UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended SEPTEMBER 30, 2022.
☐ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period FROM _____TO_____.
Commission file number: 0-30695
ARVANA INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 87-0618509 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
299 Main Street, 13th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(801) 232-7395
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
n/a
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer ☒ | Smaller reporting company ☒ |
Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, $0.001 par value (the only class of voting stock), at November 21, 2022, was .
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORM.ATION | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements | 3 |
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 14 |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk | 18 |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 18 |
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 19 |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 19 |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 19 |
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 19 |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 19 |
Item 5. | Other Information | 19 |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 19 |
Signatures | 20 |
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ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As used herein, the terms “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” “it,” and “its” refer to Arvana Inc., a Nevada corporation, unless otherwise indicated. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements included in this Form 10-Q reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
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ARVANA INC.
BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 214,014 | $ | 3,340 | ||||
Total current assets | 214,014 | 3,340 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 214,014 | $ | 3,340 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 30,245 | $ | 54,931 | ||||
Accrued liabilities | 10,104 | — | ||||||
Loans payable stockholders | — | 15,500 | ||||||
Related party payables | 4,425 | 34,494 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 44,774 | 104,925 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 44,774 | 104,925 | ||||||
Stockholders' equity (deficit): | ||||||||
Common stock, $ | par value, shares authorized, and issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively35,949 | 34,149 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 36,282,774 | 35,956,574 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (36,146,147 | ) | (36,088,972 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) before treasury stock | 172,576 | (98,249 | ) | |||||
Less treasury stock – | common shares at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively(3,336 | ) | (3,336 | ) | ||||
Total stockholder equity (deficit) | 169,240 | (101,585 | ) | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) | $ | 214,014 | $ | 3,340 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.
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ARVANA INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, and 2021
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Operating Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 41,989 | 4,740 | 58,845 | 11,854 | ||||||||||||
Professional Fees | 5,182 | 42,798 | 12,743 | 64,005 | ||||||||||||
Loss from operations | (47,171 | ) | (47,538 | ) | (71,588 | ) | (75,859 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | — | (587 | ) | (19,122 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | — | 250 | — | 6,709 | ||||||||||||
Other income (Note 7) | — | — | 15,000 | 458,833 | ||||||||||||
Loss on debt settlements (Note 4) | — | (12,460,079 | ) | — | (12,460,079 | ) | ||||||||||
Total other income expenses | (12,459,829 | ) | 14,413 | (12,013,659 | ) | |||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (47,171 | ) | (12,507,367 | ) | (57,175 | ) | (12,089,518 | ) | ||||||||
Provision for income taxes | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Net loss | (47,171 | ) | (12,507,367 | ) | (57,175 | ) | (12,089,518 | ) | ||||||||
Loss per common share - basic and diluted | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.46 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (1.00 | ) | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | 34,748,518 | 27,085,120 | 34,748,518 | 12,103,727 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.
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ARVANA INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Deficiency) (unaudited)
Nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022, and 2021
Common Shares | Treasury | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Shares | Amount | Total Stockholders’ Deficiency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance January 1, 2021 | 4,610,670 | $ | 4,611 | $ | 21,920,189 | $ | (23,972,524 | ) | (2,085 | ) | $ | (3,336 | ) | $ | (2,051,060 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | — | (2,259 | ) | — | (2,259 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2021 | 4,610,670 | 4,611 | 21,920,189 | (23,974,783 | ) | (2,085 | ) | (3,336 | ) | (2,053,319 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net income for the period | — | 420,108 | — | 420,108 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance June 30, 2021 | 4,610,670 | 4,611 | 21,920,189 | (23,554,675 | ) | (2,085 | ) | (3,336 | ) | (1,633,211 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Debt settlement | 29,537,848 | 29,538 | 14,036,385 | — | 14,065,923 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | — | (12,507,367 | ) | — | (12,507,367 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance September 30, 2021 | 34,148,518 | $ | 34,149 | $ | 35,956,574 | $ | (36,062,042 | ) | (2,085 | ) | $ | (3,336 | ) | $ | (74,655 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.
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ARVANA INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (unaudited)
Nine-month periods September 30, 2022, and 2021
Common Shares | Treasury | ’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Shares | Amount | Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance January 1, 2022 | 34,148,518 | $ | 34,149 | $ | 35,956,574 | $ | (36,088,972 | ) | (2,085 | )) | $ | (3,336 | ) | $ | (101,585 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | — | (8,830 | ) | — | (8,830 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2022 | 34,148,518 | 34,149 | 35,956,574 | (36,097,802 | ) | (2,085 | ) | (3,336 | ) | (110,415 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | — | (1,174 | ) | — | (1,174 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2022 | 34,148,518 | 34,149 | 35,956,574 | (36,098,976 | ) | (2,085 | ) | (3,336 | ) | (111,589 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock | 1,800,000 | 1,800 | 358,200 | — | 360,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Share issuance cost | — | (32,000 | ) | — | (32,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | — | (47,171 | ) | — | (47,171 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance September 30, 2022 | 35,948,518 | $ | 35,949 | $ | 36,282,774 | $ | (36,146,147 | ) | (2,085 | ) | $ | (3,336 | ) | $ | 169,240 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.
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ARVANA INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, and 2021
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (57,175 | ) | $ | (12,089,518 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Shares issued for debt | 40,000 | — | ||||||
Loss from debt settlements | — | 12,460,079 | ||||||
Interest expense | 587 | 19,122 | ||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange | — | (12,050 | ) | |||||
Other income | — | (458,833 | ) | |||||
Increase (decrease) in: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | (25,273 | ) | 24,960 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 10,104 | — | ||||||
Related party payables | (30,069 | ) | 34,940 | |||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (61,826 | ) | (21,300 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | — | — | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from loans payable stockholder | 35,224 | 16,325 | ||||||
Issuance of common stock | 320,000 | — | ||||||
Issuance cost | (32,000 | ) | — | |||||
Payments on long-term debt | (50,744 | ) | — | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 272,500 | 16,325 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 210,674 | (4,975 | ) | |||||
Cash, beginning of period | 3,340 | 4,994 | ||||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 214,014 | $ | 19 | ||||
Supplemental data: | ||||||||
Noncash financing activities- | ||||||||
Related party payable reduced through issuance of shares | $ | 40,000 | $ | — |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.
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ARVANA INC. |
CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2022 |
Note 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
The Company was incorporated in the State of Nevada on June 16, 1977, as “Turinco, Inc.”, and on July 24, 2006, changed its name to Arvana Inc. to reflect the acquisition of a telecommunications business. We discontinued efforts related to our telecommunications business as of December 31, 2009. The Company is focused on evaluating business opportunities for merger or acquisition sufficient to support operations and increase stockholder value.
On May 21, 2021, the Company signed a non-binding term sheet intent on acquiring a multi-media platform. The term sheet required that the owner of the acquisition target first secure voting control of the Company as a pre-condition to his facilitating a transaction. The owner effectively secured voting control on June 30, 2021. On October 26, 2021, the Company signed a recission agreement and mutual release with the owner of the intended acquisition, as the parties were unable to agree on the structure of the prospective transaction.
Basis of Presentation
The Company is in the process of completing its due diligence in connection with its intended business acquisition and has minimal operating expenses except those made part of that prospective acquisition. The Company’s fiscal year end is December 31. The accompanying condensed interim financial statements of Arvana Inc. for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) for financial information with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. The condensed interim financial statements and notes appearing in this report should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and related notes thereto, together with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) on April 21, 2022. Results are not necessarily indicative of those which may be achieved in future periods.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These estimates include the recognition of deferred tax assets based on the change in unrecognized deductible temporary tax differences.
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ARVANA INC. |
CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2022 |
Note 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Financial Instruments
The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate such values:
Cash - the carrying amount approximates fair value because the amounts consist of cash held at a bank.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, loans payable to stockholders, and amounts due to related parties - the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the obligations.
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments as of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, are as follows:
Carrying Amount | September 30, 2022 Fair Value | Carrying Amount | December 31, 2022 Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 214,014 | $ | 214,014 | $ | 3,340 | $ | 3,340 | ||||||||
Accounts payable | 30,245 | 30,245 | 54,931 | 54,931 | ||||||||||||
Accrued liabilities | 10,104 | 10,104 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Loans payable to stockholders | — | — | 15,500 | 15,500 | ||||||||||||
Related party payables | 4,425 | 4,425 | 34,494 | 34,494 |
The following table presents information about the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2022, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and included situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset:
September 30, 2022 | Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 214,014 | $214,014 | $ | — | $ | — |
The fair value of cash is determined through market, observable, and corroborated sources.
Recent accounting pronouncements
New and amended standards adopted by the Company.
There were no new standards adopted by the Company in this reporting period.
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ARVANA INC. |
CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2022 |
Note 2 – Going Concern
As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s anticipated revenue generating activities have not begun, it has negative cash flows from operations, has recognized a net loss of $57,175 over the current nine-month period, has incurred significant losses since inception, and has an accumulated deficit of $36,146,147. The Company requires additional funding from outside sources to implement its business development strategy and has no firm commitments for such funding. The aggregation of these factors raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of assets that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
Note 3 – Stock Options
On September 30, 2022, the Company adopted the Arvana Inc. 2022 Stock Incentive Plan. At September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, there were stock options outstanding. options were granted, exercised, or expired during the period ended September 30, 2022, and during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Note 4 – Common Stock
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued 40,000 of accounts payable to a company controlled by an officer of the Company. shares of its restricted common stock at a price of $ per share for working capital and to settle $
During the period ended September 30, 2021, the Company issued 14,065,923 to settle $662,251 in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, $107,800 in convertible loans, $480,960 in loans payable to stockholders, $130,947 in loans payable to related party, $74,762 in loans payable, and $149,124 in amounts due to related parties. This resulted in a loss on debt settlement of $12,460,079. shares of its restricted common stock with a fair value of $
Note 5 - Segmented Information
The Company has no reportable segments.
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ARVANA INC. |
CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2022 |
Note 6 – Loans Payable Stockholders
Loans payable stockholders consists of the following:
September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Convertible Promissory Notes Payable – unsecured amounts due to a shareholder that bear interest at 5% and mature on September 30, 2022, and are convertible at $0.10 per common share. These amounts include accrued and unpaid interest. | — | 15,500 | ||||||
$ | — | $ | 15,500 |
Interest expense recognized on this loan was $587 to a former controlling stockholder of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The loan was repaid during the current period.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company extinguished $ in loans payable to stockholders and corresponding accrued interest of $ .
On July 23, 2021, loans payable to stockholders of $480,960, and $74,762, respectively, loans payable to a related party of $130,947, accrued interest of $361,283 on loans payable to stockholders, and accrued interest of $89,124 on loans payable to a related party were settled by the issuance of common shares pursuant to three debt settlement agreements dated April 1, 2021, and five debt settlement agreements dated June 30, 2021.
On July 23, 2021, accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $360,968 were settled by the issuance of common shares pursuant to seven debt settlement agreements dated June 30, 2021.
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions and Loans Payable to Stockholders
A company controlled by the chief executive officer was owed $4,425 at September 30, 2022, and $34,494 at December 31, 2021. The amount due bears no interest, is unsecured, and has no fixed terms for repayment. The Company incurred advisory fees from a company controlled by the chief executive officer in the amount of $18,731 and $15,163 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021 respectively.
A company owned by the Company’s controlling stockholder had advanced $15,000 to the Company at June 30, 2022. The amount due bears no interest, is unsecured, and has no fixed terms for repayment. The advance was repaid during the period.
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ARVANA INC. |
CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
September 30, 2022 |
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions and Loans Payable to Stockholders – (continued)
Related party payables consist of:
September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Amounts owed to a company owned by one of the | ||||||||
Company’s directors for advisory fees | $ | 4,425 | $ | 34,494 | ||||
$ | 4,425 | $ | 34,494 |
A former chief executive officer and director assigned to a related corporation an unpaid amount of $161,234 (CAD $202,759) as of March 31, 2022, as per a debt assignment agreement effective January 1, 2012.
During the period ended September 30, 2022, $40,000 in accounts payable to a company controlled by the chief executive officer was settled by the issuance of shares with a fair value of $40,000. There was no gain of loss on the transaction.
During the period ended September 30, 2021, $220,071 ($130,947 in loans payable to related party and $89,124 in accrued interest on loans) was settled on July 23, 2021, by the issuance of shares with a fair value of $207,421 resulting in a gain on debt settlement of $12,650, pursuant to a debt settlement agreement dated April 1, 2021.
During the period ended September 30, 2021, amounts due to a former director, related entities, and an unrelated party of $458,833 (2020 - $ Nil) were forgiven pursuant to two debt forgiveness agreements dated June 30, 2021, and the expiration of a statutory time frame allowing creditors to bring suit under contract, that forgave $206,302 and $163,586 respectively and extinguished $88,945 that was recorded as other income.
Note 8 - Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated its September 30, 2022, financial statements for subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. The Company is aware of the following subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
On October 15, 2022, the Company granted an aggregate of incentive and non-qualified stock options with an exercise price of $ a share from the Arvana 2022 Stock Incentive Plan to its officers and directors of which 150,000 stock options vest in equal increments annually over a five-year period, and 500,000 stock options vest in equal increments annually over a two-year period..
On October 25, 2022, the Company granted an aggregate of non-qualified stock options with an exercise price of $ a share from the Arvana 2022 Stock Incentive Plan to its certain consultants which vest in equal increments annually over a three-year period.
On November 16, 2022, the Company entered into a business purchase agreement to acquire a fishing charter business in exchange for a cash payment on closing and a two-year secured promissory note. The parties expect to close the transaction in January of 2023.
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other parts of this quarterly report contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “believes,” “plans,” “predicts,” and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include but are not limited to those discussed in the subsection entitled Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition below. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto included in this report. Our fiscal year end is December 31. All information presented herein is based on the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021.
Overview
The Company was incorporated in the State of Nevada on June 16, 1977, as “Turinco, Inc.” On July 24, 2006, the Company’s changed its name to Arvana Inc. on closing the acquisition of Arvana Networks, Inc., a telecommunications business. We discontinued efforts related to that business as of December 31, 2009. On November 15, 2022, the Company entered into a business purchase agreement to acquire a fishing charter business. The Company’s present activities are focused on the completion of the intended acquisition of a fishing charter business, and the continuation of its search to identify, evaluate and secure additional business opportunities sufficient to increase stockholder value.
Our office is located at 299 Main Street, 13th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, and our telephone number is (801) 232-7395. AA Registered Agents, 4869 Nightwood Court, Las Vegas, Nevada 89149, is our registered agent in the State of Nevada. The Company is registered with the Commission and traded on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s Pink Sheets Current Information over the counter market platform under the symbol “AVNI.”
The Company is a shell company as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Company
On November 16, 2022, the Company entered into a business purchase agreement with LCF Salons, LLC to acquire its wholly owned subsidiary Down 2 Fish Charters, LLC. (“Down2Fish”) in a cash transaction that includes a $50,000 payment on closing and a two-year secured promissory note for $700,000. Down2Fish operates a licensed fishing charter business that offers a range of curated maritime adventures. Down2Fish offers inshore, offshore, and custom charters for fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, snorkeling devotees, and dive masters wrapped in fun filled getaways. Customers can be individuals, families, parties, and companies. Down2Fish operates from a private dock located in Palmetto, Florida that services the Tampa area including St Petersburg, Venice, Sarasota, and Clearwater. The business is managed by a St Petersburg, Florida native who literally grew up on the water as a deckhand on flat bottomed shrimp boats and Jon boats. Down2Fish generates most of its revenue from the sale and provision of charter boat services to a wide range of customers with a very limited generation of revenue from the sale of fishing related products or tools. The parties intend to close the transaction in January of 2023 subject to the completion of due diligence and the provision of audited financial statements.
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The Company remains interested in forming an energy brokerage division to match sellers in the Middle East and Africa, with purchase orders and letters of credit with buyers in Asia to facilitate the procurement, payment, and delivery of crude oil. Our representatives travelled in September to establish business contacts, identify key government agencies, and to formulate strategies to identify opportunities in the energy sector. Further, our representatives were also tasked to evaluate prospects in other natural resources that might be available to us. Discussions with representatives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Juba, South Sudan focused on the delivery of oil to China. Negotiations intended to secure delivery contracts are ongoing as the Company works to agree on delivery and brokerage fees. The Company’s representatives were also introduced to other resource-based opportunities that included prospects within the mineral and forestry industries. No contracts have been agreed.
The Company continues to identify real estate opportunities for purchase, including vacant shopping malls, big box stores and otherwise underused commercial real estate at a fraction of replacement cost. The intention being to remediate such properties for specific targeted industries that offer goods or services not otherwise available online. Our interest in real estate includes development opportunities in this sector though we have no commitments in this sector to date.
Plan of Operation
Our present activities are focused on realizing the Company’s business development strategy and closing the acquisition of Down2Fish.
Results of Operations
During the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2022, the Company underwent a change in control, initiated a private placement, determined a business development strategy and entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a licensed fishing charter business.
Operations for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021, are summarized in the following table.
Three months ended September 30, 2022 |
Three months ended September 30, 2021 |
Nine months ended September 30, 2022 | Nine months ended September 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | $ | 41,989 | $ | 4,740 | $ | 58,845 | $ | 11,854 | ||||||||
Professional fees | 5,182 | 42,798 | 12,744 | 64,005 | ||||||||||||
Loss from Operations | (47,172 | ) | (47,538 | ) | (71,589 | ) | (75,859 | ) | ||||||||
Interest expense | — | — | (587 | ) | (19,122 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | — | 250 | — | 6,709 | ||||||||||||
Other income | — | — | 15,000 | 458,833 | ||||||||||||
Loss on debt settlements | — | (12,460,079 | ) | — | (12,460,079 | ) | ||||||||||
Net (loss) for the period | $ | (47,171 | ) | $ | (12,507,367 | ) | $ | (57,175 | )) | $ | (12,013,659 | ) |
15 |
Net Losses
Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022, was $47,171 as compared to a net loss $12,507,367 for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, was $57,175 compared to a net loss of $12,013,659 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The deceases in net losses over the comparative three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, can be primarily attributed to the losses on debt settlements concluded in the third quarter of 2021, and increases in general and administrative expenses, offset by decreases in professional fees. The increase in general and administrative expenses in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022, is due to share issuance costs associated with the conduct of the private placement while the decrease in professional fees is due to the resolution of professional services rendered in connection with debt settlements in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021.
We did not generate revenue from operations during this period and expect to continue to incur losses until such time as our business development strategy is implemented.
Capital Expenditures
The Company expended no amounts on capital expenditures for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since inception, we have experienced significant changes in liquidity, capital resources, and stockholders’ deficiency.
The Company had assets of $214,014 in cash as of September 30, 2022, and a working capital surplus of $169,240 as compared to assets of $3,340 in cash as of December 31, 2021, and a working capital deficit of $101,585. Net stockholders' equity was $169,240 as of September 30, 2022, as compared to a net stockholder’s deficit of $101,585 as of December 31, 2021.
Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash flow used in operating activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, was $61,826 as compared to net cash flow used in operating activities of $21,300 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021. Net cash used in operating activities can be attributed to book expense items that do not affect the total amount relative to actual cash used, such as unrealized foreign exchange loss, interest expense and other income. Balance sheet accounts that affect cash but are not income statement related items that are added or deducted to arrive at net cash used in operating activities, include accounts payable, accrued liabilities and amounts due to related parties.
We expect to continue to use net cash flow in operating activities over the next twelve months or until such time as the Company generates sufficient income to offset the cost of operating activities.
Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, was $nil.
We do not expect to use net cash in investing activities until such time as our business development strategy is implemented.
16 |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, was $272,500 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $16,325 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021. Net cash provided by financing activities in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, is attributed to private placement proceeds offset by the repayment of amounts due to stockholders, and stock issuance costs. Net cash provided by financing activities in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021, consisted of proceeds from stockholder loans.
We expect to continue to rely on net cash provided by financing activities in future periods to support operations and implement our business development strategy.
The Company’s assets are sufficient as of September 30, 2022, to close on the transaction to acquire Down2Fish and otherwise conduct its plan of operation. However, management believes that the Company will need an additional round of financing within the next twelve months to sustain operations and implement its business development strategy. We anticipate conducting another private equity offering to meet our objectives and will look to third parties to secure financing. Management is confident that its efforts to realize additional funding will be successful and looks forward to taking its first steps to build the Company’s business.
The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
The Company had no lines of credit or other bank financing arrangements as of September 30, 2022.
The Company had no commitments for future capital expenditures as of September 30, 2022.
The Company has no defined benefit plan or contractual commitment with any of its officers or directors except the Arvana 2022 Stock Incentive Plan, pursuant to which its directors were granted stock options subsequent to period end, and an employment agreement with its chief executive officer dated September 1, 2022.
The Company has no current plans for the purchase or sale of any plant or equipment.
The Company has no current plans to make any changes in the number of employees.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2022, we have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that are material to stockholders.
Critical Accounting Policies
In Note 2 to the audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020, included in our Form 10-K, the Company discusses those accounting policies that are considered to be significant in determining the results of operations and its financial position. The Company believes that accounting principles utilized by it conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
17 |
The preparation of financial statements requires Company management to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates estimates. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other facts and circumstances that are believed to be reasonable, and the results form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities. The actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Going Concern
Management has expressed an opinion as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern despite an accumulated deficit of $36,146,147 and negative cash flows from operating activities as of September 30, 2022. The aggregation of these factors raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plan to address the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern includes obtaining funding from the private placement of equity and building value through its business development strategy. Management believes that the Company will remain a going concern through implementing its plan, though it can provide no assurances that such plan will prove successful.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not required for smaller reporting companies.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In connection with the preparation of this quarterly report, an evaluation was carried out by the Company’s management, with the participation of the chief executive officer and the acting chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)) as of September 30, 2022. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including its chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management concluded, as of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting information required to be disclosed, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and such information was accumulated and communicated to management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2022, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
18 |
PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
None.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Not required.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The Company concluded a private placement of common stock on September 30, 2022, as disclosed to the Commission on Form 8-K dated October 18, 2022.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
The Company adopted the Arvana 2022 Stock Incentive Plan on September 30, 2022, and granted incentive and non-qualified stock options subsequent to period end. The Stock Incentive Plan must obtain stockholder approval of its terms and conditions within twelve (12) months of its adoption.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits required to be attached by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Index to Exhibits on page 20 of this Form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by this reference.
19 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ARVANA INC.
By: |
/s/ Ruairidh Campbell | |
Ruairidh Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer | ||
Date: | November 21, 2022 |
20 |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
21 |
ARVANA
INC.
2022 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1. PURPOSE
1.1 Purpose. The purpose of the Arvana Inc. 2022 Stock Incentive Plan (“Plan”) is to provide a means through which Arvana Inc, a Nevada corporation (“Company”) may attract able persons to serve as employees, directors, or consultants of the Company or its subsidiaries and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities of the successful administration and management of the Company rest, and whose present and potential contributions to the welfare of the Company are of importance, may acquire and maintain stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the welfare of the Company. Accordingly, the Plan provides for granting Incentive Stock Options, options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, as is best suited to the circumstances of the particular employee, consultant, or director as provided in the Plan.
Section 2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 Definitions. Whenever the following capitalized words or phrases are used, the following definitions will be applicable throughout the Plan, unless specifically modified by any Section:
(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any person, any other person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such other person.
(b) “Award” means, individually or collectively, any Option or Restricted Stock Award.
(c) “Board”
means the board of directors of the Company.
(d) “Change of Control Value” means the amount determined in accordance with Section 9.4.
(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code will be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such section and any regulations under such section.
(f) “Committee” means a committee of the Board that is selected by the Board as provided in Section 4.1.
(g) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001, or any security into which such common stock may be changed by reason of any transaction or event of the type described in Section 9.
(h) “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(i) “Company” means Arvana Inc., a Nevada corporation.
(j) “Consultant” means any person who is not an Employee or Director and who is providing services to the Company or any subsidiary corporation (as defined in § 424 of the Code) as an advisor, consultant, or other non-common law employee.
(k) “Corporate Change” means either (i) the Company not continuing as the surviving entity in any merger, share exchange, or consolidation (or survives only as a subsidiary of an entity), or (ii) within a 12 month period, the Company sells, leases, or exchanges, or agrees to sell, lease, or exchange, all or substantially all of its assets to any other person or entity, or (iii) within a 12 month, period any person or entity, including a “group” as contemplated by § 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act acquires or gains ownership or control (including, without limitation, power to vote) of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s voting stock (based upon voting power); provided, however, that a Corporate Change will not include (A) any reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale, lease, exchange, or similar transaction, which involves solely the Company and one or more entities wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company immediately prior to such event or (B) the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the voting stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to hold 50% or more of the voting stock (based upon voting power) of (1) any entity that owns, directly or indirectly, the stock of the Company, (2) any entity with which the Company has merged, or (3) any entity that owns an entity with which the Company has merged.
(l) “Director” means (i) an individual elected to the Board by the stockholders of the Company or by the Board under applicable corporate law who either is serving on the Board on the date the Plan is adopted by the Board or is elected to the Board after such date and (ii) for purposes of and relating to eligibility for the grant of an Award, an individual elected to the board of directors of any parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in § 424 of the Code) of the Company.
(m) “Employee” means any person in an employment relationship with the Company or any subsidiary corporation (as defined in § 424 of the Code).
(n) “Exchange Act” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(o) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any specified date, (i) the mean of the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock either (A) if the Common Stock is traded on the National Market System of the NASDAQ, as reported on the National Market System of NASDAQ on that date (or if no sales occur on that date, on the last preceding date on which such sales of the Common Stock are so reported), or (B) if the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, as reported on the stock exchange composite tape on that date (or if no sales occur on that date, on the last preceding date on which such sales of the Common Stock are so reported); (ii) if the Common Stock is not traded on the National Market System of the NASDAQ or a national securities exchange but is traded over the counter at the time a determination of its fair market value is required to be made under the Plan, the average between the reported high and low or closing bid and asked prices of Common Stock on the most recent date on which Common Stock was publicly traded; or (iii) in the event Common Stock is not publicly traded at the time a determination of its value is required to be made under the Plan, the amount determined by the Committee in its discretion through the reasonable application of a reasonable valuation method that considers applicable factors affecting market value and all information available as of the valuation date in accordance with the principles set forth in Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv)(B).1
(p) “Forfeiture Restrictions” will have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2. been granted an Award within the meaning of § 422 of the Code.2
(q) “Holder” means an Employee, Consultant, or Director who has been granted an Award.
(r) “Incentive Stock Option” means an incentive stock option within § 422 of the Code.
(s) “Non-statutory Stock Option” means Options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options.
(t) “Option” means an Award granted under Section 7 and includes both Incentive Stock Options and Non-statutory Stock Options.
(u) “Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Stock Option Award.
(v) “Plan” means the Arvana Inc. 2022 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(w) “Restricted Stock Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Holder with respect to a Restricted Stock Award.
(x) “Restricted Stock Award” means an Award granted under Section 8.3
(y) “Rule 16b-3” means Commission Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as such may be amended from time to time, and any successor rule, regulation, or statute fulfilling the same or a similar function.
(z) Ҥ
409A” means Section 409A of the Code.
2.2 Number and Gender. Wherever appropriate in the Plan, words used in the singular will be considered to include the plural, and words used in the plural will be considered to include the singular. The masculine gender, where appearing in the Plan, will be deemed to include the feminine gender.
2.3 Headings. The headings of Sections and Subsections in the Plan are included solely for convenience, and, if there is any conflict between such headings and the text of the Plan, the text will control. All references to Sections and Subsections are to this document unless otherwise indicated.
Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN
3.1 Effective Date. The Plan will become effective upon the date of its adoption by the Board; provided, however, that the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months after adoption. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan, in any Option Agreement, or in any Restricted Stock Agreement, no Option will be exercisable and no Restricted Stock Award will vest prior to stockholder approval.
Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN
3.1 Effective Date. The Plan will become effective upon the date of its adoption by the Board; provided, however, that the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months after such adoption. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan, in any Option Agreement, or in any Restricted Stock Agreement, no Option will be exercisable and no Restricted Stock Award will vest prior to such stockholder approval.
3.2 Duration of Plan. No further Awards may be granted under the Plan after ten (10) years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. The Plan will remain in effect until all Options granted under the Plan have been exercised, forfeited, assumed, substituted, satisfied or expired and all Restricted Stock Awards granted under the Plan have vested or been forfeited.
Section 4. ADMINISTRATION
4.1 Composition of Committee. The Plan will be administered by a committee of, and appointed by, the Board, in the absence of which appointment the Board will serve as the Committee responsible for administration of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee appointed will be comprised solely of two or more outside Directors (within the meaning of the term “outside directors” as used in § 162(m) of the Code and applicable interpretive authority under the Code and within the meaning of “Non-Employee Director” as defined in Rule 16b-3).
4.2 Powers. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee will have authority, in its discretion, to determine which Employees, Consultants, or Directors will receive an Award, the time or times when such Award will be made, whether an Incentive Stock Option or Non-statutory Stock Option will be granted, and the number of shares to be subject to each Option or Restricted Stock Award. In making such determinations, the Committee will take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective Employees, Consultants, or Directors, their present and potential contribution to the Company’s success, and such other factors as the Committee in its discretion will deem relevant.
4.3 Additional Powers. The Committee will have such additional powers as are delegated to it by the other provisions of the Plan. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, this will include the power (1) to construe the Plan and the respective agreements executed under the Plan, (2) to prescribe rules and regulations relating to the Plan, (3) to determine the terms, restrictions, and provisions of the agreement relating to each Award, including such terms, restrictions, and provisions as will be requisite in the judgment of the Committee to cause designated Options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, and (4) to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any agreement relating to an Award in the manner and to the extent it will deem expedient to carry it into effect. The determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this Section will be conclusive and binding on all persons.
4.4 Limitation of Liability. The Committee and each member thereof shall be entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to him or her by any officer or employee of the Company or an Affiliate, the Company’s legal counsel, independent auditors, consultants or any other agents assisting in the administration of this Plan. Members of the Committee and any officer or employee of the Company or an Affiliate acting at the direction or on behalf of the Committee shall not be personally liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith with respect to this Plan, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be indemnified and held harmless by the Company with respect to any such action or determination.
Section 5. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
5.1 Stock Offered. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.2, the stock to be offered pursuant to the grant of an Award may be (1) authorized but unissued Common Stock or (2) previously issued and outstanding Common Stock reacquired by the Company. Any of such shares that remain unissued and are not subject to outstanding Awards at the termination of the Plan will cease to be subject to the Plan, but until termination of the Plan the Committee will at all times make available a sufficient number of shares to meet the requirements of the Plan.
5.2 Plan and Individual Limitations on Shares. Subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Section 9 with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options then outstanding, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan will not exceed three million five hundred thousand 3,500,000 shares. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to Awards granted under the Plan to any one individual during any calendar year may not exceed two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) shares (as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Plan). Shares will be deemed to have been issued under the Plan only (1) to the extent actually issued and delivered pursuant to an Award or (2) to the extent an Award is settled in cash. To the extent that an Award lapses or the rights of its Holder terminate, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award will again be available for the grant of an Award. The limitation set forth in the preceding sentences will be applied in a manner that will permit compensation generated under the Plan to constitute “performance-based” compensation for purposes of § 162(m) of the Code, including, without limitation, counting against such maximum number of shares, to the extent required under § 162(m) of the Code and applicable interpretative authority under the Code, shares subject to Options that are canceled or repriced.
Section
6. GRANT OF AWARDS
6.1 Eligibility for Award. Awards may be granted only to persons who, at the time of grant, are Employees, Consultants, or Directors.
6.2 Grant of Awards. The Committee may from time to time in its discretion grant Awards to one or more Employees, Consultants, or Directors
determined by it to be eligible for participation in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.1. An Award may be granted
on more than one occasion to the same person, and, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, such Award may include an Incentive
Stock Option, a Non-statutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, or any combination thereof.4
Section
7. STOCK OPTIONS
7.1 Option Period. The term of each Option will be as specified by the Committee at the date of grant.
7.2 Limitations on Vesting and/or Exercise of Option. An Option will vest and/or be exercisable in whole or in part and at such times as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Notice of Grant and Option Agreement. The Committee in its discretion may provide that an Option will be vested or exercisable upon (1) the attainment of one or more performance goals or targets established by the Committee, which are based on (i) the price of a share of Common Stock, (ii) the Company’s earnings per share, (iii) the Company’s market share, (iv) the market share of a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (v) the Company’s sales, (vi) the sales of a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (vii) the net income (before or after taxes) of the Company or a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (viii) the cash flow return on investment of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (ix) the earnings before or after interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (x) the economic value added, or (xi) the return on stockholders’ equity achieved by the Company; (2) the Holder’s continued employment as an Employee with the Company or continued service as a Consultant or Director for a specified period of time; (3) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Committee in its sole discretion; or (4) a combination of any of the foregoing. Each Option may, in the discretion of the Committee, have different provisions with respect to vesting and/or exercise of the Option.
7.3 Special
Limitations on Incentive Stock Options.
(a) An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to an individual who is an Employee at the time the Option is granted.
(b) No Incentive Stock Option will be granted to an individual if, at the time the Option is granted, such individual owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its parent or subsidiary corporation, within the meaning of § 422(b)(6) of the Code, unless (1) at the time such Option is granted the option price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option and (2) such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant.
(c) If an Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option in the Notice of Grant of Stock Option, to the extent that such Option (together with all Incentive Stock Options granted to the Optionee under the Plan and all other stock option plans of the Company and its parent and subsidiaries) becomes exercisable for the first time during any calendar year for shares having a Fair Market Value greater than $100,000, the portion of each such Incentive Stock Option that exceeds such amount will be treated as a Non-statutory Stock Option. For purposes of this Subsection, Options designated as Incentive Stock Options are taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of Common Stock is determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Common Stock is granted. If the Code is amended to provide for a different limitation from that set forth in this Subsection, such different limitation will be deemed incorporated in the Plan effective as of the date required or permitted by such amendment to the Code. If the Option is treated as an Incentive Stock Option in part and as a Non-statutory Stock Option in part by reason of the limitation set forth in this Subsection, the Optionee may designate which portion of such Option the Optionee is exercising. In the absence of such designation, the Optionee will be deemed to have exercised the Incentive Stock Option portion of the Option first. Separate certificates representing each such portion will be issued upon the exercise of the Option.
(d) An Incentive Stock Option (1) will not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and (2) will be exercisable during the Holder’s lifetime only by such Holder or his guardian or legal representative.
(e) The price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date such Option is granted.
7.4 Option Agreement.5
(a) Each Option will be evidenced by an Option Agreement in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee from time to time will approve, including, without limitation, provisions to qualify an Incentive Stock Option under § 422 of the Code and provisions relating to vesting and exercisability. The terms and conditions of the Options and respective Option Agreements need not be identical. Subject to the consent of the Holder, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Option Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, an amendment that accelerates the time at which the Option, or a portion of the Option, may be exercisable).
(b) Each Option Agreement will specify the effect of termination of (1) employment, (2) the consulting, advisory, or other non-common law employee relationship, or (3) membership on the Board, as applicable, on the vesting and/or exercisability of the Option.
(c) An Option Agreement may provide for the payment of the option price, in whole or in part, by the delivery of a number of shares of Common Stock (plus cash if necessary) having a Fair Market Value equal to such option price. Moreover, an Option Agreement may provide for a “cashless exercise” of the Option through procedures satisfactory to, and approved by and in the sole discretion of, the Committee. Generally, and without limiting the Committee’s absolute discretion, a “cashless exercise” will only be permitted at such times in which the shares underlying this Option are publicly traded.
7.5 Option Price, Payment, and Exercise. Subject to Sections 7.3(b) and 7.3(e) with respect to Incentive Stock Options, the price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon exercise of an Option will be determined by the Committee, but will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date such Option is granted. The Option or portion of the Option may be exercised by delivery of an irrevocable notice of exercise to the Secretary of the Company, except as may otherwise be provided in the Option Agreement. The purchase price of the Option or portion of the Option will be paid in full in the manner prescribed by the Committee. Separate stock certificates will be issued by the Company for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option and for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Non-statutory Stock Option.
7.6 Stockholder Rights and Privileges. The Holder will be entitled to all the privileges and rights of a stockholder only with respect to such shares of Common Stock as have been purchased under the Option and for which certificates of stock have been registered in the Holder’s name.
7.7 Options and Rights in Substitution for Stock Options Granted by Other Corporations. Options may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for stock options held by individuals employed by corporations who become Employees, Consultants, or Directors as a result of a merger, consolidation, or other business combination of the employing corporation with the Company or any subsidiary.
Section 8. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
8.1 Restricted Stock Agreement. At the time any Award is made under this Section 8.1, the Company and the Holder will enter into a Restricted Stock Agreement setting forth each of the term contemplated by the Plan and such other terms as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Restricted Stock Agreements need not be identical.
8.2 Forfeiture Restrictions. Shares of Common Stock that are the subject of a Restricted Stock Award will be subject to restrictions on disposition by the Holder and an obligation of the Holder to forfeit and surrender the shares to the Company under certain circumstances (“Forfeiture Restrictions”). The Forfeiture Restrictions will be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and the Committee may provide that the Forfeiture Restrictions will lapse upon (1) the attainment of one or more performance goals or targets established by the Committee, which are based on (i) the price of a share of Common Stock, (ii) the Company’s earnings per share, (iii) the Company’s market share, (iv) the market share of a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (v) the Company’s sales, (vi) the sales of a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (vii) the net income (before or after taxes) of the Company or a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (viii) the cash flow return on investment of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (ix) the earnings before or after interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (x) the economic value added, or (xi) the return on stockholders’ equity achieved by the Company; (2) the Holder’s continued employment as an Employee with the Company or continued service as a Consultant or Director for a specified period of time; (3) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Committee in its sole discretion; or (4) a combination of any of the foregoing. Each Restricted Stock Award may, in the discretion of the Committee, have different Forfeiture Restrictions.
8.3 Other Terms and Conditions. Common Stock awarded pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award will be represented by a stock certificate registered in the name of the Holder of such Restricted Stock Award. Unless otherwise provided in the Restricted Stock Agreement, the Holder will have the right to receive dividends with respect to Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award, to vote Common Stock subject to such Restricted Stock Agreement, and to enjoy all other stockholder rights, except that (1) the Holder will not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate until the Forfeiture Restrictions have lapsed, (2) the Company will retain custody of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have lapsed, (3) the Holder may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have lapsed, and (4) a breach of the terms and conditions established by the Committee pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreement will cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Award. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms, conditions, or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the termination of employment or service as a Consultant or Director (by retirement, disability, death, or otherwise) of a Holder prior to lapse of the Forfeitures Restrictions. Such additional terms, conditions, or restrictions will be set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement made in conjunction with the Award. Subject to the consent of the Holder and the restriction set forth in the last sentence of Section 8.4 below, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Restricted Stock Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.
8.4 Committee’s Discretion to Accelerate Vesting of Restricted Stock Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion and as of a date determined by the Committee, cause any or all Common Stock awarded to a Holder pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award to be fully vested, and, upon such vesting, all restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock Award will lapse as of such date. Any action by the Committee pursuant to this Section may vary among individual Holders and may vary among the Restricted Stock Awards held by any individual Holder. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section, the Committee may not take any action described in this Section with respect to a Restricted Stock Award that has been granted to a “covered employee” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.162-27(c)(2)) if such Award has been designed to meet the exception for performance-based compensation under § 162(m) of the Code.
8.5 Payment for Restricted Stock. The Committee will determine the amount and form of any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award; provided, however, that, in the absence of such a determination, a Holder will not be required to make any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law.
Section 9. RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION
9.1 No Effect on Board’s or Stockholders’ Power. The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted under the Plan will not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize (1) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization, or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, (2) any merger, share exchange, or consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary, (3) any issue of debt or equity securities ranking senior to or affecting Common Stock or the rights of Common Stock, (4) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any subsidiary, (5) any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or any part of the Company’s assets or business, or (6) any other corporate act or proceeding.
9.2 Adjustment in the Event of Stock Subdivision, Consolidation, or Dividend. The shares with respect to which Options may be granted are shares of Common Stock as presently constituted, but if, and whenever, prior to the expiration of an Option theretofore granted, the Company will effect a subdivision or consolidation of shares of Common Stock or the payment of a stock dividend on Common Stock without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such Option may thereafter be exercised (1) in the event of an increase in the number of outstanding shares, will be proportionately increased, and the purchase price per share will be proportionately reduced, and (2) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding shares, will be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per share will be proportionately increased, without changing the aggregate purchase price or value as to which outstanding Awards remain exercisable or subject to restrictions. No fractional share resulting from such adjustment shall be issued under the Plan.
9.3 Adjustment in the Event of Recapitalization or Corporate Change.
(a) If the Company recapitalizes, reclassifies its capital stock, or otherwise changes its capital structure (a “recapitalization”), the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by an Option theretofore granted will be adjusted so that such Option will thereafter cover the number and class of shares of stock and securities to which the Holder would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to the recapitalization, the Holder had been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock then covered by such Option.
(b) If a Corporate Change occurs, then no later than (1) 10 days after the approval by the stockholders of the Company of a Corporate Change, other than a Corporate Change resulting from a person or entity acquiring or gaining ownership or control of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s voting stock, or (2) 30 days after a Corporate Change resulting from a person or entity acquiring or gaining ownership or control of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s voting stock, the Committee, acting in its sole discretion and without the consent or approval of any Holder, will effect one or more of the following alternatives, which alternatives may vary among individual Holders and which may vary among Options held by any individual Holder:
(i) Accelerate the vesting of any Options (or any portion of any Option) then outstanding;
(ii) Accelerate the time at which some or all of the Options (or any portion of the Options) then outstanding may be exercised so that such Options (or any portion of such Options) may be exercised for a limited period of time on or before a specified date (before or after such Corporate Change) fixed by the Committee, after which specified date all unexercised Options and all rights of Holders under such Options will terminate;
(iii) Require the mandatory surrender to the Company by selected Holders of some or all of the outstanding Options (or any portion of such Options) held by such Holders (irrespective of whether such Options (or any portion of such Options) are then vested or exercisable under the provisions of the Plan) as of a date, before or after such Corporate Change, specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee will then cancel such Options (or any portion of such Options) and cause the Company to pay each Holder an amount of cash per share equal to the excess, if any, of the Change of Control Value of the shares subject to such Option over the exercise price(s) under such Options for such shares;
(iv) Make such adjustments to Options (or any portion of such Options) then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Corporate Change (provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary to one or more Options (or any portion of such Options) then outstanding); or
(v) Provide that the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by an Option (or any portion of such Option) theretofore granted will be adjusted so that such Option will thereafter cover the number and class of shares of stock or other securities or property (including, without limitation, cash) to which the Holder would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the agreement of merger, consolidation, or sale of assets or dissolution if, immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, or sale of assets or dissolution, the Holder had been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock then covered by such Option.
9.4 Change of Control Value. For purposes of Section 9.3(b)(iii) above, the “Change of Control Value” will equal the amount determined in one of the following clauses, whichever is applicable:
(a) The per share price offered to stockholders of the Company in any such merger, consolidation, sale of assets, or dissolution transaction;
(b) The price per share offered to stockholders of the Company in any tender offer or exchange offer whereby a Corporate Change takes place; or
(c) If such Corporate Change occurs other than pursuant to a tender or exchange offer, the fair market value per share of the shares into which such Options being surrendered are exercisable, as determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee to be the date of cancellation and surrender of such Options.
In the event that the consideration offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction described in this Section 9.4 or in Section 9.3, above, consists of anything other than cash, the Committee will determine in its discretion the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered that is other than cash.
9.5 Other Adjustments. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock by reason of recapitalizations, mergers, consolidations, reorganizations, liquidations, combinations, split-ups, split-offs, spin-offs, exchanges, issuances of rights or warrants, or other relevant changes in capitalization or distributions to the holders of Common Stock occurring after the date of grant of any Award and not otherwise provided for by this Section, (1) such Award and any agreement evidencing such Award will be appropriately adjusted by the Committee as to the number and price of shares of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Award, without changing the aggregate purchase price or value as to which outstanding Awards remain, and (2) the aggregate number of shares available under the Plan and the maximum number of shares that may be subject to Awards to any one individual will be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, whose determination will be conclusive and binding on all parties.
9.6 Stockholder Action. If any event giving rise to an adjustment provided for in this Section requires stockholder action, such adjustment will not be effective until such stockholder action has been taken.
9.7 No Adjustment Except as Provided in the Plan and Permitted by § 409A. Except as expressly provided in the Plan, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class for cash, property, labor, or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe for such shares or other securities, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, will not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof will be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards theretofore granted or the purchase price per share, if applicable. Notwithstanding as otherwise provided in this Section 9, no adjustment shall be made by the Committee that will subject an Award to § 409A or otherwise cause an Award to not comply with the requirements of § 409A.
Section 10. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
10.1 Termination of Plan. The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with respect to any shares of Common Stock for which Awards have not theretofore been granted.
10.2 Amendment of Plan. The Board will have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part of the Plan from time to time; provided that no change in any Award theretofore granted may be made that would impair the rights of the Holder without the consent of the Holder; and provided, further, that the Board may not, without approval of the stockholders, amend the Plan to (1) increase the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan, (2) change the class of individuals eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, or (3) otherwise modify the Plan in a manner that would require shareholder approval under applicable exchange rules and under the Code
Section 11. MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 No Right To An Award. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any action of the Board or of the Committee will be deemed to give an Employee, Consultant, or Director any right to be granted an Option, any right to a Restricted Stock Award, or any other rights under the Plan except as may be evidenced by an Option Agreement or a Restricted Stock Agreement duly executed on behalf of the Company, and then only to the extent and on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in such Agreement.
11.2 Unfunded Plan. The Plan will be unfunded. The Company will not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of funds or assets to insure the payment of any Award.
11.3 No Employment/Consulting/Membership Rights Conferred. Nothing contained in the Plan will (1) confer upon any Employee or Consultant any right with respect to continuation of employment or of a consulting, advisory, or other non-common law relationship with the Company or any subsidiary or (2) interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any subsidiary to terminate any Employee’s employment or any Consultant’s consulting, advisory, or other non-common law relationship at any time. Nothing contained in the Plan will confer upon any Director any right with respect to continuation of membership on the Board.
11.4 Compliance with Other Laws. The Company will not be obligated to issue any Common Stock pursuant to any Award granted under the Plan at any time when the shares covered by such Award have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such other state and federal laws, rules, or regulations as the Company or the Committee deems applicable and, in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, there is no exemption from the registration requirements of such laws, rules, or regulations available for the issuance and sale of such shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be delivered, nor will any cash in lieu of fractional shares be paid.
11.5 Withholding. The Company will have the right to deduct or cause to be deducted in connection with all Awards any taxes required by law to be withheld and to require any payments required to satisfy applicable withholding obligations.
11.6 No Restriction on Corporate Action. Nothing contained in the Plan will be construed to prevent the Company or any subsidiary from taking any corporate action that is deemed by the Company or such subsidiary to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award made under the Plan. No Employee, Consultant, Director, beneficiary, or other person will have any claim against the Company or any subsidiary as a result of any such action.
11.7 Restrictions on Transfer. An Award (other than an Incentive Stock Option, which will be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 7.3) will not be transferable otherwise than (1) by will or the laws of descent and distribution or (2) with the consent of the Committee.
11.8 Governing Law. The Plan will be construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Utah.
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1 The rules under § 409A are technical in nature. Prior to determining the exercise value, Holders should consult wit accounting professionals with experience with equity compensation matters and legal counsel to confirm compliance.
2 A plan that offers incentive stock options must be approved by shareholders and directors pursuant to the rules under the Internal Revenue Code.
3 Prior to accepting the grant of restricted stock, a prospective grantee should consult with accounting professionals with experience with equity compensation matters and legal counsel a grant may trigger taxes under the Internal Revenue Code that are the result of what are sometimes called “Phantom Gains”, and should be addressed prior to grant.
4 When an Award of options or stock is granted, the Company will provide a Notice of Grant and enter into a Stock Option or Restricted Stock Award Agreement with the Holder as applicable.
5 When an Award of options is granted, the Company will provide a Notice of Grant, and enter into a Stock Option Agreement with the Holder.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into on this 1st day of September, 2022 by and between Arvana Inc., a Nevada corporation ("Company"), and Ruairidh Campbell, a resident of Texas ("Executive").
W I T N E SS E T H
WHEREAS, the Executive serves as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Executive possesses intimate knowledge of the business and affairs of the Company, its policies, methods and personnel;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company recognizes that the Executive will contribute to the growth and success of the Company, and desires to assure the Company of the Executive's continued engagement and to compensate him therefore;
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that this Agreement will reinforce and encourage the Executive's continued attention and dedication to the Company;
WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to make his services available to the Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are mutually acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
When used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) “Accrued Obligations” means:
(i) all accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the end of the Term of Employment;
(ii) any unpaid or un-reimbursed expenses incurred in accordance with Company policy, including amounts due under Article 5(a) hereof, to the extent incurred during the Term of Employment; and
(iii) those vested benefits provided under the Company’s employee benefit plans, stock options plans, programs or arrangements in which the Executive participates, in accordance with the terms thereof.
(iv) any earned unpaid Bonus in respect to any completed fiscal year that has ended on or prior to the end of the Term of Employment; and
(v) rights to indemnification by virtue of the Executive’s position as an officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries and the benefits under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained by the Company, in accordance with its terms thereof.
(b) “Affiliate” means any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company.
(c) “Base Salary” means the salary provided for in Article 4(a) hereof or any increased salary granted to Executive pursuant to Article 4(a) hereof.
(d) “Beneficial Ownership” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(e) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(f) “Bonus” means any bonus payable to the Executive pursuant to Article 4(b) hereof.
(g) “Bonus Period” means the period for which a Bonus is payable. Unless otherwise specified by the Board, the Bonus Period shall be the fiscal year of the Company.
(h) “Cause” means:
(i) a conviction of the Executive, or a plea of nolo contendere, to a felony involving moral turpitude; or
(ii) willful misconduct or gross negligence by the Executive resulting, in either case, in material economic harm to the Company or any Related Entities; or
(iii) a willful continued failure by the Executive to carry out the reasonable and lawful directions of the Board; or
(iv) fraud, embezzlement, theft or dishonesty of a material nature by the Executive against the Company or any Affiliate or Related Entity, or a willful material violation by the Executive of a policy or procedure of the Company or any Affiliate or Related Entity, resulting, in any case, in material economic harm to the Company or any Affiliate or Related Entity; or
(v) a willful material breach by the Executive of this Agreement.
An act or failure to act shall not be “willful” if (i) done by the Executive in good faith or (ii) the Executive reasonably believed that such action or inaction was in the best interests of the Company and the Related Entities.
(i) “Change in Control” means:
(i) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (“Outstanding Company Common Stock”) (the foregoing Beneficial Ownership hereinafter being referred to as a "Controlling Interest"); provided, however, that for purposes of this definition, the following acquisitions shall not constitute or result in a Change of Control: (v) any acquisition directly from the Company; (w) any acquisition by the Company; (x) any acquisition by any person that as of the Commencement Date owns Beneficial Ownership of a Controlling Interest; (y) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company; or (z) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of subsection (iii) below; or
(ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the Commencement Date) individuals who constitute the Board on the Commencement Date (“Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Commencement Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
(iii) consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners, respectively, of the outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company voting securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the outstanding Company Common Stock and outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, twenty percent (20%) or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any Person that as of the Commencement Date owns Beneficial Ownership of a Controlling Interest beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or
(iv) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
(j) “COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended from time to time.
(k) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
(l) “Commencement Date” means September 1, 2022.
(m) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.
(n) “Competitive Activity” means an activity that is in material or direct competition with the Company in any of the States within the United States, or countries within the world, in which the Company conducts business with respect to a business in which the Company engaged while the Executive was employed by the Company.
(o) “Confidential Information” means all trade secrets and information disclosed to the Executive or known by the Executive as a consequence of or through the unique position of his employment with the Company or any Related Entity (including information conceived, originated, discovered or developed by the Executive and information acquired by the Company or any Related Entity from others) prior to or after the date hereof, and not generally or publicly known (other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by the Executive), about the Company or any Related Entity or its business.
(p) “Disability” means the Executive’s inability, or failure, to perform the essential functions of his position, with or without reasonable accommodation, for any period of three months or more in any 12 month period, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
(q) “Equity Awards” means any stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock or other equity based awards granted by the Company or any of its Affiliates to the Executive.
(r) “Excise Tax” means any excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto, or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to any such excise tax.
(s) “Expiration Date” means the date on which the Term of Employment, including any renewals thereof under Article 3(b), shall expire.
(t) “Good Reason” means:
(i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executive's position (including status, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Article 2(b) of this Agreement, or any other action by the Company that results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
(ii) any material failure by the Company to comply with any of the material provisions of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
(iii) any instruction by the Company to act in any manner that is unlawful or contrary to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, other than an isolated, insubstantial or inadvertent instruction not given in bad faith that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; and
(iv) any termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment other than for Cause pursuant to Article 6(b), or by reason of the Executive’s Disability pursuant to Article 6(c) of this Agreement, prior to the Expiration Date
(u) “Group” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(v) “Initial Term” means September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2024.
(w) “Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof.
(x) “Related Entity” means any subsidiary, and any business, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity designated by Board in which the Company or a subsidiary holds a substantial ownership interest.
(y) “Restricted Period” shall be the Term of Employment and if the Term of Employment is terminated for any reason other than by the Company for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the eighteen (18) month period immediately following termination of the Term of Employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Period shall end in the event that (i) the Company fails to make any payments or provide any Benefits required by Article 6 hereof with 15 days of written notice from the Executive of such failure, or (ii) the Company no longer has the rights to the confidential information.
(z) “Severance Amount” shall be in the event of termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, or by the Executive with Good Reason, an amount equal to the following based on when the Termination Date occurs after the Commencement Date: a) 0-12 months -$40,000, b) 13-24 months - $80,000 and c) over 24 months - $120,000. The total amount shall be due within one month of the effective date of the Termination Date.
(aa) “Severance Term” means the one (1) year period following the Termination Date.
(bb) “Stock Option” means a right granted to the Executive under Article 4(c) hereof to purchase Common Stock under the Company’s Stock Option Plan.
(cc) “Stock Incentive Plan” means the Arvana Inc. 2022 Stock Incentive Plan adopted by the Company on September 30, 2022, as amended from time to time, and any successor plan thereto.
(dd) “Term of Employment” means the period during which the Executive shall be employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
(ee) “Termination Date” means the date on which Executive’s employment ends.
2. EMPLOYMENT
(a) Employment and Term. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to serve the Company during the Term of Employment on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
(b) Duties of Executive. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be employed and serve as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company, and shall have such duties typically associated with such titles, including, without limitation, coordination of the day to day administration and management of the Company; compilation of the Company’s financial statements in coordination with a competent accounting service; compilation and review of the Company’s public disclosure documentation including reports with the Securities & Exchange Commission, FINRA, OTC and other relevant regulatory authorities; and synchronization with the Board and its respective committees as necessary to ensure the orderly operation of the Company. The Executive shall faithfully and diligently perform all services as may be reasonably assigned to him for his positions by the Board, and shall exercise such power and authority as may from time to time be delegated to him by the Board.
(c) Performance. Executive shall (i) devote sufficient time to the business of the Company to fully perform his duties; (ii) faithfully serve the Company; (iii) in all respects conform to and comply with lawful and reasonable instructions given by the Board in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and (iv) use reasonable business efforts to promote and serve the interests of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, provided the following does not interfere with Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement, Executive may (i) participate in outside business activities for remuneration; (ii) participate in the activities of professional trade organizations related to the business of Company or its affiliates; (iii) engage in personal investing activities; and (iv) devote reasonable amounts of time to civic, social, community, charitable or religious pursuits.
3. TERM
(a) Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment under this Agreement, and the employment of the Executive hereunder, shall commence on the Commencement Date and shall expire on August 31, 2024, unless sooner terminated in accordance with Article 6 hereof.
(b) Renewal Terms. At the end of the Initial Term, the Term of Employment automatically shall renew for two (2) successive one (1) year terms (subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 6 hereof), unless the Company or the Executive delivers written notice to the other at least three (3) months prior to the Expiration Date of its or his election not to renew the Term of Employment.
4. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.
(a) Base Executive Fee. The Executive shall earn a Base Salary at the annual rate of $120,000 ($10,000 per month) during the Term of Employment, with such Base Salary payable in installments consistent with the Company's normal payroll schedule, subject to applicable withholding and other taxes. The Base Salary shall be reviewed, at least annually, for merit increases and may, by action and in the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board, be increased at any time or from time to time, but may not be decreased from the then current Base Salary.
(b) Bonus.
(i) The Executive shall receive such additional bonuses, if any, as the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors may in its sole and absolute discretion determine.
(ii) Any Bonus payable pursuant to this Article 4(b) shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within three (3) months after the end of the Bonus Period for which it is payable
(c) Stock Options. The Executive shall be granted 500,000 Stock Options, from the Stock Incentive Plan, at an exercise price of $0.26 per share, which Stock Options shall vest as follows: 250,000 options on August 31, 2023, and 250,000 options on August 31, 2024, subject to the terms and conditions of the Stock Option Agreement (attached hereto as Appendix A) subject to all terms and conditions of the Stock Incentive Plan and all rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable thereto. Future stock option grants, and the terms and conditions thereof, shall be determined by the Stock Incentive Plan Committee and the Board, or by the Board in its discretion, pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan or the plan or arrangement pursuant to which they are granted. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other document or agreement between the Company and Executive, each Stock Option granted to Executive shall have an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of the grant.
5. Expense Reimbursement AND OTHER BENEFITS
(a) Reimbursement of Expenses. Upon the submission of proper substantiation by the Executive, and subject to such rules and guidelines as the Company may from time to time adopt with respect to the reimbursement of expenses of executive personnel, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses actually paid or incurred by the Executive in the course of and pursuant to the business of the Company. The Executive shall account to the Company in writing for all expenses for which reimbursement is sought and shall supply to the Company copies of all relevant invoices, receipts or other evidence reasonably requested by the Company.
(b) Benefit Programs. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all medical, dental, vision, hospitalization, and prescription coverage on the terms and conditions of any health insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, disability, travel and life insurance plans, hereinafter offered by the Company to its executive personnel.
(c) Other Benefits. The Executive shall be entitled to two (2) weeks of paid vacation each calendar year during the Term of Employment on the first anniversary of the Commencement Date, to be taken at such times as the Executive and the Company shall mutually determine and provided that no vacation time shall significantly interfere with the duties required to be rendered by the Executive hereunder. Any vacation time not taken by Executive during any calendar year may be carried forward into any succeeding calendar year, subject to a maximum accrual of four (4) weeks. The Executive shall receive such additional benefits, if any, as the Board of the Company shall from time to time determine.
6. TERMINATION.
(a) General. The Term of Employment shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) Executive’s death, (ii) termination by the Company by reason of the Executive’s Disability, (iii) termination by the Company with or without Cause, (iv) a termination by Executive with or without Good Reason, and (v) expiration of the Term of Employment. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, except as may otherwise be requested by the Company in writing and agreed upon in writing by Executive, the Executive shall resign from any and all directorships, committee memberships or any other positions Executive holds with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(b) Termination by Company for Cause. The Company shall at all times have the right to terminate the Term of Employment for Cause. In no event shall a termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause occur unless the Company gives written notice to the Executive in accordance with this Agreement stating with reasonable specificity the events or actions that constitute Cause and providing the Executive with an opportunity to cure (if curable) within a reasonable period of time. No termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause shall be permitted unless the Termination Date occurs during the 120-day period immediately following the date that the events or actions constituting Cause first become known to the Board. Cause shall in no event be deemed to exist except upon a decision made by the Board, at a meeting, duly called and noticed, to which the Executive shall be invited upon proper notice. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause by reason of Article 6(b) hereof, and the Executive’s conviction is overturned on appeal, then the Executive’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated by the Company without Cause in accordance with Article 6(e) below. In the event that the Term of Employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, Executive shall be entitled to the Accrued Obligations through the date of termination, and any rights and benefits to which the Executive is entitled at law. Any Stock Options that have not vested at the time of termination of Executive for cause shall expire, and Executive shall have twelve (12) months from the date of termination to exercise any vested stock options, after which time, such vested options shall expire.
(c) Disability. The Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate upon his Disability. The Executive's employment shall terminate in such a case on the last day of the applicable period; provided, however, in no event shall the Executive be terminated by reason of Disability unless the Executive receives written notice from the Company, at least 30 days in advance of such termination, stating its intention to terminate the Executive for reason of Disability and setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for such termination. In the event that the Term of Employment is terminated due to the Executive’s Disability, the Executive shall be entitled to:
(i) Accrued Obligations, payable as and when those amounts would have been payable; and
(ii) the continuation of the health benefits provided to Executive and his covered dependents under the Company’s health plans as in effect from time to time after the Termination Date at the same cost applicable to active employees until the expiration of the Severance Term, provided, however, that as a condition of continuation of such benefits, the Company may require the Executive to elect to continue his health insurance pursuant to COBRA.
(d) Death. In the event that the Term of Employment is terminated due to the Executive’s death, the Executive shall be entitled to:
(i) Accrued Obligations; and
(ii) the continuation of the health benefits provided to the Executive’s covered dependents under the Company health plans as in effect from time to time after the Executive’s death at the same cost applicable to dependents of active employees until the expiration of the Severance Term; provided, however, that as a condition of continuation of such benefits, the Company may require the covered dependents to elect to continue such health insurance pursuant to COBRA.
(e) Termination Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Term of Employment at any time without Cause, by written notice to the Executive not less than 30 days prior to the effective date of such termination. In the event that the Term of Employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to the Executive’s Death or Disability) the Executive shall be entitled to:
(i) Accrued Obligations through the date of Termination, to include any Stock Options not already vested in accordance with Exhibit A will automatically vest;
(ii) Severance Amount, payable in cash in three equal installments commencing 15 days, 45 days and 75 days after the Termination Date; and
(iii) the continuation of the health benefits provided to Executive and his covered dependents under health plans as in effect from time to time after the date of such termination at the same cost applicable to active employees until the expiration of the Severance Term; provided however, that as a condition of continuation of such benefits, the Company may require the Executive to elect to continue his health insurance pursuant to COBRA.
(f) Termination by Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate the Term of Employment for Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice setting forth in reasonable specificity the event that constitutes Good Reason, which written notice, to be effective, must be provided to the Company within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the occurrence of such event. During such thirty (30) day notice period, the Company shall have a cure right (if curable), and if not cured within such period, the Executive’s termination shall be effective upon the date immediately following the expiration of the thirty (30) day notice period, and the Executive shall be entitled to the same payments and benefits as provided in Article 6(e) above for a termination without Cause.
(g) Termination by Executive Without Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment without Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice of such termination. In the event of a termination of employment by the Executive under this Section 6(g), the Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations and any rights and benefits to which the Executive is entitled at law. In the event of termination of the Executive’s employment under this Article 6(g), the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, by written notice, accelerate such date of termination and still have it treated as a termination without Good Reason.
(h) Termination Upon Expiration Date. In the event that Executive’s employment with the Company terminates upon the expiration of the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to and the Company shall pay the Executive:
(i) Accrued Obligations; and
(ii) the continuation of the health benefits provided to Executive and his covered dependents under the Company health plans as in effect from time to time after the date of such termination at the same cost applicable to active employees until the expiration of the Severance Term; provided, however, that as a condition of continuation of such benefits, the Company may require the Executive to elect to continue his health insurance pursuant to COBRA.
(i) Change in Control of the Company. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason during the 6-month period preceding the date of a Change in Control or the two 2 year period immediately following a Change in Control, the Executive shall be entitled to:
(i) Accrued Obligations, payable as and when those amounts would have been payable had the Term of Employment not ended; including the vesting of Stock Options through the end of the Term of Employment;
(ii) a payment equal to the maximum Severance Amount; and
(iii) the continuation of the health benefits provided to Executive and his covered dependents under the Company health plans as in effect from time to time after the date of such termination at the same cost applicable to active employees until the expiration of the Severance Term; provided, however, that as a condition of continuation of such benefits, the Company may require the Executive to elect to continue his health insurance pursuant to COBRA.
(j) Release. Any payments due to Executive under this Article 6 (other than the Accrued Obligations or any unpaid expenses or payments due on account of the Executive’s death) shall be conditioned upon Executive’s execution of a general release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (subject to such modifications as the Company reasonably may request).
(k) Cooperation. Following the Term of Employment, the Executive shall give his assistance and cooperation willingly, upon reasonable advance notice with due consideration for his other business or personal commitments, in any matter relating to his position with the Company, or his expertise or experience as the Company may reasonably request, including his attendance and truthful testimony where deemed appropriate by the Company, with respect to any investigation or the Company’s defense or prosecution of any existing or future claims or litigations or other proceedings relating to matters in which he was involved or potentially had knowledge by virtue of his employment with the Company. In no event shall his cooperation materially interfere with his services for a subsequent employer or other similar service recipient. To the extent permitted by law, the Company agrees that (i) it shall promptly reimburse the Executive for his reasonable and documented expenses in connection with his rendering assistance and/or cooperation under this Article 6(k) upon his presentation of documentation for such expenses and (ii) the Executive shall be reasonably compensated for any continued material services as required under this Article 6(k).
(l) Return of Company Property. Following the Termination Date, the Executive or his personal representative shall return all Company property in his possession, including but not limited to all computer equipment (hardware and software), telephones, and other communication devices, credit cards, office keys, security access cards, badges, identification cards and all copies (including drafts) of any documentation or information (however stored) relating to the business of the Company, its customers and clients or its prospective customers and clients.
(m) § 409A. To the extent that the Executive otherwise would be entitled to any payment (whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) during the six months beginning on the Termination Date that would be subject to the additional tax imposed under § 409A of the Code, (x) the payment shall not be made to the Executive during such six month period and instead shall be made to a trust in compliance with Revenue Procedure 92-64 (“Rabbi Trust”) and (y) the payment shall be paid to the Executive on the earlier of the six-month anniversary of the Termination Date or the Executive’s death or Disability. Similarly, to the extent that the Executive otherwise would be entitled to any benefit (other than a payment) during the six months beginning on the Termination Date that would be subject to the § 409A additional tax, the benefit shall be delayed and shall begin being provided (together, if applicable, with an adjustment to compensate the Executive for the delay) on the earlier of the six-month anniversary of the Termination Date, or the Executive’s death or Disability.
(i) The Company shall not take any action that would expose any payment or benefit to the Executive to the additional tax of § 409A, unless the Company is obligated to take the action under an agreement, plan or arrangement to which the Executive is a party, the Executive requests the action, the Company advises the Executive in writing that the action may result in the imposition of the additional tax, and the Executive subsequently requests the action in a writing that acknowledges that the Executive shall be responsible for any effect of the action under § 409A.
(ii) It is the Company’s intention that the benefits and rights to which the Executive could become entitled in connection with termination of employment comply with § 409A. If the Executive or the Company believes, at any time, that any of such benefit or right does not comply, it shall promptly advise the other and shall negotiate reasonably and in good faith to amend the terms of such benefits and rights such that they comply with § 409A (with the most limited possible economic effect on the Executive and on the Company).
(n) Claw back of Certain Compensation and Benefits. If within the Severance Term on termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason other than by the Company for Cause:
(i) it is determined in good faith by the Board and in accordance with the due process requirements of Article 6(b) that the Executive’s employment could have been terminated by the Company for Cause under Article 6(b) (unless the Board knew or should have known that as of the Termination Date the Executive’s employment could have been terminated for Cause in accordance with Article 6(b)); or
(ii) if the Company determines that the Executive has engaged in fraudulent or intentional misconduct related to or materially affecting the Company’s business operations or the Executive’s duties at the Company; or
(iii) the Executive breaches Article 7, then, in addition to any other remedy that may be available to the Company in law or equity and/or pursuant to any other provisions of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated for Cause retroactively to the Termination Date and treated accordingly.
The Executive also shall be subject to the following provisions:
(a) The Executive shall be required to pay to the Company, immediately upon written demand by the Board, notwithstanding Article 1 (a)(iii), Article 1(a)(iv), and Article 6(b), the additional amounts paid to Executive as a Bonus, or Severance; that Executive would not have received had Executive’s employment been terminated for Cause; and
(b) The Executive shall be required to pay to the Company any additional amounts paid to Executive on or after the Termination Date (including the pre-tax cost to the Company of any benefits that are in excess of the total amount that the Company would have been required to pay and the pre-tax cost of any benefits that the Company would have been required to provide) that are in addition to those amounts Executive would have received if the Executive’s employment with the Company had been terminated by the Company for Cause in accordance with Article 6(b) above and;
(c) Notwithstanding Article 1 (a)(iii) and Article 6(b), the Executive shall forfeit at the discretion of the Board, based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the Executive’s culpability, all or a portion of the Stock Options granted pursuant to this Agreement, vested and unvested, or if Stock Options have been exercised, all or a portion of the shares so issued for cancellation upon payment by Company to Executive the full exercise price, while any remaining Stock Options, if any, may be rescinded by the Board.
7. Restrictive Covenants.
(a) Non-competition. At all times during the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly (whether as a principal, agent, partner, employee, officer, investor, owner, consultant, board member, security holder, creditor or otherwise), engage in any Competitive Activity, or have any direct or indirect interest in any sole proprietorship, corporation, company, partnership, association, venture or business or any other person or entity that directly or indirectly (whether as a principal, agent, partner, employee, officer, investor, owner, consultant, board member, security holder, creditor, or otherwise) engages in a Competitive Activity; provided that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to the Executive's ownership of Common Stock of the Company or the ownership or acquisition by the Executive of securities of any issuer that is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that are listed or admitted for trading on any United States national securities exchange or that are quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market, or any similar system or automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices in common use not involved in Competitive Activity.
(b) Non-solicitation of Employees and Certain Other Third Parties. At all times during the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, for himself or for any other person, firm, corporation, partnership, association or other entity (i) employ or attempt to employ or enter into any contractual arrangement with any employee, consultant or independent contractor performing services for the Company, or any Affiliate or Related Entity, unless such employee, consultant or independent contractor, has not been employed or engaged by the Company for a period in excess of six (6) months, and/or (ii) call on or solicit any of the actual or targeted prospective customers or clients of the Company or any Affiliate or Related Entity on behalf of any person or entity in connection with any Competitive Activity, nor shall the Executive make known the names and addresses of such actual or targeted prospective customers or clients, or any information relating in any manner to the trade or business relationships of the Company or any Affiliates or Related Entities with such customers or clients, other than in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and/or (iii) persuade or encourage or attempt to persuade or encourage any persons or entities with whom the Company or any Affiliate or Related Entity does business or has some business relationship to cease doing business or to terminate its business relationship with the Company or any Affiliate or Related Entity or to engage in any Competitive Activity on its own or with any competitor of the Company or any Affiliate or Related Entity.
(c) Confidential Information. The Executive shall not at any time divulge, communicate, use to the detriment of the Company or for the benefit of any other person or persons, or misuse in any way, any Confidential Information pertaining to the business of the Company. Any Confidential Information or data now or hereafter acquired by the Executive with respect to the business of the Company (which shall include, but not be limited to, information concerning the Company's financial condition, prospects, technology, customers, suppliers, sources of leads and methods of doing business) shall be deemed a valuable, special and unique asset of the Company that is received by the Executive in confidence and as a fiduciary, and the Executive shall remain a fiduciary to the Company with respect to all of such information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be deemed to restrict the Executive from disclosing Confidential Information as required to perform his duties under this Agreement or to the extent required by law. If any person or authority makes a demand on the Executive purporting to legally compel him to divulge any Confidential Information, the Executive immediately shall give notice of the demand to the Company so that the Company may first assess whether to challenge the demand prior to the Executive’s divulging of such Confidential Information. The Executive shall not divulge such Confidential Information until the Company either has concluded not to challenge the demand, or has exhausted its challenge, including appeals, if any. Upon request by the Company, the Executive shall deliver promptly to the Company upon termination of his services for the Company, or at any time thereafter as the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, records, reports, manuals, drawings, designs, computer files in any media and other documents (and all copies thereof) containing such Confidential Information.
(d) Ownership of Developments. All processes, concepts, techniques, inventions and works of authorship, including new contributions, improvements, formats, packages, programs, systems, machines, compositions of matter manufactured, developments, applications and discoveries, and all copyrights, patents, trade secrets, or other intellectual property rights associated therewith conceived, invented, made, developed or created by the Executive over the Term of Employment either during the course of performing work for the Company or its clients, or which are related in any manner to the business (commercial or experimental) of the Company or its clients (collectively, “Work Product”), shall belong exclusively to the Company and shall, to the extent possible, be considered a work made by the Executive for hire on behalf of the Company within the meaning of Title 17 of the United States Code. To the extent the Work Product may not be considered work made by the Executive for hire on behalf of the Company, the Executive agrees to assign, and automatically assign at the time of creation of the Work Product, without any requirement of further consideration, any right, title, or interest the Executive may have in such Work Product. Upon the request of the Company, the Executive shall take such further actions, including execution and delivery of instruments of conveyance, as may be appropriate to give full and proper effect to such assignment. The Executive shall further: (i) promptly disclose the Work Product to the Company; (ii) assign to the Company, without additional compensation, all patent or other rights to such Work Product for the United States and foreign countries; (iii) sign all papers necessary to carry out the foregoing; and (iv) give testimony in support of his inventions, all at the sole cost and expense of the Company.
(e) Books and Records. All books, records, and accounts relating in any manner to the customers or clients of the Company, whether prepared by the Executive or otherwise coming into the Executive's possession, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and shall be returned immediately to the Company on termination of the Executive's employment hereunder or on the Company's request at any time.
(f) Acknowledgment by Executive. The Executive acknowledges and confirms that the restrictive covenants contained in this Article 7 (including without limitation the length of the term of the provisions of this Article 7) are reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company, and are not overbroad, overlong, or unfair and are not the result of overreaching, duress or coercion of any kind. The Executive further acknowledges and confirms that the compensation payable to the Executive under this Agreement is in consideration for the duties and obligations of the Executive hereunder, including the restrictive covenants contained in this Article 7, and that such compensation is sufficient, fair and reasonable. The Executive further acknowledges and confirms that his full, uninhibited and faithful observance of each of the covenants contained in this Article 7 will not cause him any undue hardship, financial or otherwise, and that enforcement of each of the covenants contained herein will not impair his ability to obtain employment commensurate with his abilities and on terms fully acceptable to him or otherwise to obtain income required for the comfortable support of him and his family and the satisfaction of the needs of his creditors. The Executive acknowledges and confirms that his special knowledge of the business of the Company is such as would cause the Company serious injury or loss if he were to use such ability and knowledge to the benefit of a competitor or were to compete with the Company in violation of the terms of this Article 7. The Executive further acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Article 7 are intended to be, and shall be, for the benefit of and shall be enforceable by, the Company’s successors and assigns. The Executive expressly agrees that upon any breach or violation of the provisions of this Article 7, the Company shall be entitled, as a matter of right, in addition to any other rights or remedies it may have, to (i) temporary and/or permanent injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction as described in Article 7(i) hereof, and (ii) such damages as are provided at law or in equity. The existence of any claim or cause of action against the Company or its affiliates, whether predicated upon this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement of the restrictions contained in this Article 7.
(g) Reformation by Court. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any provision of this Article 7 is invalid or more restrictive than permitted under the governing law of such jurisdiction, then only as to enforcement of this Article 7 within the jurisdiction of such court, such provision shall be interpreted or reformed and enforced as if it provided for the maximum restriction permitted under such governing law.
(h) Extension of Time. If the Executive shall be in violation of any provision of this Article 7, then each time limitation set forth in this Article 7 shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period of time during which such violation or violations occur. If the Company seeks injunctive relief from such violation in any court, then the covenants set forth in this Article 7 shall be extended for a period of time equal to the duration of such proceeding including all appeals by the Executive.
(i) Injunction. It is recognized and hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto that a breach by the Executive of any of the covenants contained in Article 7 of this Agreement will cause irreparable harm and damage to the Company, the monetary amount of which may be virtually impossible to ascertain. As a result, the Executive recognizes and hereby acknowledges that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction from any court of competent jurisdiction enjoining and restraining any violation of any or all of the covenants contained in Article 7 of this Agreement by the Executive or any of his affiliates, associates, partners or agents, either directly or indirectly, and that such right to injunction shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may possess.
8. Representations and Warranties of Executive.
The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that:
(i) Executive’s employment will not conflict with or result in his breach of any agreement to which he is a party or otherwise may be bound;
(ii) Executive has not violated, and in connection with his employment with the Company will not violate, any non-solicitation, non-competition or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer by which he is or may be bound;
(iii) Executive will not use any confidential or proprietary information that he may have obtained in connection with employment with any prior employer, with the exception of current or former affiliates, parents, or subsidiaries of the Company;
(iv) Executive has not (i) been convicted of any felony; or (ii) committed any criminal act with respect to Executive’s current or any prior employment; and
(v) The Executive is not dependent on alcohol or the illegal use of drugs.
9. Mediation.
Except to the extent the Company has the right to seek an injunction under Article 7(i) hereof, in the event a dispute arises out of or relates to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, the parties hereby agree first to attempt in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Employment Mediation Rules before resorting to the jurisdiction of federal or state courts to resolve any dispute.
10. Taxes.
Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, all payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or his estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts relating to taxes as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. In lieu of withholding such amounts, in whole or in part, the Company may, in its sole discretion, accept other provisions for payment of taxes and withholding as required by law, provided it is satisfied that all requirements of law affecting its responsibilities to withhold have been satisfied.
11. Assignment.
The Company shall have the right to assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any corporation or other entity with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said corporation or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. The Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder.
12. Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Utah, without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
13. Jurisdiction and Venue.
The parties acknowledge that a substantial portion of the negotiations, anticipated performance and execution of this Agreement occurred or shall occur in Salt Lake City, Utah, and that, therefore, without limiting the jurisdiction or venue of any other federal or state courts, each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agrees that any suit, action or legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement which is expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement to be brought in a court of law, shall be brought in the courts of record of the State of Utah or the court of the United States; (ii) consents to the jurisdiction of each such court in any such suit, action or proceeding; (iii) waives any objection which it or he may have to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any of such courts; and (iv) agrees that service of any court papers may be effected on such party by mail, as provided in this Agreement, or in such other manner as may be provided under applicable laws or court rules in such courts.
14. Survival.
The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, including without limitation, the Company’s obligations under Article 6 and the Executive’s obligations under Article 7 above, and the expiration of the Term of Employment, to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and obligations.
15. Notices.
All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered by courier, sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested or sent by confirmed facsimile transmission addressed as set forth herein. Notices personally delivered, sent by email or sent by overnight courier shall be deemed given on the date of delivery and notices mailed in accordance with the foregoing shall be deemed given upon the earlier of receipt by the addressee, as evidenced by the return receipt thereof, or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail. Notice shall be sent (i) if to the Company, addressed to 299 Main Street, 13th Floor, Attention: the Board, and (ii) if to the Executive, to his address as reflected on the payroll records of the Company, or to such other address as either party shall request by notice to the other in accordance with this provision.
16. Benefits; Binding Effect.
This Agreement shall be for the benefit of and binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, legal representatives, successors and, where permitted and applicable, assigns, including, without limitation, any successor to the Company, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise.
17. Right to Consult with Counsel; No Drafting Party.
The Executive acknowledges having read and considered all of the provisions of this Agreement carefully, and having had the opportunity to consult with counsel of his own choosing, and, given this, the Executive agrees that the obligations created hereby are not unreasonable. The Executive acknowledges that he has had an opportunity to negotiate any and all of these provisions and no rule of construction shall be used that would interpret any provision in favor of or against a party on the basis of who drafted the Agreement.
18. Severability.
The invalidity of any one or more of the words, phrases, sentences, clauses, provisions, sections or articles contained in this Agreement shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining portions of this Agreement or any part thereof, all of which are inserted conditionally on their being valid in law, and, in the event that any one or more of the words, phrases, sentences, clauses, provisions, sections or articles contained in this Agreement shall be declared invalid, this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid word or words, phrase or phrases, sentence or sentences, clause or clauses, provisions or provisions, section or sections or article or articles had not been inserted. If such invalidity is caused by length of time or size of area, or both, the otherwise invalid provision will be considered to be reduced to a period or area which would cure such invalidity.
19. Waivers.
The waiver by either party hereto of a breach or violation of any term or provision of this Agreement shall not operate nor be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation.
20. Damages; Attorneys Fees.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the Company or the Executive from seeking and recovering from the other damages sustained by either or both of them as a result of its or his breach of any term or provision of this Agreement. In the event that either party hereto seeks to collect any damages resulting from, or the injunction of any action constituting, a breach of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, then the party found to be at fault shall pay all reasonable costs and attorneys' fees of the other.
21. No Set-off or Mitigation.
The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others.
22. Section Headings.
The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
23. No Third Party Beneficiary.
Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon or give any person other than the Company, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
24. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument and agreement.
25. Indemnification.
(i) Subject to limitations imposed by law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by law from and against any and all claims, damages, expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, and all other liabilities incurred or paid by him in connection with the investigation, defense, prosecution, settlement or appeal of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and to which the Executive was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party by reason of the fact that the Executive is or was an officer, employee or agent of the Company, or by reason of anything done or not done by the Executive in any such capacity or capacities, provided that the Executive acted in good faith, in a manner that was not grossly negligent or constituted willful misconduct and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The Company also shall pay all expenses (including attorney's fees) incurred by the Executive as a result of the Executive being called as a witness in connection with any matter involving the Company and/or any of its officers or directors.
(ii) Except in the event that the Company is involved in an adversarial claim either against or initiated by Executive, the Company shall pay any expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, and other liabilities incurred by the Executive in investigating, defending, settling or appealing any action, suit or proceeding described in this Article 25 in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding. Subject to the limited exception conditioned above, the Company shall promptly pay the amount of such expenses to the Executive, but in no event later than 10 days following the Executive's delivery to the Company of a written request for an advance pursuant to this Article 25, together with a reasonable accounting of such expenses.
(iii) The Executive hereby undertakes and agrees to repay to the Company any advances made pursuant to this Article 25 if and to the extent that it shall ultimately be found that the Executive is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company for such amounts.
(iv) The Company shall make the advances contemplated by this Article 25 regardless of the Executive's financial ability to make repayment, and regardless whether indemnification of the Executive by the Company will ultimately be required. Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Article 25 shall be unsecured and interest-free.
(v) The provisions of this Article 25 shall survive the termination of the Term of Employment and expiration of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
COMPANY:
ARVANA INC.
By: /s/ John Baring
John Baring, Chairman of the Board of Directors
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Ruairidh Campbell
Ruairidh Campbell
1 |
EXHIBIT
A
FORM OF RELEASE
GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS
Ruairidh Campbell (“Executive”), for himself and his family, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and their respective successors and assigns, in exchange for the consideration received pursuant to Articles 6(c) (in the case of Disability), Articles 6(e) or 6(f) (other than the Accrued Obligations) of the Employment Agreement to which this release is attached as Exhibit A (“Employment Agreement”), does hereby release and forever discharge Arvana Inc. (“Company”), its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, successors and assigns, and its current or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders or agents in such capacities (collectively with the Company, the “Released Parties”) from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, controversies, claims and demands whatsoever, for or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, whether known or unknown including, but not limited to, all claims under any applicable laws arising under or in connection with Executive’s employment or termination thereof, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, wrongful discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or defamation or injuries incurred on the job or incurred as a result of loss of employment. Executive acknowledges that the Company encouraged him to consult with an attorney of his choosing, and through this General Release of Claims encourages him to consult with his attorney with respect to possible claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) and that he understands that the ADEA is a Federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefits and benefit plans. Without limiting the generality of the release provided above, Executive expressly waives any and all claims under ADEA that he may have as of the date hereof. Executive further understands that by signing this General Release of Claims he is in fact waiving, releasing and forever giving up any claim under the ADEA as well as all other laws within the scope of this paragraph 1 that may have existed on or prior to the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph 1 to the contrary, this General Release of Claims shall not apply to (i) any actions to enforce rights arising under, or any claim for benefits which may be due Executive pursuant to, the Employment Agreement, (ii) any rights or claims that may arise as a result of events occurring after the date this General Release of Claims is executed, (iii) any indemnification rights Executive may have as a former officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies, (iv) any claims for benefits under any directors’ and officers’ liability policy maintained by the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies in accordance with the terms of such policy, and (v) any rights as a holder of equity securities of the Company.
Executive represents that he has not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of his employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this General Release of Claims, and covenants and agrees that he will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of, any charges, lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by Executive pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof (“Proceeding”); provided, however, Executive shall not have relinquished his right to commence a Proceeding to challenge whether Executive knowingly and voluntarily waived his rights under ADEA.
Executive hereby acknowledges that the Company has informed him that he has up to twenty-one (21) days to sign this General Release of Claims and he may knowingly and voluntarily waive that twenty-one (21) day period by signing this General Release of Claims earlier. Executive also understands that he shall have seven (7) days following the date on which he signs this General Release of Claims within which to revoke it by providing a written notice of his revocation to the Company.
Executive acknowledges that this General Release of Claims will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Utah applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within such State.
Executive acknowledges that he has read this General Release of Claims, that he has been advised that he should consult with an attorney before he executes this general release of claims, and that he understands all of its terms and executes it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance and the consequences thereof.
This General Release of Claims shall take effect on the eighth day following Executive’s execution of this General Release of Claims unless Executive’s written revocation is delivered to the Company within seven (7) days after such execution.
____________________________
Ruairidh Campbell
_______________, 20__
2 |
Appendix A
Stock Option Agreement
ARVANA Inc.
notice of award
Grantee’s Name and Address: | Ruairidh Campbell | |
3002 Kinney Avenue | ||
Austin, Texas 78704 |
You (the “Grantee”) have been granted an option to purchase shares of Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of this Notice of Stock Option Award (the “Notice”), the Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) and the Arvana Inc. 2022 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) attached hereto, as follows. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Option Agreement.
Date of Award: October 15, 2022
Vesting Schedule
Vesting Dates | Stock Option Tranches | |||
August 31, 2023 | 250,000 | |||
October 14, 2023 | 10,000 | |||
August 31, 2024 | 250,000 | |||
October 14, 2024 | 10,000 | |||
October 14, 2025 | 10,000 | |||
October 14, 2026 | 10,000 | |||
October 14, 2027 | 10,000 | |||
Total Stock Options | 550,000 |
Exercise Price per Share | $ | 0.26 |
Number of Shares Optioned (the “Shares”) | 550,000 | |
Total Exercise Price | $ | 143,000 |
Type of Option | Incentive Stock Option | |
Expiration Date | October 14, 2028 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Grantee have executed this Notice and agree that the Option is to be governed by the terms and conditions of this Notice, the Option Agreement and the Stock Incentive Plan.
ARVANA INC.,
a Nevada corporation
By: /s/ John Baring
Name: John Baring
Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors
The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Option Agreement and the Stock Incentive Plan and represents that he is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts the Option subject to all of the terms and provisions hereof and thereof. The Grantee has reviewed this Notice, the Stock Incentive Plan and the Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Notice, and fully understands all provisions of the aforesaid documentation. The Grantee hereby agrees that all disputes arising out of or relating to this Notice and the Option Agreement shall be resolved in accordance with Section 13 of the Option Agreement. The Grantee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the address indicated in this Notice.
Date: October 15, 2022
Signed:
/s/ Ruairidh Campbell
Ruairidh Campbell
3 |
ARVANA inc.
STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
1. Grant of Option. Arvana Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants to the Grantee (the “Grantee”) named in the Notice of Stock Option Award (the “Notice”), an option (the “Option”) to purchase the Total Number of Shares of Common Stock subject to the Option (the “Shares”) set forth in the Notice, at the Exercise Price per Share set forth in the Notice (the “Exercise Price”) subject to the terms and provisions of this Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Option Agreement”), the Arvana Inc. 2022 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) and the Notice.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Applicable Laws” means the legal requirements applicable to the Option under applicable provisions of federal securities laws, state corporate and securities laws, the Code, the rules of any applicable stock exchange or national market system, and the rules of any non-U.S. jurisdiction applicable to Options granted to residents therein.
(b)“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company and shall include any committee of the Board or Officer of the Company to which the Board has delegated its authority under this Agreement.
(c) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(e) “Company” means Arvana Inc., a Nevada corporation.
(f) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(g) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination (or, if no closing sales price or closing bid was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such closing sales price or closing bid was reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted on an automated quotation system (including the OTC market) or by a recognized securities dealer, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such system on the date of determination, but if selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on date of determination (or, if no such prices were reported on that date, on the last date such prices were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable; or
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock of the type described in (i) and (ii), above, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined by the Board in good faith.
(h) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(i) “Immediate Family” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the Grantee’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons (or the Grantee) have more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Grantee) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Grantee) own more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests.
(j) “Non-Qualified Stock Option” means an Option not intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(k) “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(l) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock.
3. Exercise of Option.
(a) Right to Exercise. The Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Option Agreement. In no event shall the Company issue fractional Shares.
(b) Method of Exercise. The Option shall be exercisable by delivery of an Exercise Notice (a form of which is attached as Exhibit A) which shall state the election to exercise the Option and the whole number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised. The Exercise Notice shall be signed by the Grantee and shall be delivered in person, by certified mail, or by such other method (including electronic transmission) as determined from time to time by the Board to the Company accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. The Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such notice accompanied by the Exercise Price, which, to the extent selected, shall be deemed to be satisfied by use of the broker-dealer sale and remittance procedure to pay the Exercise Price provided in Section 5(d), below.
(c) Taxes. No Shares will be delivered to the Grantee or other person pursuant to the exercise of the Option until the Grantee or other person has made arrangements acceptable to the Board of the Company for the satisfaction of applicable income tax and employment tax withholding obligations, if any, including, without limitation, obligations incident to the receipt of Shares. Upon exercise of the Option, the Company may offset or withhold (from any amount owed by the Company to the Grantee) or collect from the Grantee or other person an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations and/or the employment tax withholding obligations.
4. Grantee’s Representations. The Grantee understands that neither the Option nor the Shares exercisable pursuant to the Option have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or any United States securities laws. In the event the Shares purchasable pursuant to the exercise of the Option have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time the Option is exercised, the Grantee shall, if requested by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of all or any portion of the Option, deliver to the Company his or her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.
5. Method of Payment. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be made by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Grantee; provided, however, that such exercise method does not then violate any Applicable Law:
(a) cash;
(b) check;
(c) surrender of Shares or delivery of a properly executed form of attestation of ownership of Shares as the Board may require (including withholding of Shares otherwise deliverable upon exercise of the Option) which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender or attestation equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being exercised, provided, however, that Shares acquired under the Option or any other equity compensation plan or agreement of the Company must have been held by the Grantee for a period of more than six (6) months; and
(d) payment through a broker-dealer sale and remittance procedure pursuant to which the Grantee (i) shall provide written instructions to a Company designated brokerage firm to effect the immediate sale of some or all of the purchased Shares and remit to the Company, out of the sale proceeds available on the settlement date, sufficient funds to cover the aggregate exercise price payable for the purchased Shares and (ii) shall provide written directives to the Company to deliver the certificates for the purchased Shares directly to such brokerage firm in order to complete the sale transaction.
6. Restrictions on Exercise. The Option may not be exercised if the issuance of the Shares subject to the Option upon such exercise would constitute a violation of any Applicable Laws.
7. Transferability of Option. The Option may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, provided, however, that the Option may be transferred to members of the Grantee’s Immediate Family. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Grantee may designate members of the Grantee’s Immediate Family as beneficiaries of the Grantee’s Option in the event of the Grantee’s death on a beneficiary designation form provided by the Board. The terms of the Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs and successors of the Grantee.
8, Term of Option. The Option may be exercised no later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice. After the Expiration Date, the Option shall be of no further force or effect and may not be exercised.
9. Stop Transfer Notices. In order to ensure compliance with the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Option Agreement or the Notice, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
10. Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (a) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Option Agreement or (b) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
11. Entire Agreement: Governing Law. The Notice and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Grantee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Grantee’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and the Grantee. Nothing in the Notice and this Option Agreement (except as expressly provided therein) is intended to confer any rights or remedies on any persons other than the parties. The Notice and this Option Agreement are to be construed in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Utah without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the internal laws of the State of Utah to the rights and duties of the parties. Should any provision of the Notice or this Option Agreement be determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be enforced to the fullest extent allowed by law and the other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain enforceable.
12. Headings. The captions used in the Notice and this Option Agreement are inserted for convenience and shall not be deemed a part of the Option for construction or interpretation.
13. Dispute Resolution.
(a) Each of the Company and Grantee irrevocably consents and agrees that: (i) any legal action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the Notice or this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby shall be brought and tried exclusively in federal or state courts located in Salt Lake County, Utah; and (ii) such party hereby submits to and accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts and appellate courts from any appeal thereof. Each of the Company and Grantee hereby irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with the Notice or this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby or hereby brought in the courts referred to above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each of the Company and Grantee agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a final judgment in any such suit, action, or proceeding brought in such a court shall be conclusive and binding upon such party and may be enforced in any court of the jurisdiction in which such party is or may be subject by a suit upon such judgment. Each of the Company and Grantee further agrees that personal jurisdiction over it may be affected by service of process by certified mail addressed as provided in Section 14 of this Option Agreement, and when so made shall be as if served upon it personally within the State of Utah.
(b) TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EACH OF THE COMPANY AND GRANTEE HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE NOTICE OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED THEREBY OR HEREBY, IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR OTHER LITIGATION OF ANY TYPE BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY AGAINST THE OTHER PARTY, WHETHER WITH RESPECT TO CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, OR OTHERWISE. EACH OF THE COMPANY AND GRANTEE HEREBY AGREES THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE TRIED BY A COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THE PARTIES FURTHER AGREE THAT THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IS WAIVED BY OPERATION OF THIS SECTION AS TO ANY ACTION, COUNTERCLAIM OR OTHER PROCEEDING WHICH SEEKS, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, TO CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF THE NOTICE OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT, OR ANY PROVISION THEREOF OR HEREOF. THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE NOTICE OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT.
(c) In the event of any suit, action, or proceeding brought by any party for a breach of any term hereof, or to enforce any provision hereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to court costs and other expenses of litigation in said action or proceeding. For purposes of this Section 13(c), “prevailing party” includes, without limitation, a party who agrees to dismiss an action or proceeding upon the other’s payment of the sums allegedly due or performance of the covenants allegedly breached, or who obtains substantially the relief sought. The provisions set forth in this Section 13(c) shall survive the merger of these provisions into any judgment.
14. Notices. Any notices, consents, agreements, elections, amendments, approvals and other communications provided for or permitted by the Notice or this Option Agreement or otherwise relating to the Notice or this Option Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earliest to occur of the following: (i) upon personal delivery to such party; (ii) when sent by confirmed email or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, if not, then on the next business day; (iii) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; (iv) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt; or (v) upon actual receipt by the party to be notified via any other means (including public or private mail, electronic mail or telegram); provided, however, that notice sent via electronic mail shall be deemed duly given only when actually received and opened by the party to whom it is addressed. All communications to be sent to a party shall be sent to the address set forth below, or to such other address as a party shall designate from time to time in writing notice to the other party in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14.
If to Grantee: to the address set forth in the Notice
If to the
Company: Arvana Inc.
299 Main Street, 13th Floor
Salt Lake City
Utah 84111
Telephone: (801) 232-7395
Email: https://www.arvana.us
Attn: Chairman of the Board of Directors
15. Adjustment of Number of Shares and Exercise Prices. The number of and kind of securities purchasable upon exercise of the Option and the Exercise Prices shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as follows:
(a) Stock Splits, Stock Subdivisions or Combinations of Shares. The Exercise Price shall be proportionally decreased and the number of Shares issuable upon exercise of this Option (or any shares of stock or other securities at the time issuable upon exercise of the Option) shall be proportionally increased to reflect any stock split or subdivision of the Company’s Common Stock. The Exercise Price shall be proportionally increased and the number of Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option (or any shares of stock or other securities at the time issuable upon exercise of the Option) shall be proportionally decreased to reflect any combination of the Company’s Common Stock.
(b) Reclassification. If the Company, by reclassification of securities or otherwise, shall change any of the securities as to which purchase rights under the Option exist into the same or a different number of securities of any other class or classes, the Option shall thereafter represent the right to acquire such number and kind of securities as would have been issuable as the result of such change with respect to the securities that were subject to the purchase rights under the Option immediately prior to such reclassification or other change and the Purchase Price therefore shall be appropriately adjusted, all subject to further adjustment as provided in this Section 15. No adjustment shall be made pursuant to this Section 15(b) upon any conversion or redemption of the Common Stock that is the subject of Section 15(d).
(c) Adjustment for Capital Reorganization, Merger or Consolidation. In case of any capital reorganization of the capital stock of the Company (other than a combination, reclassification, exchange or subdivision of shares otherwise provided for herein), or any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation, or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company then, and in each such case, as a part of such reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or transfer, lawful provision shall be made so that Grantee shall thereafter be entitled to receive upon exercise of the Option, during the period specified herein and upon payment of the Purchase Price then in effect, the number of shares of stock or other securities or property of the successor corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or transfer that a holder of the shares deliverable upon exercise of the Option would have been entitled to receive in such reorganization, consolidation, merger, sale or transfer if the Option had been exercised immediately before such reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or transfer, all subject to further adjustment as provided in this Section 15. The foregoing provisions of this Section 15(c) shall similarly apply to successive reorganizations, consolidations, mergers, sales and transfers and to the stock or securities of any other corporation that are at the time receivable upon the exercise of the Option. If the per-share consideration payable to Grantee hereof for shares in connection with any such transaction is in a form other than cash or marketable securities, then the value of such consideration shall be determined in good faith by the Board. In all events, appropriate adjustment (as determined in good faith by the Board) shall be made in the application of the provisions of this Option Agreement with respect to the rights and interests of Grantee after the transaction, to the end that the provisions of this Option Agreement shall be applicable after that event, as near as reasonably may be, in relation to any shares or other property deliverable after that event upon exercise of the Option.
(d) Conversion of Common Stock. In case all or any portion of the authorized and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company are redeemed or converted or reclassified into other securities or property pursuant to the Company’s charter or otherwise, or the Common Stock otherwise ceases to exist, then, in such case, Grantee, upon exercise of the Option at any time after the date on which the Common Stock is so redeemed or converted, reclassified or ceases to exist (the “Termination Date”), shall receive, in lieu of the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the Termination Date, the securities or property that would have been received if the Option had been exercised in full and the Common Stock received thereupon had been simultaneously converted immediately prior to the Termination Date, all subject to further adjustment as provided in this Option Agreement. Additionally, the Exercise Price shall be immediately adjusted to equal the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the aggregate Exercise Price of the maximum number of shares of Common Stock for which the Option was exercisable immediately prior to the Termination Date, by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company for which the Option is exercisable immediately after the Termination Date, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein.
16. Notice of Adjustment. In each case of any adjustment in the Exercise Price, or number or type of shares issuable upon exercise of the Option, the Board or the chief financial officer of the Company shall promptly compute such adjustment in accordance with the terms of this Option Agreement and promptly prepare and send to Grantee a certificate setting forth such adjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based, including a statement of the adjusted Exercise Price.
17. Other Notices. If at any time:
(a) the Company shall declare any cash dividend upon its Common Stock; or
(b) there shall be any capital reorganization or reclassification of the capital stock of the Company; or consolidation or merger of the Company with, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to, another corporation or other business entity; or
(c) there shall be a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Company; then, in any one or more of said cases, the Company shall give, (i) at least twenty (20) days prior written notice of the date on which the books of the Company shall close or a record shall be taken for such dividend or for determining rights to vote in respect of any such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, and (ii) in the case of any such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation, or winding-up, at least twenty (20) days prior written notice of the date when the same shall take place; provided, however, that Grantee shall make a best efforts attempt to respond to such notice as early as possible after the receipt thereof. Any notice given in accordance with the foregoing clause (i) shall also specify, in the case of any such dividend, the date on which the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled thereto. Any notice given in accordance with the foregoing clause (ii) shall also specify the date on which the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to exchange their Common Stock for securities or other property deliverable upon such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation, winding-up, conversion or public offering, as the case may be.
18. Reservation of Stock. The Company hereby covenants that at all times there shall be reserved for issuance and delivery upon exercise of the Option such number of shares of Common Stock or other shares of capital stock of the Company as are from time to time issuable upon exercise of the Option and, from time to time, will take all steps necessary to amend its charter to provide sufficient reserves of shares of Common Stock or other shares of capital stock issuable upon exercise of the Option. All such shares shall be duly authorized, and when issued upon such exercise, shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all liens, security interests, charges and other encumbrances or restrictions on sale and free and clear of all preemptive rights, except encumbrances or restrictions arising under federal or state securities laws. Issuance of the Option as evidenced by the Notice and this Option Agreement shall constitute full authority to the Company’s officers who are charged with the duty of executing stock certificates to execute and issue the necessary certificates for shares of Common Stock or other shares of capital stock issuable upon the exercise of the Option.
19. No Impairment. The Company will not, by amendment of its charter or bylaws, or through reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities, sale of assets or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of the Notice or this Option Agreement, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of Grantee against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock or other shares of capital stock issuable upon exercise of the Option.
20. Severability. If any provision of the Notice or this Option Agreement, or the application thereof or hereof to any person, place, or circumstance, shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable or void, the remainder of the Notice and this Option Agreement and such provision as applied to other persons, places and circumstances shall remain in full force and effect. Otherwise, the parties agree that such court shall replace any such invalid or unenforceable provision with a valid provision that most closely approximates the intent and economic effect of the invalid or unenforceable provision.
4 |
exhibit a
EXERCISE NOTICE
Arvana Inc.
Attention: Secretary
Effective as of today, the undersigned (the “Grantee”) hereby elects to exercise the Grantee’s option to purchase ___________ shares of the Common Stock (the “Shares”) of Arvana Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) and Notice of Stock Option Award (the “Notice”) dated October 15, 2022. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Option Agreement.
In connection with Grantee’s exercise of the Option, Grantee hereby:
• | Tenders herewith payment of the full exercise price for the Shares in the form of cash or check in the amount of $___________. |
• | Elects to pay the exercise price for the Shares by use of the broker-dealer sale and remittance procedure provided in Section 5(d) of the Option Agreement, and accordingly hereby requests that the Company deliver the certificates for the purchased Shares directly to the Company’s designated brokerage in order to complete the sale transaction. |
Please issue a certificate or certificates for such securities in the name of, and to:
Name:
Address:
Social Security Number:
I hereby acknowledge that I have been advised to consult with a tax advisor prior to exercise of the Option regarding the tax consequences to me of exercising the Option.
Submitted by Grantee:
Ruairidh Campbell
5 |
exhibit B
INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT
GRANTEE: Ruairidh Campbell
COMPANY Arvana Inc.
SECURITY: Common Stock
AMOUNT:
DATE:
In connection with the purchase of the above listed Securities, the undersigned Grantee represents to the Company the following:
(a) Grantee is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities. Grantee is acquiring these Securities for investment for Grantee’s own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(b) Grantee acknowledges and understands that the Securities constitute “restricted securities” under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon among other things, the bona fide nature of Grantee’s investment intent as expressed herein. Grantee further understands that the Securities must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Grantee understands that the certificate evidencing the Securities will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities unless they are registered or such registration is not required.
(c) Grantee is familiar with the provisions of Rule 144, each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permits limited public resale of “restricted securities” acquired, directly or indirectly from the issuer thereof, in a non public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.
(d) Grantee represents that he is a resident of the State of __________________.
Signature of Grantee
Ruairidh Campbell
Date:
6 |
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Ruairidh Campbell, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Arvana Inc.
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 21, 2022
Ruairidh Campbell
Ruairidh Campbell
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the report on Form 10-Q of Arvana Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Ruairidh Campbell, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge and belief:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Ruairidh Campbell
Ruairidh Campbell
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 21, 2022
This certification accompanies this report pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the registrant for the purposes of §18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This certification shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of this report), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
A signed original of this written statement required by §906 has been provided to the registrant and will be retained by the registrant and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.