Company: IPST
Filing Date: 2025-06-10
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0001788230-25-000111
Chunk: 31

Company: Heritage Distilling Holding Company, Inc.
Filing Date: 2025-06-10
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 31
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-Binding Vote on the Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers

We are asking our stockholders to vote on an advisory and non-binding basis to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation, and the accompanying narrative disclosure under "Executive Compensation" in this Proxy Statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of our named executive officers. Our executive compensation programs are designed to align the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders, as well as attract, motivate, and retain key employees who are critical to our success. Under these programs, our executive officers, including our named executive officers, are motivated to achieve specific financial and strategic objectives that are expected to increase stockholder value.

Recommendation

We are asking for stockholder approval of the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this Proxy Statement by voting in favor of the resolution set forth below. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement.

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve, in an advisory and non-binding vote, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation, and the accompanying narrative disclosure, set forth under "Executive Compensation" in the Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.”

Even though this say-on-pay vote is advisory and therefore will not be binding on us, we value the opinions of our stockholders. Accordingly, to the extent there is a significant vote against the compensation of our named executive officers, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate what actions may be necessary or appropriate to address those concerns.

Vote Required and Board’s Recommendation

Approval of the Advisory Compensation Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal at the Annual Meeting, provided a quorum is present. For this purpose, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and will therefore have no effect on the outcome of the vote. Only votes “FOR” and “AGAINST” the proposal will be considered in determining whether the proposal has received the requisite affirmative vote. Brokerage firms do not have discretionary authority to vote shares held in street name on this proposal. If you do not provide your broker with voting instructions, your shares will not be voted on this