NextTrip, Inc.
For the period ended Feb 28, 2026. Filed May 29, 2026.
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FY2026 · Filed May 29, 2026
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Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Processes and Procedures for Compensation Decisions
Our Compensation Committee is responsible for the executive compensation programs for our executive officers and reports to our Board of Directors on its discussions, decisions and other actions. Typically, our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to our Compensation Committee and is involved in the determination of compensation for the respective executive officers that report to him. Our Chief Executive Officer does not determine his own compensation. Our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to our Compensation Committee regarding short- and long-term compensation for all executive officers based on our operating results, an individual executive officer’s contribution toward these results and performance toward individual goal achievement. Our Compensation Committee then reviews the recommendations and other data and makes decisions (or makes recommendations to the Board) as to total compensation for each executive officer as well as each individual compensation component.
The following table sets forth compensation for services rendered in all capacities to the Company: (i) for each person who served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer at any time during the past fiscal year, and (ii) for our two most highly compensated executive officers, other than our Chief Executive Officer, who were employed with the Company on February 28, 2026 (the foregoing executives are herein collectively referred to as the “named executive officers” or “NEOs”).
Summary Compensation Table
| Name and Principal Position · Fiscal Year · Salary ($) (1) · Bonus ($) (1) · Stock Awards ($) · Option Awards ($) (2) · All Other Compensation ($) (1) · Total ($) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Kerby – Chief Executive Officer(3) | 2026 | 400,000 | - | - | - | 42,000 | (4) | 442,000 | ||
| 2025 | 400,000 | - | - | - | 42,000 | (4) | 442,000 | |||
| Frank Orzechowski - Chief Financial Officer | 2026 | 225,000 | (5) | - | 29,800 | (6) | - | - | 254,800 | |
| 2025 | 200,000 | - | - | - | - | 200,000 | ||||
| John McMahon – Chief Operating Officer, Travel | 2026 | 250,000 | - | - | - | - | 250,000 | |||
| 2025 | 14,583 | - | - | - | - | 14,583 | ||||
| (1) | Actual amounts paid or accrued. |
| (2) | Includes option awards and stock appreciation rights awards (“SARs”). SARs awards are only payable in cash. As such, no shares of common stock were reserved in connection with the awards since no shares will be issued pursuant to exercise. The fair value of option and SARs awards are calculated in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” The amount recognized for all awards is calculated using the Black Scholes pricing model. No options or SARs were awarded during the twelve months ended February 28, 2026 or February 28, 2025. |
| (3) | Mr. Kerby, at his election, has agreed to defer $100,000 of his annual salary as well as payments related to personal financial guarantees and his car allowance as described in Note (4) below. At February 28, 2026, the total compensation deferred by Mr. Kerby was $270,333. |
| (4) | In fiscal years 2026 and 2025, we paid Mr. Kerby $24,000 in connection with various personal financial guarantees, and a personal car allowance of $18,000 pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. |
| (5) | Effective September 1, 2025, Mr. Orzechowski’s base salary was increased to $250,000 per annum pursuant to his Employment Agreement. In lieu of cash, we issued Mr. Orzechowski 8,390 shares of common stock at a price of $2.98 per share, which was the closing price of our stock on February 10, 2026, the date that the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved Mr. Orzechowski’s Employment Agreement. |
| (6) | Represents a discretionary equity award of 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock granted to Mr. Orzechowski on February 10, 2026, the date on which the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors approved the award, with a grant date fair value of $2.98 per share, or $29,800 in the aggregate, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The award was made pursuant to the Company’s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan in recognition of Mr. Orzechowski’s past performance and contributions to the Company. The shares were fully vested upon grant. |
Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements
William Kerby
In connection with this appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on December 29, 2023, the Company and Mr. Kerby entered into an employment letter agreement, dated as of December 29, 2023. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Kerby will be entitled to receive an annual base salary of $400,000, which is subject to increase (but not decrease) in the discretion of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors based on an annual or special case assessment of his performance and other factors. At the discretion of our Board of Directors, Mr. Kerby is also eligible to earn a discretionary, annual fiscal end-of-year incentive bonus in an amount of up to 100% of his base annual salary. The exact amount of the incentive bonus will be dependent on the achievement of Company milestones and profitability, and such other milestones as the Board deems appropriate. Mr. Kerby will have the option of receiving some or all of his base annual salary and any incentive bonus in cash or in shares of our common stock valued for this purpose as set forth in his employment agreement and will be eligible to receive equity compensation at the discretion and in an amount to be determined by our Board of Directors.
During his employment, Mr. Kerby will be entitled to an automobile allowance of $1,500 per month and to receive all benefits under any and all deferred compensation plans, retirement plans, life, disability, health, accident and other insurance programs, and similar employee benefit plans and programs, sick leave and vacation time that the Company elects, in its sole discretion, to provide from time to time to its executive officers, and to earn four weeks of paid time off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s PTO policy.
Mr. Kerby has entered into various personal guarantees with the Airline Reporting Commission, sellers of travel, merchant providers, financial institutions, associations and service providers for the benefit of NextTrip, in consideration of which the Company agrees in his employment agreement to pay him a $2,000 per month guarantee fee for so long as the employment agreement and the guarantees remain in place. In the event Mr. Kerby resigns for “Good Reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), or his employment is terminated by the Company for any reason, the Company will immediately eliminate any and all guarantees failing which, for each month the guarantees remain in place, the monthly guarantee fee will rise to $10,000 per month after 30 days in the event the Company is unable to assume the guarantees during such 30-day period.
The term of Mr. Kerby’s employment under his employment agreement will continue from month-to-month until terminated by either party with 30 days’ prior written notice, unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms thereof. Should the Company elect to terminate Mr. Kerby’s employment agreement (other than as a result of death, “Disability” or “Cause,” as defined therein), he will be entitled to payment of an amount equal to 12 months of his base annual salary in a lump sum payment upon termination and the continuation of his health care coverage, at the Company’s expense, for up to 12 months following the termination (collectively, the “Kerby Severance Payments”). In addition, in the event that Mr. Kerby’s agreement is terminated by the Company for any reason within 12 months from the date of closing of the Acquisition, Mr. Kerby will be entitled to receive the Kerby Severance Payments and the Contingent Shares will automatically accelerate and be issuable in full if not yet earned or issued.
John McMahon
On February 10, 2025, we entered into an employment letter agreement with John McMahon, pursuant to which Mr. McMahon agreed to serve as Chief Operating Officer, Travel Division of the Company. Under the terms of Mr. McMahon’s employment agreement, he is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $250,000. In addition, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. McMahon is entitled to receive bonuses subject to the achievement of mutually agreed performance objectives. Such bonuses may be paid in cash or common shares of the Company at the option of Mr. McMahon. Mr. McMahon is also entitled to receive an incentive bonus at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. McMahon is eligible to participate in the Company’s equity incentive and group benefit plans, including medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as a 401(k) plan.
Frank Orzechowski
On March 11, 2026, we entered into a new employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Frank Orzechowski (“Employee”) setting forth the terms of Employee’s continued service as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The effective date of the Employment Agreement is retroactive to February 10,2026. The term of employment is on a monthly basis subject to a six-month severance payment in the case of involuntary termination or Employee resigns for good reason. Employee will receive a base annual base salary of $250,000 (the “Base Salary”), an equity bonus grant of 10,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock under the Company’s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and a guaranteed cash bonus of $13,500 for the 2026 calendar year. From September 1,2025 through March 31,2026, $50,000 of the Base Salary will be satisfied in fully vested shares of the Company’s common stock issued under the Plan based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on February 10,2026. Employee is also eligible to earn an annual performance bonus with a target opportunity of between $50,000 and $150,000 as determined by the Compensation Committee upon achievement of performance objectives as set forth in the Employment Agreement. Employee is also eligible to participate in additional grants of awards under the Plan as approved by the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors. Further, Mr. Orzechowski is eligible to participate in the Company’s equity incentive and group benefit plans, including medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as a 401(k) plan.
Compensation Recovery Policy
The Company has adopted a compensation recovery policy (the “Compensation Recovery Policy”) that is designed to comply with, and will be interpreted in a manner consistent with, Section 10D and Rule 10D-1 of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, including any interpretive guidance provided by Nasdaq. Under our Compensation Recovery Policy, in the event of an accounting restatement due to the Company’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct a material error in previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period, the Company must recover erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation previously paid to the Company’s executive officers in accordance with the terms of such Compensation Recovery Policy. Furthermore, under the Compensation Recovery Policy, the Company is prohibited from indemnifying any executive officer or former executive officer against the loss of erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation and from paying or reimbursing an executive officer for purchasing insurance to cover any such loss.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2026 Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR’s”) under our 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the “2020 SARs Plan”) that are held by our named executive officers as of February 28, 2026:
| Stock Appreciation Rights Awards(1) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Number of SARs exercisable | Number of SARs unexercisable | SAR exercise price ($) | SAR expiration date |
| Frank Orzechowski(2) | 2,429 | - | $68.40 | 8/11/2026 |
| 4,852 | - | $26.00 | 7/1/2027 | |
| 3,474 | - | $50.00 | 7/1/2027 | |
(1) The 2020 SARs Plan provides for incentive awards in the form of SARs payable in cash. No shares of common stock were reserved in connection with the adoption of the 2020 SARs Plan since no shares will be issued pursuant to the 2020 SARs Plan.
(2) On August 11, 2021, pursuant to our 2020 SARs Plan, we granted Mr. Orzechowski 2,429 SARs. The SARs have an exercise price of $68.40 and as of February 28, 2026, were fully vested and exercisable. On July 1, 2022, we granted Mr. Orzechowski 3,474 SARs with an exercise price of $50.00, all of which were fully vested and exercisable as of February 28, 2026, and 4,852 SARs in connection with his employment retention agreement, which have an exercise price of $26.00 and are fully vested and exercisable as of February 28, 2026.
Equity Awards
We offer stock options, stock appreciation rights, and stock awards to certain of our employees, including our executive officers, as the long-term incentive component of our compensation program. We generally grant equity awards to new hires upon their commencing employment with us. Our stock options allow employees to purchase shares of our common stock at a price per share equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and may or may not be intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our stock appreciation rights allow employees to receive a cash payment for the difference between the market price of our common stock on the date of exercise and the strike price. We sometimes also offer stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock awards to our consultants in lieu of cash. Our stock options allow consultants to purchase shares of our common stock at a price per share equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and are not intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our stock appreciation rights allow consultants to receive a cash payment for the difference between the market price of our common stock on the date of exercise and the strike price. Stock options, stock appreciation rights, and stock awards granted to our executive officers may be subject to accelerated vesting in certain circumstances.
Retirement Plans
We maintain two qualified 401(k) plans, in which all eligible employees may participate. We make safe harbor contributions to both plans: one plan matches 100% of each participant’s contribution up to 3% of salary, and 50% of the next 2% of salary contributed, and the other plan makes a 3% non-elective contribution for all eligible participants. Safe harbor contributions are 100% vested. We may also elect, on an annual basis, to make a discretionary contribution to the plan, but have not done so to date. Our elective matches and elective contributions vest to participant accounts as follows: 20% after two years of service, and 20% per year thereafter until the participant reaches 6 years of service, at which time, employer contributions vest 100%. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, contributions to the 401(k) plans and earnings on those contributions are not taxable to the employees until distributed from the 401(k) plans.
No Tax Gross-Ups
We do not make gross-up payments to cover our executive officers’ personal income taxes that may pertain to any of the compensation paid or provided by our Company.
2023 Equity Incentive Plan
On November 19, 2023, our Board of Directors adopted the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.
Our Board of Directors believes that the grant of options and other stock awards is an important incentive for the Company’s employees, officers and directors.
As of May 28, 2026, there were 914,825 options outstanding under the Plan
A summary of the material terms of the 2023 Plan is set forth below.
Plan Purpose
Our Board of Directors adopted the 2023 Plan to (1) encourage selected employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisers to improve our operations and increase our profitability, (2) encourage selected employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisers to accept or continue employment or association with us, and (3) increase the interest of selected employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisers in our welfare through participation in the growth in value of our common stock. All of our current employees, directors and consultants are eligible to participate in the 2023 Plan.
Administration
The 2023 Plan is to be administered by the Board of Directors or by a committee to which administration of the 2023 Plan, or of part of thereof, is delegated by the Board of Directors. The 2023 Plan is currently administered by our Compensation Committee, which we refer to below as the “Administrator.” The Administrator is responsible for selecting the officers, employees, directors, consultants and advisers who will receive Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Awards (each as defined in the 2023 Plan). Subject to the requirements imposed by the 2023 Plan, the Administrator is also responsible for determining the terms and conditions of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right award, including the number of shares subject to the Option, the exercise price, expiration date and vesting period of the Option and whether the option is an Incentive Option or a Non-Qualified Option. Subject to the requirements imposed by the 2023 Plan, the Administrator is also responsible for determining the terms and conditions of each Stock Award, including the number of shares granted, the purchase price (if any), and the vesting, transfer and other restrictions imposed on the stock. The Administrator has the power, authority and discretion to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2023 Plan or of any award under the 2023 Plan.
The 2023 Plan is not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and is not a qualified pension, profit sharing or bonus plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Stock Subject to the 2023 Plan
The aggregate number of shares of common stock set aside and reserved for issuance under the 2023 Plan is 7,000,000 shares.
If awards granted under the 2023 Plan expire or otherwise terminate or are cancelled without being exercised in full, the shares of common stock not acquired pursuant to such awards will again become available for issuance under the 2023 Plan. If shares of common stock issued pursuant to awards under the 2023 Plan are forfeited to or repurchased by us, the forfeited or repurchased stock will again become available for issuance under the 2023 Plan.
If shares of common stock subject to an award are not delivered to a participant because such shares are withheld for payment of taxes incurred in connection with the exercise of an Option, or the issuance of shares under a Stock Award, or the award is exercised through a reduction of shares subject to the award (“net exercised”), then the number of shares that are not delivered will not again be available for issuance under the 2023 Plan. In addition, if the exercise price of any award is satisfied by the tender of shares of common stock to us (whether by actual delivery or attestation), the shares tendered will not again be available for issuance under the 2023 Plan.
Eligibility
All directors, employees, consultants and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the 2023 Plan. Incentive Options may only be granted under the 2023 Plan to a person who is a full-time officer or employee of the Company or a subsidiary. The Administrator will determine from time-to-time which directors, employees, consultants and advisers will be granted awards under the 2023 Plan.
Terms of Awards
Maximum Grant
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Stock Award granted during a single Fiscal Year to any Non-Employee Director (together with any cash fees paid to such Non-Employee Director during the Fiscal Year) is not permitted to exceed a total value of $500,000. The value of the Stock Award is based on the fair value for financial reporting purposes on the grant date.
Written Agreement
Each award under the 2023 Plan will be evidenced by an agreement in a form approved by the Administrator.
Exercise Price; Base Value
The exercise price for a Non-Qualified Option or an Incentive Option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant of the Non-Qualified Option or Incentive Option. With respect to an Option holder who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total voting power of all classes of our stock, the exercise price for an Incentive Option may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant of the Incentive Option. The base value of a Stock Appreciation Right shall also be no less than 100% of the Common Stock on the date of the grant of the Stock Appreciation Right. The 2023 Plan does not specify a minimum exercise price for Stock Awards.
Vesting
Each Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Stock Award will become exercisable or non-forfeitable (that is, “vest”) under conditions specified by the Administrator at the time of grant. Vesting typically is based upon continued service as a director or employee but may be based upon any performance criteria and other contingencies that are determined by the Administrator. Shares subject to Stock Awards may be subject to specified restrictions concerning transferability, repurchase by the Company and forfeiture of the shares issued, together with such other restrictions as may be determined by the Administrator.
Expiration Date
Each Option or Stock Appreciation Right must be exercised by a date specified in the award agreement, which may not be more than ten years after the grant date. Except as otherwise provided in the relevant agreement, an Option or Stock Appreciation Right ceases to be exercisable ninety days after the termination of the holder’s employment with us.
Transfers of Options
Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, Options are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Purchase Price Payment
Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the purchase price of Common Stock acquired under the 2023 Plan is payable by cash or check at the time of an Option exercise or acquisition of a Stock Award. The Company does not charge participants any fees or commissions in connection with their acquisition of Common Stock under the 2023 Plan. The Administrator also has the discretion to accept the following types of payment from participants: shares of Common Stock, cash or a combination thereof.
Withholding Taxes
At the time of his or her exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, an employee is responsible for paying all applicable federal and state withholding taxes. A holder of Stock Awards is responsible for paying all applicable federal and state withholding taxes once the shares covered by the award cease to be forfeitable or at any other time required by applicable law.
Securities Law Compliance
Shares of Common Stock will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option or the receipt of a Stock Award unless the Administrator determines that the exercise of the Option or receipt of the Stock Award and the issuance and delivery of such shares will comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act, applicable state and foreign securities laws and the requirements of any stock exchange on which our Common Stock is traded.
Effects of Change of Control
Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control, all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall become immediately exercisable with respect to 100% of the shares subject to such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, and/or the Restricted Period shall expire immediately with respect to 100% of the outstanding shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.
With respect to Performance Share Awards and Cash Awards, in the event of a Change in Control, all Performance Goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions will be deemed met.
In general, a “Change of Control” means:
| ● | A sale of all or substantially all of our assets; |
| ● | Our liquidation or dissolution; |
| ● | A purchase or other acquisition of 51% or more of our Common Stock |
| ● | Our merger or consolidation with or into another corporation. |
Other Adjustment Provisions
If the stock of the Company is changed by reason of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination or reclassification, appropriate adjustments shall be made by the Administrator, in its discretion, in (1) the number and class of shares of stock subject to the 2023 Plan and each Option and grant of Stock Awards outstanding under the 2023 Plan, and (2) the purchase price of each outstanding Option and (if applicable) Stock Award. For example, if an Option is for 1,000 shares for $20.00 per share and there is a 2-for-1 stock split, the Option would be adjusted to be exercisable for 2,000 shares at $10.00 per share.
Amendment or Termination of the Plan
The Board of Directors may at any time amend, discontinue or terminate the 2023 Plan. With specified exceptions, no amendment, suspension or termination of the 2023 Plan may adversely affect outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or the terms that are applicable to outstanding Stock Awards. No amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan requires stockholder approval unless such approval is required under applicable law or under the rules of any stock exchange on which our Common Stock is traded. Unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors, the 2023 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of the Board’s adoption of the 2023 Plan.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion is a summary of the federal income tax provisions relating to the grant and exercise of awards under the 2023 Plan and the subsequent sale of common stock acquired under the 2023 Plan. The tax effect of awards may vary depending upon the circumstances, and the income tax laws and regulations change frequently. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and does not constitute legal or tax advice.
General. A recipient of an award of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights under the 2023 Plan will realize no taxable income at the time of grant if the exercise price is not less than the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of the grant. The recipient generally will realize no taxable income at the time of a grant of a Stock Award so long as the Stock Award is not vested (that is, remains subject to forfeiture and is not transferable) and an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code is not made.
*Non-Qualified Options.*The holder of a Non-Qualified Option will recognize ordinary income at the time of the Non-Qualified Option exercise in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price. This taxable income will be subject to payroll tax withholding if the holder is an employee.
When a holder disposes of shares acquired upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Option, any amount received in excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon the holding period of the shares, and if the amount received is less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, the loss will be treated as long-term or short-term capital loss, depending upon on the holding period of the shares.
*Incentive Options.*The holder of an Incentive Option will not recognize taxable income upon exercise of the Incentive Option. In order to retain this tax benefit, the holder must make no disposition of the shares so received for at least one year from the date of exercise and for at least two years from the date of grant of the Incentive Option. The holder’s compliance with the holding period requirement and other applicable tax provisions will result in the realization of long-term capital gain or loss when he or she disposes of the shares, measured by the difference between the exercise price and the amount received for the shares at the time of disposition.
If a holder disposes of shares acquired by exercise of an Incentive Option before the expiration of the required holding period, the gain, if any, arising from such disqualifying disposition will be taxable as ordinary income in the year of disposition to the extent of the lesser of (1) the excess of the fair market value of the shares over the exercise price on the date the Incentive Option was exercised or (2) the excess of the amount realized over the exercise price upon such disposition. Any amount realized in excess of the fair market value on the date of exercise is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon the holding period of the shares. If the amount realized upon such disposition is less than the exercise price, the loss will be treated as long-term or short-term capital loss, depending upon the holding period of the shares.
For purposes of the alternative minimum tax, the holder will recognize as an addition to his or her tax base, upon the exercise of an Incentive Option, an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise over the exercise price. If the holder makes a disqualifying disposition in the year of exercise, the holder will recognize taxable income for purposes of the regular income tax and the holder’s alternative minimum tax base will not be additionally increased.
*Stock Appreciation Rights.*The holder of a Stock Appreciation Right will recognize ordinary income at the time that it is exercised in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which it is exercised on the date of exercise over their value at the date of grant. This taxable income will be subject to payroll tax withholding if the holder is an employee.
*Stock Awards.*The recipient of a Stock Award will recognize ordinary income when the stock vests in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of vesting over the purchase price for the shares, if any, subject to payroll tax withholding if the holder is an employee. When the recipient sells a Stock Award that has vested, any amount received in excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of vesting will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon the holding period of the shares (after vesting has occurred), and if the amount received is less than the fair market value on the date of vesting, the loss will be treated as long-term or short-term capital loss, depending on the holding period of the shares. Dividends paid on Stock Awards that have not vested and that have not been the subject of an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code are treated as compensation income, subject to payroll tax withholding with respect to an employee.
Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code permits the recipient to elect, not more than thirty days after the date of receipt of a Stock Award, to include as ordinary income the difference between the fair market value of the Stock Award on the date of grant and its purchase price (rather than being taxed as the shares vest). If such an election is made, the holding period for long-term capital gain or loss treatment will commence on the day following the receipt of the Stock Award, dividends on the Stock Award will be treated as such and not as compensation, and the tax basis of the shares will be their fair market value at the date of grant.
*Deduction for the Company.*The Company will be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes at the same time and in the same amount as the recipient of an award is considered to have realized ordinary income as a result of the award, assuming that the limitation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code is not applicable. Assuming that the holder of shares received on exercise of an Incentive Option disposes of the shares after compliance with the holding period requirement described above, the Company will not be entitled to a federal income tax deduction since the holder will not have realized any ordinary income in the transaction.
Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”), Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallowed a tax deduction to publicly held companies for compensation paid to certain executive officers in excess of $1 million per officer in any year that did not qualify as performance-based. Under the TCJA, the performance-based exception has been repealed and the $1 million deduction limit now applies to anyone serving as the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer at any time during the taxable year and the top three other highest compensated executive officers serving at any fiscal year-end.
2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
The purposes of the 2020 SARs Plan are to: (i) enable the Company to attract and retain the types of employees, consultants, and directors (collectively, “Service Providers”) who will contribute to the Company’s long-range success; (ii) provide incentives that align the interests of Service Providers with those of the shareholders of the Company; and (iii) promote the success of the Company’s business. The 2020 SARs Plan only provides for incentive awards that are only made in the form of SARs payable in cash. No shares of common stock were reserved in connection with the adoption of the 2020 SARs Plan since no shares will be issued pursuant to the 2020 SARs Plan.
As of May 28, 2026 there were 36,316 SARs outstanding under the 2020 SARs Plan.
Governance of the Plan
The 2020 SARs Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board or, in the Board’s sole discretion, by the Board. The Compensation Committee will have the authority to, among other things, (i) construe and interpret the 2020 SARs Plan and apply its provisions; (ii) promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan; (iii) delegate its authority to one or more persons who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to SARs that do not involve “insiders” within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act; (iv) determine when SARs are to be granted under the 2020 SARs Plan and the applicable grant date; (v) prescribe the terms and conditions of each SAR, including, without limitation, the exercise price and medium of payment and vesting provisions, and to specify the provisions of the SAR Agreement relating to such grant; (vi) amend any outstanding SARs, subject, in certain cases, to the participant’s consent; and (vii) make all other determinations which may be necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2020 SARs Plan.
Eligible Participants
SARs may be granted only to persons who are Service Providers, and those persons whom the Compensation Committee determines are reasonably expected to become Service Providers following the grant date. The Compensation Committee may from time to time designate those Service Providers, if any, to be granted SARs under the 2020 SARs Plan, the number of SARs which will be granted to each such person, and any other terms or conditions relating to SARs as it may deem appropriate to the extent consistent with the provisions of the 2020 SARs Plan. A participant who has been granted a SAR may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional incentive awards at any time.
Grant. The Compensation Committee may grant SARs to any Service Provider. A SAR is the right to receive an amount equal to the Spread with respect to a share of the Company’s common stock upon the exercise of the SAR. The “Spread” is the difference between the exercise price per share specified in a SAR agreement on the date of grant and the fair market value per share on the date of exercise of the SAR.
General Provisions. The terms and conditions of each SAR will be evidenced by a SAR agreement. The exercise price per share will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant of the SAR. The term of the SAR will be determined by the Compensation Committee but may not be greater than ten years from the date of grant.
Exercise. SARs are exercisable subject to such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may specify in the SAR agreement for the SAR. A SAR may be exercised by the delivery of a signed written notice of exercise to the Company, which must be received and accepted by the Company as of a date set by the Company in advance of the effective date of the proposed exercise. The notice must set forth the number of SARs being exercised, together with any additional documents the Company may require.
Settlement. Upon exercise of a SAR, the Grantee will receive an amount equal to the Spread. The Spread, less applicable withholdings, will be payable only in cash. In no event may any SAR be settled in any manner other than by delivery of a cash payment from the Company.
Form of SAR Agreement
Each participant to whom a SAR is granted will be required to enter into a SAR agreement with the Company, in such a form as is provided by the Compensation Committee. The SAR agreement will contain specific terms as determined by the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, with respect to the participant’s particular SAR. Such terms need not be uniform among all participants or any similarly situated participants. The SAR agreement may include, without limitation, vesting, forfeiture and other provisions particular to the particular participant’s SAR, as well as, for example, provisions to the effect that the participant must abide by all the terms and conditions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Compensation Committee. A SAR will include such terms and conditions as are determined by the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, to be appropriate with respect to any participant.
The Compensation Committee may specify in a SAR agreement that the participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to a SAR will be subject to forfeiture upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of the incentive award. Such events may include, but are not limited to, termination with cause or other conduct by the participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company.
Termination of Employment
Unless otherwise expressly provided in the participant’s SAR agreement, if the participant’s employment is terminated for any reason other than due to cause, death or disability, any non-vested portion of any outstanding SAR at the time of such termination will automatically expire and terminate and no further vesting will occur after the termination date. In such event, except as otherwise expressly provided in the SAR agreement, the participant will be entitled to exercise such participant’s rights only with respect to the portion of the SAR that was vested as of the termination date for a period that will end on the earlier of (i) the expiration date set forth in the SAR agreement or (ii) ninety days after the date of termination.
Termination for Cause
Unless otherwise expressly provided in the participant’s SAR agreement, in the event of the termination of a participant’s employment for cause, all vested and non-vested SARs granted to such participant will immediately expire, and will not be exercisable to any extent.
Disability or Death
Unless otherwise expressly provided in the participant’s SAR agreement, upon termination of employment as a result of the participant’s disability or death, (i) any non-vested portion of any outstanding SAR will immediately terminate upon termination and no further vesting will occur, and (ii) any vested SAR will expire on the earlier of either (A) the expiration date set forth in the SAR agreement or (B) 12 months following the participant’s termination of employment.
Continuation
Subject to the conditions and limitations of the 2020 SARs Plan and applicable law, in the event that a participant ceases to be an employee, outside director or consultant, as applicable, for whatever reason, the Compensation Committee and participant may mutually agree with respect to any outstanding SAR then held by the participant (i) for an acceleration or other adjustment in any vesting schedule applicable to the SAR award; (ii) for a continuation of the exercise period following termination for a longer period than is otherwise provided under such SAR; or (iii) to any other change in the terms and conditions of the SAR. In the event of any such change to an outstanding SAR, a written amendment to the participant’s SAR agreement will be required. No amendment to a participant’s SAR will be made to the extent compensation payable pursuant thereto as a result of such amendment would be considered deferred compensation that is not excepted from taxation or penalties under Code Section 409A, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee.
SARs granted under the 2020 SARs Plan are not transferable other than to a designated beneficiary upon the Participant’s death or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Change in Control
Unless otherwise provided in a SAR Agreement, notwithstanding any contrary provision in the 2020 SARs Plan, in the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the 2020 SARs Plan), all outstanding SARs will become 100% vested and immediately exercisable.
Amendment
The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend or terminate the 2020 SARs Plan. The Compensation Committee at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of any one or more SAR agreements, except that the Committee may not affect any amendment which would otherwise constitute an impairment of the rights under any SAR unless the participant consents in writing.
Director Compensation
We believe that a combination of cash and equity compensation is appropriate to attract and retain the individuals we desire to serve on our Board of Directors. Our cash compensation policies are designed to encourage frequent and active interaction between directors and our executives both during and between formal meetings as well as compensate our directors for their time and effort. Further, we believe it is important to align the long-term interests of our non-employee directors (i.e., directors who are not employed by us as officers or employees) with those of the Company and its stockholders, and that awarding equity compensation to, and thereby increasing ownership of our common stock by, our non-employee directors is an appropriate means to achieve this alignment. Directors who are also employees of our company do not receive compensation for their service on our Board of Directors.
Under our director compensation program for fiscal year 2026, each Mr. Monaco, and each of our former non-employee director received cash compensation of $12,500, and options to purchase 135,000 shares of our common stock, which are fully vested. Each director has agreed to defer receipt of cash compensation until such time as the Company completes a public financing. Also, each non-employee director may be reimbursed for his reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of his duties as a director as our Board of Directors determines from time to time. Our fiscal year 2027 director compensation program has not been finalized, nor has a plan been finalized for directors who were newly appointed during fiscal year 2026. The Compensation Committee is evaluating our director compensation program and will recommend changes to the Board. Until such time as the Compensation Committee and the Board adopt a new director compensation program, directors will not receive any compensation for services.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensation paid to non-employee directors in fiscal year 2026 for their services as directors of the Company. The compensation of Mr. Kerby, who serves as a director and our Chief Executive Officer, is described in the Summary Compensation Table of Executive Officers. Our non-employee directors do not receive fringe or other benefits.
| Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Option Awards ($) (7) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donald P. Monaco (1) | 12,500 | 451,922 | 464,422 |
| Jacob Brunsberg (2) | 12,500 | 549,081 | 561,581 |
| Salvatore Battinelli (3) | 12,500 | 451,922 | 464,422 |
| Dennis Duitch (4) | 12,500 | 451,922 | 464,422 |
| Kent Summers (5) | 12,500 | 451,922 | 464,422 |
| Andy Kaplan (6) | - | - | - |
| David Jiang (6) | - | - | - |
| Steve Kircher (6) | - | - | - |
| Carmen Diges (6) | - | - | - |
| Jimmy Byrd (6) | - | - | - |
| (1) | The fees shown were paid to Mr. Monaco for services as director through July 28, 2025. On April 1, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Monaco an option to purchase up to 85,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $5.76 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $370,277, and has a three-year term. On June 25, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Monaco an option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $3.37 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $81,645, and has a two-year term. |
| (2) | The fees shown were paid to Mr. Brunsberg for services as director through July 28, 2025. On March 6, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Brunsberg an option to purchase up to 31,250 shares of common stock pursuant to the terms of his November 22, 2023 Retention Bonus and Separation Agreement. The exercise price of the option is equal to $3.675 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $97,159, and has a five-year term. On April 1, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Brunsberg an option to purchase up to 85,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $5.76 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $370,277, and has a three-year term. On June 25, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Brunsberg an option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $3.37 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $81,645, and has a two-year term. Mr. Brunsberg resigned as a director effective July 28, 2025. |
| (3) | The fees shown were paid to Mr. Battinelli for services as director through July 28, 2025. On April 1, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Battinelli an option to purchase up to 85,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $5.76 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $370,277, and has a three-year term. On June 25, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Battinelli an option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $3.37 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $81,645, and has a two-year term. Mr. Battinelli resigned as a director effective July 28, 2025. |
| (4) | The fees shown were paid to Mr. Duitch for services as director through July 28, 2025. On April 1, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Duitch an option to purchase up to 85,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $5.76 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $370,277, and has a three-year term. On June 25, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Duitch an option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $3.37 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $81,645, and has a two-year term. Mr. Duitch resigned as a director effective July 28, 2025. |
| (5) | The fees shown were paid to Mr. Summers for services as director through July 28, 2025. On April 1, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Summers an option to purchase up to 85,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $5.76 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $370,277, and has a three-year term. On June 25, 2025, the Company granted Mr. Summers an option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option is equal to $3.37 per share, is fully vested, had a grant date fair value of $81,645, and has a two-year term. Mr. Summers resigned as a director effective July 28, 2025. |
| (6) | Mr. Kaplan was appointed as a director on July 17, 2025, and Messrs. Jiang, Kircher, and Byrd and Ms. Diges were appointed as directors on July 28, 2025. Until such time as the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approve and adopt a new director compensation program, directors will not receive any compensation. |
| (7) | Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards and stock options computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These amounts do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the named directors from these awards. |
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