Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

v3.22.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

COVID-19

 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic prompting government-imposed quarantines, suspension of in-person attendance of academic programs, and cessation of certain travel and business closures. The United States has entered a recession as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may prolong and exacerbate the negative impact on us. Although we expect the availability of vaccines and various treatments with respect to COVID-19 to have an overall positive impact on business conditions in the aggregate over time, the exact timing of these positive developments is uncertain. In December 2020, the United States began distributing two vaccines that, in addition to other vaccines under development, are expected to help to reduce the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 once they are widely distributed. If the vaccines prove less effective than currently understood by the scientific community and the United States Food and Drug Administration, or if there are problems with the acceptance, availability, timing or other difficulties with widely distributing the vaccines, the pandemic may last longer, and could continue to impact our business for longer, than we currently expect. In response to COVID-19, governmental authorities have implemented numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, prohibitions on group events and gatherings, shutdowns of certain businesses, curfews, shelter in place orders and recommendations to practice social distancing. Although many governmental measures have had specific expiration dates, some of those measures have already been extended more than once, and there is considerable uncertainty regarding the duration of such measures and the implementation of any potential future measures, especially if cases increase again across the United States, with the potential for additional challenges resulting from the emergence of new variants of COVID-19, some of which may be more transmissible than the initial strain. Such measures have impacted, and may continue to affect, our workforce, operations, suppliers and customers. We reduced the size of our workforce following the onset of COVID-19 and may need to take additional actions to further reduce the size of our workforce in the future; such reductions incur costs, and we can provide no assurance that we will be able to rehire our workforce in the event our business experiences a subsequent recovery. We took steps to curtail our operating expenses and conserve cash. We may elect or need to take additional remedial measures in the future as the information available to us continues to develop, including with respect to our workforce, relationships with our third-party vendors, and our customers. There is no certainty that the remedial measures we have implemented to date, or any additional remedial steps we may take in the future, will be sufficient to mitigate the risks posed by COVID-19. Further, such measures could potentially materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and create additional risks for us. Any escalation of COVID-19 cases across many of the markets we serve could have a negative impact on us. Specifically, we could be adversely impacted by limitations on our employees to perform their work due to illness caused by the pandemic or local, state, or federal orders requiring our stores to close or employees to remain at home; limitation of carriers to deliver our product to customers; product shortages; limitations on the ability of our customers to conduct their business and purchase our products and services; and limitations on the ability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner. These events could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

 

 

NEXTPLAT CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

FKA: ORBSAT CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

  

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

 

The ultimate magnitude of COVID-19, including the full extent of the material negative impact on our financial and operational results, will depend on future developments. The resumption of our normal business operations may be delayed or constrained by lingering effects of COVID-19 on our customers, suppliers and/or third-party service providers. Furthermore, the extent to which our mitigation efforts are successful, if at all, is not currently ascertainable. Due to the daily evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and the responses to curb its spread, we cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and results of operations, but our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows have already been materially adversely impacted, and we anticipate they will continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative effects on global economic conditions. Any recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic impact may also be slowed or reversed by a variety of factors, such as any increase in COVID-19 infections. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may continue to experience adverse impacts to our business as a result of its national and, to some extent, global economic impact, including the current recession and any recession that may occur in the future.

 

The success of our business depends on our global operations, including our supply chain and consumer demand, among other things. As a result of COVID-19, we have experienced shortages in inventory due to manufacturing issues, a reduction in the volume of sales in some parts of our business, such as rental sales and direct website sales, and a reduction in personnel due to lockdown related issues. Our results of operations for years ended December 31, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020, reflect this impact; however, we expect that this trend may continue, and the full extent of the impact is unknown. In recent months, some governmental agencies in the US and Europe, where we produce the largest percentage of our sales, have lifted certain restrictions. However, if customer demand continues to be low, our future equipment sales, subscriber activations and sales margin will be impacted.

 

Employment Agreements

 

2021 Phipps Employment Agreement

 

On June 5, 2021, the Company to enter into a new three year employment agreement with Mr. Phipps the that was effective as of June 2, 2021, also referred to herein as the 2021 Phipps Employment Agreement). Under the terms of the 2021 Phipps Employment Agreement, Mr. Phipps will serve as the serve as President of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of Global Operations. The term will be automatically extended for additional one-year terms thereafter unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Phipps by written notice. Mr. Phipps’ annual base compensation under the 2021 Phipps Employment Agreement is an aggregate of $350,000.The Company may increase (but not decrease) his compensation during its term. In addition, Mr. Phipps will be entitled to receive an annual cash bonus if the Company meets or exceeds criteria adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Phipps is also entitled to participate in any other executive compensation plans adopted by the Board of Directors, and is eligible for such grants of awards under stock option or other equity incentive plans as the Compensation Committee of the Company may from time to time determine (the “Share Awards”). Share Awards will be subject to the applicable Plan terms and conditions, provided, however, that Share Awards will be subject to any additional terms and conditions as are provided therein or in any award certificate(s), which shall supersede any conflicting provisions governing Share Awards provided under the equity incentive plan. The Company is required to pay or to reimburse Mr. Phipps for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred or paid by Mr. Phipps in the course of his employment, consistent with the Company’s policy. Mr. Phipps will be entitled to participate in such pension, profit sharing, group insurance, hospitalization, and group health and benefit plans and all other benefits and plans, including perquisites, if any, as the Company provides to its senior employees. The 2021 Phipps Agreement may be terminated based on death or disability of Mr. Phipps, for cause or without good reason, for cause or with good reason, and as a result of the change of control of the Company. The 2021 Phipps Agreement also contains certain provisions that are customary for agreements of this nature, including, without limitation, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants, indemnification provisions, etc. On August 7, 2021, the 2021 Phipps Agreement was amended in order to, among other things, (i) increase Mr. Phipps’ compensation to include a car allowance of $1,000 a month and (ii) clarify Mr. Phipps position to be President of NextPlat Corp and the Chief Executive Officer of Global Operations.

 

 

NEXTPLAT CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

FKA: ORBSAT CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

 

Fernandez Employment Agreements

 

Fernandez May Employment Agreement

 

On May 23, 2021, the Company entered into a three (3) year Employment Agreement (the “May Agreement”) with Mr. Fernandez to serve as Chairman of the Board. Such agreement includes provision for automatic one (1) year extensions. Under the terms of May Agreement, Mr. Fernandez’s employment commenced on May 28, 2021. As compensation for services under the May Agreement, Mr. Fernandez was to receive, in monthly installments during the term, the sum of $12,000 per month. Mr. Fernandez was also be entitled to such cash bonus opportunity and equity compensation arrangements as the Compensation Committee may determine following the effectiveness of this registration statement. The May Agreement also provided for the Company to reimburse Mr. Fernandez for any and all premium payments made by him to obtain and continue in full force and effect throughout the entire period of employment for personal catastrophe and disability insurance coverages. Such insurance was to have premium limits not to exceed one hundred percent (100%) of Mr. Fernandez’s Base Salary per annum. In addition, Mr. Fernandez was entitled to participate in such pension, profit sharing, group insurance, hospitalization, and group health and benefit plans and all other benefits and plans, including perquisites, if any, as the Company provides to its senior executives. Under the May Agreement, the Company was also obligated to reimburse Mr. Fernandez for up to $10,000 per year related to Mr. Fernandez’s business and personal travel and/or that of his immediate family members, as well as up to $10,000 per year for professional fees incurred by Mr. Fernandez, whether in connection with Mr. Fernandez’s association with the Company or otherwise. In connection to the June Offering, which is described above, the Company granted Mr. Fernandez an award of restricted stock with a grant date fair value equal to $3,000,000 determined at the per unit offering price of $5.00 per unit (the “RSA”), which RSA will vest 1/3 at each of the three anniversaries of the grant date. Notwithstanding the vesting schedule, full vesting will occur upon a Change in Control, as that term is defined in the RSA. The Company, at its sole expense, is obligated to register the reoffer and resale by Mr. Fernandez of the securities granted to Employee pursuant to the RSA.

 

Fernandez June Employment Agreement

 

On June 2, 2021, the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “June Agreement”) with Charles M. Fernandez, with an initial term of 5 years effective on May 28, 2021. The June Agreement replaced “the May Agreement”. Under the June Agreement, Mr. Fernandez will serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The June Agreement will be automatically extended for additional one-year terms unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Fernandez by written notice. Mr. Fernandez’s annual base compensation under the June Agreement is $350,000 per year. The Company may increase (but not decrease) his compensation during the June Agreement’s term. In addition, Mr. Fernandez is entitled to receive an annual cash bonus if the Company meets or exceeds criteria adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Mr. Fernandez is also entitled to participate in any other executive compensation plans adopted by the Board, and is eligible for such grants of Share Awards. Share Awards will be subject to the applicable Plan terms and conditions, provided, however, that Share Awards will be subject to any additional terms and conditions as are provided therein or in any award certificate(s), which will supersede any conflicting provisions governing Share Awards provided under the equity incentive plan. The Company is required to pay or to reimburse Mr. Fernandez for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred or paid by Mr. Fernandez in the course of his employment, consistent with the Company’s policy.

 

Mr. Fernandez will also be entitled to participate in such pension, profit sharing, group insurance, hospitalization, and group health and benefit plans and all other benefits and plans, including perquisites, if any, as the Company provides to its senior employees. The June Agreement may be terminated based on death or disability of Mr. Fernandez, for cause or without good reason, for cause or with good reason, as a result of the change of control of the Company and at the option of Mr. Fernandez with or without cause. The June Agreement also contains certain provisions that are customary for agreements of this nature, including, without limitation, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants, indemnification provisions, etc.

 

 

NEXTPLAT CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

FKA: ORBSAT CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

 

The Company will also reimburse Mr. Fernandez for any and all premium payments made by him to obtain and continue personal catastrophe and disability insurance coverages for himself, which policy will have policy limits not to exceed one hundred percent (100%) of his base salary per annum at any given time. In addition, the Company will pay for any and all travel-related expenses incurred by Mr. Fernandez and/or his immediate family members, not to exceed $10,000.00 per fiscal year, regardless of whether or not such expenses are incurred by Mr. Fernandez in connection with services or duties to be performed by him as an employee of the Company. The Company will also pay for any and all fees and costs incurred by Mr. Fernandez in connection with professional services provided to him, not to exceed $10,000 per year, including, without limitation, services provided to the Company by attorneys, accountants, financial planners and the like, regardless of whether or not such services are provided to Mr. Fernandez in connection with his employment with the Company.

 

In addition, the June Agreement (which repeats, but not duplicates, a grant of restricted stock made under the May Agreement), Mr. Fernandez received an award of restricted stock with a grant date fair value equal to $3,000,000 determined at the per unit offering price in the June Offering ($5 per Unit) (the “RSA”), which RSA will vest 1/3 at each of the three anniversaries of the grant date. The Grant Date for the RSA is May 28, 2021, as determined pursuant to the May Agreement. Notwithstanding the vesting schedule, full vesting will occur upon a Change in Control, as that term is defined in the Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to which the RSA was made (the “May Restricted Stock Agreement”). The Company at its sole expense is obligated to register for reoffer and resale by Mr. Fernandez the securities granted to him pursuant to the May Restricted Stock Agreement.

 

If Mr. Fernandez’s employment is terminated for any reason at any time by the Company prior to the full vesting of the RSA without “Cause” (as that term is defined in the June Agreement), the RSA will vest and Mr. Fernandez will receive all right, title and interest in the balance of the securities granted to him in the RSA.

 

During the term of the June Agreement and so long as Mr. Fernandez is employed by the Company, he may nominate two directors to the Company’s Board of Directors. The appointment of these directors to the Board is subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

 

On August 7, 2021, the June Agreement was amended in order to, among other things, increase Mr. Fernandez’s compensation by (i) providing for medical plan coverage for Mr. Fernandez and his family at the expense of the Company, and (ii) providing for an auto allowance $1,000 per month.

 

Ellenoff Employment Agreement

 

On August 24, 2021, Douglas S. Ellenoff was appointed to the positions of Chief Business Development Strategist of the “Company” and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. The appointment was made on the approval and recommendation of the Nominating Committee of the Board. Mr. Ellenoff was not appointed to any committees of the Board.

 

In connection with Mr. Ellenoff’s appointment to the position of Chief Business Development Strategist of the Company, Mr. Ellenoff and the Company entered into a three year Employment Agreement, dated August 24, 2021, which is also referred to herein as the “Ellenoff Agreement”, Under the Ellenoff employment Agreement, which sets forth the terms of his employment, including with regard to compensation. Mr. Ellenoff will be nominated and renominated to serve on the Board during the term of the agreement. Under the terms of the Ellenoff Employment Agreement, Mr. Ellenoff will receive, in lieu of cash compensation: (i) a restricted stock award of 100,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company, 40,000 of which will be issued within 5 business days of the execution of the Ellenoff Employment Agreement and vest immediately, and the remaining 60,000 of which will be issued and vest at the rate of 20,000 shares at the end of each of the next three annual anniversaries of his employment, provided that Mr. Ellenoff serves on the Board at any time during such year; and (ii) options to purchase a total of 1,500,000 shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, 300,000 of which will issued within 5 business days of the execution of the Ellenoff Employment Agreement and vest immediately, 150,000 of which will vest on each of the next three annual anniversaries of the commencement of his employment, and the remaining 750,000 of which will vest at the rate of 250,000 per year on each of the first three anniversaries of the commencement of his employment if during each such year Mr. Ellenoff introduces the Company to twelve (12) or more potential Business Transactions (as defined in the Ellenoff Employment Agreement and which transactions need not be consummated); provided that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer may, in his sole discretion, waive the vesting requirement in any given year. Such options have an exercise price of $5.35 per share and will terminate 5 years after they vest. These equity awards to Mr. Ellenoff were material to induce Mr. Ellenoff to enter into the Ellenoff Employment Agreement and were issued outside of a shareholder approved stock or option plan pursuant to the Nasdaq “inducement grant” exception (Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)).

 

 

NEXTPLAT CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

FKA: ORBSAT CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

  

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Uddin Employment Agreement

 

On June 22, 2021, the Company appointed Sarwar Uddin as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Uddin replaced Thomas Seifert, whose employment by the Company terminated on the same date. The initial term of Mr. Uddin’s agreement is one year commencing on June 22, 2021. The term of the employment agreement will be automatically extended for additional one-year terms unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Uddin by written notice. Mr. Uddin’s annual base compensation is $240,000. The Company may increase (but not decrease) his compensation during its term. In addition, Mr. Uddin will be entitled to receive an annual cash bonus if the Company meets or exceeds criteria adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Uddin is also entitled to participate in any other executive compensation plans adopted by the Board of Directors and is eligible for such grants of awards under stock option or other equity incentive plans as the Compensation Committee of the Company may from time to time determine (the “Share Awards”). The Company is required to pay or to reimburse Mr. Uddin for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred or paid by Mr. Uddin in the course of his employment, consistent with the Company’s policy. Mr. Uddin shall be entitled to participate in such pension, profit sharing, group insurance, hospitalization, and group health and benefit plans and all other benefits and plans, including perquisites, if any, as the Company provides to its senior Employees. The employment agreement may be terminated based on death or disability of the executive, for cause or without good reason, for cause or with good reason, and as a result of the change of control of the Company. The employment agreement also contains certain provisions that are customary for agreements of this nature, including, without limitation, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants, indemnification provisions, etc. On August 7, 2021, on the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of NextPlat Corp, the Company entered into an amendment to the current employment agreement to increase Mr. Uddin’s compensation by providing for an allowance of $600 per month for the payment of medical plan coverage for Mr. Uddin and his family.

 

On October 4, 2021, Mr. Uddin, notified the Company of his resignation from all positions he held with the Company. Mr. Uddin’s resignation was effective as of the close of business on October 8, 2021.

 

Carlise Employment Agreement

 

On June 22, 2021, the Company appointed Theresa Carlise, Controller, Treasurer and Secretary. The initial term of Ms. Carlise agreement was one year. The term of the employment agreement will be automatically extended for additional one-year terms unless terminated by the Company or Ms. Carlise by written notice. Ms. Carlise’s annual base compensation is $180,000. The Carlise Agreement provides for medical plan coverage and an auto allowance. The Company may increase (but not decrease) her compensation during its term. In addition, Ms. Carlise will be entitled to receive an annual cash bonus if the Company meets or exceeds criteria adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Ms. Carlise is also entitled to participate in any other executive compensation plans adopted by the Board of Directors and is eligible for such grants of awards under stock option or other equity incentive plans as the Compensation Committee of the Company may from time to time determine (the “Share Awards”). The Company is required to pay or to reimburse Ms. Carlise for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred or paid by Ms. Carlise in the course of her employment, consistent with the Company’s policy. Ms. Carlise shall be entitled to participate in such pension, profit sharing, group insurance, hospitalization, and group health and benefit plans and all other benefits and plans, including perquisites, if any, as the Company provides to its senior Employees. The employment agreement may be terminated based on death or disability of the executive, for cause or without good reason, for cause or with good reason, and as a result of the change of control of the Company. The employment agreement also contains certain provisions that are customary for agreements of this nature, including, without limitation, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants, indemnification provisions, etc. On August 7, 2021, on the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of NextPlat Corp, the Company entered into an amendment to the current employment agreement. The Amendment for Ms. Carlise amends her Employment Agreement in order to, among other things, change Ms. Carlise’s title to “Chief Accounting Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. On October 8, 2021, on the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee, and following the subsequent approval of the Board, the Company entered into an amendment to the Company’s current employment agreement with Theresa Carlise, the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, to extend the initial term of her employment agreement from 1 year to 3 years (the “Carlise Amendment”).

 

 

NEXTPLAT CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

FKA: ORBSAT CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

  

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

 

Thomson Employment Agreement

 

On August 24, 2021, Paul R. Thomson was appointed to the position of Executive Vice President of the Company. Mr. Thomson’s appointment as Executive Vice President was effective on August 24, 2021, the date of that certain Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomson and the Company (the “Thomson Agreement”). The Thomson Agreement has an initial term of three (3) years and will be automatically extended for additional 1-year term unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Thomson by written notice. Mr. Thomson’s annual base compensation is $250,000. The Company may increase (but not decrease) his compensation during its term. In addition, Mr. Thomson will be entitled to receive an annual cash bonus if the Company meets or exceeds criteria adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Mr. Thomson is also entitled to participate in any other executive compensation plans adopted by the Board and is eligible for such grants of awards under stock option or other equity incentive plans as the Compensation Committee of the Company may from time to time determine (the “Share Awards”).

 

In connection with Mr. Thomson’s employment, and as a material inducement to enter into the Thomson Agreements, Mr. Thomson received (i) immediately vested options to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock at a per share price of $5.35, and having a term of 5 years; and (ii) a restricted stock grant of 25,000 shares of Common Stock, 10,000 of which vest immediately, and the remaining 15,000 of which will vest at the rate of 5,000 shares at the end of each of the next three annual anniversaries of his employment. These equity awards to Mr. Thomson were issued outside of a shareholder approved stock or option plan pursuant to the Nasdaq “inducement grant” exception (Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)). On October 7, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) appointed Paul R. Thomson, the Executive Vice President of the Company, to the additional position of Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective October 9, 2021. As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Thomson will also become the Company’s principal financial officer, effective October 9, 2021. On October 8, 2021, on the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”), and following subsequent approval of the Board, the Company entered into an amendment to the Company’s current employment agreement with Mr. Thomson to reflect his new title of “Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer” effective October 9, 2021 (the “Thomson Amendment”).

 

Cohen Employment Agreement

 

On October 7, 2021, the Board appointed Andrew Cohen as Senior Vice President of Operations of the Company, effective October 8, 2021. In connection with Mr. Cohen’s appointment, the Company entered into an employment agreement, dated October 8, 2021 (the “Cohen Agreement”), that sets forth the terms of his employment.

 

The Cohen Agreement has an initial term of three (3) years and will be automatically extended for additional 1-year terms unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Cohen by written notice. Mr. Cohen’s annual base compensation is $250,000. The Company may increase (but not decrease) his compensation during its term. In addition, Mr. Cohen will be entitled to receive an annual cash bonus if the Company meets or exceeds criteria adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Mr. Cohen is also entitled to participate in any other executive compensation plans adopted by the Board and is eligible for such grants of awards under stock option or other equity incentive plans as the Compensation Committee may from time to time determine (the “Share Awards”). The Company is required to pay or to reimburse Mr. Cohen for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred or paid by Mr. Cohen in the course of his employment, consistent with the Company’s policy. Mr. Cohen will be entitled to participate in such pension, profit sharing, group insurance, hospitalization, and group health and benefit plans and all other benefits and plans, including perquisites, if any, as the Company provides to its senior employees. The Cohen Agreement may be terminated based on, among other things, the death or disability of Mr. Cohen, for cause, for good reason, and as a result of the change of control of the Company. The Cohen Agreement also contains certain provisions that are customary for agreements of this nature, including, without limitation, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants.

 

In connection with Mr. Cohen’s employment, and as a material inducement to enter into the Cohen Agreement, Mr. Cohen received (i) immediately vested options to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock at a per share price of $5.35, and having a term of 5 years; and (ii) a restricted stock grant of 25,000 shares of Common Stock, 10,000 of which vest immediately, and the remaining 15,000 of which will vest at the rate of 5,000 shares at the end of each of the next three annual anniversaries of his employment. These equity awards to Mr. Cohen were issued outside of a shareholder approved stock or option plan pursuant to the Nasdaq “inducement grant” exception (Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)).

 

 

NEXTPLAT CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

FKA: ORBSAT CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

  

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

 

Consulting Agreements

 

On July 16, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved, and the Company entered into a 12-month consulting agreement (“Consulting Agreement”) with an unrelated third-party for capital raising advisory services and business growth and development services, with the term renewable upon mutual consent of the parties. Upon signing of the Consulting Agreement, the Company agreed to issue 20,000 restricted shares of its common stock to the consultant (the “Consulting Shares”), 5,000 additional restricted shares of common stock to be issued quarterly until the consultant may receive cash compensation for his services, which will be determined, upon completion of certain milestones, by the Company’s CEO.

 

Lease Agreements

 

On December 2, 2021, the Company entered into a 62-month lease for 4,141 square feet of office space for $186,345 annually. The rent increases 3% annually. The space is not available for occupancy until the second quarter of 2022, at which time rent will commence, as well as adjusting the right of asset and the corresponding operating lease liability to include this lease.

 

Effective July 24, 2019, a three-year lease was signed for 2,660 square feet for £25,536 annually, for our facilities in Poole, England, “UK lease”, for £2,128 per month, or USD $2,926 per month at the yearly average conversion rate of 1.375083. The Poole lease will expire July 2022 and we may seek to expand to a larger facility.

 

The UK lease does not require any contingent rental payments, impose any financial restrictions, or contain any residual value guarantees. Variable expenses generally represent the Company’s share of the landlord’s operating expenses. The Company does not have any leases classified as financing leases.

 

The rate implicit to the UK lease is not readily determinable, and we therefore use our incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate used to determine the initial value of right of use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2021 was 6.00%, derived from borrowing rate, as obtained from the Company’s most recent lenders. Right of use assets for operating leases are periodically reduced by impairment losses. We use the long-lived assets impairment guidance in ASC Subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment – Overall, to determine whether an ROU asset is impaired, and if so, the amount of the impairment loss to recognize. As of December 31, 2021, we have not recognized any impairment losses for our ROU assets.

 

We monitor for events or changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of one of our leases. When a reassessment results in the remeasurement of a lease liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the corresponding ROU asset unless doing so would reduce the carrying amount of the ROU asset to an amount less than zero. In that case, the amount of the adjustment that would result in a negative ROU asset balance is recorded in profit or loss.

 

 

NEXTPLAT CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

FKA: ORBSAT CORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

  

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

 

At December 31, 2021, the Company had current and long-term operating lease liabilities of $19,763 and $0, respectively, and right of use assets of $22,643.

 

Future minimum lease payments under the UK lease are as follows:

 

    Minimum  
    Lease  
Years Ending December 31,   Payment  
2022   $ 22,643  
2023     -  
Total undiscounted future non-cancelable minimum lease payments     22,643  
Less: Imputed interest     (2,880 )
Present value of lease liabilities   $ 19,763  
Weighted average remaining term     0.58  

 

Net rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $35,112 and $32,607, respectively.

 

Litigation

 

On June 22, 2021, Thomas Seifert’s employment as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer was terminated for cause. Mr. Seifert asserts that the termination was not for cause and that he is owed all compensation payable under his employment agreement executed in June 2021. The Company’s position is that Mr. Seifert is not owed any additional consideration or compensation relating to his prior service with the Company or arising under any employment agreement. The Company believes it has adequate defenses to any such claims. The Company has determined to initiate litigation against Mr. Seifert asserting a number of claims including, but not limited to, rescission of the employment agreement, fraud in the inducement in connection with the execution of the employment agreement, and breach of the fiduciary duties of good faith and loyalty. The Company does not expect to seek substantial monetary relief in the litigation.

 

From time to time, the Company may become involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. The Company is not currently involved in any pending legal proceeding or litigation, and, to the best of our knowledge, no governmental authority is contemplating any proceeding to which the Company is a party or to which any of the Company’s properties is subject, which would reasonably be likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results.