UNITED STATES
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AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections. We may use words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “position,” “intend,” “target,” “plan,” “seek,” “believe,” “foresee,” “outlook,” “estimate” and variations of these words and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted. These risks and uncertainties include the following:
| ● | the risks and other factors described under the caption “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K; | |
| ● | our ability to efficiently manage and repay our debt obligations; | |
| ● | our future operating results; | |
| ● | our inability to raise additional financing for working capital, especially related to purchasing critical inventory; | |
| ● | our ability to generate sufficient revenue in our targeted markets to support operations | |
| ● | significant dilution resulting from our financing activities: | |
| ● | actions and initiatives taken by both current and potential competitors; | |
| ● | supply chain disruptions for components used in our products; | |
| ● | manufacturers inability to deliver components or products on time; | |
| ● | our ability to diversify our operations; | |
| ● | the fact that our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we report our financial condition and results of operations, and they may require management to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain; | |
| ● | adverse state or federal legislation or regulation that increases the costs of compliance, or adverse findings by a regulator with respect to existing operations; | |
| ● | changes in U.S. GAAP or in the legal, regulatory and legislative environments in the markets in which we operate; | |
| ● | deterioration in general or global economic, market and political conditions; | |
| ● | inability to efficiently manage our operations; | |
| ● | inability to achieve future operating results; | |
| ● | the unavailability of funds for capital expenditures; | |
| ● | our ability to recruit and hire key employees; | |
| ● | the global impact of COVID-19 on the United States economy and our operations; | |
| ● | the inability of management to effectively implement our strategies and business plans; | |
| ● | our business prospects; | |
| ● | any contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties; | |
| ● | the dependence of our future success on the general economy; | |
| ● | any possible financings; and | |
| ● | the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital. |
Because the factors referred to above could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. New factors emerge from time to time, and their emergence is impossible for us to predict. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
This Annual Report should be read completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report are made as of the date of this Annual Report and should be evaluated with consideration of any changes occurring after the date of this Annual Report. We will not update forward-looking statements even though our situation may change in the future and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Except as otherwise indicated by the context, references in this report to “Company,” “American Rebel Holdings,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “us” and “our” are references to American Rebel Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, American Rebel, Inc. All references to “USD” or United States Dollar refer to the legal currency of the United States of America.
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC. You can read these SEC filings and reports over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You can also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the operations of the public reference facilities. We will provide a copy of our annual report to security holders, including audited financial statements, at no charge upon receipt to of a written request to us at American Rebel Holdings, Inc., 718 Thompson Lane, Suite 108-199, Nashville, Tennessee 37204.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Recent Events
Reverse Stock Split
On February 7, 2022, we effectuated a reverse split of our issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock at a ratio of 1-for-80. The share numbers and pricing information in this annual report are adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.
Public Offering and Uplisting to Nasdaq
On February 9, 2022, we closed on an underwritten public offering of 2,530,121 units (the “Common Units”), at a price to the public of $4.15 per Common Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $10.5 million, prior to deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other estimated offering expenses. Each Common Unit consisted of one share of Common Stock and one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (each a “Warrant” and collectively the “Warrants”). The Common Stock and Warrants were immediately separable from the Common Units and were issued and trade separately. The Warrants are exercisable immediately, expire five years from the date of issuance and have an exercise price of $5.1875 per share.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay various outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes, including working capital, increased research and development expenditures and funding our growth strategies.
The shares of Common Stock and Warrants were approved to list on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “AREB” and “AREBW,” respectively, and began trading on February 7, 2022.
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Effective January 20, 2022, we amended and restated our articles of incorporation (the “Second Amended and Restated Articles”) through a filing with the Nevada Secretary of State.
The Second Amended and Restated Articles provide modifications to: (i) adopt a forum selection provision (Article XIII) to require that any or all internal corporate claims, including claims made in the right of the corporation, shall be brought solely and exclusively in any or all of the courts of the State of Nevada; (ii) adopt a severability provision (Article XIV); and (c) restate the Articles of Incorporation.
The Second Amended and Restated Articles were approved by written consent of holders of shares of the Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock, representing, at the time, approximately 62.35% of the outstanding voting power of the Company and by unanimous consent of our board of directors.
The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Second Amended and Restated Articles, which are filed as Exhibit 3.4 to this annual report and incorporated by reference herein.
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Amended and Restated Bylaws
On January 25, 2022, our Board of Directors, acting by unanimous written consent, approved certain amendments to our Bylaws (the “Amended and Restated Bylaws”). The Amended and Restated Bylaws became effective on February 9, 2022, upon their execution by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
As previously reported on our Schedule 14C Information Statement that was filed with the SEC on November 26, 2021, the Amended and Restated Bylaws were amended to implement, among other changes, a forum selection bylaw (the “Exclusive Forum Amendment”). The Exclusive Forum Amendment provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim for or based on a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director or officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any current or former director or officer or other employee of the Company arising pursuant to any provision of the Nevada Revised Statutes or the Company’s certificate of incorporation or Bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time), and (iv) any action asserting a claim related to or involving the Company that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, shall be the courts located in Clark County in the State of Nevada (or, if the courts in Clark County in the State of Nevada does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Nevada).
The Amended and Restated Bylaws were approved by written consent of holders of shares of the Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock, representing, at the time, approximately 62.35% of the outstanding voting power of the Company.
The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amended and Restated Bylaws, which were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2022.
New Officer and Directors
Concurrent with the public offering discussed above, on February 8, 2022, we elected two new independent board members (Michael Dean Smith and Ken Yonika) and appointed a new chief financial officer (John Garrison).
Corporate Summary
American Rebel Holdings, Inc. was incorporated on December 15, 2014, in the State of Nevada and is authorized to issue 600,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock of $0.001 par value.
The Company operates primarily as a marketer and designer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products. Additionally, the Company designs and produces branded apparel and accessories.
We believe that when it comes to their homes, consumers place a premium on their security and privacy. Our products are designed to offer our customers convenient, efficient and secure home and personal safes from a provider that they can trust. We are committed to offering products of enduring quality that allow customers to keep their valuable belongings protected and to express their patriotism and style, which is synonymous with the American Rebel brand.
Our safes and personal security products are constructed primarily of U.S.-made steel. We believe our products are designed to safely store firearms, as well as store our customers’ priceless keepsakes, family heirlooms and treasured memories, and we aim to make our products accessible at various price points for home use. We believe our products are designed for safety, quality, reliability, features and performance.
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To enhance the strength of our brand and drive product demand, we work with our sole supplier and manufacturer to emphasize product quality and mechanical development in order to improve the performance and affordability of our products while providing support to our distribution channel and consumers. We seek to sell products that offer features and benefits of higher-end safes at mid-line price ranges.
We believe that safes are becoming a ‘must-have appliance’ in a significant portion of households. We believe our current safes provide safety, security, style and peace of mind at competitive prices. We are in the process of developing an additional newly designed model safe, which is expected to be produced in the U.S. We anticipate our new model safe will offer and be equipped with technologically advanced features, such as independent bolt works operation, double-steel door-jamb framing, and a standardized geared locking mechanism.
In addition to branded safes, we offer an assortment of personal security products as well as apparel and accessories for men and women under the Company’s American Rebel brand. Our backpacks utilize what we believe is a distinctive sandwich-method concealment pocket, which we refer to as Personal Protection Pocket, to hold firearms in place securely and safely. The concealment pockets on our Freedom 2.0 Concealed Carry Jackets incorporate a silent operation opening and closing with the use of a magnetic closure.
We believe that we have the potential to continue to create a brand community presence around the core ideals and beliefs of America, in part through our Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. “Andy” Ross, who has written, recorded and performs a number of songs about the American spirit of independence. We believe our customers identify with the values expressed by our Chief Executive Officer through the “American Rebel” brand.
Through our growing network of dealers, we promote and sell our products in select regional retailers and local specialty safe, sporting goods, hunting and firearms stores, as well as online, including our website and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.com.
American Rebel is boldly positioning itself as “America’s Patriotic Brand” in a time when national spirit and American values are being rekindled and redefined. American Rebel is an advocate for the 2nd Amendment and conveys a sense of responsibility to teach and preach good common practices of gun ownership. American Rebel products keep you concealed and safe inside and outside the home. American Rebel Safes protect your firearms and valuables from children, theft, fire and natural disasters inside the home; and American Rebel Concealed Carry Products provide quick and easy access to your firearm utilizing American Rebel’s Proprietary Protection Pocket in its backpacks and apparel outside the home. The initial company product releases embrace the “concealed carry lifestyle” with a focus on concealed carry products, apparel, personal security and defense. “There’s a growing need to know how to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors or even a room full of total strangers,” says American Rebel’s CEO, Andy Ross. “That need is in the forethought of every product we design.”
The “concealed carry lifestyle” refers to a set of products and a set of ideas around the emotional decision to carry a gun everywhere you go. The American Rebel brand strategy is similar to the successful Harley-Davidson Motorcycle philosophy, referenced in this quote from Richard F. Teerlink, Harley’s chairman and former chief executive, “It’s not hardware; it is a lifestyle, an emotional attachment. That’s what we have to keep marketing to.” As an American icon, Harley has come to symbolize freedom, rugged individualism, excitement and a sense of “bad boy rebellion.” American Rebel – America’s Patriotic Brand has significant potential for branded products as a lifestyle brand. Its innovative Concealed Carry Product line and Safe line serve a large and growing market segment; but it is important to note we have product opportunities beyond Concealed Carry Products and Safes.
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American Rebel Safes
Keeping your guns in a location only appropriate trusted members of the household can access should be one of the top priorities for every responsible gun owner. Whenever a new firearm is purchased, the owner should also look for a way to store and secure it. Storing the firearm in a gun safe will prevent it from being misused by young household members, and it will also prevent it from being stolen in a burglary or damaged in a fire or natural disaster. Gun safes may seem pricy at first glance, but once the consumer is educated on their role to protect expensive firearms and other valuables such as jewelry and important documents, the price is justified.
American Rebel produces large floor safes in a variety of sizes as well as small portable keyed safes. Additional opportunities exist for the Company to develop Wall Safes and Handgun Boxes.
Reasons gun owners should own a gun safe:
| ● | If you are a gun owner and you have children, many states have a law in place that you have to have your gun locked in a safe, away from children. This will prevent your children from getting the gun and hurting themselves or someone else. | |
| ● | Some states have a law in place that you have to keep your gun locked away when it is not in use even if you don’t have children in your home. California has a law that you have to have your gun locked in a firearms safety device that is considered safe by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). When you buy a safe, you should see if it has approval from the California DOJ. | |
| ● | Many gun owners own more guns than insurance will cover. Many insurance companies only cover $3,000 worth of guns. Are your weapons worth more? If so, you should invest in a gun safe to make sure your guns are protected from fire, water, and thieves. | |
| ● | Many insurance companies may give you a discount if you own a gun safe. If you own a gun safe or you purchase one, you should see if your insurance company is one that offers a discount for this. A safe can protect your guns and possibly save you money. | |
| ● | Do people know you own guns? You might not know that many burglaries are carried out by people they know. | |
| ● | If a person you know breaks into your home, steals your gun, and murders someone you could be charged with a crime you didn’t commit, or the victim’s family could sue you. | |
| ● | Gun safes can protect your guns in the event your home goes up in flames. When buying a safe, you should see if it will protect your firearm or any other valuables from fire damage. | |
| ● | You might be the type of person that has a gun in your home for protection. A gun locked in a safe can still offer you protection. There are quick access gun safes on the market. With a quick access gun safe, you can still retrieve your gun in a few seconds, but when it isn’t needed it will be protected. |
A gun safe is the best investment a gun owner can make because the safe can protect guns from thieves, fire, water, or accidents. Bills or ballot measures to require safe storage have been discussed in Delaware, Washington, Oregon, Missouri and Virginia; and various laws are on the books in California and Massachusetts. Even a figure as staunchly pro-gun as Texas’s Republican lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, called on gun-owning parents to lock up their weapons after the Santa Fe shooting. The gun safe industry is experiencing rapid growth and innovation. American Rebel CEO Andy Ross and the rest of the American Rebel team are committed to fulfilling the opportunity in the gun safe market and filling the identified void with American Rebel Gun Safes.
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Below is a summary of the different safes we offer:
| i. | Large Safes – our current large model safe collection consists of six premium safes. All of our large safes share the same high-quality workmanship, are constructed out of 11-gauge U.S.-made steel and feature a double plate steel door, double-steel door casements and reinforced door edges. Each of these safes provide up to 75 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Our safes offer a fully adjustable interior to fit our customers’ needs. Depending on the model, one side of the interior may have shelves and the other side set up to accommodate long guns. There are optional additions such as Rifle Rod Kits and Handgun Hangers to increase the storage capacity of the safe. These large safes offer greater capacity for secure storage and protection, and our safes are designed to prevent unauthorized access, including in the event of an attempted theft, natural disaster or fire. We believe that a large, highly visible safe also acts as a deterrent to any prospective thief. | |
| ii. | Personal Safes – the safes in our compact safe collection are easy to operate and carry as they fit into briefcases, desks or under vehicle seats. These personal safes meet Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) airline firearm guidelines and fit comfortably in luggage when required by travel regulations. | |
| iii. | Vault Doors – our U.S.-made vault doors combine style with theft and fire protection for a look that fits any decor. Newly-built, higher-end homes often add vault rooms and we believe our vault doors, which we designed to facilitate secure access to such vault rooms, provide ideal solutions for the protection of valuables and shelter from either storms or intruders. Whether it’s in the context of a safe room, a shelter, or a place to consolidate valuables, our American Rebel in- and out-swinging vault doors provide maximum functionality to facilitate a secure vault room. American Rebel vault doors are constructed of 4 ½” double steel plate thickness, A36 carbon steel panels with sandwiched fire insulation, a design that provides greater rigidity, security and fire protection. Active boltworks, which is the locking mechanism that bolts the safe door closed so that it cannot be pried open and three external hinges that support the weight of the door, are some of the features of the vault door. For safety and when the door is used for a panic or safe room, a quick release lever is installed inside the door. | |
| iv. | Dispensary Safes - our HG-INV Inventory Safe, a safe tailor-made for the cannabis community, provides cannabis and horticultural plant home growers a reliable and safe solution to protect their inventory. Designed with medical marijuana or recreational cannabis dispensaries in mind and increasing governmental and insurance industry regulation to lock inventory after hours, we believe our HG-INV Inventory Safe delivers a high-level user experience. |
Upcoming Product Offerings
To further complement our diverse product offerings, we intend to introduce additional products in 2022. Below is a summary of our upcoming product offerings:
i. Biometrics Safes – we will be introducing our line of handgun boxes with biometrics, WiFi and Bluetooth technologies. These Biometric Safes have been designed, engineered and are ready for production.
ii. Personal Security Device – we are developing a non-lethal device that deters an attacker with an audible siren, which would draw attention to the attacker, as well as notifying the user’s support network that help is needed and providing the location of the attack.
iii. Wall Safes – wall safes can be easily hidden and provide “free” storage space since they are able to be tucked into the space between your wall and studs.
iv. Youth Protection Backpack – with the objective of keeping kids safe at school, we are designing the Youth Protection Backpack, which will incorporate a light-weight ballistic shield to provide protection when needed for our children as they go through their school day activities.
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Our Competitive Strengths
We believe we are progressing toward long-term, sustainable growth, and our business has, and our future success will be driven by, the following competitive strengths:
● Powerful Brand Identity – we believe we have developed a distinctive brand that sets us apart from our competitors. This has contributed significantly to the success of our business. Our brand is predicated on patriotism and quintessential American character: protecting our loved ones. We strive to equip our safes with technologically advanced features that offer customers advanced security to provide the peace of mind they need. Maintaining, protecting and enhancing the “American Rebel” brand is critical to expanding our loyal enthusiasts base, network of dealers and other partners. Through our branded apparel and accessories, we seek to further enhance our connection with the American Rebel community and share the values of patriotism and safety for which our Company stands for. We strive to continue to meet their need for our safes and our success will depend largely on our ability to maintain customer trust, become a gun safe storage leader and continue to provide high-quality safes.
● Product Design and Development – our current safe model relies on time-tested features, such as Four-Way Active Boltworks, pinning the door shut on all four sides (compared to Three-Way Bolt works, which is prevalent in many of our competitors’ safes), and benefits that would not often be available in our price point, including 11-gauge US-made steel. The sleek exterior of our safes has garnered attention and earned the moniker from our dealers as the “safe with an attitude.” When we set out to enter the safe market, we wanted to offer a safe that we would want to buy, one that would get our attention and provide excellent value for the cost.
● Focus on Product Performance - since the introduction of our first safes, we have maintained a singular focus on creating a full range of safe, quality, reliable safes that were designed to help our customers keep their family and valuables safe at all times. We incorporate advanced features into our safes that are designed to improve strength and durability. Key elements of our current model safes’ performance include:
Double Plate Steel Door - 4 ½” Thick
Reinforced Door Edge – 7/16” Thick
Double-Steel Door Casement
Steel Walls – 11-Gauge
Diameter Door Bolts – 1 ¼” Thick
Four-Way Active Boltworks – AR-50(14), AR-40(12), AR-30(10), AR-20(10), AR-15(8), AR-12(8)
Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate
* Double Plate Steel Door is formed from two U.S.-made steel plates with fire insulation sandwiched inside. Thicker steel is placed on the outside of the door while the inner steel provides additional door rigidity and attachment for the locking mechanism and bolt works. The door edge is reinforced with up to four layers of laminated steel. Pursuant to industry-standard strength tests performed, this exclusive design offers up to 16 times greater door strength and rigidity than the “thin metal bent to look thick” doors.
* Double-Steel Door Casement is formed from two or more layers of steel and is welded around the perimeter of the door opening. Pursuant to industry-standard strength tests performed, it more than quadruples the strength of the door opening and provides a more secure and pry-resistant door mounting. Our manufacturer installs a Double-Steel Door Casement™ on our safes. We believe the reinforced door casement feature provides important security as the safe door is often a target for break-in attempts.
* Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate Industrial diamond is bonded to a tungsten steel alloy hard plate. Diamond is harder than either a cobalt or carbide drill. If drilling is attempted the diamond removes the cutting edge from the drill, thus dulling the drill bit to where it will not cut.
● Trusted Brand - we believe that we have developed a trusted brand with both retailers and consumers for delivering reliable, secure safe solutions.
● Customer Satisfaction - we believe we have established a reputation for delivering high-quality safes and personal security products in a timely manner, in accordance with regulatory requirements and our retailers’ delivery requirements and supporting our products with a consistent merchandising and marketing message. We also believe that our high level of service, combined with strong consumer demand for our products and our focused distribution strategy, produces substantial customer satisfaction and loyalty. We also believe we have cultivated an emotional connection with the brand which symbolizes a lifestyle of freedom, rugged individualism, excitement and a sense of bad boy rebellion.
● Proven Management Team - our founder and Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Ross, Jr., has led the expansion and focus on the select product line we offer today. We believe that Mr. Ross had an immediate and positive impact on our brand, products, team members, and customers. Under Mr. Ross’s leadership, we believe that we have built a strong brand and strengthened the management team. We are refocusing on the profitability of our products, reinforcing the quality of safes to engage customers and drive sales. We believe our management team possesses an appropriate mix of skills, broad range of professional experience, and leadership designed to drive board performance and properly oversee the interests of the Company, including our long-term corporate strategy. Our management team also reflects a balanced approach to tenure that will allow the Board to benefit from a mix of newer members who bring fresh perspectives and seasoned directors who bring continuity and a deep understanding of our complex business.
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Our Growth Strategy
Our goal is to enhance our position as a designer, producer and marketer of premium safes and personal security products. We have established plans to grow our business by focusing on three key areas: (1) organic growth and expansion in existing markets; (2) targeted strategic acquisitions that increase our on-premise and online product offerings, distributor and retail footprint and/or have the ability to increase and improve our manufacturing capabilities and output, and (3) expanding the scope of our operation activities to the dispensaries U.S. community.
We have developed what we believe is a multi-pronged growth strategy, as described below, to help us capitalize on a sizable opportunity. Through methodical sales and marketing efforts, we believe we have implemented several key initiatives we can use to grow our business more effectively. We believe we have made significant progress in 2021 in the largest growing segment of the safe industry, sales to first-time buyers. We also intend to opportunistically pursue the strategies described below to continue our upward trajectory and enhance stockholder value. Key elements of our strategy to achieve this goal are as follows:
Organic Growth and Expansion in Existing Markets - Build our Core Business
The cornerstone of our business has historically been our safes product offering. We are focused on continuing to develop our home, office and personal safes product lines. We are investing in adding what we believe are distinctive technology solutions to our safes.
We are also working to increase floor space dedicated to our safes and strengthen our online presence in order to expand our reach to new enthusiasts and build our devoted American Rebel community. We intend to continue to endeavor to create and provide retailers and customers with what we believe are responsible, safe, reliable and stylish products, and we expect to concentrate on tailoring our supply and distribution logistics in response to the specific demands of our customers.
We are currently developing a new additional model of our home and office safes. Our new safe model, which we expect to introduce at industry trade shows in 2022, is to be built in the U.S. through our collaboration with Industrial Maintenance Incorporated (“IMI”). The new “Made in the USA” safe model is expected to be manufactured in Topeka, Kansas, and is ready to begin production. We believe IMI’s location is very advantageous, as it is located near our sales office in Lenexa, Kansas.
We expect the new planned model to include additional features, such as a reinforced door and upgraded locking mechanism, and increased fire rating, among others. We are focused on developing a best in class, compelling combination of functionality, convenience and style without compromising the performance of our safes. We intend to use our designing and developing processes to enhance technological and time to market advantages over incumbent safe manufacturers.
While we currently rely on third-party manufacturers for the production of our current line of safes, apparel and accessories, we believe that the expected addition of manufacturing capabilities following the signing of the contract with the aforementioned manufacturer, which we anticipate to work exclusively with us, would allow us, among other benefits, to ramp up our production levels to meet expected demand for our products, provide us greater autonomy over the manufacturing process, and add what we believe are distinctive features.
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Additionally, our Concealed Carry Product line and Safe line serve a large and growing market segment. We believe that interest in safes increase, as well as in our complimentary concealed carry backpacks and apparel as a byproduct, when interest of the general population in firearms increase. To this extent, the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which we believe serves as a proxy for gun sales since a background check is generally needed to purchase a firearm, reported a record number of background checks in 2020, 39,695,315. The prior annual record for background checks was 2019’s 28,369,750. In 2021, there were 38,876,673 background checks conducted, similar to that of 2020’s annual record which was 40% higher than the previous annual record in 2019. While we do not expect this increase in background checks to necessarily translate to an equivalent number of additional safes purchased, we do believe it might be an indicator of the increased demand in the safe market. In addition, certain states (such as Massachusetts, California, New York and Connecticut) are starting to legislate new storage requirements in respect of firearms, which is expected to have a positive impact on the sale of safes.
We continue to strive to strengthen our relationships and our brand awareness with our current distributors, dealers, manufacturers, specialty retailers and consumers and to attract other distributors, dealers, and retailers. We believe that the success of our efforts depends on the distinctive features, quality, and performance of our products; continued manufacturing capabilities and meeting demand for our safes; the effectiveness of our marketing and merchandising programs; and the dedicated customer support.
In addition, we seek to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by offering distinctive, high-quality products on a timely and cost-attractive basis and by offering efficient customer service. We regard the features, quality, and performance of our products as the most important components of our customer satisfaction and loyalty efforts, but we also rely on customer service and support for growing our business.
Furthermore, we intend to continue improving our business operations, including research and development, component sourcing, production processes, marketing programs, and customer support. Thus, we are continuing our efforts to enhance our production by increasing daily production quantities through equipment acquisitions, expanded shifts and process improvements, increased operational availability of our equipment, reduced equipment down times, and increased overall efficiency.
We believe that by enhancing our brand recognition, our market share might grow correspondingly. Industry sources estimate that 70 million to 80 million people in the United States own an aggregate of more than 400 million firearms, creating a large potential market for our safes and personal security products. We are focusing on the premium segment of the market through the quality, distinctiveness, and performance of our products; the effectiveness of our marketing and merchandising efforts; and the attractiveness of our competitive pricing strategies.
Targeted Strategic Acquisitions for Long-term Growth
We are consistently evaluating and considering acquisitions opportunities that fit our overall growth strategy as part of our corporate mission to accelerate long-term value for our stockholders and create integrated value chains.
Along these lines, in March of 2022 we entered into a letter of intent (“LOI”) to purchase a safe manufacturer. The final structure of the acquisition will be determined by the parties following the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice. The acquisition will be structured as an arm’s length transaction and pursuant to the terms of the LOI the parties intend to sign a definitive agreement in respect of the acquisition on or before April 30, 2022. Under the terms of the LOI, we would acquire all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the acquisition target, free and clear of all encumbrances for a combination of cash and stock. As part of the LOI, we gave the target a $250,000 non-refundable deposit, which will be credited to us at closing. Completion of the acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to the following key conditions: the target obtaining an audit of its financial statements; execution of the definitive and ancillary agreements; completion of mutually satisfactory due diligence; us obtaining sufficient financing to complete the acquisition; and receipt of all required regulatory, corporate and third-party approvals, and the fulfillment of all applicable regulatory requirements and conditions necessary to complete the acquisition.
Expanding Scope of Operations Activities by Offering Servicing Dispensaries and Brand Licensing
We continually seek to target new consumer segments for our safes. As we believe that safes are becoming a must-have household appliance, we strive to establish authenticity by selling our products to additional groups, and to expand our direct-to-consumer presence through our website and our showroom in Lenexa, Kansas.
Further, we expect the cannabis dispensary industry to be a material growth segment for our business. Several cannabis dispensary operators have expressed interest in the opportunity to help them with their inventory locking needs. Cannabis dispensaries have various insurance requirements and local ordinances requiring them to secure their inventory when the dispensary is closed. Dispensary operators have been purchasing gun safes and independently taking out the inside themselves to allow them to store cannabis inventory. Recognizing what seems to be a growing need for cannabis dispensary operators, we have designed a safe tailor-made for the cannabis industry. With the legal cannabis hyper-growth market expected to exceed $43 billion by 2025, and an increasing number of states where the growth and cultivation of cannabis is legal (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington), we believe we are well positioned to address the need of dispensaries. American Rebel has a long list of dispensary operators, growers, and processors interested in the Company’s inventory control solutions. We believe that dispensary operators, growers, and processors are another fertile new growth market for our Vault Doors products, as many in the cannabis space have chosen to install entire vault rooms instead of individual inventory control safes—the American Rebel Vault Door has been the choice for that purpose.
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Further, we believe that American Rebel has significant potential for branded products as a lifestyle brand. As the American Rebel Brand continues to grow in popularity, we anticipate generating additional revenues from licensing fees earned from third parties who wish to engage the American Rebel community. While the Company does not generate material revenues from licensing fees, our management believes the American Rebel brand name may in the future have significant licensing value to third parties that seek the American Rebel name to brand their products to market to the American Rebel target demographic. For example, a tool manufacturer that wants to pursue an alternative marketing plan for a different look and feel could license the American Rebel brand name for their line of tools and market their tools under our distinct brand. This licensee would benefit from the strong American Rebel brand with their second line of American Rebel branded tools as they would continue to sell both of the lines of tools. Conversely, American Rebel could potentially also benefit as a licensee of products. If American Rebel determines a third party has designed, engineered, and manufactured a product that would be a strong addition to the American Rebel catalog of products, American Rebel could license that product from the third-party and sell the licensed product under the American Rebel brand.
Our website address is www.americanrebel.com. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report, Form 10-K.
Description of Business
Our Company
American Rebel, America’s Patriotic Brand, operates primarily on designing and marketing branded safes and personal security and self-defense products. Additionally, the Company designs and produces branded accessories and apparel, including with concealment pockets.
We believe that when it comes to their homes, consumers place a premium on their security and privacy. Our products are designed to offer our customers convenient, efficient and secure home and personal safes from a provider that they can trust. We are committed to offering products of enduring quality that allow customers to keep their valuable belongings protected and to express their patriotism and style, which is synonymous with the American Rebel brand.
Our safes and personal security products are constructed primarily of U.S.-made steel. We believe our products are designed to safely store firearms, as well as store our customers’ priceless keepsakes, family heirlooms and treasured memories, and we aim to make our products accessible at various sizes and price points for home use. We believe our products are designed for safety, quality, reliability, features and performance.
To enhance the strength of our brand and drive product demand, we work with our sole supplier and manufacturer to emphasize product quality and mechanical development in order to improve the performance and affordability of our products while providing support to our distribution channel and consumers. We seek to sell products that offer features and benefits of higher-end safes at mid-line price ranges.
We believe that safes are becoming a ‘must-have appliance’ in a significant portion of households. We believe our current safes provide safety, security, style and peace of mind at competitive prices. We are in the process of developing an additional newly designed model safe, which is expected to be produced in the U.S. We anticipate our new model safe will offer and be equipped with technologically advanced features, such as independent boltworks operation, double-steel door-jamb framing, and a standardized geared locking mechanism.
In addition to branded safes, we offer an assortment of personal security products as well as apparel and accessories for men and women under the Company’s American Rebel brand. Our backpacks utilize what we believe is a distinctive sandwich-method concealment pocket, which we refer to as Personal Protection Pocket, to hold firearms in place securely and safely. The concealment pockets on our Freedom 2.0 Concealed Carry Jackets incorporate a silent operation opening and closing with the use of a magnetic closure.
We believe that we have the potential to continue to create a brand community presence around the core ideals and beliefs of America, in part through our Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. “Andy” Ross, who has written, recorded and performs a number of songs about the American spirit of independence. We believe our customers identify with the values expressed by our Chief Executive Officer through the “American Rebel” brand.
Through our growing network of dealers, we promote and sell our products in select regional retailers and local specialty safe, sporting goods, hunting and firearms stores, as well as online, including our website and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.com.
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Our Products
We design, market and sell branded safes and personal security products, including concealed carry/self-defense products, and design and market an apparel line and complimentary accessories. We promote and sell our products primarily through retailers using a dealer network, as well as online, through our website, and on Amazon.com, where customers can place an order for our branded backpacks and apparel items.
Safes
We offer a wide range of home, office and personal safe models, in a broad assortment of sizes, features and styles, which are constructed with U.S.-made steel. Our safes exhibit the strength and rugged independence that America was built upon. American Rebel’s design makes keeping your firearms more secure in style. Products are marketed under the American Rebel brand. Although demand for our safes is strong across all segments of our customers, including individuals and families who wish to protect their valuables, to collectors and the dispensary servicing community, the demand for safe storage responsible solutions has been particularly strong among gun owners, sportsmen, competitive shooters and hunters alike. We expect to benefit from increasing awareness of and need for safe storage of firearms in future periods.
Large Safes
Our large safe collection consists of six safes in a range of sizes. All of our large safes share the same high-quality workmanship, are constructed out of 11-gauge U.S.-made steel and feature a double plate steel door, double-steel door casements and reinforced door edges. We believe that our large safes are ideal for storing valuables of significant size, and that they offer greater capacity for storage and protection. Our safes offer a fully adjustable interior to fit our customers’ needs. Depending on the model, one side of the interior may have shelves and the other side set up to accommodate long guns. The large safes are designed to be resistant to break-ins, natural disasters and fire damage, and to prevent unauthorized access and to protect your family and their valuables. A large, highly visible safe also is believed to act as a deterrent to any prospective thief. Safe storage is also top priority of our customer base who seeks to responsibly secure their firearms. Whenever a new firearm is purchased, gun owners look for our premium solution to responsibly secure them and protect their loved ones.
Our large safes selection includes the following:
AR-50
The AR-50 is our biggest safe. The AR-50 safe is designed to be strong, rugged, constructed of 11-gauge American-made steel and maintains capacity to comfortably store over 40 firearms comfortably. This premium gun safe with a double plate steel door, double-steel door casement and reinforced door edge is designed to give our customers added security and peace of mind, with 75 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit as well as a customized shelf solution and optional additional accessories to increase the capacity to hold firearms. 72” tall, 40” wide with a depth of 28.5”.
AR-40
The AR-40 has the same footprint as the AR-50; however, it is 12” shorter with a capacity of over 30 firearms. This gun safe contains a double plate steel door, double-steel door casement and reinforced door edge, designed to give our customers secure storage. It provides 75 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit as well as a flexible shelving system to accommodate firearm storage. The dimensions include 60” tall, 40” wide with a depth of 28.5”.
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AR-30
The AR-30 offers nearly 50,000 cubic inches of storage. Built with the same strength and ruggedness as the AR-50 and AR-40 models, this safe holds over 20 firearms. This gun safe contains a double plate steel door, double-steel door casement and reinforced door edge. It is designed to give our customers the ability to store their firearms and valuables securely, with 75 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit as well as offering optional add-on accessories to increase storage capacity. The dimensions include 60” tall, 34” wide with a depth of 24.5”.
AR-20
The AR-20 shares the quality workmanship as the other sizes with a capacity for over 15 firearms. This gun safe contains a double plate steel door, double-steel door casement and reinforced door edge is designed to prevent theft and provide protection from fire, flood and accidental access, with 75 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit as well as a customized shelving solution. The dimensions include 60” tall, 28” wide with a depth of 22.5”.
AR-15
The AR-15 fits the bill for narrow spaces with room for over 10 firearms. Same quality construction as our other large safes including a double plate steel door, double-steel door casement and reinforced door edge is designed to give our customers added security and peace of mind, with 75 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit as well as a customized shelving solution. The dimensions include 60” tall, 22” wide with a depth of 22.5”.
AR-12
The AR-12 is our shortest safe. It is the perfect size to store AR rifles, handguns and personal valuables. It has a capacity of over 8 AR rifles. Same quality construction as our other large safes including a double plate steel door, double-steel door casement and reinforced door edge is designed to give our customers safe storage and peace of mind, with 75 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit as well as offering optional add-on accessories to increase storage capacity. The dimensions include 40” tall, 26” wide with a depth of 23”.
Personal safes
Our compact safes, which come in two sizes, are a responsible solution to safely secure smaller valuables or handguns. The AR-110 weighs 5 pounds and is 9.5” x 6.5” x 1.75”. The AR-120 weighs 6 pounds and is 10.5” x 7.5” x 2.1875”. These small, personal safes are easy to operate and carry as they fit into a briefcase, desk or under a vehicle seat. These personal safes meet (“TSA”) airline firearm guidelines and fit comfortably in luggage where travel regulations require it.
Vault doors
Our U.S.-made Vault Doors combine style with theft and fire protection for a look that fits any decor. Designed to offer superior protection, vault rooms provide an ideal solution for the protection of the family and any valuables. Newly-built, higher-end homes often add vault rooms and we believe our vault doors, which we designed to facilitate secure access to such vault rooms, provide ideal solutions for the protection of valuables and shelter from either storms or intruders. Whether it is a safe room, a shelter, or a place to consolidate valuables, our American Rebel In-Swinging and Out-Swinging Vault Doors provide maximum functionality to a secure vault room. American Rebel vault doors are constructed of two thick, A36 carbon steel panels with sandwiched fire insulation, a design that provides greater rigidity, security and fire protection. The active boltworks and three external hinges are some of the features of the vault door. For safety and to use the door for a panic or safe room door, a quick release lever is installed inside the door.
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Dispensaries
Our inventory control safe, the HG-INV Inventory Safe, provides cannabis dispensaries a reliable and safe solution. With wide-spread legalization, medical marijuana or recreational cannabis dispensaries face increasing government regulation and insurance requirements to lock their inventory after hours. Our HG-INV Inventory Safe delivers a higher level user experience with customized shelving and our inventory notation system. The HG-INV has been introduced to the dispensary industry through trade show appearances and many of our dealers are actively cultivating dispensary business. Expanding our marketing of the HG-INV can open new markets to American Rebel.
Personal Security
Concealed Carry Backpacks – consist of an assortment of sizes, features and styles. Our XL, Large, and Medium concealed carry backpacks feature our proprietary “Personal Protection Pocket” which utilizes a sandwich method to keep handguns secure and in the desired and easily accessible position. The sandwich method is comprised of two foam pads that surround or sandwich the firearm in place. The user can access the isolated Protection Pocket from either side of the backpack. We believe these distinctive concealed carry products are designed for everyday use while keeping your firearm concealed, safe and easily accessible.
The Extra-Large Freedom and Cartwright CCW Backpack
Our largest concealed carry backpack offers ample storage, including a dedicated top loading laptop pouch and additional tablet sleeve. Both compartments are padded to protect your devices. Two large open compartments make this backpack practical for carrying documents and folders or whatever you need to tote from one place to another. Our proprietary “Protection Pocket” allows quick and easy access to your handgun from either side. Multiple interior compartments are strategically placed to secure extra magazines and accessories. Available in the Freedom and Cartwright style as well as a variety of trim color options.
Large Freedom and Cartwright CCW Backpack
Our most popular concealed carry backpack. This backpack offers ample storage, including a dedicated top loading laptop pouch and an additional tablet sleeve. Both compartments are padded to protect your devices. The size of the main compartment opening makes this backpack practical for carrying documents, folders or whatever you need to tote from one place to another. Includes our proprietary “Protection Pocket” and is available in the Freedom and Cartwright style as well as a variety of trim color options.
Medium Freedom CCW Backpack
This medium-sized backpack is designed for those who look to be more streamlined. This backpack offers ample storage, including a dedicated top loading laptop/tablet compartment and two liquid container pouches. The laptop/tablet compartment is padded to protect your devices. The main compartment is practical for carrying documents and folders or whatever you need for everyday use. Includes our proprietary “Protection Pocket”. Available in a variety of trim color options.
Small Plus CCW Backpack
Our small one-strap concealed carry backpack is designed for use while running, jogging, biking or riding a motorcycle. Our concealment pocket contains a holster and attaches to the interior with hook and loop material. Soft fleece lined pockets for your tablet, glasses case and accessories are also included. Available in dark blue or in our signature patriotic “We The People” design.
Small Freedom CCW Backpack
This one strap pack also contains a holster and attaches to the interior with hook and loop material. There is also plenty of room for a small tablet, cell phone, chargers and other necessities. Available in a variety of trim color options.
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Apparel
We offer a wide range of concealed carry jackets, vests and coats for men and women, including our Freedom Jacket 2.0 which incorporates a significant advance in the operation of the concealment pocket. We also proudly offer patriotic apparel for the whole family, with the imprint of the American Rebel brand. Our apparel line serves as “point man” for the brand, often the first exposure that people have to all things American Rebel. Our branded apparel line is forever relevant, current and bold. We place emphasis on styling that complements our enthusiast customers’ lifestyle, representing the values of our community and quintessential American character. The American Rebel clothing line style is not only a fashion statement; it is the sense of pride of belonging to our patriotic family, on your adventures and in life. Our apparel collection consists of the following:
Cartwright Coats and Vests
Engineered for comfort, warmth, and versatility and mobility. Our Cartwright Concealed Carry Coats and Vests are designed with purpose and informed by the rugged demands of the everyday hard worker. Its quality construction and workmanship are designed to keep you warm and shielded from the elements. Left-hand and right-hand concealment pocket access provides for secure and safe concealment of your firearm with easy access on either side.
Freedom 2.0 Jackets and Vests for men and women
Our lightweight jackets collection is designed with magnetic pocket closures for silent, secure and safe concealment. Our lightweight jackets are crafted to facilitate easy firearm access for both right-handed and left-handed carriers.
American Rebel T-Shirts Collection
American Rebel’s T-shirts collection is created to liberate the spirit of an endless summer inside everyone and to embrace their patriotism
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe we are moving forward on a path to long-term, sustainable growth, and our business has, and our future success will be driven by, the following competitive strengths:
| ● | Powerful Brand Identity – we believe we have developed a strong brand that sets us apart from our competitors. We believe this is a distinguishing factor and will contribute to the future success of our business. Our brand is predicated on patriotism and quintessential American character: protecting our loved ones. We strive to equip our safes with technologically advanced features that offer customers advanced security to provide the peace of mind they need. Maintaining, protecting and enhancing the “American Rebel” brand is critical to expanding our loyal enthusiasts base, network of dealers and other partners. Through branded apparel and accessories, we seek to further develop our connection with the American Rebel community and share the values of patriotism and safety that our Company stands for. We strive to continue to meet their demand for our premium safes and will depend largely on our ability to maintain customer trust, be a gun safe storage leader and continue to provide high-quality safes, | |
| ● | Product Design and Development – our current safe model relies on what we believe are time-tested features, such as Four-Way Active Boltworks, pinning the door shut on all four sides when Three-Way Boltworks are standard in our competitors’ safes, and benefits that would not often be available in our price point, including 11-gauge US-made steel. The sleek exterior of our safes has garnered attention and earned the moniker from our dealers as the “safe with an attitude.” When we set out to enter the safe market, we wanted to offer a safe that we would want to buy, one that would get our attention and provide excellent value for the cost. |
| ● | Focus on Product Performance - since the introduction of our first safes, we have maintained a singular focus on creating a full range of safe, quality, reliable safes that were designed to help our customers keep their family and valuables safe at all times. We incorporate advanced features into our safes that are designed to improve strength and durability. Key elements of our safes’ performance include: |
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Double Plate Steel Door - 4 ½” Thick
Reinforced Door Edge – 7/16” Thick
Double-Steel Door Casement
Steel Walls – 11-Gauge
Diameter Door Bolts – 1 ¼” Thick
Four-Way Active Boltworks – AR-50(14), AR-40(12), AR-30(10), AR-20(10), AR-15(8), AR-12(8)
Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate
* Double Plate Steel Door is formed from two American-made steel plates with fire insulation sandwiched inside. Thicker steel is placed on the outside of the door while the inner steel provides additional door rigidity and attachment for the locking mechanism and bolt works. The door edge is reinforced with up to four layers of laminated steel. This exclusive design offers up to 16 times greater door strength and rigidity than the “thin metal bent to look thick” doors.
* Double-Steel Door Casement is created from two or more layers of steel welded around the perimeter of the door opening. It more than quadruples the strength of the door opening and provides a more secure and pry-resistant door mounting. Our manufacturer installs a Double-Steel Door Casement on all of its models. Most of our competitors do not offer the reinforced door casement.
* Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate - Industrial diamond is bonded to a tungsten steel alloy hard plate. Diamond is harder than either a cobalt or carbide drill. If drilling is attempted the diamond removes the cutting edge from a drill – thus dulling the drill bit to where it will not cut.
| ● | Trusted Brand - we believe that we have developed a trusted brand with both retailers and consumers for delivering reliable, secure safe solutions. | |
| ● | Customer Satisfaction - we believe we have established a reputation for delivering high-quality safes and personal security products in a timely manner, in accordance with regulatory requirements and our retailers’ delivery requirements and supporting our products with a consistent merchandising and marketing message. We also believe that our high level of service, combined with strong consumer demand for our products and our focused distribution strategy, produces substantial customer satisfaction and loyalty. We also believe we have cultivated an emotional connection with the brand which symbolizes a lifestyle of freedom, rugged individualism, excitement and a sense of bad boy rebellion. | |
| ● | Proven Management Team - our founder and Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Ross, Jr., has led the expansion and focus on the select product line we offer today. We believe that Mr. Ross had an immediate and positive impact on our brand, products, team members, and customers. Under Mr. Ross’s leadership, we believe that we have built a strong brand and strengthened the management team. We are refocusing on the profitability of our products, reinforcing the quality of safes and engaging customers and driving sales. We believe our management team possess an appropriate mix of skills, broad range of professional experience, and leadership designed to drive board performance and properly oversee the interests of the Company, including our long-term corporate strategy. Our management team also reflects a balanced approach to tenure that will allow the Board to benefit from a mix of newer directors who bring fresh perspectives and seasoned directors who bring continuity and a deep understanding of our complex business. |
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Our Growth Strategy
Our goal is to enhance our position as a designer, producer and marketer of premium safes and personal security products. We have established plans to grow our business by focusing on three key areas: (1) organic growth and expansion in existing markets; (2) targeted strategic acquisitions that increase our on-premise and online product offerings, distributor and retail footprint and/or have the ability to increase and improve our manufacturing capabilities and output, and (3) expanding the scope of our operation activities to the dispensaries U.S. community.
We have developed what we believe is a multi-pronged growth strategy, as described below, to help us capitalize on a sizable opportunity. Through methodical sales and marketing efforts, we believe we have implemented several key initiatives we can use to grow our business more effectively. We believe we have made significant progress in 2021 in the largest growing segment of the safe industry, sales to first-time buyers. We also intend to opportunistically pursue the strategies described below to continue our upward trajectory and enhance stockholder value. Key elements of our strategy to achieve this goal are as follows:
Organic Growth and Expansion in Existing Markets - Build our Core Business
The cornerstone of our business has historically been our safes product offering. We are focused on continuing to develop our home, office and personal safes product lines. We are investing in adding what we believe are distinctive technology solutions to our safes.
We are also working to increase floor space dedicated to our safes and strengthen our online presence in order to expand our reach to new enthusiasts and build our devoted American Rebel community. We intend to continue to endeavor to create and provide retailers and customers with what we believe are responsible, safe, reliable and stylish products, and we expect to concentrate on tailoring our supply and distribution logistics in response to the specific demands of our customers.
We are currently developing an additional new model of our home and office safes. Our new safe model, which we expect to introduce at industry trade shows in 2022, is to be built in the U.S. We expect the new planned model to include additional features, such as a reinforced door and upgraded locking mechanism, among others. We are focused on developing a best in class, compelling combination of functionality, convenience and style without compromising performance of our safes. We intend to use our designing and developing processes to enhance technological and time to market advantages over incumbent safe manufacturers.
While we currently rely on third-party manufacturers for the production of our current line of safes, apparel and accessories, we believe that the expected addition of manufacturing capabilities following the signing of the contract with the aforementioned US manufacturer, which we anticipate to work exclusively with us, would allow us, among other benefits, to ramp up our production levels to meet expected demand for our products, provide us greater autonomy over the manufacturing process, and add what we believe are distinctive features.
Additionally, our Concealed Carry Product line and Safe line serve a large and growing market segment. We believe that interest in safes increase, as well as in our complimentary concealed carry backpacks and apparel as a byproduct, when interest of the general population in firearms increase. To this extent, the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which we believe serves as a proxy for gun sales since a background check is generally needed to purchase a firearm, reported a record number of background checks in 2020, 39,695,315. The prior annual record for background checks was 2019’s 28,369,750. In 2021, there were 38,876,673 background checks conducted, similar to that of 2020’s annual record which was 40% higher than the previous annual record in 2019. While we do not expect this increase in background checks to necessarily translate to an equivalent number of additional safes purchased, we do believe it might be an indicator of the increased demand in the safe market. In addition, certain states (such as Massachusetts, California, New York and Connecticut) are starting to legislate new storage requirements in respect of firearms, which is expected to have positive impact on the sale of safes.
We continue to strive to strengthen our relationships with our current distributors, dealers, manufacturers and specialty retailers and to attract other distributors, dealers, and retailers. We believe that the success of our efforts depends on the distinctive features, quality, and performance of our products; continued manufacturing capabilities and meeting demand for our safes; the effectiveness of our marketing and merchandising programs; and the dedicated customer support.
In addition, we seek to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by offering distinctive, high-quality products on a timely and cost-attractive basis and by offering efficient customer service. We regard the features, quality, and performance of our products as the most important components of our customer satisfaction and loyalty efforts, but we also rely on customer service and support.
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Furthermore, we intend to continue improving our business operations, including research and development, component sourcing, production processes, marketing programs, and customer support. Thus, we are continuing our efforts to enhance our production by increasing daily production quantities through equipment acquisitions, expanded shifts and process improvements, increased operational availability of our equipment, reduced equipment down times, and increased overall efficiency.
We believe that by enhancing our brand recognition, our market share might grow correspondingly. Industry sources estimate that 70 million to 80 million people in the United States own an aggregate of more than 400 million firearms, creating a large potential market for our safes and personal security products. We are focusing on the premium segment of the market through the quality, distinctiveness, and performance of our products; the effectiveness of our marketing and merchandising efforts; and the attractiveness of our competitive pricing strategies.
Targeted Strategic Corporate Reorganization for Long-term Growth
We are consistently evaluating and considering acquisitions opportunities, such as the acquisition LOI described above, that fit our overall growth strategy as part of our overall mission to accelerate long-term value for our stockholders and create integrated value chains.
Expanding Scope of Operations Activities Servicing Dispensaries and Brand Licensing
We continually seek to target new consumer segments for our safes. As we believe that safes are becoming a must-have household appliance, we strive to establish authenticity by selling our products to additional groups, and to expand our direct-to-consumer presence through our website and our showroom in Lenexa, Kansas.
Further, we expect the cannabis dispensary industry to be a material growth segment for our business. Several cannabis dispensary operators have expressed interest in the opportunity to help them with their inventory locking needs. Cannabis dispensaries have various insurance requirements and local ordinances requiring them to secure their inventory when the dispensary is closed. Dispensary operators have been purchasing gun safes and independently taking out the inside themselves to allow them to store cannabis inventory. Recognizing what seems to be a growing need for cannabis dispensary operators, we have designed a safe tailor-made for the cannabis industry. With the legal cannabis hyper-growth market expected to exceed $43 billion by 2025, and an increasing number of states where the growth and cultivation of cannabis is legal (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington), we believe we are well positioned to address the need of dispensaries. American Rebel has a long list of dispensary operators, growers, and processors interested in the Company’s inventory control solutions. We believe that dispensary operators, growers, and processors are another fertile new growth market for our Vault Doors products, as many in the cannabis space have chosen to install entire vault rooms instead of individual inventory control safes—the American Rebel Vault Door has been the choice for that purpose.
Further, we believe that American Rebel has significant potential for branded products as a lifestyle brand. As the American Rebel Brand continues to grow in popularity, we anticipate to generate additional revenue from licensing fees earned from third parties who wish to engage the American Rebel community. While the Company does not generate material revenues from licensing fees, our management believes the American Rebel brand name may in the future have significant licensing value to third parties that seek the American Rebel name to brand their products to market to the American Rebel target demographic. For example, a tool manufacturer that wants to pursue an alternative marketing plan for a different look and feel could license the American Rebel brand name for their line of tools and market their tools under our distinct brand. This licensee would benefit from the strong American Rebel brand with their second line of American Rebel branded tools as they would continue to sell both the line of tools under their brand and the line under the American Rebel brand. Conversely, American Rebel could potentially also benefit as a licensee of products. If American Rebel determines a third party has designed, engineered, and manufactured a product that would be a strong addition to the American Rebel catalog of products, American Rebel could license that product from the third-party and sell the licensed product under the American Rebel brand.
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Competition
The North American safe industry is dominated by a small number of companies. We compete primarily on the quality, safety, reliability, features, performance, brand awareness, and price of our products. Our primary competitors include companies such as Liberty Safe, Fort Knox Security Products, American Security, Sturdy Safe Company, Homeland Security Safes, SentrySafe and Champion Safe (who is also our OEM manufacturer) as well as certain other domestic manufacturers, as well as certain China-based manufactured safes. Safes manufactured in China, including Steelwater and Alpha-Guardian, have struggled under the import tariffs initiated under the administration of former U.S President Donald Trump and continued by the current administration. We believe that given the current substantial uncertainty related to the supply chain and delivery of international goods, we have a competitive advantage because our safes are not manufactured overseas.
Intellectual Property
Our commercial success depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our brand and technology, defend and enforce our intellectual property rights, preserve the confidentiality of our trade secrets, operate our business without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property or proprietary rights of third parties and prevent third parties from infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating our intellectual property rights. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States to protect our proprietary technology. We also rely on a number of United States registered, pending and common law trademarks to protect our brand “American Rebel”.
On May 29, 2018, US Patent No. 9,984,552, Firearm Detecting Luggage, was issued to us. The term of the patent is 20 years from the issuance date. In addition to our patent, we rely upon unpatented trade secrets and know-how and continuing technological development and maintain our competitive position. Trade secrets and know-how, however, can be difficult to protect. We seek to protect our proprietary information, in part, by entering into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements with our employees and independent contractors.
Regulation
The storage of firearms and ammunition is subject to increasing federal, state and local governmental laws. While the current legislative climate does not appear to seek to limit possession of firearms, there is apparent momentum to require safe storage of firearms and ammunition. Although our safes, which are the primary driver of our sales and revenues, are designed to protect any valuables, a significant number of our safes’ end users have traditionally been gun enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen and competitive shooters. Therefore, we expect the increasing federal, state and local governmental regulation of gun storage to have a materially positive effect on our business.
Our Customers
We primarily market and sell our products to safe-only specialty stores and independent gun stores nationwide. We also sell our products online to individuals desiring home, personal and office protection, as well as to recreational shooters and hunters. Our customers choose us for a number of reasons, including the breadth and availability of the products we offer, our extensive expertise, and the quality of our customer service.
We believe the nature of our solutions and our high-touch customer service model strengthens relationships, builds loyalty and drives repeat business as our customers’ businesses expand. In addition, we feel as if our premium product lines and comprehensive product portfolio position us well to meet our customers’ needs. Furthermore, we fully anticipate that we will be able to leverage all of the data that we are collecting from our existing customer base to make continuous improvements to our offerings and better serve our current and new customers in the future.
We intend to expand our distribution to sporting goods stores, farm and home stores, other independent retailers as well as our online customer base upon securing additional funding and setting up our first manufacturing facility.
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Suppliers
We are dependent on the continued supply and manufacturing of our safes, backpacks and apparel at third-party facilities locations, which are critical to our success. Any event that causes a disruption of the operation of these facilities for even a relatively short period of time would adversely affect our ability to ship and deliver our safes and other products and to provide service to our customers. We have previously experienced, including during the first months after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and may in the future experience, launch and production ramp up delays for our products as a result of disruption at our suppliers manufacturing partners. Additionally, we have to date fully qualified only a very limited number of such suppliers and have limited flexibility in changing suppliers. Any disruption in the supply of our branded safes from our suppliers could limit our sales. In the long term, we intend to supplement safes manufactured by our suppliers with safes manufactured by us, which we believe will be more efficient and result in a greater manufacturing volume and under our control. Our efforts to develop and manufacture such safes, however, have required and may require significant investments, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve these targets in the timeframes that we have planned or at all. If we are unable to do so, we may have to curtail our planned safes or procure additional safes from different suppliers at potentially greater costs, either of which may harm our business and operating results.
Furthermore, the cost of safes, whether manufactured by our suppliers or by us, depends in part upon the prices and availability of raw manufacturing materials such as steel, locks, fireboard, hinges, pins and other metals. The prices for these materials fluctuate and their available supply may be unstable, depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials, including as a result of increased global production of electric vehicles and energy storage products. Any reduced availability of these materials may impact our access to these parts and any increases in their prices may reduce our profitability if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased safe prices. Moreover, any such attempts to increase product prices may harm our brand, prospects and operating results.
We currently rely on third-party suppliers to ship our products to our customers. We have found that dedicated truckloads from our warehouse to our dealers reduce freight damage and provide the overall best shipping solution. Several companies offer dedicated truckload shipping. Increased sales will offer the opportunity to establish regional distribution centers.
Sales and Marketing
We market our products to consumers through independent safe specialty stores, select national and regional retailers, local specialty firearms stores, as well as via e-commerce. We maintain consumer-focused product marketing and promotional campaigns, which include print and digital advertising campaigns; social and electronic media; product demonstrations; point-of-sales materials; in-store training; and in-store retail merchandising. Our use of social media includes Facebook, and YouTube.
Marketing Team Aligned with Sales Force to Maximize Our Industry Visibility to Drive Revenue
Our Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Ross, is familiar to many in the industry due to his twelve years on television as the host of Maximum Archery and later American Rebel, that was broadcast on The Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and the Pursuit Channel. Our Marketing and Sales teams have established American Rebel as a brand that our customers want and a brand that they are proud to embrace and bring into their homes.
Direct Marketing
In light of the expertise required to deliver and install safes that weigh 500-1000 pounds, direct marketing is utilized to create awareness and provide information. Our website, AmericanRebel.com, has proven to be a very valuable tool in introducing potential customers to our products. Infomercials and direct-to-consumer campaigns are vehicles to expand our reach at the appropriate time. Currently the demand from our current customers and future customer pool of independent safe specialty stores is high. As the Company grows and seeks out new customers to expand its customer base, direct marketing will be an asset for American Rebel. Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Ross, was basically making infomercials to promote his Ross Archery products when he was filming Maximum Archery during the mid-2000s.
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Social Media and Thought Leadership
A portion of marketing dollars will be directed to social media. American Rebel and Chief Executive Officer Charles A. Ross have large followings on social media and a dedicated social media campaign will efficiently reach large numbers of potential customers and brand adopters. We will leverage our social media assets to cross-promote locally with independent safe specialty store customers to pull out product through the sales channel. Driving demand and awareness of our products to our customers will expand their loyalty to American Rebel and increase each stores’ commitment to our brand.
Trade Shows
Trade shows have been an important medium to introducing our brand and our products. The NRA Annual Meeting, a consumer trade show, is a valuable opportunity to meet and greet our final customers. When we launched our Concealed Carry line of products at the NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA, in the Spring of 2017, the response from the meeting attendees was overwhelming. We immediately knew the product line resonated with consumers. Similarly, when we introduced our line of safes at the 2019 NRA Annual Meeting in the Spring of 2019, we knew we were on to something significant. The USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) has an annual Concealed Carry and Home Defense Expo. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet, greet and sell product to our final customers, the buying public. The Iowa Deer Classic and Illinois Deer Classic are carryovers from our Chief Executive Officer Charles A. Ross’ hosting duties on Maximum Archery, but we have found that many potential safe buyers attend these shows.
Two industry-only trade shows we attend are the SHOT Show and Nation’s Best Sports (NBS) Spring and Fall Buying Markets. The SHOT Show is very high profile show that most movers and shakers in the firearms industry attend. Operated by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the SHOT Show is the first trade show of the calendar year and is a great opportunity to introduce the year’s new products. NBS operates buying group shows where retailers who are members of NBS attend the Spring and Fall Market Buying shows to place orders. NBS provides an excellent base of customers for us to introduce our products to.
Paid Advertising
We will occasionally purchase paid print advertising to support editorial and events. The American Shooting Journal has been very supportive of our business has featured an interview with our Chief Executive Officer in one of past issues of the magazine.
Effects of COVID-19
Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and Related Market Impact. The COVID-19 outbreak has presented evolving risks and developments domestically and internationally, as well as new opportunities for our business. Although the pandemic has not materially impacted our results and operations adversely, our ability to satisfy demand for our products could be negatively impacted by mandatory forced production disruptions of our safes’ sole third-party manufacturer and strategic partners. Any significant disruption to communications and travel, including travel restrictions and other potential protective quarantine measures against COVID-19 by governmental agencies, could make it difficult for us to deliver goods and services to our customers. Further, travel restrictions and protective measures against COVID-19 could cause the Company to incur additional unexpected labor costs and expenses or could restrain the Company’s ability to retain the highly skilled personnel the Company needs for its operations. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company’s business, sales and results of operations will depend on future developments, which are uncertain and cannot be currently predicted.
Additionally, as a result of COVID-19, at any time we may be subject to increased operating costs, supply interruptions, and difficulties in obtaining raw materials and components. To address these challenges, we continue to monitor our supply chain. We have recently entered into a contract with a third-party manufacturer to exclusively assemble our upcoming additional new line of safes. We believe that this vertical integration would allow us, among other benefits, to ramp up our production levels to meet expected demand for our products, provide us greater autonomy over the manufacturing process, and add what we believe are distinctive features to our safes.
We expect that the demand for home, office and personal safety and security products would remain stable, in part due to customers spending more time working remotely, increasing regulation mandating safe storage, and substantial uncertainty related to the supply chain and delivery of international goods, which in turn translate into, we believe, growth in demand for our home and personal safes as a U.S. company. We, however, cannot guarantee, that demand for our safes and personal security products will keep growing through the end of the 2022 calendar year and beyond.
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Further, due to the effects of COVID-19, our management have reduced unnecessary marketing expenditures as part of continued efforts to adjust the Company’s operations to address changes in the safes and vault industry, and particularly to improve staff and human capital expenditures, while maintaining overall workforce levels.
Due to the substantial uncertainty related to the effects of the pandemic, its duration and the related market impacts, including the economic stimulus activity, we are unable to predict the specific impact the pandemic and related restrictions (including the lifting or re-imposing of restrictions due to any current or future variants of the COVID-19 virus or otherwise) will have on our results of operations, liquidity or long-term financial results.
Legal Proceedings
There are no proceedings to which any director or officer, or any associate of any such director or officer, is a party that is adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries. No director or executive officer has been a director or executive officer of any business which has filed a bankruptcy petition or had a bankruptcy petition filed against it during the past ten years. No current director or executive officer has been convicted of a criminal offense or is the subject of a pending criminal proceeding during the past ten years. No current director or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment or decree of any court permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities during the past ten years. No current director or officer has been found by a court to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law during the past ten years.
From time to time, however, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business.
Corporate History
The Company was incorporated on December 15, 2014, under the laws of the State of Nevada, as CubeScape, Inc. Effective January 5, 2017, the Company amended its articles of incorporation and changed its name to American Rebel Holdings, Inc. The Company completed a business combination with its majority stockholder, American Rebel, Inc. on June 19, 2017. As a result, American Rebel, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
The following risk factors should be considered in connection with an evaluation of our business:
In addition to other information in this Report, the following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating our business because such factors may have a significant impact on our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. As a result of the risk factors set forth below, actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impact our business, result of operations, liquidity and financial condition. If any such risks occur, our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition could be materially affected in an adverse manner. Under such circumstances, if and when a trading market for our securities is established, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
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OUR SECURITIES INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND, THEREFORE, SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EXTREMELY SPECULATIVE. THEY SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED BY PERSONS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE POSSIBILITY OF THE LOSS OF THE ENTIRE INVESTMENT.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
We currently do not own a manufacturing facility, and rely on a sole manufacturer and supplier for the production of our safes; while we have obtained favorable financing arrangements in the past from this manufacturer and supplier, there is no assurance that a future supplier would provide similar favorable financing arrangements
We currently rely on a sole manufacturer and supplier for the production of our safes. We do not have control over the operations of the facilities of the third-party manufacturer that we use. While we may acquire our own manufacturing facility in the future, or acquire our sole manufacturer, to provide us greater flexibility and control over our products manufacturing needs, the operation of such a future plant might prove unsuccessful and fail.
The manufacturer of our safes has extended favorable financing arrangements in the past, but there is no assurance that a future supplier would provide similar favorable financing arrangements. Therefore, the continued supply and manufacturing of our sales by our sole manufacturer and supplier are critical to our success. Any event that causes a disruption of the operation of our safes’ sole manufacturer for even a relatively short period of time would adversely affect our ability to ship and deliver our safes and other products and to provide service to our customers. We have previously experienced, including during the first months after the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, and may in the future experience, launch and production ramp up delays for our products as a result of disruption at our supplier’s manufacturing partners.
Additionally, we have fully qualified only a very limited number of suppliers in the past and have limited flexibility in changing suppliers. Any disruption in the supply of our branded safes from our supplier could limit the availability of our sales and negatively impact our revenues. In the long term, we intend to supplement safes manufactured by our supplier with safes manufactured by us, which we believe will be more efficient and result in a greater manufacturing volume and under our control. Our efforts to develop and manufacture such safes, however, have required and may require significant investments, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve these targets in the timeframes that we have planned or at all. If we are unable to do so, we may have to curtail our planned safes or procure additional safes from suppliers at potentially greater costs, either of which may harm our business and operating results.
Furthermore, the cost of safes, whether manufactured by our supplier or by us, depends in part upon the prices and availability of raw manufacturing materials such as steel, locks, fireboard, hinges, pins and other metals. The prices for these materials fluctuate and their available supply may be unstable, depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials, including as a result of increased global production of electric vehicles and energy storage products. Any reduced availability of these materials may impact our access to these parts and any increases in their prices may reduce our profitability if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased safe prices. Moreover, any such attempts to increase product prices may harm our brand, prospects and operating results.
We have secured an exclusivity contract with a third-party manufacturer to assemble our new line of safes. We believe that this vertical integration would allow us, among other benefits, to ramp up our production levels to meet expected demand for our products, provide us greater autonomy over the manufacturing process
Our success depends upon our ability to introduce new products that track customer preferences.
Our success depends upon our ability to introduce new products that track consumer preferences. Our efforts to introduce new products into the market may not be successful, and new products that we introduce may not result in customer or market acceptance. We develop new products that we believe will match consumer preferences. The development of a new product is a lengthy and costly process and may not result in the development of a marketable or profitable product. Failure to develop new products that are attractive to consumers could decrease our sales, operating margins, and market share and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
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Our business depends on maintaining and strengthening our brand, as well as our reputation as a producer of high-quality goods, to maintain and generate ongoing demand for our products, and any harm to our brand could result in a significant reduction in such demand which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
The “American Rebel” name and brand image are integral to the growth of our business, as well as to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our business. Our success depends on the value and reputation of our brand, which, in turn, depends on factors such as the quality, design, performance, functionality and durability of our products, e-commerce sales and retail partner floor spaces, our communication activities, including advertising, social media and public relations, and our management of the customer experience, including direct interfaces through customer service. Maintaining, promoting, and positioning our brand are important to expanding our customer base and will depend largely on the success of our marketing and merchandising efforts and our ability to provide consistent, high-quality consumer experiences. To sustain long-term growth, we must continue to successfully promote our products to consumers, as well as other individuals, who value and identify with our brand.
Ineffective marketing, negative publicity, product diversion to unauthorized distribution channels, product or manufacturing defects, and those and other factors could rapidly and severely diminish customer confidence in us. Maintaining and enhancing our brand image are important to expanding our customer base. If we are unable to maintain or enhance our brand in current or new markets, or if we fail to continue to successfully market and sell our products to our existing customers or expand our customer base, our growth strategy and results of operations could be harmed.
Additionally, independent third parties and consumers often review our products as well as those of our competitors. Perceptions of our offerings in the marketplace may be significantly influenced by these reviews, which are disseminated via various media, including the Internet. If reviews of our products are negative, or less positive as compared to those of our competitors, our brand may be adversely affected and our results of operations materially harmed.
As a significant portion of our revenues is derived by demand for our safes and personal security products for firearms storage purposes, we depend on the availability and regulation of firearm/ammunition storage, as well as various economic, social and political factors.
Our performance is influenced by a variety of economic, social, and political factors. General economic conditions and consumer spending patterns can negatively impact our operating results. Economic uncertainty, unfavorable employment levels, declines in consumer confidence, increases in consumer debt levels, increased commodity prices, and other economic factors may affect consumer spending on discretionary items and adversely affect the demand for our products. In times of economic uncertainty, consumers tend to defer expenditures for discretionary items, which affects demand for our products. Any substantial deterioration in general economic conditions that diminish consumer confidence or discretionary income could reduce our sales and adversely affect our operating results. Economic conditions also affect governmental political and budgetary policies. As a result, economic conditions also can have an effect on the sale of our products to law enforcement, government, and military customers.
Political and other factors also can affect our performance. Concerns about presidential, congressional, and state elections and legislature and policy shifts resulting from those elections can affect the demand for our products. As most of our revenue is generated from sales of safes, which are purchased in large numbers for firearms storage, speculation surrounding control of firearms, firearm products, and ammunition at the federal, state, and local level and heightened fears of terrorism and crime can affect consumer demand for our products. Often, such concerns result in an increase in near-term consumer demand and subsequent softening of demand when such concerns subside. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may negatively impact operating results and cash flow.
Federal and state legislatures frequently consider legislation relating to the regulation of firearms, including amendment or repeal of existing legislation. Existing laws may also be affected by future judicial rulings and interpretations firearm products, ammunition, and safe gun storage. If such restrictive changes to legislation develop, we could find it difficult, expensive, or even impossible to comply with them, impeding new product development and distribution of existing products.
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Shortages of components and materials, as well as supply chain disruptions, may delay or reduce our sales and increase our costs, thereby harming our results of operations.
The inability to obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials and components, including those necessary for the production of our products could result in reduced or delayed sales or lost orders. Any delay in or loss of sales or orders could adversely impact our operating results. Many of the materials used in the production of our products are available only from a limited number of suppliers. We do not have long-term supply contracts with any suppliers. As a result, we could be subject to increased costs, supply interruptions, and difficulties in obtaining raw materials and components.
Our reliance on third-party suppliers for various raw materials and components for our products exposes us to volatility in the availability, quality, and price of these raw materials and components. Our orders with certain of our suppliers may represent a very small portion of their total orders. As a result, they may not give priority to our business, leading to potential delays in or cancellation of our orders. A disruption in deliveries from our third-party suppliers, capacity constraints, production disruptions, price increases, or decreased availability of raw materials or commodities could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet our commitments to customers or increase our operating costs. Quality issues experienced by third party suppliers can also adversely affect the quality and effectiveness of our products and result in liability and reputational harm.
We do not have long-term purchase commitments from our customers, and their ability to cancel, reduce, or delay orders could reduce our revenue and increase our costs.
Our customers do not provide us with firm, long-term volume purchase commitments, but instead issue purchase orders for our products as needed. As a result, customers can cancel purchase orders or reduce or delay orders at any time. The cancellation, delay, or reduction of customer purchase orders could result in reduced sales, excess inventory, unabsorbed overhead, and reduced income from operations.
We often schedule internal production levels and place orders for products with third party manufacturers before receiving firm orders from our customers. Therefore, if we fail to accurately forecast customer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of products to deliver to our customers. Factors that could affect our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products include the following:
| ● | an increase or decrease in consumer demand for our products or for the products of our competitors; | |
| ● | our failure to accurately forecast consumer acceptance of new products; | |
| ● | new product introductions by us or our competitors; | |
| ● | changes in our relationships within our distribution channels; | |
| ● | changes in general market conditions or other factors, which may result in cancellations of orders or a reduction or increase in the rate of reorders placed by retailers; | |
| ● | changes in laws and regulations governing the activities for which we sell products, such as hunting and shooting sports; and | |
| ● | changes in laws and regulations regarding the possession and sale of medical or recreational controlled- substances. |
Inventory levels in excess of consumer demand may result in inventory write-downs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. If we underestimate demand for our products, our suppliers may not be able to react quickly enough to meet consumer demand, resulting in delays in the shipment of products and lost revenue, and damage to our reputation and customer and consumer relationships. We may not be able to manage inventory levels successfully to meet future order and reorder requirements.
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We face intense competition that could result in our losing or failing to gain market share and suffering reduced sales.
We operate in intensely competitive markets that are characterized by price erosion and competition from major domestic and international companies. Competition in the markets in which we operate is based on a number of factors, including price, quality, performance, reliability, styling, product features, and warranties, and sales and marketing programs. This intense competition could result in pricing pressures, lower sales, reduced margins, and lower market share.
Our competitors include nationwide safe manufacturers and various smaller manufacturers and importers. Most of our competitors have greater market recognition, larger customer bases, and substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution, and other resources than we possess and that afford them competitive advantages. As a result, they may be able to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of products, to invest more funds in intellectual property and product development, to negotiate lower prices for raw materials and components, to deliver competitive products at lower prices, and to introduce new products and respond to consumer requirements more quickly than we can.
Our competitors could introduce products with superior features at lower prices than our products and could also bundle existing or new products with other more established products to compete with us. Certain of our competitors may be willing to reduce prices and accept lower profit margins to compete with us. Our competitors could also gain market share by acquiring or forming strategic alliances with other competitors.
Finally, we may face additional sources of competition in the future because new distribution methods offered by the Internet and electronic commerce have removed many of the barriers to entry historically faced by start-up companies. Retailers also demand that suppliers reduce their prices on products, which could lead to lower margins. Any of the foregoing effects could cause our sales to decline, which would harm our financial position and results of operations.
Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, both within and outside our control. These factors include the following:
| ● | our success in developing, producing, marketing, and successfully selling new products; | |
| ● | our ability to efficiently manage our operations; | |
| ● | our ability to implement our strategies and business plans; | |
| ● | our ability to achieve future operating results; | |
| ● | our ability to address the needs of our consumer customers; | |
| ● | the pricing, quality, performance, and reliability of our products; | |
| ● | the quality of our customer service; | |
| ● | the efficiency of our production; and | |
| ● | product or technology introductions by our competitors. |
Because we believe technological and functional distinctions among competing products in our markets are perceived by many end-user consumers to be relatively modest, effectiveness in marketing and manufacturing are particularly important competitive factors in our business.
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We have a limited operating history on which you can evaluate our company.
We have a limited operating history on which you can evaluate our company. The corporate entity has existed since 2014 and started engaging in its current primary business operations in April 2019. As a result, our business will be subject to many of the problems, expenses, delays, and risks inherent in the establishment of a relatively new business enterprise.
We have a limited operating history upon which an evaluation of our business plan or performance and prospects can be made. Our business and prospects must be considered in the light of the potential problems, delays, uncertainties and complications encountered in connection with a newly established business and creating a new line of products. The risks include, in part, the possibility that we will not be able to develop functional and scalable products, or that although functional and scalable, our products and will not be economical to market; that our competitors hold proprietary rights that preclude us from marketing such products; that our competitors market a superior or equivalent product; that our competitors have such a significant advantage in brand recognition that our products will not be considered by potential customers; that we are not able to upgrade and enhance our technologies and products to accommodate new features as the market evolves; or the failure to receive necessary regulatory clearances for our products. To successfully introduce and market our products at a profit, we must establish brand name recognition and competitive advantages for our products. There are no assurances that we can successfully address these challenges. If it is unsuccessful, we and our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
The current and future expense levels are based largely on estimates of planned operations and future revenues. It is difficult to accurately forecast future revenues because our business is relatively new, and our market is rapidly developing. If our forecasts prove incorrect, the business, operating results and our financial condition will be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, we may be unable to adjust our spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unanticipated reduction in revenue. As a result, any significant reduction in revenues would immediately and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are highly dependent on Charles A. Ross, our Chief Executive Officer. The loss of our Chief Executive Officer, whose knowledge, leadership and industry reputational upon which we rely, could harm our ability to execute our business plan.
We are highly dependent on Charles A. Ross, our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of our Board of Directors and largest stockholder. Our success depends heavily upon the continued contributions of Mr. Ross, whose leadership, industry reputation entrepreneurial background and creative marketing skills may be difficult to replace at this stage in our business development, and on our ability to attract and retain similarly positioned prominent leaders. If we were to lose the services of our Chief Executive Officer, our ability to execute our business plan may be harmed and we may be forced to limit operations until such time as we could hire suitable replacements.
We cannot predict when we will achieve profitability.
We have not been profitable and cannot predict when or if we will achieve profitability. We have experienced net losses since our inception in December 2014.
We cannot predict when we will achieve profitability, if ever. Our inability to become profitable may force us to curtail or temporarily discontinue our research and development programs and our day-to-day operations. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that profitability, if achieved, can be sustained on an ongoing basis. As of December 31, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of $26,969,657.
We have limited financial resources. Our independent registered auditors’ report includes an explanatory paragraph stating that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
As a result of our deficiency in working capital at December 31, 2021 and other factors, our auditors have included a paragraph in their audit report regarding substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our plans in this regard are to increase product sales, increase production, obtain inventory financing, seek strategic alternatives and to seek additional capital through future equity private placements or debt facilities. In February of 2022, we completed a public offering for $10.5 million, which will allow us to operate through fiscal 2022.
We have recorded net losses since inception and have significant accumulated deficits. We have relied upon loans and equity financings for operating capital. Total revenues will be insufficient to pay off existing debt and fund operations. We may be required to rely on further debt financing, further loans from related parties, and private placements of our common and preferred stock for our additional cash needs. Such funding sources may not be available, or the terms of such funding sources may not be acceptable to the Company.
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American Rebel has limited financial resources. There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern if we are unable to raise additional funds.
We expect to require additional funds to further develop our business plan, including the anticipated launch of new products, in addition to continuing to market our safes and concealed carry product line. Since it is impossible to predict with certainty the timing and amount of funds required to establish profitability, we anticipate that we will need to raise additional funds through equity or debt offerings or otherwise in order to meet our expected future liquidity requirements. Any such financing that we undertake may be dilutive to existing stockholders. Along these lines, in February of 2022, we completed a public offering for $10.5 million, which will allow us to operate through fiscal 2022.
The sales of our safes are dependent in large part on the sales of firearms.
We market safes and other personal security products for sale to a wide variety of consumers. Although our customer base is large and diverse, and our products serve our customers’ different needs, our products have been particularly popular among collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, and gun enthusiasts. The sale of safe firearms storage and security components is influenced by the sale and usage of firearms. Sales of firearms are influenced by a variety of economic, social, and political factors, which may result in volatile sales.
Our financial results may be affected by tariffs or border adjustment taxes or other import restrictions.
Our current backpack and apparel suppliers have facilities both in China and Mexico and the imposition of tariffs or border adjustment taxes may affect our financial results. The current political climate is hostile to companies manufacturing goods outside of the US. At the current manufacturing levels, it is impractical to seek manufacturing facilities in the United States as US manufacturers are unable to meet or even approach the cost of manufacturing small quantities of custom-made goods. We are in the process of locating an alternative supplier which will have the capacity to produce commercial volumes of our backpacks and apparel to meet our expected demands. However, we have not yet located a suitable supplier and, even if we are able to do so, there is no guarantee that our manufacturing process will scale to produce our products in quantities sufficient to meet demand.
An inability to expand our e-commerce business and sales organization to effectively address existing and new markets that we intend to target could reduce our future growth and impact our business and operating results.
Consumers are increasingly purchasing products online. We operate a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store to maintain an online presence with our end users. The future success of our online operations depends on our ability to use our marketing resources to communicate with existing and potential customers. We face competitive pressure to offer promotional discounts, which could impact our gross margin and increase our marketing expenses. We are limited, however, in our ability to fully respond to competitor price discounting because we cannot market our products at prices that may produce adverse relationships with our customers that operate brick and mortar locations as they may perceive themselves to be at a disadvantage based on lower e-commerce pricing to end consumers. There is no assurance that we will be able to successfully expand our e-commerce business to respond to shifting consumer traffic patterns and direct-to-consumer buying trends.
In addition, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer operations are subject to numerous risks, including implementing and maintaining appropriate technology to support business strategies; reliance on third-party computer hardware/software and service providers; data breaches; violations of state, federal or international laws, including those relating to firearms and ammunition sales; online privacy; credit card fraud; telecommunication failures; electronic break-ins and similar disruptions; and disruption of Internet service. Our inability to adequately respond to these risks and uncertainties or to successfully maintain and expand our direct-to-consumer business may have an adverse impact on our business and operating results.
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We sell products that create exposure to potential product liability, warranty liability, or personal injury claims and litigation.
Our products are used to store, in part, items that involve risk of personal injury and death. Our products expose us to potential product liability, warranty liability, and personal injury claims and litigation relating to the use or misuse of our products, including allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product or activities associated with the product, negligence, and strict liability. If successful, any such claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Defects in our products may result in a loss of sales, recall expenses, delay in market acceptance, and damage to our reputation and increased warranty costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Although we maintain product liability insurance in amounts that we believe are reasonable, we may not be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms, if at all, in the future and product liability claims may exceed the amount of insurance coverage. In addition, our reputation may be adversely affected by such claims, whether or not successful, including potential negative publicity about our products.
Despite the Company’s indebtedness levels, we are able to incur substantially more debt. This could further increase the risks associated with its leverage.
We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, although certain terms of current debt agreements prohibit us from doing so. To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness, the risks associated with its substantial indebtedness describe above, including its possible inability to service its debt, will increase.
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At this stage of our business operations, even with our good faith efforts, investors in our company may lose some or all of their investment.
Because the nature of our business is expected to change as a result of shifts in the industries in which we operate, competition, and the development of new and improved technology, management forecasts are not necessarily indicative of future operations and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Further, we have raised substantial debt and equity to fund our business operations, which to date have generated insufficient revenue to support our working capital needs.
While management believes its estimates of projected occurrences and events are within the timetable of its business plan, our actual results may differ substantially from those that are currently anticipated. If our revenues do not increase to a level to support our working capital needs, we will be forced to seek equity capital to fund our operations and repay our substantial debt balances, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
Product defects could adversely affect the results of our operations.
The design, manufacture and marketing of our products involve certain inherent risks. Manufacturing or design defects, unanticipated use of our products, or inadequate disclosure of risks relating to the use of our products can lead to injury or other adverse events. The Company may not properly anticipate customer applications of our products and our products may fail to survive such unanticipated customer use. If the Company’s products fail to adequately perform to meet the customer’s expectations, the customer may demand refunds or replacements which will negatively affect the Company’s profitability.
We could be exposed to significant liability claims if we are unable to obtain insurance at acceptable costs and adequate levels or otherwise protect ourselves against potential product liability claims.
Our products support the use and access to firearms and if our products are ineffective, we could require protection against potential product liability claims.
We will not be profitable unless we can demonstrate that our products can be manufactured at low prices.
To date, we have manufactured our products in limited volume. As the Company creates demand for its products, our projections require the benefit of volume discounts as we increase the size of our order. We can offer no assurance that either we or our manufacturing partners will develop efficient, automated, low-cost manufacturing capabilities and processes to meet the quality, price, engineering, design and production standards or production volumes required to successfully mass market our products. Even if we or our manufacturing partners are successful in developing such manufacturing capability and processes, we do not know whether we or they will be timely in meeting our product commercialization schedule or the production and delivery requirements of potential customers. A failure to develop such manufacturing processes and capabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Our profitability in part is dependent on material and other manufacturing costs. We are unable to offer any assurance that either we or a manufacturing partner will be able to reduce costs to a level that will allow production of a competitive product or that any product produced using lower cost materials and manufacturing processes will not suffer from a reduction in performance, reliability and longevity.
War, terrorism, other acts of violence or natural or manmade disasters such as a pandemic, epidemic, outbreak of an infectious disease or other public health crisis may affect the markets in which the Company operates, the Company’s customers, the Company’s delivery of products and customer service, and could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Our business and supply chain may be adversely affected by instability, disruption or destruction in a geographic region in which it operates, regardless of cause, including war, terrorism, riot, civil insurrection or social unrest, and natural or manmade disasters, including famine, food, fire, earthquake, storm or pandemic events and spread of disease (including the outbreak of COVID-19).
Such events may cause customers to suspend their decisions on using the Company’s products and services, make it impossible to access some of our inventory, and give rise to sudden significant changes in regional and global economic conditions and cycles that could interfere with purchases of goods or services and commitments to develop new products and services. These events also pose significant risks to the Company’s personnel and to physical facilities, transportation and operations, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s financial results.
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Any significant disruption to communications and travel, including travel restrictions and other potential protective quarantine measures against COVID-19 or other public health crisis by governmental agencies, could make it difficult for the Company to deliver goods services to its customers. War, riots, or other disasters may increase the need for our products and demand by government and military may make it difficult for use to provide products to customers. Further, travel restrictions and protective measures against COVID-19 could cause the Company to incur additional unexpected labor costs and expenses or could restrain the Company’s ability to retain the highly skilled personnel the Company needs for its operations. Due to the substantial uncertainty related to the effects of the pandemic, its duration and the related market impacts, including the economic stimulus activity, we are unable to predict the specific impact the pandemic and related restrictions (including the lifting or re-imposing of restrictions due to the Omicron variant or otherwise) will have on our results of operations, liquidity or long-term financial results.
We believe COVID-19 has not yet had a materially adverse effect on our operational results, but could at any time and without notice in the foreseeable future. As a result of COVID-19, at any time we may be subject to increased operating costs, supply interruptions, and difficulties in obtaining raw materials and components. COVID-19 has resulted in restrictions, postponements and cancelations of meetings, conferences, trade shows and the impact, extent and duration of the government-imposed restrictions on travel and public gatherings as well as the overall effect of the COVID-19 virus is currently unknown.
The costs of being a public company could result in us being unable to continue as a going concern.
As a public company, we are required to comply with numerous financial reporting and legal requirements, including those pertaining to audits and internal control. The costs of maintaining public company reporting requirements could be significant and may preclude us from seeking financing or equity investment on terms acceptable to us and our stockholders. We estimate these costs to be in excess of $100,000 per year and may be higher if our business volume or business activity increases significantly. Our current estimate of costs does not include the necessary expenses associated with compliance, documentation and specific reporting requirements of Section 404 as we will not be subject to the full reporting requirements of Section 404 until we exceed $700 million in public float market capitalization.
If our revenues are insufficient or non-existent, or we cannot satisfy many of these costs through the issuance of shares or debt, we may be unable to satisfy these costs in the normal course of business. This would certainly result in our being unable to continue as a going concern.
Any acquisitions that we potentially undertake will involve significant risks, and any acquisitions that we undertake in the future could disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value, and harm our operating results.
Part of our growth strategy is to expand our operations through strategic acquisitions to enhance existing products and offer new products, enter new markets and businesses, strengthen and avoid interruption from our supply chain, and enhance our position in current markets and businesses. Acquisitions involve significant risks and uncertainties. We cannot accurately predict the timing, size, and success of any future acquisitions. We may be unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates or to complete the acquisitions of candidates that we identify. Increased competition for acquisition candidates or increased asking prices by acquisition candidates may increase purchase prices for acquisitions to levels beyond our financial capability or to levels that would not result in the returns required by our acquisition criteria. Unforeseen expenses, difficulties, and delays frequently encountered in connection with expansion through acquisitions could inhibit our growth and negatively impact our operating results.
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Our ability to complete acquisitions that we desire to make will depend upon various factors, including the following:
| ● | the availability of suitable acquisition candidates at attractive purchase prices; | |
| ● | the ability to compete effectively for available acquisition opportunities; | |
| ● | the availability of cash resources, borrowing capacity, or stock at favorable price levels to provide required purchase prices in acquisitions; | |
| ● | the ability of management to devote sufficient attention to acquisition efforts; and | |
| ● | the ability to obtain any requisite governmental or other approvals. |
We may have little or no experience with certain acquired businesses, which could involve significantly different supply chains, production techniques, customers, and competitive factors than our current business. This lack of experience would require us to rely to a great extent on the management teams of these acquired businesses. These acquisitions also could require us to make significant investments in systems, equipment, facilities, and personnel in anticipation of growth. These costs could be essential to implement our growth strategy in supporting our expanded activities and resulting corporate structure changes. We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as we expand into these new markets within the time frames we expect, if at all. If we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as we expand into these new markets, or do not achieve them within the time frames we expect, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Unforeseen expenses, difficulties, and delays frequently encountered in connection with future acquisitions could inhibit our growth and negatively impact our profitability. Any future acquisitions may not meet our strategic objectives or perform as anticipated. In addition, the size, timing, and success of any future acquisitions may cause substantial fluctuations in our operating results from quarter to quarter. These interim fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
If we finance any future acquisitions in whole or in part through the issuance of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Stock, existing stockholders will experience dilution in the voting power of their Common Stock and earnings per share could be negatively impacted. The extent to which we will be able or willing to use our Common Stock for acquisitions will depend on the market price of our Common Stock from time-to-time and the willingness of potential acquisition candidates to accept our Common Stock as full or partial consideration for the sale of their businesses. Our inability to use our Common Stock as consideration, to generate cash from operations, or to obtain additional funding through debt or equity financings to pursue an acquisition could limit our growth.
We may not be able to successfully fund future acquisitions of new businesses due to the lack of availability of debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, which could impede the implementation of our acquisition strategy and materially adversely impact our financial condition, business and results of operations.
In order to make future acquisitions, we intend to raise capital primarily through debt financing, additional equity offerings, the sale of stock or assets of our businesses, and by offering equity in the businesses to the sellers of target businesses or by undertaking a combination of any of the above. Since the timing and size of acquisitions cannot be readily predicted, we may need to be able to obtain funding on short notice to benefit fully from attractive acquisition opportunities. Such funding may not be available on acceptable terms. In addition, the level of our indebtedness may impact our ability to borrow funds on acceptable terms. Another source of capital for us may be the sale of additional shares of Common Stock, subject to market conditions and investor demand for the shares at prices that we consider to be in the interests of our stockholders. These risks may materially adversely affect our ability to pursue our acquisition strategy successfully and materially adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR LEGAL AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Failure to comply with applicable laws and changing legal and regulatory requirements could harm our business and financial results.
Our policies and procedures are reasonably designed to comply with applicable laws, accounting and reporting requirements, tax rules and other regulations and requirements, including those imposed by the SEC, and foreign countries, as well as applicable trade, labor, safety, environmental, labeling and gun safety related laws, such as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act as well as state laws. The complexity of the regulatory environment in which we operate and the related cost of compliance are both increasing due to additional or changing legal and regulatory requirements, our ongoing expansion into new markets and new channels, and the fact that foreign laws occasionally conflict with domestic laws. In addition to potential damage to our reputation and brand, failure by us or our business partners to comply with the various applicable laws and regulations, as well as changes in laws and regulations or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied, may result in litigation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, increased cost of regulatory compliance and restatements of our financial statements and have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we had net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, for federal and state income tax purposes of $26,969,657 and $20,870,713, respectively, which begins to expire in 2034. Net operating loss carryforwards are available to reduce future taxable income. The federal net operating losses generated before 2018 will begin to expire in 2032. The federal net operating losses generated in and after 2018 may be carried forward indefinitely. The expiration of state NOL carryforwards vary by state and begin to expire in 2024. It is possible that we will not generate taxable income in time to use NOLs before their expiration, or at all. Under Section 382 and Section 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change NOLs and other tax attributes to offset its post-change income may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” will occur if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by “5 percent stockholders” that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. Our ability to use NOLs and other tax attributes to reduce future taxable income and liabilities may be subject to annual limitations as a result of prior ownership changes and ownership changes that may occur in the future (which may be outside our control).
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or the Tax Act, as amended by the CARES Act, NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, are subject to an 80% of taxable income limitation (as calculated before taking the NOLs into account) for tax years beginning after December 31, 2020. In addition, NOLs arising in tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020 are subject to a five-year carryback and indefinite carryforward, while NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2020, also are subject to indefinite carryforward but cannot be carried back. Our NOLs may also be subject to limitations in other jurisdictions. For example, California recently enacted legislation suspending the use of NOLs for taxable years 2020, 2021, and 2022 for many taxpayers. In future years, if and when a net deferred tax asset is recognized related to our NOLs, the changes in the carryforward/carryback periods as well as the new limitation on use of NOLs may significantly impact our valuation allowance assessments for NOLs generated after December 31, 2017.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, we may lose a competitive advantage or incur substantial litigation costs to protect our rights.
Our future success depends upon our proprietary technology. Our protective measures, including patent and trade secret protection, may prove inadequate to protect our proprietary rights. The right to stop others from misusing our trademarks, service marks, and patents in commerce depends to some extent on our ability to show evidence of enforcement of our rights against such misuse in commerce. Our efforts to stop improper use, if insufficient, may lead to loss of trademark and service mark rights, brand loyalty, and notoriety among our customers and prospective customers. The scope of any patent that we have or may obtain may not prevent others from developing and selling competing products. The validity and breadth of claims covered in technology patents involve complex legal and factual questions, and the resolution of such claims may be highly uncertain, and expensive. In addition, our patents may be held invalid upon challenge, or others may claim rights in or ownership of our patents. Company owned trademarks are listed under the heading Intellectual Property on page 20.
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We are subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 15(d) and 12(g) of the Exchange Act that require us to incur audit fees and legal fees in connection with the preparation of such reports. These additional costs could reduce or eliminate our ability to earn a profit.
We are required to file periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. In order to comply with these requirements, our independent registered public accounting firm will have to review our financial statements on a quarterly basis and audit our financial statements on an annual basis. Moreover, our legal counsel will have to review and assist in the preparation of such reports. The costs charged by these professionals for such services cannot be accurately predicted at this time because factors such as the number and type of transactions that we engage in, and the complexity of our reports cannot be determined at this time and will affect the amount of time to be spent by our auditors and attorneys. However, the incurrence of such costs will obviously be an expense to our operations and thus have a negative effect on our ability to meet our overhead requirements and earn a profit.
However, for as long as we remain a smaller reporting company as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, reduced financial statement disclosure in registration statements, which must include two years of audited financial statements, reduced financial statement disclosure in annual reports on Form 10-K, and exemptions from the auditor attestation of management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer a smaller reporting company.
If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our Common Stock, if a market ever develops, could drop significantly.
Our internal controls may be inadequate, which could cause our financial reporting to be unreliable and lead to misinformation being disseminated to the public.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. As defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the principal executive and principal financial officer and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel, 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:
| ● | pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; | |
| ● | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and/or directors of the Company; and | |
| ● | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
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Our internal controls may be inadequate or ineffective, which could cause financial reporting to be unreliable and lead to misinformation being disseminated to the public. Furthermore, our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we report our financial condition and results of operations, and they may require our management to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Investors relying upon this misinformation may make an uninformed investment decision.
Failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could cause us to face regulatory action and also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, either of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.
However, our auditors will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until we are no longer a smaller reporting company.
RISKS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES
Stockholders’ voting power and ownership interest may be diluted significantly through our efforts to obtain financing and satisfy obligations through issuance of additional shares.
Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to issue up to 600,000,000 shares of Common Stock and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which we have designated 100,000 shares as Series A – Super Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) (which were issued to two members of our current management, Messrs. Charles A. Ross, Jr. and Doug E. Grau, and have superior voting rights of 1,000 to 1 over shares of our Common Stock, resulting in nearly 96% of the available stockholder votes). While the Certificate of Designation is named “Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”, the Company’s Existing Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into shares of Common Stock of the Company or redeemable by either the Company or another person. The power of the Board of Directors to issue shares of Common Stock, preferred stock or warrants or options to purchase shares of Common Stock or preferred stock is generally not subject to stockholder approval, except for issuances of more than 20% of the company’s outstanding Common Stock or voting power.
While we just completed a capital raise utilizing a financial institution, we may attempt to raise additional capital by returning to the market to sell shares, possibly at a deep discount. These actions may result in dilution of the ownership interests and voting power of existing stockholders, further dilute Common Stock book value, and may delay, defer or prevent a change of control.
Additionally, series of preferred stock may carry the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of Common Stock, superior voting or conversion rights and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our Common Stock.
Our board of directors has the authority, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with terms that may not be beneficial to Common Stockholders and with the ability to affect adversely stockholder voting power and perpetuate their control over us.
Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation allow us to issue shares of preferred stock without any vote or further action by our stockholders. Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. As a result, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of Common Stock and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our Common Stock.
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Our Common Stock may be affected by limited trading volume and our share price may be volatile, which could adversely impact the value of our Common Stock.
There can be no assurance that an active trading market in our Common Stock will be maintained. Our Common Stock is likely to experience significant price and volume fluctuations in the future, which could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock without regard to our operating performance and the market price of our Common Stock may drop below the price paid by investors. In addition, we believe that factors such as our operating results, quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and changes in the overall economy or the condition of the financial markets, including as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could cause the price of our Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations may also cause short sellers to periodically enter the market in the belief that we will have poor results in the future. We cannot predict the actions of market participants and, therefore, can offer no assurances that the market for our Common Stock will be stable or appreciate over time.
Warrants are speculative in nature.
The Warrants included in our February 2022 public offering do not confer any rights of Common Stock ownership on their holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of our Common Stock at a fixed price for a limited period of time. Specifically, commencing on the date of issuance, holders of the Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the Common Stock and pay an exercise price of per share, prior to five years from the date of issuance, after which date any unexercised Warrants will expire and have no further value. Until holders of the Warrants acquire Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants, the holders will have no rights with respect to the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. Upon exercise of the Warrants, the holder will be entitled to exercise the rights of a Stockholder as to the security exercised only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise. Moreover, the market value of the Warrants is uncertain and there can be no assurance that the market value of the Warrants will equal or exceed their public offering price. There can be no assurance that the market price of the Common Stock will ever equal or exceed the exercise price of the Warrants, and consequently, whether it will ever be profitable for holders of the Warrants to exercise the Warrants.
Provisions of the Warrants sold in our February 2022 public offering could discourage an acquisition of us by a third party.
In addition to the discussion of the provisions of our governing organizational documents, certain provisions of the Warrants offered in our February 2022 public offering could make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire us. The Warrants prohibit us from engaging in certain transactions constituting “fundamental transactions” unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the Warrants. These and other provisions of the Warrants could prevent or deter a third party from acquiring us even where the acquisition could be beneficial to our stockholders.
Our executive officers and directors, and their affiliated entities, own a significant percentage of our stock and will be able to exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval.
Our executive officers and directors beneficially own approximately 12% of our Common Stock. In addition, as referenced above, we issued 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to two members of our current management, Messrs. Charles A. Ross, Jr. and Doug E. Grau, which have superior voting rights of 1,000 to 1 over shares of our Common Stock, resulting in nearly 96% of the available stockholder votes. While the Certificate of Designation is named “Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”, the Company’s Existing Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into shares of Common Stock of the Company or redeemable by either the Company or another person.
Accordingly, these stockholders may, as a practical matter, continue to be able to control the election of a majority of our directors and the determination of all corporate actions after this offering. This concentration of ownership could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company.
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We do not anticipate that we will pay dividends on our Common Stock and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our Common Stock.
We have never paid cash dividends on our Common Stock. We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our Common Stock at any time in the foreseeable future. The future payment of dividends directly depends upon our future earnings, capital requirements, financial requirements and other factors that our Board of Directors will consider. Since we do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our Common Stock, return on your investment, if any, will depend solely on an increase, if any, in the market value of our Common Stock.
RISKS RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY
The industry in which we operate is competitive, price sensitive and subject to risks of governmental regulations or laws. If our competitors are better able to develop and market products that are more effective, less costly, easier to use, or are otherwise more attractive, we may be unable to compete effectively with other companies.
The safe and personal security industry is characterized by intense competition. We will face competition on the basis of product features, reliability, price, apparent value, and other factors. Competitors may include large safe makers and other companies, some of which have significantly greater financial and marketing resources than we do, and firms that are more specialized than we are with respect to particular markets. Our competition may respond more quickly to new or emerging styles, undertake more extensive marketing campaigns, have greater financial, marketing and other resources than ours or may be more successful in attracting potential customers, employees and strategic partners.
Our industry could experience greater scrutiny and regulation by governmental authorities, which may lead to greater governmental regulation in the future.
The rapidly growing interest in new concealed carry products that this rapidly growing market may attract the attention of government regulators and legislators. The current trend in legislation is to roll back or minimize access to firearms restrictions, but there can be no assurance that this trend will continue.
RISKS RELATED TO THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY
Federal regulation and enforcement may adversely affect the implementation of medical controlled substance laws and regulations may negatively impact our revenues and profits.
Currently, many states plus the District of Columbia have laws or regulations that recognize, in one form or another, legitimate medical uses for cannabis and consumer use of cannabis in connection with medical treatment. Many other states are considering similar legislation. Conversely, under the Controlled Substance Act (the “CSA”), the policies and regulations of the Federal government and its agencies are that cannabis has no medical benefit and a range of activities including cultivation and the personal use of cannabis is prohibited. Unless and until Congress amends the CSA with respect to medical marijuana, as to the timing or scope of any such potential amendments there can be no assurance, there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. Active enforcement of the current federal regulatory position on cannabis may thus indirectly and adversely affect our revenues and profits. The risk of strict enforcement of the CSA in light of Congressional activity, judicial holdings, and stated federal policy remains uncertain.
The DOJ has not historically devoted resources to prosecuting individuals whose conduct is limited to possession of small amounts of marijuana for use on private property but has relied on state and local law enforcement to address marijuana activity. In the event the DOJ reverses its stated policy and begins strict enforcement of the CSA in states that have laws legalizing medical marijuana and recreational marijuana in small amounts, there may be a direct and adverse impact to our business and our revenue and profits. Furthermore, H.R. 83, enacted by Congress on December 16, 2014, provides that none of the funds made available to the DOJ pursuant to the 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act may be used to prevent certain states, including Nevada and California, from implementing their own laws that authorized the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.
Variations in state and local regulation and enforcement in states that have legalized medical controlled substance that may restrict marijuana-related activities, including activities related to medical cannabis and Biotech complex work on cannabis, may negatively impact our revenues and profits.
Individual state laws do not always conform to the federal standard or to other states laws. A number of states have decriminalized marijuana to varying degrees, other states have created exemptions specifically for medical cannabis, and several have both decriminalization and medical laws. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia and Guam have legalized the recreational use of cannabis. Variations exist among states that have legalized, decriminalized, or created medical marijuana exemptions. For example, Alaska and Colorado have limits on the number of marijuana plants that can be homegrown. In most states, the cultivation of marijuana for personal use continues to be prohibited except for those states that allow small-scale cultivation by the individual in possession of medical marijuana needing care or that person’s caregiver. Active enforcement of state laws that prohibit personal cultivation of marijuana may indirectly and adversely affect our business and our revenue and profits.
It is possible that federal or state legislation could be enacted in the future that would prohibit us or potential customers from using our products, and if such legislation were enacted, our revenues could decline, leading to a loss in your investment.
We are not aware of any federal or state regulation that regulates the sale of indoor cultivation equipment to medical or recreational marijuana growers. The extent to which the regulation of drug paraphernalia under the CSA is applicable to the sale of our dispensaries is found in the definition of “drug paraphernalia.” Drug paraphernalia means any equipment, product, or material of any kind that is primarily intended or designed for use in manufacturing, compounding, converting, concealing, producing processing, preparing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance, possession of which is unlawful.
Marijuana remains illegal under federal law
Cannabis is illegal under U.S. federal law. In those states in which the use of cannabis has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal law pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811). The Controlled Substances Act classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, and as such, medical and adult use cannabis use is illegal under U.S. federal law. Unless and until Congress amends the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis (and the President approves such amendment), there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current federal law. Since federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis pre-empts state laws that legalize its use, enforcement of federal law regarding cannabis is a significant risk and would likely result in our inability to precede with our business plans, especially in respect of expanding the reach of our dispensaries sale.
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We are indirectly engaged in the medical and adult use cannabis industry in the United States where local state law permits such activities. The legality of the production, cultivation, extraction, distribution, retail sales, transportation and use of cannabis differs among states in the United States. Due to the current regulatory environment in the United States, new risks may emerge, and management may not be able to predict all such risks.
As of September 2021, there were 36 states, plus the District of Columbia (and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands), that have laws and/or regulations that recognize, in one form or another, legitimate medical uses for cannabis and consumer use of cannabis in connection with medical treatment. In addition, Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for adult use.
Due to the conflicting views between state legislatures and the federal government regarding cannabis, cannabis businesses are subject to inconsistent laws and regulations. There can be no assurance that the federal government will not enforce federal laws relating to cannabis and seek to prosecute cases involving cannabis businesses that are otherwise compliant with state laws in the future. While we are not subject to these laws, the uncertainty of U.S. federal enforcement practices going forward and the inconsistency between U.S. federal and state laws and regulations present risks for our dispensary safes business, including incurring substantial costs associated with compliance or altering certain aspects of our business plan.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company maintains its warehouse and shipping operations at 3800 S Ross Lane, Chanute, Kansas 66720; but utilizes 718 Thompson Lane, Suite 108-199, Nashville, TN 37204 as its primary address. The Company also operates a sales office at 8460 Nieman Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66214. The lease agreement at 3800 S Ross Lane, Chanute, Kansas 66720, is in the name of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. The lease agreement at 8460 Nieman Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66214 is in the name of the wholly owned subsidiary American Rebel, Inc. American Rebel, Inc. maintains 718 Thompson Lane, Suite 108-199, Nashville, TN address. The Company believes these facilities are adequate for its needs, including providing the space and infrastructure to accommodate its development work based on current operating plans. In the future, the Company may lease or license additional facilities for manufacturing, corporate offices and other functions. The Company believes that suitable additional facilities will be available on commercially reasonable terms to accommodate the foreseeable expansion of its operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm business.
We are not currently a party in any legal proceeding or governmental regulatory proceeding nor are we currently aware of any pending or potential legal proceeding or governmental regulatory proceeding proposed to be initiated against us that would have a material adverse effect on us or our business.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Reverse Stock Split
On February 7, 2022, we effectuated a reverse split of our issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock at a ratio of 1-for-80. The share numbers and pricing information in this annual report are adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.
Public Offering and Uplisting to Nasdaq
On February 9, 2022, we closed on an underwritten public offering of 2,530,121 units (the “Common Units”), at a price to the public of $4.15 per Common Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $10.5 million, prior to deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other estimated offering expenses. Each Common Unit consisted of one share of Common Stock and one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (each a “Warrant” and collectively the “Warrants”). The Common Stock and Warrants were immediately separable from the Common Units and were issued and trade separately. The Warrants are exercisable immediately, expire five years from the date of issuance and have an exercise price of $5.1875 per share.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay various outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes, including working capital, increased research and development expenditures and funding our growth strategies.
The shares of Common Stock and Warrants were approved to list on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “AREB” and “AREBW,” respectively, and began trading on February 7, 2022.
Market for our Common Stock
Our Common Stock was quoted on the OTC:QB Market under the symbol “AREB” until our uplisting to NASDAQ on February 7, 2022. Our Common Stock traded infrequently on the OTC, which limits our ability to locate accurate high and low bid prices for each quarter during the last two fiscal years. Therefore, the following table lists the available quotations for the high and low closing prices for fiscal 2020 and 2021 obtained through various investing websites. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, markdown, or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||||||
| 1st Quarter | $ | 9.12 | $ | 3.29 | $ | 22.80 | $ | 9.60 | ||||||||
| 2nd Quarter | $ | 9.60 | $ | 4.00 | $ | 12.00 | $ | 7.20 | ||||||||
| 3rd Quarter | $ | 9.44 | $ | 3.88 | $ | 9.84 | $ | 4.00 | ||||||||
| 4th Quarter | $ | 7.42 | $ | 3.02 | $ | 9.60 | $ | 4.00 | ||||||||
On March 18, 2022, the closing price of shares of Common Stock of the Company was $1.45.
Stockholders of Record
As of March 18, 2022, an aggregate of 4,741,321 shares of our Common Stock were issued and outstanding and owned by 132 stockholders of record.
Dividends
We have not since December 15, 2014 (date of inception) declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock and currently do not anticipate paying such cash dividends. We currently anticipate that we will retain all of our future earnings for use in the development and expansion of our business and for general corporate purposes. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, tax laws and other factors as the board, in its discretion, deems relevant.
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Preferred Stock
Our Board is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Nevada law, to issue preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time-to-time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders. Our Board can also increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares then outstanding) the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our Board may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our Common Stock or other series of preferred stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible financings, acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control of our company and might adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Common Stock.
Series A Preferred Stock
No Maturity, Sinking Fund or Mandatory Redemption
The Series A Preferred Stock (the “Existing Series A Preferred Stock”) has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. Shares of the Existing Series A Preferred Stock will remain outstanding indefinitely unless we decide to redeem or otherwise repurchase them.
Dividend Rights
Holders of shares of the Existing Series A Preferred Stock are not entitled to receive any dividends.
Voting Rights
Holders of the Existing Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of our Common Stock on an as-converted basis. Each Existing Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to cast one thousand (1,000) votes for each share held of the Existing Series A Preferred stock.
Conversion Rights
While the Certificate of Designation is named “Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”, the Company’s Existing Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into shares of Common Stock of the Company or redeemable by either the Company or another person.
Series B Preferred Stock
No Maturity, Sinking Fund or Pre-Determined Mandatory Redemption
The Series B (the “Existing Series B Preferred Stock”) has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or pre-determined mandatory redemption. Shares of the Existing Series B Preferred Stock will remain outstanding indefinitely unless we decide to redeem or otherwise repurchase them, or the holders decide to convert them.
Dividend Rights
Holders of shares of the Existing Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to receive any dividends.
Voting Rights
Holders of the Existing Series B Preferred Stock shall not have any voting rights, except in the case of voting on a change in the preferences of the Existing Series B Preferred Stock shares.
Conversion Rights
Each holder of the Existing Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding shares of Existing Series B Preferred Stock held by such holder into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of our Common Stock Each share of the Existing Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into our Common Stock at the conversion rate of 1 share of Existing Series B Preferred Stock to 2.5 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our Common Stock. Should the Company issue a redemption notice the conversion shall occur on or prior to the fifth (5th) day prior to the redemption date, as may have been fixed in any redemption notice with respect to the Existing Series B Preferred Stock shares, at the office of the Company or any transfer agent for such stock.
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Liquidation Preference
The Existing Series B Preferred Stock has senior liquidation preference rights compared to the Common Stock. Upon a liquidation, the Existing Series B Preferred Stock shares are entitled to receive cash based upon a stated value per share of $7.00.
Fractional Shares
No fractional shares of our Common Stock will be issued upon any conversion of the Existing Series B Preferred Stock. If the conversion would result in the issuance of a fraction of a share of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion will be rounded up to the nearest whole share.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
On January 1, 2021, our board of directors approved the establishment of the 2021 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). The LTIP is intended to enable us to continue to attract able directors, employees, and consultants and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities rest for successful administration and management of the Company, and whose present and potential contributions are of importance, can acquire and maintain Common Stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for our welfare. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock (including shares underlying options) that may be issued under the LTIP pursuant to awards of Restricted Shares or Options will be limited to 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, which calculation shall be made on the first trading day of each new fiscal year. For fiscal year 2021, up to 94,372 shares of Common Stock are available for participants under the LTIP. The number of shares of Common Stock that are the subject of awards under the LTIP which are forfeited or terminated, are settled in cash in lieu of shares of Common Stock or in a manner such that all or some of the shares covered by an award are not issued to a participant or are exchanged for awards that do not involve shares will again immediately become available to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the LTIP. If shares of Common Stock are withheld from payment of an award to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the award, those shares of Common Stock will be treated as shares that have been issued under the LTIP and will not again be available for issuance under the LTIP. In March of 2021, we authorized the grant and issuance of 53,625 shares of Common Stock under the LTIP and in August of 2021, we authorized the grant and issuance of 40,747 shares of Common Stock.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On October 25, 2021, the Company issued 13,393 shares of Common Stock and 13,393 three-year warrants to purchase Common Stock for $8.00 for an investment of $75,000 by an accredited investor.
On October 29, 2021, the Company issued 14,750 shares of Common Stock as an interest payment on an outstanding note.
On October 29, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued 6,250 shares of Common Stock to a legal consultant of the Company for services.
On October 29, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued 6,250 shares of Common Stock to a financial consultant of the Company for services.
On December 2, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued 6,250 shares of Common Stock to a consultant of the Company for services.
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued 44,125 shares of Common Stock as an interest payment on an outstanding note.
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued 18,878 shares of Common Stock to convert three outstanding notes to equity.
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued 23,705 shares of Common Stock as a conversion of Series B Preferred stock.
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued 1,250 shares of Common Stock in return for services.
Subsequent Issuances after Year-End
On February 3, 2022, multiple Series B Convertible Preferred stockholders converted 201,358 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to 251,698 shares of Common Stock of the Company.
On February 3, 2022, the Company converted two outstanding notes into 186,067 shares of Common Stock of the Company.
All of the above-described issuances were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) and/or Regulation D of the Securities Act as transactions not involving a public offering. With respect to each transaction listed above, no general solicitation was made by either the Company or any person acting on its behalf. All such securities issued pursuant to such exemptions are restricted securities as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) promulgated under the Securities Act, appropriate legends have been placed on the documents evidencing the securities, and may not be offered or sold absent registration or pursuant to an exemption there from.
Repurchase of Equity Securities
We have no plans, programs or other arrangements in regards to repurchases of our Common Stock. Further, we did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2021.
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ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Item 7 contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Additional risks of which we are not currently aware or which we currently deem immaterial could also cause our actual results to differ, including those discussed in the sections entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Financial Statements”). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting policies in the United States (“GAAP”). Except as otherwise disclosed, all dollar figures included therein and in the following management discussion and analysis are quoted in United States dollars.
The following discussion of the Company’s financial condition and the results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and footnotes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Report.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company notes that in addition to the description of historical facts contained herein, this report contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as detailed herein and from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and elsewhere. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those, described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others: (a) the Company’s fluctuations in sales and operating results; (b) risks associated with international operations; (c) regulatory, competitive and contractual risks; (d) development risks; (e) the ability to achieve strategic initiatives, including but not limited to the ability to achieve sales growth across the business segments through a combination of enhanced sales force, new products, and customer service; and (f) pending litigation.
Operations
On June 9, 2016, a change in control occurred, a sixty percent (60%) ownership interest was obtained by American Rebel, Inc. from our former officer and director and founder. On June 17, 2017, the Company acquired the business of its control stockholder accounted for and presented financially as a reverse merger transaction. Our majority stockholder, American Rebel, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and we distributed shares to the stockholders of American Rebel, Inc. As a result of this reverse merger, the reported operating history of the Company is now the operating history of American Rebel, Inc. Financial statements of both companies are now consolidated and all material intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.
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Recent Developments
On February 9, 2022, we closed on an underwritten public offering of 2,530,121 units (the “Common Units”), at a price to the public of $4.15 per Common Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $10.5 million, prior to deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other estimated offering expenses. Each Common Unit consisted of one share of Common Stock and one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (each a “Warrant” and collectively the “Warrants”). The Common Stock and Warrants were immediately separable from the Common Units and were issued and trade separately. The Warrants are exercisable immediately, expire five years from the date of issuance and have an exercise price of $5.1875 per share.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay various outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes, including working capital, increased research and development expenditures and funding our growth strategies.
Description of Business
Company Overview
American Rebel is boldly positioning itself as America’s Patriotic Brand. The Company has identified the market opportunity to design, manufacture, and market innovative concealed carry products and safes. American Rebel accesses its market uniquely through its positioning as America’s Patriotic Brand and the appeal of its products as well as through the profile and public persona of its founder and CEO, Andy Ross. Andy hosted his own television show for 12 years, has made multiple appearances over the years at trade shows, and is well-known in the archery world as the founder of Ross Archery, which was the world’s fastest-growing bow company in 2007 and 2008. Andy has also released 3 CDs, done numerous radio and print interviews, and performed many concerts in front of thousands of people. Andy has the ability to present American Rebel to large numbers of potential customers through the appeal of his music and other supporting appearances. For example, his appearance on the History Channel hit show Counting Cars in February 2014 has been viewed by over 2 million people. Bringing innovative products that satisfy an existing demand to the market through exciting means is the American Rebel blueprint for success.
Other
As a corporate policy, we will not incur any cash obligations that we cannot satisfy with known resources, of which there are currently none except as described in “Liquidity” below or elsewhere in this report. We believe that the perception that many people have of a public company makes it more likely that they will accept restricted securities from a public company as consideration for indebtedness to them than they would from a private company. We have not performed any studies of this matter. Our conclusion is based on our own observations. Additionally, the issuance of restricted shares will dilute the percentage of ownership interest of our stockholders.
Results of Operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
Revenue and cost of goods sold
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we reported Sales of $986,826, compared to Sales of $1,255,703 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease is attributable to lack of inventory as the Company’s resources were diverted to completing its capital raise that closed on February 10, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we reported Cost of Sales of $812,130, compared to Cost of Sales of $952,511 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in Cost of Sales was again attributable to the reduced level of inventory. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we reported Gross Profit of $174,696, compared to Gross Profit of $303,192 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in Gross Profit was attributable to the reduced level of inventory.
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Expenses
Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $3,486,135 compared to $3,075,113 for the year ended December 31, 2020 as further described below.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred consulting and business development expenses of $2,012,803, compared to consulting and business development expenses of $529,094 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in consulting and business development expenses is due to additional expenses incurred related to preparing for an equity raise.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred product development expenses of $330,353, compared to product development expenses of $320,472 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The amount of product development expenses was relatively similar.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred marketing and brand development expenses of $171,030, compared to marketing and brand development expenses of $390,294 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in marketing and brand development expenses relates primarily to the benefit of the prior year’s investment in the marketing of the American Rebel brand.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred general and administrative expenses of $968,306, compared to general and administrative expenses of $1,773,529 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in professional, consulting and operating fees due to cost saving measures and the benefit of established systems set up in prior years.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred depreciation expense of $3,643, compared to depreciation expense of $61,724 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Other income and expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred interest expense of $2,061,782, compared to interest expense of $2,292,957 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021, amounted to $6,098,944, resulting in a loss per share of $4.85, compared to $5,981,082 for the year ended December 31, 2020, resulting in a loss per share of $7.93. The decrease in the net loss from the year ended December 31, 2020 to the year ended December 31, 2021 is primarily due to the investment in compensation that occurred in September 2020.
Liquidity
We are a development stage company and realized minimal revenue from our planned operations. We have a working capital deficit of $4,171,277 at December 31, 2021, and have incurred a deficit of $26,969,657 from inception to December 31, 2021. We have funded operations primarily through the issuance of capital stock, convertible debt and other securities.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we raised net cash of $772,505 by issuance of common and preferred shares, as compared to $- for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we raised net cash of $2,244,100 through the issuance of promissory notes secured by specific inventory, as compared to $2,869,171 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the recoverability of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As noted above, the Company is in the development stage and, accordingly, has not yet generated significant revenues from operations. Since inception, the Company has been engaged in financing activities and executing its business plan of operations and incurring costs and expenses related to developing products and market identity, obtaining inventory and preparing for public product launch. As a result, the Company incurred net income (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 of ($6,098,944) and ($5,981,082), respectively. The Company’s accumulated deficit was ($26,969,657) as of December 31, 2021 and ($20,870,713) as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s working capital deficit was ($4,171,277) as of December 31, 2021 and a deficit of ($4,726,654) as of December 31, 2020. In addition, the Company’s development activities since inception have been sustained through equity and debt financing and the deferral of payments on accounts payable and other expenses.
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The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise capital from the sale of its equity and, ultimately, the achievement of operating revenues. Management believes holders of its warrants will execute their outstanding warrants generating investment capital for the Company. Management is also in discussion with several investment banks and broker dealers regarding the initiation of a capital campaign.
Management believes sufficient funding can be secured through the obtaining of loans, as well as future offerings of its preferred and Common Stock to institutional and other financial sources. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will obtain this additional working capital, or if obtained, that such funding will not cause substantial dilution its stockholders. If the Company is unable to secure such additional funds from these sources, it may be forced to change or delay its business plan rollout.
As we proceed with the launch of our American Rebel concealed carry product and safe lines we have devoted and expect to continue to devote significant resources in the areas of capital expenditures and marketing, sales, and operational expenditures.
We expect to require additional funds to further develop our business plan. Since it is impossible to predict with certainty the timing and amount of funds required to establish profitability, we anticipate that we will need to raise additional funds through equity or debt offerings or otherwise in order to meet our expected future liquidity requirements. Any such financing that we undertake will likely be dilutive to existing stockholders.
In addition, we expect to also need additional funds to respond to business opportunities and challenges, including our ongoing operating expenses, protecting our intellectual property, developing or acquiring new lines of business and enhancing our operating infrastructure. While we may need to seek additional funding for such purposes, we may not be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, the terms of our financings may be dilutive to, or otherwise adversely affect, holders of our Common Stock. We may also seek additional funds through arrangements with collaborators or other third parties. We may not be able to negotiate any such arrangements on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to obtain additional funding on a timely basis, we may be required to curtail or terminate some or all of our product lines.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related footnotes requires us to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements.
Financial Reporting Release No. 60 requires all companies to include a discussion of critical accounting policies or methods used in the preparation of financial statements. There are no critical policies or decisions that rely on judgments that are based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made. Note 1 to the financial statements, included elsewhere in this report, includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Recent Pronouncements
The Company evaluated recent accounting pronouncements through December 31, 2021 and believes that none have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this item.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
DECEMBER 31, 2021
| Page | ||
| Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. |
F-1 | |
| Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | ||
| Balance Sheets | F-2 | |
| Statements of Operations | F-3 | |
| Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) | F-4 | |
| Statements of Cash Flows | F-5 | |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | F-6 |
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Rebel Holdings, Inc.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Matter
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ BF Borgers CPA PC
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020
March 31, 2022
| F-1 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts Receivable | ||||||||
| Prepaid expense | ||||||||
| Inventory | ||||||||
| Inventory deposits | - | |||||||
| Total Current Assets | ||||||||
| Property and Equipment, net | ||||||||
| OTHER ASSETS: | ||||||||
| Lease Deposit | - | |||||||
| Investment | - | - | ||||||
| Total Other Assets | - | |||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | $ | ||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expense | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued Interest – Convertible Debenture – Related Party | ||||||||
| Loan – Officer - Related party | ||||||||
| Loan – Working Capital | ||||||||
| Loans - Nonrelated parties | ||||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Convertible Debenture –Related party | - | |||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT): | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, $ par value;
shares authorized; , and issued and outstanding, respectively at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | - | - | ||||||
| Preferred Shares A | ||||||||
| Preferred Shares B | - | |||||||
| Common Stock, $ par value; shares authorized; and issued and outstanding, respectively at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | ||||||||
| Additional paid in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | $ | $ | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| F-2 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 2021 | For the year ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cost of goods sold | ||||||||
| Gross margin | ||||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||
| Consulting – business development | ||||||||
| Product development costs | ||||||||
| Marketing and brand development costs | ||||||||
| Administrative and other | ||||||||
| Depreciation expense | ||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Loss on Extinguishment of Debt | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) before income tax provision | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Provision for income tax | - | - | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Basic and diluted income (loss) per share | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | ||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| F-3 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
| Common
Stock | Common
Stock Amount | Preferred Stock Amount | Additional
Paid-in Capital | Accumulated
Deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance – December 31, 2019- | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Common Stock issued as compensation. | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance – December 31, 2020- | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock issued as compensation. | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issue of Preferred Stock Series A | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of Preferred Stock Series B | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of debt | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrants issued as compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of Common Stock | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance – December 31, 2021- | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| F-4 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended December 31, 2021 | For the year ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Depreciation | ||||||||
| Compensation paid through issuance of Common Stock | ||||||||
| Amortization of loan discount | ||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||
| Accounts Receivable | ||||||||
| Prepaid Expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventory | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventory Deposits | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Expense | ||||||||
| Net Cash (Used in) Operating Activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Property and equipment purchased | - | - | ||||||
| Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities | - | - | ||||||
| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of common and preferred stock | - | |||||||
| Proceeds (repayments) of loans – officer - related party | ||||||||
| Proceeds of working capital loan | ||||||||
| Repayment of loans – nonrelated party | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities | ||||||||
| CHANGE IN CASH | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | ||||||||
| CASH AT END OF PERIOD | $ | $ | ||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION | ||||||||
| Cash paid for: | ||||||||
| Interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Income taxes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
| Conversion of Debt to Equity | $ | $ | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| F-5 |
AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021
NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization
The
“Company” was incorporated on
The
acquisition of American Rebel, Inc. was accounted for as a reverse merger. The Company issued shares of its Common Stock and
issued warrants to purchase
The
Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October
14, 2015. Twenty six (26) investors invested at a price of $ per share for a total of $
Nature of operations
The Company develops and sells branded products in the self-defense, safe storage and patriotic product areas that are promoted and sold using a wholesale distribution network, personal appearance, music, Internet and television avenues. The Company’s products are under the American Rebel Brand and imprinted.
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiary, American Rebel, Inc., incorporated in Nevada. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Cash and cash equivalents
For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of these investments approximates fair value.
Inventory and Inventory Deposits
Inventory consists of safes, backpacks, jackets and accessories manufactured to our design and held for resale and are carried at the lower of cost (First-in, First-out Method) or market value. The Company determines the estimate for the adjustment for slow moving or obsolete inventories by regularly evaluating individual inventory levels, projected sales and current economic conditions. The Company also makes deposit payments on inventory to be manufactured that are carried separately until the goods are received into inventory.
Fixed assets and depreciation
Property
and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Additions and improvements are capitalized while ordinary maintenance
and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is recorded by the straight-line method over the estimated useful
life of the asset, which ranges from to
| F-6 |
Revenue recognition
In accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our clients, in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. To achieve this core principle, we apply the following five steps: 1) Identify the contract with a client; (2) Identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) Determine the transaction price; (4) Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract; and (5) Recognize revenues when or as the company satisfies a performance obligation.
These steps are met when as order is received, a price agreed and the product shipped or delivered to that customer.
Advertising costs
Advertising
costs are expensed as incurred; Marketing costs incurred were $
Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The respective carrying value of certain on-balance-sheet financial instruments approximated their fair values. These financial instruments include cash, and accounts payable. Fair values were assumed to approximate carrying values for cash and payables because they are short-term in nature and their carrying amounts approximate fair values or they are payable on demand.
Level 1: The preferred inputs to valuation efforts are “quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities,” with the caveat that the reporting entity must have access to that market. Information at this level is based on direct observations of transactions involving the same assets and liabilities, not assumptions, and thus offers superior reliability. However, relatively few items, especially physical assets, actually trade in active markets.
Level 2: FASB acknowledged that active markets for identical assets and liabilities are relatively uncommon and, even when they do exist, they may be too thin to provide reliable information. To deal with this shortage of direct data, the board provided a second level of inputs that can be applied in three situations.
Level 3: If inputs from levels 1 and 2 are not available, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) acknowledges that fair value measures of many assets and liabilities are less precise. The board describes Level 3 inputs as “unobservable,” and limits their use by saying they “shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.” This category allows “for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date”. Earlier in the standard, FASB explains that “observable inputs” are gathered from sources other than the reporting company and that they are expected to reflect assumptions made by market participants.
The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 505 and 718 which requires the Company to recognize expense related to the fair value of its employee stock option awards. This eliminates accounting for share-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value and requires instead that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. The Company recognizes the cost of all share-based awards on a graded vesting basis over the vesting period of the award.
The Company accounts for equity instruments issued in exchange for the receipt of goods or services from other than employees in accordance with FASB ASC 718-10 and the conclusions reached by the FASB ASC 505-50. Costs are measured at the estimated fair market value of the consideration received or the estimated fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The value of equity instruments issued for consideration other than employee services is determined on the earliest of a performance commitment or completion of performance by the provider of goods or services as defined by FASB ASC 505-50.
| F-7 |
The Company follows ASC Topic 260 to account for earnings per share. Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) calculations are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share calculations are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of Common Shares and dilutive Common Share equivalents outstanding. During periods when Common Stock equivalents, if any, are anti-dilutive they are not considered in the computation.
Income taxes
The Company follows ASC Topic 740 for recording provision for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based upon the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate applicable when the related asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is based on the changes in the asset or liability for each period. If available evidence suggests that it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Future changes in such valuation allowance are included in the provision for deferred income tax in the period of change.
Deferred income tax may arise from temporary differences resulting from income and expense items reported for financial accounting and tax purposes in different periods. Deferred taxes are classified as current or non-current, depending on the classification of assets and liabilities to which they relate. Deferred taxes arising from temporary differences that are not related to an asset or liability are classified as current or non-current depending on the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
The
Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties. ASC Topic 740 only allows the recognition of
tax benefits that have a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. As of December
31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company reviewed its tax positions and determined there were no outstanding, or retroactive tax positions
with
The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to its total unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.
The Company classifies tax-related penalties and net interest as income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, no income tax expense has been recorded.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Right of Use Assets and Lease Liabilities
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires lessees to recognize almost all leases on the balance sheet as a Right-of-Use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability and requires leases to be classified as either an operating or a finance type lease. The standard excludes leases of intangible assets or inventory. The standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The Company adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective approach, by applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. Results and disclosure requirements for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented under ASC 842, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under ASC 840. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the standard, which also allowed the Company to carry forward historical lease classifications. The Company also elected the practical expedient related to treating lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all equipment leases as well as electing a policy exclusion permitting leases with an original lease term of less than one year to be excluded from the ROU assets and lease liabilities.
| F-8 |
Under ASC 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. For this purpose, the Company considers only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of commencement. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company estimated the incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. The ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. The Company’ lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options.
Operating leases are included in operating lease Right-of-Use assets and operating lease liabilities, current and non-current, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Recent pronouncements
The Company evaluated recent accounting pronouncements through December 31, 2021 and believes that none have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Concentration Risk
In
2021, the Company purchased a substantial portion (over
NOTE 2 – GOING CONCERN
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the
recoverability of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As noted above, the Company is in the
development stage and, accordingly, has not yet generated significant revenues from operations. Since inception, the Company has been
engaged in financing activities and executing its business plan of operations and incurring costs and expenses related to developing
products and market identity, obtaining inventory and preparing for public product launch. As a result, the Company incurred net income
(losses) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 of ($
The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise capital from the sale of its equity and, ultimately, the achievement of operating revenues. Management believes holders of its warrants will execute their outstanding warrants generating investment capital for the Company. Management is also in discussion with several investment banks and broker dealers regarding the initiation of a capital campaign.
Management believes sufficient funding can be secured through the obtaining of loans, as well as future offerings of its preferred and Common Stock to institutional and other financial sources. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will obtain this additional working capital, or if obtained, that such funding will not cause substantial dilution its stockholders. If the Company is unable to secure such additional funds from these sources, it may be forced to change or delay its business plan rollout.
These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts, or amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from this uncertainty.
| F-9 |
NOTE 3- INVENTORY AND DEPOSITS
Inventory and deposits include the following:
December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Inventory - Finished goods | $ | $ | ||||||
| Inventory deposits | - | |||||||
| Total Inventory and deposits | $ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
| Property and equipment include the following: | ||||||||
December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Marketing equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
| Vehicles | ||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net property and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
For
the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 we recognized $
NOTE 5 –RELATED PARTY NOTE PAYABLE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
For
the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company received loans from its sole officer and director at the time totaling $
During
the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company acquired three vehicles from various related parties and assumed the debt secured by each
one of the vehicles. Accordingly, the recorded value for each vehicle is the total debt assumed under each related loan, or a total of
$
Charles
A. Ross, Jr. serves as the Company’s CEO and director. Compensation for Mr. Ross was $
| F-10 |
NOTE 6 – NOTES PAYABLE – NONRELATED PARTIES
Effective January 1, 2016, the Company acquired three vehicles from various related parties in exchange for the assumption of the liabilities related to those vehicles. The liabilities assumed are as follows at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Loan secured by | $ | $ | ||||||
| Total recorded as current liability | $ | $ | ||||||
Current and long-term portion. Total loan balance is reported as current because loan was past due and is expected to be repaid within one year.
NOTE 7 – NOTES PAYABLE – WORKING CAPITAL
During
the year ending December 31, 2020, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned operating subsidiary completed the sale of additional
short term notes and extensions of short term notes under similar terms in the additional principal amount totaling $
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned operating subsidiary completed the conversion of short
term notes with a face value of $
During
the year ending December 31, 2021, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned operating subsidiary completed the sale of additional
short term notes and extensions of short term notes under similar terms in the additional principal amount totaling $
During
the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned operating subsidiary completed the conversion of short
term notes with a face value of $
As
of December 31, 2021, and 2020, the outstanding balance due on the working capital notes was $
| F-11 |
NOTE PAYABLE SCHEDULE
| Type | Original Amount | Origination Date | Maturity
Date | Effective Annual Interest Rate | Balance
at December 31, 2021 | Balance
at December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (a) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (b) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (c) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (d) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (e) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (f) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (g) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (h) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (i) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (j) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (k) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (l) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (m) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (n) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (o) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (p) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (q) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (r) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (s) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (t) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (u) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (v) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (w) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (x) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (y) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (z) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (aa) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ab) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ac) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ad) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ae) | $ | % | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (af) | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ag) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ah) | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ai) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (aj) | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ak) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (al) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (al) | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (am) | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (an) | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ao) | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note Payable (ap) | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Unamortized Discount | ($ | ) | ($ | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| F-12 |
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| F-13 |
| ae) | |
| af) | |
| ag) | |
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| am) | |
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| ap) |
| NOTE PAYOUT SCHEDULE | ||||
| Year 2022 | $ | |||
| Discount | $ | ( | ) | |
| Balance | $ | |||
NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES
At
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward of $
Components of net deferred tax asset, including a valuation allowance, are as follows:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Deferred tax asset: | ||||||||
| Net operating loss carryforward | $ | $ | ||||||
| Total deferred tax asset | ||||||||
| Less: Valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net deferred tax asset | $ | $ | ||||||
Valuation
allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $
| F-14 |
Reconciliation between statutory rate and the effective tax rate for and as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Federal statutory rate | ( | )% | ||
| State taxes, net of federal benefit | ( | )% | ||
| Change in valuation allowance | % | |||
| Effective tax rate | % |
NOTE 9 – SHARE CAPITAL
The Company is authorized to issue shares of its $ par value Common Stock and shares of its $ par value preferred stock.
Common and Preferred stock
In
February 2020, the Company issued shares of its Common Stock to pay professional and consulting fees. Total fair value of $
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of its Common Stock and issued
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of its Common Stock and completed the conversion of short-term notes
with a face value of $
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of its Common Stock to pay professional and consulting fees. Total
fair value of $
On January 5, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock of the Company valued at $ per share as an interest payment on an outstanding note.
On
January 12, 2021, the Company received an equity investment of $
The
Company entered into a one-year promissory note dated March 4, 2021 in the amount of $
On
March 5, 2021the Company received an equity investment of $
On March 10, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to pay interest on an outstanding note.
On March 10, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to pay interest on an outstanding note.
| F-15 |
On March 10, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock of the Company valued at $ per share as payment for services rendered.
On
April 9, 2021, in connection with a $
On April 9, 2021, the Company entered into two employment agreements with recently appointed officers, whereby it agreed to issue shares of Common Stock to such officers. In addition, the Company entered into amendments to the current employment agreements with its Chief Executive Officer and President, whereby it agreed to issue shares of Common Stock.
On April 20, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock in return for services rendered.
On
April 22, 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with a current debt holder, whereby the Company agreed to repay the $
On
June 11, 2021, the Company sold
On
June 14, 2021, the Company sold
On
June 14, 2021, a holder of various outstanding notes converted outstanding principal and interest to
On
June 15, 2021, a holder of various outstanding notes converted outstanding principal and interest to
On
June 15, 2021, a holder of an outstanding note converted outstanding principal and interest to
On
June 18, 2021, the Company sold
On
June 21, 2021, a holder of an outstanding note converted a portion of outstanding principal to
On
June 28, 2021, the Company sold
| F-16 |
On
June 29, 2021, a holder of an outstanding note converted outstanding principal and interest to
On
June 29, 2021, a holder of an outstanding note converted outstanding principal and interest to
On
June 30, 2021, the Company sold
On
June 30, 2021, the Company sold
On July 21, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as interest payments on an outstanding note.
On July 22, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as a component of a note payable.
On July 26, 2021, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation and Amendment with the Nevada Secretary of State to increase the number of shares constituting the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock from to .
On
July 26, 2021, the Company sold
On July 29, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as a conversion of Series B Preferred Stock.
On July 30, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to Rocco LaVista, our VP of Business Development, for services.
On August 3, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to Charles A. Ross, Jr., our CEO, for services.
On August 4, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to Doug E. Grau, our President, for services.
On August 12, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as an interest payment on an outstanding note.
On August 18, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as a conversion of Series B Preferred Stock.
On September 3, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as a component of a note.
On September 8, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as an interest payment on an outstanding note.
On September 21, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as a component of a note.
On September 21, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as a component of a note.
On September 30, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as a component of a note extension.
On September 30, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as an interest payment on an outstanding note.
| F-17 |
On September 30, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as an interest payment on outstanding notes.
On
October 25, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock and three-year warrants to purchase Common Stock for $
for an investment of $
On October 29, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as an interest payment on an outstanding note.
On October 29, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to a legal consultant of the Company for services.
On October 29, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to a financial consultant of the Company for services.
On December 2, 2021, pursuant to its 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to a consultant of the Company for services.
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as interest payments on outstanding notes.
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock to convert three outstanding notes to equity.
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock as a conversion of Series B Preferred stock.
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued shares of Common Stock in return for services.
At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were and shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, respectively.
In
October 2020, the Company issued -year warrants to purchase
In
April 2021, the Company issued -year warrants to purchase
As
of December 31, 2020, there were
| F-18 |
The Company evaluates outstanding warrants as derivative liabilities and will recognize any changes in the fair value through earnings. The Company determined that the Warrants have an immaterial fair value at December 31, 2021. The warrants do not trade in a highly active securities market, and as such, the Company estimated the fair value of these Common Stock equivalents using Black-Scholes and the following assumptions:
Expected volatility was based primarily on historical volatility. Historical volatility was computed using daily pricing observations for recent periods. The Company’s Common Stock has not traded so the volatility computation was based on other similarly situated companies. The Company believes this method produced an estimate that was representative of the Company’s expectations of future volatility over the expected term which due to their maturity period as expiry, it was three years. The Company had no reason to believe future volatility over the expected remaining life of these Common Stock equivalents was likely to differ materially from historical volatility. Expected life was based on three years due to the expiry of maturity. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury rate that corresponded to the expected term of the Common Stock equivalents.
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Stock Price | $ | $ | ||||||
| Exercise Price | $ | $ | ||||||
| Term (expected in years) | ||||||||
| Volatility | % | % | ||||||
| Annual Rate of Dividends | % | % | ||||||
| Risk-Free Rate | % | % | ||||||
Stock Purchase Warrants
| Shares | Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share | Remaining term | Intrinsic
value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2019 | $ |
years | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | years | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | |||||||||||||||
| Expired | ( | ) | - | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2020 | $ |
years | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | years | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | |||||||||||||||
| Expired | ( | ) | - | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2021 | $ |
years | ||||||||||||||
| F-19 |
NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Rental Payments under Non-cancelable Operating Leases
The Company has a lease for a showroom and office space in Lenexa, Kansas which expires in January 2026. And an annually renewable lease for warehouse space in Chanute, Kansas. The following is a schedule, by year, of the future minimum rental payments under the lease:
| Year ended December 31, | ||||
| 2022 | ||||
| 2023 | ||||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| Total | $ | |||
Rent
costs totaled approximately $
NOTE 12 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluated all events that occurred after the balance sheet date of December 31, 2021 through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that there were the following subsequent events.
On
February 1, 2022, the Company entered into a one year consulting agreement in the amount of $
On February 3, 2022, multiple Series B Convertible Preferred stockholders converted shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to shares of Common Stock of the Company.
On February 3, 2022, the Company converted two outstanding notes into shares of Common Stock of the Company.
On February 9, 2022, we closed on an underwritten
public offering of units (the “Common Units”), at a price to the public of $ per Common Unit, for aggregate
gross proceeds of approximately $
The
Company paid off multiple promissory notes totaling $
On March 30, 2022, the Company entered into an
LOI to purchase a safe manufacturer and paid a $
| F-20 |
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
We have had no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based closely on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e). The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance of reaching the Company’s desired disclosure control objectives. In designing periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. The Company’s certifying officer, Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in reaching that level of assurance.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, Charles A. Ross, Jr., evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on the evaluation, Mr. Ross concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting him to material information relating to us required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. The Company hired a financial expert with the experience in creating and managing internal control systems as well as to continue to improve the effectiveness of our internal controls and financial disclosure controls.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. As we are a non-accelerated filer, management’s report is not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm.
This report shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Management has confidence in its internal controls and procedures. The Company’s management believes that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable assurance and cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met, and no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Further, the design of an internal control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitation in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issuers and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
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Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Internal control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even a system which is determined to be effective cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues have been detected or prevented. Our systems of internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not Applicable.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers and directors of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2021 and newly appointed officer and directors after year-end.
All directors of the Company hold office until the next annual meeting of the security holders or until their successors have been elected and qualified. Officers of the Company are appointed by our Board and hold office until their death, resignation or removal from office. Our directors and executive officers, their ages, positions held, and duration as such, are as follows:
| Name | Positions Held with the Company | Age | Date
First Elected or Appointed | |||
| Executive Officers | ||||||
Charles A. Ross, Jr.
|
CEO and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | 55 |
June 9, 2016 | |||
| Doug E. Grau | President and Director | 59 | February 12, 2020 | |||
| Ronald A. Smith | Chief Operating Officer | 61 | April 9, 2021 | |||
| John Garrison | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | 70 | February 8, 2022 | |||
| Non-Employee Directors | ||||||
| Corey Lambrecht | Director | 52 | February 12, 2020 | |||
| Michael Dean Smith | Director | 52 | February 8, 2022 | |||
| Ken Yonika | Director | 60 | February 8, 2022 |
Executive Officers
Charles A. Ross, Jr., CEO
Mr. Ross is currently the Company’s CEO and a Director. He has held these positions since June 20, 2016. He is responsible for all duties required of a corporate officer and the development of the business. From December 15, 2014 through April 9, 2021, Mr. Ross served as the sole officer and director of American Rebel, Inc. He now serves as Secretary/Treasurer and a director. American Rebel, Inc. has developed a product line of concealed carry products that officially launch at the 2017 NRA Convention April 27 – 30 in Atlanta, GA. Prior to founding American Rebel, Inc. Mr. Ross founded many companies including Digital Ally, Inc. (NASDAQ: DGLY), which he established in 2004. In addition to his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Mr. Ross served as host for ten years of his own television show, Maximum Archery, where he bowhunted all over the world including traditional hunts and some of the world’s most dangerous game. Maximum Archery evolved into his new show, American Rebel, which features Mr. Ross’s music, patriotism, his support of the 2nd Amendment and celebrates the “American Rebel Spirit” in all of us. Mr. Ross has released three CDs and his song “American Rebel” has become the theme song for American Rebel.
Doug E. Grau, President
Mr. Grau is currently our president and a director. He also serves as a director of American Rebel, Inc., our wholly-owned operating subsidiary. Mr. Grau has produced CEO Andy Ross’s three CDs and has worked with Andy in various capacities for thirteen years. Mr. Grau worked as an executive at Warner Bros. Records in Nashville for fifteen years, developing the talents of Travis Tritt, Little Texas, David Ball, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, Ron White, and others. Mr. Grau graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN in 1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
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Ronald A. Smith, COO
Mr. Smith was appointed as Chief Operating Officer and chairman on April 9, 2021. He also serves as CEO/President and a director of American Rebel, Inc., our wholly-owned operating subsidiary. Ronald Smith brings nearly 40 years of experience in company management to his position as CEO of American Rebel. For more than 23 years, he was the Owner/President of LADS Pet Supplies, a premium pet supplies wholesale distributor in the northeastern US that his parents founded in 1963. His role consisted of overseeing all facets of the business including sales and marketing, warehouse operations and shipping, and accounting and finance. Ronald provided a vision for growth and development of the business in a competitive, rapidly growing marketplace. It was Ronald’s leadership that helped guide their team to successfully grow and develop many start-up products into brand leaders in their category and vastly expand the business his parents had founded. As a respected distributor in the industry, he was able to foster business relationships with hundreds of business partners, including Proctor Gamble, Mars and Bayer. After his nearly 40 years of experiencing the industry evolve into one of the largest and fastest growing sectors, Ronald sold his business to a national distribution company and retired from the pet supplies industry. His passion is developing strong relationships with brands that fall in the independent retail channel and Ronald is excited to use his experience and passion to help build the American Rebel brand into a category leader in the independent channel.
John Garrison, Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Garrison was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in February 2022. Previously, Mr. Garrison provided accounting consulting services to the Company since 2016. From 2016 to the present, Mr. Garrison has been the sole owner of JC Garrison CPA, a business consulting firm. Mr. Garrison holds B.S. in business and accounting from Kansas State University.
Non-Employee Directors
Corey Lambrecht, Director
Mr. Lambrecht is a 20+ year public company executive with broad experience in strategic acquisitions, corporate turnarounds, new business development, pioneering consumer products, corporate licensing, interactive technology services in addition to holding public company executive roles with responsibilities including day-to-day business operations, management, raising capital, board communication and investor relations. He is a Certified Director from the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management accredited Directors program. Since 2007 he has been a Director of CUI Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: CUI) and has served multiple terms on the Audit Committee and currently serves as the Compensation Committee Chairman. Mr. Lambrecht served on the Board of ORHub, Inc. (OTC: ORHB) from July 2016 through December 2019. On January 17, 2020, Mr. Lambrecht was appointed to serve as the Chief Financial Officer for Singlepoint Inc. (OTC: SING) and he previously served as a Board Member for Lifestyle Wireless, Inc. which, in 2012 merged into Singlepoint. In December 2011 he joined the Board of Guardian 8 Holdings, a leading non-lethal security product company, serving until early 2016. He most recently served as the President and Chief Operating Officer at Earth911 Inc., a subsidiary of Infinity Resources Holdings Company (OTC: IRHC) from January 2010 to July 2013.
Michael Dean Smith, Director
Mr. Smith has been an independent director since February 2022 and has, since 2017, been Vice President of Industrial Maintenance, Inc. From 1997-2017, Mr. Smith served in various positions with Payless Shoe Source. Mr. Smith holds B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Kansas, and MBA from Washburn University.
Ken Yonika, Director
Mr. Yonika has been an independent director since February 2022 and has served as Chief Executive Officer and President at Pacific Crest Equity Partners, Inc. since 2000. Mr. Yonika earned a B.B.A. from Western Connecticut State University in 1988 with a major in accounting and a minor in Finance.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
During the year ended December 31, 2021 we had only one independent director (Corey Lambrecht) and had only established minimal formal corporate governance policies. Concurrent with our February 2022 public offering, we made significant corporate governance changes, which are set forth below.
Director Independence
The board of directors has reviewed the independence of our directors based on the listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market. Based on this review, the board of directors has determined that each of Corey Lambrecht, Michael Dean Smith and Ken Yonika are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq Capital Market rules. In making this determination, our board of directors considered the relationships that each of these non-employee directors has with us and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence. As required under applicable Nasdaq Capital Market rules, we anticipate that our independent directors will meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors are present.
Board Committees
Our Board has established the following three standing committees: audit committee; compensation committee; and nominating and governance committee, or nominating committee. Our board of directors has adopted written charters for each of these committees. Copies of the charters will be available on our website. Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.
The following table identifies the independent and non-independent current Board and committee members through the date of this filing:
| Name | Audit | Compensation | Nominating and Corporate Governance | Independent | ||||||||||||
| Charles A. Ross, Jr. | ||||||||||||||||
| Doug E. Grau | ||||||||||||||||
| Corey Lambrecht | X | X | X | X | ||||||||||||
| Michael Dean Smith | X | X | X | X | ||||||||||||
| Ken Yonika | X | X | X | X | ||||||||||||
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Audit Committee
Our board of directors established the audit committee for the purpose of overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process and audits of our financial statements. The audit committee is responsible for, among other matters:
| ● | appointing, compensating, retaining, evaluating, terminating, and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm; |
| ● | discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm the independence of its members from its management; | |
| ● | reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of their audit; | |
| ● | approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; | |
| ● | overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC; | |
| ● | reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies, financial and accounting controls, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; | |
| ● | coordinating the oversight by our board of directors of our code of business conduct and our disclosure controls and procedures | |
| ● | establishing procedures for the confidential and/or anonymous submission of concerns regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters; and | |
| ● | reviewing and approving related-person transactions. |
Our audit committee consists of Corey Lambrecht, Michael Dean Smith and Ken Yonika. Ken Yonika serves as the chairman. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each of Corey Lambrecht, Michael Dean Smith and Ken Yonika qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.
Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each of Corey Lambrecht, Michael Dean Smith and Ken Yonika meet the definition of “independent director” for purposes of serving on an audit committee under Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Nasdaq Capital Market rules.
Compensation Committee
Our board of directors has established the compensation committee for the purpose of reviewing, recommending and approving our compensation policies and benefits, including the compensation of all of our executive officers and directors. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other matters:
| ● | reviewing key employee compensation goals, policies, plans and programs; | |
| ● | reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors and executive officers; | |
| ● | reviewing and approving employment agreements and other similar arrangements between us and our executive officers; and | |
| ● | appointing and overseeing any compensation consultants or advisors. |
Our compensation committee consists of Ken Yonika, Corey Lambrecht, and Michael Dean Smith. Corey Lambrecht serves as the chairman. In determining that each of Corey Lambrecht, Michael Dean Smith and Ken Yonika qualify as an “independent director” pursuant to Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, the board of directors also considered all factors required by Rule 5605(d)(2)(A) and any other applicable regulations or rules promulgated by the SEC and the Nasdaq Capital Market rules relating to compensation committee composition.
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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our board of directors has established the nominating and corporate governance committee for the purpose of assisting the board in identifying qualified individuals to become board members, in determining the composition of the board and in monitoring the process to assess board effectiveness. Our nominating committee consists of Michael Dean Smith, Ken Yonika, and Corey Lambrecht. Michael Dean Smith serves as the chairman.
Board Leadership Structure
Our Board has not adopted a formal policy regarding the separation of the offices of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Rather, the Board believes that different leadership structures may be appropriate for the Company at different times and under different circumstances, and it prefers flexibility in making this decision based on its evaluation of the relevant facts at any given time.
In December 2014, Mr. Ross was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and became Executive Chairman. Under our current Board leadership structure, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and performance of the Company. Mr. Grau, our President, focuses on allocation of resources.
Risk Oversight
Our board of directors will oversee a company-wide approach to risk management. Our board of directors will determine the appropriate risk level for us generally, assess the specific risks faced by us and review the steps taken by management to manage those risks. While our board of directors will have ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees will oversee risk in certain specified areas.
Specifically, our compensation committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements, and the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers. Our audit committee oversees management of enterprise risks and financial risks, as well as potential conflicts of interests. Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our board of directors.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Our board of directors adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. A copy of this code will be available on our website. We intend to disclose on our website any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, or persons performing similar functions.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among our directors and/or executive officers.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past 10 years, been involved in any legal proceedings described in subparagraph (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K.
Board Diversity
While we do not have a formal policy on diversity, our Board considers diversity to include the skill set, background, reputation, type and length of business experience of our Board members as well as a particular nominee’s contributions to that mix. Our Board believes that diversity promotes a variety of ideas, judgments and considerations to the benefit of our Company and stockholders. Although there are many other factors, the Board primarily focuses on public company board experience, knowledge of the safes and concealed self-defense products industry, or background in finance or technology, and experience operating growing businesses.
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Communication with our Board
Although the Company does not have a formal policy regarding communications with the Board, stockholders may communicate with the Board by writing to us at American Rebel Holdings, Inc., at 718 Thompson Lane, Suite 108-199, Nashville, TN, 37204, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Stockholders who would like their submission directed to a member of the Board may so specify, and the communication will be forwarded, as appropriate.
Nominations to the Board of Directors
Our directors take a critical role in guiding our strategic direction and oversee the management of the Company. Board candidates are considered based upon various criteria, such as their broad-based business and professional skills and experiences, a global business and social perspective, concern for the long-term interests of the stockholders, diversity, and personal integrity and judgment.
In addition, directors must have time available to devote to Board activities and to enhance their knowledge in the growing business. Accordingly, we seek to attract and retain highly qualified directors who have sufficient time to attend to their substantial duties and responsibilities to the Company.
Director Nominations
As of December 31, 2021, we did not make any material changes to the procedures by which our stockholders may recommend nominees to our Board. In February of 2022, we elected two new members to the board of directors, Messrs. Smith and Yonika.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No interlocking relationship exists between our Board and the board or compensation committee of any other company, nor has any interlocking relationship existed in the past.
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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
General Philosophy
During fiscal 2021 and 2020, our board was solely responsible for establishing and administering our executive and director compensation plans. In 2022, the compensation committee of the board of directors will be responsible for establishing and administering our executive and director compensation plans.
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth the compensation we paid to our current executive officer(s) during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively:
| SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name and | Salary | Bonus | Stock Awards | All Other Compensation | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| principal position | Year | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (i) | (j) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Charles A. Ross, Jr. (1) | 2021 | 200,000 | - | 393,490 | (2) | - | 593,490 | |||||||||||||||||
| CEO | 2020 | - | - | - | 180,250 | (3) | 180,250 | |||||||||||||||||
| Doug E. Grau(4) | 2021 | 120,000 | - | 393,490 | (2) | - | 513,490 | |||||||||||||||||
| President | 2020 | - | - | - | 120,000 | (3) | 120,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| Ronald A. Smith(5) | 2021 | - | - | 247,000 | (5) | - | 247,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| COO | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had no formal employment arrangement with Mr. Ross for services. Mr. Ross’ compensation was not based on any percentage calculations. The board made all decisions determining the amount and timing of payment for his compensation. On January 1, 2021, the Company entered into a five-year employment agreement with Mr. Ross, with a base annual salary of $180,000. | |
| (2) | Deemed value of 26,813 shares of Common Stock issued on March 24, 2021 pursuant to the LTIP, 50,000 shares of Common Stock issued on April 9, 2021 pursuant to an employment agreement, and 9,416 shares of Common Stock issued on August 3, 2021 pursuant to the LTIP. | |
| (3) | Represents cash compensation paid to the named executive officer. | |
| (4) | Mr. Grau was appointed as President on February 12, 2020. Prior to such appointment, Mr. Grau worked for the Company as a non-executive officer. On January 1, 2021, the Company entered into a five-year employment agreement with Mr. Grau, with a base annual salary of $120,000. | |
| (5) | Mr. Smith was appointed as COO and the Company entered into a two-year employment agreement with Mr. Smith on April 9, 2021, with no cash salary; however, Mr. Smith was issued 59,375 shares of Common Stock, with a deemed value of $247,000, pursuant to the employment agreement. |
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Employment Agreements
Effective January 1, 2021, the Company entered into employment agreements with Charles A. Ross, Jr., its CEO, and Doug E. Grau, its President. These agreements were amended in April of 2021. Further, on April 9, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ronald A. Smith, its COO.
Charles A. Ross, Jr. Employment Agreement and Amendment -
In general, Mr. Ross’ employment agreement contains provisions concerning terms of employment, voluntary and involuntary termination, indemnification, severance payments, and other termination benefits, in addition to a non-compete clause and certain other perquisites.
The original term of Mr. Ross’ employment agreement runs from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2025.
Mr. Ross’ employment agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $180,000, which may be adjusted by the board of directors of the Company.
In addition, Mr. Ross is eligible to receive annual short term incentive bonuses as determined by a review at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors.
Further, the Company granted and issued Mr. Ross 50,000 shares of Series A - Super Voting Convertible Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the amendment to his employment agreement, the Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Ross.
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Ross for “Good Reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Ross would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to 12-months base salary; and (iii) immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company for “cause” (as defined in the employment agreement), by reason of incapacity, disability or death, Mr. Ross, or his estate, would receive a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment, disability or death.
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In the event of a termination of Mr. Ross’ employment with the Company by reason of change in control (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Ross, would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months Salary plus 100% of his prior year’s Bonus; and (iii) and immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
The above description of Mr. Ross’ employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of that agreement, a copy of which was attached as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2021. A copy of the amendment to Mr. Ross’ employment agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.42 to the Form 10-K filed on May 17, 2021.
Doug E. Grau Employment Agreement and Amendment-
In general, Mr. Grau’s employment agreement contains provisions concerning terms of employment, voluntary and involuntary termination, indemnification, severance payments, and other termination benefits, in addition to a non-compete clause and certain other perquisites.
The original term of Mr. Grau’s employment agreement runs from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2025.
Mr. Grau’s employment agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $120,000, which may be adjusted by the board of directors of the Company.
In addition, Mr. Grau is eligible to receive annual short term incentive bonuses as determined by a review at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors.
Further, the Company granted and issued Mr. Grau 50,000 shares of Series A - Super Voting Convertible Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the amendment to his employment agreement, the Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Grau.
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Grau for “Good Reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Grau would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to 12-months base salary; and (iii) immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company for “cause” (as defined in the employment agreement), by reason of incapacity, disability or death, Mr. Grau, or his estate, would receive a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment, disability or death.
In the event of a termination of Mr. Grau’s employment with the Company by reason of change in control (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Grau, would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months Salary plus 100% of his prior year’s Bonus; and (iii) and immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
The above description of Mr. Grau’s employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of that agreement, a copy of which was attached as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2021. A copy of the amendment to Mr. Grau’s employment agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.43 to the Form 10-K filed on May 17, 2021.
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Ronald A. Smith Employment Agreement -
In general, Mr. Smith’s employment agreement contains provisions concerning terms of employment, voluntary and involuntary termination, indemnification, severance payments, and other termination benefits, in addition to a non-compete clause and certain other perquisites.
The original term of Mr. Smith’s employment agreement runs from April 9, 2021 until March 31, 2023.
Mr. Smith will not be paid a salary for his services.
In addition, Mr. Smith is eligible to receive annual short term incentive bonuses as determined by a review at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors.
Further, the Company issued 59,375 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Smith.
In the event of a termination of employment with the Company by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Smith for “Good Reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Smith would receive immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
In the event of a termination of Mr. Smith’s employment with the Company by reason of change in control (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Smith, would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to 100% of his prior year’s Bonus; and (ii) and immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
The above description of Mr. Smith’s employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of that agreement, a copy of which was attached as Exhibit 10.40 to the Form 10-K filed on May 17, 2021.
Options Exercised and Stock Vested Table
None of the named executive officers exercised any stock options, nor were there any restricted stock units held by our named executive officers vested, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-end Table
None of the named executive officers held any unexercised options and unvested stock awards previously awarded as of December 31, 2021.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control
SEC regulations state that we must disclose information regarding agreements, plans or arrangements that provide for payments or benefits to our executive officers in connection with any termination of employment or change in control of the company. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not have any employment agreements with any of our executive officers, nor any compensatory plans or arrangements resulting from the resignation, retirement or any other termination of any of our executive officers, from a change-in-control, or from a change in any executive officer’s responsibilities following a change-in-control. However, on January 1, 2021 we entered into employment agreements with Charles A. Ross, Jr. and Doug E. Grau and on April 9, 2021, we entered into an employment agreement with Ronald A. Smith. All of these agreements provide for certain payments to be made in the event of a termination of their employment agreements by reason of change in control (as defined in the employment agreements). Each of them would receive: (i) a lump sum payment equal to all earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment (not applicable to Smith as he receives no salary); (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twelve (12) months Salary (not applicable to Smith as he receives no salary) plus 100% of his prior year’s bonus; and (iii) and immediate vesting of all equity awards (including but not limited to stock options and restricted shares).
Retirement Plans
We do not offer any annuity, pension, or retirement benefits to be paid to any of our officers, directors, or employees in the event of retirement.
Compensation of Directors
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not have any standard arrangement for compensation of our directors for any services provided as a director, including services for committee participation or for special assignments. In March of 2022, our board adopted compensation for non-employee directors. Non-employee directors receive compensation of $60,000 per year of service, payable quarterly in restricted shares of Common Stock, and are paid nominal cash fees and reimbursed for costs for director and committee meetings.
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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Long-Term Incentive Plans and Awards
On January 1, 2021, our board of directors approved the establishment of the 2021 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). The LTIP is intended to enable us to continue to attract able directors, employees, and consultants and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities rest for successful administration and management of the Company, and whose present and potential contributions are of importance, can acquire and maintain Common Stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for our welfare. The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock (including shares underlying options) that may be issued under the LTIP, pursuant to awards of Restricted Shares or Options, will be limited to 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, which calculation shall be made on the first trading day of each new fiscal year. For fiscal year 2021, up to 94,372 shares of Common Stock were available for participants under the LTIP. The number of shares of Common Stock that are the subject of awards under the LTIP which are forfeited or terminated, are settled in cash in lieu of shares of Common Stock or in a manner such that all or some of the shares covered by an award are not issued to a participant or are exchanged for awards that do not involve shares will again immediately become available to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the LTIP. If shares of Common Stock are withheld from payment of an award to satisfy tax obligations with respect to the award, those shares of Common Stock will be treated as shares that have been issued under the LTIP and will not again be available for issuance under the LTIP. In March of 2021, we issued 53,625 shares of Common Stock under the LTIP and in August of 2021, we issued the remaining 40,747 shares of Common Stock available under the LTIP.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of shares of our Common Stock owned beneficially as of March 18, 2022 or exercisable within the next 60 days thereafter, by: (i) our directors; (ii) our named executive officers; and (iii) each person or group known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Except as indicated by footnote, the persons named in the table below have sole voting power and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Amount of Beneficial Ownership | Percentage of Common Stock Outstanding(2) | ||||||
| Officers and Directors | ||||||||
| Charles A. Ross, Jr., CEO, Chairman, principal executive officer, secretary, treasurer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer(3) | 176,916 | 3.73 | % | |||||
| Doug E. Grau, President and a Director(3) | 148,729 | 3.14 | % | |||||
| Ronald A. Smith, Chief Operating Officer(4) | 218,125 | 4.58 | % | |||||
| John Garrison, Chief Financial Officer | 13,613 | 0.29 | % | |||||
| Corey Lambrecht, Director | 12,500 | 0.26 | % | |||||
| Michael Dean Smith, Director | 0 | * | % | |||||
| Kenneth Yonika, Director | 2,500 | * | % | |||||
| Directors and executive officers as a group (7 Persons) | 572,383 | 12.01 | % | |||||
| * Less than 0.01% | ||||||||
| (1) | Unless otherwise noted above, the address of the persons and entities listed in the table is c/o American Rebel Holdings, Inc., 718 Thompson Lane, Suite 108-199, Nashville, Tennessee 37204. | |
| (2) | Percentage is based upon 4,741,321 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and figures are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. | |
| (3) | Does not include 50,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock, whereby each share is entitled to cast one thousand (1,000) votes for each share held of the Series A Preferred stock on all matters presented to the stockholders of the Company for stockholder vote. | |
| (4) | Includes 25,000 five-year warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock at $8.00 per share. |
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Non-Cumulative Voting
The holders of our shares of Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of such outstanding shares, voting for the election of Directors, can elect all of the Directors to be elected, if they so choose. In such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any of our Directors.
Transfer Agent
The Transfer Agent for our Common Stock is Action Stock Transfer Corporation, 2469 E. Fort Union Blvd, Suite 214, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121. Its telephone number is (801) 274-1088.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The following information summarizes transactions we have either engaged in for the past two fiscal years or propose to engage in, involving our executive officers, directors, more than 5% stockholders, or immediate family members of these persons. These transactions were negotiated between related parties without “arm’s length” bargaining and, as a result, the terms of these transactions may be different than transactions negotiated between unrelated persons.
Other than as set forth below, we were not a party to any transactions or series of similar transactions that have occurred during fiscal 2021 in which:
| ● | The amounts involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years ($14,980); and | |
| ● | A director, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of our Common Stock or any member of their immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. |
Transactions with Related Parties
The following includes a summary of transactions since January 1, 2019 to which we have been a party in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described under “Executive and Director Compensation.” We also describe below certain other transactions with our directors, executive officers and stockholders.
Charles A. Ross, Jr. serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and a director. In September 2019, Mr. Ross received a grant of 34,063 shares of Common Stock. On March 24, 2021, pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, Mr. Ross received 26,813 shares of Common Stock. On April 9, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment to the employment agreement with Charles A. Ross, Jr. and authorized the issuance of 50,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Ross. On August 3, 2021, pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, Mr. Ross received 9,416 shares of Common Stock.
Ronald Smith serves as the Company’s COO and on April 9, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Smith and authorized the issuance of 59,375 shares of Common Stock. On April 9, 2021, the Company entered into a Bridge Loan agreement with Mr. Smith and issued 25,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share with a five-year term. Prior to joining the Company as COO on April 9, 2021, Mr. Smith was issued 12,500 shares of Common Stock as a component of a six-month Promissory Note dated July 15, 2019. Mr. Smith was issued 12,500 shares of Common Stock as a component of a six-month Promissory Note dated August 29, 2019. Mr. Smith was issued 25,000 shares of Common Stock as a component of a six-month Promissory Note dated September 5, 2019. On February 17, 2020, the Company issued 1,250 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Smith as a component of a new note dated February 17, 2020. On March 6, 2020, Mr. Smith received 75,000 shares of Common Stock as a conversion of outstanding principal and interest of Promissory Notes dated February 17, 2020, August 29, 2019, and September 5, 2019. Also on March 6, 2020, Mr. Smith was issued 12,500 shares of Common Stock as a component of a Promissory Note. Mr. Smith was issued 37,500 shares of Common Stock as a component of a Promissory Note dated March 26, 2020.
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Doug Grau is the Company’s President. In September 2019, Mr. Grau received a grant of 37,500 shares of Common Stock. On March 24, 2021, pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, Mr. Grau received 26,813 shares of Common Stock. On April 9, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment to the employment agreement with Doug Grau and authorized the issuance of 50,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Grau. On August 3, 2021, pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, Mr. Grau received 9,416 shares of Common Stock.
Corey Lambrecht is an independent director of the Company’s Board of Directors. On March 24, 2021, the Company authorized 6,250 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Lambrecht for services.
Kenneth Yonika joined the board as an independent director of the Company’s Board of Directors on February 9, 2022. In March 2019, Mr. Yonika received 1,250 shares of Common Stock for services.
John Garrison was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in February 2022. In September 2019, Mr. Garrison received a grant of 2,500 shares of Common Stock. On October 1, 2021, pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, Mr. Garrison received 6,250 shares of Common Stock.
The Company has agreements with related parties for services, notes payable and stock grants. See Notes to Financial Statements numbers 5, 7, 9 and 10.
Other than the foregoing, none of the directors or executive officers of the Company, nor any person who owned of record or was known to own beneficially more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of its Common Stock, nor any associate or affiliate of such persons or companies, has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction that has occurred during the past fiscal year, or in any proposed transaction, which has materially affected or will affect the Company.
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
Although we adopted a Code of Ethics, we still rely on our Board to review related party transactions on an ongoing basis to prevent conflicts of interest. Our Board reviews a transaction in light of the affiliations of the director, officer or employee and the affiliations of such person’s immediate family. Transactions are presented to our Board for approval before they are entered into or, if this is not possible, for ratification after the transaction has occurred. If our Board finds that a conflict of interest exists, then it will determine the appropriate remedial action, if any. Our Board approves or ratifies a transaction if it determines that the transaction is consistent with the best interests of the Company.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table presents the fees for professional audit services rendered by BF Borgers CPA, a professional corporation (“BF Borgers”) for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and fees billed for other services rendered by BF Borgers during those periods. All services reflected in the following fee table for 2021 and 2020 were pre-approved, respectively, in accordance with the policy of the Board.
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Audit fees (1) | $ | 37,000 | $ | 37,000 | ||||
| Audit-related fees | - | - | ||||||
| Tax fees | - | - | ||||||
| All other fees(2) | 18,900 | - | ||||||
| Total Fees | $ | 55,900 | $ | 37,000 | ||||
Notes:
| (1) | Audit fees consist of audit and review services, consent and review of documents filed with the SEC. For fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. | |
| (2) | Comfort letter and consent to use audited financial statements in additional filings related to underwritten public offering. |
In its capacity, the audit committee of the Board pre-approves all audit (including audit-related) and permitted non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors. The committee will annually approve the scope and fee estimates for the year-end audit to be performed by the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year. With respect to other permitted services, the committee pre-approves specific engagements, projects and categories of services on a fiscal year basis, subject to individual project and annual maximums. To date, the Company has not engaged its auditors to perform any non-audit related services.
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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
| (a) | Financial Statements |
| Page | |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-1 |
| Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | |
| Balance Sheets | F-2 |
| Statements of Operations | F-3 |
| Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) | F-4 |
| Statements of Cash Flows | F-5 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | F-6 |
| (b) | Financial Statement Schedules |
None.
| (c) | Exhibits Index |
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# Filed herewith.
† Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Furnished herewith.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| AMERICAN REBEL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||
| (Registrant) | ||
| Date: March 31, 2022 | By: | /s/ Charles A. Ross, Jr. |
| Charles A. Ross, Jr. | ||
| Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signatures | Title(s) | Date | ||
| /s/ Charles A. Ross, Jr. | Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | March 31, 2022 | ||
| Charles A. Ross, Jr. | ||||
| /s/ John Garrison | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | March 31, 2022 | ||
| John Garrison | ||||
| /s/ Doug E. Grau | Director and President | March 31, 2022 | ||
| Doug E. Grau | ||||
| /s/ Ronald A. Smith | Chief Operating Officer | March 31, 2022 | ||
| Ronald A. Smith | ||||
| /s/ Corey Lambrecht | Director | March 31, 2022 | ||
| Corey Lambrecht | ||||
| /s/ Michael Dean Smith | Director | March 31, 2022 | ||
| Michael Dean Smith | ||||
| /s/ Kenneth Yonika | Director | March 31, 2022 | ||
| Kenneth Yonika |
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