any portion of the March 2023 Note, at 130% of the sum of the outstanding principal, interest and late fees to be redeemed, provided that if certain conditions specified in the March 2023 Note are not satisfied, then Hudson Bay has the right to request redemption of all or any portion of the March 2023 Note, at 130% of the greater of (i) the sum of the outstanding principal, interest and late fees to be redeemed and (ii) the product of (a) the number of shares into which the March 2023 Note (including all principal, interest and late fees) subject to redemption may be converted and (b) the greatest closing sale price for the Common Stock beginning on the date immediately preceding the event of default and ending on the date the Company makes the entire payment required to be made upon the redemption provided, however, that if no Cash Release Event (as defined in the March 2023 Note) has occurred on or prior to the applicable of default redemption date, the principal amount used in calculating the applicable event of default redemption price on such event of default redemption date shall be decreased by the holder’s pro rata portion.

The March 2023 Note prohibits the Company from entering into certain transactions involving a change of control, unless the successor entity assumes in writing all of the obligations of the Company under the March 2023 Note and the other transaction documents. In the event of such a transaction, Hudson Bay will have the right to request redemption of the Note, at Redemption Variable Premium (as defined in the March 2023 Note) of the greater of (i) of the sum of the amount of principal, interest and late fees to be redeemed; and (ii) the product of (x) the sum of the amount of principal, interest and late fees to be redeemed and (y) the quotient determined by dividing (1) the greatest closing sale price of the shares of Common Stock during the period beginning on the date immediately preceding the earlier to occur of (A) the consummation of the applicable change of control and (B) the public announcement of such change of control and ending on the date Hudson Bay delivers a change of control redemption notice, by (2) the Conversion Price; or; (iii) Redemption Variable Premium of the product of (x) the number of shares into which the March 2023 Note (including all principal, interest and late fees) subject to such redemption may be converted multiplied by (y) the greatest closing sale price of the shares of Common Stock during the period beginning on the date immediately preceding the earlier to occur of (x) the consummation of the change of control and (y) the public announcement of such change of control and ending on the date Hudson Bay delivers the change of control redemption notice; provided, however, that if no Cash Release Event has occurred on or prior to the applicable change of control redemption date, the principal amount used in calculating the applicable change of control redemption price on such change of control.

If the Company issues options, convertible securities, warrants, stock, or similar securities to holders of its Common Stock, the holder of the March 2023 Note shall have the right to acquire the same as if it had converted its March 2023 Note.

Hudson Bay is entitled to receive any dividends paid or distributions made to the holders of the Common Stock on an “as if converted” to Common Stock basis.

The March 2023 Note contains a variety of covenants on the part of Company that are typical for transactions of this type, as well as the following covenants:

On March 23, 2023, the warrants issued were classified as equity with an initial grant date fair value of $4,532,673, of which $4,335,611 was recorded as a deferred debt discount, $197,061 of the excess fair value was immediately expensed as loss on issuance of warrants. The Company also incurred $664,389 of issuance expenses which were recorded as deferred debt discount. The fair value of the warrants was computed on the grant date using a per share price of $0.12 per share. The fair value was estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing models with the following assumptions:

On April 5, 2023, the warrants issued under the March 2023 Offering were adjusted under the terms and conditions to a strike price of $2.01 due to the reverse stock split. The adjustment resulted in a fair value of $3,387,604, of which $3,387,604 was immediately expensed as loss on issuance of warrants. The fair value was estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing models with the following assumptions:

On October 23, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into a Prepayment and Redemption Agreement (the “Prepayment Agreement”), by and between the Company and an accredited investor (the “Investor”), pursuant to which, among things, the Company agreed to prepay the Notes (as defined below) and to redeem the March 2023 Warrant (as defined below), subject to the conditions set forth therein.

As previously disclosed, pursuant to the Note Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company sold to the Investor the January 2022 Note, of which an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 remains outstanding. In addition, pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement (together with the Note Securities Purchase Agreement, the “SPAs”) the Company sold to Hudson Bay the March 2023 Note, of which the entire aggregate principal amount remains outstanding (together with the January 2022 Note, the “Notes”) and the March 2023 Warrant Common Stock.

Pursuant to the Prepayment Agreement, the Company agreed to make an aggregate payment of $8,215,000 (the “Aggregate Payment Amount”) to Hudson Bay in six installments, of which an initial payment remitted in October 2023 of $3,000,000 was allocated towards repayment in full of the remaining $2,000,000 of the January 2022 Note, $340,000 partial repayment of the March 2023 Note and $660,000 for the redemption in full of the March 2023 Warrant (the “Initial Payment”). The remaining five installments, which range from $150,000 to $2,275,000 and are allocated towards the remaining principal of the March 2023 Note as specified in the Prepayment Agreement, are due on the fifteenth day of each month, beginning on November 15, 2023 and ending on March 15, 2024. At its option, the Company may prepay any monthly installment prior to its respective due date. During the three months ended December 31, 2023 the Company remitted a total of $3,300,000 in payments.

Any cash payments required to be made pursuant to the terms of the Notes shall be suspended as long as the Company timely makes the payments set forth in the Prepayment Agreement and no Event of Default (as defined in the Notes) (or an event that with the passage of time or the giving of notice would result in an Event of Default) occurs and is continuing. In addition, upon receipt by Hudson Bay of the Initial Payment, all of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the March 2023 Note will no longer be convertible into shares of Common Stock,provided that any aggregate principal amount outstanding of the March 2023 Note shall again become convertible into shares of Common Stock if an Event of Default (or an event that with the passage of time or the giving of notice would result in an Event of Default) occurs and is continuing or in the event the Company fails to timely make the payments under the Prepayment Agreement.

Upon receipt by Hudson Bay of the Aggregate Payment Amount, the SPAs, the Notes, the March 2023 Warrant and any other transaction documents related to the SPAs shall terminate and be of no further force or effect, other than certain indemnification obligations in the SPAs. In the event that the conditions to closing shall not have occurred by on or before the fifth (5th) business day following the Effective Date, subject to certain conditions, Hudson Bay has the option to terminate the Prepayment Agreement at the close of business on such date.

January 2022 Offering

On January 26, 2022, the Company, entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Note Securities Purchase Agreement”) with an accredited investor (the “Note Investor”) for the issuance and sale of a Senior Convertible Note with an initial principal amount of $33,333,333 (the “January 2022 Note”) at a conversion price of $10.00 per share of Eightco’s Common Stock with a purchase amount of $30,000,000 and an original issue discount of $3,333,333, a warrant (the “January 2022 Warrant”) to purchase up to 66,667 shares of Common Stock with an initial exercise price of $10.00 per share of Common Stock (the “Note Private Placement”). In addition, the Company issued a warrant to the placement agent to purchase up to 1,067 shares of Common Stock with an initial exercise price of $10.00 per share of Common Stock. The warrants vest immediately, expiring on May 16, 2027 and had an estimated fair value of $3,905,548. The Company recorded a debt discount of $7,798,881 which consists of the original issue discount of $3,333,333, the fair value of the warrants of $3,905,548 and placement agent fees of $560,000. The discount will be amortized over the term of the convertible note payable. The entire outstanding principal balance and any outstanding fees or interest shall be due and payable in full on the third anniversary of the date the note is issued, May 5, 2022. The January 2022 Note does not bear interest, provided, however, that the Note will bear interest at 18% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default. Eightco and the Note Investor closed the transaction contemplated by the Note Securities Purchase Agreement on May 5, 2022. In connection with the Note Private Placement, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “January 2022 Registration Rights Agreement”) with the Note Investor, and, upon the closing, entered into a Security Agreement, a Pledge Agreement and various ancillary certificates, disclosure schedules and exhibits in support thereof prior to the closing of the Note Securities Purchase Agreement.

On July 28, 2022, the Company entered into an Amendment Agreement (the “July 2022 Amendment Agreement”) with the Note Investor to amend the Note Securities Purchase Agreement, the January 2022 Note, and that certain January 2022 Registration Rights Agreement.

Pursuant to the July 2022 Amendment Agreement, the Company released an aggregate of $29,000,000 (the “Released Funds”) from the restricted funds account maintained in accordance with the Note Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Restricted Funds Account”) and, going forward, must deposit 50% of any Warrant Exercise Cash (as defined in the July 2022 Amendment Agreement) into the Restricted Funds Account. As required by the July 2022 Amendment Agreement, the Company used $22,000,000 of the Released Funds to repurchase from the Investor $22,000,000 of the principal of the January 2022 Note. Pursuant to the July 2022 Amendment Agreement, the conversion price of the balance of the January 2022 Note that remains was voluntarily adjusted to $1.06 (the “Adjustment”). The July 2022 Amendment Agreement also amended the January 2022 Registration Rights Agreement. to require the Company to register (i) the number of shares of common stock equal to 200% of the shares issuable upon conversion of the January 2022 Note and (ii) the number of shares of common stock equal to 200% of the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant issued under the Note Securities Purchase Agreement, assuming all cash has been released from the Restricted Funds Account and the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the January 2022 Warrant issued under the Note Securities Purchase Agreement has been adjusted in accordance with Section 3(c) of the warrant. The July 2022 Amendment Agreement requires the Company to register additional shares of its common stock underlying the January 2022 Note. Accordingly, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 dated August 12, 2022 (the “August S-1”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The August S-1 includes 301,007 shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the conversion of the January 2022 Note as a result of the Adjustment.

As a result of the Adjustment, the exercise price of (i) warrants to purchase up to 15,467 shares of the Company’s Common Stock held by Palladium Capital Group, LLC, (ii) warrants to purchase up to 66,667 shares of the Company’s Common Stock held by the Note Investor, and (iii) warrants to purchase up to 30,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock held by BHP Capital NY, Inc. was adjusted to $1.06 per share of the Company’s Common Stock.

The July 2022 Amendment Agreement amends the January 2022 Note to permit the Company to enter into technology license agreements which obligate the Company to make cash payments of up to $10,000,000 (the “Cash Payment”) and Common Stock issuances of up to 5,000 restricted shares, provided (i) the Cash Payments are not due until at least two years after the signing of such license agreements, and (ii) the Company must enter into an intercreditor agreement in connection with each license agreement. The July 2022 Amendment Agreement also amends the January 2022 Note to increase the permitted amount of a lien on indebtedness of the Company from $500,000 to $10,000,000.

The July 2022 Amendment Agreement grants the holder of the January 2022 Note the right, at any time after December 27, 2023, to force the Company to redeem all or any portion of the outstanding principal, interest or penalties on the January 2022 Note.

The parties also amended the Company’s carve out to its financing standstill as set forth in the July 2022 Amendment Agreement.

On September 14, 2022, the Company and the Note Investor entered into a waiver (the “Waiver”) to permit, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the entry into a purchase agreement for Forever 8. Pursuant to the Waiver, the conversion price and exercise price of the January 2022 Note and the January 2022 Warrants, respectively, were voluntarily and irrevocably adjusted to equal $50.00, subject to further adjustment as set forth therein. As a result of the price adjustment feature, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon exercise of the January 2022 Warrants and conversion of the January 2022 Notes was increased upon the acquisition of Forever 8 on October 1, 2022.

As a result of the adjustment of the January 2022 Note and January 2022 Warrant conversion and exercise price, respectively, in the Waiver, the exercise price of (i) warrants to purchase up to 15,467 shares of the Company’s Common Stock held by Palladium Capital Group, LLC, (ii) warrants to purchase up to 66,667 shares of the Company’s Common Stock held by the Note Investor, and (iii) warrants to purchase up to 30,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock held by BHP Capital NY, Inc. was adjusted to $50.00 per share of the Company’s Common Stock.

On January 6, 2023, the Company entered into a Second Amendment Agreement (the “Second Amendment Agreement”) with Hudson Bay to amend the (i) Note Securities Purchase Agreement, (ii) the January 2022 Note, (iii) the January 2022 Registration Rights Agreement, and (iv) the January 2022 Warrant.

Pursuant to the Second Amendment Agreement, the conversion price of the balance of the January 2022 Note that remains outstanding was voluntarily adjusted to $10.00 per share of Common Stock.

The Second Amendment Agreement grants the Company the right to redeem all or a portion of the outstanding amount of the January 2022 Note (the “Redemption Right”) upon 10 trading days’ notice provided that (i) no Equity Conditions Failure (as defined in the January 2022 Note) exists and (ii) the Company has sufficient resources to effect the redemption. The Redemption Right is subject to certain other restrictions contained in the Second Amendment Agreement.

The Second Amendment Agreement provides that if Hudson Bay converts any portion of the January 2022 Note during the 10 consecutive trading day period starting on January 6, 2023 (the “Applicable Conversion Period”), Hudson Bay shall, on the first business day immediately following the end of the Applicable Conversion Period, release to the Company an amount of cash from the Control Account (as defined in the January 2022 Note) equal to 20% of the amount converted during the Applicable Conversion Period if the volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the common stock on each trading day during the Applicable Conversion Period equals or exceeds $10.00 and there is no circumstance or event that would, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in a material default, material breach or event of default under any Transaction Document (as defined in the Note Securities Purchase Agreement).

As a result of the voluntary adjustment to the conversion price of the January 2022 Note, the exercise price of the January 2022 Warrant was automatically adjusted to $10.00 per share of common stock and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the January 2022 Warrant (the “HB Warrant Shares”) was proportionately increased to 3,333,333 HB Warrant Shares. Pursuant to the Second Amendment Agreement, Hudson Bay agreed to waive the adjustment to the number of HB Warrant Shares issuable pursuant to the January 2022 Warrant to the extent such adjustment results in a number of HB Warrant Shares underlying the January 2022 Warrant exceeding 2,220,000. The Second Amendment Agreement provides that Hudson Bay (i) will not exercise January 2022 Warrants to purchase more than an aggregate of 1,500,000 HB Warrant Shares until March 2, 2023, provided such limitation will be waived upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the January 2022 Note) or if the VWAP of the common stock on any trading day from January 6, 2023 until March 2, 2023 is less than $11.00 and (ii) will not exercise the January 2022 Warrant until (x) such time as the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the January 2022 Note is equal to or less than the amount remaining in the Control Account or (y) the occurrence of an Event of Default (the “HB Initial Exercisability Date”). However, Hudson Bay may exercise Warrants for up to 200,000 shares of common stock prior to the HB Initial Exercisability Date if the VWAP of the common stock on any trading day during the period starting on March 1, 2023 and ending on and including March 31, 2023 is less than $10.00. If the VWAP of the common stock on each trading day from January 6, 2023 through March 1, 2023, is greater than $11.00, Hudson Bay will forfeit the right to purchase 720,000 HB Warrant Shares pursuant to the January 2022 Warrant, provided that there is no circumstance or event that would, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in a material default, material breach or event of default under any Transaction Document. Additionally, the exercise price of the January 2022 Warrant was voluntarily further adjusted to $0.01 per share of common stock in lieu of the investors taking less warrant shares. The VWAP of the common stock, from January 6, 2023 through March 1, 2023, was below $11.00, as such Hudson Bay did not forfeit the 720,000 HB Warrant Shares.

The Second Amendment Agreement required the Company to provide each stockholder entitled to vote at the next special or annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, which was required to be held no later than April 1, 2023, a proxy statement soliciting each such stockholder’s affirmative vote at the stockholder meeting for approving the increase of the authorized shares of common stock from 250,000,000 to 500,000,000 (“Stockholder Approval”). The Stockholder Approval was obtained at the Company’s special meeting of stockholders held on March 15, 2023.

The warrants issued by the Company were modified to reduce the exercise price, which also increased the number of warrants to purchase common stock. The warrant modification expense of $43,344,150 was computed on the modification date using a per share price of $0.32 per share. The fair value was estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing models with the following assumptions:

17.CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE – RELATED PARTIES

The convertible notes payable, related party were issued as part of consideration for the acquisition of Forever 8. The discount was calculated based on the fair value of the instrument as of October 1, 2022. Pleasesee 3. Acquisitions for further information. Principal due under the convertible note payable – related parties was as follows at December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Interest expense under convertible notes payable – related parties was $3,878,696 and $937,500, of which $1,000,000 and $250,000 was related to amortization of the debt discount, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

18. INCOME TAXES

Eightco Holdings Inc. is taxed as a corporation and pays corporate federal, state and local taxes on income.

Forever 8 Fund, LLC, BlockHiro, LLC and Cryptyde Shares Services, LLC are limited liability companies which are disregarded entities for income tax purposes and are owned 100% by Eightco Holdings Inc. and Ferguson Containers, Inc., respectively. The Company pays corporate federal, state and local taxes on income allocated to it from BlockHiro, LLC and 8co Holdings Shared Services, LLC.

CW Machines, LLC is a limited liability company for income tax purposes and is owned 51% by Eightco Holdings Inc. The Company pays corporate federal, state and local taxes on income allocated to it from CW Machines, LLC.

Ferguson Containers is taxed as a corporation and pays corporate federal, state and local taxes on income.

Forever 8 UK Ltd. is taxed as a corporation and pays foreign taxes on income.

F8 Fund EU Holdings BV is taxed as a corporation and pays foreign taxes on income.

Components of income before income taxes were as follows:

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets or liabilities are presented below:

The income tax provision consists of the following:

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

Income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $0 and ($172,997), respectively. The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets.

The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits as additional income taxes in the statement of operations. As of January 1, 2023, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits and no charge during 2023, and accordingly, the Company did not recognize any interest or penalties during 2023 related to unrecognized tax benefits. There is no accrual for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2023.

The Company files U.S. income tax returns and a state income tax return. With few exceptions, the U.S. and state income tax returns filed for the tax years ending on December 31, 2021 and thereafter are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes of approximately $8,755,550 and credit carryforwards are subject to annual limitations due to the “change in ownership” provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar state provisions. The Company’s net operating loss carryforward begins to expire in 2041.

EIGHTCO HOLDINGS, INC.

19. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

*Common Stock.*Prior to the Separation, Vinco Ventures, Inc. owned 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Eightco Holdings Inc. Effective June 29, 2022, the Company separated from its former parent company, Vinco Ventures, Inc., and the distribution of its common stock was completed.

Common stock issuances during the year ended December 31, 2023:

From January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, the Company issued a total of 774,733 shares of common stock to a noteholder for repayment of principal valued at $7,743,333 based on the conversion price set forth in the Note.

On January 26, 2023, the Company issued a total of 20,550 shares of common stock to employees for services rendered on behalf of the Company valued at $571,200 and previously expensed as stock-based compensation.

On January 26, 2023, the Company issued a total of 2,700 shares of common stock to three directors for director compensation valued at $91,800 and previously expensed as stock-based compensation.

On April 14, 2023, the Company issued 95,112 shares of common stock for broker dealers to investors for partial share ownership due to the Company’s reverse stock split.

On September 22, 2023, the Company issued 150,000 shares to a consultant.

On November 10, 2023, the Company issued 25,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant for services rendered on behalf of the Company.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company issued 2,544,592 shares of common stock upon the exercise of warrants.

Common stock issuances during the year ended December 31, 2022:

On June 29, 2022, Vinco Ventures, Inc. distributed 100% of the shares of our common stock held by Vinco to holders of shares of Vinco common stock, subject to certain conditions. On the Distribution Date, each holder of Vinco common stock received one share of Eightco common stock for every ten shares of Vinco common stock held at the close of business on the Record Date. The total number shares of our common stock issued related to the distribution was 376,105.

On May 18, 2022, the Company issued warrants to warrant holders of the Former Parent to purchase up to 204,404 shares of Common Stock with an initial exercise price of $0.001 per share of Common Stock (the “Replacement Warrants”). The Replacement Warrants have been recorded within stockholders’ equity.

On January 26, 2022, the Company, with respect to certain sections, entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Equity Private Placement”) with an accredited investor (the “Equity Investor”) for the issuance of a (i)30,000 shares of Common Stock, and (ii) a warrant (the “Equity Investor Warrant”) to purchase up to 30,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $8.00 per share of Common Stock (the “Equity Private Placement”). In addition, the Company issued a warrant to the placement agent to purchase up to 4,800 shares of Common Stock with an initial exercise price of $8.00 per share of Common Stock. The transaction closed on May 20, 2022. The consideration paid to Eightco under the Equity Private Placement was $12,000,000. The Equity Private Placement contains covenants on the part of Eightco, including that Eightco will reserve for the purpose of issuance at least 100% of the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Equity Investor Warrant. In addition, under the Equity Private Placement, Eightco will grant the Equity Investor certain rights to participate in any Subsequent Placements for the same duration as the participation right pursuant to the Note Securities Purchase Agreement.

During August 2022, the Company issued 30,000 shares of common stock to noteholders for repayment of principal valued at $1,590,000 based on the conversion price set forth in the Note.

On August 29, 2022, the Company issued 6,000 shares of common stock to Emmersive Entertainment for the settlement of the Former Parent’s earnout shares valued at $609,000 based on the fair value of the underlying shares on the vesting date. The amount was recorded as shared-based compensation, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

On September 7, 2022, the Company issued 2,250 shares of common stock to vendors for compliance an investor relation services valued at $152,125 based on the fair value of the underlying shares on the vesting date. The amount was recorded as shared-based compensation, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

On September 27, 2022, the Company approved the issuance of 19,500 shares of restricted stock units to employees for services provided valued at $663,000 based on the fair value of the underlying restricted stock units. The amount was recorded as shared-based compensation, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had 4,706,419 and 633,365 issued and outstanding shares of common stock, respectively.

20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases. The Company leases certain office space from an entity affiliated through common ownership under an operating lease agreement on a month-to-month basis.

On April 26, 2022, the Company entered into an assignment and assumption agreement with Vinco Ventures, Inc. whereby the parties agreed to transfer and assign to Eightco Holdings Inc. the lease agreement dated July 16, 2021 by and between Abdi R. Boozer-Jomehri (d/b/a Safety Harbor Centre, Inc.) and Edison Nation, LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary of Vinco Ventures, Inc. (the “Safety Harbor Lease”). The Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2022 and recognized a right of use asset and liability of $98,736 using a discount rate of 4.5%. There are no other material operating leases. The Company has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities arising from short-term leases.

On October 19, 2022, the Company entered into a commercial lease agreement with Foxx Trot Tango, LLC to lease approximately 25 acres of land, including approximately 250,000 square feet of warehouse space in Sylvester, Georgia for $87,500 on a month-to-month basis, effective July 2022. Owners of Foxx Trot, LLC are also shareholders of the Company.

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $849,575 and $795,959, respectively. Rental payments are expensed in the statements of comprehensive income in the period to which they relate.

20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)

Emmersive Sellers: On April 17, 2021, the Former Parent entered into (and closed on) a certain Asset Contribution Agreement (“Asset Contribution Agreement”) with Emmersive Entertainment, Inc. (“Emmersive”), pursuant to which Emmersive contributed/transferred to the Company the assets used for Emmersive’s business, which include digital assets, software and certain physical assets (the “Contributed Assets”) in consideration for, among other things, the Former Parent assuming certain obligations of Emmersive, hiring certain employees, and issuing preferred membership units (“Preferred Units”) in EVNT Platform, LLC to Emmersive and/or its shareholders (“Preferred Members”) pursuant to a First Amended and Restated Operating Agreement for the Former Parent dated as of April 17, 2021 (“Amended Operating Agreement”). Certain put rights are associated with Preferred Units, which if exercised by the Preferred Members, obligates the Former Parent to purchase the Preferred Units in exchange for shares of the Former Parent’s common stock (“Put Rights”). In addition, the Preferred Members have the opportunity to earn Conditional Preferred Units if certain conditions are satisfied for earn out targets (“Earn-Out Targets”).

On February 25, 2022, the Former Parent and Emmersive entered into a Termination and Release Agreement, terminating certain transaction documents dated April 17, 2021, and a Milestone Agreement for the earnout shares to be earned and any remaining consideration to be paid by Eightco Holdings Inc. with an effective date of the agreements upon the spin-off being declared effective (“Effective Date”) Upon the spinoff, the agreements release Emmersive of the opportunity to earn the additional shares of common stock of the Former Parent from the Asset Contribution Agreement. The contingent consideration to be paid by Eightco Holdings Inc. upon the successful completion of the spin-off are described below:

Earned Shares: Issuance of 6,000 shares of common stock of Eightco Holdings Inc. (“Eightco Shares”). The Company recorded $609,000 of share-based compensation related to the Eightco Shares.

Milestone 1: In the event that the Company generates a minimum of $5,500,000 in annualized booked revenues from the operation of the Musician & Artist Platform (“Attributed Revenue”) ending eight (8) months following the Effective Date (“Tranche 1 Milestone Date”), the Emmersive Parties shall receive 2,000 restricted Eightco Shares (“Tranche One”) within thirty (30) after the Tranche 1 Milestone Date. In the event that the Company does not satisfy this milestone for any reason by the Tranche 1 Milestone Date, the Emmersive Parties shall have no rights to the additional Eightco Shares.

Milestone 2: After the Effective Date, in the event the Company generates a minimum of $26,500,000 in annualized Attributed Revenues in any three-calendar month period ending on or before September 30, 2023, from the Musician & Artist Platform, the Emmersive Parties shall receive an additional 2,000 restricted Eightco Shares (“Tranche Two”). In the event Milestone Two is achieved, then Milestone One shall also be deemed to have been achieved. In the event that the Company does not satisfy Milestone Two for any reason by September 30, 2023, the Emmersive Parties shall have no rights to Tranche Two.

Milestone 3: After the Effective Date in the event that Buyer generates a minimum of $60,000,000 in annualized Attributed Revenues in any three-calendar-month period ending on or before September 30, 2024, from the Musician & Artist Platform, the Emmersive Parties shall receive an additional 2,000 restricted Eightco Shares (“Tranche Three”). In the event Milestone Three is achieved, then Milestones One and Two shall also be deemed to have been achieved. In the event that the Company does not satisfy Milestone Three for any reason by September 30, 2024, time being of the essence, the Emmersive Parties shall have no rights to Tranche Three. In the event that the Company satisfies Milestone Three in the time prescribed they shall have the right to receive an additional 100,000 restricted shares of Eightco Shares (“Bonus Tranche”). In the event that the Company does not satisfy Milestone Three for any reason, the Emmersive Parties shall have no rights to the Bonus Tranche.

None of the above milestones were met as of December 31, 2023.

21. SEGMENTING REPORTING

The Company’s principal operating segments coincide with the types of products to be sold. The products from which revenues are derived are consistent with the reporting structure of the Company’s internal organization. The Company’s two reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2023 were the Inventory Management Solutions segment and the Corrugated segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chairman and CEO, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire Company. Segment information is presented based upon the Company’s management organization structure as of December 31, 2023 and the distinctive nature of each segment. Future changes to this internal financial structure may result in changes to the reportable segments disclosed. There are no inter-segment revenue transactions and, therefore, revenues are only to external customers.

Segment operating profit is determined based upon internal performance measures used by the chief operating decision maker. The Company derives the segment results from its internal management reporting system. The accounting policies the Company uses to derive reportable segment results are the same as those used for external reporting purposes. Management measures the performance of each reportable segment based upon several metrics, including net revenues, gross profit and operating loss. Management uses these results to evaluate the performance of, and to assign resources to, each of the reportable segments. The Company manages certain operating expenses separately at the corporate level and does not allocate such expenses to the segments. Segment income from operations excludes interest income/expense and other income or expenses and income taxes according to how a particular reportable segment’s management is measured. Management does not consider impairment charges, and unallocated costs in measuring the performance of the reportable segments.

Segment information available with respect to these reportable business segments for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Nasdaq Staff Determination

On March 28, 2024, we received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq indicating that the Company has not regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) and is not eligible for a second 180 day period. The Company has not regained compliance with the Rule and is not eligible for a second 180 day period. Specifically, the Company does not comply with the $5,000,000 minimum stockholders’ equity initial listing requirement for The Nasdaq Capital Market.

Accordingly, unless the Company requests an appeal of this determination as described in further detail below, we have determined that the Company’s securities will be scheduled for delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market and will be suspended at the opening of business on April 8, 2024, and a Form 25-NSE will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which will remove the Company’s securities from listing and registration on The Nasdaq Stock Market.

We intend on appealing the Staff’s determination to a Hearings Panel (the “Panel”), pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5800 Series. A hearing request will stay the suspension of the Company’s securities and the filing of the Form 25-NSE pending the Panel’s decision.

O’Donnell Severance Agreement

On March 17, 2024, Kevin O’Donnell resigned as Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. O’Donnell’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement regarding any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices.

In connection with Mr. O’Donnell’s resignation from these positions, on March 17, 2024, the Company and Kevin O’Donnell entered into a General Release and Severance Agreement (the “O’Donnell Severance Agreement”), effective as of March 17, 2024 (the “O’Donnell Effective Date”). The O’Donnell Severance Agreement terminated of the amended and restated employment agreement, by and between the Company and Mr. O’Donnell, effective as of October 21, 2022 (the “O’Donnell Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the O’Donnell Severance Agreement, as of the O’Donnell Effective Date, the O’Donnell Employment Agreement shall terminate forever, and no party shall have any further obligation or liability thereunder except as related to any obligations that survive employment termination, including but not limited to the obligations set forth under the Employee Confidential Disclosure, Invention Assignment, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Interference Agreement, attached to the O’Donnell Employment Agreement.

Pursuant to the O’Donnell Severance Agreement, the Company will provide Mr. O’Donnell with (i) back pay wages through the Separation Date in the amount of $138,000, less all lawful and authorized withholdings and deductions, to be paid as soon as practicable following the O’Donnell Effective Date and (ii) severance equal to 24 months of Mr. O’Donnell’s base salary, less all lawful and authorized withholdings and deductions, under the O’Donnell Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the O’Donnell Severance Agreement, the Company shall also provide Mr. O’Donnell with (i) reimbursement of the premiums associated with the continuation of Mr. O’Donnell’s health insurance for the period commencing on the Separation Date through and including September 27, 2024, pursuant to applicable law, (ii) reimbursement of expenses in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, and (iii) the full vesting of any earned, outstanding and unvested shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan (as define below). The O’Donnell Severance Agreement also provides for a mutual waiver and release of any claims in connection with Mr. O’Donnell’s employment, separation and departure from the Company, and for certain customary covenants regarding confidentiality.

Seller Notes Amendment

On March 17, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement to amend certain provisions of the Seller Notes (the “Seller Notes Amendment”) previously issued under the terms of the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated February 14, 2022 between the Company, Forever 8, LLC(“Forever 8”), the member of Forever 8 and Paul Vassilakos. Pursuant to the Seller Notes Amendment, the Sellers agreed, among other things, to (i) forgive, without the payment of any additional consideration, accrued interest on the Seller Notes in an aggregate amount of approximately $3.0 million, (ii) convert approximately $1.1 million of accrued interest on the Seller Notes into 1.4 million shares of common stock of the Company, and (iii) defer interest and any payments due on the Seller Notes until October 30, 2024.

Appointment of Paul Vassilakos as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

In connection with Mr. O’Donnell’s resignation from his positions as Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, on March 17, 2024, the Board appointed Paul Vassilakos as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately, to serve until a successor is chosen and qualified, or until his earlier resignation or removal.

Mr. Vassilakos, age 47, has served as a director of Adamas One Corp. (NASDAQ) since October 2021. Mr. Vassilakos co-founded, and since July 2020 has been a partner of Forever 8 Fund, LLC, a subsidiary of Eightco Holdings Inc., a consumer products inventory capital provider. Since 2013 Mr. Vassilakos has served and held various Board, CEO and CFO positions on several publicly listed companies. In July 2007, Mr. Vassilakos founded Petrina Advisors, Inc., a privately held advisory firm formed to provide investment banking services for public and privately held companies, and has served as its President since its formation. Mr. Vassilakos also founded and has served as the President of Petrina Properties Ltd., a privately held real estate holding company, since December 2006. Earlier in his career, Mr. Vassilakos was engaged as a consultant to assist several SPACs with business combinations. Mr. Vassilakos started his career an Analyst at Salomon Smith Barney’s New York Investment Banking Division and later as an Associate within the Greek Coverage Group of Citigroup Inc.’s UK Investment Banking Division. While attending university, Mr. Vassilakos was a Registered Securities Representative at Paine Webber CSC - DJS Securities Ltd, during which time he provided securities brokerage services to private clients. Mr. Vassilakos holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from the Leonard N. Stern Undergraduate School of Business and was a licensed Registered Securities Representative (Series 7 and 63) from February 1996 to February 2002.

There is no family relationship between Mr. Vassilakos and any director or executive officer of the Company.

In connection with Mr. Vassilakos’ appointment as the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, on March 17, 2024, the Company and Mr. Vassilakos entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Vassilakos Employment Agreement”), which supersedes and replaces the Employment Agreement dated October 16, 2022, by and between Mr. Vassilakos, the Company and Forever 8. The Vassilakos Employment Agreement provides for an initial term of two year, unless earlier terminated in accordance therein, and automatic renewals for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides timely written notice otherwise.

Pursuant to the terms of the Vassilakos Employment Agreement, Mr. Vassilakos will be entitled to a base salary payable at the annualized rate of $300,000 per year (the “Vassilakos Base Salary”). Mr. Vassilakos is eligible for an annual cash bonus opportunity equal to up to 75% of the Vassilakos Base Salary and awards of restricted stock units up to 100% of the Vassilakos Base Salary, subject to the terms and conditions of the Eightco Holdings Inc. 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Company’s form of restricted stock unit agreement (the “Vassilakos Bonus”), based on certain milestones to be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board. Mr. Vassilakos may also be eligible for additional compensation in the sole and complete discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board.

Mr. Vassilakos will be eligible to participate in all health, medical, dental and life insurance policies offered to employees of the Company, and the Company will pay all applicable premiums. The Company will reimburse Mr. Vassilakos for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him in the conduct of the Company’s business. The Vassilakos Employment Agreement provides Mr. Vassilakos with four (4) weeks of paid vacation and five (5) days of paid personal time. The Vassilakos Employment Agreement also provides Mr. Vassilakos with liability insurance coverage and shall reimburse certain financial planning expenses incurred by Mr. Vassilakos. Pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Vassilakos Employment Agreement, Mr. Vassilakos and the Company have entered into a standard indemnification agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement”).

In the event the Company terminates Mr. Vassilakos’ employment without cause (as defined in the Vassilakos Employment Agreement), Mr. Vassilakos will receive (i) the Accrued Obligations (as defined in the Vassilakos Employment Agreement) and (ii) severance in the amount of equal to the Vassilakos Base Salary for twelve (12) months, less applicable payroll deductions and tax withholdings. In addition, this termination will cause the vesting of all equity awards subject to the terms of the Plan held by Mr. Vassilakos and entitle Mr. Vassilakos to reimbursement of premiums associated with the continuation of health insurance benefits provided under the Vassilakos Employment Agreement during the remaining Term of Employment (as defined in the Vassilakos Employment Agreement).

On March 17, 2024, the Board approved grants of fully vested stock options in the aggregate amount of 451,560 shares of Common Stock to certain officers, employees and consultants of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the form of the nonqualified stock option agreement. The Board also approved grants of fully vested stock options outside of the Plan in the aggregate amount of 648,110 shares of Common Stock to certain officers, employees and consultants of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the form of the nonqualified stock option agreement.

On March 17, 2024, the Board approved compensation for services to be rendered by its independent directors in 2024 in the following amounts: (i) $40,000 in cash, paid quarterly in four installments during 2024, (ii)42,500 fully-vested restricted shares of Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Company’s standard restricted stock award agreement and (iii) grants of fully vested stock options permitting each director to acquire up to 100,000 shares of Common Stock with (a) a date of grant as of March 17, 2024, (b) an exercise price equal to the greater of (x) the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) on the date of grant and (y) $0.82 and (c) afive-year term, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the form of the nonqualified stock option agreement.

On March 15, 2024, Forever 8 Fund, LLC (“Forever 8”) entered into the Series D Loan and Security Agreement (the “Series D Agreement”), with the lenders party thereto from to time (collectively, the “Lenders”) for an amount of up to $5,000,000.

In connection with the Series D Agreement, on March 15, 2024, Forever 8 also entered into a Subordination Agreement (the “Subordination Agreement”) with each of the Lenders, the several individuals, financial institutions or entities from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Senior Lenders”) and the collateral agent for the Senior Lenders. Forever 8 additionally entered into an Intercreditor Agreement (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) with the lenders party thereto and the collateral agent for such lenders.

McFadden Severance Agreement

On February 26, 2024, the Company and Brian McFadden entered into General Release and Severance Agreement, (the “McFadden Severance Agreement”), effective as of the eighth day following the McFadden Severance Agreement (the “McFadden Effective Date”) in connection with Mr. McFadden’s resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of December 31, 2023 (the “Separation Date”). Pursuant to the McFadden Severance Agreement, Mr. McFadden is eligible to receive $146,683 in accrued but unpaid base salary through the Separation Date in four quarterly payments of $36,670.75 each, less all applicable tax withholdings, by December 31, 2024.

In consideration of the McFadden Severance Agreement, the release therein and Mr. McFadden’s resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Company shall provide Mr. McFadden severance pay in the gross amount of amount of $422,500, less all lawful and authorized withholdings and deductions (the “Severance Payment”), which Severance Payment shall be paid in four quarterly installments of $105,625 per each installment, payable at the Company’s option in either cash or Common Stock, with the payment to be made as follows: (i) as of the McFadden Effective Date, on which such date Mr. McFadden shall be granted, in lieu of cash,128,811 fully-vested restricted shares of the Common Stock at a price of $0.82 per share, which such shares of Common Stock subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), and as of each of (ii) April 1, 2024, (iii) July 1, 2024, and (iv) October 1, 2024, payable at the Company’s option, in either cash or Common Stock. The shares of Common Stock to be issued to Mr. McFadden under installments (ii), (iii) and (iv), if applicable, shall be fully vested and the number of shares to be issued shall be determined based on the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Stock on the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trade during the period of 10 trading days immediately prior to the date of such issuance.

Pursuant to the McFadden Severance Agreement, the Company shall also reimburse to Mr. McFadden the premiums associated with the continuation of Mr. McFadden’s health insurance for the period commencing on the Separation Date through December 31, 2024, pursuant to applicable law, and approved but unpaid business expenses through the Separation Date within 30 days following McFadden Effective Date.

Pursuant to the McFadden Severance Agreement, as of the Separation Date, the amended and restated employment agreement, by and between the Company and Mr. McFadden, effective as of September 27, 2022 (the “McFadden Employment Agreement”), shall terminate forever, and no party shall have any further obligation or liability thereunder except as related to any obligations that survive employment termination, including but not limited to the obligations set forth under the Employee Confidential Disclosure, Invention Assignment, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Interference Agreement (the “Restrictive Covenants Agreement”), attached to the McFadden Employment Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company has agreed to waive certain post-termination obligations as related to certain non-competition and non-compete provisions in the Restrictive Covenants Agreement.

Pursuant to the McFadden Severance Agreement, for a period of 8 weeks following the Separation Date, Mr. McFadden has agreed to reasonably cooperate with the Company in the transition of positions. Additionally, Mr. McFadden shall remain a director of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) under the standard terms, conditions, and bylaws of the Company from the Separation Date through March 31, 2024, at which time Mr. McFadden shall resign from the Board. The McFadden Severance Agreement also provides for a mutual waiver and release of any claims in connection with Mr. McFadden’s employment, separation and departure from the Company, and for certain customary covenants regarding confidentiality.

On March 17, 2024, the Board approved the entry by the Company into the First Amendment to McFadden Severance Agreement to amend Mr. McFadden’s end date of service on the Board to March 17, 2024.

Vroman Severance Agreement and Consulting Agreement

On February 26, 2024, the Company and Brett Vroman entered into General Release and Severance Agreement, (the “Vroman Severance Agreement”), effective as of the eighth date following the Vroman Severance Agreement (the “Vroman Effective Date”) in connection with the termination of the amended and restated employment agreement, by and between the Company and Mr. Vroman, effective as of September 27, 2022 (the “Vroman Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Vroman Severance Agreement, as of the Separation Date, the Vroman Employment Agreement shall terminate forever, and no party shall have any further obligation or liability thereunder except as related to any obligations that survive employment termination, including but not limited to the obligations set forth under the Employee Confidential Disclosure, Invention Assignment, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Interference Agreement, attached to the Vroman Employment Agreement.

Additionally, on February 22, 2024, the Company and CXO Lite, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, of which Mr. Vroman is the sole member, entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Vroman shall be engaged and continue to serve the Company as its Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, the Company has agreed to compensate Mr. Vroman at a rate of $10,000 per month for services rendered as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, commencing as of January 1, 2024. The term of the Consulting Agreement shall automatically renew on a month-to-month basis unless terminated by either the Company or Mr. Vroman upon 30 days written notice to the other party. The Consulting Agreement additionally provides for certain customary covenants regarding confidentiality.

Pursuant to the Vroman Severance Agreement, the Company will provide Mr. Vroman with (i) back pay wages through the Separation Date in the amount of $151,615.46, less all lawful and authorized withholdings and deductions, to be paid as soon as practicable following the Vroman Effective Date and (ii) severance of 24 months of Mr. Vroman’s base salary, less all lawful and authorized withholdings and deductions, under the Vroman Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the Vroman Severance Agreement, the Company shall also reimburse to Mr. Vroman the premiums associated with the continuation of Mr. Vroman’s health insurance for the period commencing on the Separation Date through December 31, 2024, pursuant to applicable law, expenses in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, and the full vesting of any earned shares of Common Stock. The Vroman Severance Agreement also provides for a mutual waiver and release of any claims in connection with Mr. Vroman’s employment, separation and departure from the Company, and for certain customary covenants regarding confidentiality.

Appointment of Interim Chief Executive Officer

On February 22, 2024, the Board appointed Kevin O’Donnell as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of the Separation Date, to serve until a successor is chosen and qualified, or until his earlier resignation or removal.

There is no family relationship between Mr. O’Donnell and any director or executive officer of the Company. There are no transactions between Mr. O’Donnell and the Company that would be required to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Issuance of Common Stock

On January 30, 2024, the Company issued 56,235 shares of common stock valued at $34,866 to satisfy a potion of the outstanding severance due to the former employee.

On February 22, 2024, the Company issued 42,424 shares of common stock value at $23,333 to satisfy outstanding fees for services performed due to the consultant.

On February 28, 2024, the Company issued 77,500 shares of common stock valued at $48,050 to satisfy a portion of the outstanding severance due to the former employee.

On February 22, 2024, the Company issued 128,894 shares of common stock value at $79,914 to satisfy outstanding fees for services performed due to the consultant.

On March 27, 2024, the Company issued 1,399,994 shares of common stock valued at $1,147,995 to satisfy a portion of the convertible notes payable due to the sellers of Forever 8.

On March 27, 2024, the Company issued 300,000 shares of common stock valued at $186,000 to a consultant for services performed related to Forever 8.

On March 27, 2024, the Company issued 256,098 shares of common stock valued at $158,781 to the independent board of directors to satisfy deferred amounts due for services performed.

On March 27, 2024, the Company issued 865,856 shares of common stock valued at $710,000 to investors related to proceeds received in a private investment in a public entity.

On March 27, 2024, the Company issued 252,169 shares of common stock valued at $206,799 to satisfy the cash settlement warrants assumed in the Forever 8 acquisition.

On March 27, 2024, the Company issued 120,974 shares of common stock valued at 99,199 to certain former Forever 8 security holders, pursuant to the settlement agreements by and among the Company and certain former Forever 8 security holders, as consideration for the immediate termination of the Company’s obligation to deliver such to the former Forever 8 securityholders the consideration provided for in the MIPA.

On March 28, 2024, the Company issued 73,171 shares of common stock valued at 60,000 to certain holders of the Series D Loan and Security Agreement.