UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

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[X]Definitive Proxy Statement
[  ]Definitive Additional Materials
[  ]Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule Sec.240.14a-12Section 240.14a-12

 

U.S. GOLD CORP.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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U.S. GOLD CORP.

777 Alexander Road1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604

Princeton, NJ 08543Elko, NV 98901

(609) 799-0071(800) 557-4550

Dear Shareholder,Shareholder:

 

You are cordially invitedOn behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I invite you to attend the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of U.S. Gold Corp (the “Company” or “U.S. Gold Corp.”) to be held at 10:00 a.m. (local time) on July 31, 2017, at the office of Sichenzia Ross Ference Kesner LLP 61 Broadway, 32at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 37ndthFloor, New York NY 10006. The attached notice of Annual Meeting and proxy statement describe the matters to be presented10036 on September 13, 2018 at the Annual Meeting and provide information about us that you should consider when you vote your shares.9:00 a.m. EST.

 

The principalnotice of annual meeting and proxy statement accompanying this letter describe the specific business ofto be acted upon at the meetingmeeting.

In addition to the specific matters to be acted upon, there will be (i)an opportunity for questions of general interest to elect as directors the nominees named in this proxy statement to serve until 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, (ii) to ratify the appointment of Marcum LLP as our independent public accountant for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2018, (iii) to advise us as to whether you approve the compensation of our named executive officers (Say-on-Pay), (iv) to approve the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and the reservation of 1,650,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder and (v) to transact such other business as may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.

shareholders.

 

We hope you will be able to attend the Annual Meeting.Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or not, it is important that your shares are represented. Therefore, when you have finished reading the proxy statement,meeting in person, you are urgedrequested to complete, sign, date, and promptly return the enclosed proxy card promptlyin the envelope provided. Your proxy will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with your instructions. If you do not specify a choice on one of the proposals described in this proxy statement, your proxy will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors. If you hold your shares through an account with a brokerage firm or other nominee or fiduciary such as a bank, please follow the instructions set forthyou receive from such brokerage firm or other nominee or fiduciary to vote your shares.

If you plan to attend the meeting in person, please respond affirmatively to the request for that information by marking the box on the proxy card. ThisYou will ensure your proper representationbe asked to present valid picture identification. Cameras, recording devices, and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the Annual Meeting, whether or not you can attend.meeting.

 

 Sincerely,
  
 Edward M. Karr
 

PresidentChairman and Chief Executive Officer Director

 

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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.

PLEASE RETURN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY.

U.S. GOLD CORP.CORP

777 Alexander Road1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604

Princeton, NJ 08543Elko, NV 89801

(609) 799-0071(800) 557-4550

 

NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To be Held July 31, 2017

Dear Shareholder:

 

ToOn behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of U.S. Gold Corp.:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2017 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersCorp (the “Annual Meeting”“Company” or “U.S. Gold”) of U.S. Gold Corp., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), willto be held at 10:00 a.m. (local time) on July 31, 2017, or such later date or dates as such Annual Meeting date may be adjourned, at the office of Sichenzia Ross Ference Kesner LLP 61 Broadway, 32at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 37ndthFloor, New York NY 10006, for the purpose of considering and taking action10036 on the following proposals:September 13, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. EST.

 

At the annual meeting, we will ask you to:

 1.Elect as directors the nominees named in the proxy statement;
 2.To ratifyApprove an amendment to the appointmentCompany’s Articles ofMarcum Incorporation, as amended, to implement a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio of not less than 1 for 2 and not more than 1 for 10, within the discretion of the Board of Directors, at any time prior to September 13, 2019;
3.Approve the issuance of securities in one or more non-public offerings where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 30% below market price of our common stock in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d);
4.Hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s executive officers;
5.Ratify the retention of KBL LLPas ourthe Company’s independent registered public accountantaccounting firm for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2018;
3.To advise us as to whether you approve the compensation of our named executive officers (Say-on-Pay);
4.To approve the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, including the reservation of 1,650,000 shares of common stock thereunder;2019; and
 5.6.To transactTransact such other business as may be properly broughtcome before the Annual Meeting andmeeting or any adjournments thereof.adjournments.

 

The foregoing business items are more fully describedBoard of Directors unanimously recommends a voteFOR the election of each of the nominees for director named in the following pages, which are made partproxy statement;FORthe approval to amend the Articles of this notice.

The Board recommends that you voteIncorporation, as follows:

FOR” for the election of the Board nominees as directors;
FOR” ratification of the selection ofMarcum LLPas our independent public accountant for our fiscal year ending April 30, 2018;
FOR” the compensation of our named executive officers as set forth in this proxy statement; and
FOR” approval of the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, including the reservation of 1,650,000 shares of common stock thereunder

You may vote if you were the record owneramended, to implement a reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding common stock at a ratio of not less than 1 for 2 and not more than 1 for 10, within the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, at any time prior to September 13, 2019;FORthe approval to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 30% below market price of our common stock in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d);FOR the approval of the compensation of our the Company’s executive officers andFOR the ratification of the retention of KBL LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2019;.

Shareholders of record at the close of business on July 10, 2017. The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on July 10, 2017 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of shareholdersAugust 16, 2018, will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the 2018 Annual Meeting and at any adjournments thereof.

As of the Record Date there were 11,029,270 shares of common stock outstanding entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The foregoing shares are referred to herein as the “Shares,” holders of the Shares are entitled to one vote for each Share held. A list of shareholders of record will be available at the meeting and, during the 10 days prior to the meeting, at the office of the Secretary of the Company at 777 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 08543.

All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or not, you are requested to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions on the proxy card. A pre-addressed, postage prepaid return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.postponements thereof.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors, of U.S. Gold Corporation,

 

 Sincerely,
  
 

Edward M. Karr

David Rector
 

President and Chief Executive Officer, DirectorCorporate Secretary

YOUR VOTE AT THE SPECIALANNUAL MEETING IS IMPORTANT

 

Your vote is important. Please vote as promptly as possible even if you plan to attend the Meeting.meeting.

 

For information on how to vote your shares, please see the instruction form from your broker or other fiduciary, as applicable, as well as “Information About the 2018 Annual Meeting and Voting” in the proxy statement accompanying this notice.

 

We encourage you to vote by completing, signing, and dating the proxy card, and returning it in the enclosed envelope.

 

If you have questions about voting your shares, please contact our Corporate Secretary at U.S. Gold Corp, at 777 Alexander Road,1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 100, Princeton, NJ 08540,102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801, telephone number (609) 799-0071.(800) 557-4550.

 

If you decide to change your vote, you may revoke your proxy in the manner described in the attached proxy statement/prospectusstatement at any time before it is voted.

 

We urge you to review the accompanying materials carefully and to vote as promptly as possible. Note that we have enclosed with this notice (i) our Annual Report to Shareholders, which includes our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, as amended, and (ii) a proxy statement/prospectus.Proxy Statement.

 

THE PROXY STATEMENT ISAND ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS ARE AVAILABLE AT:http:https://equitystock.com/issuers/www.equitystock.com/shareholders/proxy-voting/us-gold-corp

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 Sincerely,
  
 

Edward M. Karr

David Rector
 

President and Chief Executive Officer, DirectorCorporate Secretary

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the AnnualShareholder Meeting OF SHAREHOLDERS to Be Held onJuly 31,2017 SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 at10: 9:00A.M. EDT. a.m. EST.

 

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and our Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, as amended, are available at:

http:https://equitystock.com/issuers/www.equitystock.com/shareholders/proxy-voting/us-gold-corp

 

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REFERENCES TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This proxy statement incorporates important business and financial information about U.S. Gold Corp. that is not included in or delivered with this document. You may obtain this information without charge through the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) website (www.sec.gov) or upon your written or oral request by contacting the Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Gold Corp., 777 Alexander Road, Suite 100, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 or by calling (609) 799-0071.

To ensure timely delivery of these documents, any request should be made no later than July 20, 2017 to receive them before the annual meeting.

For additional details about where you can find information about U.S. Gold Corp., please see the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” in this proxy statement.

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Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Information About the 2018 Annual Meeting and VotingPage
2
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETINGSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management7
PROPOSAL 1 — Election of Directors8
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENTInformation About the Board of Directors and Committees; Corporate Governance1211
ELECTION OF DIRECTORSSection 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance1317
MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCEExecutive Compensation19
PROPOSAL 2 — Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to Implement a Reverse Stock Split of the Company’s Issued and Outstanding Common Stock at a Ratio Within a Range of 1 for 2 to 1 for 10 at any time Prior to September 13, 20191524
CORPORATE CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICSPROPOSAL 3 — The Issuance of Securities in One or More Non-Public Offerings Where the Maximum Discount at Which Securities Offered Will be Equivalent to a Discount of 30% Below Market Price of Our Common Stock in Accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d)31

PROPOSAL 4 — Advisory Vote to Approve the Executive Compensation

2032
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONPROPOSAL 5 — Ratification of the Retention of KBL LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 20192133
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONSIndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services2534
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERSAppendices2637

ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 28
APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S 2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AND THE RESERVATION OF 1,650,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER 29
OTHER MATTERS35

U.S. GOLD CORP.CORP

777 Alexander Road1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604

Princeton, NJ 08543Elko, NV 89801

(609) 799-0071(800) 557-4550

 

PROXY STATEMENT FOR U.S. GOLD CORP.ANNUAL MEETING

2017IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JULY 31, 2017SEPTEMBER 13, 2018:

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANNUAL MEETINGREPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS ARE AVAILABLE AT:

 

https://www.equitystock.com/shareholders/proxy-voting/us-gold-corp. SHAREHOLDERS CAN REQUEST A COPY OF THE PROXY STATEMENT, ANNUAL REPORT, AND FORM OF PROXY FOR THIS MEETING AND FUTURE MEETINGS BY CALLING (800) 557-4550 OR SENDING AN EMAIL TO ir@usgoldcorp.gold.

This proxy statement along withprovides information that you should read before you vote on the accompanying notice ofproposals that will be presented to you at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, contains information about the 20172018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of U.S. Gold Corp., including any adjournments or postponements thereof (referred to herein as the “Annual Meeting”). We are holding the

The 2018 Annual Meeting will be held on September 13, 2018, at 10:9:00 a.m. (local time) on July 31, 2017,local time, at the office of Sichenzia Ross Ference Kesner LLP 61 Broadway, 32ndat 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 37th Floor, New York NY 10006, or such later date or dates as such Annual Meeting date may be adjourned. For directions to the meeting, please call (609) 799-0071.10036.

 

InOn or about August 21, 2018, we mailed this proxy statement we referand our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018 (the “2018 Annual Report”) in paper copy. For information on how to U.S. Gold Corp.vote your shares of our common stock, see the instructions included on the proxy card, or the instruction form you receive from your broker or other fiduciary, as “USG,”well as the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our.”information under “Information About the 2018 Annual Meeting and Voting” in this proxy statement. Shareholders who, according to our records, owned shares of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on August 16, 2018, will be entitled to vote at the 2018 Annual Meeting.

If you would like to attend the meeting and vote in person, please send an email to ir@usgoldcorp.gold and directions will be provided to you.

Information About the 2018 Annual Meeting and Voting

 

Why Did You Send Me This Proxy Statement?am I receiving these proxy materials?

 

We sent you this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation by theThe Board of Directors (“Board”) of U.S. Gold Corp. (“Company” or “U.S. Gold”) is asking for your proxy for use at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, (referred to herein as the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) of proxies, in the accompanying form, to be used at the Annual Meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. (local time) on July 31, 2017, at the office of Sichenzia Ross Ference Kesner LLP 61 Broadway, 32ndat 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 37th Floor, New York NY 1000610036, on September 13, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. local time, and at any adjournments thereof. adjournment or postponement of the meeting. As a shareholder, you are invited to attend the meeting and are entitled to and requested to vote on the items of business described in this proxy statement.

This proxy statement alongis furnished to shareholders of U.S. Gold, a Nevada corporation, in connection with the accompanying Noticesolicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders summarizes(the “Annual Meeting”).

Sharing the purposesSame Last Name and Address

We are sending only one copy of our 2018 Annual Report and proxy statement to shareholders who share the same last name and address, unless they have notified us that they want to continue receiving multiple copies. This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce duplicate mailings and save significant printing and postage costs.

If you received a householded mailing this year and you would like to have additional copies of our 2018 Annual Report and proxy statement mailed to you, or you would like to opt out of this practice for future mailings, we will promptly deliver such additional copies to you if you submit your request to our Corporate Secretary at, 1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801 or call us at (800) 557-4550. You may also contact us in the same manner if you received multiple copies of the Annual Meeting materials and would prefer to receive a single copy in the information you needfuture.

Who is soliciting my vote?

The Board is soliciting your vote.

When were the enclosed solicitation materials first given to knowshareholders?

We initially mailed to shareholders of the Company this proxy statement, a proxy card, and our 2018 Annual Report on or about August 21, 2018.

What is the purpose of the meeting?

You will be voting on:

1.Election of the nominees named in the proxy statement as directors;
2.Approval to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to implement a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio of not less than of 1 for 2 and not more than 1 for 10 at any time prior to September 13, 2019;
3.Approval to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 30% below market price of the Company’s common stock in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d);
4.Approval, in an advisory vote, of the compensation of the Company’s executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement;
5.Ratification of the appointment of KBL LLP as the independent certified public accountant of the Company for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2019;and
6.Such other business that is properly presented at the meeting.

What are the Board’s recommendations?

The Board recommends a vote:

1.FOR”election of the nominees named in the proxy statement as directors;
2.“FOR”approval to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, to implement a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding at a ratio of not less than 1 for 2 and not greater than1 for 10 at any time prior to September 13, 2019;
3.“FOR”approval to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 30% below market price of the Company’s common stock in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d);
4.“FOR”approval, in an advisory vote, of the compensation of the Company’s executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement; and
5.“FOR”ratification of the appointment of KBL LLP as the Company’s independent certified public accountants of the Company for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2019.

Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.meeting, what is the “record date”, and how many votes do they have?

 

Important Notice Regarding the AvailabilityHolders of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on July 31, 2017: The proxy statement and annual report to security holders are available at www.usgold.gold.

This proxy statement, the accompanying proxy and, though not partrecord of this proxy statement, our 2016 Annual Report, which includes our financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, are being mailed on or about July 14, 2017 to all shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. You can also find a copy of our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K on the Internet through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s electronic data system called EDGAR atwww.sec.gov or through the “Investors” section of our website atwww.usgoldcorp.gold.

Who Can Vote?

Shareholders who owned USG common stock at the close of business on July 10, 2017August 16, 2018 (the “Record Date”“record date”), are will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date theremeeting. Each share of common stock has one vote. There were 11,029,27017,628,927 shares of USG common stock outstanding on the record date.

What is a quorum of shareholders?

In order to carry on the business of the Annual Meeting, a quorum must be present. If a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Thevote on the record date are present, either in person or by proxy, we will have a quorum at the meeting. Any shares represented by proxies that are marked for, against, withhold, or abstain from voting on a proposal will be counted as present in determining whether we have a quorum. If a broker, bank, custodian, nominee, or other record holder of our common stock indicates on a proxy card that it does not have discretionary authority to vote certain shares on a particular matter, and if it has not received instructions from the beneficial owners of such shares as to how to vote on such matters, the shares held by that record holder will not be voted on such matter (referred to as “broker non-votes”) but will be counted as present for purposes of determining whether we have a quorum. Since there were 17,628,927 shares of common stock are herein referredoutstanding entitled to asvote on August 16, 2018 the “Shares.”presence of holders of 8,814,464 shares will represent a quorum. We must have a quorum to conduct the meeting.

 

How many votes does it take to pass each matter?

Proposal 1: Election of DirectorsThe nominees for director who receive the most votes (also known as a plurality) will be elected. You may vote either FOR all of the nominees, WITHHOLD your vote from all of the nominees or WITHHOLD your vote from any one of the nominees. Votes that are withheld will not be included in the vote tally for the election of directors. Brokerage firms do not have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name for the election of directors. As a result, any shares not voted by a beneficial owner will be treated as a broker non-vote. Such broker non-votes will have no effect on the results of this vote.
Proposal 2: Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to Implement a Reverse Stock SplitThe affirmative vote of a majority of the votes outstanding as of the record date is required to approve the amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to implement a reverse stock split. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast on this proposal and will have the same effect as a negative vote. Brokerage firms do not have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name on this proposal.

Proposal 3: Issuance of securities in non-public offering with a maximum discount of 30% below market price of the Company’s common stockThe affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast for this proposal is required to approve the issuance of securities in one or more non-public offerings, as required by and in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d). Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast on this proposal and will have the same effect as a negative vote. Brokerage firms do not have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name on this proposal.
Proposal 4: Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of the Company’s Executive OfficersThe advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executive officers will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast against the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as either votes cast for or against this proposal. While the results of this advisory vote are non-binding, the Compensation Committee of the Board and the Board values the opinions of our stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote, along with other relevant factors, in deciding whether any actions are necessary to address the concerns raised by the vote and when making future compensation decisions for executive officers.
Proposal 5: Ratification of the Appointment of KBL LLP as the Company’s Independent Public Accountant for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2019The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast for this proposal is required to ratify the appointment of the Company’s independent public accountant. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast on this proposal and will have the same effect as a negative vote. Brokerage firms have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name on this proposal. If a broker does not exercise this authority, such broker non-votes will have no effect on the results of this vote. We are not required to obtain the approval of our stockholders to appoint the Company’s independent accountant. However, if our stockholders do not ratify the appointment of KBL LLP as the Company’s independent public accountant for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2019, the Audit Committee of the Board may reconsider its appointment.

Who can attend the meeting?

All shareholders as of August 16, 2018, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the meeting.

What do I need to attend the Annual Meetingmeeting?

In order to be admitted to the meeting, a shareholder must present proof of ownership of common stock as of the record date. If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank, custodian, nominee, or other record holder (“street name”), you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record (that is, your broker, bank, custodian, or nominee) to be able to vote at the meeting. You will also be required to present a form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license.

What is a proxy?

A proxy is another person you authorize to vote on your shares. Shares represented by valid proxies, received in time forbehalf. We ask shareholders to instruct the Annual Meeting and not revoked priorproxy how to the Annual Meeting, willvote so that all common shares may be voted at the Annual Meeting. A shareholder may revoke a proxy beforemeeting even if the proxy is voted by delivering to our Secretary a signed statement of revocation or a duly executed proxy card bearing a later date. Any shareholder who has executed a proxy card but attendsholders do not attend the Annual Meeting in person may revoke the proxy and vote at the Annual Meeting.meeting.

 

How Many Votes Do I Have?are abstentions and broker non-votes treated?

 

Each shareAbstentions and broker non-votes count for purposes of USG common stock that you own entitles youdetermining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast either for or against any of the proposals being presented to one vote.

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shareholders and will have no impact on the result of the vote on these proposals.

How Do I Vote?

 

Whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or not, we urge you to vote by proxy. All shares represented by valid proxies that we receive through this solicitation, and that are not revoked, will be voted in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card or as instructed via Internet or telephone. You may specify whether your shares should be voted for or against each nominee for director, and whether your shares should be voted for, against or abstain with respect to each of the other proposals. Except as set forth below, if you properly submit a proxy without giving specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations as noted below. Voting by proxy will not affect your right to attend the Annual Meeting. If your shares are registered directly in your name through our stock transfer agent, Equity Stock Transfer, or you have stock certificates, you may vote:

 

 By mail. Complete and mail the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope. Your proxy will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you sign the proxy card but do not specify how you want your shares voted, they will be voted as recommended by the Board.
   
 In person at the meeting. If you attend the meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in person or you may vote by completing a ballot, which will be available at the Annual Meeting.

 

If your shares are held in “street name” (held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee), you must provide the bank, broker or other nominee with instructions on how to vote your shares and can do so as follows:

 

 By Internet or by telephone. Follow the instructions you receive from your broker to vote by Internet or telephone.
   
 By mail. You will receive instructions from your broker or other nominee explaining how to vote your shares.
   
 

In person at the meeting. Contact the broker or other nominee who holds your shares to obtain a broker’s proxy card and bring it with you to the meeting. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting unless you have a proxy card from your broker.

 

How Does The Board Recommend That I Vote On The Proposals?YOUR PROXY CARD WILL BE VALID ONLY IF YOU COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN IT BEFORE THE MEETING DATE.

 

The Board recommends thatHow will my proxy vote my shares?

If your proxy card is properly completed and received, and if it is not revoked, before the meeting, your shares will be voted at the meeting according to the instructions indicated on your proxy card. If you votesign and return your proxy card, but do not give any voting instructions, your shares will be voted as follows:

 

 1.FORFOR”” for the election of the Board nominees named in the proxy statement as directors;
FOR” ratification of the selection ofMarcum LLPas our independent public accountant for our fiscal year ending April 30, 2018;
FOR” the compensation of our named executive officers as set forth in this proxy statement; and
FOR” approval of the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, including the reservation of 1,650,000 shares of common stock thereunder

If any other matter is presented, the proxy card provides that your shares will be voted by the proxy holder listed on the proxy card in accordance with his or her best judgment. At the time this proxy statement was printed, we knew of no matters that needed to be acted on at the Annual Meeting, other than those discussed in this proxy statement.

May I Change or Revoke My Proxy?

If you give us your proxy, you may change or revoke it at any time before the Annual Meeting. You may change or revoke your proxy in any one of the following ways:

signing a new proxy card and submitting it as instructed above;

if your shares are held in street name, re-voting by Internet or by telephone as instructed above — only your latest Internet or telephone vote will be counted;
   
 2if your shares are registered in your name, notifying USG’s Secretary in writing before“FOR”approval to amend the Annual Meeting that you have revoked your proxy; orCompany’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to implement a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio of not less than 1 for 2 and not greater than1 for 10 at any time prior to September 13, 2019;
   
 3attending“FOR”approval to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings where the Annual Meeting in person and voting in person. Attending the Annual Meeting in person will not in and of itself revoke a previously submitted proxy unless you specifically request it.

What If I Receive More Than One Proxy Card?

You may receive more than one proxy card or voting instruction form if you hold shares of our common stock in more than one account, which may be in registered form or held in street name. Please vote in the manner described under “How Do I Vote?” on the proxy card for each account to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

Will My Shares Be Voted If I Do Not Return My Proxy Card?

If your shares are registered in your name or if you have stock certificates, they will not be voted if you do not return your proxy card by mail or vote at the Annual Meeting as described above under “How Do I Vote?” If your broker cannot vote your shares on a particular matter because it has not received instructions from you and does not have discretionary voting authority on that matter, or because your broker chooses not to vote on a matter for which it does have discretionary voting authority, this is referred to as a “broker non-vote.” The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) has rules that govern brokers who have record ownership of listed company stock (including stock such as ours that is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market) held in brokerage accounts for their clients who beneficially own the shares. Under these rules, brokers who do not receive voting instructions from their clients have the discretion to vote uninstructed shares on certain matters (“routine matters”), but do not have the discretion to vote uninstructed shares as to certain other matters (“non-routine matters”). Under NYSE interpretations, Proposal 1 (election of directors), Proposal 3 (advisory vote to approve executive compensation), and Proposal 4 (approval of the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan) are considered non-routine matters, and Proposal 2 (the ratification of our independent public accountant) is considered a routine matter. If your shares are held in street name and you do not provide voting instructions to the bank, broker or other nominee that holds your shares as described above under “How Do I Vote?,” the bank, broker or other nominee has the authority, even if it does not receive instructions from you, to vote your unvoted shares for Proposal 2 (the ratification of our independent public accountant), but does not have authority to vote your unvoted shares for Proposal 1 (election of directors), Proposal 3 (advisory vote to approve executive compensation), and Proposal 4 (approval of the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan). We encourage you to provide voting instructions. This ensures your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting in the manner you desire.

What Vote is Required to Approve Each Proposal and How are Votes Counted?

Proposal 1: Election of DirectorsThe nominees for director who receive the most votes (also known as a plurality)maximum discount at which securities will be elected. You may vote either FOR all of the nominees, WITHHOLD your vote from all of the nominees or WITHHOLD your vote from any one of the nominees. Votes that are withheld will not be included in the vote tally for the election of directors. Brokerage firms do not have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name for the election of directors. As a result, any shares not voted by a beneficial owneroffered will be treated asequivalent to a broker non-vote. Such broker non-votes will have no effect on the resultsdiscount of this vote.
Proposal 2: Ratification of the Appointment ofMarcum LLPas Our Independent Public Accountant for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2018The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast for this proposal is required to ratify the appointment of the Company’s independent public accountant. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast on this proposal and will have the same effect as a negative vote. Brokerage firms have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name on this proposal. If a broker does not exercise this authority, such broker non-votes will have no effect on the results of this vote. We are not required to obtain the approval30% below market price of our shareholders to appoint the Company’s independent accountant. However, if our shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent public accountant for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2018, the Audit Committee of the Board may reconsider its appointment.

Proposal 3: Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of Our Named Executive OfficersThe advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executive officers will be approved if the votes castcommon stock in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast against the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as either votes cast for or against this proposal. While the results of this advisory vote are non-binding, the Compensation Committee of the Board and the Board values the opinions of our shareholders and will consider the outcome of the vote, alongaccordance with other relevant factors, in deciding whether any actions are necessary to address the concerns raised by the vote and when making future compensation decisions for executive officers.
Proposal 4: Approval of the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive PlanNasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d);The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast for this proposal is required to approve the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast on this proposal and will have the same effect as a negative vote. Brokerage firms do not have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name for this proposal. As a result, any shares not voted by a beneficial owner will be treated as a broker non-vote. Such broker non-votes will have no effect on the results of this vote.

What Constitutes a Quorum for the Annual Meeting?

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the Shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Votes of shareholders of record who are present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy, abstentions, and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists.

Householding of Annual Disclosure Documents

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) previously adopted a rule concerning the delivery of annual disclosure documents. The rule allows us or brokers holding our shares on your behalf to send a single set of our annual report and proxy statement to any household at which two or more of our shareholders reside, if either we or the brokers believe that the shareholders are members of the same family. This practice, referred to as “householding,” benefits both shareholders and us. It reduces the volume of duplicate information received by you and helps to reduce our expenses. The rule applies to our annual reports, proxy statements and information statements. Once shareholders receive notice from their brokers or from us that communications to their addresses will be “householded,” the practice will continue until shareholders are otherwise notified or until they revoke their consent to the practice. Each shareholder will continue to receive a separate proxy card or voting instruction card.

Those shareholders who either (i) do not wish to participate in “householding” and would like to receive their own sets of our annual disclosure documents in future years or (ii) who share an address with another one of our shareholders and who would like to receive only a single set of our annual disclosure documents should follow the instructions described below:

shareholders whose shares are registered in their own name should contact our transfer agent, Equity Stock Transfer, and inform them of their request by calling them at 212-575-5757 or writing them at 237 W. 37th Street, Suite 601, New York, New York 10018.
   
 4.Shareholders whose shares are held by a broker or other nominee should contact such broker or other nominee directly and inform them“FOR”approval, in an advisory vote, of their request, shareholders should be sure to include their name, the namecompensation of their brokerage firm the Company’s executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement;and their account number.
5.“FOR”ratification of the appointment of KBL LLP as the independent certified public accountant of the Company for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2019.

 

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To our knowledge, no other matters will be presented at the meeting. However, if any other matters of business are properly presented, the proxy holders named on the proxy card are authorized to vote the shares represented by proxies according to their judgment.

Who is payingIf my shares are held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker vote my shares for this proxy solicitation?me?

 

In additionIf your shares are held in a brokerage account, you will receive from your broker a full meeting package including a voting instruction form to mailed proxy materials, our directors, officers and employeesvote your shares. Your brokerage firm may also solicit proxies in person,permit you to provide voting instructions by telephone or by other meansthe internet. Brokerage firms have the authority under NASDAQ rules to vote their clients’ unvoted shares on certain routine matters.

The following matters are considered a routine matter under the rules of communication. We willthe NASDAQ. Therefore, if you do not pay our directors, officers and employees any additional compensationvote on these proposals, your brokerage firm may choose to vote for soliciting proxies. We may reimburseyou or leave your shares unvoted on this proposal:

Proposal 5: Ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm.

NASDAQ rules, however, do not permit brokerage firms banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.vote their clients’ unvoted shares in:

Proposal 1: Election of directors;
Proposal 2: Approval to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to implement a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio within a range of 1 for 2 to 1 for 10 at any time prior to September 13, 2019;
Proposal 3: Approval to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 30% below market price of our common stock in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d); and
Proposal 4: Advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s executive officers.

Therefore, if you do not vote on these proposals, your shares will remain unvoted on those proposals. We urge you to provide voting instructions to your brokerage firm so that your vote will be cast on those proposals.

 

When are shareholder proposals due for next year’s annualWhat does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card or instruction form?

If you receive more than one proxy card or instruction form, it means that you have multiple accounts with our transfer agent and/or a broker or other nominee or fiduciary or you may hold your shares in different ways or in multiple names (e.g., joint tenancy, trusts, and custodial accounts). Please vote all of your shares.

How do I revoke my proxy and change my vote prior to the meeting?

 

AtIf you are a registered shareholder (meaning your shares are registered directly in your name with our annual meeting each year, our Board of Directors submits to shareholders its nominees for election as directors. In addition, the Board of Directorstransfer agent) you may submit other matters to the shareholders for actionchange your vote at any time before voting takes place at the annual meeting. You may change your vote by:

1.Delivering another proxy card or voter instruction form to U.S. Gold Corp., ATTN: Corporate Secretary, 1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801, with a written notice dated later than the proxy you want to revoke stating that the proxy is revoked;
2.You may complete and send in another proxy card or voting instruction form with a later date; and
3.You may attend the meeting and vote in person.

For shares you hold beneficially or in “street name,” you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your bank, broker or other nominee or fiduciary in accordance with that entity’s procedures, or if you obtained a legal proxy form giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the meeting and voting in person.

 

PursuantProposals to Rule 14a-8 underbe Presented at the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, shareholders mayAnnual Meeting

We will present properfive proposals for inclusionat the meeting. We have described in the Company’sthis proxy statement for considerationall of the proposals that we expect will be made at the 2018 annualmeeting. If any other proposal is properly presented at the meeting, we will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, use your proxy to vote your shares of shareholders by submitting their proposalscommon stock on such proposal in our best judgment.

PROPOSALS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AT 2019 ANNUAL MEETING

Any shareholder wishing to present a proposal which is intended to be presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders should submit such proposal to the Company in a timely manner.These proposals must meetat its principal executive offices no later than June 15, 2019, such date being ninety (90) days prior to the shareholders eligibility and other requirementsfirst anniversary of the SEC. To2018 Annual Meeting. It is suggested that any proposals be consideredsent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

OTHER MATTERS

Should any other matter or business be brought before the meeting, a vote may be cast pursuant to the accompanying proxy in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holder. The Company does not know of any such other matter or business.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

Upon the written request of a shareholder, the Company will provide, without charge, a copy of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for inclusionthe year ended April 30, 2018, as amended, including the financial statements and schedules and documents incorporated by reference therein but without exhibits thereto, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company will furnish any exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K to any shareholder upon request and upon payment of a fee equal to the Company’s reasonable expenses in next year’s proxy materials, you must submit your proposal in writing by April 2, 2018furnishing such exhibit. All requests for the Annual Report on Form 10-K or its exhibits should be addressed to our Corporate Secretary,Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Gold Corp., 777 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 08543.1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The following table sets forth certain information, as of July 10, 2017, with respect toAugust 16, 2018, the beneficial ownershipnumber of the outstanding Common Stock by (i) any holder of more than five (5%) percent; (ii) eachand percent of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by: (1) all directors and nominees, naming them; (2) our executive officers and directors; and (iii) the Company’sofficers; (3) our directors and executive officers as a group.group; and (4) persons or groups known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of our voting securities. Except as otherwise indicated, each of the shareholders listed below has sole voting and investment power over the shares beneficially owned and addresses are c/o U.S. Gold Corp., 777 Alexander Road,1910 E., Idaho Street, Suite 100, Princeton, NJ 08540.102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801

 

  

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership(1,2,3)

 
Name of Beneficial Owner Role Number  Percent 
Edward M. Karr Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of USG and Director of Dataram Memory  290,244   2.6%
           
David A. Moylan President and Director of Dataram Memory and Director of USG  53,527   * 
           
Anthony M. Lougee Chief Financial Officer of USG and Dataram Memory  9,831   * 
           
Timothy M. Janke Director of USG  20,833   * 
           
James Dale Davidson Director of USG  -   * 
           
John N. Braca Director of USG  -   * 
           
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (6 persons)    374,435   3.4%
           
5% or Greater Shareholders    -     
  

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership(1,2,3)

 
Name of Beneficial Owner Number  Percent 
Edward M. Karr(4)  695,540   3.92%
         
Robert J. DelAversano(5)  12,500   * 
         
Timothy M. Janke(6)  46,987   * 
         
James Dale Davidson(7)  26,154   * 
         
John N. Braca(8)  26,154   * 
         
David Rector(9)  280,500   1.59 
         
Andrew Kaplan(10)  43,000   * 
         
David Mathewson(11)  644,128   3.62 
         
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (8 persons)  1,774,963   9.82%
         
5% or Greater Shareholders  -   - 

 

* Less than 1%.

(1)The number of shares has been adjusted to reflect the reverse 1-for-4 stock split effective May 8, 2017.

 

(2)On July 10, 2017 11,029,270August 16, 2018 17,628,927 shares of Common Stock and Common Stock equivalentscommon stock were outstanding.

 

(3)Beneficial ownership includes all stock options and restricted unitsawards held by a shareholder that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of July 10, 2017 (which would be September 8, 2017).August 16, 2018.

 

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(4)Includes options to purchase 125,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.47 per share. Does not include options to purchase 375,000 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of August 16, 2018.

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1(5)Includes options to purchase 12,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.49 per share. Does not include options to purchase 37,500 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of August 16, 2018.

(6)Includes options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.47 per share. Does not include options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of August 16, 2018.

(7)Includes options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.47 per share. Does not include options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of August 16, 2018.

(8)Includes options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.47 per share. Does not include options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of August 16, 2018.

(9)Includes options to purchase 62,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.47 per share. Does not include options to purchase 187,500 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of August 16, 2018

(10)Includes options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.47 per share. Does not include options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of August 16, 2018.

(11)Includes options to purchase 146,979 shares of common stock at an exercise price ranging from $1.47 to $3.60 per share. Does not include options to purchase 93,750 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of August 16, 2018

Beneficial Owners

As of August 16, 2018 no person or entity is known to the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the Company’s common stock.

 

PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Our Board currently consists of five members. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Board have unanimously approved the recommended slate of fourfive directors. Mr. Moylan is not standing for reelection at this meeting.

 

The following table shows the Company’s nominees for election to the Board. Each nominee, if elected, will serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until a successor is named and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. All nominees are members of the present Board of Directors. We have no reason to believe that any of the nominees is unable or will decline to serve as a director if elected. Unless otherwise indicated by the shareholder, the accompanying proxy will be voted for the election of the fourfive (5) persons named under the heading “Nominees for Directors.” Although the Company knows of no reason why any nominee could not serve as a director, if any nominee shall be unable to serve, the accompanying proxy will be voted for a substitute nominee.

 

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NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR

 

Name of Nominee Age Principal Occupation Director Since Age Principal Occupation Director Since
Edward M. Karr 47 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of USG and Director of Dataram Memory 2015
Timothy M. Janke 65 Director of USG 2017
Edward Karr 48 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 2015
Tim Janke 66 Director 2017
James Dale Davidson 70 Director of USG 2017 71 Director 2017
John N. Braca 59 Director of USG 2017 60 Director 2017
Andrew Kaplan 51 Director 2017

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board seek, and the Board is comprised of, individuals whose characteristics, skills, expertise, and experience complement those of other Board members. We have set out below biographical and professional information about each of the nominees, along with a brief discussion of the experience, qualifications, and skills that the Board considered important in concluding that the individual should serve as a current director and as a nominee for re-election as a member of our Board.

 

Nominees Biographies

 

Edward M. Karr has been serving as a Director of the Company since June 2015, and has been the President and Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of USGGold King Corp. since April 2016. Mr. Karr became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on May 23, 2017 and remains a member of the board. Mr. Karr is an international entrepreneur and founder of several investment management companies based in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition, Mr. Karr is a Director of Pershing Gold Corp., an emerging Nevada gold producer, member of the Audit Committee of the Company and a Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Levon Resources. Mr. Karr previously served on the boards of PolarityTE, Inc. (formerly Majesco Entertainment Company) and Spherix Incorporated. Mr. Karr is a board member and past President of the American International Club of Geneva and Chairman of Republican’s Overseas Switzerland. Mr. Karr has more than 25 years of capital markets experience as an executive manager, financial analyst, money manager and investor. In 2004, Futures Magazine named Mr. Karr as one of the world’s Top Traders. He is a frequent contributor to the financial press. Mr. Karr previously worked for Prudential Securities in the United States. Before his entry into the financial services arena, Mr. Karr was affiliated with the United States Antarctic Program and spent thirteen consecutive months working in the Antarctic, receiving the Antarctic Service Medal for winter over contributions of courage, sacrifice and devotion. Mr. Karr studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Lansdowne College in London, England and received a B.S. in Economics/Finance with Honours (magna cum laude) from Southern New Hampshire University. Mr. Karr is qualified to serve on our Board because of his global operating and executive management experience; deep knowledge of capital markets; experience in public company accounting, finance, and audit matters as well as his experience in a range of board and committee functions as a member of various boards.

TimothyTimoth M. Janke has been serving as a member of the board of directors of USGGold King Corp. since April 2016.2016 and became a director of the Company in May 2017. In addition, he has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Pershing Gold Corp. since August 2014. Since November 2010, Mr. Janke has been the president of his own consulting business providing mine operating and evaluation services to several mining companies. Beginning in July 2012, he provided consulting services at the Relief Canyon Project advising the Company on mine start-up plans and related activities. From June 2010 to August 2014, Mr. Janke served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Gold, Inc. and its predecessor Auex Ventures, Inc. He was General Manager-Projects for Goldcorp Inc. and its predecessor Glamis Gold, Inc. from July 2009 to May 2010, Vice President and General Manager of the Marigold Mine from February 2006 to June 2009, and its Manager of Technical Services from September 2004 to January 2006. Since August 2011, Mr. Janke has served as a director for Renaissance Gold. He is a past Director of both the Nevada Mining Association, and Silverado Area Council Boy Scouts. He has a B.S. in Mining Engineering from the Mackay School of Mines. Mr. Janke is qualified to serve on our Board because of his more than 40 years of engineering and operational experience in the mining industry, and broad range of expertise in mining operations throughout the USA, Canada and Australia.

James Dale Davidson has been serving as a member of the board of directors of the Company since May 2017. In addition, he has been a member of S.A.C.S. OF Beaverton LLC since 2015, Founding Director of Vamos Holdings since 2012, Director of Solar Avenir since 2016, Founding Director of Telometrix since 2016, and Founding Managing Member of Goldrock Resources, LLC since 2016. Mr. Davidson first became active in the mining business after his forecast of the collapse of the Soviet Union was born out. After several small successes, Davidson teamed with Richard Moores in 1996 to launch Anatolia Minerals with an initial capital of $800,000. At its peak, the company attained a market cap of $3.5 billion. Davidson, a graduate of Oxford University, has had a successful career as a serial entrepreneur. He is the author ofBlood in the Streets: Investment Profits in a World Gone Mad, The Great Reckoning: Protect Yourself in the Coming Depression andThe Sovereign Individual (all with Lord William Rees-Mogg) andBrazil is the New America, The Age of Deception, andThe Breaking Point. Mr. Davidson qualified to serve on our Board because of his experience in mining operations and corporate governance.

 

John N. Braca has been serving as a member of the board of directors since May 2017. In addition, he is a financial executive and business partner with a strong track record in portfolio management, venture capital fundraising, as well as financial and operational management. He has served as a director and board observer for life science, technology and development companies over the course of his career. Mr. Braca has also served as an active member of both Audit and Compensation Committees for both public and private companies and has led several of the public companies as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. John N. Braca has been a director of Sevion Therapeutics since October 2003. Since April 2013, Mr. Braca has been the President and sole proprietor of JNB Consulting, which provides strategic business development counsel to biotechnology companies. From August 2010 through April 2013, Mr. Braca had been the executive director controller for Iroko Pharmaceuticals, a privately-held global pharmaceutical company based in Philadelphia. From April 2006 through July 2010, Mr. Braca was the managing director of Fountainhead Venture Group, a healthcare information technology venture fund based in the Philadelphia area, and has been working with both investors and developing companies to establish exit and business development opportunities. From May 2005 through March 2006, Mr. Braca was also consultant and advisor to GlaxoSmithKline management in their research operations. From 1997 to April 2005, Mr. Braca was a general partner and director of business investments for S.R. One, Limited, or S.R. One, the venture capital subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline. In addition, from January 2000 to July 2003, Mr. Braca was a general partner of Euclid SR Partners Corporation, an independent venture capital partnership. Prior to joining S.R. One, Mr. Braca held various finance and operating positions of increasing responsibility within several subsidiaries and business units of GlaxoSmithKline. Mr. Braca is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Pennsylvania and is affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Braca received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Villanova University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University. Mr. Braca is qualified to serve on the Board because of his deep knowledge of financial and operational issues; extensive experience in operational and executive management, deep governance acumen, and strong knowledge of early stage and public companies.

 

Andrew Kaplan has been serving as a member of the board of directors of the Company since November 2017. In addition, he is a founder of A to B Capital Management, and manages the A to B Capital Special Situations Fund, LP which was launched on January 1, 2009. The fund invests in the small cap sector through private, pre-public and publicly traded companies. In addition, he has been a Vice President of Barry Kaplan Associates for the past 22 years, a leading financial public relations firm for both public and private companies in the US, Canada and abroad. Prior to working at BKA, he had six years’ experience working at major investment banks involved in deal structure, mergers and acquisitions and trading. Mr. Kaplan is a member of the Board of Directors of Riot Blockchain, Inc. (RIOT) and Coral Gold Resources, Ltd. (CLH.V) and a former member of the Board of PolarityTE, Inc. (COOL) and Naked Brand Group (NAKD). He holds a BSBA from the University of Hartford in Finance and Insurance. Mr. Kaplan is qualified to serve as a director due to his extensive business and management expertise and his extensive knowledge of capital markets.

Unless authority to vote for the nominees named above is withheld, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted FOR the election of such nominees as directors. In the event that any of the nominees shall become unable or unwilling to serve, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted for the election of such other person as the Board may recommend in such nominee’s place. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve.

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships among our executive officers and directors.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

During the past ten years, none of our directors, executive officers, promoters, control persons, or nominees has been:

 

the subject of any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time;
convicted in a criminal proceeding or is subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction or any Federal or State authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities;
found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law;
the subject of, or a party to, any Federal or State judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of (a) any Federal or State securities or commodities law or regulation; (b) any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order; or (c) any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or
the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(26))), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1(a)(29))), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.

 

Vote Required

 

The nominees for director who receive the most votes (also known as a plurality) will be elected. You may vote either FOR all of the nominees, WITHHOLD your vote from all of the nominees or WITHHOLD your vote from any one of the nominees. Votes that are withheld will not be included in the vote tally for the election of directors. Brokerage firms do not have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name for the election of directors. As a result, any shares not voted by a beneficial owner will be treated as a broker non-vote. Such broker non-votes will have no effect on the results of this vote.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS ATHAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR“FOR” THE ELECTION OF THEALL OF NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE AS DIRECTORS, AND PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR THEREOF UNLESS A SHAREHOLDER HAS INDICATED OTHERWISE ON THE PROXY.FOR DIRECTOR.

 

Information about the Board of Directors and Committees

Corporate Governance

Independence of Directors

 

Our Board is currently comprised of five members, threefour of whom are independent directors. Messrs.Mr. Karr and Moylan areis not an independent directors.director.

The Board, upon recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, unanimously determined that each of our threefour non-employee directors is “independent,” as such term is defined in the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules (“Stock Market Rules”).

 

The definition of “independent director” included in the Stock Market Rules includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not an employee of the Company, has not engaged in various types of specified business dealings with the Company, and does not have an affiliation with an organization that has had specified business dealings with the Company. Consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, the Board’s determination of independence is made in accordance with the Stock Market Rules, as the Board has not adopted supplemental independence standards. As required by the Stock Market Rules, the Board also has made a subjective determination with respect to each director that such director has no material relationship with the Company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company), even if the director otherwise satisfies the objective independence tests included in the definition of an “independent director” included in the Stock Market Rules.

 

In determining that each individual who served as a member of the Board is independent, the Board considered that, in the ordinary course of business, transactions may occur between the Company and entities with which some of our directors are affiliated. The Board unanimously determined that the relationships discussed below were not material. No unusual discounts or terms were extended.extended

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The Board believes that the Company’s shareholders are best served if the Board retains the flexibility to adapt its leadership structure to applicable facts and circumstances, which necessarily change over time. Accordingly, the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles provide that the Board may combine or separate the roles of the CEO and chairman, as it deems advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

 

The independent directors have concluded that the most effective leadership structure for the Company at the present time is for Mr. Karr to serve as both our CEO and Chairman. The Board made this determination in light of Mr. Karr’s experience with the Company, which allowallows him to bring to the Board a broad and uniquely well-informed perspective on the Company’s business, as well as insight into the trends and opportunities that can affect the Company’s future. In adopting the structure, the Board also concluded that the strong independent membership of the Board and its standing committees ensures robust and effective communication between the directors and members of management, and that the overall leadership structure is effective in providing the Board with a well-informed and current view of the Company’s business that enhances its ability to address strategic considerations, as well as focus on the opportunities and risks that are of greatest importance to the Company and its shareholders. The Board believes this structure has served the Company well since July 2017.

 

Under our Corporate Governance Principles, the Board has the flexibility to modify or continue the leadership structure, as it deems appropriate. Until July 2017, the Board separated the roles of Chairman and CEO. As part of its ongoing evaluation of the most effective leadership structure for the Company, in July 2017, the independent directors decided to combine the roles of CEO and Chairman, and also appoint a lead director. The independent directors believe that having a lead director enhances the Board’s independent oversight of management by further providing for strong independent leadership; independent discussiondiscussion among directors; and independent evaluation of, and communication with, senior management of the Company. Mr. Braca currently serves as lead director, and has since July 2017. The independent directors unanimously approved Mr. Braca to be lead director based on his experience knowledge of governance practices, strategic considerations, and the Company’s business interests.

Specific duties of the lead director include:

 

 presiding at meetings of the independent directors;
 serving as a liaison between the chairman and the independent directors;
 consulting on meeting agendas;
 working with management to assure that meeting materials are fulfilling the needs of directors;
 consulting on the meeting calendar and schedules to assure there is sufficient time to discuss all agenda items;
 calling meetings of the independent directors, including at the request of such directors;
 presiding at Board meetings when the chairman is not present;
 working with the independent directors to respond to shareholder inquiries involving the Board; and
 performing such other duties as the Board may from time to time delegate.

Director Attendance at Board, Committee, and Other Meetings

 

Directors are expected to attend Board meetings and meetings of the committees on which they serve, with the understanding that on occasion a director may be unable to attend a meeting. The Board does not have a policy on director attendance at the Company’s annual meeting.

 

The non-management directors (who also constitute all of the independent directors) meet in executive sessions in connection with regularly scheduled Board meetings and at such other times as the non-management directors deem appropriate. In 2016,2017, these sessions were led by the lead director.

 

In 2016,During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, the Board held eleven6 regular and special meetings, the non-management directors held fourdid not hold regular and special executive sessions, the Audit Committee held four4 regular and special meetings, the Compensation Committee held two7 regular and special meetings, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held two2 regular and special meetings. Each director attended 90%100% or more of the regular and special meetings of the Board and of the committees on which he or she served that were held during his or her term of office. Each of the non-management (and independent) directors attended 90% or more of the regular and special executive sessions that were held during his or her term of office.

 

Board Role in Risk Oversight

 

The Company’s Board plays an active role in risk oversight of the Company. The Board does not have a formal risk management committee, but administers this oversight function through various standing committees of the Board, which are described below. The Audit Committee periodically reviews overall enterprise risk management, in addition to maintaining responsibility for oversight of financial reporting-related risks, including those related to the Company’s accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices. The Audit Committee also reviews reports and considers any material allegations regarding potential violations of the Company’s Code of Ethics. The Compensation Committee oversees risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and programs. This Committee has responsibility for evaluating and approving the executive compensation and benefit plans, policies and programs of the Company. The Nominating Committee oversees corporate governance risks and oversees and advises the Board with respect to the Company’s policies and practices regarding significant issues of corporate responsibility.

 

The Board of Directors has a process for shareholders to communicate with directors. Shareholders should write to the President at the Company’s mailing address and specifically request that a copy of the letter be distributed to a particular Board member or to all Board members. Where no such specific request is made, the letter will be distributed to Board members if material, in the judgment of the President, to matters on the Board’s agenda.

 

Audit Committee Report

The Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with management our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, which were audited by Marcum LLP. The Board of Directors discussed with Marcum LLP the matters required to be discussed pursuant to Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) Auditing Standard 1301 (Communication with Audit Committee). The Board of Directors received the written disclosures and letters from the independent public accounting firm’s communications with the Board of Directors concerning independence, and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence. The Board of Directors also considered whether the provision of services other than the audit of our financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018 were compatible with maintaining Marcum LLP’s independence.

 17Respectfully submitted by the Audit Committee
 
 Messrs. Braca, Kaplan and Davidson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Committees of the Board

 

Our Board has three standing committees: Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance. Each of the committees is solely comprised of and chaired by independent directors, each of whom the Board has affirmatively determined is independent pursuant to the Stock Market Rules. Each of the committees operates pursuant to its charter. The committeeCommittee Charters are reviewed annually by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. If appropriate, and in consultation with the chairs of the other committees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee proposes revisions to the charters. The responsibilities of each committee are described in more detail below. The charters for the three committees are available on the Company’s website atwww.usgoldcorp.gold https://www.usgoldcorp.gold/ by following the link to “Investor Relations”“Investors” and then to “Corporate Governance.”

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee, among other things, is responsible for:

 

 appointing;appointing, approving the compensation of;of, overseeing the work of;of, and assessing the independence, qualifications, and performance of the independent auditor;
 reviewing the internal audit function, including its independence, plans, and budget;
 approving, in advance, audit and any permissible non-audit services performed by our independent auditor;
 reviewing our internal controls with the independent auditor, the internal auditor, and management;
 reviewing the adequacy of our accounting and financial controls as reported by the independent auditor, the internal auditor, and management;
 overseeing our financial compliance system; and
 overseeing our major risk exposures regarding the Company’s accounting and financial reporting policies, the activities of our internal audit function, and information technology.

 

The Audi Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2016 with management of the Company and has discussed with Marcum LLP the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.

The Board has affirmatively determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the additional independence criteria applicable to audit committee members under SECSecurities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and the Stock Market Rules. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The Board has affirmatively determined that John Braca meets the qualifications of an Audit Committee financial expert. The Company’s Audit Committee currently consists of the following members: John Braca, Timothy JankeAndrew Kaplan and James Davidson. Mr. Braca serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee was formed in October 2014. Among other things, it is responsible for:

 

 reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of our officers and directors, including the CEO;
 overseeing and administering the Company’s executive compensation plans, including equity-based awards;
 negotiating and overseeing employment agreements with officers and directors; and
 overseeing how the Company’s compensation policies and practices may affect the Company’s risk management practices and/or risk-taking incentives.

The Board has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee. The Company’s Compensation Committee currently consists of the following members: John Braca, Timothy JankeAndrew Kaplan and James Davidson. Mr. Davidson serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Board has affirmatively determined that each member of the Compensation Committee meets the additional independence criteria applicable to compensation committee members under SEC rules and the Stock Market Rules.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, among other things, is responsible for:

 

 reviewing and assessing the development of the executive officers, and considering and making recommendations to the Board regarding promotion and succession issues;
 evaluating and reporting to the Board on the performance and effectiveness of the directors, committees, and the Board as a whole;
 working with the Board to determine the appropriate and desirable mix of characteristics, skills, expertise, and experience, including diversity considerations, for the full Board and each committee;
 annually presenting to the Board a list of individuals recommended to be nominated for election to the Board;
 reviewing, evaluating, and recommending changes to the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles and committeeCommittee Charters;
 recommending to the Board individuals to be elected to fill vacancies and newly created directorships;
 overseeing the Company’s compliance program, including the Code of Conduct;Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code” or the “Code of Ethics”); and
 overseeing and evaluating how the Company’s corporate governance and legal and regulatory compliance policies and practices, including leadership, structure, and succession planning, may affect the Company’s major risk exposures.

 

The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee. The Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of the following members: John Braca, Timothy JankeAndrew Kaplan and James Davidson. Mr. Davidson serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Consideration of Director Nominees

 

As specified in our Corporate Governance Principles, we seek directors with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, sound business judgment, and the willingness to make a strong commitment to the Company and its success. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee works with the Board on an annual basis to determine the appropriate and desirable mix of characteristics, skills, expertise, and experience for the full Board and each committee, taking into account both existing directors and all nominees for election as directors, as well as any diversity considerations and the membership criteria reflected in the Corporate Governance Principles. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board, which do not have a formal diversity policy, consider diversity in a broad sense when evaluating board composition and nominations; and they seek to include directors with a diversity of experience, professions, viewpoints, skills, and backgrounds that will enable them to make significant contributions to the Board and the Company, both as individuals and as part of a group of directors. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the full Board, with the objective of recommending a group that can best contribute to the success of the business and represent shareholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers the director’s attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board and its committees.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by shareholders, and its process for considering such recommendations is no different than its process for screening and evaluating candidates suggested by directors, management of the Company, or third parties.

 

Compensation of Non-Employee Directors and Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Compensation Committee periodically evaluates the compensation of directors and recommends compensation changes to the Board as appropriate. Until August 2015, non-employee directors received only cash for their service on the Board. Commencing in September 2015, non-employee directors will receive a combination of cash and equity compensation for service on the Board. Directors who are employees of the Company shall receive no additional cash compensation for serving on the Board, but receive equity compensation for service on the Board in alignment with other directors. While the Company does not require directors and officers to own a specific minimum number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock, the Company believes that each director and corporate officer should have a substantial personal investment in the Company.

Directors and officers may not engage in short sales or put or call transactions with respect to Company shares. Non-employee directors receive cash compensation of $24,000 per year for their service on our Board. There is no incremental compensation provided for committee chair or lead director roles. Company employees who are also directors receive no additional cash compensation for serving on the Board. Commencing August 2015, all directors (non-employee and employee) began receiving equity awards in addition to cash compensation received for their service.

These arrangements compensate them for their Board responsibilities while aligning their interests with the long-term interests of our shareholders. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board concerning director compensation under the Company’s equity compensation plans and determines other director compensation arrangements, as appropriate.

Under the Company’s Policy on Insider Information and Insider Trading, which applies to the Company’s directors, it is improper for directors to engage in short-term or speculative transactions in the Company’s securities. The following table sets forth information concerning director compensation during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, to each of our directors, current and former:

Name Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)  Stock Awards
($) (1)
  Option
Awards
($) (2)
 All Other Compensation ($) (3)  Total ($) 
Edward M. Karr $6,000  $3,585  $ $-  $9,585 
Timothy M. Janke $25,516  $2,758  $ $1,800  $30,074 
John N. Braca $28,016  $2,758  $ $-  $30,774 
James Dale Davidson $20,516  $2,758  $ $-  $23,274 
Andrew Kaplan $7,158  $3,591  $ $-  $10,749 

19(1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value for stock awards granted by us in fiscal year 2018 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended April 30, 2018 for details as to the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the stock awards.
 
(2) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value for options granted by us in fiscal year 2018 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended April 30, 2018 for details as to the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the option awards.
(3) Mr. Janke provided consulting services to the Company during the year. The director was paid compensation in the amount of $1,800 during the year ended April 30, 2018.

 

Corporate Governance Matters

 

We are committed to maintaining strong corporate governance practices that benefit the long-term interests of our shareholders by providing for effective oversight and management of the Company. Our governance policies, including our Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Conduct,Ethics, and Committee Charters can be found on our website atwww.usgoldcorp.gold https://www.usgoldcorp.gold/ by following the link to “Investors” and then to “Governance.“Corporate Governance.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly reviews our Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Conduct,Ethics, and Committee Charters to ensure that they take into account developments at the Company, changes in regulations and listing requirements, and the continuing evolution of best practices in the area of corporate governance.

 

The Board conducts an annual self-evaluation in order to assess whether the directors, the committees, and the Board are functioning effectively.

 

Code of ConductEthics

 

OurThe Company’s Code of Conduct (the “Code”),Ethics which was amended and restated as of December 3, 2015,August 2017, applies to the Company’s employees, directors, officers, contractors, consultants, and persons performing similar functions (“Covered Persons”). This includes our CEO and Chairman, our CFO, and our controller/treasurer. We require that they avoid conflicts of interest, comply with applicable laws, protect Company assets, and conduct business in an ethical and responsible manner and in accordance with the Code. The Code prohibits employees from taking unfair advantage of our business partners, competitors, and employees through manipulation, concealment, misuse of confidential or privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other practice of unfair dealing or improper use of information. The Code requires employees to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations wherever in the world we conduct business. This includes applicable laws on privacy and data protection, anti-corruption and anti-bribery, and trade sanctions. Our Code was initially amended and restated in 2014 (and subsequently amended and restated in 2015) to better reflect our expanding global operations and diverse employee base, enhance its clarity and general readability, and to make other stylistic changes to more closely align the Code with our overall brand. OurThe Code is incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 24, 2017 as Exhibit 14.1 thereto. In addition, the Code is publicly available and can be found on our website atwww.usgoldcorp.gold by following the link to “Investors” and then to “Governance.”“Governance” and may be reviewed by accessing the Company’s public filings at the SEC’s website atwww.sec.gov.

 

If we make substantive amendments to the Code, or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code to our CEO and Chairman, CFO, controller/treasurer, and any of our other officers, financial professionals, and persons performing similar functions, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a report filed with the SEC on Form 8-K.

 

Communications with the Board of Directors

 

Shareholders and other parties may communicate directly with the Board of Directors or the relevant board member by addressing communications to:

 

U.S. Gold Corp.

c/o Corporate Secretary

777 Alexander Road1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604

Princeton, NJ 08543Elko, NV 98901

 

All shareholder correspondence will be compiled by our corporate secretary and forwarded as appropriate.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and shareholders who own more than 10% of the Company’s stock to file forms with the SEC to report their ownership of the Company’s stock and any changes in ownership. The Company assists its directors and executivesexecutive officers by identifying reportable transactions of which it is aware and preparing and filing thetheir forms on their behalf. All persons required to file forms with the SEC must also send copies of the forms to the Company. We have reviewed all forms provided to us. Based on that review and on written information given to ususe by our executive officers and directors, we believe that all Section 16(a) filings during the past fiscal year were filed on a timely basis and that all directors, executive officers and 10% beneficial owners have fully complied with such requirements during the past fiscal year.year except for the following:

 

Security HolderDate of First TransactionFiling Date
David Mathewson08/23/201708/28/2017
David Mathewson11/06/201711/13/2017
David Mathewson12/22/201704/10/2018
James D. Davidson12/22/201712/29/2017
David Rector08/23/201709/06/2017

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following persons are our executive officers and hold the offices set forth opposite their names.

 

Name Age Principal Occupation Officer/
Director Since
 Age Principal Occupation Officer/
Director Since
Edward M. Karr 47 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of USG; Director of Dataram Memory 2015 48 Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman; 2015
Anthony M. Lougee 55 Chief Financial Officer of USG and Dataram Memory 2002
David Rector 71 COO, Secretary 2016
Robert DelAversano 47 Principal Financial and Accounting Officer 2017
David Mathewson 74 VP, Head of Exploration 2016

 

The biography for Edward Karr is contained in the information disclosures relating to the Company’s nominees for director.

 

Anthony M. LougeeDavid Rector is the Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company and has been with the Company since April 2016. In addition, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of Sevion Therapeutics, Inc. since January 2015 and a director since February 2002. Mr. Rector also served as a director of Majesco Entertainment Company (n/k/a PolarityTE, Inc.) from July 2015 to December 2016. Since 1985, Mr. Rector has been the Principal of The David Stephen Group, which provides enterprise consulting services to emerging and developing companies in a variety of industries. Mr. Rector served as a director and member of the compensation and audit committee of the Dallas Gold and Silver Exchange Companies Inc. (formerly Superior Galleries, Inc.) from May 2004 to September 2015. From January 2014 through January 2015, Mr. Rector served on the board of directors of MV Portfolios, Inc. (formerly California Gold Corp.) From November 2012 through January 2014, Mr. Rector has served as the CEO and President of Valor Gold. From February 2012 through January 2013, Mr. Rector has served as the VP Finance & Administration of Pershing Gold Corp. From May 2011 through February 2012, Mr. Rector served as the President of Sagebrush Gold, Ltd. From October 2009 through August 2011, Mr. Rector had served as President and CEO of Li3 Energy, Inc. From July 2009 through May 2011, Mr. Rector had served as President and CEO of Nevada Gold Holdings, Inc. From September 2008 through November 2010, Mr. Rector served as President and CEO Universal Gold Mining Corp. From October 2007 through February 2013, Mr. Rector has served as President and CEO of Standard Drilling, Inc. From May 2004 through December 2006, Mr. Rector had served in senior management positions with Nanoscience Technologies, Inc., a development stage company engaged in the development of DNA Nanotechnology. From 1983 until 1985, Mr. Rector served as President and General Manager of Sunset Designs, Inc., a domestic and international manufacturer and marketer of consumer product craft kits, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reckitt & Coleman N.A. From 1980 until 1983, Mr. Rector served as the Director of Marketing of Sunset Designs. From 1971 until 1980, Mr. Rector served in progressive roles in the financial and product marketing departments of Crown Zellerbach Corporation, a multi-billion dollar pulp and paper industry corporation. Mr. Rector received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Finance from Murray State University in 1969.

Robert DelAversano has been serving as the ChiefPrincipal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company since August 2015December 2017. In addition, he presently serves as Director of Financial Reporting and asTaxation of Brio Financial Group, where has worked for the Corporate Secretarypast seven years. He consults with various public companies in financial reporting, internal control development and evaluation, budgeting and forecasting. Prior to joining Brio Financial Group, Mr. DelAversano was a manager at Bartolomei Pucciarelli LLC, where he oversaw the Accounting and Tax practice. Mr. DelAversano holds a Bachelor of Sciences from June 2015 until May 23, 2017. He served asRider University.

David Mathewson is Vice President and Head of Exploration of the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer from September 2002 through August 2015. Mr. Lougee is an accomplished senior financial executive with significant experience working in accounting, finance, compliance,Company and management roles. He has been with the Company for over 20 years.(and Gold King Corp.) since June 2016. Mr. Lougee was also a General Accounting Manager for Dialight Corporation and Accountant with Philips Electronics. Mr. LougeeMathewson is a graduategeologist-explorer with 35 years of Monmouth University,exploration experience in Nevada alone. Notable discoveries made while Head of Newmont Nevada’s Exploration team from 1989 through 2001 include: Tess, Northwest Rain, Saddle and holds a BSSouth Emigrant in the Rain mining district. From 1999-2001 Mathewson-led teams made important deposit extension discoveries at Newmont’s Gold Quarry and MBA degree.Mike deposits. Most recently his work at Gold Standard Ventures led to the consolidation of the Railroad-Pinion district and the North Bullion & Bald Mountain discoveries.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

SUMMARYCOMPENSATION TABLE Pre-Merger

 

The following table sets forth the compensation paid or earned by or awarded to our Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”), and the next two highest compensated executive officers as offor the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018 and April 30, 2017.

 

(In Dollars)

 

Name and Principal PositionFiscal Year Salary Bonus Equity Awards(2) Other Compensation(3) Total
David A. Moylan(1)    2017  $236,000  $0  $84,000  $10,620  $330,620 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (PEO)  2016  $212,000  $0  $243,977  $9,540  $465,517 
                         
Anthony M. Lougee  2017  $144,000  $1,250  $63,000  $6,480  $214,730 
Chief Financial Officer (PF&AO)  2016  $141,506  $0  $36,060  $6,368  $183,934 
Name and principal position(1) Year  Salary
($)(1)
  Bonus
($)(2)
  Stock
Awards
($)
  Option
awards
($)
  Non-equity
incentive plan compensation
($)
  Change in pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings
($)
  All other compensation
($)
  Total
($)
 
Edward M. Karr
Chief Executive Officer (PEO)
  2018  $250,000  $-  $484,313  $56,330  $-  $-  $-  $790,643 
   2017   250,000   -   -   -   -   -   -   250,000 
David Rector Chief Operating Officer (COO)  2018   180,000       348,705   28,165               556,870 
   2017   180,000       50,000                   230,000 
David A. Moylan
(Former President)
  2018  $19,667  $-  $91,095  $-  $-  $-  $495,112(3) $605,874 
   2017   236,000   -   84,000   -   -   -   10,620   330,620 
Anthony M. Lougee
Chief Financial Officer (Former CFO)
  2018  $60,000  $14,375  $28,765  $-  $-  $-  $224,418(4) $327,558 
   2017   144,000   1,250   63,000   -   -   -   6,480   214,730 
Robert J. DelAversano Principal Financial and Accounting Officer  2018  $-  $-  $-  $12,983  $-  $-  $-  $12,983 
   2017   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 

(1)David A. Moylan started with the Company on January 22, 2015. On May 23, 2017, Mr. Moylan resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

(2)We measure the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based upon the market price of the underlying Common Stock as of the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends, using an expected quarterly dividend rate of $0 in fiscal years 2017 and 2016. Risk-free interest rates ranging from [0.5% to 5.0%] were used.

(3)Payments by the Company to a plan trustee under the Company’s Savings and Investment Retirement Plan, a 401(k) plan. The Company does not have a pension plan.

21

Grant of Plan-Based Awards in 2017

The Company made grants of plan-based awards to executive officers of the Company in the Company’s fiscal year ended April 30, 2017.

The Company has two equity incentive plans – the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The size of grants under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and 2014 Plan are not predetermined in accordance with an incentive award. As of July 10, 2017, no shares remain available for issuance under the 2011 plan  and approximately 2,722 remain available for grant under the 2014 Plan. 

Salary and bonus constituted approximately 85% of total compensation for the executive officers in fiscal 2017. All options granted are at an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. No dividends are paid or accrued with respect to options for the benefit of employees prior to the date of option exercise.

Summary Compensation TablePost-Merger

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive compensation, following the consummation of the merger between Dataram Corporation and U.S. Gold Corp., of the combined company’s directors and executive officers, individually, and the combined company’s directors and executive officers as a group as of July 10, 2017.

Name and principal position(1) Year  Salary
($)(1)
  Bonus
($)(2)
  Stock
Awards
($)
  Option
awards
($)
  Non-equity
incentive plan compensation
($)
  Change in pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings
($)
  All other compensation
($)
  Total
($)
 
Edward M. Karr
Chief Executive Officer (PEO)
  2017  $250,000  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $250,000 
                                     
David A. Moylan
President
  2017  $236,000  $-  $84,000  $-  $-  $-  $10,620  $330,620 
                                     
Anthony M. Lougee
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  2017  $144,000  $1,250  $63,000  $-  $-  $-  $6,480  $214,730 

Notes:

 

(1) All executives have employment agreements with Dataram or USG.U.S. Gold Corp. A summary follows:

 

a. Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edward Karr. On April 12, 2016, USG entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Karr. The initial term of the Agreement is for two years ending on April 30, 2018, with automatic renewals for successive one year terms unless terminated by written notice at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the term. Mr. Karr is to receive a base salary of $250,000 per year, and annual incentive compensation targeted at 100% of base salary.

 

b. Former President, Mr. David A. Moylan: On June 8, 2017, the Company and David A. Moylan, the Company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer, entered into a separation agreement (the “Moylan Separation Agreement”). Mr. Moylan remains a director of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary Dataram Memory and remains the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dataram Memory. Mr. Moylan resigned as Chairman of the Board of Directors and as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on May 23, 2017 in connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended and restated on July 29, 2016, and further amended and restated on September 14, 2016 and November 28, 2016 with Dataram Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“DAS”), USG and Copper King LLC, the principal shareholder of USGNYV pursuant to which USGNV merged (the “Merger”) with and into DAS, with USG surviving the merger as the surviving corporation.

 

Under the terms of the Moylan Separation Agreement, Mr. Moylan received a severance payment of an aggregate of $494,227. Such severance payment is the sole and exclusive payment by the Company and is in lieu of any and all payments or obligations, including any separation payments under prior agreements between Mr. Moylan and the Company. Also as set forth in the Moylan Separation Agreement, Mr. Moylan will, until terminated by the Company’s Board of Directors at its sole option with two weeks’ notice, serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dataram Memory for a monthly fee of $19,667, payable 90% in common stock of the Company and 10% in cash and provide general consulting and support services to the Company. Mr. Moylan no longer serves in any capacity with the Company or its subsidiaries effective October 31, 2017.

 

c. Former Chief Financial Officer, Anthony M. Lougee: On June 6, 2017, Anthony Lougee resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to a Change in Control and Severance Agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Lougee dated July 31, 2015 (the “Lougee Severance Agreement”). Mr. Lougee’s decision to resign did not result from any disagreement with the Company, the Company’s management or the Board of Directors. On June 8, 2017, the Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Lougee (the “Lougee Separation Agreement”). Under the terms of the Lougee Separation Agreement, Mr. Lougee received a severance payment of an aggregate of $221,718. Such severance payment is the sole and exclusive payment by the Company and is in lieu of any and all payments or obligations, including any separation payments under prior agreements between Mr. Lougee and the Company, including the Lougee Severance Agreement.

 

On June 8, 2017, we reappointed Mr. Lougee to serve as our Chief Financial Officer and as the Chief Financial Officer of Dataram Memory and entered into an amended and restated offer letter agreement (the “Employment Agreement”). Mr. Lougee’s compensation shall remain the same as his compensation immediately prior to his resignation: a base salary of $144,000 with additional monthly cash payments of $2,500 through the earliest to occur of (i) his resignation or removal as Chief Financial Officer of the Company or of Dataram Memory or (ii) November 23, 2017. He shall also receive a monthly award of 500 shares of restricted common stock. Mr. Lougee’s employment is on an at-will basis and may be terminated without notice at any time by Mr. Lougee or the Board of Directors. The Employment Agreement cancels and supersedes the Lougee Severance Agreement, the offer letter agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Lougee dated July 31, 2015 and the incentive agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Lougee dated February 7, 2017.

(2) The annual bonus for the executives is determined by the Board of Director’s Compensation Committee

d. Chief Operating Officer and subject to annual review and renegotiation. The current bonus targets for each executive as a percentage of base salary are as follows:

a.Chief Executive Officer (CEO): 100%
b.President: 100%
c.Chief Financial Officer (CFO): 100%

Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End

As of July 10, 2017, there are no outstanding equity awards held by any of the named executive officers of the combined Company.

Employment and Separation AgreementsSecretary, David Rector:

 

The Company has currentCompany’s Chief Operating Officer, and active employment and/or separation agreements withformer Chief Financial Officer, Mr. David Rector (“COO”), is employed under an executive officers as noted below.

On April 12, 2016, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edward Karr.dated Apri1 14, 2016. The initial term of the Agreementagreement is for two years ending on April 30, 2018,one year, with automatic renewals for successive one year terms unless terminated by written notice at least 9030 days prior to the expiration of the term. Mr. KarrRector is to receive a base salary of $250,000$15,000 per year.month. The Agreementagreement calls for a bonus in an amount up to the amount of $250,000the base salary, to be awarded upon meeting certain milestone goal which is concluding a financingin the discretion of at least $10,000,000, a minimumthe board of $2,500,000 of which must come from foreign investors. The bonus maydirectors and to be paid in cash, stock, or a combination thereof in the discretion of the board. Any bonus for

e. The Company has entered into a calendar year shall be subject to Mr. Karr’s continued employmentconsulting agreement with Brio Financial Group, where Robert J. DelAversano serves as the Director of Financial Reporting and Taxation. In connection with this agreement between the Company throughand Brio Financial Group, Mr. DelAversano acts as the endPrincipal Financial and Accounting Officer of the calendar year in which it is earned and shall be paid after the conclusion of the calendar year in accordance with the Company’s regular bonus payment policies in the year following the year with respect to which the bonus relates, and in any case not later than two and one half (2-1/2) months following the end of the year with respect to which a bonus is earned.Company…

 

On June 27, 2016, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its Chief Geologist, Mr. David Mathewson. The initial term of the Agreementagreement is for one year, with automatic renewals for successive one year terms unless terminated by written notice at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the term by either party.

Mr. Mathewson is to receive a base salary of $200,000 per year. The base salary shall be payable as follows: (a) 25% of the base salary shall be payable in equal monthly cash installments and (b) the remaining 75% of the base salary shall be payable in equal monthly installments in the form of common stock of the Company. Each installment of common stock shall be issued on the first business day of the months and shall be valued at the market price on the trading day immediately prior to the date of issuance. Market price is the closing bid price on the principal securities exchange or trading market. Mr. Mathewson shall be entitled to receive bonus to be paid in cash, stock, or a combination thereof and equity awards.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at April 30, 2017(2) The annual bonus for the executives is determined by the Board of Director’s Compensation Committee and subject to annual review and renegotiation. The current bonus targets for each executive as a percentage of base salary are as follows:

 

There were no outstanding options at April 30, 2017.

 23a.President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO): 100%
 
 b.Chief Operating Officer (CFO): 100%

 

Option Exercises(3) Includes payments by the Company in the amount of $885 to a plan trustee under the Company’s Savings and Stock Vested in 2017Investment Retirement Plan, a 401(k) plan.

 

There were no stock options exercised nor stock awards vested for executive officers during(4) Includes payments by the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017.Company in the amount of $2,700 to a plan trustee under the Company’s Savings and Investment Retirement Plan, a 401(k) plan.

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION AT APRIL 30, 2017

Grant of Plan-Based Awards in 2018

 

The Company reserved 83,3331,650,000 shares of our Common Stockits common stock for issuance pursuant to the 20142017 Plan. Equity incentive awards play a significant role in the compensation provided to executive officers and employees in the current market. We intend on relying on equity compensation in order to attract and retain key employees, align the interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders and to provide executive officers and other employees with the opportunity to accumulate retirement income. The 20142017 Plan is designed to provide flexibility to meet our need to remain competitive in the marketplace in order to attract and retain executive talent and other key employees. There are approximately 2,722 shares available for future grant . They were no1,300,000 options granted during fiscal year ended April 30, 2017. There are no stock options outstanding.2018.

 

Employment Agreements and Potential Termination and Change in Control PaymentsEquity Compensation Plan Information (as of April 30, 2018)

  (a)  (b)  (c) 
Plan Category Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights  Weighted-average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights  

Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities

Reflected in Column (a)

 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  -   -   - 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  1,300,000  $1.79   350,000 
Total  1,300,000       350,000 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End

 

The Company has entered into severance agreements with Mr. Karrfollowing table shows grants of stock options and Mr. Rector which include Change in Control provisions. The Company does not have agreements with Mr. Lougee or Mr. Moylan. The Company also sponsors several equity incentive compensation plans that providegrants of unvested stock awards outstanding on the executive officers with additional compensation in connection with a terminationlast day of employment and/or change of control under certain circumstances. The information below describes certain compensation that is paid under plans and contractual arrangements currently in effectthe fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, to each of the then executive officers and directors named in the event of a termination of such executive’s employment with the Company and/or change of control of the CompanySummary Compensation Table.

        Option Awards Stock Awards    
Name Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#)  Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#)  Option Exercise Price ($)  

Option

Expiration

Date

 Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)  Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(1) 
Robert DelAversano  12,500   37,500   1.49  04/09/2023  -   - 
Andrew Kaplan  25,000   25,000   1.47  12/21/2022  9,500   12,920 
Edward Karr  125,000   375,000   1.47  12/21/2022  -   - 
David Rector  62,500   187,500   1.47  12/21/2022  -   - 
Timothy M. Janke  25,000   25,000   1.47  12/21/2022  -   - 
James Dale Davidson  25,000   25,000   1.47  12/21/2022  -   - 
John N. Braca  25,000   25,000   1.47  12/21/2022  -   - 

The following table represents stock options that have been exercised and restricted stock awards that have vested as of that date.April 30, 2018.

 

  Before Change of Control  After Change of Control 
Name / Benefit Termination Without Cause  Termination For Good Reason  Termination other than for Cause or Voluntary Resignation 
Edward M. Karr            
Termination Payment $250,000  $0  $250,000 
Vesting of Stock Awards - Grants  Unvested awards forfeit   Unvested awards forfeit   100%
Vesting of Stock Awards - Options  Unvested awards forfeit   Unvested awards forfeit   100%
Health and welfare benefits $0  $0  $0 
             
David S. Rector            
Termination Payment $0  $0  $0 
Vesting of Stock Awards - Grants  Unvested awards forfeit   Unvested awards forfeit   100%
Vesting of Stock Awards - Options  Unvested awards forfeit   Unvested awards forfeit   100%
Health and welfare benefits $0  $0  $0 

24

  Option Awards  Stock Awards 
Name 

Number of

Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
(#)

  Value
Realized on
Exercise ($)
  Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
(#)(a)
  Value
Realized
on Vesting ($)
 
Edward Karr  -   -   232,518   487,898 
David Rector  -   -   166,333   348,705 
Timothy M. Janke  -   -   1,154   2,758 
James Dale Davidson  -   -   1,154   2,758 
John N. Braca  -   -   1,154   2,758 
Andrew Kaplan  -   -   2,500   3,591 
Anthony M. Lougee  -   -   12,500   28,765 
David A. Moylan  -   -   49,579   94,680 

Compensation and Risk

 

The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s compensation programs appropriately reward prudent business judgment and risk-taking over the long term. The Compensation Committee provides oversight with respect to any risks that may be created by these compensation programs. Management has evaluated the risks that are created by the Company’s compensation programs for all employees, including non-executive officers, and the Compensation Committee has reviewed this evaluation. Based on our review, we have concluded that these compensation programs do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

Compensation of Non-Employee Directors and Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Compensation Committee periodically evaluates the compensation of directors and recommends compensation changes to the Board as appropriate. Until August 2015, non-employee directors received only cash for their service on the Board. Commencing in September 2015, non-employee directors will receive a combination of cash and equity compensation for service on the Board. Directors who are employees of the Company shall receive no additional cash compensation for serving on the Board, but receive equity compensation for service on the Board in alignment with other directors.

While the Company does not require directors and officers to own a specific minimum number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock, the Company believes that each director and corporate officer should have a substantial personal investment in the Company. Directors and officers may not engage in short sales or put or call transactions with respect to Company shares.

Non-employee directors receive cash compensation of $24,000 per year for their service on our Board. There is no incremental compensation provided for committee chair or lead director roles. Company employees who are also directors receive no additional cash compensation for serving on the Board.

Commencing August 2015, all directors (non-employee and employee) began receiving equity awards in addition to cash compensation received for their service. These arrangements compensate them for their Board responsibilities while aligning their interests with the long-term interests of our shareholders.

The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board concerning director compensation under the Company’s equity compensation plans and determines other director compensation arrangements, as appropriate. Under the Company’s Policy on Insider Information and Insider Trading, which applies to the Company’s directors, it is improper for directors to engage in short-term or speculative transactions in the Company’s securities.

The following table sets forth information concerning director compensation during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017(1):

Name Fees
Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)(1)
  Stock
Awards
($)(6)
  Option
Awards
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
  Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
  All
Other
($)
  Total
Compensation
($)
 
Edward M. Karr (2) $24,000   11,760   0   0   0   0  $35,760 
Trent D. Davis (3) $24,000   95,760   0   0   0   0  $119,760 
Michael E. Markulec $24,000   53,760   0   0   0   0  $77,760 

(1)All directors’ fees, except for equity awards, are paid in cash in the year earned. Directors who are not employees of the Company receive a quarterly payment of $6,000. During fiscal 2017, equity awards were issued to directors of the Company as noted above.

(2)Effective June 16, 2015, Mr. Karr was appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors

(3)Effective June 8, 2015, Mr. Davis was appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors, and effective May 23, 2017, Mr. Davis resigned as a member of the Company’s Board.

(6)The aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The Audit Committee has responsibility for reviewing and, if appropriate, for approving any related party transactions that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to applicable SEC rules.

 

Described below are any transactions during the fiscal year ended April 30, 20172018 and 20162017 and any currently proposed transactions to which the Company was a party in which:

 

 The amounts involved exceeded or will exceed the lower of either $120,000 or 1% of the average of the Company’s total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years; and
   
 A director, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, or any member of such person’s immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

 

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, there were no such transactions entered into since May 1, 2016, and the Audit Committee reviewed and approved these transactions. Apart from any transactions disclosed herein, no such transaction was entered into with any director or executive officer during the last two fiscal year.years. Such transactions were entered into and will be entered into only if found to be in the best interest of the Company and approved in accordance with the Company’s Code of Ethics, which are available on the Company’s website.

 

DuringFor the fiscal yearsyear ended April 30, 2018, the Company entered into the following transactions.

Accounts payable to related party as of April 30, 2018 and April 30, 2017 was $2,431 and was reflected as accounts payable. The related party is the managing partner of Copper King LLC who was a principal stockholder of Gold King.
In August 2017, the Company closed on a transaction under a purchase and sale agreement executed in June 2017 with Nevada Gold and U.S. Gold Acquisition Corporation pursuant to which Nevada Gold sold and U.S. Gold Acquisition Corporation purchased all right, title and interest in the Gold Bar North Property, a gold development project located in Eureka County, Nevada. The purchase price for the Gold Bar North Property was: (a) cash payment in the amount of $20,479 which was paid in August 2017 and (b) 15,000 shares of common stock of the Company which were issued in August 2017. Mr. David Mathewson, the Company’s Chief Geologist, is a member of Nevada Gold. Gold Bar North consists of 49 unpatented lode mining claims situated in Eureka County, Nevada.
Mr. Janke provided consulting services to the Company during the year ended April 30, 2018. He was paid compensation in the amount of $1,800 for such consulting services.

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, and 2016, the Company purchased inventories for resale totaling approximately $381,000 and $1,348,000, respectively, from Sheerr Memory, LLC (“Sheerr Memory”). Sheerr Memory’s owner (“Mr. Sheerr”) was employed by the Company as an advisor until August 31, 2016. Accounts payable of nil and approximately $11,000 in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016 respectively, was payable to Sheerr Memory. Sheerr Memory offers the Company trade terms of net 30 days and all invoices were settled in the normal course of business. No interest was paid.

During the fiscal years ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company purchased inventories for resale totaling approximately $501,000 and $1,181,000, respectively, from Keystone Memory Group (“Keystone Memory”). Keystone Memory’s owner is a relative of Mr. Sheerr. Accounts payable of nil and approximately $190,000 in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016 respectively was payable to Keystone Memory. Keystone Memory offers the Company trade terms of net due and all invoices are settled in the normal course of business. No interest was paid.

On October 31, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Sheerr to leaseback the equipment and furniture that was sold to Mr. Sheerr on October 31, 2013 for $500,000. The lease is for a term of 60 months and the Company is obligated to pay approximately $7,500 per month for the term of the lease. The Company has an option to extend the lease for an additional two year period. The transactions described have been accounted for as a sale-leaseback transaction. Accordingly, the Company recognized a gain on the sale of assets of approximately $103,000, which is the amount of the gain on sale in excess of present value of the future lease payments and will recognize the remaining deferred gain of approximately $358,000 in proportion to the related gross rental charged to expense over the term of the lease, 60 months. The current portion of $72,000 deferred gain was reflected in accrued liabilities and the long-term portion of $107,000 is reflected in other liabilities ��� long-term in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2016. As of April 30, 2017, the current portion of $72,000 deferred gain is reflected in accrued liabilities and the long-term portion of $42,000 is reflected in other liabilities – long-term in the consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2017.following transactions:

 

On June 13, 2016, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended and restated on July 29, 2016, and further amended and restated on September 14, 2016 and November 28, 2016, with Dataram Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary, USG and Copper King LLC, the principal shareholder of USG On May 23, 2017, the Company closed the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement and filed Articles of Merger with the State of Nevada, pursuant to which USG was merged with and into DAS, with USG surviving the merger as the surviving corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Edward Karr is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of USG and, upon consummation of the Merger, became the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Mr. Janke provided consulting services to the Company during the year ended April 30, 2017. He was paid compensation in the amount of $3,600 for such consulting services.
On June 13, 2016, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended and restated on July 29, 2016, and further amended and restated on September 14, 2016 and November 28, 2016, with Dataram Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary, USG and Copper King LLC, the principal shareholder of USG On May 23, 2017, the Company closed the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement and filed Articles of Merger with the State of Nevada, pursuant to which USG was merged with and into DAS, with USG surviving the merger as the surviving corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Edward Karr is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of USG and, upon consummation of the Merger, became the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

2523
 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 2 - APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO IMPLEMENT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF THE COMPANY’S ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK AT A RATIO WITHIN A RANGE OF 1 FOR 2 TO 1 FOR 10 AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 13, 2019

 

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF MARCUM LLP AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 2018

The Audit Committee has appointed Marcum LLP (“Marcum”), independent public accountant, to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2018.A representative ofMarcumis not expected to be present in person but will attend telephonically at the 2017 Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so. It is also expected that such representative will be available to respond to appropriate questions.General

 

The Audit Committee retained Marcum asBoard has approved and is seeking stockholder approval of an amendment to the Company’s independent registered public accounting firmArticles of Incorporation, as amended, to perform the auditimplement a reverse stock split of the Company’s consolidated financial statementsissued and outstanding common stock, at a ratio within the range of 1 for 2 to 1 for 10 at any time prior to September 13, 2019. While the fiscal year ending April 30, 2017, andapproval of this proposal will give the auditBoard the discretion to implement a reverse stock split of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2017.issued and outstanding common stock, it currently does not have any plans to do so.

 

On November 2, 2015, we dismissed Anton & Chia LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm effective on such date. The report of Anton & Chia LLP on our financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to audit scope or accounting principles, but included an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. We engaged Marcum as our new principal accountant as of November 2, 2015. The decision to change accountants was recommended andIf this proposal is approved by our Audit Committee followingstockholders, the Committee’sBoard of Directors will have the authority, without further processaction on the part of the stockholders, to determineimplement the reverse stock split at any ratio within the range set forth above by filing an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, in the form attached hereto asAppendix A (the “Reverse Stock Split Amendment”), with the Nevada Secretary of State;provided that the text set forth inAppendix A is subject to such changes as may be required by the Nevada Secretary of State or as the Board deems reasonably necessary and advisable to implement the reverse stock split. If the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation has not been filed with the Nevada Secretary of State by the close of business on September 13, 2019, the Board will abandon the amendment and will not have the authority to implement the reverse stock split without again seeking and obtaining approval from our independent registered public accounting firm.stockholders.

 

DuringExcept for any changes as a result of the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015 andtreatment of fractional shares, each stockholder will hold the subsequent interim periods through November 2, 2015,same percentage of our common stock outstanding immediately after the datereverse stock split as such stockholder held immediately prior to the reverse stock split. The proposed reverse stock split will not affect the number of dismissal, there were (i) no disagreements between Anton & Chia LLP and us upon any mattershares of accounting principlescommon stock authorized in the Articles of Incorporation, which is 200,000,000, or practices, financial statement disclosures, or auditing scope or procedure, anythe number of authorized shares of preferred stock, which ifis 50,000,000. Because the number of shares of authorized common stock will not resolved to Anton & Chia LLP’s satisfaction, would have caused Anton & Chia LLP to make reference theretobe affected, the effect of the proposed reverse stock split will be an increase in its reports, and (ii) no “reportable events” within the meaningauthorized, but unissued, shares of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.common stock.

 

DuringReasons for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015 and the subsequent interim periods through November 2, 2015, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted with Marcum regarding (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to us that Marcum concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue, (ii) any matter that was the subject of a “disagreement” within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or (iii) any “reportable event” within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.Reverse Stock Split

 

The following table sets forthprimary reason for implementing a reverse stock split would be to increase the aggregate fees billedmarket price per share of our common stock. The Board of Directors believes that a higher price per share would better enable the Company to maintain the listing of its common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“NASDAQ”).

Our common stock is currently listed on NASDAQ. There are a number of continued listing requirements that we must satisfy in order to maintain our listing on NASDAQ, including a requirement that our common stock maintain a closing price per share of at least $1.00 (the “Minimum Bid Price Rule”). A reverse stock split may help us to maintain our listing on NASDAQ in the event the stock price declines and the Company no longer satisfies the NASDAQ minimum bid price continued listing requirement or permit us to satisfy the minimum bid price of the initial listing requirements of NASDAQ if the Company had to re-apply for listing should the Company pursue a strategic transaction that falls under NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4330(f).

We also believe that the increased market price of our common stock expected as a result of implementing the reverse stock split will improve the marketability and liquidity of our common stock and will encourage interest and trading in our common stock. Because of the trading volatility often associated with low-priced stocks, many brokerage houses and institutional investors have internal policies and practices that either prohibit them from investing in low-priced stocks or tend to discourage individual brokers from recommending low-priced stocks to their customers. Some of those policies and practices may function to make the processing of trades in low-priced stocks economically unattractive to brokers. Additionally, because brokers’ commissions on low-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stocks, the current average price per share of our common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction costs representing a higher percentage of their total stock value than would be the case if the stock price were substantially higher. It should be noted, however, that the liquidity of our common stock may in fact be adversely affected by the proposed reverse stock split given the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the reverse stock split is implemented.

For the above reasons, we believe the reverse stock split is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. However, we cannot assure you that the reverse stock split, if implemented, will have the desired effect of proportionately raising our common stock price over the long term, or at all. The effect of a reverse stock split upon the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and the history of similar stock splits for companies in similar circumstances is varied. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the market price per share after the reverse stock split will exceed or remain in excess of the $1.00 minimum bid price for a sustained period of time. The market price of our common stock may vary based on other factors unrelated to the Companynumber of shares outstanding, including our future performance. We also cannot assure you that our common stock will not be delisted in the future due to a failure to meet other continued listing requirements even if the reverse stock split is implemented.

Determination of Ratio

The ratio of the reverse stock split, if approved and implemented, will be a ratio of not less than 1 for the last two fiscal years2 and not more than 1 for 10, as determined by the Company’s independent accounting firms. Anton & Chia LLP has been usedBoard in its sole discretion. In determining the reverse stock split ratio, the Board will consider numerous factors, including:

the historical and projected performance of our common stock;
prevailing market conditions;
general economic and other related conditions prevailing in our industry and in the marketplace;
the projected impact of the selected reverse stock split ratio on trading liquidity in our common stock and our ability to continue the common stock’s listing on the NASDAQ;
our capitalization (including the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding);
the prevailing trading price for our common stock and the volume levels thereof; and
potential devaluation of our market capitalization as a result of a reverse stock split.

The purpose of asking for professional services through November 2, 2015. Marcum LLP has been used thereafter:authorization to implement the reverse stock split at a ratio to be determined by the Board, as opposed to a ratio fixed in advance, is to give the Board the flexibility to take into account then-current market conditions and changes in the price of our common stock and to respond to other developments that may be deemed relevant when considering the appropriate ratio.

 

Effects of the Reverse Stock Split

  2017  2016 
Audit Fees(1) $143,000  $116,000 
All related Fees(2)  57,000    
Total fees $200,000  $116,000 

 

(1)Audit Fees: Audit fees paidExcept for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares as described below, each stockholder will hold the same percentage of our outstanding common stock immediately following the implementation of the reverse stock split as that stockholder held immediately prior to Marcum LLPthe reverse stock split. As of August 16, 2018, we had17,628,927shares of common stock issued and Anton & Chia LLPoutstanding and 182,371,073 shares of common stock that were authorized but unissued. At August 16, 2018, we had reserved 3,196,317 shares for professional services associatedfuture issuance, consisting of (i) 1,702,359 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants and (ii) 1,493,958 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options. All of these share numbers will be adjusted in accordance with the annual audit,ratio of the reviewsreverse stock split. With respect to outstanding options and warrants, the respective exercise prices of the options and warrants would increase by a factor equal to the inverse of the reverse stock split ratio. For example, if a 1 for 5 ratio is selected by the Board of Directors, then the exercise price of our outstanding options and warrants would increase by a factor of 5.

After the reverse stock split is implemented, each stockholder will own a reduced number of shares of our common stock based on the exchange ratio selected by the Board. For example, if the Board decides to implement a 1 for 5 reverse stock split, then for every 5 shares of our common stock that a stockholder owns they will be combined and converted into a single share of our common stock. We estimate that following the implementation of the reverse stock split we would have approximately the same number of stockholders. Except for any changes as a result of the treatment of fractional shares, the completion of the reverse stock split alone would not reduce any stockholder’s proportionate ownership interest in the Company. The implementation of the reverse stock split may, however, increase the number of stockholders of the Company who own “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of our common stock. Odd lots may be more difficult to sell, and brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd lots are generally higher than the costs of transactions of more than 100 shares of common stock.

Because the number of shares of authorized common stock will not be affected, the proposed reverse stock split will result in an increase in the authorized, but unissued, shares of common stock. The reverse stock split will not affect the par value of our common stock, which shall remain at $.001 per share.

The table below illustrates the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance following the reverse stock split, the approximate number of shares of common stock that would remain outstanding following the reverse stock split, the approximate number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants following the reverse stock split, and the number of unreserved shares of common stock available for future issuance following the reverse stock split. The information in the following table is based on 17,628,927 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of August 16, 2018 and 3,196,317 shares reserved for future issuance as of August 16, 2018.

Proposed Ratio Number of Common Shares Authorized  Approximate
Number of
Common
Shares
Outstanding
  Approximate
Number of
Common
Shares
Reserved
for Future
Issuance
  Approximate
Number of
Unreserved
Common
Shares
Available
for Future
Issuance
 
1-for-2  200,000,000   8,814,464   1,598,159   189,587,378 
1-for-3  200,000,000   5,876,309   1,065,439   193,058,252 
1-for-4  200,000,000   4,407,232   799,079   194,793,689 
1-for-5  200,000,000   3,525,785   639,263   195,834,951 
1-for-6  200,000,000   2,938,155   532,720   196,529,126 
1-for-7  200,000,000   2,518,418   456,617   197,024,965 
1-for-8  200,000,000   2,203,616   399,540   197,396,845 
1-for-9  200,000,000   1,958,770   355,146   197,686,084 
1-for-10  200,000,000   1,762,893   319,632   197,917,476 

As reflected in the table above, the number of authorized shares of our common stock will not be reduced by the reverse stock split. Accordingly, the reverse stock split will have the effect of creating additional unissued and unreserved shares of our common stock. We have no current arrangements or understandings providing for the issuance of any of the additional authorized and unreserved shares of our common stock that would be available as a result of the proposed reverse stock split. However, these additional shares may be used by us for various purposes in the future without further stockholder approval (subject to applicable Nasdaq Marketplace Rules), including, among other things: (i) raising capital necessary to fund our future operations, (ii) providing equity incentives to our employees, executive officers, directors and consultants, (iii) entering into collaborations and other strategic relationships and (iv) expanding our business through the acquisition of other businesses or products.

Although the Board expects that the reduction in outstanding shares of common stock will result in an increase in the per share price of the Company’s quarterly reportscommon stock, there is no assurance that such a result will occur. Similarly there is no assurance that if the per share price of the Company’s common stock increases as a result of the reverse stock split, such increase in the per share price will be permanent, which will be dependent on Form 10-Q, statutoryseveral factors.

Should the per share price of our common stock decline after implementation of the reverse stock split, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of the reverse stock split.
The anticipated resulting increase in per share price of the Company’s common stock due to the reverse stock split is expected to encourage interest in the Company’s common stock and possibly promote greater liquidity for our stockholders. However, such liquidity could also be adversely affected by the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the reverse stock split.
The reverse stock split could be viewed negatively by the market and, consequently, could lead to a decrease in our overall market capitalization. It is often the case that the reverse-split adjusted stock price and market capitalization of companies that effect a reverse stock split decline
One of the purposes for the proposed reverse stock split is to maintain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule of the Nasdaq Capital Market. However, there can be no assurance that the reverse stock split alone will guarantee the continued listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market. If we are unable to maintain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule of the Nasdaq Capital Market and our common stock is delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market, our liquidity and stock price may be negatively affected.

Treatment of Fractional Shares

No fractional shares of common stock will be issued as a result of the reverse stock split. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive a fractional share of common stock as a consequence of the reverse stock split will, upon surrender to the exchange agent of the certificates representing such fractional shares, be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the closing sale price of our common stock on the business day immediately preceding the effective date of the reverse stock split as reported on the NASDAQ by (ii) the number of shares of our common stock held by the stockholder that would otherwise have been exchanged for the fractional share interest.

Exchange of Stock Certificates

The combination of, and subsidiary audits requiredreduction in, certain locations, consultations concerningthe number of shares of our outstanding common stock as a result of the reverse stock split will occur automatically on the date that the amendment to our Articles of Incorporation is filed with the Nevada Secretary of State (the “Effective Date”), without any action on the part of our stockholders and without regard to the date that stock certificates representing the outstanding shares of our common stock prior to the Effective Date are physically surrendered for new stock certificates.

As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, transmittal forms will be mailed to each holder of record of certificates for our common stock to be used in forwarding such certificates for surrender and exchange for certificates representing the number of shares of our common stock such stockholder is entitled to receive as a result of the reverse stock split. Our transfer agent will act as exchange agent for purposes of implementing the exchange of the stock certificates. The transmittal forms will be accompanied by instructions specifying other details of the exchange. Upon receipt of the transmittal form, each stockholder should surrender the certificates representing our common stock prior to the reverse stock split in accordance with the applicable instructions. Each holder who surrenders certificates will receive new certificates representing the whole number of shares of our common stock that he or she holds as a result of the reverse stock split. New certificates will not be issued to a stockholder until the stockholder has surrendered his or her outstanding certificate(s) together with the properly completed and executed transmittal form to the exchange agent.

If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm or financial accountinginstitution, which is commonly referred to as your shares being held in “street name,” then you are the beneficial owner of those shares and reporting standards,the brokerage firm or financial institution holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record. We intend to treat stockholders holding common stock in street name in the same manner as registered stockholders whose shares are registered in their names. Banks, brokers or other nominees will be instructed to effect the reverse stock split for their beneficial holders holding common stock in street name. However, these banks, brokers or other nominees may have different procedures than registered stockholders for processing the reverse stock split. If you hold your shares with a bank, broker or other nominee and regulatory filings.if you have any questions in this regard, we encourage you to contact your bank, broker or nominee.

Any stockholder whose certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen will be entitled to a new certificate only after complying with the requirements that we and our transfer agent customarily apply in connection with replacing lost, stolen or destroyed certificates.

No service charges, brokerage commissions or transfer taxes shall be payable by any holder of any old certificate, except that if any new certificate is to be issued in a name other than that in which the old certificate(s) are registered, it will be a condition of such issuance that (i) the person requesting such issuance must pay to us any applicable transfer taxes or establish to our satisfaction that such taxes have been paid or are not payable, (ii) the transfer complies with all applicable federal and state securities laws, and (iii) the surrendered certificate is properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer.

STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY RECEIVE A TRANSMITTAL FORM FROM OUR TRANSFER AGENT.

 

(2)All related fees: in 2017 $57,000 was paid to Marcum LLP for merger related services primarily associated with the review of the merger documents and related filings.

26

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent AuditorsAccounting Consequences

 

Consistent with SEC policiesThe par value of our common stock will remain unchanged at $0.001 per share after the reverse stock split. As a result, our stated capital, which consists of the par value per share of the common stock multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of the common stock issued and guidelines regarding audit independence,outstanding, will be reduced proportionately at the Audit Committee is responsibleeffective time of the reverse stock split. Correspondingly, our additional paid-in capital, which consists of the difference between our stated capital and the aggregate amount paid to us upon the issuance of all currently outstanding shares of common stock, will be increased by a number equal to the decrease in stated capital. Further, net loss per share, book value per share, net income and other per share amounts will be increased as a result of the reverse stock split because there will be fewer shares of common stock outstanding.

Potential Anti-Takeover Effect

Although in certain circumstances the increased proportion of unissued authorized shares to issued shares could have an anti-takeover effect (for example, by permitting issuances that would dilute the stock ownership of a person seeking to effect a change in the composition of the Board or contemplating a tender offer or other transaction for the pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our principal accountants on a case-by-case basis. Our Audit Committee has established a policy regarding approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our principal accountants. Our Audit Committee pre-approves these services by category and service. Our Audit Committee has pre-approved allcombination of the services providedCompany and another company), the proposed reverse stock split is not being proposed in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate shares of our common stock or obtain control of the Company, and it is not part of a plan by our principal accountants.management to recommend a series of similar actions to the Board and stockholders. Other than seeking approval for the Board to amend the Articles of Incorporation to effect the reverse stock split, the Board currently does not contemplate recommending the adoption of any other actions that could be construed to affect the ability of third parties to effect a change control of the Company.

 

No Appraisal Rights

 

Under the Nevada Revised Statutes, our shareholdersstockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights with respect to our proposed ratification of the appointment of Marcum as our independent public accountant,reverse stock split, and we will not independently provide our shareholdersstockholders with any such rights.

 

Vote RequiredNo Going Private Transaction

Notwithstanding the decrease in the number of outstanding shares following the implementation of the reverse stock split, the Board of Directors does not intend for this transaction to be the first step in a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the implementation of the proposed reverse stock split will not cause the Company to go private.

Book-Entry Shares

If the reverse stock split is effected, stockholders who hold uncertificated shares (i.e. shares held in book entry form and not represented by a physical certificate), whether as direct or beneficial owners, will have their holdings electronically adjusted by our transfer agent (and for beneficial owners by their brokers or banks that hold the shares in street name for their benefit, as the case may be) to give effect to the reverse stock split.

Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split

 

The affirmative votefollowing is a summary of a majoritycertain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the votes cast for this proposal is requiredreverse stock split to ratifyholders of our common stock. It addresses only U.S. stockholders who hold the appointmentpre-reverse stock split common stock and post-reverse stock split common stock as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Company’s independent public accountant. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulationInternal Revenue Code of votes cast on this proposal and will have the same effect1986, as a negative vote. Brokerage firms have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name on this proposal. If a brokeramended (the “Code”). This discussion does not purport to be a complete discussion of all of the possible federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split and does not account for or consider the federal income tax consequences to stockholders in light of their individual investment circumstances or to stockholders subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws, including but not limited to:

banks, financial institutions, thrifts, mutual funds or trusts;
tax-exempt organizations;
insurance companies;
dealers in securities or foreign currency;
real estate investment trusts, personal holding companies, regulated investment companies, or passive foreign investment companies;
foreign or United States expatriate stockholders;
stockholders who are not “United States persons,” as defined in Section 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code;
controlled foreign corporations;
stockholders with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;
stockholders who hold the pre-reverse stock split common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale, conversion transaction, or other integrated investment;
stockholders who hold the pre-reverse stock split common stock as “qualified small business stock” within the meaning of Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code;
common trusts;
traders, brokers, or dealers in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting;
partnerships or other pass-through entities or investors in such entities;
stockholders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code;
stockholders who acquired their pre-reverse stock split common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options, through a tax-qualified retirement plan, or otherwise as compensation; or,
holders of warrants or stock options.

In addition, this authority, such broker non-votes will have nodiscussion does not address any tax considerations under state, local, gift, or foreign tax laws.

This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code, existing and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, legislative history, judicial decisions, and current administrative rulings and practices, all as in effect on the resultsdate hereof and all of which are subject to differing interpretations. Any of these authorities could be repealed, overruled, or modified at any time. Any such change could be retroactive and, accordingly, could cause the tax consequences of the reverse stock split to vary substantially from the consequences described herein. Further, no ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or opinion of legal or tax counsel will be obtained with respect to the matters discussed herein, and there is no assurance or guarantee that the IRS would agree with the conclusions set forth in this vote. We aresummary. This information is not intended as tax advice to any person and may not be relied upon to avoid penalties.

STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, GIFT, OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS, CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS, AND ANY PENDING OR PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR AUTHORITY.

The reverse stock split is intended to constitute a “recapitalization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code. Certain filings with the IRS must be made by the Company and certain “significant holders” of our common stock in order for the reverse stock split to qualify as a recapitalization. The tax consequences discussed below assume that the reverse stock split is treated as a recapitalization and that the common stock is held by each stockholder as a capital asset:

A stockholder generally will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the reverse stock split, except to the extent of cash, if any, received in lieu of a fractional share interest in the post-reverse stock split common stock. A stockholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share interest in the post-reverse stock split common stock generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the cash received and the portion of the tax basis of the pre-reverse stock split common stock allocated to the fractional share interest. Subject to the limitations above, such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the pre-reverse stock split common stock was held for more than one year by the stockholder at the time of the reverse stock split. If a stockholder is an individual, such gain may also be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax if such stockholder attains certain income thresholds.
A stockholder’s aggregate tax basis of the post-reverse stock split common stock received in the reverse stock split will generally be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the pre-reverse stock split common stock exchanged therefore (excluding any portion of the stockholder’s tax basis allocated to fractional share interests).
A stockholder’s holding period for the common stock held post-reverse stock split will include the holding period of the pre-reverse stock split common stock exchanged.
No gain or loss for federal income tax purposes will be recognized by the Company as a result of the reverse stock split.

Information returns generally will be required to obtainbe filed with the approvalIRS with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of our shareholderscommon stock pursuant to appoint the Company’s independent accountant. However,reverse stock split. In addition, stockholders may be subject to backup withholding (at the current applicable rate of 28%) on the payment of such cash if our shareholdersthey do not ratifyprovide their taxpayer identification numbers in the appointmentmanner required. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally may be refunded or allowed as a credit against the stockholder’s federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

The foregoing discussion is intended only as a summary of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent public accountant for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2018, the Audit Committeecertain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Board may reconsider its appointment.reverse stock split and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS ATHAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATIONAPPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENTREVERSE STOCK SPLIT AND THE FILING OF MARCUM LLP AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT,THE CERTIFICATE AMENDMENT WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, AND PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR THEREOF UNLESS A SHAREHOLDERSTOCKHOLDER HAS INDICATED OTHERWISE ON THE PROXY.

PROPOSAL 3 - APPROVAL OF ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES IN ONE OR MORE NON-PUBLIC OFFERINGS WHERE THE MAXIMUM DISCOUNT AT WHICH SECURITIES WILL BE OFFERED WILL BE EQUIVALENT TO A DISCOUNT OF 30% BELOW THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK IN ACCORDANCE WITH NASDAQ MARKETPLACE RULE 5635(d)

Our common stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market and, as such, we are subject to Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) (“Rule 5635(d)”) requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to the issuance of our common stock in connection with certain non-public offerings involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by the Company of common stock (and/or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock) equal to 20% or more of the common stock outstanding before the issuance. shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of warrants, options, debt instruments, preferred stock or other equity securities issued or granted in such non-public offerings will be considered shares issued in such a transaction in determining whether the 20% limit has been reached, except in certain circumstances such as issuing warrants that are not exercisable for a minimum of six months and have an exercise price that exceeds market value.

We may seek to raise additional capital to implement our business strategy and enhance our overall capitalization. We have not determined the particular terms for such prospective offerings. Because we may seek additional capital that triggers the requirements of Rule 5635(d), we are seeking stockholder approval now, so that we will be able to move quickly to take full advantage of any opportunities that may develop in the equity markets. While the approval of this proposal will give the Company the opportunity raise additional capital in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) it does not have any current plans to raise additional funds as of the date this proxy was mailed to shareholders.

We hereby submit this Proposal 3 to our stockholders for their approval of the potential issuance of shares of our common stock, or securities convertible into our common stock, in one or more non-public capital-raising transactions, or offerings, subject to the following limitations:

The aggregate number of shares issued in the offerings will not exceed 40,000,000 shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment for any reverse stock split effected prior to the offerings (including pursuant to preferred stock, options, warrants, convertible debt or other securities exercisable for or convertible into common stock);
The total aggregate consideration will not exceed $10 million;
The maximum discount at which securities will be offered (which may consist of a share of common stock and a warrant for the issuance of up to an additional share of common stock) will be equivalent to a discount of 30% below the market price of our common stock at the time of issuance in recognition of the limited public float of our traded common stock and historical volatility making the pricing discount of our stock required by investors at any particular time difficult, at this time, to predict;
Such offerings will occur, if at all, on or before September 13, 2019; and
Such other terms as the Board shall deem to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, not inconsistent with the foregoing.

The issuance of shares of our common stock, or other securities convertible into shares of our common stock, in accordance with any offerings would dilute, and thereby reduce, each existing stockholder’s proportionate ownership in our common stock. The stockholders do not have preemptive rights to subscribe to additional shares that may be issued by the Company in order to maintain their proportionate ownership of the common stock.

The issuance of shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings could have an anti-takeover effect. Such issuance could dilute the voting power of a person seeking control of the Company, thereby deterring or rendering more difficult a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or an extraordinary corporate transaction opposed by the Company.

The Board has not yet determined the terms and conditions of any offerings. As a result, the level of potential dilution cannot be determined at this time, but as discussed above, we may not issue more than 40,000,000 shares of common stock in the aggregate pursuant to the authority requested from stockholders under this proposal (subject to adjustment for any reverse stock split). It is possible that if we conduct a non-public stock offering, some of the shares we sell could be purchased by one or more investors who could acquire a large block of our common stock. This would concentrate voting power in the hands of a few stockholders who could exercise greater influence on our operations or the outcome of matters put to a vote of stockholders in the future.

We cannot determine what the actual net proceeds of the offerings will be until they are completed, but as discussed above, the aggregate dollar amount of the non-public offerings will be no more than $10 million. We currently have no arrangements or understandings regarding any specific transaction with investors, so we cannot predict whether we will be successful should we seek to raise capital through any offerings.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT OUR STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES IN ONE OR MORE NON-PUBLIC OFFERINGS WHERE THE MAXIMUM DISCOUNT AT WHICH SECURITIES WILL BE OFFERED WILL BE EQUIVALENT TO A DISCOUNT OF 30% BELOW THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK IN ACCORDANCE WITH NASDAQ MARKETPLACE RULE 5635(d), AND PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR THEREOF UNLESS A STOCKHOLDER HAS INDICATED OTHERWISE ON THE PROXY.

 

2731
 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 3

PROPOSAL 4 - ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THEEXECUTIVE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires the Company’s shareholders to have the opportunity to cast a non-binding advisory vote regarding the approval of the compensation disclosed in this Proxy Statement of the Company’s executive officers who are named in the Summary Compensation Table (the “Named Executive Officers”). The Company has disclosed the compensation of the Named Executive Officers pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC.

 

We believe that our compensation policies for the Named Executive Officers are designed to attract, motivate and retain talented executive officers and are aligned with the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders. This advisory shareholders vote, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay vote,” gives you as a shareholder the opportunity to approve or not approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers that is disclosed in this Proxy Statement by voting for or against the following resolution (or by abstaining with respect to the resolution):

 

RESOLVED, that the shareholders of the Company approve all of the compensation of the Company’s executive officers who are named in the Summary Compensation Table of the Company’s 20172018 Proxy Statement, as such compensation is disclosed in the Company’s 20172018 Proxy Statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, which disclosure includes the Proxy Statement’s Summary Compensation Table and other executive compensation tables and related narrative disclosures.

 

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on either the Board of Directors or the Company. However, the Company’s Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the shareholder vote on this proposal at the Annual Meeting when considering future executive compensation arrangements. In addition, your non-binding advisory votes described in this Proposal 34 will not be construed: (1) as overruling any decision by the Board of Directors, any board committee or the Company relating to the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, or (2) as creating or changing any fiduciary duties or other duties on the part of the Board of Directors, any board committee or the Company.

 

Vote Required

 

The advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executive officers will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast against the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as either votes cast for or against this proposal. While the results of this advisory vote are non-binding, the Compensation Committee of the Board and the Board values the opinions of our shareholders and will consider the outcome of the vote, along with other relevant factors, in deciding whether any actions are necessary to address the concerns raised by the vote and when making future compensation decisions for executive officers

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE“FOR” ADVISORY APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTED OFFICER,EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS STATEDDISCLOSED IN THE ABOVE NON-BINDING RESOLUTION, AND PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR THEREOF UNLESS A SHAREHOLDER HAS INDICATED OTHERWISE ON THE PROXY.PROXY STATEMENT.

 

2832
 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 45 – RATIFY THE RETENTION OF KBL LLP

AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 2019

The Audit Committee has appointed KBL LLP (“KBL”), independent public accountant, to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2019. A representative of KBL is not expected to be present in person but will attend telephonically at the 2018 Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so. It is also expected that such representative will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The Audit Committee retained Marcum LLP (“Marcum”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to perform the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2018, and the audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2018. On August 3, 2018 the Company dismissed Marcum as its independent registered public accounting firm. The dismissal of Marcum was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and its Audit Committee on August 3, 2018. The report of Marcum on the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty audit scope or accounting principles. During the Company’s prior two fiscal years and during the subsequent interim period through August 3, 2018 there were no disagreements as defined in Item 304 of Regulation S-K with Marcum on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Marcum, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its reports. Further, during the two prior fiscal years and during the subsequent interim period through August 3, 2018, there were no reportable events (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

On August 3, 2018, the Company engaged KBL, an independent registered public accounting firm which is registered with, and governed by the rules of, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, as its independent registered public accounting firm. During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years, and the subsequent interim period through August 3, 2018 neither the Company nor anyone on the Company’s behalf consulted KBL regarding either (1) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction regarding the Company, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements; or (2) any matter regarding us that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K) or a reportable event (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

 

APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S 2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Description of Our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan

On June 1, 2017, the Board adopted the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”), an omnibus equity incentive plan pursuant to which the Company may grant cashIndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and equity-linked awards to certain officers, directors, consultants and others. The Board recommends adoption of the 2017 Plan as a means to offer incentives and attract, motivate and retain and reward persons eligible to participate in the 2017 Plan. Accordingly the Board unanimously approved and adopted the 2017 Plan.

Set forth below is a summary of the 2017 Plan, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2017 Plan, a copy of which is included asAppendix A to this proxy statement.Services

Shares Available

The 2017 Plan authorizes issuance of 1,650,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Share Limit”) which represents  approximately 15% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock on a fully diluted basis.

As of the Record Date, 18,111, adjusted for reverse stock splits, shares of Common Stock were issued under the previously adopted 2014 Plan.

“Evergreen”

Pursuant to the terms of the 2017, on January 1st of each year (the “Calculation Date”), the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2017 Plan will automatically be increased by such number of shares as is equal to the number of shares sufficient to cause the Share Limit to equal twenty percent (15%) of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation at such time;provided, however, that if on any Calculation Date the number of shares equal twenty percent (15%) of the Company’s total issued and outstanding Common Stock is less than the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2017 Plan, no change will be made to the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable under the 2017 Plan for that year (such that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan will never decrease).

Administration

The 2017 Plan will be administered by the Board or by one or more committees of directors appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) to administer all or certain aspects of the 2017 Plan (the “Administrator”). Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law. Any committee delegated administrative authority under the 2017 Plan may further delegate its authority under the 2017 Plan to another committee of directors, and any such delegate shall be deemed to be an Administrator of the 2017 Plan. The Administrator comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by Section 78.200 of the Nevada Revised Statutes and any other applicable law, to one or more officers of the Company, its powers under the 2017 Plan (a) to Eligible Persons (as defined below) who will receive grants of awards under the 2017 Plan and (b) to determine the number of shares subject to, and the other terms and conditions of, such awards. The Board may delegate different levels of authority to different committees with administrative and grant authority under the 2017 Plan. It is anticipated that the Administrator (either generally or with respect to specific transactions) will be constituted so as to comply, as necessary or desirable, with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Section 162(m) of the Code and Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

29

Eligibility

Awards may be granted pursuant to the 2017 Plan only to persons who are eligible persons. Under the 2017 Plan, “Eligible Person” means any person who is either: (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries; (b) a director of the Company or one of its subsidiaries; or (c) an individual consultant who renders bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Company or one of its subsidiaries in a capital-raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of securities of the Company or one of its subsidiaries) to the Company or one of its subsidiaries and who is selected to participate in the 2017 Plan by the Administrator; provided, however, that an Eligible Person may only participate in the 2017 Plan if such participation would not adversely affect either the Company’s eligibility to use Form S-8 to register, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the offering and sale of shares issuable under the 2017 Plan by the Company or the Company’s compliance with any other applicable laws. As of the Record Date, the approximate number of Eligible Persons under the 2017 Plan included * officers or employees of the Company, * directors of the Company (* of which are also officers), and * individual consultants to the Company.

Awards

The 2017 Plan permits the grant of: (a) stock options, which may be intended as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (an “ISO”) or as a nonqualified stock option (an option not intended to be an ISO); (b) stock appreciation rights (“SARs”); (c) restricted shares; (d) restricted share units; (e) cash awards; or (f) other awards, including: (i) stock bonuses, performance stock, performance units, dividend equivalents, or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price or ratio related to the Common Stock (subject to certain requirements as discussed in the 2017 Plan and in compliance with applicable laws), upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, or the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; or (ii) any similar securities with a value derived from the value of or related to the Common Stock and/or returns thereon. All of the reserved shares under the 2017 Plan may be issued as ISOs.

The Administrator may adopt reasonable counting procedures to ensure appropriate counting, avoid double counting (as, for example, in the case of tandem or substitute awards) and make adjustments in accordance with the 2017 Plan. Shares shall be counted against those reserved to the extent such shares have been delivered and are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Accordingly, (i) to the extent that an award under the 2017 Plan, in whole or in part, is canceled, expired, forfeited, settled in cash, settled by delivery of fewer shares than the number of shares underlying the award, or otherwise terminated without delivery of shares to the participant, the shares retained by or returned to the Company will not be deemed to have been delivered under the 2017 Plan and will be deemed to remain or to become available under the 2017 Plan; and (ii) shares that are withheld from such an award or separately surrendered by the participant in payment of the exercise price or taxes relating to such an award shall be deemed to constitute shares not delivered and will be deemed to remain or to become available under the 2017 Plan. The foregoing adjustments to the share limit of the 2017 Plan are subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation thereunder.

The number of shares available for issuance under the 2017 Plan (as well as the number of shares that may be issued as ISOs, and the share limitations set forth below under the heading “— Performance Based Compensation”) are subject to proportionate adjustment by the Administrator in the event of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split, or upon any merger, arrangement, combination, consolidation, or other reorganization, or upon any spin-off, split-up or similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Stock, or upon any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or upon any similar unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock.

Option and SAR Awards. Option and SAR awards granted under the 2017 Plan must have an exercise price or base price of no less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the option (or 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant, in the case of ISOs granted to certain ten percent shareholders of the Company). Options and SAR awards shall become exercisable upon such conditions as the Administrator may establish in its sole discretion. The exercise price of any option shall be paid in cash or by any of the methods set forth below under the heading “— Consideration for Awards.” Option and SAR awards are exercisable for a period established by the Administrator, which in no event shall exceed ten years from the date of grant (five years in the case of ISOs granted to certain ten percent shareholders of the Company). If the Administrator does not specify otherwise in an award agreement, upon termination of a participant’s employment or other service to the Company, option and SAR awards shall expire (1) three months after the last day that the participant is employed by or provides services to the Company or any subsidiary (provided, however, that in the event of the participant’s death during this period, those persons entitled to exercise the option or SAR pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution shall have one year following the date of death within which to exercise such option or SAR); (2) in the case of a participant whose termination of employment or services is due to death or disability (as defined in the applicable award agreement), twelve months after the last day that the participant is employed by or provides services to the Company or any subsidiary; and (3) immediately upon a participant’s termination for “cause.”

Restricted Shares. A participant that is granted restricted stock under the 2017 Plan shall have all of the rights of a shareholder, including the right to vote the shares of restricted stock and the right to receive dividends thereon (subject to any mandatory reinvestment or other requirements imposed by the Administrator). As a condition to the grant of an award of restricted stock, subject to applicable law, the Administrator may require or permit a participant to elect that any cash dividends paid on a share of restricted stock be automatically reinvested in additional shares of restricted stock or applied to the purchase of additional awards under the 2017 Plan. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, stock distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and other property distributed as a dividend, shall be subject to restrictions and a risk of forfeiture to the same extent as the restricted stock with respect to which such stock or other property has been distributed.

Restricted Share Units. At the time an award of restricted share units is made, the Administrator shall determine the period of time during which the restricted share units shall vest and the timing of settlement. Subject to the 2017 Plan, the applicable award agreement and any other procedures established by the Administrator, the Administrator may determine to pay dividend equivalent rights with respect to restricted share units, in which case, the Company shall establish an account for the participant and reflect in that account any securities, cash or other property comprising any dividend or property distribution with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying each restricted share unit. Each amount or other property credited to any such account shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the restricted share unit to which it relates. The participant shall have the right to be paid the amounts or other property credited to such account upon vesting of the subject restricted share unit. Each participant receiving restricted share units shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to such restricted share units until such time as shares of Common Stock are issued to the participant.

Performance Based Compensation

The 2017 Plan provides for the grant of certain awards, the vesting or payment of which may be contingent on the satisfaction of certain performance criteria. Such performance-based awards are designed to be exempt from the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code, as described below under “—Certain Federal Tax Consequences.” The maximum number of shares that may be issued to any single participant pursuant to options and SARs during the term of the 2017 Plan shall not exceed 1,650,000 shares. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be delivered pursuant to other performance-based equity awards granted during the 162(m) Term (as defined below) may  not exceed 1,650,000 shares, and the maximum amount of cash compensation payable pursuant to performance-based cash awards granted during the 162(m) Term (as defined below) may not exceed $1,000,000. The 162(m) Term is the period beginning on the effective date of the 2017 Plan and ending on the date of the first shareholder meeting that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the Company’s shareholders first approve this 2017 Plan (the “162(m) Term”).

The 2017 Plan includes the following performance criteria that may be used by the Administrator when granting performance-based awards: (1) earnings per share, (2) cash flow (which means cash and cash equivalents derived from either (i) net cash flow from operations or (ii) net cash flow from operations, financing and investing activities, (3) total shareholder return, (4) price per share of Common Stock, (5) gross revenue, (6) revenue growth, (7) operating income (before or after taxes), (8) net earnings (before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization), (9) return on equity, (10) capital employed, or on assets or on net investment, (11) cost containment or reduction, (12) cash cost per ounce of production, (13) operating margin, (14) debt reduction, (15) resource amounts, (16) production or production growth, (17) resource replacement or resource growth, (18) successful completion of financings, or (19) any combination of the foregoing.

Fair Market Value

Under the 2017 Plan, “Fair Market Value” means, unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator under the circumstances, the closing price for a share of Common Stock on the trading day immediately before the grant date, as furnished by The NASDAQ Capital Market or other principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed for the date in question, or if the Common Stock is no longer listed on a principal stock exchange, then by the OTC Markets. If the Common Stock is no longer listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market or listed on a principal stock exchange or is no longer actively traded on the OTC Markets as of the applicable date, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the award under the circumstances.

Consideration for Awards

The purchase price for any award granted under the 2017 Plan or the Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to any such award, as applicable, may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Administrator, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:

services rendered by the recipient of such award;
cash, check payable to the order of the Company, or electronic funds transfer;
notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator;
the delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock that are fully vested and unencumbered;
by a reduction in the number of shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the award; or
subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of awards.

In the event that the Administrator allows a participant to exercise an award by delivering shares of Common Stock previously owned by such participant and unless otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, any shares delivered which were initially acquired by the participant from the Company (upon exercise of a stock option or otherwise) must have been owned by the participant at least six months as of the date of delivery (or such other period as may be required by the Administrator in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment). Shares of Common Stock used to satisfy the exercise price of an option shall be valued at their fair market value on the date of exercise. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise or purchase price therefor and any related withholding obligations and any other conditions to exercise or purchase, as established from time to time by the Administrator, have been satisfied. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, the Administrator may at any time eliminate or limit a participant’s ability to pay the purchase or exercise price of any award or shares by any method other than cash payment to the Company.

Change in Control

Upon a Change in Control (as defined below), each then-outstanding option and SAR shall automatically become fully vested, all restricted shares then outstanding shall automatically fully vest free of restrictions, and each other award granted under the 2017 Plan that is then outstanding shall automatically become vested and payable to the holder of such award unless the Administrator has made appropriate provision for the substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation of the award pursuant to the Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may choose (in an award agreement or otherwise) to provide for full or partial accelerated vesting of any award upon a Change in Control (or upon any other event or other circumstance related to the Change in Control, such as an involuntary termination of employment occurring after such Change in Control, as the Administrator may determine), irrespective of whether such any such award has been substituted, assumed, exchanged or otherwise continued pursuant to the Change in Control.

For purposes of the 2017 Plan, “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(i) a tender offer (or series of related offers) shall be made and consummated for the ownership of 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, unless as a result of such tender offer more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to the commencement of such offer), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries, and their affiliates;

(ii) the Company shall be merged or consolidated with another entity, unless as a result of such merger or consolidation more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting entity shall be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to such transaction), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries, and their affiliates;

(iii) the Company shall sell substantially all of its assets to another entity that is not wholly owned by the Company, unless as a result of such sale more than 50% of such assets shall be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to such transaction), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries and their affiliates; or

(iv) a person shall acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (whether directly, indirectly, beneficially or of record), unless as a result of such acquisition more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to the first acquisition of such securities by such person), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries, and their affiliates.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) the Administrator may waive the requirement described in paragraph (iv) above that a person must acquire more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company for a Change in Control to have occurred if the Administrator determines that the percentage acquired by a person is significant (as determined by the Administrator in its discretion) and that waiving such condition is appropriate in light of all facts and circumstances, and (2) no compensation that has been deferred for purposes of Section 409A of the Code shall be payable as a result of a Change in Control unless the Change in Control qualifies as a change in ownership or effective control of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

The “spread” under an ISO—i.e., the difference between the fair market value of the shares at exercise and the exercise price—is classified as an item of adjustment in the year of exercise for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. If a participant’s alternative minimum tax liability exceeds such participant’s regular income tax liability, the participant will owe the alternative minimum tax liability.

Restricted Stock. Restricted stock is generally taxable to the participant as ordinary compensation income on the date that the restrictions lapse (i.e. the date that the stock vests), in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on such date over the amount paid for such stock (if any). If the participant is an employee, this income is subject to withholding for federal income and employment tax purposes. The Company is entitled to an income tax deduction in the amount of the ordinary income recognized by the participant, subject to possible limitations imposed by the Code, including Section 162(m) thereof. Any gain or loss on the participant’s subsequent disposition of the shares will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss treatment depending on the sales price and how long the stock has been held since the restrictions lapsed. The Company does not receive a tax deduction for any subsequent gain.

Participants receiving restricted stock awards may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code (“Section 83(b) Election”) to recognize as ordinary compensation income in the year that such restricted stock is granted, the amount equal to the excess of the fair market value on the date of the issuance of the stock over the amount paid for such stock. If such an election is made, the recipient recognizes no further amounts of compensation income upon the lapse of any restrictions and any gain or loss on subsequent disposition will be long-term or short-term capital gain or loss to the recipient. The Section 83(b) Election must be made within 30 days from the time the restricted stock is issued.

Other Awards. Other awards (such as restricted stock units) are generally treated as ordinary compensation income as and when Common Stock or cash are paid to the participant upon vesting or settlement of such awards. If the participant is an employee, this income is subject to withholding for income and employment tax purposes. The Company is generally entitled to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the recipient, subject to possible limitations imposed by the Code, including Section 162(m) thereof.

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under Code Section 162(m), no deduction is allowed in any taxable year of the Company for compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the Company’s “covered employees.” A “covered employee” is the Company’s chief executive officer and the three other most highly compensated officers of the Company other than the chief financial officer. An exception to this rule applies to “qualified performance based compensation,” which generally includes stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under a shareholder approved plan, and other forms of equity incentives, the vesting or payment of which is contingent upon the satisfaction of certain shareholder approved performance goals. The Company intends that the 2017 Plan allow for the grant of options and stock appreciation rights that may be treated as “qualified performance based compensation” that is exempt from the limitations of Code Section 162(m), and for the grant of other performance-based awards that may be treated as “qualified performance based compensation,” but it makes no assurance that either such type of award will be so treated.

Certain Federal Tax Consequences

 

The following summarytable sets forth the aggregate fees billed to the Company for the last two fiscal years by the Company’s former independent accounting firm Marcum LLP:

  2018  2017 
Audit Fees(1) $128,289  $202,225 
Audit Related Fees(2)  29,870   57,000 
Tax Fees  -   - 
Other Fees  -   - 
Total fees $158,159  $259,225 

(1)Audit Fees: Audit fees paid to Marcum LLP and for professional services associated with the annual audit, the reviews of the federal income tax consequences of the 2017 Plan transactions is based upon federal income tax lawsCompany’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, statutory and subsidiary audits required in effect on the date of this Proxy Statement. This summary does not purport to be complete,certain locations, consultations concerning financial accounting and does not discuss state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences.

Nonqualified Stock Options. The grant of a nonqualified stock option under the 2017 Plan will not result in any federal income tax consequences to the participant or to the Company. Upon exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the participant will recognize ordinary compensation income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock at the time of exercise over the option exercise price. If the participant is an employee, this income is subject to withholding for federal incomereporting standards, and employment tax purposes. The Company is entitled to an income tax deduction in the amount of the income recognized by the participant, subject to possible limitations imposed by the Code, including Section 162(m) thereof. Any gain or loss on the participant’s subsequent disposition of the shares will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the sales proceeds received and whether the shares are held for more than one year following exercise. The Company does not receive a tax deduction for any subsequent capital gain.regulatory filings.

 

Incentive Options. The grant(2)Audit related fees: in 2018 $29,870 was paid to Marcum LLP related to comfort letters and in 2017 $57,000 was paid to Marcum LLP for merger related services primarily associated with the review of an ISO under the 2017 Plan will not result in any federal income tax consequences tomerger documents and related filings.

During the participant or to the Company. A participant recognizes no federal taxable income upon exercising an ISO (subject to the alternative minimum tax rules discussed below),Company’s two most recent fiscal years, and the subsequent interim period through August 3, 2018, the Company receives no deduction at the timedid not pay any fees to KBL for audit or audit-related services.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of exercise. In the eventAudit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of a disposition of stock acquired upon exercise of an ISO, the tax consequences depend upon how long the participant has held the shares. If the participant does not dispose of the shares within two years after the ISO was granted, nor within one year after the ISO was exercised, the participant will recognize a long-term capital gain (or loss) equal to the difference between the sale price of the shares and the exercise price. The Company is not entitled to any deduction under these circumstances.Independent Auditors

 

IfThe Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the participant failsengagement of KBL to satisfy eitherperform audit and other services for the Company. Our procedures for the pre-approval by the Audit Committee of the foregoing holding periods (referredall services provided by KBL comply with SEC regulations regarding pre-approval of services. Services subject to as a “disqualifying disposition”), he or she will recognize ordinary compensation income in the year of the disposition.these SEC requirements include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The amount of ordinary compensation income generallyaudit engagement is the lesser of (i) the difference between the amount realized on the dispositionspecifically approved and the exercise price or (ii) the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of exercise and the exercise price. Such amount is not subject to withholding for federal income and employment tax purposes, even if the participant is an employee of the Company. Any gain in excess of the amount taxed as ordinary income will generally be treated as a short-term capital gain. The Company, in the year of the disqualifying disposition, is entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary compensation income recognizedauditors are retained by the participant, subject to possible limitations imposedAudit Committee. The Audit Committee also has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all non-audit work performed by KBL. The Audit Committee pre-approved all audit, audit-related, tax and other services which were provided by Marcum for the Code, including Section 162(m) thereof.

New Plan Benefitstwo most recently completed fiscal years.

 

SEC rules requireWe understand the need for KBL to maintain objectivity and independence in its audit of our financial statements. To minimize relationships that could appear to impair the objectivity of KBL, the Audit Committee has restricted the non-audit services that KBL may provide to us primarily to disclose any amounts that we currently are able to determine will be allocated to our named executive officers, directors and other employees following approval of the 2017 Plan. The Company has not made any issuances pursuant to the 2017 Plan.tax services.

 

No Appraisal Rights

 

Under the Nevada Revised Statutes, our shareholders are not entitled to appraisal rights with respect to the approvalour proposed ratification of the 2017 Plan,appointment of KBL as our independent public accountant, and we will not independently provide our shareholders with any such rights.

 

Vote Required

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast for this proposal is required to approveratify the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.appointment of the Company’s independent public accountant. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast on this proposal and will have the same effect as a negative vote. Brokerage firms do not have authority to vote customers’ unvoted shares held by the firms in street name foron this proposal. As a result, any shares not voted by a beneficial owner will be treated asIf a broker non-vote. Suchdoes not exercise this authority, such broker non-votes will have no effect on the results of this vote. We are not required to obtain the approval of our shareholders to appoint the Company’s independent accountant. However, if our shareholders do not ratify the appointment of KBL LLP as the Company’s independent public accountant for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2019, the Audit Committee of the Board may reconsider its appointment.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOUSHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR”APPROVAL RATIFYING THE RETENTION OF KBL LLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACOUNTING FIRM FOR THE 2017 EQUITY INCENTIVEPLAN AND THE RESERVATION OF 1,650,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDERFISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2019..

 

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

Cost and Method

We will pay all of the costs of soliciting these proxies. In addition to solicitation by mail, our employees, officers and directors may, without additional compensation, solicit proxies by mail, e-mail, facsimile, in person or by telephone or other forms of telecommunication. We will ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries to forward these proxy materials to their principals and to obtain authority to execute proxies. We will then reimburse them for their expenses.

Participants in the Proxy Solicitation

Under applicable regulations of the SEC, each of our directors may be deemed to be a participant in our solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting. Please refer to the disclosure in this proxy statement for information about our directors who may be deemed participants in the solicitation. Except as described in this proxy statement, there are no agreements or understandings between us and any of our directors or executive officers relating to their employment with us or any future transactions.

OTHER MATTERS

 

As of the date of this Proxy Statement,proxy statement, the Board knows of no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that proxies in the enclosed form will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the best judgment and in the discretion of the persons voting the proxies.

 

Appendix A

U.S. GOLD CORP.

2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

1.PURPOSE OF PLAN

1.1The purposeOur Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, as amended, as filed with the SEC (other than exhibits thereto), which provides additional information about the Company, is available to beneficial owners of this 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) ofour common stock without charge upon written request to: U.S. Gold, Corp., a Nevada corporation (the “Corporation”),Attention: Secretary, at 1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801. The information is to promote the success of the Corporation and to increase shareholder value by providing an additional meansalso publicly available through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retainEDGAR system atwww.sec.gov and reward selected employees and other eligible persons.

2.ELIGIBILITY

2.1The Administrator (as such term is defined in Section 3.1) may grant awards under this Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An “Eligible Person” is any person who is either: (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; (b) a director of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; or (c) a consultant who renders bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in a capital-raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries) to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator;provided, however, that a person who is otherwise an Eligible Person under clause (c) above may participate in this Plan only if such participation would not adversely affect either the Corporation’s eligibility to use Form S-8 to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the offering and sale of shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation, or the Corporation’s compliance with any other applicable laws. An Eligible Person who has been granted an award (a “participant”) may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional awards if the Administrator shall so determine. As used herein, “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation; and “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

3.PLAN ADMINISTRATION

3.1The Administrator. This Plan shall be administered by and all awards under this Plan shall be authorized by the Administrator. The “Administrator” means the Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan. Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law. A committee may delegate some or all of its authority to another committee so constituted. The Board or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by Section 78.200 of the Nevada Revised Statutes and any other applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to designate Eligible Persons who will receive grants of awards under this Plan, and (b) to determine the number of shares subject to, and the other terms and conditions of, such awards. The Board may delegate different levels of authority to different committees with administrative and grant authority under this Plan. Unless otherwise provided in the bylaws of the Corporation or the applicable charter of any Administrator: (a) a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum, and (b) the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the Administrator shall constitute due authorization of an action by the acting Administrator.

With respect to awards intended to satisfy the requirements for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), this Plan shall be administered by a committee consisting solely of two or more outside directors (as this requirement is applied under Section 162(m) of the Code);provided, however, that the failure to satisfy such requirement shall not affect the validity of the action of any committee otherwise duly authorized and acting in the matter. Award grants, and transactions in or involving awards, intended to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), must be duly and timely authorized by the Board or a committee consisting solely of two or more non-employee directors (as this requirement is applied under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act). To the extent required by any applicable stock exchange, this Plan shall be administered by a committee composed entirely of independent directors (within the meaning of the applicable stock exchange). Awards granted to non-employee directors shall not be subject to the discretion of any officer or employee of the Corporation and shall be administered exclusively by a committee consisting solely of independent directors.

3.2Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the authorization of awards and the administration of this Plan (in the case of a committee or delegation to one or more officers, within the authority delegated to that committee or person(s)), including, without limitation, the authority to:

(a) determine eligibility and, from among those persons determined to be eligible, the particular Eligible Persons who will receive awards under this Plan;

(b) grant awards to Eligible Persons, determine the price at which securities will be offered or awarded and the number of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons, determine the other specific terms and conditions of such awards consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installments (if any) in which such awards shall become exercisable or shall vest (which may include, without limitation, performance and/or time-based schedules), or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, establish any applicable performance targets, and establish the events of termination or reversion of such awards;

(c) approve the forms of award agreements (which need not be identical either as to type of award or among participants);

(d) construe and interpret this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation, its Subsidiaries, and participants under this Plan, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan or the awards granted under this Plan;

(e) cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

(f) accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability or extend the term of any or all such outstanding awards (in the case of options or stock appreciation rights, within the maximum ten-year term of such awards) in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate (including, without limitation, in connection with a termination of employment or services or other events of a personal nature) subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

(g) adjust the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any award, adjust the price of any or all outstanding awards or otherwise change previously imposed terms and conditions, in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate, in each case subject to compliance with applicable stock exchange requirements, Sections 4 and 8.6 and the applicable requirements of Code Section 162(m) and treasury regulations thereunder with respect to awards that are intended to satisfy the requirements for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), and provided that in no case (except due to an adjustment contemplated by Section 7 or any repricing that may be approved by shareholders) shall such an adjustment constitute a repricing (by amendment, cancellation and regrant, exchange or other means) of the per share exercise or base price of any stock option or stock appreciation right or other award granted under this Plan, and further provided that any adjustment or change in terms made pursuant to this Section 3.2(g) shall be made in a manner that, in the good faith determination of the Administrator will not likely result in the imposition of additional taxes or interest under Section 409A of the Code;

(h) determine the date of grant of an award, which may be a designated date after but not before the date of the Administrator’s action (unless otherwise designated by the Administrator, the date of grant of an award shall be the date upon which the Administrator took the action granting an award);

(i) determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 7 hereof and authorize the termination, conversion, substitution, acceleration or succession of awards upon the occurrence of an event of the type described in Section 7;

(j) acquire or settle (subject to Sections 7 and 8.6) rights under awards in cash, stock of equivalent value, or other consideration; and

(k) determine the Fair Market Value (as defined in Section 5.6) of the Common Stock or awards under this Plan from time to time and/or the manner in which such value will be determined.

3.3Binding Determinations. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons. Neither the Board, the Administrator, nor any Board committee, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan (or any award made under this Plan), and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, legal fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time.

3.4Relianceavailable on Experts. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including professional advisors to the Corporation. The Administrator shall not be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith based upon such advice.

3.5our website atDelegation of Non-Discretionary Functions. In addition to the ability to delegate certain grant authority to officers of the Corporation as set forth in Section 3.1, the Administrator may also delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or to third parties.

4.SHARES OF COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; SHARE LIMIT

4.1Shares Available. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, the capital stock available for issuance under this Plan shall be shares of the Corporation’s authorized but unissued Common Stock. For purposes of this Plan, “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Corporation and such other securities or property as may become the subject of awards under this Plan, or may become subject to such awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 7.1.

4.2Share Limit. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan may not exceed 1,650,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Share Limit”).

The foregoing Share Limit is subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 4.3, Section 7.1, and Section 8.10.

4.3Awards Settled in Cash, Reissue of Awards and Shares. The Administrator may adopt reasonable counting procedures to ensure appropriate counting, avoid double counting (as, for example, in the case of tandem or substitute awards) and make adjustments in accordance with this Section 4.3. Shares shall be counted against those reserved to the extent such shares have been delivered and are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Accordingly, (i) to the extent that an award under the Plan, in whole or in part, is canceled, expired, forfeited, settled in cash, settled by delivery of fewer shares than the number of shares underlying the award, or otherwise terminated without delivery of shares to the participant, the shares retained by or returned to the Corporation will not be deemed to have been delivered under the Plan and will be deemed to remain or to become available under this Plan; and (ii) shares that are withheld from such an award or separately surrendered by the participant in payment of the exercise price or taxes relating to such an award shall be deemed to constitute shares not delivered and will be deemed to remain or to become available under the Plan. The foregoing adjustments to the Share Limit of this Plan are subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to awards intended as performance-based compensation thereunder.

4.4Reservation of Shares; No Fractional Shares. The Corporation shall at all times reserve a number of shares of Common Stock sufficient to cover the Corporation’s obligations and contingent obligations to deliver shares with respect to awards then outstanding under this Plan (exclusive of any dividend equivalent obligations to the extent the Corporation has the right to settle such rights in cash). No fractional shares shall be delivered under this Plan. The Administrator may pay cash in lieu of any fractional shares in settlements of awards under this Plan.

5.AWARDS

5.1Type and Form of Awards. The Administrator shall determine the type or types of award(s) to be made to each selected Eligible Person. Awards may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. The types of awards that may be granted under this Plan are:

5.1.1Stock Options. A stock option is the grant of a right to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock during a specified period as determined by the Administrator. An option may be intended as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (an “ISO”) or a nonqualified stock option (an option not intended to be an ISO). The award agreement for an option will indicate if the option is intended as an ISO; otherwise it will be deemed to be a nonqualified stock option. The maximum term of each option (ISO or nonqualified) shall be ten (10) years. The per share exercise price for each option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the option. When an option is exercised, the exercise price for the shares to be purchased shall be paid in full in cash or such other method permitted by the Administrator consistent with Section 5.5.

5.1.2Additional Rules Applicable to ISOs. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant of the applicable option) of stock with respect to which ISOs first become exercisable by a participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Common Stock subject to ISOs under this Plan and stock subject to ISOs under all other plans of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries (or any parent or predecessor corporation to the extent required by and within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder), such options shall be treated as nonqualified stock options. In reducing the number of options treated as ISOs to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted options shall be reduced first. To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, designate which shares of Common Stock are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO. ISOs may only be granted to employees of the Corporation or one of its subsidiaries (for this purpose, the term “subsidiary” is used as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, which generally requires an unbroken chain of ownership of at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of each subsidiary in the chain beginning with the Corporation and ending with the subsidiary in question). There shall be imposed in any award agreement relating to ISOs such other terms and conditions as from time to time are required in order that the option be an “incentive stock option” as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time the option is granted, owns (or is deemed to own under Section 424(d) of the Code) shares of outstanding Common Stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation, unless the exercise price of such option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the stock subject to the option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such option is granted.

5.1.3Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right or “SAR” is a right to receive a payment, in cash and/or Common Stock, equal to the number of shares of Common Stock being exercised multiplied by the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the SAR is exercised, over (ii) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the SAR was granted as specified in the applicable award agreement (the “base price”). The maximum term of a SAR shall be ten (10) years.

5.1.4Restricted Shares.

(a)Restrictionshttps://ir.usgoldcorp.gold/sec-filing. Restricted shares are shares of Common Stock subject to such restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions, if any, as the Administrator may impose, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances (including based on achievement of performance goals and/or future service requirements), in such installments or otherwise, as the Administrator may determine at the date of grant or thereafter. Except to the extent restricted under the terms of this Plan and the applicable award agreement relating to the restricted stock, a participant granted restricted stock shall have all of the rights of a shareholder, including the right to vote the restricted stock and the right to receive dividends thereon (subject to any mandatory reinvestment or other requirement imposed by the Administrator).

(b)Certificates for Shares. Restricted shares granted under this Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator shall determine. If certificates representing restricted stock are registered in the name of the participant, the Administrator may require that such certificates bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to such restricted stock, that the Corporation retain physical possession of the certificates, and that the participant deliver a stock power to the Corporation, endorsed in blank, relating to the restricted stock. The Administrator may require that restricted shares are held in escrow until all restrictions lapse

(c)Dividends and Splits. As a condition to the grant of an award of restricted stock, subject to applicable law, the Administrator may require or permit a participant to elect that any cash dividends paid on a share of restricted stock be automatically reinvested in additional shares of restricted stock or applied to the purchase of additional awards under this Plan. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, stock distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and other property distributed as a dividend, shall be subject to restrictions and a risk of forfeiture to the same extent as the restricted stock with respect to which such stock or other property has been distributed.

5.1.5Restricted Share Units.

(a)Grant of Restricted Share Units. A restricted share unit, or “RSU”, represents the right to receive from the Corporation on the respective scheduled vesting or payment date for such RSU, one Common Share. An award of RSUs may be subject to the attainment of specified performance goals or targets, forfeitability provisions and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine, subject to the provisions of this Plan. At the time an award of RSUs is made, the Administrator shall establish a period of time during which the restricted share units shall vest and the timing for settlement of the RSU.

(b)Dividend Equivalent Accounts. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable award agreement, as well as any procedures established by the Administrator, prior to the expiration of the applicable vesting period of an RSU, the Administrator may determine to pay dividend equivalent rights with respect to RSUs, in which case, the Corporation shall establish an account for the participant and reflect in that account any securities, cash or other property comprising any dividend or property distribution with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying each RSU. Each amount or other property credited to any such account shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the RSU to which it relates. The participant shall have the right to be paid the amounts or other property credited to such account upon vesting of the subject RSU.

(c)Rights as a Shareholder. Subject to the restrictions imposed under the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable award agreement, each participant receiving RSUs shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to such RSUs until such time as shares of Common Stock are issued to the participant. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued at the time a RSU is granted, and the Company will not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of any such award. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, shares of Common Stock issuable under an RSU shall be treated as issued on the first date that the holder of the RSU is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture as determined for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and the holder shall be the owner of such shares of Common Stock on such date. An award agreement may provide that issuance of shares of Common Stock under an RSU may be deferred beyond the first date that the RSU is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, provided that such deferral is structured in a manner that is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

5.1.6Cash Awards.The Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as it may determine, grant cash bonuses (including without limitation, discretionary awards, awards based on objective or subjective performance criteria, awards subject to other vesting criteria or awards granted consistent with Section 5.2 below). Cash awards shall be awarded in such amount and at such times during the term of the Plan as the Administrator shall determine.

5.1.7Other Awards. The other types of awards that may be granted under this Plan include: (a) stock bonuses, performance stock, performance units, dividend equivalents, or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price or ratio related to the Common Stock (subject to the requirements of Section 5.1.1 and in compliance with applicable laws), upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, or the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; or (b) any similar securities with a value derived from the value of or related to the Common Stock and/or returns thereon.

5.2Section 162(m) Performance-Based Awards. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any of the types of awards listed in Sections 5.1.4 through 5.1.7 above may be, and options and SARs granted with an exercise or base price not less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the date of grant (“Qualifying Options” and “Qualifying SARs,” respectively) typically will be, granted as awards intended to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (“Performance-Based Awards”). The grant, vesting, exercisability or payment of Performance-Based Awards may depend (or, in the case of Qualifying Options or Qualifying SARs, may also depend) on the degree of achievement of one or more performance goals relative to a pre-established targeted level or levels using the Business Criteria provided for below for the Corporation on a consolidated basis or for one or more of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, segments, divisions or business units, or any combination of the foregoing. Such criteria may be evaluated on an absolute basis or relative to prior periods, industry peers, or stock market indices. Any Qualifying Option or Qualifying SAR shall be subject to the requirements of Section 5.2.1 and 5.2.3 in order for such award to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. Any other Performance-Based Award shall be subject to all of the following provisions of this Section 5.2.

5.2.1Class; Administrator. The eligible class of persons for Performance-Based Awards under this Section 5.2 shall be officers and employees of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. The Administrator approving Performance-Based Awards or making any certification required pursuant to Section 5.2.4 must be constituted as provided in Section 3.1 for awards that are intended as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.

5.2.2Performance Goals. The specific performance goals for Performance-Based Awards (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) shall be, on an absolute or relative basis, established based on such business criteria as selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion (“Business Criteria”), including the following: (1) earnings per share, (2) cash flow (which means cash and cash equivalents derived from either (i) net cash flow from operations or (ii) net cash flow from operations, financing and investing activities), (3) total shareholder return, (4) price per share of Common Stock, (5) gross revenue, (6) revenue growth, (7) operating income (before or after taxes), (8) net earnings (before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization), (9) return on equity, (10) capital employed, or on assets or on net investment, (11) cost containment or reduction, (12) cash cost per ounce of production, (13) operating margin, (14) debt reduction, (15) resource amounts, (16) production or production growth, (17) resource replacement or resource growth, (18) successful completion of financings, or (19) any combination of the foregoing. To qualify awards as performance-based under Section 162(m), the applicable Business Criterion (or Business Criteria, as the case may be) and specific performance goal or goals (“targets”) must be established and approved by the Administrator during the first 90 days of the performance period (and, in the case of performance periods of less than one year, in no event after 25% or more of the performance period has elapsed) and while performance relating to such target(s) remains substantially uncertain within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. Performance targets shall be adjusted to mitigate the unbudgeted impact of material, unusual or nonrecurring gains and losses, accounting changes or other extraordinary events not foreseen at the time the targets were set unless the Administrator provides otherwise at the time of establishing the targets; provided that the Administrator may not make any adjustment to the extent it would adversely affect the qualification of any compensation payable under such performance targets as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of Code. The applicable performance measurement period may not be less than 3 months nor more than 10 years.

5.2.3Form of Payment.Grants or awards intended to qualify under this Section 5.2 may be paid in cash or shares of Common Stock or any combination thereof.

5.2.4Certification of Payment. Before any Performance-Based Award under this Section 5.2 (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) is paid and to the extent required to qualify the award as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator must certify in writing that the performance target(s) and any other material terms of the Performance-Based Award were in fact timely satisfied.

5.2.5Reservation of Discretion. The Administrator will have the discretion to determine the restrictions or other limitations of the individual awards granted under this Section 5.2 including the authority to reduce awards, payouts or vesting or to pay no awards, in its sole discretion, if the Administrator preserves such authority at the time of grant by language to this effect in its authorizing resolutions or otherwise.

5.2.6Expiration of Grant Authority. As required pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Administrator’s authority to grant new awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) shall terminate upon the first meeting of the Corporation’s shareholders that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the Corporation’s shareholders first approve this Plan (the “162(m) Term”).

5.2.7Compensation Limitations. The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued to any Eligible Person during the term of this Plan pursuant to Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs may not exceed the Share Limit. The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued to any Eligible Person pursuant to Performance-Based Awards granted during the 162(m) Term (other than cash awards granted pursuant to Section 5.1.6 and Qualifying Options or Qualifying SARs) may not exceed the Share Limit. The maximum amount that may be paid to any Eligible Person pursuant to Performance-Based Awards granted pursuant to Sections 5.1.6 (cash awards) during the 162(m) Term may not exceed $1,000,000.

5.3Award Agreements. Each award shall be evidenced by a written or electronic award agreement in the form approved by the Administrator and, if required by the Administrator, executed by the recipient of the award. The Administrator may authorize any officer of the Corporation (other than the particular award recipient) to execute any or all award agreements on behalf of the Corporation (electronically or otherwise). The award agreement shall set forth the material terms and conditions of the award as established by the Administrator consistent with the express limitations of this Plan.

5.4Deferrals and Settlements. Payment of awards may be in the form of cash, Common Stock, other awards or combinations thereof as the Administrator shall determine, and with such restrictions as it may impose. The Administrator may also require or permit participants to elect to defer the issuance of shares of Common Stock or the settlement of awards in cash under such rules and procedures as it may establish under this Plan. The Administrator may also provide that deferred settlements include the payment or crediting of interest or other earnings on the deferral amounts, or the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents where the deferred amounts are denominated in shares. All mandatory or elective deferrals of the issuance of shares of Common Stock or the settlement of cash awards shall be structured in a manner that is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

5.5Consideration for Common Stock or Awards. The purchase price for any award granted under this Plan or the Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to an award, as applicable, may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Administrator and subject to compliance with applicable laws, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:

services rendered by the recipient of such award;
cash, check payable to the order of the Corporation, or electronic funds transfer;
notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator;
the delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock that are fully vested and unencumbered;
by a reduction in the number of shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the award; or
subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of awards.

In the event that the Administrator allows a participant to exercise an award by delivering shares of Common Stock previously owned by such participant and unless otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, any shares delivered which were initially acquired by the participant from the Corporation (upon exercise of a stock option or otherwise) must have been owned by the participant at least six months as of the date of delivery (or such other period as may be required by the Administrator in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment). Shares of Common Stock used to satisfy the exercise price of an option shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise. The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver any shares unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise or purchase price therefor and any related withholding obligations under Section 8.5 and any other conditions to exercise or purchase, as established from time to time by the Administrator, have been satisfied. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, the Administrator may at any time eliminate or limit a participant’s ability to pay the purchase or exercise price of any award by any method other than cash payment to the Corporation.

5.6Definition of Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Plan “Fair Market Value” shall mean, unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator in the circumstances, the closing price for a share of Common Stock on the trading day immediately before the grant date, as furnished by the NASDAQ Stock Market or other principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed for the date in question, or if the Common Stock is no longer listed on a principal stock exchange, then by the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board or OTC Markets. If the Common Stock is no longer listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market or listed on a principal stock exchange or is no longer actively traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board or OTC Markets as of the applicable date, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the award in the circumstances.

5.7Transfer Restrictions.

5.7.1Limitations on Exercise and Transfer. Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 5.7, by applicable law and by the award agreement, as the same may be amended, (a) all awards are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; (b) awards shall be exercised only by the participant; and (c) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to any award shall be delivered only to (or for the account of) the participant.

5.7.2Exceptions. The Administrator may permit awards to be exercised by and paid to, or otherwise transferred to, other persons or entities pursuant to such conditions and procedures, including limitations on subsequent transfers, as the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, establish in writing (provided that any such transfers of ISOs shall be limited to the extent permitted under the federal tax laws governing ISOs). Any permitted transfer shall be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws.

5.7.3Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer. The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 5.7.1 shall not apply to:

(a) transfers to the Corporation,

(b) the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the participant’s death or, if the participant has died, transfers to or exercise by the participant’s beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution,

(c) subject to any applicable limitations on ISOs, transfers to a family member (or former family member) pursuant to a domestic relations order if approved or ratified by the Administrator,

(d) subject to any applicable limitations on ISOs, if the participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the participant by his or her legal representative, or

(e) the authorization by the Administrator of “cashless exercise” procedures with third parties who provide financing for the purpose of (or who otherwise facilitate) the exercise of awards consistent with applicable laws and the express authorization of the Administrator.

5.8International Awards. One or more awards may be granted to Eligible Persons who provide services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries outside of the United States. Any awards granted to such persons may, if deemed necessary or advisable by the Administrator, be granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of any applicable sub-plans, if any, appended to this Plan and approved by the Administrator.

5.9Vesting. Subject to Section 5.1.2 hereof, awards shall vest at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Administrator at the time of grant;provided, however, that in the absence of any award vesting periods designated by the Administrator at the time of grant in the applicable award agreement, awards shall vest as to one-third of the total number of shares subject to the award on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.

6. EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE ON AWARDS

6.1Termination of Employment.

6.1.1The Administrator shall establish the effect of a termination of employment or service on the rights and benefits under each award under this Plan and in so doing may make distinctions based upon, inter alia, the cause of termination and type of award. If the participant is not an employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and provides other services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, the Administrator shall be the sole judge for purposes of this Plan (unless a contract or the award agreement otherwise provides) of whether the participant continues to render services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and the date, if any, upon which such services shall be deemed to have terminated.

6.1.2For awards of stock options or SARs, unless the award agreement provides otherwise, the exercise period of such options or SARs shall expire: (1) three months after the last day that the participant is employed by or provides services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary (provided; however, that in the event of the participant’s death during this period, those persons entitled to exercise the option or SAR pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution shall have one year following the date of death within which to exercise such option or SAR); (2) in the case of a participant whose termination of employment is due to death or disability (as defined in the applicable award agreement), 12 months after the last day that the participant is employed by or provides services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary; and (3) immediately upon a participant’s termination for “cause”. The Administrator will, in its absolute discretion, determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to a termination of employment, including, but not by way of limitation, the question of whether a leave of absence constitutes a termination of employment and whether a participant’s termination is for “cause.”

If not defined in the applicable award agreement, “Cause” shall mean:

(i) conviction of a felony or a crime involving fraud or moral turpitude; or

(ii) theft, material act of dishonesty or fraud, intentional falsification of any employment or Company records, or commission of any criminal act which impairs participant’s ability to perform appropriate employment duties for the Corporation; or

(iii) intentional or reckless conduct or gross negligence materially harmful to the Company or the successor to the Corporation after a Change in Control , including violation of a non-competition or confidentiality agreement; or

(iv) willful failure to follow lawful instructions of the person or body to which participant reports; or

(v) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of participant’s assigned duties. Cause shallnot include mere unsatisfactory performance in the achievement of participant’s job objectives.

6.1.3For awards of restricted shares, unless the award agreement provides otherwise, restricted shares that are subject to restrictions at the time that a participant whose employment or service is terminated shall be forfeited and reacquired by the Corporation;provided that, the Administrator may provide, by rule or regulation or in any award agreement, or may determine in any individual case, that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to restricted shares shall be waived in whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified causes, and the Administrator may in other cases waive in whole or in part the forfeiture of restricted shares. Similar rules shall apply in respect of RSUs.

6.2Events Not Deemed Terminations of Service. Unless the express policy of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator, otherwise provides, the employment relationship shall not be considered terminated in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence authorized by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator; provided that unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law, such leave is for a period of not more than 3 months. In the case of any employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the award while on leave from the employ of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be suspended until the employee returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the award agreement.

6.3Effect of Change of Subsidiary Status. For purposes of this Plan and any award, if an entity ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Corporation, a termination of employment or service shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of another entity within the Corporation or another Subsidiary that continues as such after giving effect to the transaction or other event giving rise to the change in status.

7. ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION

7.1Adjustments. (a) Upon or in contemplation of any of the following events described in this Section 7.1,: any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split (“stock split”); any merger, arrangement, combination, consolidation, or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Stock (whether in the form of securities or property); any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock; then the Administrator shall in such manner, to such extent and at such time as it deems appropriate and equitable in the circumstances (but subject to compliance with applicable laws and stock exchange requirements) proportionately adjust any or all of (1) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of awards (including the number of shares provided for in this Plan), (2) the number, amount and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to any or all outstanding awards, (3) the grant, purchase, or exercise price (which term includes the base price of any SAR or similar right) of any or all outstanding awards, (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or payment of any outstanding awards, and (5) the 162(m) compensation limitations set forth in Section 5.2.7 and (subject to Section 8.8.3(a)) the performance standards applicable to any outstanding awards (provided that no adjustment shall be allowed to the extent inconsistent with the requirements of Code section 162(m)). Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall be made in a manner that, in the good faith determination of the Administrator, will not likely result in the imposition of additional taxes or interest under Section 409A of the Code. With respect to any award of an ISO, the Administrator may make such an adjustment that causes the option to cease to qualify as an ISO without the consent of the affected participant.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, on each Calculation Date commencing on January 1, 2018, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that are available for issuance shall automatically be increased by such number of shares as is equal to the number of shares sufficient to cause the Share Limit to equal twenty percent (20%) of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation at such time,provided, however, that if on any Calculation Date the number of shares equal twenty percent (20%) of our total issued and outstanding Common Stock is less than the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan, no change will be made to the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable under the Plan for that year (such that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan will never decrease). “Calculation Date“ means January 1st of each year during the term of the Plan.

 

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7.2APPENDIX A


FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR NEVADA PROFIT CORPORATIONS

(Pursuant to NRS 78.385 and 78.390 – After Issuance of Stock)

1.Name of Corporation: U.S. Gold Corp.
2.The following amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, were approved by the directors and thereafter duly adopted by the shareholders of the corporation on the __ day of __, __.
3.The number of shares outstanding at the time of the adoption of the amendment was: __ shares. The total number of shares entitled to vote thereon was: __ shares of Common Stock.
4.Resolved that Article III is hereby amended and restated as follows:

“3.01Change in ControlAuthorized Capital Stock.. The total number of shares of stock this Corporation is authorized to issue is two hundred fifty million (250,000,000) shares. This stock shall be divided into two classes to be designated as “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.”

3.02Common Stock. The total number of authorized shares of Common Stock shall be two hundred million (200,000,000) shares with par value of $0.001 per share.

Upon a Change in Control, each then-outstanding optionthe filing and SAR shall automatically become fully vested, all restricted shares then outstanding shall automatically fully vest free of restrictions, and each other award granted under this Plan that is then outstanding shall automatically become vested and payable to the holder of such awardunlessthe Administrator has made appropriate provision for the substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation of the awardeffectiveness (the “Effective Time”) pursuant to the Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may choose (in an award agreement or otherwise) to provide for full or partial accelerated vestingNevada Revised Statutes of any award upon a Change In Control (or upon any other event or other circumstance relatedthis amendment to the Change in Control, suchCorporation’s Articles of Incorporation, as an involuntary terminationamended, each __ (__) shares of employment occurring after such Change in Control, as the Administrator may determine), irrespective of whether such any such award has been substituted, assumed, exchanged or otherwise continued pursuant to the Change in Control.

For purposes of this Plan, “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(i) a tender offer (or series of related offers) shall be madeCommon Stock issued and consummated for the ownership of 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation, unless as a result of such tender offer more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of the Corporation (as of the time immediately prior to the commencementEffective Time either issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation as treasury stock shall be combined into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock without any further action by the Corporation or the holder thereof (the “Reverse Stock Split”); provided that no fractional shares shall be issued to any holder and that instead of issuing such fractional shares, the holder shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the closing sale price of the Company’s Common Stock on the business day immediately preceding the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market by (ii) the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock held by the shareholder that would otherwise have been exchanged for the fractional share interest. Each certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares of Common Stock (“Old Certificates”), shall thereafter represent that number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock represented by the Old Certificate shall have been combined, subject to the treatment of fractional shares as described above.

3.03Preferred Stock. The total number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock shall be fifty million (50,000,000) shares with par value of $0.001 per share. The board of directors shall have the authority to authorize the issuance of the Preferred Stock from time to time in one or more classes or series, and to state in the resolution or resolutions from time to time adopted providing for the issuance thereof the following:

(a) Whether or not the class or series shall have voting rights, full or limited, the nature and qualifications, limitations and restrictions on those rights, or whether the class or series will be without voting rights;

(b) The number of shares to constitute the class or series and the designation thereof;

(c) The preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, if any, with respect to any class or series;

(d) Whether or not the shares of any class or series shall be redeemable and if redeemable, the redemption price or prices, and the time or times at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such shares shall be redeemable and the manner of redemption;

(e) Whether or not the shares of a class or series shall be subject to the operation of retirement or sinking funds to be applied to the purchase or redemption of such offer), any employee benefit planshares for retirement, and if such retirement or sinking funds be established, the amount and the terms and provisions thereof;

(f) The dividend rate, whether dividends are payable in cash, stock of the Corporation, or its Subsidiaries,other property, the conditions upon which and their affiliates;the times when such dividends are payable, the preference to or the relation to the payment of dividends payable on any other class or classes or series of stock, whether or not such dividend shall be cumulative or noncumulative, and if cumulative, the date or dates from which such dividends shall accumulate;

 

(ii)(g) The preferences, if any, and the Corporation shall be mergedamounts thereof which the holders of any class or consolidated with another entity, unless as a resultseries thereof are entitled to receive upon the voluntary or involuntary dissolution of, such merger or consolidation more than 50%upon any distribution of assets of, the outstanding voting securitiesCorporation;

(h) Whether or not the shares of any class or series are convertible into, or exchangeable for, the shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the surviving or resulting entity shall be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of the Corporation (as of the time immediately prior to such transaction), any employee benefit plan of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries, and their affiliates;

(iii) the Corporation shall sell substantially all of its assets to another entity that is not wholly owned by the Corporation, unless as a result of such sale more than 50% of such assets shall be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of the Corporation (as of the time immediately prior to such transaction), any employee benefit plan of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries and their affiliates; or

(iv) a Person (as defined below) shall acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation (whether directly, indirectly, beneficially or of record), unless as a result of such acquisition more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the shareholders of the Corporation (as of the time immediately prior to the first acquisition of such securities by such Person), any employee benefit plan of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries, and their affiliates.

For purposes of this Section 5(c), ownership of voting securities shall take into account and shall include ownership as determined by applying the provisions of Rule 13d-3(d)(I)(i) (as in effect on the date hereof) under the Exchange Act. In addition, for such purposes, “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof;provided,however, that a Person shall not include (A) the Companysame or any of its Subsidiaries; (B) a trusteeother class or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities; or (D) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownershipclasses of stock of the Company.Corporation and the conversion price or prices or ratio or ratios or the rate or rates at which such exchange may be made, with such adjustments, if any, as shall be stated and expressed or provided for in such resolution or resolutions; and

 

Notwithstanding(i) Such other rights and provisions with respect to any class or series as may to the foregoing, (1) the Administrator may waive the requirement described in paragraph (iv) above that a Person must acquire more than 50%board of directors seem advisable.

The shares of each class or series of the outstanding voting securitiesPreferred Stock may vary from the shares of any other class or series thereof in any respect. The Board of Directors may increase the number of shares of the CorporationPreferred Stock designated for a Change in Control to have occurred if the Administrator determines that the percentage acquiredany existing class or series by a person is significant (as determined by the Administrator in its discretion)resolution adding to such class or series authorized and that waiving such condition is appropriate in light of all facts and circumstances, and (2) no compensation that has been deferred for purposes of Section 409Aunissued shares of the Code shall be payable as a result of a Change in Control unless the Change in Control qualifies as a change in ownershipPreferred Stock not designated for any existing class or effective controlseries of the Corporation withinPreferred Stock and the meaning of Section 409Ashares so subtracted shall become authorized, unissued and undesignated shares of the Code.Preferred Stock.”

 

5.The vote by which the shareholders holding shares in the Corporation entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power, or such greater proportion of the voting power as may be required in the case of a vote by classes or series, or as may be required by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation have voted in favor of the amendment is at least 51%.
6.This Certificate of Amendment shall become effective at __ on __, __.

Dated this __ day of __, __By:
Name:
Title:

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7.3Early Termination of Awards. Any award that has been accelerated as required or permitted by Section 7.2 upon a Change in Control (or would have been so accelerated but for Section 7.4 or 7.5) shall terminate upon such event, subject to any provision that has been expressly made by the Administrator, through a plan of reorganization or otherwise, for the survival, substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation of such award and provided that, in the case of options and SARs that will not survive, be substituted for, assumed, exchanged, or otherwise continued in the transaction, the holder of such award shall be given reasonable advance notice of the impending termination and a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her outstanding options and SARs in accordance with their terms before the termination of such awards (except that in no case shall more than ten days’ notice of accelerated vesting and the impending termination be required and any acceleration may be made contingent upon the actual occurrence of the event).

The Administrator may make provision for payment in cash or property (or both) in respect of awards terminated pursuant to this section as a result of the Change in Control and may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding awards as it deems reasonable and, in the case of options, SARs or similar rights, and without limiting other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess if any of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the award.

7.4Other Acceleration Rules. Any acceleration of awards pursuant to this Section 7 shall comply with applicable legal and stock exchange requirements and, if necessary to accomplish the purposes of the acceleration or if the circumstances require, may be deemed by the Administrator to occur a limited period of time not greater than 30 days before the event. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may deem an acceleration to occur immediately prior to the applicable event and/or reinstate the original terms of an award if an event giving rise to the acceleration does not occur. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Administrator may override the provisions of Section 7.2, 7.3, and/or 7.5 by express provision in the award agreement or otherwise. The portion of any ISO accelerated pursuant to Section 7.2 or any other action permitted hereunder shall remain exercisable as an ISO only to the extent the applicable $100,000 limitation on ISOs is not exceeded. To the extent exceeded, the accelerated portion of the option shall be exercisable as a nonqualified stock option under the Code. 

7.5Possible Rescission of Acceleration. If the vesting of an award has been accelerated expressly in anticipation of an event and the Administrator later determines that the event will not occur, the Administrator may rescind the effect of the acceleration as to any then outstanding and unexercised or otherwise unvested awards;provided, that, in the case of any compensation that has been deferred for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, the Administrator determines that such rescission will not likely result in the imposition of additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A.

8. OTHER PROVISIONS

8.1Compliance with Laws. This Plan, the granting and vesting of awards under this Plan, the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock, the acceptance of promissory notes and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities law, federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any applicable stock exchange listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.

8.2Future Awards/Other Rights. No person shall have any claim or rights to be granted an award (or additional awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights (set forth in a document other than this Plan) to the contrary.

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8.3No Employment/Service Contract. Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or in any award) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or other participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to change a person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing in this Section 8.3, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract other than an award agreement.

 

8.4Plan Not Funded. Awards payable under this Plan shall be payable in shares or from the general assets of the Corporation, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of such awards. No participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock, except as expressly otherwise provided) of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries by reason of any award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and any participant, beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a participant, beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any award hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.

8.5Tax Withholding. Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any award, the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right at its option to:

(a) require the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of at least the minimum amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment; or

(b) deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash to the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) the minimum amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such cash payment.

In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of shares of Common Stock under this Plan, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 8.1) grant (either at the time of the award or thereafter) to the participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, to have the Corporation reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their Fair Market Value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable withholding obligation on exercise, vesting or payment. In no event shall the shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of shares required for tax withholding under applicable law.

8.6Effective Date, Termination and Suspension, Amendments.

8.6.1Effective Date and Termination. This Plan was approved by the Board and became effective on June 1, 2017. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on June 1, 2027. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated expiration date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.

8.6.2Board Authorization. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part. No awards may be granted during any period that the Board suspends this Plan.

8.6.3Shareholder Approval. To the extent then required by applicable law or any applicable stock exchange or required under Sections 162, 422 or 424 of the Code to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, this Plan and any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to shareholder approval.

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8.6.4Amendments to Awards. Without limiting any other express authority of the Administrator under (but subject to) the express limits of this Plan, the Administrator by agreement or resolution may waive conditions of or limitations on awards to participants that the Administrator in the prior exercise of its discretion has imposed, without the consent of a participant, and (subject to the requirements of Sections 3.2 and 8.6.5) may make other changes to the terms and conditions of awards. Any amendment or other action that would constitute a repricing of an award is subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3.2(g).

8.6.5Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards. No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or change of or affecting any outstanding award shall, without written consent of the participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the participant any rights or benefits of the participant or obligations of the Corporation under any award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 7 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 8.6.

8.7Privileges of Stock Ownership. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator or this Plan, a participant shall not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any shares of Common Stock not actually delivered to and held of record by the participant. No adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a shareholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery.

8.8Governing Law; Construction; Severability.

8.8.1Choice of Law. This Plan, the awards, all documents evidencing awards and all other related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada.

8.8.2Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.

8.8.3Plan Construction.

(a)Rule 16b-3. It is the intent of the Corporation that the awards and transactions permitted by awards be interpreted in a manner that, in the case of participants who are or may be subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, qualify, to the maximum extent compatible with the express terms of the award, for exemption from matching liability under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have no liability to any participant for Section 16 consequences of awards or events under awards if an award or event does not so qualify.

(b)Section 162(m). Awards under Sections 5.1.4 through 5.1.7 to persons described in Section 5.2 that are either granted or become vested, exercisable or payable based on attainment of one or more performance goals related to the Business Criteria, as well as Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs granted to persons described in Section 5.2, that are approved by a committee composed solely of two or more outside directors (as this requirement is applied under Section 162(m) of the Code) shall be deemed to be intended as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code unless such committee provides otherwise at the time of grant of the award. It is the further intent of the Corporation that (to the extent the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries or awards under this Plan may be or become subject to limitations on deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code) any such awards and any other Performance-Based Awards under Section 5.2 that are granted to or held by a person subject to Section 162(m) will qualify as performance-based compensation or otherwise be exempt from deductibility limitations under Section 162(m).

(c)Code Section 409A Compliance. The Board intends that, except as may be otherwise determined by the Administrator, any awards under the Plan are either exempt from or satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related regulations and Treasury pronouncements (“Section 409A”) to avoid the imposition of any taxes, including additional income or penalty taxes, thereunder. If the Administrator determines that an award, award agreement, acceleration, adjustment to the terms of an award, payment, distribution, deferral election, transaction or any other action or arrangement contemplated by the provisions of the Plan would, if undertaken, cause a participant’s award to become subject to Section 409A, unless the Administrator expressly determines otherwise, such award, award agreement, payment, acceleration, adjustment, distribution, deferral election, transaction or other action or arrangement shall not be undertaken and the related provisions of the Plan and/or award agreement will be deemed modified or, if necessary, rescinded in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent determined by the Administrator without the content or notice to the participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor the Administrator shall have any obligation to take any action to prevent the assessment of any excise tax or penalty on any participant under Section 409A and neither the Company nor the Administrator will have any liability to any participant for such tax or penalty.

(d)No Guarantee of Favorable Tax Treatment. Although the Company intends that awards under the Plan will be exempt from, or will comply with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the Company does not warrant that any award under the Plan will qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 409A of the Code or any other provision of federal, state, local or foreign law. The Company shall not be liable to any participant for any tax, interest or penalties the participant might owe as a result of the grant, holding, vesting, exercise or payment of any award under the Plan

8.9Captions. Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.

8.10Stock-Based Awards in Substitution for Stock Options or Awards Granted by Other Corporation. Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons in substitution for or in connection with an assumption of employee stock options, SARs, restricted stock or other stock-based awards granted by other entities to persons who are or who will become Eligible Persons in respect of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, in connection with a distribution, arrangement, business combination, merger or other reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the stock or assets of the employing entity. The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided the awards reflect only adjustments giving effect to the assumption or substitution consistent with the conversion applicable to the Common Stock in the transaction and any change in the issuer of the security. Any shares that are delivered and any awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Corporation, as a result of the assumption by the Corporation of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired company (or previously granted by a predecessor employer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) in the case of persons that become employed by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in connection with a business or asset acquisition or similar transaction) shall not be counted against the Share Limit or other limits on the number of shares available for issuance under this Plan, except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator at the time of such assumption or substitution or as may be required to comply with the requirements of any applicable stock exchange.

8.11Non-Exclusivity of Plan. Nothing in this Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Stock, under any other plan or authority.

8.12No Corporate Action Restriction. The existence of this Plan, the award agreements and the awards granted hereunder shall not limit, affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Board or the shareholders of the Corporation to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the capital structure or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (b) any merger, arrangement, business combination, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the capital stock (or the rights thereof) of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or (f) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any Subsidiary. No participant, beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any award or award agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, as a result of any such action.

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8.13Other Corporation Benefit and Compensation Programs. Payments and other benefits received by a participant under an award made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Administrator expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing or except as otherwise specifically set forth in the terms and conditions of such other employee welfare or benefit plan or arrangement. Awards under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans or arrangements of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.

8.14Prohibition on Repricing. Subject to Section 4, the Administrator shall not, without the approval of the shareholders of the Corporation (i) reduce the exercise price, or cancel and reissue options so as to in effect reduce the exercise price or (ii) change the manner of determining the exercise price so that the exercise price is less than the fair market value per share of Common Stock.

As adopted by the Board of Directors of U.S. Gold Corp. on June 1, 2017.