Form 4: Vivakor CEO Pledges 3 Million Shares as Loan Collateral

Vivakor CEO James H. Ballengee transferred over 3 million shares of common stock as collateral for a loan agreement, valued at $0.17 per share.

Summary

• James H. Ballengee, who serves as CEO, Director, and a 10% Owner of Vivakor, Inc. (VIVK), reported a change in his beneficial ownership.
• On November 10, 2025, Ballengee transferred a total of 3,009,552 shares of Vivakor, Inc. common stock (par value $0.001) to a financial institution.
• These shares were transferred to serve as collateral under the terms of a loan agreement.
• The pledged shares were valued at $0.17 per share, based on the closing price of Vivakor's common stock on the transaction date.
• The value derived from these shares is intended to be applied against the outstanding loan balance.
• Following these transactions, Ballengee's beneficial ownership consists of 17,848,464 shares held indirectly through Jorgan Development, LLC and JBAH Holdings, LLC.

Sentiment

Score: 4

Explanation: The CEO pledged a significant block of personal shares as collateral for a loan, which introduces a potential overhang on the stock due to the risk of future liquidation by the financial institution. This is a personal financial move, but its scale makes it noteworthy for investors.

Negatives

• The pledging of a significant block of shares by the CEO introduces a potential overhang on the stock, as these shares could be liquidated by the financial institution if the loan terms are not met.
• This transaction, while personal, could be interpreted by some investors as a sign of the insider's need for personal liquidity, which may raise questions.

Risks

• There is a risk of a forced sale of the 3,009,552 pledged shares by the financial institution if the terms of the loan agreement are not fulfilled, which could exert downward pressure on Vivakor's stock price.
• The concentration of a large block of shares as collateral could lead to increased volatility if market conditions or the CEO's personal financial situation necessitate a sale.

Future Outlook

NA

Management Comments

• Shares were transferred to a financial institution as collateral under the terms of the loan agreement.
• Shares were valued based on closing price of the Issuer's common stock on 11/10/2025.
• Value to be applied against the loan balance.

Industry Context

NA

Related Party Transactions

• James H. Ballengee's indirect beneficial ownership of 17,848,464 shares is held through Jorgan Development, LLC and JBAH Holdings, LLC, entities with which he is associated.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for increased selling pressure on Vivakor's stock if the pledged shares are eventually liquidated by the financial institution.
• Creditors (of the company): No direct impact on the company's creditors from this personal loan transaction.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing discloses a significant insider transaction where the CEO pledged a substantial number of shares as collateral for a loan. While not a direct sale, this action introduces a potential overhang on the stock due to the risk of future liquidation by the financial institution if loan terms are not met. This adds a layer of uncertainty, warranting a 'hold' rather than a 'buy' or 'sell' based solely on this disclosure.

Keywords

Vivakor, VIVK, Insider Transaction, Share Pledge, Collateral, CEO, James H. Ballengee, Form 4, Beneficial Ownership