United
States
Securities
and Exchange Commission
Washington,
D.C. 20549
F orm
10-K/A
A mendment
No. 1
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2021
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from ___________ to __________.
Commission
file number: 001-33899
Digital
Ally, Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
20-0064269
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
No.)
14001
Marshall Drive , Lenexa , KS
66215
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (913) 814-7774
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common
Stock, $0.001 par value
DGLY
The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Title
of class)
(Trading
Symbol(s))
(Name
of each exchange on which registered)
Securities
registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None.
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated
filer ☐
Non-accelerated
filer ☒
Smaller
reporting company ☒
Emerging
growth company ☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As
of June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant’s most
recently completed second fiscal quarter, computed by reference to the closing price ($1.80), was: $ 87,554,601 .
The
number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 15, 2022 was: 49,441,050 .
Documents
Incorporated by Reference: Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement, which the Company expects to file no later
than 120 days after December 31, 2021, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Audit Firm
ID
Auditor
Name
Auditor
Location
587
RBSM LLP
New York, NY
Explanatory
Note
On
April 15, 2022, Digital Ally, Inc. (the “Company”) filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2021 (the “Original Form 10-K”). The Company is filing this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (the “Amendment”)
because it will not file its definitive proxy statement within 120 days after the end of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. This
Amendment amends and restates in its entirety Part III, Items 10 through 14 of the Original Form 10-K, to include information previously
omitted from the Original Form 10-K in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K. The reference on the cover page of the Original
Form 10-K to the incorporation by reference of portions of our definitive proxy statement into Part III of the Original Form 10-K is
hereby deleted. In this Amendment, unless the context indicates otherwise, the designations “Digital Ally,” the “Company,”
“we,” “us” or “our” refer to Digital Ally, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
In
addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), certifications
by Digital Ally’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are filed as exhibits to this Amendment under Item
15 of Part IV hereof. Because no financial statements have been included in this Amendment and this Amendment does not contain or amend
any disclosure with respect to Items 307 and 308 of Regulation S-K, paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of the certifications have been omitted. We
are not including the certifications under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as no financial statements are being filed with
this Amendment.
Except
as described above, this Amendment does not modify or update disclosure in, or exhibits to, the Original Form 10-K. Furthermore, this
Amendment does not change any previously reported financial results, nor does it reflect events occurring after the date of the Original
Form 10-K. Information not affected by this Amendment remains unchanged and reflects the disclosures made at the time the Original Form
10-K was filed. Accordingly, this Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Original Form 10-K and our other filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
FORM
10-K
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.
DECEMBER
31, 2021
Table
of Contents
Page
PART III
Item
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
3
Item
11.
Executive Compensation
11
Item
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
18
Item
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
19
Item
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
20
PART IV
Item
15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
21
SIGNATURES
Signatures
22
2
PART
III
Item
10.
Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Directors
The
names of the members of our Board of Directors and certain information about them as of the date of this Amendment are set forth below:
Name
of Board of Director Member (4)
Positions
Age
Director
Since
Stanton
E. Ross
Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer
60
2005
Leroy
C. Richie (1)(2)(3)
Lead
Independent Director, Chairman of the Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee and attorney
80
2005
Daniel
F. Hutchins (1)
Independent
Director; Chairman of Audit Committee
66
2007
Michael
J. Caulfield (1)(2)(3)
Independent
Director
66
2016
Christian
J. Hoffmann, III (1)(2)
Independent
Director
74
2022
(1)
Member
of Audit Committee
(2)
Member
of Compensation Committee
(3)
Member
of Nominating Committee
(4)
The
address of each executive officer and director listed is 14001 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66215.
The
Board has determined that Messrs. Richie, Hutchins, Caulfield and Hoffmann are “independent directors,” as defined by the
rules and listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”). In making this determination, the Board considered
the transactions and relationships disclosed under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” below.
Stanton
E. Ross has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) since September 2005. From March 1992
to June 2005, Mr. Ross was the Chairman and President of American Noble Gas Inc (formerly known as Infinity Energy Resources, Inc.),
a publicly held oil and gas exploration and development company (“AMGAS”) and served as an officer and director of each of
AMGAS’s subsidiaries. He resigned from all his positions with AMGAS in June 2005, except Chairman, but was reappointed President
in October 2006. From 1991 until March 1992, he founded and served as President of Midwest Financial, a financial services corporation
involved in mergers, acquisitions, and financing for corporations in the Midwest. From 1990 to 1991, Mr. Ross was employed by Duggan
Securities, Inc., an investment banking firm in Lenexa, Kansas, where he primarily worked in corporate finance. From 1989 to 1990, he
was employed by Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., a member of the New York Stock Exchange, where he was an investment executive. From 1987
to 1989, Mr. Ross was self-employed as a business consultant. From 1985 to 1987, Mr. Ross was President and founder of Kansas Microwave,
Inc., which developed a radar detector product. From 1981 to 1985, he was employed by Birdview Satellite Communications, Inc., which
manufactured and marketed home satellite television systems, initially as a salesman and later as National Sales Manager. Mr. Ross estimates
he devoted most of his time to Digital Ally and the balance to AMGAS in 2020. In late 2007, AMGAS sold a substantial portion of its operating
assets and has not required a substantial amount of his time since such point. Mr. Ross holds no public company directorships other than
with the Company and AMGAS and has not held any others during the previous five years. The Company believes that Mr. Ross’s broad
entrepreneurial, financial, and business expertise and his experience with micro-cap public companies and his role as President and Chief
Executive Officer give him the qualifications and skills to serve as a Director.
3
Leroy
C. Richie has been the Lead Independent Director of Digital Ally since September 2005. He is also the Chairman of the Compensation
Committee and Nominating Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. Since June 1, 1999, Mr. Richie has been a director of AMGAS.
Additionally, until 2017, Mr. Richie served as a member of the board of directors of Columbia Mutual Funds, (or mutual fund companies
acquired by or merged with Columbia Mutual Funds), a family of investment companies managed by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. From 2004 to
2015, he was of counsel to the Detroit law firm of Lewis & Munday, P.C. From 2007 to 2014, Mr. Richie served as a member of the board
of directors of OGE Energy Corp. He holds no other public directorships and has not held any others during the previous five years. Until
2019, Mr. Richie served as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Compensation Committee for the Henry Ford Health
System, in Detroit. Mr. Richie was formerly Vice President of Chrysler Corporation and General Counsel for automotive legal affairs,
where he directed all legal affairs for its automotive operations from 1986 until his retirement in 1997. Before joining Chrysler, he
was an associate with the New York law firm of White & Case (1973-1978) and served as director of the New York office of the Federal
Trade Commission (1978-1983). Mr. Richie received a B.A. from City College of New York, where he was valedictorian, and a J.D. from the
New York University School of Law, where he was awarded an Arthur Garfield Hays Civil Liberties Fellowship. The Company believes that
Mr. Richie’s extensive experience as a lawyer and as an officer or director of public companies gives him the qualifications and
skills to serve as a Director.
Daniel
F. Hutchins was elected a Director in December 2007. He serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee and is the Board’s financial
expert. Mr. Hutchins, a Certified Public Accountant, was a Principal with the accounting firm of Hutchins & Haake, LLC until his
retirement on July 1, 2021. Mr. Hutchins currently serves as a director and the Chief Financial Officer of AMGAS, of which Mr. Ross is
the Chairman and President. Mr. Hutchins has served as an instructor for the Becker CPA exam with the Keller Graduate School of Management
and has over 18 years of teaching experience preparing CPA candidates for the CPA exam. He has over 40 years of public accounting experience,
including five years with Deloitte & Touche, LLP. He has served on the boards of various non-profit groups and is a member of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Hutchins earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting
at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Mr. Hutchins holds no other public company directorships and has not held any others during
the previous five years. The Company believes that Mr. Hutchins’ significant experience in finance and accounting gives him the
qualifications and skills to serve as a Director.
Michael
J. Caulfield was elected a Director in May 2016. He is a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating
Committee. He served as Vice President – Strategic Development of the Company from June 1, 2009 to January 11, 2012. Mr. Caulfield
was most recently (2012-2016) a Vice-Chairman at Teneo Holdings, LLC, a global advisory firm where he was responsible for the firm’s
investment banking relationships with a broad range of industrial companies. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Caulfield served as a Managing Director
at Banc of America Securities (“BAS”), where he was responsible for the merger, acquisition, divestiture and restructuring
advisory services for a number of large public and private companies. He was also in charge of BAS’s global investment banking
activities involving the Safety, Security, Engineering and Construction Industries. Prior to joining BAS, Mr. Caulfield spent six years
(2000-2006) as a Managing Director with Morgan Stanley in New York City, leading that global investment banking firm’s efforts
in the Aerospace and Defense Industries. He was also responsible for the investment banking relationships with a number of Morgan Stanley’s
largest clients. From 1989 to 2000, he worked at General Electric Capital Corp., where he served as a Managing Director and head of the
Corporate Finance Group. In this capacity, he advised GE Capital and the industrial divisions of General Electric on such issues as capital
structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity transactions. Mr. Caulfield received an MBA from the Wharton School of the
University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. Degree from the University of Minnesota. The Company believes that Mr. Caulfield’s significant
experience in investment banking and the public market gives him the qualifications and skills to serve as a Director.
Christian
J. Hoffmann, III was appointed a Director in January 2022. Mr. Hoffmann is an attorney and was a partner at Quarles & Brady
LLP from 2000 to 2013. Mr. Hoffmann has served as outside counsel to the Company’s Board of Directors as requested on specific
matters. Mr. Hoffmann co-founded Nobility, LLC (“Nobility”), a medical billing and revenue cycle management company, in 2014.
He currently serves as Nobility’s Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel. On June 4, 2021, the Company and Nobility launched
Nobility Healthcare, LLC (“Nobility Healthcare”), a subsidiary of the Company, to provide revenue cycle management services
for the healthcare industry. Nobility is the managing member and minority owner of Nobility Healthcare. Mr. Hoffmann graduated magna
cum laude from Georgetown University with a degree in Business Administration and earned his law degree from the Georgetown University
Law Center. Mr. Hoffmann holds no other public company directorships and has not held any others during the previous five years. The
Company believes that Mr. Hoffmann’s extensive experience as a lawyer and current knowledge of the medical billing and revenue
cycle management space gives him the qualifications and skills to serve as a Director.
4
Our
Directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual meeting of our stockholders or until their successors are elected
and qualified. Officers are elected annually and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There is no family relationship between
any of our directors, director nominees and executive officers. Board vacancies are filled by a majority vote of the Board.
Board
of Directors and Committee Meetings
Our
Board of Directors held four meetings and acted a number of times by unanimous consent resolutions during the fiscal year ended December
31, 2021. Each of our directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees on which he served
in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Our directors are expected, absent exceptional circumstances, to attend all Board meetings
and meetings of committees on which they serve and are also expected to attend our annual meeting of stockholders. All directors then
in office attended the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
Our
Board of Directors currently has four committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating
Committee. Each committee has a written charter approved by the Board of Directors outlining the principal responsibilities of the committee.
These charters are also available on the Investor Relations page of our website. All of our directors, other than our Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, have met in executive sessions without management present on a regular basis in 2021 and year-to-date 2022.
Audit
Committee
Our
Audit Committee appoints the Company’s independent auditors, reviews audit reports and plans, accounting policies, financial statements,
internal controls, audit fees, and certain other expenses and oversees our accounting and financial reporting process. Specific responsibilities
include selecting, hiring and terminating our independent auditors; evaluating the qualifications, independence and performance of our
independent auditors; approving the audit and non-audit services to be performed by our auditors; reviewing the design, implementation,
adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls and critical accounting policies; overseeing and monitoring the integrity of our
financial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to financial statements or accounting matters;
reviewing any earnings announcements and other public announcements regarding our results of operations in conjunction with management
and our public auditors; conferring with management and the independent auditors regarding the effectiveness of internal controls, financial
reporting processes and disclosure controls; consulting with management and the independent auditors regarding Company policies governing
financial risk management; reviewing and discussing reports from the independent auditors on critical accounting policies used by the
Company; establishing procedures, as required under applicable law, for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by
the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential and anonymous submission by employees
of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; reviewing and approving related-person transactions in accordance
with the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to related-person transactions and applicable rules; reviewing the financial
statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K; discussing with management and the independent auditors the results of the
annual audit and the results of quarterly reviews and any significant changes in our accounting principles; and preparing the report
that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement. The report of the Audit Committee for the year-ended December 31, 2021 is included
in this Proxy Statement.
The
Audit Committee is comprised of three Directors, each of whom is independent, as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC and
Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2). The Audit Committee held four meetings during the year ended December 31, 2021. The members of our Audit Committee
are Daniel F. Hutchins (Chairman), Leroy C. Richie and Michael J. Caulfield. The Board of Directors determined that Mr. Hutchins qualifies
as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under the applicable rules and listing standards of Nasdaq and SEC rules
and regulations and is independent as noted above.
5
Under
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, all audit and non-audit services performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting
firm must be approved in advance by the Audit Committee to assure that such services do not impair the auditor’s independence from
the Company. Accordingly, the Audit Committee has adopted an Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy (the “Policy”)
that sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services to be performed by the independent auditors are to be pre-approved.
Pursuant to the Policy, certain services described in detail in the Policy may be pre-approved on an annual basis together with pre-approved
maximum fee levels for such services. The services eligible for annual pre-approval consist of services that would be included under
the categories of Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees in the table, as well as services for limited review of actuarial reports
and calculations. If not pre-approved on an annual basis, proposed services must otherwise be separately approved prior to being performed
by the independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, any services that receive annual pre-approval but exceed the pre-approved
maximum fee level also will require separate approval by the Audit Committee prior to being performed. The Audit Committee may delegate
authority to pre-approve audit and non-audit services to any member of the Audit Committee but may not delegate such authority to management.
Compensation
Committee
Our
Compensation Committee assists our Board of Directors in determining the development plans and compensation of our officers, directors
and employees. Specific responsibilities include approving the compensation and benefits of our executive officers; reviewing the performance
objectives and actual performance of our officers; administering our stock option and other equity compensation plans; and reviewing
and discussing with management the compensation discussion and analysis that the SEC requires in our future Form 10-Ks and proxy statements.
Our
Compensation Committee is comprised of three Directors, whom the Board considers to be independent under the applicable rules and listing
standards of Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations. The members of our Compensation Committee are Leroy C. Richie (Chairman) and Michael
J. Caulfield. The Compensation Committee held two meetings and acted several times by unanimous written consent resolutions during the
year ended December 31, 2021. Mr. Ross, our Chief Executive Officer, does not participate in the determination of his own compensation
or the compensation of directors. However, he makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding the amount and form of the
compensation of the other executive officers and key employees, and he often participates in the Compensation Committee’s deliberations
about such persons’ compensation. Thomas J. Heckman, our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), also assists the Compensation
Committee in its deliberations regarding executive officer, director and employee compensation. No other executive officers participate
in the determination of the amount or the form of the compensation of executive officers or directors. The Compensation Committee does
not utilize the services of an independent compensation consultant to assist in its oversight of executive and director compensation.
Nominating
Committee
Our
Nominating Committee assists our Board of Directors by identifying and recommending individuals qualified to become members of our Board
of Directors, reviewing correspondence from our stockholders, and establishing, evaluating, and overseeing our corporate governance guidelines.
Specific responsibilities include the following: evaluating the composition, size and governance of our Board of Directors and its committees
and making recommendations regarding future planning and appointing directors to our committees; establishing a policy for considering
stockholder nominees for election to our Board of Directors; and evaluating and recommending candidates for election to our Board of
Directors.
6
Our
Nominating Committee strives for a Board composed of individuals who bring a variety of complementary skills, expertise, or background
and who, as a group, will possess the appropriate skills and experience to oversee our business. The diversity of the members of the
Board relates to the selection of its nominees. While the Committee considers diversity and variety of experiences and viewpoints to
be important factors, it does not believe that a director nominee should be chosen or excluded solely or largely because of race, color,
gender, national origin or sexual orientation or identity. In selecting a director nominee for recommendation to our Board, our Nominating
Committee focuses on skills, expertise or background that would complement the existing members on the Board. Accordingly, although diversity
may be a consideration in the Committee’s process, the Committee and the Board of Directors do not have a formal policy regarding
the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees.
When
the Nominating Committee has either identified a prospective nominee or determined that an additional or replacement director is required,
the Nominating Committee may take such measures as it considers appropriate in connection with its evaluation of a director candidate,
including candidate interviews, inquiry of the person or persons making the recommendation or nomination, engagement of an outside search
firm to gather additional information, or reliance on the knowledge of the members of the Board of Directors or management. In its evaluation
of director candidates, including the members of the Board eligible for re-election, the Nominating Committee considers a number of factors,
including: the current size and composition of the Board of Directors, the needs of the Board of Directors and the respective committees
of the Board, and such factors as judgment, independence, character and integrity, age, area of expertise, diversity of experience, length
of service and potential conflicts of interest.
The
Nominating Committee of the Board selects director nominees and recommends them to the full Board of Directors. In relation to such nomination
process, the Nominating Committee:
●
determines
the criteria for the selection of prospective directors and committee members;
●
reviews
the composition and size of the Board and its committees to ensure proper expertise and diversity among its members;
●
evaluates
the performance and contributions of directors eligible for re-election;
●
determines
the desired qualifications for individual directors and desired skills and characteristics for the Board;
●
identifies
persons who can provide needed skills and characteristics;
●
screens
possible candidates for Board membership;
●
reviews
any potential conflicts of interests between such candidates and the Company’s interests; and
●
shares
information concerning the candidates with the Board and solicits input from other directors.
The
Nominating Committee has specified the following minimum qualifications that it believes must be met by a nominee for a position on the
Board: the highest personal and professional ethics and integrity; proven achievement and competence in the nominee’s field and
the ability to exercise sound business judgment; skills that are complementary to those of the existing Board; the ability to assist
and support management and make significant contributions to our success; the ability to work well with the other directors; the extent
of the person’s familiarity with the issues affecting our business; an understanding of the fiduciary responsibilities that are
required of a member of the Board of Directors; and the commitment of time and energy necessary to diligently carry out those responsibilities.
A candidate for director must agree to abide by our Code of Ethics and Conduct.
7
After
completing its evaluation, the Nominating Committee makes a recommendation to the full Board of Directors as to the persons who should
be nominated to the Board, and the Board of Directors determines the nominees after considering the recommendation and report of the
Committee.
Our
Nominating Committee is comprised of two Directors, whom the Board considers to be independent under the applicable rules and listing
standards of Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations. The Nominating Committee held one meeting during the year ended December 31, 2021.
The members of our Nominating Committee are Leroy C. Richie (Chairman) and Michael J. Caulfield.
Board
of Directors’ Role in the Oversight of Risk Management
We
face a variety of risks, including credit, liquidity, and operational risks. In fulfilling its risk oversight role, our Board of Directors
focuses on the adequacy of our risk management process and overall risk management system. Our Board of Directors believes that an effective
risk management system will (i) adequately identify the material risks that we face in a timely manner; (ii) implement appropriate risk
management strategies that are responsive to our risk profile and specific material risk exposures; (iii) integrate consideration of
risk and risk management into our business decision-making; and (iv) include policies and procedures that adequately transmit necessary
information regarding material risks to senior executives and, as appropriate, to the Board or relevant committee.
The
Board of Directors has designated the Audit Committee to take the lead in overseeing risk management at the Board of Directors level.
Accordingly, the Audit Committee schedules time for periodic review of risk management, in addition to its other duties. In this role,
the Audit Committee receives reports from management, independent registered public accounting firm, outside legal counsel, and other
advisors, and strives to generate serious and thoughtful attention to our risk management process and system, the nature of the material
risks we face, and the adequacy of our policies and procedures designed to respond to and mitigate these risks.
Although
the Board of Directors has assigned the primary risk oversight to the Audit Committee, it also periodically receives information about
our risk management system and the most significant risks that we face. This is principally accomplished through Audit Committee reports
to the Board of Directors and summary versions of the briefings provided by management and advisors to the Audit Committee.
In
addition to the formal compliance program, our Board of Directors and the Audit Committee encourage management to promote a corporate
culture that understands risk management and incorporates it into our overall corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations.
Our risk management structure also includes an ongoing effort to assess and analyze the most likely areas of future risk for us. As a
result, the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee periodically ask our executives to discuss the most likely sources of material
future risks and how we are addressing any significant potential vulnerability.
Board
Leadership Structure
Our
Board of Directors does not have a policy on whether the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors should
be separate and, if they are to be separate, whether the Chairman of the Board should be selected from the non-employee directors or
be an employee. Our Board of Directors believes that it should be free to make a choice from time to time in any manner that is in the
best interest of us and our stockholders. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Ross’s service as both Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board is in the best interest of us and our stockholders. Mr. Ross possesses detailed and in-depth knowledge of the
issues, opportunities and challenges we face and is thus best positioned to develop agendas, with the input of Mr. Richie, the lead independent
director, to ensure that the Board’s time and attention are focused on the most critical matters. His combined role enables decisive
leadership, ensures clear accountability, and enhances our ability to communicate our message and strategy clearly and consistently to
our stockholders, employees, customers, and suppliers, particularly during times of turbulent economic and industry conditions.
8
Our
Board of Directors also believes that a lead independent director is part of an effective Board leadership structure. To this end, the
Board has appointed Mr. Richie as the lead independent director. The independent directors meet regularly in executive sessions at which
only they are present, and the lead independent director chairs those sessions. As the lead independent director, Mr. Richie calls meetings
of the independent directors as needed; sets the agenda for meetings of the independent directors; presides at meetings of the independent
directors; is the principal liaison on Board issues between the independent directors and the Chairman and between the independent directors
and management; provides feedback to the Chairman and management on the quality, quantity and timeliness of information sent to the Board;
is a member of the Compensation Committee that evaluates the CEO’s performance; and oversees the directors’ evaluation of
the Board’s overall performance. The Nominating Committee and the Board believe that its leadership structure, which includes the
appointment of a lead independent director, is appropriate because it, among other things, provides for an independent director who gives
board member leadership and each of the directors, other than Mr. Ross, is independent. Our Board of Directors believes that the independent
directors provide effective oversight of management.
Stockholder
Communications with the Board of Directors
Stockholders
may communicate with the Board of Directors by writing to us as follows: Digital Ally, Inc., attention: Corporate Secretary, 14001 Marshall
Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66215. Stockholders who would like their submission directed to a member of the Board of Directors may so specify
and the communication will be forwarded as appropriate.
Policy
for Director Recommendations and Nominations
Our
Nominating Committee will consider candidates for Board membership suggested by Board members, management and our stockholders. The policy
of our Nominating Committee is to consider recommendations for candidates to the Board of Directors from any stockholder of record in
accordance with our Bylaws. A director candidate recommended by our stockholders will be considered in the same manner as a nominee recommended
by a Board member, management or other sources. In addition, a stockholder may nominate a person directly for election to the Board of
Directors at an annual meeting of stockholders, provided the stockholder meets the requirements set forth in our Bylaws. We do not pay
a fee to any third party to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees.
Stockholder
Recommendations for Director Nominations . Stockholder recommendations for director nominations may be submitted to the
Company at the following address: Digital Ally, Inc., Attention: Corporate Secretary, 14001 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66215. Such
recommendations will be forwarded to the Nominating Committee for consideration, provided that they are accompanied by sufficient information
to permit the Board to evaluate the qualifications and experience of the nominees, and they are in time for the Nominating Committee
to do an adequate evaluation of the candidate before the Annual Meeting. The submission must be accompanied by a written consent of the
individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board of Directors and to serve if elected and to cooperate with a background check.
Stockholder
Nominations of Directors. Our Bylaws provide that, in order for a stockholder to nominate a director at an annual meeting of
stockholders, the stockholder must give timely written notice to our Secretary and such notice must be received at our principal executive
offices not less than one-hundred-and-twenty (120) days before the date of our release of the proxy statement to stockholders in connection
with our previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders. Such stockholder’s notice shall include, with respect to each person
whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, all information relating to such nominee that is required under
the Exchange Act, including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and serving as a director,
and cooperating with a background investigation. In addition, the stockholder must include in such notice the name and address, as they
appear on our records, of the stockholder proposing the nomination of such person, and the name and address of the beneficial owner,
if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, the class and number of shares of our capital stock that are owned beneficially and of
record by such stockholder of record and by the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, and any material interest
or relationship that such stockholder of record and/or the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made may respectively
have in such business or with such nominee. At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated for election as a director
shall furnish to our Secretary the information required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice of nomination that pertains to
the nominee.
9
To
be timely in the case of a special meeting or if the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than thirty (30) days from such anniversary
date, a stockholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices no later than the close of business on the tenth
(10 th ) day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the meeting date was mailed or public disclosure of the meeting
date was made.
Code
of Ethics and Conduct
Our
Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics and Conduct that is applicable to all of our employees, officers and directors.
Our Code of Ethics and Conduct is intended to ensure that our employees, officers and directors act in accordance with the highest
ethical standards. The Code of Ethics and Conduct is available on the Investor Relations page of our website at http://www.digitalally.com
and the Code of Ethics and Conduct was filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed March 4, 2008.
Director
Compensation
Our
non-employee directors received the stock option grants noted in the “Director Compensation” table below for their service
on the Board of Directors in 2021, including on the Audit, Nominating and Compensation Committees.
In
September 2020, we granted to Messrs. Richie, Caulfield and Hutchins each options exercisable to acquire 75,000 shares of Common Stock
at an exercise price of $2.09 per share for their service on the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of stockholders with
vesting to occur ratably through May 1, 2021, provided each person has remained a director at such dates.
In
July 2021, we granted to Messrs. Richie, Caulfield and Hutchins each options exercisable to acquire 100,000 shares of Common Stock at
an exercise price of $1.67 per share for their service on the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of stockholders with vesting
to occur ratably through May 31, 2022, provided each person has remained a director at such dates.
Director
compensation for the year ended December 31, 2021 was as follows:
Director
Compensation
Name
Fees earned or paid in cash ($)
Stock awards
($)
Option awards
($) (2)
Total
($)
Stanton E. Ross, Chairman of the Board of Directors (1)
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
Leroy C. Richie
$ 105,000
$ —
$ 167,000
$ 272,000
Daniel F. Hutchins
$ 98,750
$ —
$ 167,000
$ 265,750
Michael J. Caulfield
$ 95,000
$ —
$ 167,000
$ 262,000
Christian J Hoffmann, III (3)
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
(1)
As
a Named Executive Officer, Mr. Ross’s compensation and option awards are fully reflected in the “Summary Compensation”
table, and elsewhere under “Executive Compensation.” He did not receive compensation, stock awards or options for his
services as a director.
(2)
Represents
aggregate grant date fair value pursuant to ASC Topic 718 for stock options and restricted stock granted. Please refer to Note 13
to the consolidated financial statements that appear in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022, for
further description of the awards and the underlying assumptions utilized to determine the amount of grant date fair value related
to such grants. The amounts equal 100,000 shares of common stock multiplied by the closing price of such shares on July 8, 2021,the
award date. Messrs. Richie, Hutchins and Caulfield were each granted stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at
an exercise price of $1.67 per share and such stock options vested as follows: 25,000 shares vested on July 8, 2021, 25,000 shares
vested on December 31, 2021 and 25,000 shares vested on March 31, 2022, in each case subject to each director remaining as a member
of the Board of Director on each such vesting date.
(3)
Mr.
Hoffmann was appointed to the Board of Directors on January 27, 2022. Therefore, he received no director fees or stock-based compensation
for services as a director during the year ended December 31, 2021.
10
Item
11.
E xecutive
Compensation.
The
following table presents information concerning the total compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”) for services rendered
to the Company in all capacities for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Summary
Compensation Table
Name and principal position
Year
Salary ($)
Bonus ($)
Stock awards ($) (1)
Option awards ($) (1)
All other compensation ($) (2)
Total
($)
Stanton E. Ross
2021
$ 250,000
$ 250,000
$ 828,000 (6)
$ —
$ 30,805
$ 1,358,805
Chairman, CEO and President
2020
$ 165,625
$ 250,000
$ 339,230 (3)
$ —
$ 23,981
$ 778,836
Thomas J. Heckman
2021
$ 230,000
$ 115,000
$ 414,000 (7)
$ —
$ 23,329
$ 782,329
CFO, Treasurer and Secretary
2020
$ 164,738
$ —
$ 217,384 (4)
$ —
$ 17,902
$ 400,024
Peng Han
2021
$ 165,000
$ —
$ 63,000 (8)
$ —
$ 5,428
$ 233,428
COO
2020
$ 100,000
$ —
$ 74,671 (5)
$ —
$ 4,937
$ 179,608
(1)
Represents
aggregate grant date fair value pursuant to ASC Topic 718 for the respective year for stock options granted. Please refer to Note
13 to the consolidated financial statements that appear in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2022,
for a further description of the awards and the underlying assumptions utilized to determine the amount of grant date fair value
related to such grants.
(2)
Amounts
included in all other compensation include the following items: the employer contribution to the Company’s 401(k) Retirement
Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) on behalf of the named executive. We are required to provide a 100% matching contribution
for all who elect to contribute up to 3% of their compensation to the plan and a 50% matching contribution for all employees’
elective deferral between 4% and 5%. The employee (i) is 100% vested at all times in the employee contributions and employer matching
contributions; (ii) receives Company paid healthcare insurance; (iii) receives Company paid contributions to health savings accounts;
and (iv) receives Company paid life, accident and disability insurance. See “All Other Compensation Table” below.
(3)
Stock
awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2020 to Mr. Ross: 250,000 shares at $1.08 per share that vest 50% on
January 2, 2021 and 50% on January 2, 2022, subject to Mr. Ross remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time, and 75,250
shares at $0.92 per share that vested on April 17, 2020.
(4)
Stock
awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2020 to Mr. Heckman: 150,000 shares at $1.08 per share that vest 50%
on January 2, 2021 and 50% on January 2, 2022, subject to Mr. Heckman remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time,
and 60,200 shares at $0.92 per share that vested on April 17, 2020.
(5)
Mr.
Han was appointed as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer effective December 13, 2021. Stock awards include the following
restricted stock granted during 2020 to Mr. Han: 10,000 shares at $1.08 per share that vest ratably over the two-year period ending
January 3, 2022 and 32,258 shares at $1.98 per share that vested on September 15, 2020.
(6)
Stock
awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2021 to Mr. Ross: 300,000 shares at $2.76 per share that vest 50% on
January 6, 2022 and 50% on January 6, 2023, subject to Mr. Ross remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time.
(7)
Stock
awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2021 to Mr. Heckman: 150,000 shares at $2.76 per share that vest 50%
on January 6, 2022 and 50% on January 6, 2023, subject to Mr. Heckman remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time.
(8)
Stock
awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2021 to Mr. Han: 50,000 shares at $1.26 per share that vest ratably
over the two-year period ending September 20, 2023.
11
All
Other Compensation Table
Name
Year
401(k)
Plan contribution by Company
Company
paid healthcare insurance
Flexible
& health savings account contributions by Company
Company
paid life, accident & disability insurance
Other
Contractual payments
Total
Stanton
E. Ross
2021
$
8,606
$
20,556
$
1,100
$
543
$
—
$
30,805
Chairman,
CEO and President
2020
$
7,000
$
15,359
$
1,100
$
522
$
—
$
23,981
Thomas
J. Heckman
2021
$
9,138
$
12,848
$
800
$
543
$
—
$
23,329
CFO,
Treasurer and Secretary
2020
$
6,984
$
9,596
$
800
$
522
$
—
$
17,902
Peng
Han
2021
$
4,885
$
—
$
—
$
543
$
—
$
5,428
COO
2020
$
4,415
$
—
$
—
$
522
$
—
$
4,937
Compensation
Policy . Our executive compensation plan is based on attracting and retaining qualified professionals who possess the skills and
leadership necessary to enable us to achieve earnings and profitability growth to satisfy its stockholders. We must, therefore, create
incentives for these executives to achieve both our and individual performance objectives using performance-based compensation programs.
No one component is considered by itself, but all forms of the compensation package are considered in total. Wherever possible, objective
measurements will be utilized to quantify performance, but many subjective factors still come into play when determining performance.
Compensation
Components . The main elements of its compensation package consist of base salary, stock options or restricted stock awards and
bonus.
Base
Salary . The base salary for each executive officer is reviewed and compared to the prior year, with considerations given for
increase or decrease. The review is generally on an annual basis but may take place more often in the discretion of the Compensation
Committee.
For
fiscal year 2020, during January 2020 the Compensation Committee set the annual base salaries of Stanton E. Ross, President and Chief
Executive Officer, and Thomas J. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, at $250,000 and $230,000, respectively. This
represented no increase or decrease from the previous year. However, in order to address the Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on the
business, on April 17, 2020, the Compensation Committee determined that the cash portion of the 2020 annual base salaries of Stanton
E. Ross, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas J. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, would be reduced
to annual rates of $150,000 each for the balance of 2020 commencing May 1, 2020.
The
Compensation Committee also decided that the balance of the annual salaries of Messrs. Ross and Heckman for 2020, which were $69,231
and $55,384, respectively, as of May 1, 2020, would be paid through the issuance of shares of restricted stock under the 2018 Stock Option
and Restricted Stock Plan with the Company paying the applicable federal and state taxes on such amounts. The Company issued Messrs.
Ross and Heckman 75,250 shares and 60,200 shares, respectively, effective April 17, 2020, based on a closing price of $0.92 per share
on such date.
On
January 7, 2021, the Compensation Committee restored the annual base salaries of Stanton E. Ross, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Thomas J. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, and Peng Han, Chief Operating Officer, at $250,000, $230,000, and
$165,000, respectively for 2021.
12
The
Compensation Committee plans to review the base salaries for possible adjustments on an annual basis. Base salary adjustments will be
based on both individual and our performances and will include both objective and subjective criteria specific to each executive’s
role and responsibility with us.
Stock
Options and Restricted Stock Awards . The Compensation Committee determined stock option and restricted stock awards based on
numerous factors, some of which include responsibilities incumbent with the role of each executive with us, tenure with us, as well as
our performance. The vesting period of options and restricted stock is also tied, in some instances, to our performance directly related
to certain executive’s responsibilities with us. The Compensation Committee determined that Messrs. Ross and Heckman were eligible
for awards of stock options or restricted stock in 2021 based on their performance. Refer to the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards”
table below for restricted stock awards made in 2021. The Committee also determined that Messrs. Ross, Heckman, and Han would be eligible
in 2022 for awards of restricted stock or stock options. On January 5, 2022, the Compensation Committee awarded Stanton E. Ross 350,000
shares of restricted common stock that will vest 50% on January 5, 2023 and 50% on January 5, 2024 provided that he remains an officer
on such dates. Peng Han was awarded 100,000 shares of restricted common stock that will vest 20,000 shares on January 5, 2023, January
5, 2024, January 5, 2025, January 5, 2026 and January 5, 2027 provided that he remains an officer on such dates. In addition, Thomas
J. Heckman was awarded 75,000 shares of restricted common stock, that will vest on March 31, 2023 provided that he remains an officer
on such dates.
Bonuses .
The Compensation Committee determined to award bonuses to each of the executive officers in 2021 and 2020, as set forth in the foregoing
table. Refer to the “Summary Compensation Table” above for the bonuses paid to Messrs. Ross and Heckman in 2021 and 2020.
In fiscal year 2021, Messrs. Ross and Heckman were eligible for bonuses of up to $250,000 and $230,000, respectively. Mr. Ross was awarded
his full 2021 bonus of $250,000. The Compensation Committee reviews each executive officer’s performance on a quarterly basis and
determines what, if any, portion of the bonus he has earned and will be paid as of such point.
Other .
In July 2008, we amended and restated our 401(k) Plan. The amended 401(k) Plan requires us to provide a 100% matching contribution for
employees who elect to contribute up to 3% of their compensation to the plan and a 50% matching contribution for employees’ elective
deferrals between 4% and 5%. We have made matching contributions for executives who elected to contribute to the 401(k) Plan during 2021.
Each participant is 100% vested at all times in employee and employer matching contributions. As of March 31, 2022, a total of 282,101
shares of our Common Stock were held in the 401(k) Plan. Mr. Heckman, as trustee of the 401(k) Plan, holds the voting power as to the
shares of our Common Stock held in the 401(k) Plan. We have no profit sharing plan in place for our employees. However, we may consider
adding such a plan to provide yet another level of compensation to our compensation plan.
Employment
Contracts; Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
We
do not have any employment agreements with any of our executive officers. However, on December 23, 2008, we entered into retention agreements
with the following executive officers: Stanton E. Ross and Thomas J. Heckman. In April 2018 we amended these agreements.
Retention
Agreements - Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
The
following table sets forth for each named executive officer potential post-employment payments and payments on a change in control and
assumes that the triggering event took place on January 1, 2022 and that the amendments to the retention agreements of each person were
in effect.
Retention
Agreement Compensation
Name
Change in control payment due based upon successful completion of transaction
Severance payment due based on termination after Change of
Control occurs
Total
Stanton E. Ross
$ 125,000
$ 500,000
$ 625,000
Thomas J. Heckman
$ 115,000
$ 460,000
$ 575,000
Total
$ 240,000
$ 960,000
$ 1,200,000
13
The
retention agreements guarantee the executive officers’ specific payments and benefits upon a Change in Control of the Company.
The retention agreements also provide for specified severance benefits if, after a Change in Control of the Company occurs, the executive
officer voluntarily terminates employment for “Good Reason” or is involuntarily terminated without “Cause.”
Under
the retention agreements, a “Change in Control” means (i) one party alone, or acting with others, has acquired or gained
control over more than 50% of the voting shares of the Company; (ii) the Company merges or consolidates with or into another entity or
completes any other corporate reorganization, if more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity’s securities
outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or other reorganization is owned by persons who were not stockholders of the
Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other reorganization; (iii) a majority of the Board of Directors is replaced
and/or dismissed by the stockholders of the Company without the recommendation of or nomination by the Company’s current Board
of Directors; (iv) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer is replaced and/or dismissed by stockholders without the approval of the
Board of Directors; or (v) the Company sells, transfers or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets
of the Company and the Company does not own stock in the purchaser or purchasers having more than 50% of the voting power of the entity
owning all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company after such purchase.
“Good
Reason” means either (i) a material adverse change in the executive’s status as an executive or other key employee of the
Company, including without limitation, a material adverse change in the executive’s position, authority, or aggregate duties or
responsibilities; (ii) any adverse change in the executive’s base salary, target bonus or benefits; or (iii) a request by the Company
to materially change the executive’s geographic work location.
“Cause”
means (i) the executive has acted in bad faith and to the detriment of the Company; (ii) the executive has refused or failed to act in
accordance with any specific lawful and material direction or order of his or her supervisor; (iii) the executive has exhibited, in regard
to employment, unfitness or unavailability for service, misconduct, dishonesty, habitual neglect, incompetence, or has committed an act
of embezzlement, fraud or theft with respect to the property of the Company; (iv) the executive has abused alcohol or drugs on the job
or in a manner that affects the executive’s job performance; and/or (v) the executive has been found guilty of or has plead nolo
contendere to the commission of a crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or physical or emotional harm to any person. Prior
to termination for Cause, the Company shall give the executive written notice of the reason for such potential termination and provide
the executive a 30-day period to cure such conduct or act or omission alleged to provide grounds for such termination.
If
any Change in Control occurs and the executive continues to be employed as of the completion of such Change in Control, upon completion
of such Change in Control, as payment for the executive’s additional efforts during such Change in Control, the Company shall pay
the executive a Change in Control benefit payment equal to three months of the his base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior
to the Change in Control completion date, payable in a lump sum net of required tax withholdings. If any Change in Control occurs, and
if, during the one-year period following the Change in Control, the Company terminates the executive’s employment without Cause
or the executive submits a resignation for Good Reason (the effective date of such termination or resignation, the “Termination
Date”), then:
(a)
The Company shall pay the executive severance pay equal to 12 months of his base salary at the higher of the rate in effect immediately
prior to the Termination Date or the rate in effect immediately prior to the occurrence of the event or events constituting Good Reason,
payable on the Termination Date in a lump sum net of required tax withholdings, plus all other amounts then payable by the Company to
the executive less any amounts then due and owing from the executive to the Company;
(b)
The Company shall provide continuation of the executive’s health benefits at the Company’s expense for 18 months following
the Termination Date; and
(c)
The executive’s outstanding employee stock options shall fully vest and be exercisable for a 90-day period following the Termination
Date.
14
The
executive is not entitled to the above severance benefits for a termination based on death or disability, resignation without Good Reason
or termination for Cause. Following the Termination Date, the Company shall also pay the executive all reimbursements for expenses in
accordance with the Company’s policies, within ten days of submission of appropriate evidence thereof by the executive.
The
following table presents information concerning the outstanding equity awards for the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2021:
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
Option Awards
Stock Awards
Name
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable (1)
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable
Equity incentive plan awards: Number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#)
Option exercise price ($)
Option expiration date
Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (1)
Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested (2)
Equity incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested
Equity incentive plan awards: Market or Payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested
Stanton E. Ross Chairman, CEO and President
15,000
—
—
$ 4.80
January 13, 2022
425,000
$ 454,750
—
$ —
Thomas J. Heckman CFO, Treasurer and Secretary
—
—
—
—
—
225,000
$ 240,750
—
$ —
Peng Han COO
—
—
—
—
—
55,000
$ 58,850
—
$ —
(1)
These
stock option and restricted stock awards were made under the Digital Ally, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans and vest
over the prescribed period contingent upon whether the individual is still employed by the Company at that point.
(2)
Market
value based upon the closing market price of $1.07 on December 31, 2021.
15
The
number of stock options and restricted stock awards that an employee, director, or consultant may receive under our Plans (defined below
under “Information Regarding Plans and Other Arrangements Not Subject to Security Holder Action”) is in the discretion of
the administrator and therefore cannot be determined in advance. The Board of Directors’ policy in 2021 was to grant officers an
award of 300,000 restricted shares of Common Stock to Mr. Ross and 150,000 restricted shares of Common Stock to our Mr. Heckman and each
non-employee director an award of options to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock, all subject to vesting requirements.
Securities
Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2005 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”) on September 1, 2005. The 2005
Plan authorized us to reserve 312,500 shares of our Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of options and grant of restricted stock
awards. The 2005 Plan terminated in 2015 with 22,053 shares of Common Stock reserved for awards that are now unavailable for issuance.
Stock options granted under the 2005 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 total 5,689.
On
January 17, 2006, our Board adopted the 2006 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan authorizes
us to reserve 187,500 shares of Common Stock for future grants under it. The 2006 Plan terminated in 2016 with 39,974 shares of Common
Stock reserved for awards that are now unavailable for issuance. Stock options granted under the 2006 Plan that remain unexercised and
outstanding as of December 31, 2021 total 25,625.
On
January 24, 2007, our Board adopted the 2007 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan authorizes
us to reserve 187,500 shares of Common Stock for future grants under it. The 2007 Plan terminated in 2017 with 94,651 shares of Common
Stock reserved for awards that are now unavailable for issuance. There are no stock options granted under the 2007 Plan that remain unexercised
and outstanding as of December 31, 2021.
On
January 2, 2008, our Board adopted the 2008 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan authorizes
us to reserve 125,000 shares of Common Stock for future grants under it. The 2008 Plan terminated in 2018 with 40,499 shares of Common
Stock reserved for awards that are now unavailable for issuance. There are no stock options granted under the 2008 Plan that remain unexercised
and outstanding as of December 31, 2021.
On
March 18, 2011, our Board adopted the 2011 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan authorizes
us to reserve 62,500 shares of Common Stock for future grants under it. At December 31, 2021, there were 726 shares of Common Stock reserved
for awards available for issuance under the 2011 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2011 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding
as of December 31, 2021 total 9,750.
On
March 22, 2013, our Board adopted the 2013 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2013 Plan”). The 2013 Plan was amended
on March 28, 2014 and November 14, 2014 to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved for issuance under the
2013 Plan to a total of 300,000. At December 31, 2021, there were 100 shares of Common Stock reserved for awards available for issuance
under the 2013 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2013 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 total
20,000.
On
March 27, 2015, our Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015
Plan was amended on February 25, 2016 and May 31, 2017 to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved for issuance
under the 2015 Plan to a total of 1,250,000. At December 31, 2021, there were 3,686 shares of Common Stock reserved for awards available
for issuance under the 2015 Plan, as amended. Stock options granted under the 2015 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of
December 31, 2021 total 130,000.
On
April 12, 2018, our Board of Directors adopted the 2018 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The 2018
Plan was amended on May 21, 2019 to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2018
Plan to a total of 1,750,000. At December 31, 2021, there were 625,500 shares of Common Stock reserved for awards available for issuance
under the 2018 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2018 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 total
340,000.
16
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2020 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2020 Plan”) on June 30, 2020 and the Company’s
stockholders approved the 2020 Plan at the Annual Meeting held on September 9, 2020. The Company’s stockholders approved an amendment
to the 2020 Plan at the Annual Meeting held on June 22, 2021 which increased the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved
for issuance under the 2020 Plan to a total of 2,500,000. At December 31, 2021, there were 915,845 shares of Common Stock reserved for
awards available for issuance under the 2020 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2020 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding
as of December 31, 2021 total 555,000.
The
2005 Plan, 2006 Plan, 2007 Plan, 2008 Plan, 2011 Plan, 2013 Plan, 2015 Plan, 2018 Plan, and 2020 Plan are collectively referred to as
the “Plans.”
The
Plans authorize us to grant (i) to the key employees incentive stock options (except for the 2007 Plan) to purchase shares of Common
Stock and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock and restricted stock awards, and (ii) to non-employee directors
and consultants’ non-qualified stock options and restricted stock. The Compensation Committee of our Board (the “Compensation
Committee”) administers the Plans by making recommendations to the Board or determinations regarding the persons to whom options
or restricted stock should be granted and the amount, terms, conditions and restrictions of the awards.
The
Plans allow for the grant of incentive stock options (except for the 2007 Plan), non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards.
Incentive stock options granted under the Plans must have an exercise price at least equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock as of the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to any person who owns, immediately after the grant, stock possessing
more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock, or of any parent or subsidiary corporation, must have an exercise
price at least equal to 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Non-statutory stock options may have
exercise prices as determined by our Compensation Committee.
The
Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant restricted stock awards under the Plans. A restricted stock award is a grant of shares
of the Common Stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions and that may be forfeited
in the event of certain terminations of employment or service prior to the end of a restricted period specified by the Compensation Committee.
We
have filed various registration statements on Form S-8 and amendments to previously filed Form S-8’s with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”), which registered a total of 5,675,000 shares of Common Stock issued or to be issued upon exercise
of the stock options underlying Plans.
The
following table presents certain information as of December 31, 2021, with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities
of the Company are authorized for issuance:
Plan Category
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and rights
(a)
Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
1,086,064
$ 2.37
915,845
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
—
$ —
—
Total all plans
1,086,064
$ 2.37
915,845
17
Item
12.
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The
following table sets forth, as of April 29, 2022, information regarding beneficial ownership of our Common Stock, as adjusted
to reflect the sale of the securities offered by us in this offering for:
●
each
person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Common Stock;
●
each
of our executive officers;
●
each
of our directors; and
●
all
of our current executive officers and directors as a group
Beneficial
ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC and generally means that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if
he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security, including securities that are currently exercisable
or exercisable within sixty (60) days of April 29, 2022. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the
information furnished to us, that the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares
of Common Stock shown that they beneficially own, subject to community property laws where applicable.
Common
Stock subject to securities currently exercisable or exercisable within sixty (60) days of April 29, 2022 are deemed to be outstanding
for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such securities and the percentage ownership of any group of which the holder
is a member but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
Unless
otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o Digital Ally, Inc., 14001 Marshall Drive.,
Lenexa, KS 66215.
18
Number of Shares of Common
Stock Beneficially Owned (1)
% of Total
Voting
Shares
%
Power
5% or Greater Stockholders:
None
—
—
—
Executive Officers and Directors:
Stanton E. Ross (2)
1,971,290
4.0 %
4.0 %
Leroy C. Richie (3)
364,218
*
*
Daniel F. Hutchins (4)
366,450
*
*
Michael J. Caulfield (5)
327,855
*
*
Christian J. Hoffmann, III (6)
90,000
*
*
Thomas J. Heckman (7)
1,387,144
2.8 %
2.8 %
Peng Han (8)
175,625
*
*
All executive officers and directors as a group (five individuals)
4,682,582
9.4 %
9.4 %
*
Less than 1%
(1)
Based
on 49,728,357 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of April 29, 2022 and, with respect only to the ownership by all executive
officers and directors as a group, an additional aggregate of 1,065,375 options vested or to vest within sixty (60) days held
by officers and directors as of April 29, 2022.
(2)
Mr.
Ross’s total shares of Common Stock include 500,000 restricted shares that are subject to forfeiture to us.
(3)
Mr.
Richie’s total shares of Common Stock include 325,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Richie upon exercise of
stock options exercisable within sixty (60) days.
(4)
Mr.
Hutchins’ total shares of Common Stock include 333,750 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Hutchins upon exercise
of stock options exercisable within sixty (60) days.
(5)
Mr.
Caulfield’s total shares of Common Stock include 325,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Caulfield upon exercise
of stock options exercisable within sixty (60) days.
(6)
Mr.
Hoffmann’s total shares of Common Stock include 75,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Hoffmann upon exercise
of stock options exercisable within sixty (60) days.
(7)
Mr.
Heckman’s total shares of Common Stock include (i) 150,000 restricted shares that are subject to forfeiture to us and (ii)
282,101 shares of Common Stock held in the Company’s 401(k) Plan (as of March 31, 2022) as to which Mr. Heckman has
voting power as trustee of the 401(k) Plan.
(8)
Mr.
Han’s total shares of Common Stock include (i) 150,000 restricted shares that are subject to forfeiture to us and (ii)
6,625 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Han upon exercise of stock options exercisable within sixty (60) days.
Item
13.
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
American
Rebel Holding, Inc. Secured Promissory Notes
On
October 1, 2020, the Company advanced $250,000 to American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (“AREB”) under a secured promissory note.
The CEO, President and Chairman of AREB is the brother of the Company’s CEO, President and Chairman. Such note bears interest at
8% and is secured by all the tangible and intangible assets of the Company that are not currently secured by other indebtedness. The
Company also received warrants to purchase 1,250,000 shares of AREB common stock at an exercise price of $0.10 per share with a five-year
term. This note had an original maturity date of January 2, 2021; however, additional provisions within the note provided for an extension
of the maturity date for fourteen months due to AREB’s failure to raise $300,000 in new debt or equity financing prior to the original
maturity date. Upon this extension, the AREB was obligated to make equal monthly payments of principal and interest over the extended
period of the note.
19
On
October 21, 2020, the Company advanced $250,000 to AREB under a second secured promissory note. Such note bears interest at 8% and is
secured by inventory manufactured and revenue/accounts receivable derived from a specific purchase order. The Company also received warrants
to purchase 1,250,000 shares of AREB common stock at an exercise price of $0.10 per share with a five-year term. This note has a maturity
date of April 21, 2021, subject to full repayment upon AREB closing on debt or equity financings of at least $600,000, and the receipt
of revenue from the sale of inventory sold under the specific purchase order serving as collateral. On March 1, 2021, the Company advanced
an additional $117,600 to AREB on terms similar to the previously issued notes.
On
April 21, 2021, the parties agreed to the terms of a Debt Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release regarding the following: (a) the secured
promissory note dated October 1, 2020; (b) the secured promissory note dated October 21, 2020; and (c) an advance made by the Company
on March 1, 2021. The parties arranged for a lump sum payment aggregating $639,956 to liquidate all outstanding debt including accrued
interest for the two delinquent notes and the advance which lump-sum payment was made on April 21, 2021. No gain or loss was determined
on this transaction.
Transactions
with Affiliate and Member of Board of Director
Christian
J. Hoffmann, III is currently the Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel for Nobility, which is the managing member of the Company’s
majority owned subsidiary, Nobility Healthcare. The Company has made payments to Mr. Hoffmann and his affiliates for legal and other
services rendered totaling $105,926 during the year ended December 31, 2021. Furthermore, on January 27, 2022, the Company’s Board
of Directors appointed Mr. Hoffmann to become a member of the Board until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company at which
directors are being elected.
Transactions
with Managing Member of Nobility Healthcare
Nobility
is currently the managing member of Nobility Healthcare. The Company has advanced a total of $158,384 in the form of working capital
loan to Nobility, in order to fund capital expenditures necessary for the initial growth of the joint venture during the year ended December
31, 2021. The outstanding balance of working capital loan was $158,384 as of December 31, 2021 and the Company anticipates full repayment
of this advance during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Item
14.
Principal
Accountant Fees and Services.
The
following table is a summary of the fees billed to us by RBSM LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Fee Category
Fiscal
2021 fees
Fiscal
2020 fees
Audit fees
$ 189,250
$ 119,250
Audit-related fees
61,500
60,500
Tax fees
—
—
All other fees
—
—
Total fees
$ 250,750
$ 179,750
Audit
Fees . Such amount consists of fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual
financial statements and review of the interim financial statements included in our quarterly reports. It also includes services that
are normally provided by our independent registered public accounting firms in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit-Related
Fees . Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the
audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include employee benefit
plan audits, consents issued for certain filings with the SEC, accounting consultations in connection with acquisitions, attest services
that are not required by statute or regulation, and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.
20
Tax
Fees . Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
These services include assistance regarding federal, state and international tax compliance, tax audit defense, customs and duties, mergers
and acquisitions, and international tax planning.
All
Other Fees . Consists of fees for products and services other than the services reported above.
Part
IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
The
following exhibits are filed as part of this Amendment No. 1 and supplement the exhibits filed and furnished with the Original Form 10-K:
Exhibit
Number
Description
of Exhibit
31.1
Certificate of Stanton E. Ross, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*
31.2
Certificate of Thomas J. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*
21
Signatures
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.,
a
Nevada corporation
By:
/s/
Stanton E. Ross
Stanton
E. Ross
President
and Chief Executive Officer
Dated:
April
29, 2022
22
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.