DEF 14A: Perfect Moment Seeks Shareholder Nod for Reverse Split, Capital

Sentiment:

Proxy Statement


Perfect Moment Ltd. is seeking stockholder approval for a reverse stock split to maintain NYSE American listing, an increase in authorized shares, and several equity financing transactions.

Capital raiseA proposal to increase authorized common stock from 100,000,000 to 500,000,000 shares to provide flexibility for future capital raises.Approval for the automatic conversion of Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock at a reduced conversion price of $0.46822 per share, resulting in approximately 11,458,298 common shares.Approval for the potential issuance of up to $25 million worth of common stock through an Equity Purchase Agreement (ELOC) with Mast Hill, L.P.Approval for the potential issuance of common stock and warrants to X3 Higher Moment Fund LLC, including 3,172,858 shares and Warrant 1 for up to 3,204,908 shares, and a potential Warrant 2 for additional shares.A related party promissory note for $500,000 from an entity controlled by the Chairman was extinguished in June 2025 by issuing 1,692,694 common shares at $0.30 per share.
Worse than expectedThe company is not in compliance with NYSE American minimum stockholders' equity requirements (Section 1003(a)(ii)) and Section 1003(a)(i) of the Company Guide, necessitating a reverse stock split to avoid delisting.The proposed reduction in the Series AA Preferred Stock conversion price from $1.1601 to $0.46822 indicates a lower valuation for equity conversion than initially agreed, which is unfavorable for existing common shareholders.The need for significant dilutive capital raises (ELOC, X3, Series AA conversion) suggests ongoing financial challenges or substantial funding requirements not met by internal cash flow, leading to substantial dilution for current shareholders.

Summary

  • An Annual Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled for January 14, 2026, to address nine key proposals.
  • The company proposes a reverse stock split at a ratio between 1-for-5 and 1-for-20 to regain compliance with NYSE American listing requirements.
  • Stockholders will vote on increasing the authorized number of common shares from 100,000,000 to 500,000,000 to provide flexibility for future corporate needs, including capital raises and acquisitions.
  • Approval is sought for the automatic conversion of Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock at a reduced price of $0.46822 per share (down from $1.1601), which would result in the issuance of approximately 11,458,298 common shares.
  • The company is seeking approval for the potential issuance of common stock equal to 20% or more of presently outstanding shares under a $25 million Equity Line of Credit (ELOC) with Mast Hill, L.P.
  • Approval is also requested for the potential issuance of 3,172,858 common shares and related warrants (Warrant 1 for 3,204,908 shares, and potentially Warrant 2) to X3 Higher Moment Fund LLC at an exercise price of $0.46822 per share.
  • The appointment of Weinberg & Company, P.A. as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, is up for ratification.
  • A proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting is included, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies or establish a quorum.
  • As of November 21, 2025, there were 35,221,933 shares of Common Stock outstanding and 924,921 shares of Series AA Preferred Stock outstanding.
  • Max Gottschalk and Jane Gottschalk, who are husband and wife, beneficially own 20.21% of the company's common stock each.
  • Mark Buckley was terminated as CEO on January 31, 2025, and Jeff Clayborne was terminated as CFO on January 31, 2025.
  • Jane Gottschalk was appointed President effective February 3, 2025, and Chath Weerasinghe was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer effective February 3, 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 3

Explanation: The company is addressing critical issues like NYSE listing compliance and capital needs, which is a necessary step for survival. However, the underlying problems (non-compliance, low stock price, significant dilution from multiple financing rounds at low valuations, and recent management turnover) indicate substantial operational and financial challenges. The related party transactions, while disclosed, add a layer of complexity. The overall sentiment is negative due to the severity of the challenges and the dilutive nature of the proposed solutions.

Positives

  • The company is taking proactive steps to address its NYSE American listing compliance issues through a proposed reverse stock split.
  • The proposed increase in authorized shares and various financing proposals (ELOC, X3) aim to provide essential capital and flexibility for future growth and strategic opportunities.
  • New executive appointments, including a Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer with relevant industry experience, could strengthen management.
  • The company has established corporate governance structures, including independent Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.

Negatives

  • The company is not in compliance with NYSE American minimum stockholders' equity and other listing standards, necessitating a reverse stock split.
  • The proposed financing transactions (Series AA conversion, ELOC, X3) will result in significant dilution for existing common stockholders.
  • The reduction in the Series AA Preferred Stock conversion price from $1.1601 to $0.46822 implies a lower valuation for the common stock in this conversion.
  • A reverse stock split carries risks, including no guarantee of a sustained price increase, potential decrease in liquidity, and higher transaction costs for odd lot holders.
  • The termination of the former CEO and CFO within the last fiscal year indicates management instability.
  • Several related party transactions, including a personal guarantee by the Chairman and equity issuances to Chairman-controlled entities, raise potential governance concerns.

Risks

  • The reverse stock split may not result in a sustained increase in the market price of the common stock.
  • The reverse stock split may decrease the liquidity of the common stock due to a reduced number of outstanding shares.
  • The reverse stock split may result in some stockholders owning odd lots (less than 100 shares), which can be more difficult to sell or incur higher transaction costs per share.
  • The reverse stock split may lead to a decrease in the overall market capitalization of the company if the per share price does not increase proportionally.
  • Future issuance of shares from the authorized increase, Series AA Preferred Stock conversion, ELOC, and X3 proposals will have a dilutive effect on earnings per share, book value per share, and voting rights of existing stockholders.
  • Failure to approve the authorized shares increase could severely limit the company's ability to access capital markets, pursue strategic business development, and support growth plans.
  • The ELOC Transaction and X3 Proposal involve issuing shares at potentially less than the NYSE American Minimum Price, requiring stockholder approval to avoid further limitations.
  • The X3 Proposal, if approved, may result in a change of control of the company under NYSE American Company Guide Section 713(b).
  • The X3 Purchase Agreement includes provisions such as preemptive rights, right of first refusal on financing, and weighted average anti-dilution price protection, which could be restrictive for the company's future financing activities.
  • The X3 Purchase Agreement requires X3's consent for certain equity issuances until the annual meeting.

Future Outlook

The company's future outlook is focused on regaining compliance with NYSE American listing standards through a reverse stock split and securing additional capital. The proposed increase in authorized shares and various equity financing transactions (Series AA conversion, ELOC, X3) are intended to provide the necessary financial flexibility for growth, potential acquisitions, and employee incentives. The company aims to improve its marketability and liquidity, although there is no assurance that the reverse stock split will result in a sustained price increase.

Management Comments

  • The Board of Directors strongly believes that the Reverse Stock Split is necessary to maintain our listing on the NYSE American.
  • The Board believes that the increased market price of our Common Stock expected as a result of implementing a Reverse Stock Split could improve the marketability and liquidity of our Common Stock and encourage interest and trading in our Common Stock.
  • We believe that having the additional authorized shares available to the Company for issuance, upon approval of the Board, will be beneficial to us and our stockholders by allowing us to promptly consider and respond to future business opportunities as they arise, including in relation to acquisition opportunities, which are competitive and time-sensitive.

Industry Context

The company's need for a reverse stock split and multiple equity financing proposals reflects challenges common to smaller, publicly traded companies in maintaining exchange listing standards and securing growth capital. The fashion and apparel industry is competitive, and the pursuit of an Equity Line of Credit and strategic investments from funds like X3 Higher Moment Fund LLC indicates a strong need for cash infusion to support operations, expansion, and potentially M&A activities in a dynamic market.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • N/A. The filing primarily focuses on corporate governance, compliance, and financing proposals, rather than operational or financial performance metrics that would allow for direct comparison to industry benchmarks or specific comparable companies.

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
Chief Executive OfficerMark Buckley2025-01-31Termination of employment; Mr. Buckley continues as a director but is not standing for re-election.
Chief Financial OfficerJeff ClayborneChath Weerasinghe2025-02-03Termination of employment for Mr. Clayborne; Mr. Weerasinghe appointed.
PresidentJane Gottschalk2025-02-03Appointment to the role, in addition to her Chief Creative Officer role.
Chief Operating OfficerChath Weerasinghe2025-02-03Appointment to the role, in addition to his Chief Financial Officer role.
DirectorAdam Z. Epstein2025-05-29Joined the board.
DirectorTracy Barwin2026-01-14Not standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting.

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Policy AdoptionAdopted a Clawback Policy on January 19, 2024, requiring recoupment of incentive-based compensation from executive officers in the event of an accounting restatement.2024-01-19Enhances accountability for executive compensation tied to financial reporting accuracy.
Committee CompositionAudit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are comprised entirely of independent directors as defined by NYSE American rules.Strengthens independent oversight of financial reporting, executive compensation, and board nominations.
Director Independence DeterminationAndre Keijsers, Berndt Hauptkorn, Tim Nixdorff, and Adam Z. Epstein are determined to be independent directors. Jane Gottschalk and Max Gottschalk are not independent due to family relationship and executive role.Clarifies board independence structure in accordance with NYSE American and SEC rules.
Financial Expert DesignationAndre Keijsers has been designated as an audit committee financial expert.Ensures specialized financial expertise on the Audit Committee for oversight of financial statements and auditing processes.
Policy AdoptionAdopted corporate governance guidelines and a written code of business conduct and ethics applicable to directors, officers, and employees.Provides a framework for ethical conduct and board operations, promoting transparency and accountability.
Policy AdoptionMaintains an Insider Trading Policy prohibiting derivatives trading or hedging involving company securities for directors, officers, employees, and consultants.Aims to prevent insider trading and maintain market integrity.
Compliance ReportingChath Weerasinghe and Max Gottschalk each filed one late Form 4 under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.Indicates minor non-compliance with timely insider transaction reporting requirements.
Policy AdoptionAdopted a written related party transactions policy requiring approval by the audit committee or another independent body of the board.Establishes a formal process for reviewing and approving transactions involving related parties to mitigate conflicts of interest.

Legal Proceedings

  • To the best of our knowledge, none of the directors or executive officers have been involved in any legal proceedings described in subparagraph (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K during the past ten years.

Related Party Transactions

  • Max Gottschalk (Chairman) receives consulting fees of £12,000 per month (since December 2022) from PMA, a subsidiary. Total fees were $185,703 for FY2025 and $181,000 for FY2024.
  • Max Gottschalk provided a $4,000 personal guarantee for the company's trade finance facility without receiving consideration.
  • In March 2025, the company issued 344,797 shares of Series AA Preferred Stock at $5.8005 per share for gross proceeds of $2,000,000 to a company controlled by Max Gottschalk.
  • In May 2025, the company entered into a $500,000 promissory note with an entity controlled by Max Gottschalk. This note, including $8,000 in accrued interest, was extinguished in June 2025 by issuing 1,692,694 shares of common stock at $0.30 per share to the same entity.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders face significant potential dilution from the proposed Series AA Preferred Stock conversion, Equity Line of Credit, and X3 financing proposals.
  • Shareholders will experience a reduction in the number of shares held due to the reverse stock split, which may also lead to higher transaction costs for odd lots.
  • The reverse stock split and capital raises are intended to maintain the company's NYSE American listing, which benefits all shareholders by preserving market access and liquidity.
  • Employees and consultants benefit from the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, which provides equity-based compensation, and new executive appointments may bring fresh leadership.
  • Creditors and new investors (Mast Hill, L.P. and X3 Higher Moment Fund LLC) are providing crucial capital, but their agreements include terms that could impact existing equity holders.

Next Steps

  • Stockholders will vote on the proposed amendments and transactions at the Annual Meeting on January 14, 2026.
  • If approved, the Board will determine the final ratio for the reverse stock split and effect it no later than June 11, 2026.
  • If approved, the Certificate of Amendment for the Series AA Preferred Stock conversion will be filed promptly after the annual meeting.
  • If approved, the company will proceed with utilizing the Equity Line of Credit and the X3 financing mechanisms.
  • The company will file a Current Report on Form 8-K to announce the preliminary and final voting results within four business days following the Annual Meeting.
  • The company must provide quarterly updates to NYSE Regulation staff regarding its plan to regain compliance with listing standards.
  • If stockholder approval for Proposal Six (X3 Proposal) is not obtained at the Annual Meeting, the company will hold additional stockholder meetings quarterly thereafter until approval is secured.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2021-01-11Corporation incorporated by filing its Certificate of Incorporation.
2021-01-25Certificate of Correction filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
2021-08-24Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
2022-09-01Jane Gottschalk's employment as Chief Creative Officer became effective.
2022-10-21Mark Buckley's employment as Chief Executive Officer became effective.
2022-12-01Max Gottschalk's consulting fees increased to £12,000 per month.
2023-05-01Jane Gottschalk ceased serving on the board of Jax Coco UK Limited.
2023-09-15Independent Director Agreements entered with Andre Keijsers and Berndt Hauptkorn.
2023-10-01Jeff Clayborne served as Chief Financial Officer from this month until January 31, 2025. Tracy Barwin's consulting agreement terminated and replaced by an independent director agreement.
2023-10-23Independent Director Agreement entered with Tracy Barwin.
2024-01-18Tim Nixdorff joined the board and Independent Director Agreement became effective.
2024-01-19Clawback Policy adopted pursuant to NYSE American Company Guide Section 811.
2024-02-09Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed.
2024-02-12Bonus paid to Mark Buckley for the successful initial public offering and NYSE American listing.
2024-03-05Restricted stock units granted to Mark Buckley; stock option granted to Jane Gottschalk; additional options granted to Andre Keijsers, Tracy Barwin, Berndt Hauptkorn, and Tim Nixdorff.
2024-12-11Company received notification from NYSE American LLC regarding non-compliance with minimum stockholders' equity requirements.
2024-12-01Board cancelled Jeff Clayborne's stock option grant and approved RSU grants; Board approved cancellation of Jane Gottschalk's stock options and granted RSUs.
2025-01-10Company submitted its plan to regain compliance with NYSE American listing standards.
2025-01-31Mark Buckley terminated as Chief Executive Officer; Jeff Clayborne terminated as Chief Financial Officer.
2025-02-03Jane Gottschalk appointed President; Chath Weerasinghe appointed Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
2025-03-04Company received a second notification from NYSE Regulation regarding non-compliance; NYSE Regulation accepted the company's plan and granted a plan period through June 11, 2026.
2025-03-01Company entered into securities purchase agreements with a company controlled by the Chairman, issuing 344,797 shares of Series AA Preferred Stock for $2,000,000.
2025-03-28Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain purchasers for Series AA Preferred Stock.
2025-03-31Fiscal year ended.
2025-05-01Company entered into a $500,000 promissory note with an entity controlled by the Chairman of the board of directors. Adam Z. Epstein joined the board.
2025-06-01Promissory note and accrued unpaid interest totaling $508,000 was extinguished through the issuance of 1,692,694 shares of common stock at $0.30 per share.
2025-06-30Offering completed where the related party promissory note was extinguished.
2025-08-0750,000 stock options for Max Gottschalk were cancelled and repurchased for cash.
2025-08-27Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with X3 Higher Moment Fund LLC, issuing 3,172,858 shares of common stock and Warrant 1 for 3,204,908 shares.
2025-10-07Board adopted, approved, and declared advisable an amendment to effect a reverse stock split. Board adopted, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to increase authorized shares. Company entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (ELOC) with Mast Hill, L.P.
2025-10-10Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC regarding the ELOC Purchase Agreement.
2025-11-05Board and a majority of Series AA Preferred Stock holders adopted, approved, and declared advisable a certificate of amendment to reduce the conversion price.
2025-11-21Record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. 35,221,933 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
2025-11-25Date of the Proxy Statement.
2025-11-26Anticipated date for sending E-Proxy Notice and making full proxy materials available.
2025-12-30Deadline to request a printed copy of proxy materials.
2026-01-13Deadline for internet and telephone voting (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) and mail voting.
2026-01-14Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 11:00 am Eastern Time in virtual format.
2026-03-31Fiscal year ending for which Weinberg & Company, P.A. is appointed independent registered public accounting firm.
2026-06-11Deadline for the reverse stock split to be effected. End of the plan period to regain NYSE American compliance.
2026-09-16Beginning of the window for stockholders to submit proposals for the fiscal year 2027 annual meeting (90 days in advance).
2026-10-12Deadline for stockholder proposals not for proxy statement inclusion for the fiscal year 2027 annual meeting.
2026-10-16End of the window for stockholders to submit proposals for the fiscal year 2027 annual meeting (120 days in advance).
2026-11-15Deadline for notice for universal proxy rules for director nominees for the fiscal year 2027 annual meeting.
2027-01-14Approximate date for the annual meeting in fiscal year 2027, when the term for elected directors ends.
2028-08-27Expiration Date for Warrant 1 issued to X3 Higher Moment Fund LLC.
2031-03-31The 2021 Equity Incentive Plan will automatically terminate.

Recommendation

sell

The company is facing severe challenges, including non-compliance with NYSE American listing standards, necessitating a reverse stock split. This action, while aimed at compliance, often signals underlying issues and can lead to further stock price volatility and reduced liquidity. The multiple proposed capital raises (Series AA conversion, ELOC, X3) are highly dilutive, with shares being issued at significantly reduced prices (e.g., $0.30 for note extinguishment, $0.46822 for X3 and new Series AA conversion price). This indicates a distressed need for capital and a substantial erosion of value for existing shareholders. The recent management turnover and related party transactions, while disclosed, add to the risk profile. Given the substantial dilution, precarious financial position, and the inherent risks of a reverse stock split, a seasoned investor would likely recommend selling to avoid further potential losses.

Keywords

Perfect Moment Ltd., Proxy Statement, Reverse Stock Split, NYSE American Listing, Authorized Shares Increase, Equity Line of Credit, ELOC, Series AA Preferred Stock, Convertible Preferred Stock, Warrants, X3 Higher Moment Fund, Capital Raise, Dilution, Corporate Governance, Director Election, Executive Compensation, Related Party Transactions, Fashion, Apparel

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