UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE
14A
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed
by the Registrant ☒
Filed
by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check
the appropriate box:
☐ |
Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
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|
☐ |
Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a–6(e)(2)) |
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☒ |
Definitive
Proxy Statement |
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☐ |
Definitive
Additional Materials |
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☐ |
Soliciting
Material Pursuant to §240.14a–12 |
NOVA
LIFESTYLE, INC.
(Name
of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name
of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment
of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
☒ |
No
fee required. |
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|
☐ |
Fee
paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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☐ |
Fee
computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a–6(i)(1) and 0–11. |
NOVA
LIFESTYLE, INC.
6565
E. Washington Blvd.
Commerce,
CA 90040
July
17, 2023
Dear
Stockholder:
You
are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of the stockholders of Nova LifeStyle, Inc., a Nevada corporation, to be held at the
corporate headquarters of Nova LifeStyle, Inc., located at 6565 E. Washington Blvd, Commerce, California 90040 on August 31, 2023, at
10:30 a.m. local time.
Information
regarding each of the matters to be voted on at the Special Meeting is contained in the attached Proxy Statement and Notice of Special
Meeting of Stockholders. We urge you to read the proxy statement carefully. Our directors and officers will be present at the meeting
to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
The
proxy statement and proxy card are being mailed to all stockholders of record on or about July 18, 2023.
Because
it is important that your shares be voted at the Special Meeting, we urge you to complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card and
return it as promptly as possible in the accompanying envelope, whether or not you plan to attend in person. If you do attend the Special
Meeting, you may withdraw your proxy and vote personally on each matter brought before the meeting.
Sincerely,
|
/s/
Thanh H. Lam |
|
Thanh
H. Lam |
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Board of Directors |
NOVA
LIFESTYLE, INC.
6565
E. Washington Blvd.
Commerce,
CA 90040
NOTICE
OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To
Be Held August 31, 2023
TO
THE STOCKHOLDERS OF NOVA LIFESTYLE, INC.:
NOTICE
HEREBY IS GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders of Nova LifeStyle, Inc., a Nevada corporation, will be held at the corporate headquarters
of Nova LifeStyle, Inc., located at 6565 E. Washington Blvd, Commerce, California 90040 on August 31, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. local time,
to consider and act upon the following:
1.
|
To
approve an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to increase the total number of our authorized shares of common stock, par
value $0.001 per share, from 3,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares (the “Amendment”); |
|
|
2.
|
To
adopt and approve the Nova LifeStyle Inc. 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan (“2023 Plan”); |
|
|
3.
|
To
approve a proposal to grant discretionary authority to the Company’s Chairperson of the Board of Directors to adjourn the Special
Meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies to approve Proposals 1 and 2 (“Adjournment”). |
The
Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) and the Company’s management
has fixed the close of business on July 5, 2023 as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote
at, the Special Meeting and any adjournment and postponements thereof (the “Record Date”).
After
careful consideration, the Board of Directors recommends a vote IN FAVOR OF the Amendment, a vote IN FAVOR OF the 2023 Plan and a vote
IN FAVOR OF the grant of discretionary authority to the Company’s Chairperson of the Board to adjourn the Special Meeting.
Stockholders
are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting in person. Whether you plan to attend the Special Meeting or not, please complete,
sign and date the enclosed Proxy Card and return it without delay in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. If you do attend the Special
Meeting, you may withdraw your proxy and vote personally on each matter brought before the meeting. YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.
By
Order of the Board of Directors
|
/s/
Thanh H. Lam |
|
Thanh
H. Lam |
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Board of Directors |
Commerce,
California
July
17, 2023
IMPORTANT
NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
SPECIAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 31, 2023:
WHETHER
OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND OUR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS, YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE PROXY MATERIALS
TO VOTE YOUR PROXY VIA THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE OR REQUEST AND PROMPTLY COMPLETE, EXECUTE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD BY FOLLOWING
THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROXY CARD. IF YOU ATTEND OUR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON IF
YOU SO DESIRE.
NOVA
LIFESTYLE, INC.
6565
E. Washington Blvd.
Commerce,
CA 90040
PROXY
STATEMENT
FOR
THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To
Be Held August 31, 2023
We
are furnishing this Proxy Statement to the Stockholders of Nova LifeStyle, Inc., a Nevada corporation in connection with the solicitation,
by the Board of Directors of Nova LifeStyle, Inc. (the “Board”), of proxies to be voted at the Special Meeting of Stockholders
to be held at the corporate headquarters of Nova LifeStyle, Inc. located at 6565 E. Washington Blvd, Commerce, California 90040 on August
31, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. local time, and at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.
When
used in this Proxy Statement, the terms “Nova LifeStyle,” “Nova,” the “Company,” “we,”
“our” and similar terms refer to Nova LifeStyle, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the terms
“Board of Directors” and “Board” refers to the Board of Directors of the Company.
On
May 22, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Change Pursuant to NRS 78.209 with the Nevada Secretary of State to effect a one-for-five
reverse stock split, which became effective upon filing (“Reverse Stock Split”). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split,
every 5 shares of the Company’s common stock authorized or issued and outstanding immediately prior to the filing of the Certificate
of Change were consolidated into one share. All stockholders who would be entitled to receive fractional shares as a result of the Reverse
Stock Split received one whole share for their fractional share interest. There was no change in the par value of our common stock. The
references to shares and per share data in this proxy statement have been retroactively restated to reflect such split.
Questions
and Answers about these Proxy Materials and the Special Meeting
Why
am I receiving this proxy statement?
The board of directors of the Company is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Special Meeting because you owned shares of the Company
common stock at the close of business on July 5, 2023, the “Record Date” for the Special Meeting, and are therefore
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. This proxy statement, along with a proxy card or a voting instruction card, is being mailed
to stockholders on or about July 18, 2023. The Company has made these materials available to you on the Internet, and the Company
has delivered printed proxy materials to you or sent them to you by e-mail. This proxy statement summarizes the information that you
need to know in order to cast your vote at the Special Meeting. You do not need to attend the Special Meeting in person to vote your
shares of common stock of the Company.
When
and where will the Special Meeting be held?
The Special Meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m., local time, on August 31, 2023, at the Company’s corporate headquarters located
at 6565 E. Washington Blvd, Commerce, California 90040.
What
information is contained in this Proxy Statement?
This
information relates to the proposals to be voted on at the Special Meeting, the voting process, and certain other required information.
How
do I vote?
Stockholders
of Record
If
your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Issuer Direct Corporation, you are considered the “stockholder
of record” with respect to those shares. As the stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the Special Meeting or vote by
proxy using the accompanying proxy card. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure
your vote is counted. You may still attend the Special Meeting and vote in person even if you have already voted by proxy.
By
Internet – stockholders may vote on the internet by logging on to www.proxyvote.com and following the instructions given.
By
Telephone – stockholders may vote by calling 1-800-690-6903 (toll-free) with a touch tone telephone and following the recorded
instructions.
By
Mail – stockholders must request a paper copy of the proxy materials to receive a proxy card and follow the instructions given
for mailing. A paper copy of the proxy materials may be obtained by logging onto www.proxyvote.com and following the instructions given.
To vote using the proxy card, simply print the proxy card, complete, sign and date it and return it promptly to Vote Processing, c/o
Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. In the alternative, the proxy card can be mailed directly to the Company: Thanh
H. Lam, our Chief Executive Officer, located at 6565 E. Washington Blvd., Commerce, CA 90040. Our Board has selected Thanh H. Lam to
serve as proxy.
If
you vote by telephone or via the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card. Telephone and Internet voting are available 24
hours a day and will close at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on August 30, 2023.
In
Person - stockholders may vote in person at the Special Meeting. To vote in person, come to the Special Meeting and we will give you
a ballot when you arrive. The Board recommends that you vote using one of the other voting methods, since it is not practical for most
stockholders to attend the Special Meeting.
Shares
of our common stock represented by proxies properly voted that are received by us and are not revoked will be voted at the Special Meeting
in accordance with the instructions contained therein.
If
instructions are not given, such proxies will be voted:
|
● |
“FOR”
the amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to increase the total number of our authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.001
per share, from 3,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares; and |
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|
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|
● |
“FOR”
the adoption of Nova LifeStyle Inc. 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan; and |
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● |
“FOR”
the grant of discretionary authority to the Company’s Chairperson of the Board to adjourn the Special Meeting for the purpose
of soliciting additional proxies to approve Proposals 1 and 2. |
Street
Name Stockholders
If
you hold your shares in “street name” through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in your own name,
you are considered the “beneficial owner” of such shares. Because a beneficial owner is not a stockholder of record, you
may not vote these shares in person at the Special Meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the broker, bank or nominee
that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote those shares at the meeting. The Board recommends that you vote using one of the
other voting methods, since it is not practical for most stockholders to attend the Special Meeting.
If
you hold your shares in “street name” through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in your own name,
you can most conveniently vote by telephone, Internet or mail. Please review the voting instructions on your voting instruction form.
Your
proxy is revocable at any time before it is voted at the Special Meeting in any of the following three ways:
1.
You may submit another properly completed proxy bearing a later date.
2.
You may send a written notice that you are revoking your proxy to Thanh H. Lam, our Chairperson of the Board, located at 6565 E. Washington
Blvd., Commerce, CA 90040.
3.
You may attend the Special Meeting and vote in person. However, simply attending the Special Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your
proxy.
What
does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?
It
means your shares are registered differently or are in more than one account. Please provide voting instructions for each account for
which you have received a set of proxy materials.
Who
is soliciting my vote pursuant to this Proxy Statement?
Our
Board is soliciting your vote at the Special Meeting. The cost of solicitation will be borne by us. Our directors and employees may also
solicit proxies in person, by telephone, fax, electronic transmission or other means of communication. We will not pay these directors
and employees any additional compensation for these services. We will ask banks, brokerage firms, and other institutions, nominees, and
fiduciaries to forward these proxy materials to their principal, and to obtain authority to execute proxies, and will reimburse them
for their expenses.
Who
is entitled to vote?
Only
stockholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
How
many shares are eligible to be voted?
As
of the Record Date, we had 1,464,790 shares of common stock outstanding. Each outstanding share of our common stock will entitle its
holder to one vote on each of the matters to be voted on at the Special Meeting.
What
am I voting on?
You
are voting on the following matters:
1.
|
To
approve an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to increase the total number of our authorized shares of common stock, par
value $0.001 per share, from 3,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares (the “Amendment”); |
|
|
2.
|
To
adopt and approve the Nova LifeStyle Inc. 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan (“2023 Plan”); |
|
|
3.
|
To
approve a proposal to grant discretionary authority to the Company’s Chairperson of the Board to adjourn the Special Meeting
for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies to approve Proposals 1 and 2. (“Adjournment”) |
How
does the Board recommend that I vote?
The
Board unanimously recommends that you vote your shares as follows:
|
● |
“FOR”
the amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to increase the total number of our authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.001
per share, from 3,000,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
“FOR”
the adoption of Nova LifeStyle Inc. 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
“FOR”
the grant of discretionary authority to the Company’s Chairperson of the Board to adjourn the Special Meeting for the purpose
of soliciting additional proxies to approve Proposals 1 and 2. |
None
of our directors have informed us in writing that he or she intends to oppose any action intended to be taken by us at the Special Meeting.
How
many votes are required to hold the Special Meeting and what are the voting procedures?
Quorum
Requirement: As of the Record Date, 1,464,790 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued and
outstanding. The presence of at least one-third of all of our shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the
meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at the meeting. If you submit a properly executed proxy,
then you will be considered part of the quorum.
Required
Votes: Each outstanding share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal at the Special Meeting. If there
is a quorum at the Special Meeting, the matters to be voted upon by the stockholders require the following votes for such matter to be
approved:
|
● |
Approval
of the Amendment: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the voting power of the votes cast (in
person or by proxy) at the Special Meeting is necessary to approve the Amendment. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect
on the outcome of this proposal. |
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|
|
|
● |
Approval
of the 2023 Plan: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the voting power of the votes cast (in
person or by proxy) at the Special Meeting is necessary to approve the 2023 Plan. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect
on the outcome of this proposal. |
|
|
|
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● |
Approval
of the Adjournment: The affirmative vote of the holders of at least the majority of the voting power of the votes cast (in
person or by proxy) at the Special Meeting is necessary to approve the Adjournment. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no
effect on the outcome of this proposal. |
If
a broker indicates on its proxy that it submits to the Company that it does not have authority to vote certain shares held in “street
name,” the shares not voted are referred to as “broker non-votes.” Broker non-votes occur when brokers do not have
discretionary voting authority to vote certain shares held in “street name” on particular proposals, and the “beneficial
owner” of those shares has not instructed the broker how to vote on those proposals. If you are a beneficial owner and you do not
provide instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or other nominee is permitted to vote your shares for or
against “routine” matters. Brokers are not permitted to exercise discretionary voting authority to vote your shares for or
against “non-routine” matters.
How
may a stockholder bring any other business before the Special Meeting?
The
Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) provide that at the special meetings the only business which may
be transacted is that relating to the purpose or purposes set forth in the notice thereof, and, as such, stockholders shall not be permitted
to propose other business at the Special Meeting.
Who
is paying for the costs of this proxy solicitation?
The
Company will bear the cost of preparing, printing and mailing the materials in connection with this solicitation of proxies. In addition
to mailing these materials, directors, officers and employees of the Company may, without being additionally compensated, solicit proxies
personally and by mail, telephone, facsimile or electronic communication.
Are
there any rights of appraisal?
Under
the Nevada Revised Statutes and the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, Stockholders are not entitled to any appraisal or similar
rights of dissenters with respect to any of the proposals to be acted upon at the Special Meeting.
Who
will count the votes?
The
inspector of election appointed for the Special Meeting will receive and tabulate the ballots and voting instruction forms.
Where
do I find the voting results of the Special Meeting?
The
voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we will file with the SEC within four (4) business days after the
Special Meeting.
How
can I obtain the Company’s corporate governance information?
Our
corporate governance information is available on our website at www.novalifestyle.com under “Investor Relations—Corporate
Governance.” Our stockholders may also obtain written copies at no cost by writing to us at Nova LifeStyle Inc, at 6565 E. Washington
Blvd., Commerce, CA 90040, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by calling (323) 888-9999.
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The
following sets forth information as of July 5, 2023, regarding the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by (i) each
person that we know beneficially owns 5% or more of our outstanding common stock, (ii) each of our named executive officers, (iii) each
of our directors and (iv) all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
The
amounts and percentages of our common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of SEC rules governing the determination of
beneficial ownership of securities. Under the SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that
person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or “investment
power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial
owner of any securities of which that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days through the exercise of any
stock option, warrant or other right. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed a beneficial owner of the same securities
and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which such person has no economic interest.
On
May 22, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Change with the Secretary of State of Nevada with an effective date of filing date,
to effect a one-for-five reverse stock split of the Company’s authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.001, accompanied
by a corresponding decrease in the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock.
Unless
otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders named in the table below, or his or her family members, has sole voting and investment
power with respect to such shares of our common stock. Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each of the stockholders listed
below is: c/o Nova LifeStyle, Inc., 6565 E. Washington Blvd., Commerce, CA 90040.
As
of July 5, 2023, there were 1,464,790 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.
Name of
beneficial owner | |
Number
of shares | | |
Percent
of class | |
Directors and named executive
officers | |
| | | |
| | |
Thanh H. Lam, Chairperson, Chief
Executive Officer, President and Director | |
| 11,857 | | |
| * | |
Jeffery Chuang, Chief Financial Officer | |
| 2,800 | (1) | |
| * | |
Min Su, Corporate Secretary and Director | |
| 8,100 | | |
| * | |
Charlie Huy La, Director | |
| 8,485 | (2) | |
| * | |
Umesh Patel, Director | |
| 8,000 | (3) | |
| * | |
Ming-Cherng Sky Tsai, Director | |
| - | | |
| * | |
Steven Qiang Liu, Vice President | |
| 400,614 | | |
| 27.4 | % |
Directors and executive officers as a group
(7 persons) | |
| 439,856 | | |
| 30.0 | % |
(1) |
Shares
beneficially owned include 2,800 shares subject to stock options exercisable as of July 5, 2023. |
(2) |
Shares
beneficially owned include 8,000 shares subject to stock options exercisable as of July 5, 2023. |
(3) |
Shares
beneficially owned include 8,000 shares subject to stock options exercisable as of July 5, 2023. |
*
Represents less than 1% of shares outstanding.
NON-EMPLOYEE
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Director
Compensation (excluding Named Executive Officers)
As
of December 31, 2022, none of our independent directors has received any compensation from us for serving as our directors, except for
the director fees described below. Our directors who are also executive officers of the Company do not receive additional compensation
for their services on the Board.
In
connection with their respective appointments to the Board of Directors, the Company entered into director agreements with Mr. Tsai,
Mr. La and Mr. Patel. Pursuant to the amended agreements and certain board resolutions, the directors received reimbursement of certain
expenses incurred with respect to attendance at board meetings and the following director fees in 2022: (i) $22,560 annually with respect
to Mr. Tsai, (ii) $25,308 annually with respect to Mr. Patel, and (iii) $22,560 annually with respect to Mr. La. The Board also approved
payment of nominal meeting attendance fees to non-employee directors. The director agreements impose certain customary confidentiality
and non-disclosure obligations on the directors.
The
following table sets forth information concerning all cash and non-cash compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our non-employee
directors for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Name | |
Fees
earned or paid
in cash ($) | | |
Stock Awards ($)
| | |
Option Awards ($)
| | |
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation Earnings ($) | | |
Non-
Qualified Deferred Compensation ($) | | |
Nonqualified
deferred compensation earnings ($) | | |
All
Other Compensation ($) | | |
Total ($) | |
Umesh Patel | |
| 27,661 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 27,661 | |
Charlie Huy La | |
| 24,845 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 24,845 | |
Ming-Cherng Sky Tsai | |
| 24,845 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 24,845 | |
Except
as set forth above, we do not currently compensate our directors for acting as such, although we may do so for independent directors,
including with cash and equity. All directors are eligible to receive reimbursement of expenses incurred with respect to attendance at
board meetings. We do not maintain a medical, dental or retirement benefits plan for our independent directors.
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-end
The
following tables set forth certain information regarding outstanding stock options held by our directors (excluding our NEOs) as of December
31, 2022.
Name | |
Outstanding | | |
Vested | |
Umesh Patel | |
| 8,000 | | |
| 8,000 | |
Charlie Huy La | |
| 8,000 | | |
| 8,000 | |
Ming-Cherng Sky Tsai | |
| - | | |
| - | |
*
The shares numbers have been retroactively restated to reflect the Reverse Stock Split in May 2023.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
General
Certain
information concerning our executive officers as of the date of this proxy statement is set forth below. Officers are elected annually
by the Board and serve at the discretion of the Board.
Name |
|
Position |
|
Age |
Thanh
H. Lam |
|
Chairperson,
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
|
55 |
Jeffery
Chuang |
|
Chief
Financial Officer |
|
53 |
Min
Su |
|
Corporate
Secretary, Director |
|
39 |
Summary
Compensation Table
The
following table sets forth information concerning the compensation for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, of each of our named
executive officers.
Summary
Compensation Table
Name and
Principal Position | |
Year | | |
Salary | | |
Bonus | | |
Stock
Awards | | |
Option
Awards | | |
Nonequity
Incentive Plan Compensation | |
Nonqualified
Deferred Compensation Earnings | | |
All
Other Compensation | |
Total | |
| |
| | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | |
($) | | |
($) | |
($) | |
Thanh H. Lam | |
| 2021 | | |
| 100,000 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 100,000 | |
Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer, President
and Director | |
| 2022 | | |
| 109,808 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 109,808 | |
Jeffery Chuang | |
| 2021 | | |
| 50,000 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 50,000 | |
Chief Financial Officer | |
| 2022 | | |
| 56,635 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 56,635 | |
Min Su | |
| 2021 | | |
| 80,000 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 12,017 | (1)(2) | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 92,017 | |
Corporate Secretary and Director | |
| 2022 | | |
| 88,862 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 10,785
| (2)(3) | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 0 | | |
0 | |
| 99,647 | |
(1)
Represents the grant date fair value of the stock award granted to Ms. Su on November 10, 2020, under the 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive
Plan (which is described below under the section entitled “Equity Incentive Plan”) computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic
718.
(2)
Represents the grant date fair value of the stock award granted to Ms. Su on November 11, 2021, under the 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan (which
is described below under the section entitled “Equity Incentive Plan Plan”) computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(3)
Represents the grant date fair value of the stock award granted to Ms. Su on November 11, 2022, under the 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan (which
is described below under the section entitled “Equity Incentive Plan Plan”) computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
Employment
Agreements
On
May 8, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Lam for a term of five years, unless earlier terminated by the
Company or Ms. Lam in accordance with its terms. The employment agreement provides for an annual salary of $100,000 to Ms. Lam as the
Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and annual bonuses at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. Upon termination
of employment, Ms. Lam is entitled to accrued but unpaid salary but no severance. The agreement contains confidentiality, non-competition
and non-solicitation covenants in favor of the Company. On December 30, 2021, the Company and Ms. Lam entered into an amendment to the
employment agreement which increased her annual salary to $110,000, effective on January 1, 2022. On May 8, 2023, the Company renewed
employment agreement with Ms. Lam for a term of five years, unless earlier terminated by the Company or Ms. Lam in accordance with its
terms. The employment agreement provides for an annual salary of $110,000 to Ms. Lam as the Chief Executive Officer and President of
the Company and annual bonuses at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. Upon termination of employment, Ms. Lam is entitled
to accrued but unpaid salary but no severance. The agreement contains confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants
in favor of the Company.
On
August 11, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Jeffery Chuang with a term of one year, commencing on August
22, 2021, unless earlier terminated by the Company or Mr. Chuang in accordance with its terms. On December 30, 2021, the Company and
Mr. Chuang entered into an amendment to the employment agreement which increased his annual salary to $55,000, effective on January 1,
2022. On August 18, 2022, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Jeffery Chuang with a term of one year, commencing
on August 22, 2022, unless earlier terminated by the Company or Mr. Chuang in accordance with its terms. This agreement is in substantially
the same form as the previous one-year employment agreement entered into on August 11, 2021, as amended. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr.
Chuang is entitled to a base salary of $55,000 per year and reimbursement of certain business expenses. Mr. Chuang is eligible for an
annual cash bonus at the sole discretion of the Board. Upon termination of employment, Mr. Chuang is entitled to accrued but unpaid salary
but no severance. The agreement contains confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants in favor of the Company.
On
November 11, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its Corporate Secretary Ms. Min Su to renew the terms of her
employment, effective as of November 14, 2021 with a term of one year, unless earlier terminated by the Company or Ms. Su in accordance
with its terms. Pursuant to the agreement, Ms. Su is entitled to: (i) a base salary of $80,000 per year, (ii) a one-time grant of 1,200
restricted stock units, as described below under the section entitled “Share Award and Option Agreements,” and (iii) reimbursement
of certain business expenses. Ms. Su is eligible for an annual cash bonus at the sole discretion of the Board. Upon termination of employment,
Ms. Su is entitled to accrued but unpaid salary but no severance. The agreement contains confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation
covenants in favor of the Company. On December 30, 2021, the Company and Ms. Su entered into an amendment to the employment agreement
which increased her annual salary to $88,000, effective on January 1, 2022. On November 11, 2022, the Company extended the employment
agreement with Ms. Su for one more year with the same terms, effective from November 14, 2022.
We
do not have any other arrangements providing for payments or benefits in connection with the resignation, severance, retirement or other
termination of any of our named executive officers, and we do not have any arrangements providing for payments or benefits on a change
in control of the Company.
Share
Award and Option Agreements
We
entered into a Stock Option Agreement with Mr. Chuang under 2014 Plan, dated August 12, 2019, pursuant to which Mr. Chuang was granted
an option to purchase 1,400 shares of common stock at a per share purchase price of $19.25 per share. The shares subject to the option
vested in two equal installments on the date of the Stock Option Agreement and the sixth month anniversary thereof.
We
entered into a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Ms. Su under 2014 Plan, dated November 10, 2020, pursuant to which Ms. Su was
awarded 1,200 RSUs. Shares of common stock underlying the RSUs vested as follows: (i) 300 shares vested on the date of the Restricted
Stock Unit Award Agreement, (ii) 300 shares vested on March 31, 2021; (iii) 300 shares vested on June 30, 2021; and (iv) 300 shares vested
on September 30, 2021.
We
entered into a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Ms. Su under 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan, dated November 11, 2021, pursuant to
which Ms. Su was awarded 1,200 RSUs. Shares of common stock underlying the RSUs vested as follows: (i) 300 shares vested on the date
of the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, (ii) 300 shares vested on March 31, 2022; (iii) 300 shares vested on June 30, 2022; and
(iv)300 shares vested on September 30, 2022.
We
entered into a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Ms. Su under 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan, dated November 11, 2022, pursuant to
which Ms. Su was awarded 1,200 RSUs. Shares of common stock underlying the RSUs vest as follows: (i) 300 shares vested on the date of
the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, (ii) 300 shares vested on March 31, 2023; (iii) 300 shares vested on June 30, 2023; and (iv)300
shares will vest on September 30, 2023. If Ms. Su ceases to be providing continuous services to the Company for any reason, any unvested
shares will be forfeited.
The
Company effected a 1 for 5 reverse stock split in May 2023 and all references to shares and per share data have been retroactively restated
to reflect such split.
Equity
Incentive Plan
The
Nova Lifestyle, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) was approved by the stockholders at the 2014
Annual Meeting, effective on May 13, 2014. The 2014 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted
stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock and performance awards. The Nova Lifestyle, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan (the “2021
Plan”) was approved by the stockholders at the 2021 Annual Meeting, effective on April 12, 2021. The 2021 Plan provides for the
grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and unrestricted stock.
During
the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company granted stock awards to its directors and executive officers.
The
Company entered into a Stock Option Agreement with Mr. Chuang under the 2014 Plan, dated August 12, 2019, pursuant to which Mr. Chuang
was granted an option to purchase 1,400 shares of common stock at a per share purchase price of $19.25 per share. The shares subject
to the option vested in two equal installments on the date of the Stock Option Agreement and the sixth month anniversary thereof.
The
Company entered into a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Ms. Su under the 2014 Plan, dated November 10, 2020, pursuant to which
Ms. Su was awarded 1,200 RSUs. Shares of common stock underlying the RSUs vested as follows: (i) 300 shares vested on the date of the
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, (ii) 300 shares vested on March 31, 2021; (iii) 300 shares vested on June 30, 2021; and (iv)300
shares vested on September 30, 2021.
The
Company entered into a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Ms. Su under the 2021 Plan, dated November 11, 2021, pursuant to which
Ms. Su was awarded 1,200 RSUs. Shares of common stock underlying the RSUs vested as follows: (i) 300 shares vested on the date of the
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, (ii) 300 shares vested on March 31, 2022; (iii) 300 shares vested on June 30, 2022; and (iv)300
shares vested on September 30, 2022.
The
Company entered into a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Ms. Su under 2021 Plan, dated November 11, 2022, pursuant to which
Ms. Su was awarded 1,200 RSUs. Shares of common stock underlying the RSUs vest as follows: (i) 300 shares vested on the date of the Restricted
Stock Unit Award Agreement, (ii) 300 shares vested on March 31, 2023; (iii) 300 shares vested on June 30, 2023; and (iv)300 shares will
vest on September 30, 2023. If Ms. Su ceases to be providing continuous services to the Company for any reason, any unvested shares will
be forfeited.
The
Company effected a 1 for 5 reverse stock split in May 2023 and all references to shares and per share data have been retroactively restated
to reflect such split.
Retirement
Plans
We
currently do not have any defined contribution plan, defined benefit pension plan, supplemental retirement plan or nonqualified defined
contribution plan for our named executive officers and we do not currently intend to establish any such plan.
Outstanding
Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End Table
The
following table sets forth information concerning the outstanding equity awards for the year ended December 31, 2022 of each of our named
executive officers.
| |
Option
Awards | | |
| |
Stock
Awards | |
Name | |
#
of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Exercisable | | |
#
of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Unexercisable | | |
Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) | | |
Option
Exercise Price ($) | | |
Option
Expiration Date | |
#
of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested | | |
Market
Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)
(2) | | |
Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: # of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested | | |
Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) | |
Jeffery Chuang | |
| 1,400 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 46.25 | | |
8/24/2023 | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Jeffery Chuang | |
| 1,400 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 19.25 | | |
8/12/2024 | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 0 | |
EQUITY
COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Information
about our equity compensation plans that were either approved or not approved by our stockholders is as follows (as of December 31, 2022):
Plan Category | |
(a)
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | | |
(b)
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | | |
(c)
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities Reflected in Column
(a)) | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Equity compensation plans approved
by security holders | |
| 26,800 | (1) | |
$ | 22.9 | | |
| 536,354 | (2) |
Equity compensation
plans not approved by security holders | |
| — | | |
$ | — | | |
| — | |
Total | |
| 26,800 | (1) | |
$ | 22.9 | | |
| 536,354 | (2) |
(1)
Granted under our 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2014 Plan”)
(2)
Under our 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan, the maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance is 600,000. As of December 31,
2022, a total of 104,946 shares and/or restricted stock units have been granted pursuant to the 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan. It also includes
41,300 shares under 2014 Plan due to the unexercised stock options expired in November 2022.
PAY
VERSUS PERFORMANCE
As
required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are
providing the following information about the relationship of “compensation actually paid” (“CAP”) to our principal
executive officer (“PEO”) and other named executive officers (“Non-PEO NEOS”) and our performance.
Pay
Versus Performance Table
As
required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Customer Protection Act, and item 402(v) of Regulation S-K promulgated
under the Exchange Act, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive compensation actually paid
and certain financial performance of the Company.
For
purposes of the tables below, the principal executive officer (“PEO”) and non-PEO named executive officers for 2021 and 2022
are the following:
Year |
|
PEO |
|
Non-PEO
named executive officers |
2022 |
|
Thanh
H. Lam |
|
Jeffery
Chuang |
2021 |
|
Thanh
H. Lam |
|
Jeffery
Chuang |
Year | | |
Summary Compensation
table total for PEO (1) ($) | | |
Compensation Actually
Paid to PEO(2) ($) | | |
Average Summary
Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs(3) ($) | | |
Average Compensation
Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs(4) ($) | | |
Value of Initial
Fixed $100 Investment Based On Total Shareholder Return(5) ($) | | |
Net Loss(6) ($) | |
(a) | | |
(b) | | |
(c) | | |
(d) | | |
(e) | | |
(f) | | |
(g) | |
2022 | | |
| 109,808 | | |
| 109,808 | | |
| 56,635 | | |
| 56,635 | | |
| (81.93 | ) | |
| 17,101,671 | |
2021 | | |
| 100,000 | | |
| 100,000 | | |
| 50,000 | | |
| 50,000 | | |
| (21.43 | ) | |
| 19,962,493 | |
|
(1) |
The
dollar amounts reported in column (b) are the amounts of total compensation reported for the PEO for each corresponding year in the
“Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(2) |
The
dollar amounts reported in column (c) represent the amount of “compensation actually paid” to the PEO, as computed in
accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. No adjustments were required to be made to the PEO’s total compensation for
each year to determine the compensation actually paid pursuant to the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. |
|
(3) |
The
dollar amounts reported in column (d) represent the average of the amounts reported for the Company’s non-PEO named executive
officers as a group in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table in each applicable year. |
|
(4) |
The
dollar amounts reported in column (e) represent the average amount of “compensation actually paid” to the non-PEO named
executive officers as a group, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. No adjustments were required to be made
to average total compensation for the non-PEO named executive officers as a group for each year to determine the compensation actually
paid pursuant to the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. |
|
(5) |
Cumulative
total shareholder return (“TSR”) is calculated by dividing the sum of the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement
period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and the difference between the Company’s share price at the end and the beginning of
the measurement period by the Company’s share price at the beginning of the measurement period. |
|
(6) |
The
dollar amounts reported represent the amount of net loss reflected in the Company’s audited financial statements for the applicable
year. |
Description
of Relationships Between Information Presented
In
accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the Company is providing the following descriptions of the relationships between information
presented in the Pay versus Performance table.
COMPENSATION
ACTUALLY PAID AND CUMULATIVE TSR
COMPENSATION
ACTUALLY PAID AND NET INCOME
COMPENSATION
ACTUALLY PAID AND STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE
PROPOSAL
NO. 1— AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The
Company is asking you to approve the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Nova LifeStyle, Inc., which would increase the amount
of authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), of the Company from 3,000,000 to 250,000,000
shares.
On
June 28, 2023, the Board unanimously adopted a resolution setting forth a proposed amendment to Company’s Articles of Incorporation,
which would, subject to stockholder approval, increase the total number of our authorized shares of our Common Stock from 3,000,000 shares
to 250,000,000 shares (the “Amendment”). The resolution also provided that the proposed Amendment be presented to the stockholders
for approval at a Special Meeting of the Stockholders with the recommendation of the Board that the stockholders approve the proposed
Amendment in accordance with the Chapter 78 of Nevada Revised Statutes. A copy of the proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation
is attached hereto as Annex A.
Except
as set forth in the Amendment, all of the remaining provisions of the current Articles of Incorporation of the Company will remain in
full force and effect without change.
If
the proposal to amend our Articles of Incorporation to increase the total number of our authorized shares of our Common Stock from 3,000,000
shares to 250,000,000 shares is approved by our stockholders at the Special Meeting, a Certificate of Change to our Articles of Incorporation
will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada as soon as practicable after the Special Meeting. Upon such filing with
the Secretary of State of Nevada, the Amendment will become effective.
Reasons
and Effects of the Increase in Authorized Shares of Common Stock
Potential
uses of the additional authorized shares of Common Stock may include public or private offerings, conversions of convertible securities,
issuance of stock or stock options to employees, acquisition transactions and other general corporate purposes. Increasing the authorized
number of shares of the Common Stock will give us greater flexibility and will allow the Company to issue such shares, in most cases,
without the expense or delay of seeking shareholder approval. The Company may issue shares of its Common Stock in connection with financing
and/or acquisition transactions and other corporate purposes which the Board of Directors believes will be in the best interest of the
Company’s stockholders. The additional shares of Common Stock will have the same rights as the presently authorized shares, including
the right to cast one vote per share of Common Stock. Increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock will not alter the number
of shares of common stock presently issued and outstanding or reserved for issuance and will not change the relative rights of holders
of any shares. The additional authorized shares of common stock, if and when issued, would have the same rights and privileges as the
shares of common stock previously authorized, issued and outstanding. Those rights do not include preemptive rights with respect to the
future issuance of any additional shares. Although the authorization of additional shares will not, in itself, have any effect on the
rights of any holder of our Common Stock, the future issuance of additional shares of Common Stock (other than by way of a stock split
or dividend) would have the effect of diluting the voting rights, and could have the effect of diluting earnings per share and book value
per share, of existing stockholders. The Board has declared the proposed Amendment to be advisable and in the best interests of the Company
and its stockholders and is submitting the Amendment to a vote of our stockholders.
Anti-takeover
Effects
SEC
rules and regulations require disclosure of the possible anti-takeover effects of an increase in authorized capital stock and other charter
and bylaw provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect. Although the Board has not proposed the Amendment and the increase in the
number of authorized shares of common stock with the intent of using the additional shares to prevent or discourage any actual or threatened
takeover of the Company, under certain circumstances, such shares could have an anti-takeover effect. The additional shares of common
stock could be issued to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control of the Company or could be
issued to persons allied with the Board or management and, thereby, have the effect of making it more difficult to remove directors or
members of management by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to effect such a removal. Accordingly, if the
proposed Amendment and authorized common stock increase is approved, the additional shares of authorized common stock may render more
difficult or discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of common stock,
or the replacement or removal of the Board or management.
This
proposal is not prompted by any specific effort or takeover threat currently perceived by the Board or management.
As
of July 5, 2023, the Company is authorized to issue up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock, of which, 1,464,790 shares were issued
and outstanding. Additional shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plan and other outstanding securities,
including (collectively, the “Anticipated Share Reserves”):
|
● |
300
shares of unvested restricted stock and vested
stock options to purchase 26,800 shares of the Company’s stock; |
|
|
|
|
● |
488,521
shares of common stock reserved for future issuance
under the Company’s 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan (the “2021 Plan”) and 41,300 shares of common stock reserved for
future issuance under the Company’s 2014 Plan; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
245,192
shares of common stock reserved for future issuance upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. |
*The
references to shares have been retroactively restated to reflect Reverse Stock Split in May 2023.
Other
than the reserved shares of common stock described above and 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan that is subject to approval by our stockholders
at the Special Meeting, we do not currently have any definitive agreements or plans to issue the additional shares of common stock that
would be authorized as a result of approving the proposed Amendment. We review and evaluate potential capital raising activities, transactions
and other corporate actions on an ongoing basis to determine if such actions would be in the Company’s best interest and the best
interest of our stockholders.
Dissenter’s
Rights
Our
stockholders have no right under the Nevada Revised Statutes, our Articles of Incorporation or our Amended and Restated Bylaws to dissent
from the provision adopted in the Amendment.
Required
Vote
Approval
of the Amendment requires a quorum to be present and an affirmative vote of a majority of our common stock voted at the Special Meeting.
Broker non-votes and abstentions will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of the proposal. Adoption of the Amendment
is not conditioned upon the adoption of any of the other proposals.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT COMPANY’S STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE
COMPANY’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.
PROPOSAL
NO. 2 – NOVA LIFESTYLE INC. 2023 OMNIBUS EQUITY PLAN
Background
Our
stockholders are being asked to consider and vote on this proposal to approve the Nova LifeStyle Inc. 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan (the “Equity
Plan”).
On
June 30, 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved the Nova LifeStyle, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014
Plan”) at the annual stockholders meeting, which permitted the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”),
restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), unrestricted stock and performance awards to its employees, directors,
consultants and advisors up to 160,000 shares (after reflecting the 1 for 5 reverse stock splits in December 2019 and May 2023, respectively)
of Common Stock of the Company. As of December 31, 2020, all shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2014 Plan have been
granted to employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company. As of December 31, 2022, 41,300 shares under 2014 Plan are
available for issuance due to the unexercised stock options expired in November 2022.
On
May 28, 2021, the Company’s stockholders approved the Nova LifeStyle, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan (the “2021 Plan”)
at the annual stockholders meeting, which permitted the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted
stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), unrestricted stock and performance awards to its employees, directors, consultants
and advisors up to 600,000 shares (after reflecting the 1 for 5 reverse stock split in May 2023) of Common Stock of the Company. As of
December 31, 2022, a total of 104,946 shares and/or restricted stock units have been granted pursuant to the 2021 Plan.
The
Equity Plan’s purpose is to attract and retain high caliber employees, directors, consultants and advisors; motivate participants
to achieve long-range goals; provide competitive incentive compensation opportunities; and align the participants’ interests with
the interests of the stockholders by offering the participants compensation that is based on our common stock.
The
description of the Equity Plan below is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Equity Plan,
which is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement. Capitalized terms used in the summary but otherwise not defined herein
shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Equity Plan.
The
Board of Directors of the Company approved and adopted the Equity Plan on June 28, 2023, subject to stockholders’ approval.
Recommendation
of Board of Directors
The
Board of Directors has approved and unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to
approve the Equity Plan.
Description
of the Equity Plan
Administration.
The Equity Plan requires that a committee of non-employee directors to administer the Equity Plan. Currently, our Compensation Committee,
which we refer to in this proposal as the Committee, administers the Equity Plan. Among other powers and duties, the Committee determines
the employees who will be eligible to receive awards and establishes the terms and conditions of all awards. Unless prohibited by applicable
law or the applicable rules of a stock exchange, the Committee may delegate its authority and administrative duties under the Equity
Plan.
Shares
Subject to the Equity Plan. The shares issuable under the Equity Plan are shares of our common stock that are authorized but
unissued or reacquired common stock, including shares repurchased by the Company as treasury shares. The total aggregate shares of common
stock authorized for issuance during the term of the Equity Plan is limited to 800,000 shares. The Committee must equitably adjust awards
and the number of shares available under the Equity Plan in the event of a recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, extraordinary
cash dividend, split-up, spin-off, reclassification, combination or other exchange of shares.
Types
of Awards and Eligibility. The Equity Plan provides for five types of awards. The Eligible Persons under the Equity Plan include
Employees, Outside Directors, Consultants and New Hires of the Company or its subsidiaries, as selected by our Board or the designated
committee thereof. As of July 5, 2023, 27 individuals (consisting of 3 executive officers, 3 directors who are not executive officers,
and 21 employees who are not executive officers) are eligible to receive awards under the Equity Plan. The closing price of Company’s
common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market was $2.02 per share as of July 5, 2023.
Stock
Options. Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”) are options that are intended to qualify as, and that satisfy the requirements
applicable to, an “incentive stock option” described in Code § 422(b). NSO shall mean an Option that is not intended
to be, or does not qualify as, an Incentive Stock Option and is commonly referred to as a “Non-Statutory Stock Option”.
Option
Grant: The grant of an Option entitles the Participant to purchase the number of Shares designated in the Award Agreement for such
Option at an Exercise Price established by the Committee. Options may be either Incentive Stock Options or Non-Statutory Stock Options,
as determined in the discretion of the Committee. Each Option shall be evidenced by and conditional on an Award Agreement in the form
approved by the Committee, which Award Agreement shall specify whether the Option is an ISO or NSO. No ISO may be granted to any person
more than ten (10) years after the Effective Date of the Equity Plan. Award Agreements need not be identical, but shall include the terms
specified in and be subject to the provisions of the Equity Plan applicable to such Options. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares (determined as of the respective date or dates of grant), subject to ISOs granted to any Participant under the Equity
Plan and any other option plan of the Corporation or any Related Corporation that first become exercisable in any calendar year, including
any ISOs which become exercisable on an accelerated basis during such year, exceeds the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000),
such excess Options shall be treated as NSOs.
Exercise
of Options: The Exercise Price shall be fixed by the Committee, provided that the Exercise Price for any Option shall never be less
than one hundred percent (100%) (or, in the case of a 10% Stockholder receiving an ISO, 110%) of the Fair Market Value per share of Stock
on the Option grant date. Fair Market Value shall be determined in a manner compliant with Code Section 409A.
Payment
of Exercise Price: The exercise price is payable in cash; by tendering shares of our common stock owned by the participant; by withholding
shares that would be acquired on exercise; by broker-assisted cashless exercise; or by any other form of legal consideration acceptable
by the Committee (so long as it does not result in deferral of compensation within the meaning of Code Section 409A). Options are subject
to the conditions, restrictions and contingencies specified by the Committee.
Option
Term: The maximum term of any option is ten years from the date of grant and, with respect to ISOs granted to an individual who owns
10% of the voting power of our stock, the maximum term is five years from the date of grant.
Stock
Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right (“SAR”) entitles the Participant to receive, with respect to each
Share subject to the SAR, the appreciation in the Fair Market Value over a base price established by the Committee, payable in cash or
Stock, or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee at the time of payment. Each SAR shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement
in the form approved by the Committee. Award Agreements evidencing SARs need not be identical, but shall include the terms specified
below and be subject to the provisions of the Equity Plan applicable to such SARs.
SARs
Grant: Each award of SARs will be evidenced by an award agreement that will specify the base price, the term of the SAR, and such
other provisions as the Committee determines, and which are not inconsistent with the terms of the Equity Plan (which need not be the
same for each award for each recipient).
Base
Price of SAR: The base price of each SAR granted under the Equity Plan will be at least equal to the fair market value of a share
of our common stock on the date of grant.
Settlement
of SARs: The Participant may exercise the SAR by delivering a written notice of exercise to the Corporation, in the form and manner
designated by the Committee. To the extent the Committee determines that the Participant will receive cash upon exercise of a SAR, the
Corporation shall deliver the cash amount which becomes due upon exercise of a SAR as soon as administratively practicable after the
Corporation’s receipt of the Participant’s properly completed notice of exercise. To the extent the Committee determines
that Shares will be delivered to the Participant upon exercise of a SAR, the Shares shall be subject to such conditions, restrictions
and contingencies as the Committee may establish, except that such conditions may not cause the deferral of recognition of income.
SAR
Term: The maximum term of any SAR is ten years from the date of grant.
Unrestricted
Stock. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, award unrestricted stock to any participant as a stock bonus or otherwise pursuant
to which such participant may receive shares of stock free of restrictions or limitations.
Restricted
Stock. A Restricted Stock Award is a grant of Shares subject to conditions and restrictions as determined by the Committee.
Each Restricted Stock Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in the form approved by the Committee. Award Agreements evidencing
Restricted Stock Awards need not be identical, but shall include the terms specified in and be subject to the provisions of the Equity
Plan applicable to such Restricted Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award shall be, for the applicable Period of Restriction determined
by the Committee, subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine. Lapse of restrictions
may be conditioned on the continued performance of Service or the achievement of performance conditions measured on an individual, corporate
or other basis, or any combination thereof.
Restricted
Stock Units. A Restricted Stock Unit Award entitles the Participant to receive Shares upon the vesting of the Award. Each Restricted
Stock Unit Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in the form approved by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Equity Plan,
Restricted Stock Units may be granted to Participants in such amounts and upon such terms and at any time and from time to time, as shall
be determined by the Committee. Award Agreements evidencing Restricted Stock Unit Awards need not be identical, but shall include the
terms specified in and be subject to the provisions of the Equity Plan applicable to Restricted Stock Unit Awards. As soon as practicable
following the date each Restricted Stock Unit vests, the Corporation shall deliver to the Participant the Share underlying such Restricted
Stock Unit, subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee may establish.
Performance-Based
Compensation. At its discretion, the Committee may make Awards to Participants intended to be the performance-based compensation.
In such event, the number of shares becoming exercisable or transferable or amounts payable with respect to grants of Options, Stock
Appreciation Rights, and/or awards of Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units may be determined based on the attainment
of written performance goals based on the performance measures set forth in Article 7 of the Equity Plan and which have been approved
by the Committee for a specified performance period. The performance goals shall state, in terms of an objective formula or standard,
the method of computing the amount of compensation payable to the Participant if the goal is attained.
Limitations
on Awards. The maximum aggregate cash amount payable under the Equity Plan for any Awards intended to constitute performance-based
compensation to any Participant in any single calendar year shall not exceed $1,000,000. Subject to adjustment as provided in the Equity
Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares (including Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, and RSUs) that may be granted to any Participant
in any calendar year shall be 1,000,000 Shares.
Vesting
and Forfeiture. The Committee determines the time and conditions under which the award will vest or the period of time
after which the restriction shall lapse as part of making an award. Vesting or the lapse of the period of restriction may, in the Committee’s
discretion, be based solely upon continued employment or service for a specified period of time, or may be based upon the achievement
of specific performance goals (individual, corporation or other basis), or both. Vesting means the time at which an option, SAR or RSU
holder may exercise his or her award at the end of the period of restriction that applies to Restricted Stock. Vesting or lapse provisions
need not be uniform among awards granted at the same time or to persons similarly-situated. Vesting and lapse requirements will be set
forth in the applicable award agreement. The Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate vesting of any award at any time. Unless otherwise
determined by the Committee and included in the Participant’s Award Agreement, in the event that a Participant’s Service
with the Corporation and all Related Corporations is terminated for any reason, all Awards held by the Participant which are unexercised
or have not yet vested as of such date shall expire, terminate, and become unexercisable as of such termination date, provided, however,
that if the Participant’s Service terminates for reasons other than Cause, all outstanding vested Options and SARs held by the
Participant as of his or her termination date shall continue to be exercisable until the earlier of the expiration of their term or the
date that is three months after such termination date.
Extension
Exercise Period. The Committee, in its discretion, may extend the period of time for which an Option or SAR is to remain exercisable
following a termination of service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the Option or SAR.
Prohibition
on Repricing. Except as required or permitted pursuant to a corporate transaction (including, without limitation, any recapitalization
or reorganization), in no event will an Option or SAR be amended to reduce the exercise or base price or be canceled in exchange for
cash, other awards or Options or SARs with an exercise price or base price less than the exercise price of the original Option or base
price of the original SAR without shareholder approval.
Limits
on Transfers of Awards/Beneficiary Designation. All awards are exercisable only by the participant during the participant’s
lifetime, and are transferable only by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; provided, however, that the Committee may permit
a transfer of an award, other than an ISO, to a family member of an individual, subject to such restrictions as the Committee may provide.
Participants may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive their benefits under the Equity Plan if they die before receiving
any or all of such benefit.
Recapitalization.
Upon a recapitalization, the Committee must adjust the number and kind of shares issuable and maximum limits for each type of award,
adjust the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding awards, adjust the exercise or base price of outstanding Options or SARs,
and make any other equitable adjustments.
Reorganization.
Upon a reorganization, the Committee may decide that: (i) awards will apply to securities of the resulting corporation (with appropriate
adjustment as determined by the Committee); (ii) any or all outstanding Options and SARs will be immediately exercisable (to the extent
permitted under federal or state securities laws) and shall remain exercisable for the remaining term of the Options or SARs under the
terms of the Equity Plan; (iii) any or all Options and SARs will be immediately exercisable (to the extent permitted under federal or
state securities laws) and shall be terminated after giving at least 30 days’ notice to the Participants to whom such Options or
SARs have been granted, and/or (iv) any or all unvested Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock on which restrictions have not yet
lapsed shall become immediately fully vested, nonforfeitable and payable.
Amendment
and Termination. Our Board of Directors may amend, suspend or terminate the Equity Plan, without consent of stockholders or participants,
provided, however, that amendments must be submitted to the stockholders for approval if shareholder approval is required by applicable
law, and any amendment or termination that may adversely affect the rights of participants with outstanding awards requires the consent
of such participants. The Committee may amend any award agreement, provided the amendment is not to re-price or constructively re-price
any award.
Term.
The Equity Plan is effective immediately upon the adoption by our Board of Directors, subject to shareholder approval, and will terminate
on the earliest to occur of (i) the 10th anniversary of the Equity Plan’s effective date, or (ii) the date on which
all shares available for issuance under the Equity Plan shall have been issued as fully-vested shares. Options may be granted at any
time on or after the date the Board of Directors adopt the Equity Plan, however, until the stockholders approve the Equity Plan, no Options
or SARs may be exercised, no restricted stock may be issued, and no award may be settled in stock. If shareholder approval is not obtained
within 12 months after the adoption by our Board of Directors, all awards will be null and void.
U.S.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The
following summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of awards under the Equity Plan is based on current U.S. federal income
tax laws and regulations and is designed to provide a general understanding of the consequences as of the date of this proxy statement.
Laws and regulations may change in the future and affect the income tax consequences of your award under the Equity Plan. In addition,
the impact of the laws and regulations may vary based on your individual circumstances. This summary does not constitute tax advice and
does not address taxation of your award under the laws of any municipality, state or foreign country. You are urged to consult your own
tax advisor as to the specific tax impact of any award to you.
Incentive
Stock Options. An employee participant will generally have no tax consequences when he or she receives the grant of an ISO. In
most cases, an employee participant also will not have income tax consequences when he or she exercises an ISO. An employee participant
may have income tax consequences when exercising an ISO if the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant) of the shares
of the common stock subject to the ISO that first become exercisable in any one calendar year exceeds $100,000. If this occurs, the excess
shares (the number of shares the fair market value of which exceeds $100,000 in the year first exercisable) will be treated as though
they are NQSOs instead of ISOs. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions for death or disability, if an employee participant exercises
an ISO more than three months after termination of employment, the exercise of the option will be taxed as the exercise of a NQSO. Any
shares recharacterized as NQSOs will have the tax consequences described below with respect to the exercise of NQSOs.
An
employee participant recognizes income when selling or exchanging the shares acquired from the exercise of an ISO in the amount of the
difference between the fair market value at the time of the sale or exchange and the exercise price the participant paid for those shares.
This income will be taxed at the applicable capital gains rate if the sale or exchange occurs after the expiration of the requisite holding
periods. Generally, the required holding periods expire two years after the date of grant of the ISO and one year after the date the
common stock is acquired by the exercise of the ISO. Further, the amount by which the fair market value of a share of the common stock
at the time of exercise of the ISO exceeds the exercise price will likely be included in determining a participant’s alternative
minimum taxable income and may cause the participant to incur an alternative minimum tax liability in the year of exercise.
If
an employee participant disposes of the common stock acquired by exercising an ISO before the holding periods expire, the participant
will recognize ordinary income. The amount of income will equal the difference between the option exercise price and the lesser of (i)
the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and (ii) the price at which the shares are sold. This amount will be taxed
at ordinary income rates and be subject to employment taxes. If the sale price of the shares is greater than the fair market value on
the date of exercise, the participant will recognize the difference as gain and will be taxed at the applicable capital gains rate. If
the sale price of the shares is less than the exercise price, the participant will recognize a capital loss equal to the excess of the
exercise price over the sale price.
Using
shares acquired by exercising an ISO to pay the exercise price of another option (whether or not it is an ISO) will be considered a disposition
of the shares for federal tax purposes. If this disposition occurs before the expiration of the required holding periods, the employee
option-holder will have the same tax consequences as are described above in the preceding paragraph. If the option holder transfers any
of these shares after holding them for the required holding periods or transfers shares acquired by exercising an NQSO or on the open
market, he or she generally will not recognize any income upon exercise. Whether or not the transferred shares were acquired by exercising
an ISO and regardless of how long the option holder has held those shares, the basis of the new shares received from the exercise will
be calculated in two steps. In the first step, a number of new shares equal to the number of older shares tendered (in payment of the
option’s exercise) is considered exchanged under Code Section 1036 and the related rulings; these new shares receive the same holding
period and the same basis the option holder had in the old tendered shares, if any, plus the amount included in income from the deemed
sale of the old shares and the amount of cash or other non-stock consideration paid for the new shares, if any. In the second step, the
number of new shares received by the option holder in excess of the old tendered shares receives a basis of zero, and the option holder’s
holding period with respect to such shares commences upon exercise.
There
will be no tax consequences to the Company when it grants an ISO or, generally, when an employee participant exercises an ISO. However,
to the extent that an option holder recognizes ordinary income when he or she exercises, as described above, the Company generally will
have a tax deduction in the same amount and at the same time.
Nonqualified
Stock Options. A participant generally has no income tax consequences from the grant of NQSOs. Generally, in the tax year when
the participant exercises the NQSO, he or she recognizes ordinary income in the amount by which the fair market value of the shares at
the time of exercise exceeds the exercise price for the shares, and that amount will be subject to withholding and employment taxes.
If
a participant exercises a NQSO by paying the exercise price with previously acquired common stock, he or she will have federal income
tax consequences (relative to the new shares received) in two steps. In the first step, a number of new shares equivalent to the number
of older shares tendered (in payment of the NQSO exercised) is considered to have been exchanged in accordance with Code Section 1036
and related rulings, and no gain or loss is recognized. In the second step, with respect to the number of new shares acquired in excess
of the number of old shares tendered, the participant recognizes income on those new shares equal to their fair market value less any
non-stock consideration tendered. The new shares equal to the number of the old shares tendered will have the same basis the participant
had in the old shares and the holding period with respect to the tendered older shares will apply to the new shares. The excess new shares
received will have a basis equal to the amount of income recognized on exercise, increased by any non-stock consideration tendered. The
holding period begins on the exercise of the option.
The
gain, if any, realized at the later disposition of the common stock will either be short- or long-term capital gain, depending on the
holding period.
There
will be no tax consequences to the Company when granting a NQSO. The Company generally will have a tax deduction in the same amount and
at the same time as the ordinary income recognized by the participant.
Stock
Appreciation Rights. Neither the participant nor the Company has income tax consequences from the issuance of a SAR. The participant
recognizes taxable income at the time the SAR is exercised in an amount equal to the amount by which the cash and/or the fair market
value of the shares of the common stock received upon that exercise exceeds the base price. The income recognized on exercise of a SAR
will be taxable at ordinary income tax rates and be subject to employment taxes. The Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction
with respect to the exercise of a SAR in the same amount and at the same time as the ordinary income recognized by the participant.
Restricted
Stock. A holder of restricted stock will not recognize income at the time of the award, unless he or she specifically makes an
election to do so under Code Section 83(b) within thirty days of such award. Unless the holder has made such an election, he or she will
realize ordinary income and be subject to employment taxes in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date the
restrictions on the shares lapse, reduced by the amount, if any, he or she paid for such stock. The Company will generally be entitled
to a corresponding deduction in the same amount and at the same time as the holder recognizes ordinary income. Upon the otherwise taxable
disposition of the shares awarded after ordinary income has been recognized, the holder will realize a capital gain or loss (which will
be long-term or short-term depending upon how long the shares are held after the restrictions lapse).
If
the holder made a timely election under Code Section 83(b), he or she will recognize ordinary income for the taxable year in which an
award of restricted stock is received on an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of restricted stock awarded for which
the election is being made (even if the shares are subject to forfeiture). That income will be taxable at ordinary income tax rates and
be subject to employment taxes. At the time of disposition of the shares, if such an election was made, the holder will recognize gain
in an amount equal to the difference between the sales price and the fair market value of the shares at the time of the award. Such gain
will be taxable at the applicable capital gains rate. The Company will generally be entitled to a tax deduction in the same amount and
at the same time as the ordinary income recognized by the participant.
Restricted
Stock Units. A holder of RSUs generally will not recognize income at the time of the award. Upon delivery of the shares due upon
settlement of an RSU, a holder will realize ordinary income and be subject to employment taxes in an amount equal to the fair market
value of the shares distributed. The Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding tax deduction in the same amount and at the
same time as the holder recognizes income. When the holder later disposes of his or her shares, the difference between the amount realized
on sale and the amount recognized by the holder upon settlement of the RSU will be a capital gain or loss (which will be long-term or
short-term depending upon how long the shares are held).
Unrestricted
Stock. Generally, the participant will, in the year that the unrestricted stock award is granted, recognize compensation taxable
as ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of the award. The Company normally will receive a corresponding
deduction equal to the amount of compensation the recipient is required to recognize as ordinary taxable income, and must comply with
applicable tax withholding requirements.
Limitation
on Company Deductions. No federal income tax deduction is allowed for the Company for any compensation paid to a “covered
employee” in any taxable year of the Company to the extent that his or her compensation exceeds $1,000,000. For this purpose, “covered
employees” are generally the chief executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company, the three other most highly
compensated officers of the Company other than the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer for the taxable year
and any “covered employee” of the Company (or any predecessor) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2016, and
the term “compensation” generally includes amounts includable in gross income as a result of the exercise of stock options
or SARs, payments pursuant to performance shares or units, or the receipt of restricted or unrestricted stock. This deduction limitation,
however, does not apply to compensation that is compensation which would not be includable in an employee’s gross income.
Effect
of Code Section 280G. Code Section 280G limits the deductibility of certain payments that are contingent upon a change of control
if the total amount of such payments equals or exceeds three times the individual’s “base amount” (i.e., generally,
annualized five-year W-2 compensation). If payment or settlement of an award is accelerated upon a change of control, a portion of such
payment attributable to the value of the acceleration is considered a payment that is contingent upon a change of control. In addition,
the affected individual must pay an excise tax (in addition to any income tax) equal to 20% of such amount.
Impact
of Code Section 409A. Code Section 409A provides that all amounts deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan are
includible in a service provider’s gross income to the extent such amounts are not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture,
unless certain requirements are satisfied. If the requirements are not satisfied, in addition to current income inclusion, interest at
the underpayment rate plus 1% will be imposed on the service provider’s underpayments that would have occurred had the deferred
compensation been includible in gross income for the taxable year in which first deferred or, if later, the first taxable year in which
such deferred compensation is not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. The amount required to be included in income is also subject
to an additional 20% tax. While most awards under the Equity Plan are anticipated to be exempt from the requirements of Code Section
409A, awards not exempt from Code Section 409A are intended to comply with Code Section 409A.
Other
Information
Subject
to the terms and provisions of the Equity Plan, the individuals that receive awards and the terms and conditions of such awards are determined
at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has not yet made any determination as to which eligible employees
will receive awards under the Equity Plan in the future, or the value of awards to be made to any eligible individual, and therefore,
it is not possible to determine for any persons or groups the benefits or amounts that will be received in the future under the Equity
Plan.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO
APPROVE THE NOVA LIFESTYLE INC. 2023 OMNIBUS EQUITY PLAN.
PROPOSAL
NO. 3 – GRANT OF DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING
Although
it is not expected, the Special Meeting may be adjourned for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies. Any such adjournment of the
Special Meeting may be made without notice, other than by the announcement made at the Special Meeting, by approval of the holders of
a majority of the shares of our Common Stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, whether or not
a quorum exists. We are soliciting proxies to grant discretionary authority to the Company’s Chairperson of the Board to adjourn
the Special Meeting, if necessary, for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies in favor of Proposals 1 and 2. The Chairperson of
the Board will have the discretion to decide whether or not to use the authority granted to such person pursuant to this Proposal 3 to
adjourn the Special Meeting.
Vote
Required
The
affirmative vote of a majority of all of the votes present or represented and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is required to
approve this Proposal 3. Broker non-votes and abstentions will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of the proposal.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT COMPANY’S STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE GRANT OF DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY
TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING.
OTHER
BUSINESS
As
of the date of this Proxy Statement, management does not know of any other matters that will be brought before the Special Meeting requiring
action of the stockholders. However, if any other matters requiring the vote of the stockholders properly come before the Special Meeting,
it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the proxies in accordance with the discretion of management.
The persons designated as proxies will also have the right to approve any and all adjournments of the Special Meeting for any reason.
STOCKHOLDERS
SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS
The
SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (such as brokers, banks and other nominees) to implement a delivery procedure
called “householding.” Under this procedure, multiple stockholders who reside at the same address may receive a single copy
of the Proxy Statement and other proxy materials, unless the affected shareholder has provided contrary instructions. This procedure
reduces printing costs and postage fees. Under applicable law, if you consented or were deemed to have consented, your broker, bank or
other intermediary may send only one copy of the Proxy Statement and other proxy materials to your address for all residents that own
shares of the Company’s common stock in street name. If you wish to revoke your consent to householding, you must contact your
broker, bank or other intermediary. If you are receiving multiple copies of the Proxy Statement and other proxy materials, you may be
able to request householding by contacting your broker, bank or other intermediary. If you received a householding mailing and you would
like to have additional copies of proxy statement and proxy materials mailed to you or you would like to opt out of this practice for
future mailings, contact our Corporate Secretary, located at 6565 E. Washington Blvd., Commerce, CA 90040. We agree to deliver promptly,
upon written or oral request, a separate copy of this Proxy Statement and proxy materials to any stockholder at the shared address to
which a single copy of those documents was delivered. If you wish to request copies free of charge of the Proxy Statement or other proxy
materials, please send your request to Nova LifeStyle, Inc., at 6565 E. Washington Blvd., Commerce, CA 90040, Attention: Corporate Secretary
or call the Company with your request at (323) 888-9999.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We
have filed reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the
SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the Public Reference Room
by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains the reports, proxy statements and other information we
file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC website is www.sec.gov. In addition, stockholders may obtain free copies of
certain documents filed with the SEC by the Company through the “SEC Filings” section of our website.
You
may obtain any of the documents we file with the SEC, without charge, by requesting them in writing or by telephone from us at the following
address:
Nova
LifeStyle, Inc.,
Attn:
Corporate Secretary
6565
E. Washington Blvd., Commerce, CA 90040
(323)
888-9999
YOUR
VOTE IS IMPORTANT
You
are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting. However, to ensure that your shares are represented at the meeting, please submit
your proxy or voting instructions. Please see the instructions on the proxy and voting instruction card. Submitting a proxy or voting
instructions will not prevent you from attending the Special Meeting and voting in person, if you so desire, but will help the Company
secure a quorum and reduce the expense of additional proxy solicitation.
|
BY
ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
|
|
July
17, 2023 |
/s/
Thanh H. Lam |
|
Thanh
H. Lam |
|
Chairperson
of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Annex A
Annex B
Nova
lifestyle inc.
2023
OMNIBUS EQUITY PLAN
ARTICLE
1
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
1.1. |
PURPOSE
OF THE PLAN. |
The
Nova LifeStyle Inc. 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan has been established by Nova LifeStyle Inc. to (a) attract and retain high caliber employees,
directors, consultants and advisors; (b) motivate Participants, by means of appropriate incentives, to achieve long-range goals; (c)
provide incentive compensation opportunities that are competitive with those of other similarly-situated companies; and (d) further align
Participants’ interests with those of the Corporation’s stockholders through compensation that is based on the Corporation’s
common stock; and thereby promote the long-term financial interest of the Corporation, including the growth in value of the Corporation’s
equity and enhancement of long-term stockholder return.
Capitalized
terms shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in Section 9 of the Plan.
1.2. |
TYPES
OF AWARDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE PLAN. |
The
Plan provides for five types of Awards:
Options
- the Option Grant Program under which Eligible Persons may be granted Incentive Stock Options or Non-Statutory Stock Options
to purchase Shares is set forth in Article 2;
Stock
Appreciation Rights - the Stock Appreciation Rights Program under which Eligible Persons may be granted a right to receive
the appreciation in the Fair Market Value of Shares in the form of cash or Stock is set forth in Article 3;
Restricted
Stock - the Restricted Stock Program under which Eligible Persons may be issued Shares, subject to certain conditions and
restrictions, is set forth in Article 4; and
Unrestricted
Stock: the Unrestricted Stock Program under which Eligible Persons may be issued Shares, is set forth in Article 5; and
Restricted
Stock Units - the Restricted Stock Unit Program under which Eligible Persons may be granted a right to receive Stock upon
the satisfaction of certain conditions and restrictions is set forth in Article 6.
The
provisions of Articles 1, 7 (to the extent applicable), 8 and 9 apply to each type of Award made under the Plan and govern the interests
of all persons under the Plan.
1.3. |
ADMINISTRATION
OF THE PLAN. |
(a) |
General
Administration. The Plan shall be administered and interpreted by the Committee (as designated pursuant to Paragraph (b)). Subject
to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have authority to interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend and rescind
rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the terms and provisions of the Award Agreements by which Awards shall be
evidenced (which shall not be inconsistent with the terms of the Plan), and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable
for the administration of the Plan, all of which determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive. |
|
|
(b) |
Appointment
of Committee. The Board shall appoint the Committee from among its nonemployee members to serve at the pleasure of the Board.
The Board from time to time may remove members from, or add members to, the Committee and shall fill all vacancies thereon. The Committee
at all times shall be composed of two or more nonemployee directors who shall meet all of the following requirements: |
|
(i) |
Disinterested
Administration for Rule 16b-3 Exemption. During the period any director is serving on the Committee, he shall (A) not be an officer
of the Corporation or a parent or subsidiary of the Corporation, or otherwise currently employed by the Corporation or a parent or
subsidiary of the Corporation; (B) not receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, from the Corporation or a parent or subsidiary
of the Corporation for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than as a director, except for an amount that does
not exceed the dollar amount for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Rule 404(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
(C) not possess an interest in any other transaction for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Rule 404(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934; and (D) not be engaged in a business relationship for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Rule 404(b)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The requirements of this subsection are intended to comply with Rule 16b-3 under Section
16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and shall be interpreted and construed in a manner which assures compliance with said
Rule 16b-3. To the extent said Rule 16b-3 is modified to reduce or increase the restrictions on who may serve on the Committee, the
Plan shall be deemed modified in a similar manner; |
|
|
|
|
(ii) |
Outside
Director. No director serving on the Committee may be a current employee of the Corporation or a former employee of the Corporation
(or any corporation affiliated with the Corporation under Code §1504) receiving compensation for prior services (other than
benefits under a tax-qualified retirement plan) during each taxable year during which the director serves on the Committee. Furthermore,
no director serving on the Committee shall be or have ever been an officer of the Corporation (or any Code §1504 affiliated
corporation), or shall receive remuneration (directly or indirectly) from such a corporation in any capacity other than as a director. |
|
|
|
|
(iii) |
Independent
Director Rule for Stock Exchange. During the period any director is serving on the Committee, he shall satisfy all requirements
to qualify as an independent director for purposes of the rules of the exchange on which the Stock is traded. |
(c) |
Organization.
The Committee may select one of its members as its chairman and shall hold its meetings at such times and at such places as it shall
deem advisable. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. Actions may be taken by a majority of the Committee at a meeting
or by unanimous written consent of all Committee members in lieu of a meeting. The Committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings
and shall report the same to the Board at the meeting next succeeding. |
|
|
(d) |
Powers
of Committee. The Committee may make one or more Awards under the Plan to a Participant. The Committee shall decide which Eligible
Persons shall receive an Award and when to grant an Award, the type of Award that it shall grant and the number of Shares covered
by the Award. The Committee shall also decide the terms, conditions, performance criteria, restrictions and other provisions of the
Award. The Committee may grant a single Award or an Award in combination with another Award(s) to a Participant. The Committee may
grant an Award as an alternate to or replacement of an existing Award under the Plan or award under any other compensation plan or
arrangement of the Corporation or a Related Corporation, including a plan of any entity acquired by the Corporation or a Related
Corporation, upon the cancellation of the existing award; provided, that such grant of an alternate or replacement Award may
be made only if the alternate or replacement Award does not constitute a repricing of the existing award (as limited by Section 1.5(c)
of the Plan). In making Award decisions, the Committee may take into account the nature of services rendered by the individual, the
individual’s present and potential contribution to the Corporation’s success and such other factors as the Committee,
in its sole discretion, deems relevant. |
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The
Committee shall interpret the Plan, establish and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Plan, decide the terms and provisions
of any Award Agreements made under the Plan, and determine how to administer the Plan. The Committee also shall decide administrative
methods for the exercise of Stock Options. Each Committee decision shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties. |
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(e) |
Delegation
by Committee. Unless prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of a stock exchange, the Committee may allocate all
or some of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members. The Committee also may delegate some or all of it administrative
duties and powers to any Employee, including officers. |
(f) |
Information
to be Furnished to Committee. The records of the Corporation and Related Corporations as to an Eligible Person’s or Participant’s
employment, termination of employment, performance of Service, termination of Service, leave of absence, reemployment and compensation
shall be conclusive on all persons unless determined to be manifestly incorrect. Participants and other persons entitled to benefits
under the Plan must, as a condition to the receipt or settlement of any Award hereunder, furnish the Committee with such evidence,
data or information as the Committee reasonably considers desirable to carry out the terms of the Plan. |
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(g) |
Indemnification.
In addition to such other rights of indemnification that they have as members of the Board or the Committee, the Corporation shall
indemnify the members of the Committee (and any designees of the Committee, as permitted under Paragraph (e)), to the extent permitted
by applicable law, against reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) actually and necessarily incurred
in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal, to which they or any of them
may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any Award awarded hereunder,
and against all amounts paid by them in settlement thereof (provided such settlement is approved to the extent required by
and in the manner provided by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the Corporation relating to indemnification of the members
of the Board) or paid by them in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to such matters
as to which it is adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Committee member or members (or their designees) did not
act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation. |
The
persons eligible to participate in this Plan (“Eligible Persons”) are as follows:
(a) |
Employees.
Employees (including Employees who are members of the Board and Employees who reside in countries other than the United States),
provided that awards of Incentive Stock Options shall only be made to Employees. |
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(b) |
Outside
Directors. Non-Employee members of the Board or the board of directors of any Related Corporation. |
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(c) |
Consultants.
Other consultants and independent advisors who provide bona-fide services to the Corporation (or any Related Corporation). |
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(d) |
New
Hires. Persons who have been offered employment by the Corporation or a Related Corporation, provided that such a prospective
Employee may not be granted an Incentive Stock Option until he or she becomes an Employee and may not receive any payment or exercise
any right relating to an Award until such person begins employment with the Corporation or the Related Corporation. |
1.5 |
STOCK
SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. |
(a) |
Shares
Available for Issuance. |
|
(i) |
Reserve.
The Stock issuable under the Plan shall be Shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Stock, including Shares repurchased by the
Corporation as treasury shares. The maximum number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be 800,000 Shares. |
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(ii) |
Share
Use. Any Shares granted under the Plan that are forfeited because of the failure to meet an Award contingency or condition shall
again be available for issuance pursuant to new Awards granted under the Plan. To the extent any Shares covered by an Award are not
delivered to a Participant or beneficiary because the Award is forfeited or canceled, such Shares shall not be deemed to have been
delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of Shares available for delivery under the Plan. However, should the Exercise
Price of an Option under the Plan be paid with Shares or should Shares otherwise issuable under the Plan be withheld by the Corporation
in satisfaction of the withholding taxes incurred in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Award under the Plan, then such
number of Shares shall be treated for purposes of this Paragraph as having been issued to the holder and shall not be available for
subsequent issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the above, Shares repurchased by the Company using stock option exercise proceeds
and the total number of Shares underlying a SAR granted and exercised under the Plan whether or not a SAR is settled cash or Shares,
or a combination thereof, shall not be available for subsequent issuance under the Plan. |
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(iii) |
Individual
Participant Limitations. The maximum aggregate cash amount payable under the Plan for any Awards intended to constitute
performance-based compensation to any Participant in any single calendar year shall not exceed $1,000,000. Subject to adjustment
as provided in Paragraph (b) below, the maximum aggregate number of Shares (including Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, and RSUs)
that may be granted to any Participant in any calendar year shall be 1,000,000 Shares. |
(b) |
Adjustment
to Shares and Awards. |
|
(i) |
Recapitalization.
If the Corporation is involved in a corporate transaction or any other event which affects the Shares (including, without limitation,
any recapitalization, reclassification, reverse or forward stock split, stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, split-up, spin-off,
combination or exchange of shares), then the Committee shall adjust Awards to preserve the benefits or potential benefits of the
Awards as follows: |
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(1) |
The
Committee shall take action to adjust the number and kind of Shares that are issuable under the Plan and the maximum limits for each
type of grant; |
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(2) |
The
Committee shall take action to adjust the number and kind of Shares subject to outstanding Awards; |
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(3) |
The
Committee shall take action to adjust the Exercise Price or base price of outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights; and |
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(4) |
The
Committee shall make any other equitable adjustments. |
Only
whole Shares shall be issued in making the above adjustments. Further, the number of Shares available under the Plan or the number of
Shares subject to any outstanding Awards shall be the next lower number of Shares, so that fractions are rounded downward. Any adjustment
to or assumption of ISOs under this Section shall be made in accordance with Code §424. If the Corporation issues any rights to
subscribe for additional Shares pro rata to holders of outstanding Shares of the class or classes of stock then set aside for the Plan,
then each Participant shall be entitled to the same rights on the same basis as holders of outstanding Shares with respect to such portion
of the Participant’s Award as is exercised on or prior to the record date for determining stockholders entitled to receive or exercise
such rights.
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(ii) |
Reorganization.
If the Corporation is part of any reorganization involving merger, consolidation, acquisition of the Common Stock or acquisition
of the assets of the Corporation, the Committee, in its discretion, may decide that: |
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(1) |
any
or all outstanding Awards shall pertain to and apply, with appropriate adjustment as determined by the Committee, to the securities
of the resulting corporation to which a holder of the number of Shares subject to each such Award would have been entitled; |
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(2) |
any
or all outstanding Options or SARs shall become immediately fully exercisable (to the extent permitted under federal or state securities
laws) and shall remain exercisable for the remaining term of the Options or SARs under the terms of the Plan; |
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(3) |
any
or all Options or SARs shall become immediately fully exercisable (to the extent permitted under federal or state securities laws)
and shall be terminated after giving at least 30 days’ notice to the Participants to whom such Options or SARs have been granted;
and/or |
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(4) |
any
or all unvested Restricted Stock Units AND Restricted Stock on which restrictions have not yet lapsed shall become immediately fully
vested, nonforfeitable and payable. |
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(iii) |
Limits
on Adjustments. Any issuance by the Corporation of stock of any class other than the Stock, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of
Shares subject to any Award, except as specifically provided otherwise in this Plan. The grant of Awards under the Plan shall not
affect in any way the right or authority of the Corporation to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of
its capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate or dissolve, or to liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its
business or assets. All adjustments the Committee makes under this Plan shall be conclusive. |
(c) |
No
Repricings. Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Corporation (including, without limitation, any stock
dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off,
combination, or exchange of Shares), the terms of outstanding Awards may not be amended to reduce the Exercise Price of outstanding
Options or the base price of SARs or to cancel outstanding Options or SARS in exchange for cash, other awards or Options or SARs
with an Exercise Price or base price that is less than the Exercise Price of the original Options or base price of the original SARs
without stockholder approval. |
ARTICLE
2
OPTION
GRANT PROGRAM
The
grant of an Option entitles the Participant to purchase the number of Shares designated in the Award Agreement for such Option at an
Exercise Price established by the Committee. Options may be either Incentive Stock Options or Non-Statutory Stock Options, as determined
in the discretion of the Committee. Each Option shall be evidenced by and conditional on an Award Agreement in the form approved by the
Committee, which Award Agreement shall specify whether the Option is an ISO or NSO. No ISO may be granted to any person more than ten
(10) years after the Effective Date of the Plan. Award Agreements need not be identical, but shall include (through incorporation of
provisions hereof, by reference in the Award Agreements, or otherwise) the terms specified below and be subject to the provisions of
the Plan applicable to such Options.
To
the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares (determined as of the respective date or dates of grant), subject to ISOs
granted to any Participant under the Plan and any other option plan of the Corporation or any Related Corporation that first become exercisable
in any calendar year, including any ISOs which become exercisable on an accelerated basis during such year, exceeds the sum of One Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($100,000), such excess Options shall be treated as NSOs.
Each
Option shall vest and become exercisable at such time or times, during such period, and for such number of Shares as shall be determined
by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing the Option; provided that no Option may be exercisable after
the expiration of ten (10) years (or, in the case of an ISO granted to a 10% Stockholder, five (5) years) from the date of grant. Vesting
may be conditioned on the continued performance of Services or the achievement of performance conditions measured on an individual, corporate
or other basis, or any combination thereof.
The
Exercise Price shall be fixed by the Committee, provided that the Exercise Price for any Option shall never be less than one hundred
percent (100%) (or, in the case of a 10% Stockholder receiving an ISO, 110%) of the Fair Market Value per share of Stock on the Option
grant date.
The
Participant may exercise the Option by delivering a written notice of exercise to the Corporation, in the form and manner designated
by the Committee. The notice shall be effective only if accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price in full. The Committee shall have
the discretion to provide that the Exercise Price may be payable, to the extent permitted by applicable law, in one or more of the forms
specified below:
(a) |
Cash/Check.
Cash or check made payable to the Corporation; |
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(b) |
Shares
Owned. By delivery to the Corporation of Shares owned by the Participant (by either actual delivery of Shares or by attestation,
with such Shares valued at Fair Market Value as of the day of exercise) with such documentation as the Committee may require or in
such other manner as the Committee may require; |
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(c) |
Share
Withholding. By withholding Shares that would otherwise be acquired on exercise having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the
time of exercise equal to the Exercise Price; |
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(d) |
Cashless
Exercise. By cashless exercise through delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker to promptly deliver to the Corporation
the amount of proceeds from a sale of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the Exercise Price; and/or |
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(e) |
Other
Forms. In any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Committee, so long as it does not result in the
deferral of recognition of income or a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code §409A. |
The
Corporation shall deliver Shares as soon as practicable after the Corporation’s receipt of the Participant’s properly completed
notice of exercise and payment in full of the Exercise Price as described in Section 2.4. Such Shares shall be subject to such conditions
as the Committee may establish, except that such conditions may not cause the deferral of recognition of income.
2.6 |
CANCELLATION
AND REGRANT OF OPTIONS. |
The
Committee shall have the authority to effect, at any time and from time to time, with the consent of the affected Participant, the cancellation
of any or all outstanding Options under the Option Grant Program and to grant in substitution new Options covering the same or different
number of Shares which might have an Exercise Price per Share no less than the Fair Market Value per Share on the new grant date. The
cancellation and grant need not be simultaneous.
ARTICLE
3
STOCK
APPRECIATION RIGHTS PROGRAM
A
Stock Appreciation Right (“SAR”) entitles the Participant to receive, with respect to each Share subject to the SAR, the
appreciation in the Fair Market Value over a base price established by the Committee (as determined below), payable in cash or Stock,
or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee at the time of payment. Each SAR shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in
the form approved by the Committee. Award Agreements evidencing SARs need not be identical, but shall include (through incorporation
of provisions hereof, by reference in the Award Agreements, or otherwise) the terms specified below and be subject to the provisions
of the Plan applicable to such SARs.
The
SAR shall cover a specified number of Shares and shall vest and become exercisable upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall
establish; provided that no SAR may be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date of grant unless otherwise determined
by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. Vesting may be conditioned on the continued performance of Service or
the achievement of performance conditions measured on an individual, corporate or other basis, or any combination thereof.
The
base price in effect for Shares covered by a SAR shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant. In no event, however, may
the base price per Share be less than the Fair Market Value per Share on the grant date. The Participant will receive upon exercise of
the SAR an amount equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the surrender date over the base price of a Share (the “Spread”)
multiplied by the number of Shares covered by the SAR Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may
provide at the time it grants a SAR that the Spread covered by such SAR may not exceed a specified amount.
The
Participant may exercise the SAR by delivering a written notice of exercise to the Corporation, in the form and manner designated by
the Committee.
To
the extent the Committee determines that the Participant will receive cash upon exercise of a SAR, the Corporation shall deliver the
cash amount which becomes due upon exercise of a SAR as soon as administratively practicable after the Corporation’s receipt of
the Participant’s properly completed notice of exercise. To the extent the Committee determines that Shares will be delivered to
the Participant upon exercise of a SAR, the Shares shall be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee
may establish, except that such conditions may not cause the deferral of recognition of income.
ARTICLE
4
RESTRICTED
STOCK PROGRAM
A
Restricted Stock Award is a grant of Shares subject to conditions and restrictions as determined by the Committee. Each Restricted Stock
Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in the form approved by the Committee. Award Agreements evidencing Restricted Stock Awards
need not be identical, but shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof, by reference in the Award Agreements, or otherwise)
the terms specified below and be subject to the provisions of the Plan applicable to such Restricted Stock Awards.
4.2 |
LAPSE
OF RESTRICTIONS. |
Each
Restricted Stock Award shall be, for the applicable Period of Restriction determined by the Committee, subject to such conditions, restrictions
and contingencies as the Committee shall determine. Lapse of restrictions may be conditioned on the continued performance of Service
or the achievement of performance conditions measured on an individual, corporate or other basis, or any combination thereof.
4.4 |
SHARE
ESCROW/LEGENDS. |
(a) |
Legend.
Unless the certificate representing shares of the Restricted Stock are deposited with a custodian (as described in subparagraph
(b) below), each certificate shall bear the following legend (in addition to any other legend required by law): |
“The
transferability of this certificate and the shares represented hereby are subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions (including
forfeiture and restrictions against transfer) contained in the Nova LifeStyle Inc. 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan and a Restricted Stock Agreement
dated __________, ____, between ________________ and Nova LifeStyle Inc. The Plan and the Restricted Stock Agreement are on file in the
office of the Corporate Secretary of Nova LifeStyle Inc.”
Such
legend shall be removed or canceled from any certificate evidencing shares of Restricted Stock as of the date that such Shares become
nonforfeitable.
(b) |
Deposit
with Custodian. As an alternative to delivering a stock certificate to the Participant, the Committee may deposit or transfer
such Shares electronically to a custodian designated by the Committee. The Committee shall cause the custodian to issue a receipt
for the Shares to the Participant for any Restricted Stock so deposited. The custodian shall hold the Shares and deliver the same
to the Participant in whose name the Restricted Stock evidenced thereby are registered only after such Shares become nonforfeitable. |
ARTICLE
5
UNRESTRICTED
STOCK PROGRAM
The
Committee may, in its sole discretion, award Unrestricted Stock to any Participant as a stock bonus or otherwise pursuant to which such
Participant may receive shares of Stock free of restrictions or limitations that would otherwise be applied under Article 4 of
this Plan.
ARTICLE
6
RESTRICTED
STOCK UNIT (RSU) PROGRAM
A
Restricted Stock Unit Award entitles the Participant to receive Shares upon the vesting of the Award. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award
shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in the form approved by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan, Restricted Stock Units
may be granted to Participants in such amounts and upon such terms and at any time and from time to time, as shall be determined by the
Committee. Award Agreements evidencing Restricted Stock Unit Awards need not be identical, but shall include (through incorporation of
provisions hereof, by reference in the Award Agreements, or otherwise) the terms specified below and be subject to the provisions of
the Plan applicable to Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
Each
Restricted Stock Unit shall be subject to such vesting conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine and
set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing the RSU. Vesting may be conditioned on the continued performance of Service or the achievement
of performance conditions measured on an individual, corporate or other basis, or any combination thereof.
As
soon as practicable following the date each Restricted Stock Unit vests, the Corporation shall deliver to the Participant the Share underlying
such Restricted Stock Unit, subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee may establish.
ARTICLE
7
PERFORMANCE-BASED
COMPENSATION
7.1 |
AWARDS
OF PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPENSATION. |
At
its discretion, the Committee may make Awards to Participants intended to comply with the performance-based compensation. In such event,
the number of Shares becoming exercisable or transferable or amounts payable with respect to grants of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights,
and/or awards of Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units may be determined based on the attainment of written
performance goals based on the performance measures set forth in Section 7.2 and which have been approved by the Committee for a specified
performance period. The performance goals shall state, in terms of an objective formula or standard, the method of computing the amount
of compensation payable to the Participant if the goal is attained.
7.2 |
PERFORMANCE
MEASURES. |
Performance
measures may include the following: (i) earnings before all or any taxes (“EBT”); (ii) earnings before all or any of interest
expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”); (iii) earnings before all or any of interest expense, taxes, depreciation,
amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”); (iv) earnings before all or any of interest expense and taxes (“EBIT”); (v)
net earnings; (vi) net income; (vii) operating income or margin; (viii) earnings per share; (ix) growth; (x) return on stockholders’
equity; (xi) capital expenditures; (xii) expenses and expense ratio management; (xiii) return on investment; (xiv) improvements in capital
structure; (xv) profitability of an identifiable business unit or product; (xvi) profit margins; (xvii) stock price; (xviii) market share;
(xvix) revenues; (xx) costs; (xxi) cash flow; (xxii) working capital; (xxiii) return on assets; (xxiv) economic value added; (xxv) industry
indices; (xxvi) peer group performance; (xxvii) regulatory ratings; (xxviii) asset quality; (xxix) gross or net profit; (xxx) net sales;
(xxxi) total stockholder return; (xxxii) sales (net or gross) measured by product line, territory, customers or other category; (xxxiii)
earnings from continuing operations; (xxxiv) net worth; (xxxv) levels of expense, receivables, cost or liability by category, operating
unit or any other delineation, or any other measures approved by the Committee. Performance Measures may relate to the Corporation and/or
one or more of its affiliates, one or more of its divisions or units or any combination of the foregoing, on a consolidated or nonconsolidated
basis, and may be applied on an absolute basis or be relative to one or more peer group companies or indices, or any combination thereof,
all as the Committee determines. In addition, the performance measures may be calculated without regard to extraordinary items.
7.3 |
PERFORMANCE-BASED
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE AND CERTIFICATION. |
Awards
intended to be performance-based compensation shall be granted by a committee of “outside directors.” Pursuant to the provisions
of Section 1.3(d) hereof, the Committee may establish a subcommittee, if necessary, to make such grants. Any payment of compensation
with respect to an Award that is intended to be performance-based compensation will be, subject to the written certification of the Committee
that the performance measures were satisfied prior to the payment of the performance-based compensation. This written certification may
include the approved minutes of the Committee meeting in which the certification is made.
ARTICLE
8
RULES
APPLICABLE TO ALL AWARDS
8.1 |
TERMINATION
OF SERVICE. |
Unless
otherwise determined by the Committee and included in the Participant’s Award Agreement, in the event that a Participant’s
Service with the Corporation and all Related Corporations is terminated for any reason, all Awards held by the Participant which are
unexercised or have not yet vested as of such date shall expire, terminate, and become unexercisable as of such termination date, provided,
however, that if the Participant’s Service terminates for reasons other than Cause, all outstanding vested Options and SARs held
by the Participant as of his or her termination date shall continue to be exercisable until the earlier of the expiration of their term
or the date that is three months after such termination date.
8.2 |
ACCELERATION
OF VESTING. |
The
Committee shall have complete discretion, subject to the terms of the Plan, exercisable either at the time an Award is granted or at
any time while the Award remains outstanding, to accelerate the vesting of or lapse of restrictions on any Award.
8.3 |
EXTENSION
OF EXERCISE PERIOD. |
The
Committee shall have complete discretion, subject to the terms of the Plan, exercisable either at the time an Award is granted or at
any time while the Award remains outstanding, to extend the period of time for which the Option or SAR is to remain exercisable following
the Participant’s termination of Service from the limited exercise period otherwise in effect for that Option or SAR to such greater
period of time as the Committee shall deem appropriate, but in no event beyond the expiration of the Option or SAR term, and/or to permit
the Option or SAR to be exercised, during the applicable post-termination exercise period, not only with respect to the number of vested
Shares for which such Option or SAR is exercisable at the time of the Participant’s termination of Service but also with respect
to one or more additional installments in which the Participant would have vested had the Participant continued in Service. Such an extension
may result in recharacterization of an ISO as a Non-Statutory Stock Option.
All
rights with respect to an Award granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be available during his or her lifetime only to such Participant,
except as designated by the Participant by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; provided, however, that the Committee
shall have the discretion to provide that an Award other than an ISO may, in connection with the Participant’s estate plan, be
assigned in whole or in part during the Participant’s lifetime to a trust established exclusively for one or more members of the
Participant’s immediate family. The terms applicable to the assigned portion shall be the same as those in effect for the Award
immediately prior to such assignment and shall be set forth in such documents issued to the assignee as the Committee may deem appropriate.
Any assignment shall not affect the Participant’s obligations to satisfy applicable tax withholding as described herein. The Participant
may also designate in writing one or more persons as the beneficiary or beneficiaries of his or her outstanding Awards, and those Awards
shall, except to the extent that any lifetime transfer as provided herein, automatically be transferred to such beneficiary or beneficiaries
upon the Participant’s death while holding those Awards. Each such designation shall revoke all prior designations by the same
Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Corporation, and will be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with
the Corporation during the Participant’s lifetime. In the absence of any such designation, benefits under an Award remaining unpaid
at the Participant’s death shall be paid to the Participant’s estate. A beneficiary or beneficiaries shall take the transferred
Awards subject to all the terms and conditions of the applicable Award Agreement, including (without limitation) the limited time period
during which any Award may be exercised following the Participant’s death.
Except
as otherwise provided by the Committee in the Award Agreement, the Participant (or his or her beneficiaries) holding an Award shall have
no stockholder rights with respect to the Shares subject to the Award until he or she has received and become a holder of record of the
Shares underlying the Award or, in the case of Restricted Stock, all restrictions have lapsed.
(a) |
Conditions
on Delivery of Stock. The Corporation’s obligation to deliver Shares under the Plan shall, to the extent required by Federal,
state, local or foreign law, be subject to the satisfaction of all applicable Federal, state, local and foreign income and employment
tax withholding requirements (or, in the case of Restricted Stock, the making of arrangements satisfactory to the Corporation regarding
such payment). Whenever under the Plan payments are to be made in cash, such payments may be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy
such withholding requirements. |
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(b) |
Tender
of Shares. The Committee may, in its discretion, provide any or all Participants granted Non-Statutory Stock Options, SARs, Restricted
Stock, Unrestricted Stock, or RSUs settled in Stock under the Plan with the right to use Shares in satisfaction of all or part of
the applicable withholding taxes to which such Participants may become subject in connection with the exercise of their Options or
SARs, the vesting of their Restricted Stock, or the settlement of their Restricted Stock Units or other Awards in Stock. Such right
may be provided to any such Participant in either or both of the following formats: |
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(i) |
The
election to have the Corporation withhold, from the Shares otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the NSO or SAR, the vesting of
the Restricted Stock, or the settlement of Restricted Stock Units or other Awards in Stock, a portion of those Shares with an aggregate
Fair Market Value equal to the percentage of the applicable withholding taxes (not to exceed the minimum required by law) designated
by the Participant. |
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(ii) |
The
election to deliver to the Corporation, at the time the NSO or SAR is exercised, the Restricted Stock vests, or the Restricted Stock
Units or other Awards are settled in Stock, one or more Shares previously acquired by such Participant (other than in connection
with the Option or SAR exercise, Restricted Stock vesting or Restricted Stock Units or other Awards in Stock settlement triggering
the withholding taxes) with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the percentage of the withholding taxes (not to exceed the minimum
required by law) designated by the Participant. |
ARTICLE
9
DEFINITIONS
The
following definitions shall be in effect under the Plan:
9.1
Award Agreement shall mean a written document setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted to a Participant
under the Plan, and is a condition to the grant of an Award hereunder.
9.2
Awards shall mean any award or benefit granted to any Participant under the Plan, including, without limitation, the grant of Options,
SARs, Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.
9.3
Board shall mean the Corporation’s Board of Directors.
9.4
Cause shall mean the commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement or dishonesty by the Participant, any act or omission by such person
constituting a breach or default under any written or oral agreement between such person and the Corporation (or any Related Corporation),
any unauthorized use or disclosure by such person of confidential information or trade secrets of the Corporation (or any Related Corporation),
or any other intentional act by such person adversely affecting the business or affairs of the Corporation (or any Related Corporation)
in a material manner. The foregoing definition shall not be deemed to be inclusive of all the acts or omissions which the Corporation
(or any Related Corporation) may consider as grounds for the dismissal or discharge of any Participant or other person in the Service
of the Corporation (or any Related Corporation).
9.5
Change of Control shall mean the first of the following events to occur:
(a) |
The
acquisition by any one person or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)),
other than the Corporation, any Related Corporation, or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the
Corporation or any Related Corporation, (a “Person”) of any of stock of the Corporation that, together with stock
held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Corporation.
For purposes of this Paragraph (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) the acquisition of additional
stock by a Person who is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the
Corporation, (ii) any acquisition in which the Corporation does not remain outstanding thereafter and (iii) any acquisition pursuant
to a transaction which complies with Paragraph (c) below. An increase in the percentage of stock owned by any one Person as a result
of a transaction in which the Corporation acquires its stock in exchange for property will be treated as an acquisition of stock
for purposes of this Paragraph; |
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(b) |
The
replacement of individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute a majority of the Board, during any twelve (12) month period by
directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Board before the date of the appointment or election,
provided that, if the Corporation is not the relevant corporation for which no other corporation is a majority stockholder for purposes
of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)(iv)(A)(2), this Paragraph (b) shall be applied instead with respect to the members of
the board of the directors of such relevant corporation for which no other corporation is a majority stockholder; |
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(c) |
The
acquisition by any one person or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi)(D)),
other than the Corporation, a Related Corporation or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the
Corporation or any Related Corporation, during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such by such
person or persons, of ownership of stock of the Corporation possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the
Corporation. For purposes of this Paragraph (c), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) the acquisition
of additional control by a person or more than one person acting as a group who are considered to effectively control the Corporation
within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) and (ii) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction which complies
with Paragraph (a); or |
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(d) |
The
acquisition by any individual person or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii)(C)),
other than a transfer to a related person within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii)(B), during the 12-month
period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons, of assets from the Corporation that have a total
gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Corporation immediately
prior to such acquisition(s). For purposes of this Paragraph (d), “gross fair market value” means the value of the assets
of the Corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such
assets. |
The
above definition of “Change of Control” shall be interpreted by the Board, in good faith, to apply in a similar manner to
transactions involving partnerships and partnership interests, and to comply with Code §409A and official guidance issued thereunder
from time to time.
9.6
Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
9.7
Committee shall mean the particular entity, whether the Committee or the Board, which is authorized to administer the Plan, to the
extent such entity is carrying out its administrative functions under the Plan.
9.8
Corporation shall mean Nova LifeStyle Inc., a Nevada corporation, and any corporate successor to all or substantially all of the
assets or voting stock of Nova LifeStyle Inc. which shall by appropriate action adopt the Plan.
9.9
Disability shall mean, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or in an employment, change of control or similar agreement
in effect between the Participant and the Corporation or Related Corporation, the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial
gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can
be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; or, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving
income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Corporation
or a Related Corporation.
9.10
Effective Date shall mean the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.
9.11
Eligible Persons shall mean persons eligible to participate in the Plan, as described in Section 1.4.
9.12
Employee shall mean an employee of the Corporation (or any Related Corporation).
9.13
Exercise Price shall mean the per Share exercise price of an Option as determined under Article 2 of the Plan.
9.14
Fair Market Value per Share on the relevant date shall mean, if the Shares are duly listed on a national securities exchange or on
The Nasdaq Stock Market, the closing price of the Stock on the relevant date, or, if there are no sales on such date, on the next preceding
day on which there were sales, or if the Shares are not so listed, the fair market value of the Shares for the relevant date, as determined
by the Committee in good faith and in compliance with Code §409A.
9.15
Incentive Stock Option or ISO shall mean an Option that is intended to qualify as, and that satisfies the requires applicable to,
an “incentive stock option” described in Code § 422(b).
9.16
Non-Statutory Stock Option or NSO shall mean an Option that is not intended to be, or does not qualify as, an Incentive Stock Option.
9.17
Option shall mean a right to acquire Stock of the Corporation pursuant to a Non-Statutory Stock Option or Incentive Stock Option
granted under Article 2 of the Plan.
9.18
Participant shall mean any Eligible Person who receives an Award under the Plan, and includes those former Eligible Persons who have
certain post-termination rights under the terms of an Award granted under the Plan.
9.19
[Reserved.]
9.20
Period of Restriction shall mean the period(s) during which the transfer of an Award or the Shares subject to an Award is limited
in some way (based on the passage of time, the achievement of performance goals, or upon the occurrence of other events as determined
by the Committee, at its discretion) or the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, pursuant to the terms of this Plan
or the applicable Award Agreement.
9.21
Plan shall mean the Nova LifeStyle Inc. 2023 Omnibus Equity Plan, as set forth in this document.
9.22
Related Corporation shall mean any affiliate of the Corporation; provided, however, that with respect to any ISO and for purposes
of the definition of 10% Stockholder, “Related Corporation” shall mean any Corporation during any period in which it is a
“parent corporation” (as that term is defined in Code §424(e)) with respect to the Corporation or a “subsidiary
corporation” (as that term is defined in Code §424(f)) with respect to the Corporation.
9.23
Restricted Stock shall mean a grant of Shares granted under Article 4 of the Plan that is subject to such conditions, restrictions
and contingencies as the Committee determines and sets forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
9.24
Restricted Stock Unit or RSUs shall mean a right to receive Shares upon satisfaction of certain vesting requirements pursuant to
Article 6 of the Plan.
9.25
Service shall mean the performance of services for the Corporation (or any Related Corporation) by a person in the capacity of an
Employee, a non-Employee member of the board of directors, or a consultant or independent advisor, except to the extent otherwise specifically
provided in the Award Agreement.
9.26
Shares or Stock shall mean Shares of common stock of the Corporation, par value $0.001 per share.
9.27
Stock Appreciation Rights or SARs shall mean a right to receive the appreciation in the Fair Market Value of Shares, as granted under
Article 3 of the Plan.
9.28
10% Stockholder shall mean the owner of stock (as determined under Code §424(d)) possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation (or any Related Corporation).
ARTICLE
10
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 |
EFFECTIVE
DATE AND TERM OF PLAN. |
(a) |
Effective
Date. The Plan shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the Board, subject to approval by the stockholders of
the Corporation at the first annual meeting of stockholders held following the adoption by the Board, or any special meeting of the
stockholders duly called. Options may be granted under the Option Grant Program at any time on or after the Effective Date. However,
until the stockholders approve the Plan, no Options or SARs granted under the Plan may be exercised, no Restricted or Unrestricted
Stock shall be issued under the Plan and no Award may be settled in Stock under the Plan. If stockholder approval is not obtained
within twelve (12) months after the Effective Date, then all Awards shall be null and void. |
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(b) |
Termination
Date. The Plan shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Plan’s effective date,
or (ii) the date on which all Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall have been issued as fully-vested Shares. Should
the Plan terminate on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date, then all Awards outstanding at that time shall continue
to have force and effect in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Award Agreements. |
(a) |
Amendment
and Termination By the Board. Subject to Paragraph (b) below, the Board shall have the power at any time to add to, amend, modify
or repeal any of the provisions of the Plan, to suspend the operation of the entire Plan or any of its provisions for any period
or to terminate the Plan in whole or in part. In the event of any such action, the Committee shall prepare written procedures which,
when approved by the Board, shall govern the administration of the Plan resulting from such addition, amendment, modification, repeal,
suspension or termination. The Committee may amend any Award Agreement that it previously has authorized under the Plan and the applicable
Participant; provided, however, that no Award Agreement may be amended to reprice or constructively reprice any Award. |
(b) |
Restrictions
on Amendment and Termination. Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph (a) above, the following restrictions shall apply to
the Board’s authority under Paragraph (a) above: |
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(i) |
Prohibition
Against Adverse Effects on Outstanding Awards. No addition, amendment, modification, repeal, suspension or termination shall
adversely affect, in any way, the rights of the Participants who have outstanding Awards without the consent of such Participants; |
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(ii) |
Stockholder
Approval Required for Certain Modifications. No modification or amendment of the Plan may be made without the prior approval
of the stockholders of the Company if (i) such modification or amendment would cause the applicable portions of the Plan to fail
to qualify as an ISO plan pursuant to Code §422, (ii) such modification or amendment would materially increase the benefits
accruing to participants under the Plan, (iii) such modification or amendment would materially increase the number of securities
which may be issued under the Plan, or (iv) such modification or amendment would materially modify the requirements as to eligibility
for participation in the Plan. Clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) of the preceding sentence shall be interpreted in accordance with the
provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of Rule 16b-3 of the 1934 Act. Stockholder approval shall be made by a majority of the votes cast
at a duly held meeting at which a quorum representing, either in person or by proxy, or by the written consent in lieu of a meeting of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting stock or
such greater number of shares of voting stock as may be required by the Company’s articles or certificate of incorporation
and bylaws and by applicable law; provided, however, that for modifications described in clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, such
stockholder approval, whether by vote or by written consent in lieu of a meeting, must be solicited substantially in accordance with
the rules and regulations in effect under Section 14(a) of the 1934 Act as required by paragraph (b)(2) of Rule 16b-3 of the 1934
Act. |
10.3 |
CONTINUING
SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE; LEGENDS. |
The
granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, and to such approvals by any governmental
agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required. If at any time on or after the Effective Date, the Committee, in its discretion,
shall determine that the requirements of any applicable federal or state securities laws should fail to be met, no Shares issuable under
Awards and no Options or SARs shall be exercisable until the Committee has determined that these requirements have again been met. The
Committee may suspend the right to exercise an Options or SAR at any time when it determines that allowing the exercise and issuance
of Shares would violate any federal or state securities or other laws, and may provide that any time periods to exercise the Option or
SAR are extended during a period of suspension. With respect to “Insiders,” transactions under this Plan are intended to
comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. To the extent any provision of the Plan
or action by the Committee fails to so comply, it shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable
by the Committee. Each Award Agreement and each certificate representing securities granted pursuant to the Plan (including securities
issuable pursuant to the terms of derivative securities) may bear such restrictive legend(s) as the Corporation deems necessary or advisable
under applicable law, including Federal and state securities laws. If any Award is made to a Participant who is subject to the Corporation’s
policy regarding trading of its Stock by its officers and directors and Shares are scheduled to be delivered under the Plan to the Participant
on a day (the “original distribution date”) that does not occur during a “window period” applicable to the Participant,
as determined by the Corporation in accordance with such policy, then the Corporation can choose not to deliver such Shares on such original
distribution date and instead to deliver such Shares on the first day of the next “window period” applicable to the Participant
pursuant to such policy, but in no event later than the March 15 following the close of the calendar year in which such Shares were no
longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (within the meaning of Code §409A).
10.4 |
LIQUIDATION
OF THE CORPORATION. |
In
the event of the complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation, any outstanding Awards granted under this Plan shall be deemed
automatically canceled without any action on the part of the Corporation and without regard to or limitation by any other provision of
the Plan.
10.5 |
NO
EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE RIGHTS. |
Nothing
in the Plan shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in Service for any period of specific duration or interfere with
or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Corporation (or any Related Corporation employing or retaining such person) or of
the Participant, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate the Participant’s Service at any time for any
reason, with or without Cause.
10.6 |
RULES
OF CONSTRUCTION. |
For
all purposes of this Plan, except as otherwise expressly provided:
(a) |
all
accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; |
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(b) |
all
references in this Plan to designated “Articles,” “Sections” and other subdivisions are to the designated
Articles, Sections and other subdivisions of the body of this Plan except to the extent identified as references to sections or subsections
of the Code; |
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(c) |
the
words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Plan
as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; |
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(d) |
whenever
the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Plan, they shall be deemed to
be followed by the words “without limitation”; |
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(e) |
whenever
this Plan refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless business days are expressly specified; |
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(f) |
a
reference to any legislation or to any provision of any legislation shall include such legislation, as amended through the date hereof,
and all subsequent amendments or modification thereto or re-enactment thereof, any legislative provision substituted therefor and
all regulations and statutory instruments issued thereunder or pursuant thereto; and |
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(g) |
except
where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine; the plural shall include
the singular and the singular shall include the plural. |
10.7 |
UNFUNDED
STATUS OF PLAN. |
The
Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to
a Participant by the Corporation, nothing set forth herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of
a general creditor of the Corporation. In its sole discretion, the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements
to meet the obligations created under the Plan to deliver Stock or a payment in lieu of or with respect to Awards hereunder, provided,
however, that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the unfunded status of the Plan.
10.8 |
AWARDS
TO PARTICIPANTS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES. |
The
Committee may modify the terms of any Award under the Plan made to or held by a Participant who is then resident or primarily employed
outside the United States in any manner deemed by the Committee to be necessary or appropriate in order that the Award shall conform
to laws, regulations, and customs of the country in which the Participant is then resident or primarily employed, or so that the value
and other benefits of the Award to the Participant, as affected by foreign tax laws and other restrictions applicable as a result of
the Participant’s residence or employment abroad, shall be comparable to the value of such an Award to a Participant who is resident
or primarily employed in the United States. Such authorization shall extend to and include establishing one or more separate sub-plans
which include provisions not inconsistent with the Plan that comply with statutory or regulatory requirements imposed by the foreign
country or countries in which the Participant resides.
In
the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the
remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.
To
the extent not preempted by United States Federal law, the Plan, and all agreements hereunder, shall be construed in accordance with
and governed by the laws of the State of Nevada.
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