06/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/12/2025 07:30
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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
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UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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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
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Sincerely,
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/s/ Gary C. Evans
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Gary C. Evans
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Chairman and CEO
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1.
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To elect each of the five directors named in the Proxy Statement for a term of one year;
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2.
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To approve the reincorporation of the Company from the State of Montana to the State of Texas;
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3.
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To approve the Company's Amended and Restated 2023 Equity Incentive Plan;
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4.
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To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers;
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5.
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To ratify the appointment of Assure CPA, LLC as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025; and
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6.
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To transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Gary C. Evans
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Chairman and CEO
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Date:
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July 31, 2025
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Time:
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4:15 P.M., Eastern Time
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Place:
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Virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/UAMY2025
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1.
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Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders;
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2.
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A Proxy Designation attached hereto (the "Proxy"); and
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3.
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A copy of the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
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Submitting a new proxy with a later date;
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Notifying Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. in writing before the annual meeting that you have revoked your proxy by delivering such writing to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717; or
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attending and voting at the annual meeting
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Gary C. Evans (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer)
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Dr. Blaise Aguirre
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Lloyd Joseph Bardswich (Director and Executive Vice President, Chief Mining Engineer)
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Joseph A. Carrabba
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Michael A. McManus
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Name
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Age
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Position
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Gary C. Evans
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68
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Chairman and CEO (PEO)
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Lloyd Joseph Bardswich
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80
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Director and EVP, Chief Mining Engineer
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Dr. Blaise Aguirre
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61
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Director
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Joseph A. Carrabba
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72
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Director
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Michael A. McManus
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82
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Director
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•
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Dr. Blaise Aguirre
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Joseph A. Carrabba
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Michael A. McManus
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Michael A. McManus
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Dr. Blaise Aguirre
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Joseph A. Carrabba
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The Board acts efficiently and effectively under this structure.
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This structure allows the Company and the Board to be aware of major changes and issues facing us on a day-to-day and long-term basis, to identify key risks and developments facing us, and to bring such risks and developments to the Board's attention.
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This structure lessens the potential for confusion and duplication of efforts, including among employees.
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Name
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Fees Earned
or paid in
Cash
($)
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Stock
Awards
($)
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Option
Awards
($)
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Total
($)
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Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Director
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$127,001
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$55,000
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$80,000
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$262,001
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Joseph A. Carrabba, Director
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$108,997
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$27,500
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$40,000
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$176,497
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Michael A. McManus, Director
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$133,000
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$55,000
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$80,000
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$268,000
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Name
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Age
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Position
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Gary C. Evans
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68
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Chairman and CEO (PEO)
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Lloyd Joseph Bardswich
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80
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Director and EVP, Chief Mining Engineer
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Richard R. Isaak
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56
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SVP, Chief Financial Officer (PFO)
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John C. Gustavsen
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77
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President of Antimony Division
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Name and Principal Position
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Year
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Salary
($)
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Bonus
($)
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Stock
Awards
($)
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Option
Awards
($)
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All Other
Compensation
($)
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Total
($)
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Gary C. Evans, Chairman and CEO(1)
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2024
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$-
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$200,000
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$165,000
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$120,000
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$173,740
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$658,740
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2023
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$-
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$-
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$-
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$-
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$150,612
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$150,612
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Lloyd Joseph Bardswich, Director & EVP, Chief Mining Engineer(2)
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2024
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$12,692
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$100,000
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$110,000
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$80,000
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$89,167
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$391,859
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2023
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$-
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$-
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$-
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$-
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$95,460
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$95,460
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Richard R. Isaak, SVP, Chief Financial Officer(3)
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2024
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$174,635
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$150,000
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$44,000
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$64,000
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$9,856
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$442,491
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2023
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$107,692
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$-
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$-
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$-
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$1,958
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$109,650
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John C. Gustavsen, President of Antimony Division(3)
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2024
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$171,538
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$100,000
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$66,000
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$80,000
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$11,105
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$428,643
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2023
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$140,994
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$-
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$-
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$-
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$10,642
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$151,636
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(1)
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All other compensation in 2024 represents fees paid for Board services ($167,084) and health insurance costs paid by the Company ($6,656). All other compensation in 2023 represents fees paid for Board services.
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(2)
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Salary earned in 2024 as EVP was for the month of December 2024. All other compensation in 2024 and 2023 represents fees paid for Board services.
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(3)
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All other compensation represents health insurance costs paid by the Company.
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Name and Principal Position
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Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
unexercisable
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Option
Exercise
Price
($)
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Option
Expiration
Date
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Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
that have
not
Vested
(#)
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Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock that
have not
Vested
($)
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Gary C. Evans, Chairman and CEO
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750,000
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$0.22
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3/1/2027
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500,000
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$885,000
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Lloyd Joseph Bardswich, EVP, Chief Mining Engineer & Director
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500,000
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$0.22
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3/1/2027
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333,333
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$589,999
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Richard R. Isaak, SVP, Chief Financial Officer
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400,000
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$0.22
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3/1/2027
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133,333
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$235,999
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John C. Gustavsen, President of Antimony Division
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500,000
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$0.22
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3/1/2027
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200,000
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$354,000
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•
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Change in control agreements;
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Supplemental compensation policies;
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Any practices or policies regarding hedging or offsetting any decrease in the market value of registrant equity securities;
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Employment contracts;
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Separation or severance agreements; or
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Any other type of compensation arrangements with its named executive officers.
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Year
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Summary
Compensation
Table Total for
PEO(1)
$
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Compensation
Actually Paid to
PEO(2)
$
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Average
Summary
Compensation
Table Total for
Other NEOs(3)
$
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Average
Compensation
Actually Paid to
Other NEOs(2)
$
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Value of
Initial Fixed
$100
Investment
Based On
Total
Shareholder
Return(4)
$
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Net Income
(Loss)(5)
$
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2024
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$658,740
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$2,498,740
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$420,998
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$1,428,108
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$340.38
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($1,730,404)
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2023
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$151,636
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$151,636
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$112,365
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$112,365
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$48.08
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($6,348,287)
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2022
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$111,250
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$111,250
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$102,875
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$102,875
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$94.23
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$428,661
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(1)
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Represents the amounts reported in the Total column of the Summary Compensation Table for the PEO, who was Gary C. Evans for 2024 and John C. Gustavsen for 2023 and 2022.
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(2)
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SEC rules require certain adjustments be made to the Summary Compensation Table totals to determine compensation "actually paid" in the Pay versus Performance table. Compensation "actually paid" does not necessarily represent cash and/or equity value transferred to the applicable NEO without restriction, but rather is a valuation calculated under applicable SEC rules. In general, compensation "actually paid" is calculated as summary compensation table total compensation adjusted to (a) include the value of any pension benefit (or loss) attributed to the past fiscal year, including on account of any amendments adopted during such year; and (b) include the fair value of equity awards attributed to the past fiscal year factoring in dividends and interest accrued with respect to such awards. For purposes of this disclosure, no pension valuation adjustments were required for any year presented and there were no equity awards in fiscal years 2023 and 2022. The following table provides the calculation of compensation actually paid to the PEO and other NEOs for fiscal year 2024:
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Year
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Executives
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Summary
Compensation
Table Total
$
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Deduct Reported
Value of Equity
Awards(a)
$
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Add Equity
Award
Adjustments(b)
$
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Compensation
Actually Paid
$
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2024
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PEO
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$658,740
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($285,000)
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$2,125,000
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$2,498,740
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2024
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Other NEOs
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$420,998
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($148,000)
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$1,155,110
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$1,428,108
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(a)
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The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair value of equity awards reported in the "Stock Awards" and "Option Awards" columns of the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal year 2024.
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(b)
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The amounts added or deducted in calculating the equity award adjustments for fiscal year 2024 were as follows:
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Year
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Executives
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Year-end fair
value of equity
awards
granted during
the year
$
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Year over
year change
in fair value
of
outstanding
and
unvested
equity
awards
$
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Fair value as of
vesting date of
equity awards
granted and
vested during
the year
$
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Year over
year change
in fair value
of equity
awards
granted in
prior years
that vested
during the
year
$
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Fair value at
the end of
the prior
year of
equity
awards that
failed to
meet vesting
conditions in
the year
$
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Total equity
award
adjustments
$
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2024
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PEO
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$2,070,000
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$0
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$55,000
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$0
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$0
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$2,125,000
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2024
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Other NEOs
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$1,130,666
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$0
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$24,444
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$0
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$0
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$1,155,110
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(3)
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Represents an average of the amounts reported in the Total column of the Summary Compensation Table for the other NEOs. The average for 2024 included Lloyd Joseph Bardswich, Richard R. Isaak and John C. Gustavsen. The average for 2023 included Richard R. Isaak and Kelly J. Stopher. The average for 2022 included Russell C. Lawrence and Kelly J. Stopher.
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(4)
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TSR is determined based on the value of an initial fixed investment of $100 at the end of the 2021 fiscal year.
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(5)
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Represents net income (loss) as reported in the consolidated financial statements included in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and our 2023 Annual Report Form 10-K.
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Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
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Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that are filed with, or submitted to, the Commission and in other public communications made by an issuer;
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Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;
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The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and
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Accountability for adherence to the code.
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Title of Class of
Stock
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
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Amount
and Nature
of
Beneficial
Ownership(2)
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Percent
of Class(1)
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Percent
of
Voting
Stock(1)
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More than 5% owners:
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Common Stock
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Kenneth M Reed, 4 Betsy Lane, Dover, MA 02030
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8,118,729
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6.8%
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6.8%
|
Common Stock
|
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Lydia Dugan & Patrick Dugan, 3009 Post Oak Boulevard Suite 1212, Houston, Texas
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8,114,027
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6.8%
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6.8%
|
Common Stock
|
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|
Creative Planning, LLC, 5454 W. 110th Street Overland Park, KS 66211
|
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7,435,101
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6.2%
|
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6.2%
|
Common Stock
|
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Russell Lawrence, 1500 Johnson Road, Deary, ID 83823
|
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6,743,147
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5.7%
|
|
|
5.7%
|
Series B Preferred
|
|
|
Excel Mineral Company, P.O. Box 3800 Santa Barbara, CA 93130
|
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750,000(3)
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100.0%
|
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N/A
|
Series C Preferred
|
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|
Walter Maquire, Sr., PO Box 129, Keller, VA 23401
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49,091(4)
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27.6%
|
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|
0.04%
|
Series C Preferred
|
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Richard A. Woods, 59 Penn Circle West Penn Plaza Apts. Pittsburgh, PA 15206
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48,305(4)
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27.2%
|
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|
0.04%
|
Series C Preferred
|
|
|
Dr. Warren A. Evans, 69 Ponfret Landing Road Brooklyn, CT 06234
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48,305(4)
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27.2%
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0.04%
|
Series C Preferred
|
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|
Edward Robinson, 1007 Spruce Street, 1st floor Philadelphia, PA 19107
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32,203(4)
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18.1%
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0.03%
|
Directors and Executive Officers:
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Common Stock
|
|
|
Dr. Blaise Aguirre
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656,033
|
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0.5%
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|
0.5%
|
Common Stock
|
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|
Lloyd Joseph Bardswich
|
|
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789,324
|
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0.7%
|
|
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0.7%
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Joseph A. Carrabba
|
|
|
189,400
|
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0.2%
|
|
|
0.2%
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Gary C. Evans
|
|
|
2,028,818
|
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1.7%
|
|
|
1.7%
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Jeffrey Fink
|
|
|
79,333
|
|
|
0.1%
|
|
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0.1%
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
John C. Gustavsen
|
|
|
236,200
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|
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0.2%
|
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|
0.2%
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Richard R. Isaak
|
|
|
258,513
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0.2%
|
|
|
0.2%
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Michael A. McManus
|
|
|
581,965
|
|
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0.5%
|
|
|
0.5%
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Melissa M. Pagen
|
|
|
150,000
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0.1%
|
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0.1%
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
|
|
|
4,969,586
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4.2%
|
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4.2%
|
Common and Preferred Voting Stock
|
|
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All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
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4,969,586
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4.2%
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4.2%
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(1)
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Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of the security or the right to acquire such powers within 60 days. In computing the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by a person or entity and the percentage ownership, we deem outstanding shares of our stock subject to options, warrants or other rights held by that person or entity that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of June 6, 2025. We do not deem these shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person or entity. Unless otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, we believe that the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of stock beneficially owned by them. "Percent of Class" is based on 119,101,497 shares of common stock, 750,000 shares of Series B preferred stock and 177,904 shares of Series C preferred stock outstanding on June 6, 2025. "Percent of Voting Stock" is based on 119,279,401 shares, which is the total of all the common stock issued and all Series C preferred stock outstanding on June 6, 2025.
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(2)
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The shares shown include the following unissued shares that our directors and executive officers have the right to acquire beneficial ownership of within 60 days of June 6, 2025: Mr. Aguirre, 189,400; Mr. Bardswich, 166,667; Mr. Carrabba, 106,066; Mr. Fink, 46,000; Mr. McManus, 22,733; and Ms. Pagen, 150,000.
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(3)
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The outstanding Series B preferred shares carry voting rights only if the Company is in default in the payment of declared dividends. The Board has not declared any dividends as due and payable for the Series B preferred stock.
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(4)
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The outstanding Series C preferred shares carry voting rights equal to the same number of shares of common stock.
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Plan category
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Number of
securities
to be issued
upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and rights
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Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and rights
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Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future
issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
(excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a))
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(a)
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(b)
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(c)
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Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
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4,330,000
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$0.23
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1,480,000
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Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders
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-
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-
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-
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4,330,000
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$0.23
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1,480,000
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•
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the Company will continue in existence as a Texas corporation and will continue to operate our business under the current name, "United States Antimony Corporation"
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•
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the affairs of the Company will cease to be governed by Montana law at the time the Plan of Conversion is effective and will be subject to Texas law
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•
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the Company will cease to be governed by our existing charter and bylaws and will be instead subject to the provisions of the proposed Texas certificate (the "Texas Certificate") and the proposed Texas bylaws (the "Texas Bylaws"), forms of which are included as Appendix A and Appendix B, respectively, to this Proxy Statement
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•
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the Texas Reincorporation will not result in any change in headquarters, business, jobs, management, properties, location of any of our offices or facilities, number of employees, obligations, assets, liabilities or net worth
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•
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each outstanding share of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Montana Corporation Common Stock"), will automatically become one outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Texas Corporation ("Texas Corporation Common Stock") pursuant to the Plan of Conversion
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•
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shareholders will not need to exchange their existing stock certificates for new stock certificates
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•
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each outstanding warrant, option or right to acquire shares of Montana Corporation Common Stock will continue in existence and automatically become a warrant, option or right to acquire an equal number of shares of the Texas Corporation Common Stock under the same terms and conditions
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•
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our common stock will continue to be traded on NYSE American under the symbol "UAMY." We do not expect any interruption in the trading of our common stock as a result of the Texas Reincorporation.
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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Number of Directors
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Under the MBCA, a corporation's board of directors must consist of one or more individuals, with the number specified in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws. The number of directors may be increased or decreased from time to time by amendment to or in the manner provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws.
The Montana Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall at least five (5) and not more than eighteen (18), with the precise number of directors within that range to be set from time to time by resolution of the board of directors.
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Under the TBOC, the number of directors shall be set by, or in the manner provided by, the certificate of formation or bylaws, except that the number of directors on the initial board of directors must be set by the certificate of formation.
The number of directors may be increased or decreased by amendment to, or as provided by, the certificate of formation or bylaws.
If the certificate of formation or bylaws do not set the number constituting the board of directors or provide for the manner in which the number of directors must be determined, the number of directors is the same as the number constituting the initial board of directors as set by the certificate of formation.
The proposed Texas Certificate sets the initial number of directors at five. The proposed Texas Bylaws sets forth manner in which the number of directors shall be set from time to time.
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Procedures for Filling Vacant Directorships
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Under the MBCA, unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, if a vacancy occurs on a corporation's board of directors, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors, either the shareholders or the board of directors may fill the vacancy, or, if the directors remaining in office are less than a quorum, the vacancy may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the directors remaining in office.
Under the Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws, any vacancy on the board of directors, including a vacancy created by the increase in the number of directors on the board of directors, may be filled solely by the directors by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum of the total number of directors specified in the Montana Articles or Montana Bylaws.
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Under the TBOC, except as provided below with respect to class voting, vacancies may be filled by the affirmative vote of the majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum, or by the election at an annual or special meeting of shareholders called for that purpose.
The term of a director elected to fill a vacancy occurring in the board of directors is the unexpired term of the director's predecessor in office.
Except as provided below with respect to class voting, a directorship to be filled because of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by the shareholders or by the board of directors for a term of office continuing only until the next election of one or more directors by the shareholders. The board of directors may not fill more than two such directorships during the period between any two successive annual meetings of shareholders.
Unless otherwise authorized by a corporation's certificate of formation, a vacancy or a newly
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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created vacancy in a director position that the certificate of formation entitles the holders of a class or series of shares or group of classes or series of shares to elect may be filled only: (1) by the affirmative vote of the majority of the directors then in office elected by the class, series, or group; (2) by the sole remaining director elected in that manner; or (3) by the affirmative vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of the class, series, or group.
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Removal of Directors
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Under the MBCA, shareholders may remove one or more directors with or without cause unless the articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed only for cause.
If a director is elected by a voting group of shareholders, only the shareholders of that voting group may participate in the vote to remove that director.
A director may be removed if the number of votes cast to remove exceeds the number of votes cast not to remove the director, except to the extent the articles of incorporation or bylaws require a greater number. However, if cumulative voting is authorized, a director may not be removed if, in the case of a meeting, the number of votes sufficient to elect the director under cumulative voting is cast against removal and, if action is taken by less than unanimous written consent, voting shareholders entitled to the number of votes sufficient to elect the director under cumulative voting do not consent to the removal.
A director may be removed by the shareholders only at a meeting called for the purpose of removing the director, and the meeting notice must state that removal of the director is the purpose of the meeting.
The Montana Bylaws provide that a director may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of the shareholders then entitled to vote at an election of such director if the number of votes cast to remove such director exceeds the number of votes cast not to remove such director, at any meeting of the shareholders at which
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Under the TBOC, subject to the exceptions discussed below or as otherwise provided by the certificate of formation or bylaws of a corporation, the holders of a majority of shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors may remove a director or the entire board of directors with or without cause.
Unless the certificate of formation provides otherwise, if a Texas corporation's directors serve staggered terms, a director may only be removed for cause.
If the certificate of formation permits cumulative voting and less than the entire board is to be removed, a director may not be removed if the votes cast against the removal would be sufficient to elect him or her if cumulatively voted at an election of the entire board of directors, or if there are classes of directors, at an election of the class of directors of which the director is a part. Where the certificate of formation provides that separate classes or series of shareholders are entitled, as such a class or series, to elect separate directors, in calculating the sufficiency of votes for removal of such a director, only the votes of the holders of such a class or series are considered.
The proposed Texas Certificate and Texas Bylaws do not provide for staggered terms or cumulative voting.
The proposed Texas Certificate and Texas Bylaws do not include a change in the voting percentage.
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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a quorum is present and the notice for which states that the purpose or one of the purposes of the meeting shall be removal of such director named in that notice.
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Action by Written Consent of Directors
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Under the MBCA, unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or bylaws, the board of directors of a Montana corporation may act without a meeting if the action is approved by members holding at least 80% of the voting power. The action must be evidenced by one or more written consents that describe the action taken, be signed by those members representing at least 80% of the voting power, and be delivered to the corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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Under the TBOC, unless otherwise provided by the certificate of formation or bylaws, a written consent stating the action taken and signed by all members of the board of directors of a Texas corporation is also an act of the board of directors.
The proposed Texas Certificate and Texas Bylaws do not include a change in the written consent percentage.
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Action by Written Consent of Shareholders
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Under the MBCA, shareholders to act by written consent, but, unless otherwise provided by the company's articles of incorporation, such actions must be consented to by all of the shareholders entitled to vote on that action.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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Under the TBOC, shareholders may act without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, with the written consent of (1) all shareholders or (2) if authorized by the certificate of formation, the shareholders having at least the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take the action that is the subject of the consent at a meeting, in which each owner or member entitled to vote on the action is present and votes. If less than unanimous written consent is given, the corporation must give prompt notice of the action taken to the non-consenting shareholders.
The proposed Texas Certificate and Texas Bylaws do not include a change in the written consent percentage.
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Quorum and Required Vote for Stock Corporations
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Under the MBCA, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide for a greater or lesser number or the MBCA expressly provides otherwise, a quorum of a board of directors consists of a majority of the number of directors specified in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws and may not consist of less than one-third of the specified or fixed number of directors.
The Montana Bylaws provide that a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting by any voting group entitled to
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Under the TBOC, subject to the following sentence, the holders of the majority of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting of the shareholders of a Texas corporation that are present or represented by proxy at the meeting are a quorum for the consideration of a matter to be presented at that meeting. The certificate of formation of a corporation may provide that a quorum is present only if: (1) the holders of a specified portion of the shares that is greater than the majority of the shares entitled to vote are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy; or (2) the holders of a specified portion of the shares that is less than the majority but not less
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
|
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TEXAS
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vote on a matter, present in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for action by that voting group on that matter at the meeting.
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than one-third of the shares entitled to vote are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy.
The proposed Texas Certificate and Texas Bylaws do not include a change in the quorum percentage.
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|||
Shareholder Vote for Fundamental Business Transactions
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Under the MBCA, in addition to approval by the board of directors, unless the articles of incorporation require a greater vote or a lesser vote, the terms of a merger or a share exchange generally must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the plan of merger or share exchange and, if any class or series of shares is entitled to vote as a separate group on the plan of merger or share exchange, the approval of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the merger or share exchange by that voting group. A shareholder vote is not required for a plan of merger if (a) the company will survive the merger, (b) the articles of the corporation will not be amended or the amendment is such that shareholder approval is not required, (c) each shareholder with shares that were outstanding immediately before the merger's effective date will hold the same number of shares with identical preferences, rights and limitations immediately after the merger, and (d) the issuance in the merger of shares or other securities convertible into or rights exercisable for shares does not require a vote under Montana law.
The Montana Articles do not include a higher voting threshold so the default voting standard for such business transactions applies.
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Under the TBOC, unless otherwise provided for in the TBOC or the certificate of formation of a corporation, shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of a class entitled to vote on the matter must typically approve fundamental business transactions such as: (1) a merger; (2) an interest exchange; (3) a conversion; or (4) a sale of all or substantially all of the corporation's assets that is not made in the usual and regular course of the corporation's business. The certificate of formation can provide for a different threshold of approval, but not less than a majority of the shares entitled to vote.
The proposed Texas Certificate and Texas Bylaws do not include a lower voting threshold so the default voting standard for such business transactions applies.
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Shareholder Vote for Sales, Leases, Exchanges or Other Dispositions
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Under the MBCA, unless the articles of incorporation require a greater vote or a lesser vote, a sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of assets, not in the ordinary course of business, requires approval of the corporation's shareholders if the disposition would leave the corporation without a significant continuing business activity. In such instances, as well as a dissolution of the corporation, the disposition or dissolution requires approval of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast and, if any
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Under the TBOC, generally the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all, or substantially all, of the property and assets of a Texas corporation requires the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote, unless the corporation's certificate of formation sets a lower threshold (which may not be less than a majority of the voting shares).
No such approval is required, however, if the transaction is made in the usual and regular
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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class or series of shares is entitled to vote as a separate group, the approval of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by that voting group.
The Montana Articles do not include a higher voting threshold so the default voting standard for such business transactions applies.
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course of a Texas corporation's business. Under Texas law, even the transfer of substantially all of a corporation's assets in such a manner that the corporation continues directly or indirectly to engage in one or more businesses is deemed not to be a transaction requiring shareholder approval under the TBOC.
The proposed Texas Certificate and Texas Bylaws do not include a lower voting threshold so the default voting standard applies.
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Charter Amendments
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Montana law provides that a corporation may amend its articles of incorporation by adoption of a board resolution followed by a majority vote of shareholders entitled to vote, unless the articles of incorporation require a greater or lesser vote. In addition, unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, directors may amend the company's articles of incorporation without shareholder approval (i) to make certain administrative changes, (ii) if the corporation has only one class of shares outstanding: to change each issued and unissued authorized share of the class into a greater number of whole shares of that class or to increase the number of authorized shares of the class to the extent necessary to permit the issuance of shares as a share dividend, or (iii) if so authorized by the articles of incorporation to classify or reclassify any unissued shares into one or more classes or into one or more series within a class as provided.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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Under the TBOC, subject to limited exceptions, an amendment to the certificate of formation requires the approval of (i) the board of directors and (ii) the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of a Texas corporation, unless a different threshold, not less than a majority, is specified in the certificate of formation.
The proposed Texas Certificate provides for the approval of an amendment to the certificate of formation by a majority of the outstanding shares in addition to the approval of the board of directors.
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Bylaw Amendments
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Montana law provides that shareholders may amend or repeal the company's bylaws. Montana law also provides that the board may amend or repeal the bylaws unless the articles of incorporation or Montana law reserves that power exclusively to the shareholders or if the shareholders in amending, repealing, or adopting a bylaw expressly provide that the board of directors may not amend, repeal, or adopt that bylaw, except that with respect to bylaws pertaining to proxy solicitations for the election of directors, the shareholders in amending, repealing, or adopting such a bylaw may not limit the
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Generally, under the TBOC, the board of directors may amend, repeal or adopt a Texas corporation's bylaws. However, (i) the shareholders may amend, repeal or adopt bylaws even if the directors also have that power and (ii) a Texas corporation's certificate of formation may wholly or partly reserve the power to amend, repeal or adopt bylaws exclusively to the shareholders. Similarly, the shareholders, in amending, repealing or adopting a particular bylaw, may expressly provide that the board of directors may not amend, readopt or repeal that bylaw.
In addition to that provided above under the TBOC, the proposed Texas Bylaws specify certain
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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authority of the board of directors to amend or repeal any condition or procedure set forth in or to add any procedure or condition to such bylaw to provide for a reasonable, practical, and orderly process.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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sections of the bylaws which may only be amended by a vote of 66 2/3s of the total voting power of outstanding voting securities, voting together as a single class.
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Inspection of Books and Records
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Under the MBCA, a shareholder is entitled to inspect and copy, during regular business hours at a Montana corporation's principal office, the corporation's books and records, excluding minutes of meetings of and records of actions taken without a meeting by the corporation's board of directors and board committees, if the shareholder gives the corporation a signed written notice of the shareholder's demand at least 5 business days before the date on which the shareholder wishes to inspect and copy.
The Montana Articles provide that any shareholder of record or properly appointed agent shall, upon written demand stating the proper purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect the Corporation's records.
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Under the TBOC, a shareholder may inspect a Texas corporation's books and records during normal business hours upon written demand stating a proper purpose if such shareholder holds at least 5% of the outstanding shares of stock of the Texas corporation or has been a holder of shares for at least six months prior to such demand.
If a Texas corporation refuses to allow a person to examine and make copies of account records, minutes, and share transfer records under the TBOC, the Texas corporation is liable to the shareholder for any cost or expense, including attorney's fees, incurred in enforcing the shareholder's rights under the TBOC.
A Texas corporation may defend against an inspection action by establishing that the shareholder: (1) has sold or offered for sale, or has aided or abetted a person in procuring a list of shareholders or of holders of voting trust certificates for the purpose of selling, a list of shareholders or of holders of voting trust certificates for shares of the Texas corporation or any other corporation within the two years preceding the date the action is brought; (2) has improperly used information obtained through prior examination of the books, account records, minutes, or share transfer records of the corporation or any other corporation; or (3) was not acting in good faith or for a proper purpose in making the request.
Neither the proposed Texas Certificate nor the Texas Bylaws vary from the provisions of the TBOC.
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Interested Party Transaction
Approvals
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Montana law provides that a contract or transaction between a corporation and one or more of its directors, or between a corporation and any other entity in which one or more of its directors are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, may not be enjoined, set aside or give rise to damages if: (i) it is approved by a majority of qualified directors; (ii) it is approved by the
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The TBOC provides that an otherwise valid and enforceable contract or transaction between a corporation and (1) one or more directors or officers, or one or more affiliates or associates of one or more directors or officers, of the corporation; or (2) an entity or other organization in which one or more directors or officers, or one or more affiliates or associates of one or more directors or officers, of the corporation: (A) is a
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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affirmative vote of a majority of all qualified shares; or (iii) at the time of commitment, the transaction was fair to the corporation. For purposes of this provision, a "qualified director" is one who does not have (a) a conflicting interest respecting the transaction or (b) a familial, financial, professional or employment relationship with a second director who does have such a conflict and which relationship would reasonably be expected to exert an influence on the first director's judgment when voting on the transaction. "Qualified shares" are defined generally as shares other than those beneficially owned, or the voting of which is controlled, by a director who has a conflicting interest respecting the transaction.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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managerial official; or (B) has a financial interest is valid and enforceable, and is not void or voidable, notwithstanding such relationship or interest if any one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) the material facts as to the applicable relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed to or known by: (A) the corporation's board of directors or a committee of the board of directors, and the board of directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the approval of the majority of the disinterested directors or committee members, regardless of whether the disinterested directors or committee members constitute a quorum; or (B) the shareholders entitled to vote on the authorization of the contract or transaction, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by a vote of the shareholders; or (2) the contract or transaction is fair to the corporation when the contract or transaction is authorized, approved, or ratified by the board of directors, a committee of the board of directors, or the shareholders.
The TBOC expressly provides that if at least one of the above conditions is satisfied, neither the corporation nor any of the corporation's shareholders will have a cause of action against any of the corporation's directors or officers for breach of duty with respect to the making, authorization, or performance of the contract or transaction because the person had an applicable relationship or interest.
Neither the proposed Texas Certificate nor the Texas Bylaws vary from the provisions of the TBOC.
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|||
Limitation of Liability of Shareholders
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Under the MBCA, unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides, the shareholders of a corporation shall not be personally liable for any liabilities of the corporation, including liabilities arising from acts of the corporation, except as they may be liable by reason of their own acts or conduct.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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Under the TBOC, subject to certain exceptions, a shareholder's liability is limited to its contributed capital.
Neither the proposed Texas Certificate nor the Texas Bylaws vary from the provisions of the TBOC.
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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Limitation of Personal Liability of Directors and Officers
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Montana law provides that a corporation's articles of incorporation may eliminate or limit personal liability for conduct as a director, except for the amount of an improper personal benefit, intentional misconduct, intentional violations of criminal law, or unlawful distributions. Montana law does not provide for the elimination or limitation of personal liability for conduct as an officer.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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Under the TBOC, a Texas corporation is permitted to provide that a director is not liable, or is liable only to the extent provided by the certificate of formation, to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for an act or omission by the person in the person's capacity as a director.
The TBOC does not, however, permit any limitation of the liability of a director for: (i) a breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders; (ii) an act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach of duty of the person to the corporation or involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) a transaction from which the director obtains an improper benefit, regardless of whether the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of the person's duties; or (iv) an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided by an applicable statute (such as wrongful distributions).
The proposed Texas Certificate and the Texas Bylaws provides limitation of liability and indemnification protections to directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the TBOC.
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|||
Considerations by Directors
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Under the MBCA, directors must act in good faith and in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. In discharging their duties, the director who does not have knowledge that makes reliance unwarranted is entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, prepared or presented by certain officers and employees of the corporation or legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons retained by the corporation.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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Under the TBOC, in discharging the duties of director under the TBOC or otherwise and in considering the best interests of the corporation, a director is entitled to consider the long-term and short-term interests of the corporation and the shareholders of the corporation, including the possibility that those interests may be best served by the continued independence of the corporation.
In discharging the duties of a director or officer under the TBOC or otherwise, a director or officer of a corporation is entitled to consider any social purpose specified in the corporation's certificate of formation. In addition, the TBOC provides that nothing in the applicable section thereof prohibits or limits a director or officer of a corporation that does not have a social purpose specified as a purpose in the corporation's certificate of formation from considering, approving, or taking an action that promotes or has the effect of promoting a social, charitable, or environmental purpose.
Neither the proposed Texas Certificate nor the Texas Bylaws vary from the provisions of the TBOC.
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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Indemnification of Directors and Officers
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Under the MBCA, indemnification of directors and officers is authorized to cover judgments, amounts paid in settlement, and expenses arising out of actions where the director or officer acted in good faith and in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in criminal cases, where the director or officer had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. Unless limited by the corporation's articles of incorporation, Montana law requires indemnification if the director or officer is wholly successful on the merits of the action.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws require that the Corporation indemnify directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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Under the TBOC, a Texas corporation is permitted to indemnify a director, former director, or delegate who was, is, or is threatened to be made a respondent in a proceeding, against (i) judgments and (ii) expenses (other than a judgment) reasonably and actually incurred by the person in connection with a proceeding if the person: (a) acted in good faith; (b) reasonably believed, in the case of conduct in the person's official capacity, that the person's conduct was in the corporation's best interests, and in any other case, that the person's conduct was not opposed to the corporation's best interests; and (c) in the case of a criminal proceeding, did not have a reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful.
In addition, the TBOC permits indemnification of other persons as described in the section entitled "Persons Covered" below.
If, however, the person is found liable to a Texas corporation, or is found liable on the basis he or she received an improper personal benefit, then indemnification under the TBOC is limited to the reimbursement of reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with the proceeding, and which excludes a judgment, a penalty, a fine, and an excise or similar tax, including an excise tax assessed against the person with respect to an employee benefit plan. Furthermore, no indemnification will be available if the person is found liable for: (i) willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of the person's duty to the corporation; (ii) breach of the person's duty of loyalty owed to the corporation; or (iii) an act or omission not committed in good faith that constitutes a breach of a duty owed by the person to the corporation.
The proposed Texas Certificate and the Texas Bylaws provides limitation of liability and indemnification protections to directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the TBOC.
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Advancement of Expenses
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The MBCA provides that a corporation may, before final disposition of a proceeding, advance funds to pay for or reimburse expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding by an individual who is a party to the proceeding because that individual is a director if the director delivers to the corporation a signed, written
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A corporation may pay or reimburse reasonable expenses incurred by a present director or officer who was, is, or is threatened to be made a respondent in a proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding without making the determinations required for permissive indemnification after the corporation receives: (1) a written affirmation by the person
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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undertaking of the director to repay any funds advanced in the event that (i) the director is not entitled to mandatory indemnification under Montana law and (ii) it is ultimately determined under Montana law that the director is not entitled to indemnification.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law with respect to advancement of expenses.
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of the person's good faith belief that the person has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification and (2) a written undertaking by or on behalf of the person to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if the final determination is that the person has not met that standard or that indemnification is prohibited by the TBOC.
The proposed Texas Certificate and the Texas Bylaws provides limitation of liability and indemnification protections to directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the TBOC.
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Mandatory Indemnification
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The MBCA requires indemnification for a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which the director was a party because the director was a director of the corporation against expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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The TBOC requires indemnification for reasonable expenses actually incurred only if the director is wholly successful on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of the proceeding.
The proposed Texas Certificate and the Texas Bylaws provides limitation of liability and indemnification protections to directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the TBOC.
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Persons Covered
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Under the MBCA, an officer who is not a director is entitled to mandatory indemnification and may apply to a court for indemnification or an advance for expenses, in each case to the same extent to which a director may be entitled to indemnification or advance for expenses. The corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, or agent of the corporation who is not a director to the same extent as to a director. The corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, or agent who is not a director to the extent, consistent with public policy, that may be provided by its articles of incorporation, bylaws, general or specific action of its board of directors, or contract.
The Montana Bylaws provide that employees and agents of the corporation may be indemnified to the extent authorized at any time or from time to time by the board of directors.
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The TBOC generally provides that a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to a person who is not a director, including an officer, employee or agent, as provided by: (1) the corporation's governing documents; (2) general or specific action of the corporation's board of directors; (3) resolution of the shareholders; (4) contract; or (5) common law. A corporation must indemnify an officer to the same extent that indemnification is required under the TBOC for a director. A determination of indemnification for a person who is not a director of a corporation, including an officer, employee, or agent, is not required to be made in accordance with the procedures set out in the relevant sections of the TBOC.
The proposed Texas Certificate and the Texas Bylaws provides limitation of liability and indemnification protections to directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the TBOC.
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Selection of Forum
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Under the MBCA, the governing documents of a Montana entity may require that any or all internal corporate claims (as
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Under the TBOC, the governing documents of a Texas entity may require, consistent with applicable state and federal jurisdictional
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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defined in the MBCA) must be brought exclusively in any specified court or courts in Montana and, if so specified, in any additional courts in Montana or in any other jurisdictions with which the corporation has a reasonable relationship.
Under the Montana Bylaws, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company; (b) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee, or shareholder of the Company to the Company or the Company's shareholders; (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the MBCA, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws (as either may be amended or restated) or as to which the MBCA confers jurisdiction on the State of Montana District Court of Lake and Sanders Counties; or (d) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
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requirements, that any internal entity claims shall be brought only in a court in Texas.
"Internal entity claim" means a claim of any nature, including a derivative claim in the right of an entity, that is based on, arises from, or relates to the internal affairs of the entity. Internal affairs include the rights, powers, and duties of the entity's governing persons, officers, owners, and members, and matters relating to the entity's membership or ownership interests.
The proposed Texas Bylaws and Certificate provide that the sole and exclusive forum for certain matters relating to the internal affairs of the corporation shall be, first, the Business Court in the Eleventh Business Court Division of the State of Texas, unless such court is not then accepting filings or lacks jurisdiction, in which case the exclusive forum shall be either the federal district court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, or if there is not federal jurisdiction then the state district court of Harris County, Texas.
The exclusive forum provision in the proposed Texas Bylaws explicitly states that it shall not apply to any direct claims under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
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Stock Ownership Requirement for Derivative Suits; Jury Trials
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Under the MBCA, a shareholder may not institute or maintain a derivative suit if it appears that the plaintiff does not fairly and adequately represent the interests of shareholders or members who are similarly situated in enforcing the right of the corporation or association.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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Under the TBOC, a shareholder may not institute or maintain a derivative proceeding unless: (1) the shareholder was a shareholder of the corporation at the time of the transaction in question, or became a shareholder by operation of law originating from a person that was a shareholder at the time of the transaction in question; and (2) the shareholder fairly and adequately represents the interests of the corporation in enforcing the right of the corporation. The TBOC also permits a corporation to set an ownership threshold in connection with the initiation of a derivative suit.
Under Texas law, in civil cases, a party generally has a right to a jury trial to determine questions of fact if the party timely demands a jury and pays the jury fee.
The proposed Texas Bylaws provide that no shareholder or group of shareholders may institute or maintain a derivative proceeding brought on
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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behalf of the corporation against any director and/or officer of the corporation in his or her official capacity, unless the shareholder or group of shareholders, at the time the derivative proceeding is instituted, beneficially owns a number of shares of common stock sufficient to meet an ownership threshold of at least three percent of the outstanding shares of the corporation.
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Business Combination Statute
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The MBCA does not contain any relevant provision.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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Under the TBOC, a Texas "issuing public corporation" is generally prohibited from, directly or indirectly, entering into (i) mergers, share exchanges or conversions with an affiliated shareholder or other entity that after such transaction would be an affiliate or associate of an affiliated shareholder, and certain other entities, (ii) sales, leases, exchanges, mortgages, pledges, transfers or other dispositions of assets having an aggregate market value of 10% or more of (a) the aggregate market value of the consolidated assets of such Texas public corporation, (b) the aggregate market value of the outstanding voting stock of such Texas public corporation or (c) the earning power or net income of such Texas public corporation on a consolidated basis, (iii) certain transactions that would result in the issuance or transfer of shares of such Texas public corporation to an affiliated shareholder or an affiliate or associate, (iv) liquidation or dissolution plans or proposals with an affiliated shareholder or an associate or an affiliate of an associate of an affiliated shareholder, (v) certain transactions, including reclassifications of securities or other share distributions or recapitalizations, that have the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate ownership percentage of the outstanding shares of a class or series of voting shares or securities convertible into voting shares of the issuing public corporation that is beneficially owned by the affiliated shareholder or an affiliate or associate of the affiliated shareholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or (vi) loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial assistance or a tax credit or other tax advantages the recipient of which is an affiliated shareholder or an affiliate or associate of an affiliated shareholder, in each case, with an "affiliated shareholder" or any affiliate or associate of the "affiliated shareholder" for a period of three years after
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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the date the shareholder obtained "affiliated shareholder" status.
"Affiliated shareholder" is generally broadly defined as a person who beneficially owns (or has owned within the preceding three-year period) 20% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a Texas public corporation.
"Issuing public corporation" means a Texas corporation that has: (i) 100 or more shareholders of record as shown by the share transfer records of the corporation; (ii) a class or series of the corporation's voting shares registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 77b et seq.), as amended; or (iii) a class or series of the corporation's voting shares qualified for trading on a national securities exchange.
The TBOC provides an exception to this prohibition if: (i) the board of directors of the corporation approves the transaction or the acquisition of shares by the affiliated shareholder prior to the affiliated shareholder becoming an affiliated shareholder; or (ii) the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting shares not beneficially owned by the affiliated shareholder or an affiliate or associate of the affiliated shareholder approve the transaction at a meeting held no earlier than six months after the shareholder acquires such ownership. The TBOC expressly provides that the foregoing shareholder approval may not be by written consent.
In addition to the provisions set forth in the TBOC, the proposed Texas Certificate also provides that no business combination with any interested shareholder (owning beneficially or of record 15% or more of the voting shares of the Corporation) shall occur for a period of three years after the date such person became an interested shareholder unless otherwise approved by the Board or such other exceptions as more fully set forth in the Texas Certificate.
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Dissent and Appraisal Rights
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Under the MBCA, a shareholder is entitled to dissent from and, upon perfection of his or her appraisal right, to obtain fair value of his or her shares in the event of certain corporate actions, including certain mergers, consolidations, share exchanges, sales of substantially all assets of the corporation, and amendments to the corporation's articles of incorporation that materially and adversely
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Under the TBOC, except for the limited classes of mergers, consolidations, sales and asset dispositions for which no shareholder approval is required under Texas law, shareholders of Texas corporations with voting rights have dissenters' rights in the event of a merger, consolidation, interest exchange, conversion, sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all, or substantially all, the property and assets of the corporation. However, a
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ISSUE
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MONTANA
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TEXAS
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affect shareholder rights. Subject to certain exceptions, however, appraisal rights do not apply to shares of any class or series of shares that is: (i) a covered security under section 18(b)(1)(A) or (B) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) traded in an organized market and has at least 2,000 shareholders and a market value of at least $20 million, exclusive of the value of shares of that class or series held by the corporation's subsidiaries, senior executives, and directors and by any beneficial shareholder and any voting trust beneficial owner owning more than 10% of those shares; or (iii) issued by an open-end management investment company registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that may be redeemed at the option of the holder at net asset value.
The Montana Articles and Montana Bylaws do not vary from Montana law.
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shareholder of a Texas corporation has no dissenters' rights with respect to any plan of merger or conversion in which there is a single surviving or new domestic or foreign corporation, or with respect to any plan of exchange if: (1) the ownership has no dissenters' rights with respect to any plan of merger or conversion in which there is a single surviving or new domestic or foreign corporation, or with respect to any plan of exchange if: (1) the ownership interest, or a depository receipt in respect of the ownership interest, held by the owner is part of a class or series of ownership interests, or depository receipts in respect of ownership interests, that are, on the record date set for purposes of determining which owners are entitled to vote on the plan of merger, conversion, or exchange, as appropriate: (A) listed on a national securities exchange; or (B) held of record by at least 2,000 owners; (2) the owner is not required by the terms of the plan of merger, conversion, or exchange, as appropriate, to accept for the owner's ownership interest any consideration that is different from the consideration to be provided to any other holder of an ownership interest of the same class or series as the ownership interest held by the owner, other than cash instead of fractional shares or interests the owner would otherwise be entitled to receive; and (3) the owner is not required by the terms of the plan of merger, conversion, or exchange, as appropriate, to accept for the owner's ownership interest any consideration other than: (A) ownership interests, or depository receipts in respect of ownership interests, of another entity of the same general organizational type that, immediately after the effective date of the merger, conversion, or exchange, as appropriate, will be part of a class or series of ownership interests, or depository receipts in respect of ownership interests, that are: (i) listed on a national securities exchange or authorized for listing on the exchange on official notice of issuance; or (ii) held of record by at least 2,000 owners; (B) cash instead of fractional ownership.
The proposed Texas Certificate and Texas Bylaws do not vary from the TBOC.
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For the Fiscal Years Ended
December 31,
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2024
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2023
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Audit Fees(1)
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$175,219
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$169,738
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Audit-Related Fees(2)
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7,825
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-
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Tax Fees(3)
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19,075
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14,430
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All Other Fees(4)
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10,400
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4,400
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Total
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$212,519
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$188,568
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(1)
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Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our financial statements and review of interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by the principal accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
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(2)
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Audit-related fees relate to services for stock registrations.
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(3)
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Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
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(4)
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All other fees consist of fees not otherwise reported as audit or tax fees.
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Name
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Address
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1.
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Gary C. Evans
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[Company Mailing Address]
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2.
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Lloyd Joseph Bardswich
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3.
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Blaise Aguirre, M.D.
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4.
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Joseph A. Carrabba
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5.
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Michael A. McManus
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By:
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Richard Isaak, Chief Financial Officer
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Page
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ARTICLE I - CORPORATE OFFICES
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B-1
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1.1
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REGISTERED OFFICE
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B-1
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1.2
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OTHER OFFICES
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B-1
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ARTICLE II - MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
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B-1
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2.1
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PLACE OF MEETINGS
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B-1
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2.2
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ANNUAL MEETING
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B-1
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2.3
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SPECIAL MEETING
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B-1
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2.4
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ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES
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B-1
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2.5
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NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS
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B-5
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2.6
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QUORUM
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B-5
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2.7
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ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE
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B-5
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2.8
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CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
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B-6
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2.9
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VOTING
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B-6
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2.10
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SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING
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B-6
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2.11
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RECORD DATES
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B-6
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2.12
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PROXIES
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B-7
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2.13
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LIST OF SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE
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B-7
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2.14
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INSPECTORS OF ELECTION
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B-7
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2.15
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PROXY ACCESS
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B-8
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ARTICLE III - DIRECTORS
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B-13
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3.1
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POWERS
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B-13
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3.2
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NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
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B-13
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3.3
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ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS
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B-13
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3.4
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RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES
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B-13
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3.5
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PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE
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B-13
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3.6
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REGULAR MEETINGS
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B-14
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3.7
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SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE
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B-14
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3.8
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QUORUM; VOTING
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B-14
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3.9
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BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING
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B-14
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3.10
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FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
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B-15
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3.11
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REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
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B-15
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ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES
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B-15
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4.1
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COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS
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B-15
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4.2
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COMMITTEE MINUTES
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B-15
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4.3
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MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES
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B-15
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4.4
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SUBCOMMITTEES
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B-16
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ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
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B-16
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5.1
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OFFICERS
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B-16
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5.2
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APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
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B-16
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5.3
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SUBORDINATE OFFICERS
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B-16
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5.4
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REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS
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B-16
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5.5
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VACANCIES IN OFFICES
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B-16
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5.6
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REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS
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B-16
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5.7
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AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS
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B-17
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5.8
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THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD
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B-17
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Page
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5.9
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THE VICE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD
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B-17
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5.10
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THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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B-17
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5.11
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THE PRESIDENT
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B-17
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5.12
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THE VICE PRESIDENTS AND ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS
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B-17
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5.13
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THE SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES
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B-17
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5.14
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THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS
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B-18
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||||
ARTICLE VI - STOCK
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B-18
|
||||||
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||||
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6.1
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|
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STOCK CERTIFICATES
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B-18
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6.2
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|
|
SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES
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B-18
|
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6.3
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LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES
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B-18
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6.4
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|
|
DIVIDENDS
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B-19
|
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6.5
|
|
|
TRANSFER OF STOCK
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B-19
|
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6.6
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|
|
STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
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B-19
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6.7
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REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS
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B-19
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||||
ARTICLE VII - MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE AND WAIVER
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B-19
|
||||||
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||||
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7.1
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|
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NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS
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B-19
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7.2
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NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
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B-19
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7.3
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|
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
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B-20
|
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7.4
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WAIVER OF NOTICE
|
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B-20
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||||
ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION
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B-20
|
||||||
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||||
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8.1
|
|
|
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THIRD PARTY PROCEEDINGS
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B-20
|
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8.2
|
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|
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN ACTIONS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION
|
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B-21
|
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8.3
|
|
|
SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE
|
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B-21
|
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8.4
|
|
|
INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS
|
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B-21
|
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8.5
|
|
|
ADVANCED PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
|
|
|
B-21
|
|
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|
8.6
|
|
|
LIMITATION ON INDEMNIFICATION
|
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|
B-21
|
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|
8.7
|
|
|
DETERMINATION; CLAIM
|
|
|
B-22
|
|
|
|
8.8
|
|
|
NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS
|
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|
B-22
|
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|
8.9
|
|
|
INSURANCE
|
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|
B-22
|
|
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8.10
|
|
|
SURVIVAL
|
|
|
B-23
|
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|
8.11
|
|
|
EFFECT OF REPEAL OR MODIFICATION
|
|
|
B-23
|
|
|
|
8.12
|
|
|
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
|
|
|
B-23
|
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|
|
|
|
|
||||
ARTICLE IX - GENERAL MATTERS
|
|
|
B-23
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
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|
||||
|
|
9.1
|
|
|
EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS
|
|
|
B-23
|
|
|
|
9.2
|
|
|
FISCAL YEAR
|
|
|
B-23
|
|
|
|
9.3
|
|
|
SEAL
|
|
|
B-23
|
|
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|
9.4
|
|
|
CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS
|
|
|
B-23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
|
|
|
B-23
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
ARTICLE XI - EXCLUSIVE FORUM; JURY TRIAL WAIVER; OWNERSHIP THRESHOLD FOR DERIVATIVE PROCEEDINGS
|
|
|
B-24
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
11.1
|
|
|
EXCLUSIVE FORUM
|
|
|
B-24
|
|
|
|
11.2
|
|
|
JURY TRIAL WAIVER
|
|
|
B-24
|
|
|
|
11.3
|
|
|
OWNERSHIP THRESHOLD FOR DERIVATIVE PROCEEDINGS
|
|
|
B-24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
1.
|
Plan of Conversion.
|
a.
|
The name of Converting Entity is "United States Antimony Corporation", a Montana corporation.
|
b.
|
The name of Converted Entity is "United States Antimony Corporation", a Texas corporation.
|
c.
|
Converting Entity is continuing its existence, without lapse or interruption, in the organizational form of a Texas for-profit corporation under the name "United States Antimony Corporation"; that is, in the organizational form of the Converted Entity.
|
d.
|
The Converted Entity is to be a corporation and its jurisdiction of formation is the State of Texas.
|
e.
|
As of the Effective Time (as defined in Section 2), automatically by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of any person, each share of common stock (including restricted stock, which shall remain restricted), par value $0.01 per share, of Converting Entity shall convert into one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Converted Entity, and any warrant, option, restricted stock unit, equity or equity-based award, or other right to acquire any, or of any instrument to convert into or based on the value of, common stock or other equity security of Converting Entity shall from and after the Effective Time, be a warrant, option, restricted stock unit, equity or equity-based award or other right to acquire any, or of any instrument to convert into or based on the value of, the same amount of common stock or other equity securities of Converted Entity, respectively, and, if applicable, with the same exercise or purchase price per share. No shares of preferred stock are issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time.
|
f.
|
As of the Effective Time, automatically by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of any person, each employment letter or agreement, employee benefit plan or agreement, incentive compensation plan or agreement or other similar plan or agreement to which the Converting Entity is a party, or otherwise maintains, sponsors or contributes, shall continue to be a plan or agreement of the Converted Entity on the same terms and conditions and any references to the Converting Entity thereunder shall mean the Converted Entity on and after the Effective Time. To the extent that any such plan, letter or agreement provides for the issuance, or is otherwise based on the value, of common stock or other equity securities of the Converting Entity, as of the Effective Time, automatically by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of any person, such plan or agreement shall be deemed to provide for the issuance, or be based on the value, of common stock or other equity securities of the Converted Entity, respectively.
|
g.
|
All of the outstanding certificates representing shares of common stock of the Converting Entity common stock immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be deemed for all purposes to continue to evidence ownership of and to represent the same number of shares of common stock of the Converted Entity.
|
h.
|
As of the Effective Time, automatically by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of any person, each agreement to which the Converting Entity is a party, shall continue to be an agreement of the Converted Entity on the same terms and conditions and any references to the Converting Entity thereunder shall, on and after the Effective Time, mean the Converted Entity.
|
2.
|
Effective Time. The Conversion will be consummated under the TBOC by filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas (a) a Certificate of Conversion in the form required by the TBOC (the "Texas Certificate") and executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the TBOC and (b) a Certificate of Formation in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Certificate of Formation"). The time on which such Texas Certificate is accepted by the Texas Secretary of State shall be the "Effective Time". Simultaneously with the filing of the Texas Certificate, Converting Entity is authorized and empowered to take any such actions as may be necessary or prudent in connection with the Conversion under the MBCA.
|
3.
|
Effects of the Conversion. The Conversion will have the effects set forth in the TBOC and, to the extent necessary, the MBCA, including without limitation the effects set forth in Section 1.c of this Plan. The Converted Entity will be responsible for the payment of all of the Converting Entity's fees and franchise taxes and will be responsible for all of its debts and liabilities.
|
4.
|
Governance of the Converted Entity. On and after the Effective Time, the affairs of the Converted Entity shall be governed in accordance with the TBOC and the Certificate of Formation, and the Bylaws of the Converted Entity in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B. Immediately after the Effective Time, the directors and officers of the Converting Entity shall continue as the directors and officers of the Converted Entity.
|
5.
|
Foreign Qualifications of Converted Entity. For the purpose of authorizing the Converted Entity to do business in any state, territory, or dependency of the United States, including, but not limited to, Montana, or of any foreign country in which it is necessary or expedient for the Converted Entity to transact business, the officers of the Converted Entity are hereby authorized and empowered to appoint and substitute all necessary agents or attorneys for service of process, to designate and to prepare, execute, and file, for and on behalf of the Converted Entity, all necessary certificates, reports, powers of attorney, and other instruments as may be required by the laws of such state, territory, dependency, or country to authorize the Converted Entity to transact business therein, and whenever it is expedient for the Converted Entity to cease doing business therein and withdraw therefrom, to revoke any appointment of agent or attorney for service of process, and to file such certificates, reports, revocation of appointment, or surrender of authority as may be necessary to terminate the authority of the Converted Entity to do business in any such state, territory, dependency, or country, and all actions taken by the officers of the Converted Entity prior to the Effective Time in furtherance of this Section 5 shall be, and each of them hereby is, approved, ratified and confirmed in all respects as the proper acts and deeds of the Converted Entity.
|
6.
|
Third Party Beneficiaries. This Plan shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any person or entity other than as expressly provided herein. It being understood that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, no provision of this Plan is intended to, or does, confer any rights or remedies on any current or former employee or other service provider of the Converting Entity (nor any other individual associated therewith) and none of such individuals shall be regarded for any purpose as a third party beneficiary to this Plan.
|
7.
|
Severability. Whenever possible, each term and provision of this Plan will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any term or provision of this Plan is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law or in any jurisdiction, such term or provision will be ineffective only to the extent, of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of this Plan. Upon the determination that any term or provision of this Plan is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such term or provision shall be deemed amended in such jurisdiction, without further action on the part of any person or entity, to the limited extent necessary to render the same valid, legal or enforceable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Name:
|
|
|
||
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.
|
The name, organizational form and jurisdiction of formation of the Converting Entity is:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
|
Organizational Form
|
|
|
Jurisdiction of Formation
|
United States Antimony Corporation
|
|
|
For-profit Corporation
|
|
|
Montana
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.
|
The name, organizational form and jurisdiction of formation of the Converted Entity is:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
|
Organizational Form
|
|
|
Jurisdiction of Formation
|
United States Antimony Corporation
|
|
|
For-profit Corporation
|
|
|
Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
The date of formation in the State of Montana of the Converting Entity is January 14, 1970.
|
4
|
The file number issued to the Converting Entity by the State of Montana is D035054.
|
5.
|
A signed plan of conversion (the "Plan") is on file at [ADDRESS], the principal place of business of the Converting Entity.
|
6.
|
The Plan will be on file after the conversion at [ADDRESS], the principal place of business of the Converted Entity.
|
7.
|
A copy of the Plan will be furnished upon written request without cost by the Converting Entity before the conversion or by the Converted Entity after the conversion to any owner or member of the Converting Entity or the Converted Entity.
|
8.
|
The Certificate of Formation of the Converted Entity is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
|
9.
|
The Plan has been approved as required by the laws of the jurisdiction of formation and the governing documents of the Converting Entity.
|
10.
|
In lieu of providing the tax certificate, the Converted Entity shall be liable for the payment of any franchise taxes, if any.
|
11.
|
This document becomes effective on , 2025.
|
|
|||
CONVERTING ENTITY:
|
|||
|
|
||
UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION
|
|||
|
|
||
By:
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
|
Richard Isaak
|
Title:
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
|
|
1.
|
Purpose; Eligibility.
|
2.
|
Definitions.
|
3.
|
Administration.
|
4.
|
Shares Subject to the Plan.
|
5.
|
Eligibility.
|
6.
|
Option Provisions. Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 6, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Non-qualified Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to any Participant or any other person if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as such at any time or if an Option is determined to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the terms of such Option do not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:
|
7.
|
Stock Appreciation Rights. Each Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone ("Free Standing Rights") or in tandem with an Option granted under the Plan ("Related Rights").
|
8.
|
Restricted Awards. A Restricted Award is an Award of actual shares of Common Stock ("Restricted Stock") or hypothetical Common Stock units ("Restricted Stock Units") having a value equal to the Fair Market Value of an identical number of shares of Common Stock, which may, but need not, provide that such Restricted Award may not be sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of, pledged or hypothecated as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of any obligation or for any other purpose for such period (the "Restricted Period") as the Committee shall determine. Each Restricted Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Restricted Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 8, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.
|
9.
|
Performance Share Awards. Each Performance Share Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Performance Share Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 9, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock or stock-denominated units subject to a Performance Share Award granted to any Participant; (ii) the Performance Period applicable to any Award; (iii) the conditions that must be satisfied for a Participant to earn
|
10.
|
Other Equity-Based Awards and Cash Awards. The Committee may grant Other Equity-Based Awards, either alone or in tandem with other Awards, in such amounts and subject to such conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. Each Equity-Based Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and shall be subject to such conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee may grant Cash Awards in such amounts and subject to such Performance Goals, other vesting conditions, and such other terms as the Committee determines in its discretion. Cash Awards shall be evidenced in such form as the Committee may determine.
|
11.
|
Securities Law Compliance. No shares of Common Stock shall be purchased or sold under this Plan or any Award Agreement unless and until (a) any then applicable requirements of state or federal laws and regulatory agencies have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel and (b) if required to do so by the Company, the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company a letter of investment intent in such form and containing such provisions as the Committee may require. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained.
|
12.
|
Use of Proceeds from Stock. Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Awards, or upon exercise thereof, shall constitute general funds of the Company.
|
13.
|
Miscellaneous.
|
14.
|
Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in the capital structure of the Company by reason of any stock or extraordinary cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, an extraordinary corporate transaction such as any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange, or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the Grant Date of any Award, Awards granted under the Plan and any Award Agreements, the exercise price of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the Performance Goals to which Performance Share Awards and Cash Awards are subject, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to all Awards stated in Section 4 will be equitably adjusted or substituted, as to the number, price or kind of a share of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Awards to the extent necessary to preserve the economic intent of such Award. In the case of adjustments made pursuant to this Section 14, unless the Committee specifically determines that such adjustment is in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates, the Committee shall, in the case of Incentive Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 14 will not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of the Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code and in the case of Non-qualified Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 14 will not constitute a modification of such Non-qualified Stock Options within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any adjustments made under this Section 14 shall be made in a manner which does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.
|
15.
|
Effect of Change in Control.
|
16.
|
Amendment of the Plan and Awards.
|
17.
|
General Provisions.
|
18.
|
Effective Date of Plan. The Plan shall become effective as of the Effective Date, but no Award shall vest or be exercised unless and until the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, which approval shall be within 12 months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board (provided, however, that Awards may be granted under the Plan during such 12 month period, subject to the ultimate approval of the Plan by the shareholders of the Company).
|
19.
|
Termination or Suspension of the Plan. The Plan shall terminate automatically on , 2035. No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any earlier date pursuant to Section 16.1 hereof. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
|
20.
|
Choice of Law; Arbitration; Waiver of Jury Trial. The law of the Company's state of incorporation shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state's conflict of law rules. Controversies, claims (and related settlements), or matters in question arising out or relating to (1) the Award Agreement, (2) any breach or termination of the Award Agreement, and/or (3) any actual or purported representations or warranties, express or implied, related to the Award Agreement and/or the performance thereunder (herein referred to collectively as a "Dispute") shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Sanders County, Montana through the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association for one arbitrator. The parties shall share equally in all filing fees and administrative costs, however, any award rendered shall equitably reallocate those costs as determined by the arbitrator. The arbitration shall be governed by the applicable state law and the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 USC §§ 1-16, to the exclusion of any provisions of state law that are inconsistent with the application of the Federal Arbitration Act. In rendering the award, the arbitrator shall state the reasons therefore, including any computation of actual damages or offsets, if applicable and attorneys' fees, if applicable. The parties will agree to abide by and fully perform in accordance with any award rendered by the arbitrator. If the non-prevailing party fails to comply with all aspects of the award within thirty (30) days following the issuance of the award, the prevailing party shall be entitled to seek enforcement of the award in any court of competent jurisdiction in Sanders County, Montana with all parties agreeing that venue and personal jurisdiction is mandatory in Sanders County, Montana. If such enforcement becomes necessary, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall recover its reasonable and necessary attorney's fees, and costs, in addition to any other relief to which that party is entitled.
|