S-1: American Rebel Holdings Files S-1 for Resale of 4.6M Shares

Sentiment:

Registration Statement (S-1)


American Rebel Holdings, Inc. filed an S-1 registration statement for the resale of up to 4,601,862 shares of common stock by selling stockholders, with the company not receiving proceeds from the sale but potentially from warrant exercises.

Delay expectedThe company received a Nasdaq notice on February 28, 2024, for not holding an annual meeting within 12 months of the 2022 fiscal year-end (compliance regained June 27, 2024).The company received a Nasdaq notice on November 22, 2024, for not timely filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for Q3 2024 (compliance regained February 10, 2025).The company has not regained compliance with Nasdaq's Stockholders Equity Requirement by August 18, 2025, and faces a delisting hearing on September 30, 2025.Champion Safe Company did not make the final payment of all amounts owed under the Credit Agreement on July 31, 2025, following a forbearance period with Bank of America, N.A.
Capital raiseThe company is currently in a capital raise utilizing its Series C and D Preferred Stock.The board of directors is authorized to issue up to 600,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, including Series A, B, C, D, and E Preferred Stock, which can be used for future capital raises.The company may attempt to raise additional capital by selling shares of common or preferred stock, potentially at a deep discount, which could result in dilution.On April 8, 2025, the company closed a private placement for 724,640 shares of common stock (or prefunded warrants) and warrants to purchase up to 2,898,560 shares of common stock for $3.45 per share.On August 22, 2025, the company authorized the issuance of 2,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock in exchange for a note purchase agreement.On September 8, 2025, the company received a subscription agreement for the purchase of 40,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for $300,000 cash from Kingdom Building, Inc.
Worse than expectedThe company has an accumulated deficit of $88,283,199 as of June 30, 2025, and has not been profitable since its inception in December 2014.Identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting led to restatements of financial statements for 2023 and 2022, indicating significant operational deficiencies.The company is not in compliance with Nasdaq's Stockholders Equity Requirement and faces a delisting hearing on September 30, 2025.There is an uncured default on a significant loan with Bank of America, N.A., totaling $1,831,014.51 as of July 31, 2025, with ongoing litigation.The current offering is a resale by selling stockholders, meaning the company will not receive direct proceeds for its operations, except for a minimal amount from warrant exercises.New investors will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $0.74 per share at the assumed offering price.

Summary

  • The filing registers 4,601,862 shares of common stock for resale by selling stockholders, from which the company will not receive any proceeds, except for a maximum of approximately $18,829 if prefunded warrants are exercised.
  • American Rebel Holdings operates as a lifestyle brand, primarily designing, manufacturing, and marketing safes, personal security products, and apparel, and has expanded into the beverage industry with American Rebel Light Beer.
  • American Rebel Light Beer launched regionally in September 2024 and became available online in 40 US states by February 2025, targeting a patriotic, 'Better For You' consumer segment.
  • The company acquired Champion Safe Company and its associated entities on July 29, 2022, for $9,150,000 cash, plus $350,000 in deposits and $397,420 for acquisitions and equipment.
  • American Rebel Holdings has experienced net losses since its inception in December 2014, with an accumulated deficit of $88,283,199 as of June 30, 2025.
  • Material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting have been identified, leading to restatements of consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022.
  • The company faces ongoing Nasdaq listing compliance issues, specifically regarding the Stockholders Equity Requirement, with a hearing scheduled for September 30, 2025, to address potential delisting.
  • Management (Charles A. Ross, Jr., Doug E. Grau, Corey Lambrecht) holds Series A Preferred Stock with superior voting rights (1,000 to 1), collectively controlling over 93% of the available stockholder votes.
  • Current legal proceedings include a trademark infringement lawsuit from Liberty Safe and a significant debt litigation with Bank of America, N.A., for an uncured default totaling $1,831,014.51 as of July 31, 2025, accruing $570.23 per day.
  • The historical net tangible book value per share was ($0.46) as of June 30, 2025, and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after the offering is $0.05 per share, resulting in an immediate dilution of $0.74 per share for new investors at an assumed offering price of $0.78.

Sentiment

Score: 3

Explanation: While the company has a clear brand strategy and ambitious growth plans in new markets (beer), its significant accumulated deficit, ongoing unprofitability, material weaknesses in internal controls, and persistent Nasdaq listing compliance issues, coupled with substantial dilution from the current offering and active debt litigation, present considerable financial and operational challenges. The positive aspects are overshadowed by these fundamental concerns.

Positives

  • Cultivated a distinctive patriotic brand identity that resonates with a specific customer base, emphasizing personal security and American values.
  • Successfully expanded into the U.S. light beer market with American Rebel Light Beer, positioned as a 'Better For You' and values-driven product, targeting a large underserved market segment.
  • Established a strategic partnership with Associated Brewing Company, providing turnkey production, logistics, and operational expertise for scalable beer production (capacity over 230 million cases per year).
  • Achieved accelerating distribution for American Rebel Light Beer in over 10 U.S. states and online in 40 states since its regional launch in September 2024.
  • The safes business is well-positioned for significant revenue growth (projected 3x to 5x over the next few years) due to increased consumer interest in personal safety, responsible firearm storage, and reinforcing legislative trends.
  • Utilizes U.S.-made steel for higher-end safes and nearshore production in Mexico for other lines, which may provide a competitive advantage against imported safes, especially with potential tariff expansions.
  • Led by an experienced executive team with proven track records in public company governance, brand development, and operational scale, including CEO Charles A. Ross, Jr. and President/COO Corey Lambrecht.
  • Safe products integrate high-performance design features such as Four-Way Active Boltworks, 12-gauge and heavier U.S.-made steel, and Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate, offering superior security and value.

Negatives

  • Has not been profitable since its inception in December 2014 and cannot predict when or if profitability will be achieved, with an accumulated deficit of $88,283,199 as of June 30, 2025.
  • Identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, which led to restatements of financial statements for 2023 and 2022, and could impair the ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements in the future.
  • Faces ongoing non-compliance with Nasdaq's Stockholders Equity Requirement and is scheduled for a delisting hearing on September 30, 2025, posing a significant risk to its public listing.
  • Executive officers and directors hold Series A Preferred Stock with superior voting rights (1,000 to 1), giving them over 93% of available stockholder votes, which significantly limits the influence of common stockholders.
  • Involved in a legal proceeding with Bank of America, N.A., due to an uncured default on a term loan, with $1,831,014.51 due as of July 31, 2025, and accruing interest daily.
  • The current offering is a resale by selling stockholders, meaning the company will not receive direct capital for its operations, except for a minimal amount from warrant exercises.
  • New investors will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $0.74 per share based on the assumed offering price of $0.78 and the company's net tangible book value.
  • Dependence on the availability and regulation of ammunition and firearm storage for a significant portion of its revenue, making it vulnerable to legislative changes.
  • Substantial future sales of common stock by selling stockholders could cause the market price of the common stock to decline.
  • Risk of inadvertently breaching covenants under debt or other financing agreements, which could result in the issuance of additional shares or other penalties.

Risks

  • Inability to achieve or sustain profitability, given a history of net losses since inception and an accumulated deficit of $88,283,199 as of June 30, 2025.
  • Failure to remediate identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls, which could impair the ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements and affect investor confidence.
  • Restatement of previously issued consolidated financial statements resulting in unanticipated costs and potential reputational damage.
  • Financial results may be adversely affected by tariffs or border adjustment taxes, particularly concerning backpack and apparel suppliers in China and Mexico.
  • Inability to locate alternative U.S. suppliers for backpacks and apparel that can meet cost and volume demands.
  • Significant dilution of stockholders' voting power and ownership interest through future efforts to obtain financing and satisfy obligations by issuing additional shares.
  • Executive officers and directors holding super-voting Series A Preferred Stock can exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval, potentially delaying or preventing a change in control.
  • The board of directors has the authority to issue additional series of preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could adversely affect common stockholders' voting power and rights.
  • Common stock may be affected by limited trading volume and high price volatility, potentially leading to declines in market price regardless of operating performance.
  • Short selling activities by third parties could drive down the market price of common stock.
  • Inability to maintain a listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market due to non-compliance with listing standards, such as the Stockholders Equity Requirement, which could impair liquidity and ability to raise capital.
  • Substantial future sales of common stock by selling stockholders could cause the market price of the common stock to decline.
  • Inadvertent breach of covenants under debt or other financing agreements, potentially resulting in the issuance of additional shares of common stock or default.
  • Risks related to the planned entry into the beer and alcoholic beverage market, including intense competition.
  • Inability to introduce new products that successfully track customer preferences.
  • Failure to protect intellectual property, leading to loss of competitive advantage or substantial litigation costs.
  • Dependence on the availability and regulation of ammunition and firearm storage for a significant portion of revenues.
  • Compromised operational capacity affecting the ability to meet demand for safes, especially during integration of acquired entities.
  • Shortages of components and materials, as well as supply chain disruptions, may delay sales and increase costs.
  • Lack of long-term purchase commitments from customers, allowing them to cancel, reduce, or delay orders.
  • Inability to effectively meet shortand long-term obligations.
  • Difficulty in evaluating business and future prospects due to limited corporate history.
  • Inability to raise additional financing for working capital, particularly for purchasing critical inventory.
  • Inability to generate sufficient revenue in targeted markets to support operations.
  • Actions and initiatives taken by current and potential competitors.
  • Inability to diversify operations.
  • Accounting policies and methods requiring management to make estimates about inherently uncertain matters.
  • Changes in U.S. GAAP or in the legal, regulatory, and legislative environments.
  • Deterioration in general or global economic, market, and political conditions.
  • Inability to efficiently manage operations.
  • Unavailability of funds for capital expenditures.
  • Inability to recruit and hire key employees.
  • Inability of management to effectively implement strategies and business plans.
  • Dependence of future success on the general economy.
  • Adequacy of cash resources and working capital.

Future Outlook

The company aims to establish itself as a leading American brand at the intersection of personal security, patriotic lifestyle, and consumer products. It anticipates its safe business revenues to grow by 3x to 5x over the next few years, driven by increased consumer interest in personal safety and firearm storage. The company believes American Rebel Light Beer is on a pathway to become a major national brand, projecting $500 million to $700 million in annual revenue if it achieves a modest 2% to 3% market share of the U.S. light beer segment. Plans include expanding apparel offerings and exploring strategic licensing opportunities, alongside evaluating acquisition opportunities that align with long-term growth goals.

Management Comments

  • "American Rebel is boldly positioning itself as America's Patriotic Brand in a time when national spirit and American values are being rekindled and redefined."
  • "We believe the time is right for American Rebel Light, we believe we have the right expertise, and we believe we have the right brand."
  • "We believe recent trends have revealed that beer consumers want to express their values through their choice of beer."
  • "Champion Safe – Built Up to a Standard, Not Down to a Price."
  • "Our founder and Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Andy Ross, Jr., continues to be a driving force behind our brand's expansion and product focus—fusing patriotism, personal freedom, and bold identity into every corner of the Company."
  • "His vision for American Rebel has shaped a product suite that resonates with customers nationwide."
  • "Corey's oversight ensures that American Rebel maintains fiscal discipline, retail alignment, and strategic velocity across all divisions—from safes to beverages."
  • "This team blends visionary thinking with operational depth, positioning American Rebel for long-term scalability, category leadership, and durable brand relevance."
  • "We believe we are building more than a product portfolio—we are building a platform for American consumers who want quality, authenticity, and patriotism reflected in the brands they support."

Industry Context

In the safes industry, American Rebel Holdings leverages its use of U.S.-made steel for higher-end products and nearshore Mexican production for others, positioning itself favorably against competitors reliant on Chinese imports, especially with potential tariff expansions under the re-elected Trump administration. In the intensely competitive U.S. beer market, dominated by large brewers and craft brands, American Rebel Light Beer aims to disrupt by combining bold patriotic branding with a 'better-for-you' clean-label profile, aligning with a growing consumer demand for values-driven products. This strategy mirrors successful market disruptors like Black Rifle Coffee Company, Poppi, and Liquid Death, which targeted emotionally connected, underserved consumer segments.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • Our higher-end safes and vault doors are made in the United States using USA-made steel, which strongly appeals to our customer base, unlike many competitors who rely on Chinese imports.
  • Our safes integrate high-performance design features, such as Four-Way Active Boltworks that pin the door shut on all four sides, surpassing the more common three-way systems found in competitor units.
  • We deliver category-leading value by offering premium features like 12-gauge and heavier U.S.-made steel, which are often absent at similar price points in the safe industry.
  • American Rebel Light Beer is brewed with all-natural ingredients, free of added corn, rice, and synthetic sweeteners, aligning with a growing consumer demand for clean-label lifestyles, a trend that legacy consumer packaged goods brands are only now beginning to address with new SKUs.
  • The brand strategy for American Rebel Light Beer is positioned similarly to successful beverage market disruptors like Black Rifle Coffee Company, Poppi, and Liquid Death, which scaled by targeting emotionally connected consumers underserved by legacy brands.

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
Interim Principal Accounting OfficerDoug E. Grau (former)Darin FieldingNAAppointment to address financial oversight and compliance, following Doug E. Grau's role as former principal accounting officer.

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Capital Structure AuthorizationSecond Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the board to issue up to 600,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock.NAProvides flexibility for future financings and acquisitions but also enables significant dilution of common stockholders' interests without their approval for issuances under 20% of outstanding common stock or voting power.
Preferred Stock DesignationDesignated 150,000 shares as Series A Preferred Stock, with 124,112 shares issued to three members of management (Charles A. Ross, Jr., Doug E. Grau, Corey Lambrecht) carrying superior voting rights of 1,000 to 1 over common stock, resulting in over 93% of available stockholder votes.NAConcentrates significant control over corporate actions and director elections in the hands of a few management members, limiting the influence of common stockholders.
Preferred Stock DesignationDesignated 2,500,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on May 10, 2024, convertible into common stock at a fixed price of $1.50 per share (1:5 ratio).2024-05-10Provides a mechanism for debt conversion and capital raising, but also contributes to potential dilution of common stockholders upon conversion.
Preferred Stock Designation and CovenantsDesignated 10,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock on August 22, 2025, with superior ranking for dividends and liquidation, and specific covenants including timely SEC filings, Nasdaq listing maintenance, and restrictions on asset disposal, reverse splits, and further preferred stock issuance without consent.2025-08-22Enhances protection for Series E holders, potentially making it easier to raise capital through this class, but imposes significant restrictions and obligations on the company, and ranks senior to other preferred and common stock for distributions.
Controlled Company StatusAlthough the company may be considered a controlled company under Nasdaq rules due to management's voting power, it does not intend to rely on the exemptions to corporate governance requirements.NAIndicates a commitment to broader corporate governance standards despite concentrated voting power, potentially mitigating some investor concerns about management control.

Legal Proceedings

  • **Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc. Lawsuit**: On July 23, 2024, Liberty Safe filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, alleging trademark infringement (purported use of 'Freedom' in safe sales), federal false designation of origin, unfair competition, and violation of Utah deceptive trade practices. Management believes the lawsuit is without merit but has initiated settlement discussions, anticipating an amicable resolution without material effect on the business.
  • **Bank of America, N.A. Litigation**: On March 21, 2025, Bank of America filed a complaint against Champion Safe Company, Inc. (a subsidiary) and its guarantors in Utah, seeking no less than $1,906,742.88 plus fees and interest, due to an uncured default on a term loan payment. A Forbearance Agreement was entered on May 30, 2025, which expired on July 31, 2025, with Champion failing to make the final payment. As of July 31, 2025, the total due was $1,831,014.51, accruing interest at $570.23 per day. The company continues to work towards an amicable resolution.

Related Party Transactions

  • 124,112 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued to three members of management (Charles A. Ross, Jr., Doug E. Grau, and Corey Lambrecht), which have superior voting rights of 1,000 to 1 over common stock, resulting in over 93% of the available stockholder votes.
  • DeMint Law, PLLC, counsel to the company for this registration statement, owns 20,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (convertible into 100,000 shares of common stock) issued as partial payment for legal services, and also owns 10,000 shares of the company's common stock.

Stakeholder Impact

  • **Shareholders**: Existing common stockholders face significant dilution from the resale offering and potential future capital raises. Their voting power is substantially limited by the super-voting Series A Preferred Stock held by management. There is a high risk of stock price volatility and potential delisting from Nasdaq.
  • **Creditors (e.g., Bank of America)**: The company's uncured debt default and ongoing litigation with Bank of America indicate financial distress, posing a risk to creditors' recovery and potentially leading to further legal actions or restructuring.
  • **Management**: Key management members hold significant voting control through Series A Preferred Stock, influencing corporate decisions. Their compensation includes equity awards and preferred stock conversions.
  • **Customers**: The company's focus on a patriotic brand identity and quality products (safes, beer) aims to build customer loyalty. However, financial instability or supply chain issues could impact product availability or service.
  • **Employees**: While not directly addressed, the company's financial challenges and Nasdaq delisting risk could create uncertainty regarding job security or future compensation.

Next Steps

  • The company intends to present its views and plans to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Stockholders Equity Requirement at a hearing on September 30, 2025.
  • Management expects to continue to implement remediation plans for identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting throughout the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
  • The company plans to expand its American Rebel branded apparel and accessories offerings and explore strategic licensing opportunities.
  • The company will continue to actively evaluate acquisition opportunities that align with its long-term growth goals and offer synergies with its core competencies.
  • Champion Safe Company and American Rebel Holdings will continue to work with Bank of America, N.A., towards an amicable resolution regarding the outstanding debt and litigation.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2014-12-15Company incorporated as CubeScape, Inc.
2017-01-05Company amended its articles of incorporation and changed its name to American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
2017-06-19Company completed a business combination with its majority shareholder, American Rebel, Inc.
2022-07-29Acquisition of Champion Safe Company and associated entities completed.
2023-02-10Date of the line of credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A.
2023-08-09Company entered into a Master Brewing Agreement with Associated Brewing Company.
2024-07-23Company received notice of a complaint filed by Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc. alleging trademark infringement.
2024-09-01American Rebel Light Beer launched regionally.
2024-10-021-for-9 reverse stock split became effective.
2024-11-22Company received notice from Nasdaq regarding non-compliance for not timely filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for Q3 2024.
2025-02-01American Rebel Light Beer began offering online sales in 40 US States.
2025-03-21Bank of America filed a complaint against Champion Safe Company, Inc. in Utah County, Utah.
2025-03-311-for-25 reverse stock split became effective.
2025-05-10Company's board of directors approved the designation of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.
2025-05-27Date of several OID notes for various selling stockholders.
2025-05-30Champion Safe Company, Inc. entered into a Forbearance Agreement with Bank of America, N.A.
2025-07-25Bank of America issued a payoff statement for Champion Safe Company, Inc.
2025-07-31Forbearance Period with Bank of America ended; total due was $1,831,014.51.
2025-08-15Exchange and Settlement Agreement with Agile Capital Funding LLC.
2025-08-18Strategic Advisory Agreement with Hudson Global Ventures, LLC.
2025-08-22Company's board of directors approved the designation of Series E Preferred Stock.
2025-08-27Company submitted an appeal to Nasdaq regarding non-compliance with the Stockholders Equity Requirement.
2025-09-02Minority Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Sydona Enterprises, LLC.
2025-09-03Debt Conversion Agreements with DeMint Law, PLLC and Eventus Advisory Group, LLC.
2025-09-05Closing price of common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $0.687 per share.
2025-09-07Debt Conversion Agreement with MZ Digital, LLC.
2025-09-08Filing date of the S-1 Registration Statement.
2025-09-08Subscription agreement for 40,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock from Kingdom Building, Inc.
2025-09-30Nasdaq hearing date for non-compliance with the Stockholders Equity Requirement.
2026-01-01Vesting of certain Series A Preferred Stock begins.

Recommendation

sell

The filing reveals a company in significant financial distress, marked by persistent unprofitability, a substantial accumulated deficit, and critical internal control weaknesses that led to financial restatements. The ongoing non-compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements and the active delisting threat, coupled with a major uncured debt default and litigation with Bank of America, signal severe operational and financial instability. While the company has an ambitious growth strategy and a distinctive brand, these fundamental issues create a high-risk investment profile. The current offering is a resale by selling stockholders, providing no direct capital to the company for its operations, and will result in immediate and substantial dilution for new investors. The concentration of voting power in management through super-voting preferred stock further limits common shareholder influence. These factors collectively point to a strong likelihood of continued share price decline and significant risk to capital.

Keywords

American Rebel Holdings, AREB, SEC filing, S-1, common stock resale, selling stockholders, safes, personal security, firearms storage, apparel, American Rebel Light Beer, patriotic brand, Nasdaq delisting, financial losses, material weaknesses, corporate governance, preferred stock, voting rights, dilution, legal proceedings, Bank of America, Liberty Safe, capital raise, warrants, OID notes

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