UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
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Gulf Resources, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) |
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
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GULF RESOURCES, INC.
Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park
of the East City,
Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700
The People’s Republic of China
___________________________
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
to be held on November 30, 2023
___________________________
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF Gulf Resources, Inc.:
The Annual Meeting of the
stockholders of Gulf Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Company”), will be held on November 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (local
time), at the company’s headquarters located at Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City,
Shandong Province 262700, the People’s Republic of China, for the following purposes:
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To elect seven directors named in the Proxy Statement, to hold office for a one-year term or until their successors are elected and qualified; |
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To ratify the appointment of WWC, P.C. Certified Public Accountants, independent public accountants, as the auditor of the Company for the fiscal year 2023; and |
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To transact any other business as may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
Stockholders of record of
the Company’s Common Stock at the close of business on October 2, 2023 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting
or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Your attention is directed
to the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice for a more complete statement of matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting.
All stockholders are cordially
invited to attend the meeting. Whether or not you expect to attend, you are respectfully requested by the Board of Directors
to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy promptly, or follow the instructions contained in the Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials
to vote on the Internet. Stockholders who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them at any time prior to the voting thereof. If
you received this proxy statement in the mail, a return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
YOU ARE REQUESTED TO CAREFULLY READ THE PROXY STATEMENT. PLEASE VOTE ON THE INTERNET. IF THIS PROXY STATEMENT WAS MAILED TO YOU, COMPLETE,
DATE, SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. YOU MAY ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING TO VOTE IN PERSON.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Ming Yang
Ming Yang
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dated: October 3, 2023
GULF RESOURCES, INC.
Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park
of the East City,
Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700
The People’s Republic of China
___________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
for
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held on November 30, 2023
___________________________
INTRODUCTION
Your proxy is solicited by
the Board of Directors of Gulf Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us”
or “our”), for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
(local time) Beijing Standard Time (the “Annual Meeting”), at the company’s headquarters located at Level 11,
Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700, the People’s Republic of China,
for the following purposes:
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1. |
To elect seven directors, consisting of Xiaobin Liu, Naihui Miao, Yibo Yang, Shengwei Ma, Yang Zou, Shitong Jiang, and Dongshan Wang, to hold office for a one-year term or until their successors are elected and qualified; |
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To ratify the appointment of WWC, P.C. Certified Public Accountants, independent public accountants, as the auditor of the Company for the fiscal year 2023; and |
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To transact any other business as may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
The Board of Directors set
October 2, 2023 as the record date (the “Record Date”) to determine those holders of common stock of the Company (the
“Common Stock”), who are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. A list of the stockholders entitled
to vote at the meeting may be examined at the Company’s office at Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City,
Shouguang City, Shandong Province 262700, the People’s Republic of China.
On or about October 10,
2023, the Company shall mail to all stockholders of record, as of the Record Date, a Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”).
Please carefully review the Notice for information on how to access the Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, proxy card and Annual
Report on www.proxyvote.com, in addition to instructions on how you may request to receive a paper or email copy of these documents.
There is no charge to you for requesting a paper copy of these documents.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING
Who can vote?
You can vote your shares of
Common Stock if our records show that you owned the shares on the Record Date. As of the close of business on the Record Date, a total
of 10,431,924 shares of Common Stock are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to
one vote on matters presented at the Annual Meeting.
How do I vote by proxy?
If you have received a printed
copy of these materials by mail, you may simply complete, sign and return your proxy card in the mail. If you did not receive
a printed copy of these materials by mail and are accessing them on the Internet, you may simply follow the instructions below to submit
your proxy on the Internet.
What if I received a Notice of Availability of proxy materials?
In accordance with rules and
regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), instead of mailing a printed copy of our
proxy materials to each stockholder of record, we may now furnish proxy materials to our stockholders on the Internet. If you received
a Notice by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials. Instead, the Notice will instruct you as to how you may
access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials. The Notice also instructs you as to how you may submit
your proxy on the Internet. If you received a Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, including
a proxy card, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice.
If I am a stockholder of record, how do I cast my vote?
If you are a stockholder of
record, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. We will give you a ballot when you arrive.
If you do not wish to vote
in person or you will not be attending the Annual Meeting, you may vote by proxy. If you received a printed copy of these proxy materials
by mail, you may vote by proxy using the enclosed proxy card, complete, sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the envelope
provided.
If you received a Notice by
mail, you may vote by proxy over the Internet by going to www.proxyvote.com to complete an electronic proxy card.
If you vote by proxy, your
vote must be received by 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time on October 30, 2023 to be counted.
We provide Internet proxy
voting to allow you to vote your shares on-line, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote
instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet
access providers and telephone companies.
What if other matters come up at the Annual Meeting?
The matters described in this
proxy statement are the only matters we know of that will be voted on at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are properly
presented at the meeting, the proxy holders will vote your shares as they see fit.
Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?
Yes. You can revoke your proxy
at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting in any of three ways:
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by submitting written notice revoking your proxy card to the Secretary of the Company; |
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by submitting another proxy via the Internet or by mail that is later dated and, if by mail, that is properly signed; or |
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by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. |
Can I vote in person at the Annual Meeting rather than by completing
the proxy card?
Although we encourage you
to complete and return the proxy card or vote by proxy on the Internet to ensure that your vote is counted, you can attend the Annual
Meeting and vote your shares in person.
How are votes counted?
We will hold the Annual Meeting
if holders representing a majority of the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote in person or by proxy either
sign and return their proxy cards, submit their proxy on the Internet, or attend the meeting. If you sign and return your proxy
card, or submit your proxy on the Internet, your shares will be counted to determine whether we have a quorum even if you abstain or fail
to vote on any of the proposals listed on the proxy card.
The election of directors
under Proposal 1 will be by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of Common Stock, represented in person or by proxy at the
Annual Meeting.
Proposal 2 shall be approved
upon the vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. An abstention with respect to Proposal
2 will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” such proposal.
Who pays for this proxy solicitation?
We do. In addition
to sending you these materials and posting them on the Internet, some of our employees may contact you by telephone, by mail, by fax,
by email, or in person. None of these employees will receive any extra compensation for doing this. We may reimburse
brokerage firms and other custodians for their reasonable out-of-pocket costs in forwarding these proxy materials to stockholders.
Why are we seeking stockholder approval for these proposals?
Proposal No. 1: The
Nevada Revised Statutes, as amended and the NASDAQ Stock Market require corporations to hold elections for directors each year.
Proposal No. 2: The
Company appointed WWC, P.C. Certified Public Accountants to serve as the Company’s independent auditors for the 2023 fiscal year. The
Company elects to have its stockholders ratify such appointment.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth
certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Common Stock, as of the Record Date of the meeting, by each of Company’s directors
and executive officers; all executive officers and directors as a group, and each person known to Company to own beneficially more than
5% of Company’s Common Stock. Except as otherwise noted, the persons identified have sole voting and investment powers with respect
to their shares. As of October 2, 2023, there were 10,471,924 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding.
Name of Beneficial Owner (1) |
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Number of Shares |
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Percent of Class |
Ming Yang (Chairman) |
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1,985,675 |
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(2 |
) |
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19.0 |
% |
Xiaobin Liu (CEO) |
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128,115 |
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(3 |
) |
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1.2 |
% |
Min Li (CFO) |
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128,115 |
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(3 |
) |
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1.2 |
% |
Naihui Miao (COO) |
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128,115 |
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(3 |
) |
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1.2 |
% |
Shengwei Ma (Director) |
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1,000 |
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(4 |
) |
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* |
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Yang Zou (Director) |
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3,000 |
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(5 |
) |
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* |
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Shi Tong Jiang (Director) |
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3,000 |
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(6 |
) |
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* |
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Tengfei Zhang (Director) |
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1,000 |
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(7 |
) |
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* |
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All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (eight persons) |
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2,378,020 |
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22.8 |
% |
Wenxiang Yu |
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1,015,945 |
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(8 |
) |
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9.7 |
% |
Shandong Haoyuan Industry Group Ltd. |
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824,947 |
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(8 |
) |
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7.9 |
% |
Thomas Garry Larossa
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634,790 |
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(9 |
) |
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6.09 |
% |
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* Less
than 1%.
(1) The address of each
director and executive officer is c/o Gulf Resources, Inc., Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang
City, Shandong Province, 262700, the People’s Republic of China.
(2) Consists of 634,770
shares owned by Ming Yang, 1,015,945 shares owned by Ms. Wenxiang Yu, the wife of Mr. Yang, 334,960 shares owned by Mr. Zhi Yang,
Mr. Yang’s son. Mr. Yang disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by his wife and son.
(3) Consists of 128,115
shares held by each individual.
(4) Consists of 1,000
shares held by Mr. Ma.
(5) Consists of 3,000
shares held by Mr. Zou.
(6) Consists of 3,000
shares held by Mr. Jiang.
(7) Consists of 1,000
shares held by Mr. Zhang.
(8) The address of the
shareholder is c/o Gulf Resources, Inc., Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong Province,
262700, the People’s Republic of China. Chen Yang serves as the General Manager, and owns 82% equity interest, of Shandong Haoyuan
Industry Group Ltd.
(9) Based on the Schedule
13G filed by the shareholder on September 29, 2023. The address of the shareholder is 6052 Providence Rd #101, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has
nominated seven (7) persons identified below for election as directors, to serve until the next annual meeting and their successors have
been elected and qualified. If any nominee becomes unavailable for election, which is not expected, the persons named in the
accompanying proxy intend to vote for any substitute whom the Board of Directors nominates.
Name |
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Age |
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Other positions with Company; other directorships held in last five years |
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Has served as Company director since |
Xiaobin Liu |
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55 |
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Chief Executive Officer and Director |
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March 2009 |
Naihui Miao |
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56 |
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Secretary, Chief Operating Officer and Director |
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January 2006 |
Yibo Yang |
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44 |
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Director Nominee |
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(5) |
Yang Zou (1)(3) |
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52 |
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Independent Director |
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March 2011 |
Shengwei Ma(1)(2) |
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55 |
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Independent Director |
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December 2019 |
Shitong Jiang (1)(2)(3) |
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55 |
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Independent Director |
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April 2008 |
Dongshan Wang |
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58 |
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Independent Director Nominee |
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(4)(5) |
(1) Serves as a member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Serves as a member of the Compensation Committee.
(3) Serves as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
(4) Mr. Wang is expected to join the Compensation Committee and the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee effective as of the Annual Meeting.
(5) The nominee is expected to serve as a director of the Company effective
as of the Annual Meeting.
Other than Yibo Yang and Dongshan Wang, each
of the nominees is currently a director of the Company and was elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting to hold office until the 2023 Annual
Meeting and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified. In September 2023, each of Ming Yang and Tengfei Zhang informed
the Company that he would not stand for re-election at the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Biographical and related information on
each nominee is set forth below.
Xiaobin Liu, Chief Executive Officer
and Director – Mr. Liu was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Director on March 10, 2009. Mr. Liu joined the Company as
Vice President in December 2007. He has served as the Director of Sanya Kangyangnian Health Management Co. LTD since March, 2021. He has
served as Chairman of Chengdu Philosopher's Stone Culture Media Co. LTD since August 2018. He served as Chairman of China Shouguang Vegetable
Industry Group (Cayman) Inc. from 2011 to 2017. He currently serves as a director of China Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (Cayman)
Inc. Before he joined the Company, Mr. Liu served as project manager of Shenzhen Guangshen Accounting Firm from January 2007 to November
2007; the department manager of Hainan Zhongou Accounting Firm from January 2003 to December 2006; the CFO (equivalent of Vice President)
of Dasheng Real Estate Development Company, which is the subsidiary of Saige Dasheng Co., Ltd from May 2002 to November 2002; the CFO
of Shenzhen Securities Department of Hainan Saige International Trust Investment Company from May 2000 to August 2004; and the financial
manager of Hainan Wanquanyuan Hot Spring Tourism Development Co., Ltd from 1995 to 2000. During this time, he also was the CFO of Qionghai
City Guantang Hotspring Leisure Center, the CFO of Qionghai City Wanquanhe Agricultural Development Co., Ltd, the CFO of Qionghai Wanquanhe
Hotspring Tourist Development Property Management Co., Ltd, and the CFO of Qionghai Guantangyuzhuang Resort Co., Ltd. Prior to that, Mr.
Liu worked in the financial department of Hainan Jinyuan Industrial Co., Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Chinese Black Metal Limited Company
Northwest Branch from 1992 to 1995, and the financial department of Shanxi Aircraft Manufacturing Company from 1988 to 1992. Mr.
Liu earned a master degree from the Economic and Management School at Hong Kong City University.
Naihui
Miao, Secretary, Chief Operating Officer and Director – Since January 2006, Mr. Miao has served as Director
and,Secretary and, since July, 2009, Chief Operating officer,
of Gulf Resources, Inc. and he is in charge of sales, human resource and business management. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Miao served
as Vice President of Shouguang City Yuxin Chemical Company Limited as the deputy general manager. From 1991 to 2005, Mr. Miao
served as a Manager and then Vice President of Shouguang City Commercial Trading Center Company Limited. He was the director
of Shouguang Business Trade Center since 1986. He has served as Supervisor of Chengdu Philosopher's Stone Culture Media Co. LTD since
August 2018.
Yibo Yang, director nominee – Mr.
Yang has worked at Shouguang Haoyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. since 2009 and currently serves as the deputy general manager of Shouguang Haoyuan
Chemical Co., Ltd. Mr. Yang is a 18% shareholder of Shandong Haoyuan Industrial Group. Since December 2020, Mr. Yang has served as the
deputy general manager of Shandong Haoyuan Industrial Group. Since July 2023, Mr. Yang has served as the executive director and the managing
director for Shouguang City Yuxin Chemical Company Limited. Since June 2023, Mr. Yang has served as the supervisor of Shandong Caiting
Lighting Technology Co., Ltd. Mr. Yang holds a Diploma in economic management from Shandong University of Technology.
Yang Zou, Independent Director –
Mr. Zou was appointed a director on March 2, 2011. Mr. Zou served as Vice Director of Beijing Zhongtianhuamao Accounting Firm (General
Partnership) from July 1, 2017 to August 2018. He is a Certified Public Accountant of China and holds the certificate of Certified
Internal Auditor. From March 2003 to September 2009, Mr. Zou was chief financial officer of Bohua Ziguang Zhiye Co., Ltd. From
July 2001 to January 2003, Mr. Zou was the audit department manager of financial center of Beijing Hengji Weiye Electronic Products Co.,
Ltd., where he was in charge of internal audit, financial budget management, and coordination with external audit. From July 1999 to June
2001, Mr. Zou was manager of finance and audit department of Zhonglian Online Information Development Co., Ltd. From September 1993 to
June 1999, Mr. Zou had served as assistant auditor, auditor, and head of project audit of Hainan Zhongou Certified Public Accountants
Co., Ltd. From July 1991 to August 1993, Mr. Zou was an accountant of department of finance of Hunan Department Store Co., Ltd. Mr.
Zou graduated from Beijing University with bachelor’s degree in finance.
Shitong Jiang, Independent Director –
Mr. Jiang was appointed a director on April 23, 2008. Mr. Jiang is Chief of the Shouguang City Audit Bureau, Shandong Province,
has been with the Audit bureau since 1990. During his career at the Shouguang City Audit Bureau he has held multiple positions including,
Auditing Officer and Audit Section Deputy Chief. The Shouguang City Audit Bureau is responsible for the independent audit supervision
of the affairs of the government. From 1987 to 1990 Mr. Jiang attended Shandong Financial Institution.
Dongshan Wang, Independent Director Nominee
– Mr. Wang has served as the vice president and the chief financial officer of Central China Headquarters of Anliang Holding
Group since April 2018. Mr. Wang is an International Certified Public accountant, and he holds a national Chief accountant (CFO) qualification
certificate. Mr. Wang graduated from Zhengzhou College of Light Industry majored in financial management in 1988.
Shengwei Ma, Independent Director –
Mr. Ma was appointed a director on December 18, 2019. Mr. Ma has served as Department Manager of Shouguang City Urban Construction
and Investment Group since March 2012. Mr. Ma holds a Senior Accountant Certificate. Mr. Ma graduated from Central Broadcasting
and Television University with bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2004.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among our executive
officers, directors and significant employees.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge,
there have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments, injunctions, orders or decrees material
to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any director, executive officer, promoter or control person of our Company during the
past ten years.
Board Operations
The positions of principal
executive officer and Chairman of the Board of Company are held by different persons. The Chairman of the Board chairs Board
and stockholder meetings and participates in preparing their agendas. The Chairman of the Board also serves as a focal point
for communication between management and the Board between Board meetings, although there is no restriction on communication between directors
and management. The Company believes that these arrangements afford the directors sufficient resources to supervise management
effectively, without being overly engaged in day-to-day operations.
The Board plays an active
role, as well as the independent committees, in overseeing the management of the Company’s risks. The Board regularly reviews reports
from members of senior management and committees on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal, strategic
and regulatory risks.
The Board of Directors held
5 meetings during 2021. During 2021, no director attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and Board committees
of which the director was a member.
Director Qualifications
The Company seeks directors
with established strong professional reputations and experience in areas relevant to the strategy and operations of our businesses. The
Company also seeks directors who possess the qualities of integrity and candor, who have strong analytical skills and who are willing
to engage management and each other in a constructive and collaborative fashion, in addition to the ability and commitment to devote time
and energy to service on the Board and its committees. We believe that all of our directors and director nominee meet the foregoing qualifications.
The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee and the Board believe that the leadership skills and other experience of the Board members, as described below, provide
the Company with a range of perspectives and judgment necessary to guide our strategies and monitor their execution.
Xiaobin Liu was appointed as Chief Executive
Officer and Director on March 10, 2009. Mr. Liu has years of experience in capital markets, financial and business management, and strategic
planning and development.
Naihui
Miao Since January 2006, Mr. Miao has served as Director, Secretary and Vice President of the Company. He is in charge of sales,
human resource and business management. Mr. Miao has years of experience in the chemical industry, business operations and management,
and strategic planning and development..
Yibo Yang has been in the chemical industry for more than ten
years. Mr. Yang is expected to contribute the Board’s vision for the development of the Company.
Yang Zou was appointed as a Director on
March 2, 2011. Mr. Zou has served as the Vice Director of Beijing Zhongtianhuamao Accounting Firm (General Partnership) since July 1,
2016. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds the certificate of Certified Internal Auditor. Mr. Zou has extensive experience
in auditing and accounting related matters.
Shitong Jiang was appointed as a Director
on April 23, 2008. Mr. Jiang is Chief of the Shouguang City Audit Bureau, Shandong Province. He has been with the audit bureau
since 1990. Mr. Jiang has many years of auditing and management experience with PRC government departments.
Donghshan Wang is expected to serve as
an Independent Director of the Company, and join the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, effective
as of the Annual Meeting. Mr. Whang has vast experience in management, finance, and accounting-related matters.
Shengwei Ma was appointed as a Director
on December 18, 2019. Mr. Ma holds a Senior Accountant Certificate. Mr. Ma has extensive experience in financial, accounting and management
related matters.
Code of Ethics
The Board has adopted a code
of ethics applicable to Company’s directors, officers, and employees. The code of ethics is available at Company’s
website, www.gulfresourcesinc.com.
Board Committees
The Board of Directors has standing audit, compensation,
and nominating committees, comprised solely of independent directors. Each committee has a charter, which is available at Company’s
website,www.gulfresourcesinc.com.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible
for reviewing the results and scope of the audit, and other services provided by our independent auditors, and reviewing and evaluating our
system of internal controls. Mr. Li is the Audit Committee Financial Expert and Mr. Jiang is the chair of the Audit Committee. Our Audit
Committee met 4 times during 2022. Our Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Jiang, Zou and Ma are “independent directors”
within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, as determined based upon the criteria for “independence” set forth
in the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Audit Committee Report
With respect to the audit
of Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Audit Committee has:
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reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management; |
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discussed with Company’s independent accountants the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; and |
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received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountant required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant's independence. |
Based on these reviews and
discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company's
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Shitong Jiang, Chair
Yang Zou
Shengwei Ma
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee
is responsible for (a) reviewing and providing recommendations to the Board of Directors on matters relating to employee compensation
and benefit plans, and (b) assisting the Board in determining the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and making recommendations
to the Board with respect to the compensation of the Chief Financial Officer, other executive officers of the Company and independent
directors. Each of Tengfei Zhang, Shitong Jiang and Shengwei Ma are current members of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee
operates under a written charter. Mr. Zhang is the Chairman of Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met 3 times in 2022.
Mr. Zhang is not standing for re-election, and Dongshan Wang is expected to join the Compensation Committee to replace Mr. Zhang, effective
as of the Annual Meeting.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our Board of Directors established
a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in June 2009. The purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to assist
our Board of Directors in identifying qualified individuals to become board members, in determining the composition of the Board of Directors
and in monitoring the process to assess board effectiveness. Each of Tengfei Zhang, Shitong Jiang and Yang Zou are current members of
the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operates under a written charter.
Mr. Jiang is the Chairman of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met 2 times
in 2022. Mr. Zhang is not standing for re-election, and Dongshan Wang is expected to join the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
to replace Mr. Zhang, effective as of the Annual Meeting.
The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by security holders. Potential nominees to the Board of Directors are
required to have such experience in business or financial matters as would make such nominee an asset to the Board of Directors and may,
under certain circumstances, be required to be “independent”, as such term is defined under Rule 5605 of the listing standards
of NASDAQ and applicable SEC regulations. Security holders wishing to submit the name of a person as a potential nominee to the Board
of Directors must send the name, address, and a brief (no more than 500 words) biographical description of such potential nominee to the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at the following address: Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of
Directors, c/o Gulf Resources, Inc., Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang City , Shandong Province,
the People’s Republic of China. Potential director nominees will be evaluated by personal interview, such interview to be conducted
by one or more members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and/or any other method the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee deems appropriate, which may, but needs not, include a questionnaire. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may
solicit or receive information concerning potential nominees from any source it deems appropriate. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee need not engage in an evaluation process unless (i) there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors, (ii) a director is not standing
for re-election, or (iii) the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not intend to recommend the nomination of a sitting director
for re-election. Although it has not done so in the past, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may retain search firms to
assist in identifying suitable director candidates.
The Board does not have a
formal policy on Board candidate qualifications. The Board may consider those factors it deems appropriate in evaluating director
nominees made either by the Board or stockholders, including judgment, skill, strength of character, experience with businesses and organizations
comparable in size or scope to the Company, experience and skill relative to other Board members, and specialized knowledge or experience. Depending
upon the current needs of the Board, certain factors may be weighed more or less heavily. In considering candidates for the
Board, the directors evaluate the entirety of each candidate’s credentials and do not have any specific minimum qualifications that
must be met. “Diversity,” as such, is not a criterion that the Committee considers. The directors will consider candidates
from any reasonable source, including current Board members, stockholders, professional search firms or other persons. The
directors will not evaluate candidates differently based on who has made the recommendation.
Stockholder Communications
Stockholders can mail communications
to the Board of Directors, c/o Secretary, Gulf Resources, Inc., Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City, Shouguang
City, Shandong Province, the People’s Republic of China 262700, who will forward the correspondence to each addressee.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 requires Company’s directors and executive officers and any beneficial owner of more than 10% of any class
of Company equity security to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and furnish
copies of the reports to Company. Based solely on the Company’s review of copies of such forms and written representations
by Company’s executive officers and directors received by it, Company believes that during 2022, all such reports were filed timely.
Executive Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This compensation discussion describes the overall
compensation practices at the Company and specifically describes the compensation for the following named executive officers (“Named
Executive Officers”):
|
· |
Xiaobin Liu, Chief Executive Officer |
|
· |
Min Li, Chief Financial Officer |
|
· |
Naihui Miao, Chief Operating Officer |
The Board of Directors appointed the Compensation
Committee of our Board of Directors to evaluate and determine the compensation programs of the Company’s Named Executive Officers,
including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our primary goal with respect to our compensation
programs has been to attract and retain the most talented and dedicated employees in key positions in order to compete effectively in
the market place, successfully execute our growth strategies, and create lasting shareholder value. The Compensation Committee evaluates
both individual and Company performance when determining the compensation of our executives. The Compensation Committee believes that
a significant portion of our executive’s total compensation should be at-risk compensation that is linked to stock-based incentives
to align their interests with those of shareholders.
Additionally, the Compensation Committee has determined
that an executive officer who is a Chinese national and is based in China will be entitled to a locally competitive package and an executive
officer who is an expatriate or who is based in the U.S. will be paid a salary commensurate with those paid to the executives in the U.S.
The Compensation Committee evaluates the appropriateness of the compensation programs annually and may make adjustments after taking account
the subjective evaluation described previously.
We apply our compensation policies consistently
for determining compensation of our Chief Executive Officer as we do with the other executives. The Compensation Committee assesses the
performance of our Chief Executive Officer annually and determines the base salary and incentive compensation of our chief executive officer.
Our Chief Executive Officer is primarily responsible
for the assessment of our other executive officers’ performance. Ultimately, it is the Compensation Committee’s evaluation
of the chief executive officer’s assessment along with competitive market data that determines each executive’s total compensation.
Elements of Our Executive Compensation Programs
Base Salary. All full time executives are
paid a base salary. Base salaries for our named executives are set based on their professional qualifications and experiences, education
background, scope of their responsibilities, taking into account competitive market compensation levels paid by other similar sized companies
for similar positions and reasonableness and fairness when compared to other similar positions of responsibility within the Company. Base
salaries are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee, and may be adjusted annually as needed.
Annual Bonuses. The Company does not pay
guaranteed annual bonuses to our executives or to employees at any level because we emphasize pay-for-performance. The Compensation Committee
determines cash bonuses towards the end of each fiscal year to award our executive officers including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer based upon a subjective assessment of the Company’s overall performance and the contributions of the executive
officers during the relevant period.
Equity Incentive Compensation. A key element
of our pay-for-performance philosophy is our reliance on performance-based equity awards through the Company’s stock option plan.
This program aligns executives’ and shareholders’ interests by providing executives an ownership stake in the Company. Our
Compensation Committee has the authority to award equity incentive compensation, i.e. stock options, to our executive officers in such
amounts and on such terms as the Compensation Committee determines in its sole discretion. The Compensation Committee reviews each executive’s
individual performance and his or her contribution to our strategic goals and determines the amount of stock options to be awarded towards
the end of the fiscal year. The Compensation Committee grants equity incentive compensation at times when there are not material non-public
information to avoid timing issues and the appearance that such awards are made based on any such information. The exercise price is the
closing market price on the date of the grant.
Other Compensation. We provide our executives
with certain other benefits, including reimbursement of business and entertainment expenses, health insurance, vacation and sick leave
plan. The Compensation Committee in its discretion may revise, amend or add to the officer’s executive benefits as it deems necessary.
We believe that these benefits are typically provided to senior executives of similar companies in China and in the U.S.
The following table sets forth information regarding
compensation of the named executive officers for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2022.
FISCAL YEAR 2022 COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and Principal Position | |
Year | |
Salary ($) | |
Bonus($) | |
Stock Awards($) | |
Option Awards$(1) | |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | |
All Other Compensation ($) | |
Total ($) |
Xiaobin Liu | |
| 2021 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 664,000 | (1) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 664,000 | |
CEO | |
| 2022 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 66,800 | (1) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 66,800 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Min Li | |
| 2021 | | |
| 18,601 | | |
| — | | |
| 664,000 | (1) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 682,601 | |
CFO | |
| 2022 | | |
| 17,230 | | |
| — | | |
| 66,800 | (1) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 84,030 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Naihui Miao | |
| 2021 | | |
| 18,601 | | |
| — | | |
| 664,000 | (1) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 682,601 | |
COO | |
| 2022 | | |
| 17,230 | | |
| — | | |
| 66,800 | (1) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 84,030 | |
(1) Represents the dollar
amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards
Codification (FASB ASC) 718 – “Compensation - Stock Compensation.”
Except
as disclosed below under the caption “Compensation of Directors,” we have not paid or accrued any fees to any of our executive
directors for serving as a member of our Board of Directors. We do not have any retirement, pension, profit sharing or insurance or medical
reimbursement plans covering our officers and directors. Our executive officers are reimbursed by us for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred
in connection with activities conducted on our behalf. There is no limit on the amount of these out-of-pocket expenses and there will
be no review of the reasonableness of such expenses by anyone other than our Board of Directors, which includes persons who may seek reimbursement,
or a court of competent jurisdiction if such reimbursement is challenged.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The Company granted 20,000
shares of our Common Stock to each of our named executive officers, under Company’s 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, during fiscal
year 2022.
FISCAL YEAR 2022 GRANTS
OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS |
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards |
|
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards |
|
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of |
|
Option Awards: Number of Securities |
|
Exercise or Base Price of |
|
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock |
Name |
|
Grant Date |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Stocks or Units |
|
Underlying Options |
|
Option
Award($) |
|
and Options ($) |
Xiaobin
Liu,
CEO |
|
Oct 07,2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
66,800 |
|
Min
Li,
CFO |
|
Oct 07,2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
66,800 |
|
Naihui
Miao,
COO |
|
Oct 07,2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
66,800 |
|
Narrative Discussion
The following employment agreements
were entered into by the Company and the named executive officers:
Xiaobin Liu
The
employment agreement for Xiaobin Liu to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company was renewed on June 1, 2023 with a term of three
years. Xiaobin Liu is also a member of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Liu’s service shall be compensated
in the Company's shares only under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
Min Li
The
employment agreement for Min Li to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company was renewed on January 1, 2023 with a term of one year.
Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Li shall receive annual cash compensation equal to approximately $18,500 subject to changes in the foreign
exchange rate and market conditions and be compensated in the Company’s shares under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
Naihui Miao
The
employment agreement for Naihui Miao to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Company was renewed on June 1, 2023 with a term of three
years. Mr. Miao is also a member of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Miao shall receive annual cash compensation
equal to approximately $18,500 subject to changes in the foreign exchange rate and market conditions, and be compensated in the Company’s
shares under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
In
addition, each of our named executive officers is entitled to participate in any and all benefit plans from time to time, in effect for
employees, along with vacation, sick and holiday pay in accordance with policies established and in effect from time to time.
Assuming
the employment of the Company’s named executive officers was to be terminated without cause or for good reason or in the event of
change in control, as of December 31, 2022, the following individuals would have been entitled to payments in the amounts set forth opposite
to their name in the below table:
Name |
|
Cash Payment |
Xiaboin Liu |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Min Li |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Naihui Miao |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2022 Year-End
The following
table sets forth, for each named executive officer, information regarding unexercised stock options, unvested stock awards, and equity
incentive plan awards outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
OPTION AWARDS |
|
STOCK AWARDS |
Name |
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned
Options (#) |
|
Option Exercise Price ($) |
|
Option Expiration Date |
|
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) |
|
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) |
|
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 ($) |
Xiaobin Liu, CEO |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
0 |
(1) |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Min Li, CFO |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
0 |
(1) |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Naihui Miao, COO |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
0 |
(1) |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
(1)
Represents the shares of Common Stock granted, which are subject to the Awardee’s continued service with the Company, the shares
of Restricted Stock shall vest immediately, no longer be subject to restrictions and become transferable pursuant to the terms of the
Plan.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth
aggregate information with respect to each named executive officer regarding the exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights,
and similar instruments and the vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar instruments, for fiscal 2022.
|
|
OPTION AWARDS |
|
STOCK AWARDS |
Name |
|
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
|
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
|
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
|
Value Realized on Vesting ($) |
Xiaobin Liu, CEO |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
66,800 |
|
Min Li, CFO |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
66,800 |
|
Naihui Miao, COO |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
66,800 |
|
Pension Benefits Table
The Company does not provide
to any of its named executive officers any plans that provide for payments or other benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement.
Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation Plans Table
None of our named executive
officers had any non-qualified defined contribution or other plan that provides for the deferral of compensation, for fiscal 2022.
Compensation of Directors
The following table sets forth
information regarding compensation of each director, excluding our executive directors, Xiaobin Liu and Naihui Miao, who do not receive
compensation in their capacity as executive directors, for fiscal 2022.
Name |
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
|
Stock
Awards
($)(1) |
|
Option
Awards
$ |
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
($) |
|
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
|
All Other Compensation
($) |
|
Total ($) |
Ming Yang |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Shitong Jiang |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
Yang Zou |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
Tengfei Zhang |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
Shengwei Ma |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,340 |
|
(1) Represents the dollar
amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in accordance with FASB ASC 718 – “Compensation – Stock
Compensation.”
Pursuant
to the terms of their director agreements, each of our independent directors, receive 1,000 shares of our restricted common stock on an
annual basis. The grant of restricted common stock is contingent upon the director’s continued service with the Company. We do not
pay any cash compensation to the independent directors.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
We are a smaller reporting
company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this item.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
On
September 25, 2012, the Company purchased five floors of a commercial building in the PRC, through SYCI, from Shandong Shouguang Vegetable
Seed Industry Group Co., Ltd. (the “Seller”) at a cost of approximately $5.7 million in cash, of which Mr. Ming Yang,
the Chairman of the Company, had a 99% equity interest in the Seller that time. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company entered
into an agreement with the Seller, a related party, to provide property management services for an annual amount of approximately $89,574 for five
years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. The expense associated with this agreement for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $92,168.
The expense associated with this agreement for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $96,390.
Name of related parties |
Position |
Ming Yang |
Chairman Of the Board |
Xiaobin Liu |
Chief Executive Officer |
Min Li |
Chief Financial Officer |
Naihui Miao |
Chief Operating Officer |
b)
| |
2022 | |
2021 |
Amount due to related parties: | |
| | | |
| | |
Ming Yang | |
$ | 423,534 | | |
$ | 462,680 | |
Xiaobin Liu | |
| 887,214 | | |
| 599,766 | |
Min Li | |
| 647,473 | | |
| 393,299 | |
Naihui Miao | |
| 647,473 | | |
| 393,299 | |
Total | |
$ | 2,605,694 | | |
$ | 1,849,044 | |
Considering
that the Company has not performed well in recent years, the Company and its executive officers mutually agreed and returned all or a
portion of their cash compensation earned for their services with the Company in year 2021, which may be considering pay back later when
business improves.
The
Company repurchased 80,000 shares respectively, from each of CEO Xiaobin Liu, COO Naihui Miao, and CFO Min Li in a privately
negotiated transaction based on the closing price of the stock of $3.5931 per share on November 30, 2022.
Our policy is that a contract
or transaction either between the Company and a director, or between a director and another company in which he is financially interested
is not necessarily void or void-able if the relationship or related party transactions are approved or ratified by the Audit Committee.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has
determined that Yang Zou, Shitong Jiang, Dongshan Wang, Tengfei Zhang and Shengwei Ma are independent under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ
Listing Rules. In addition, under applicable rules and regulations, and as determined by the Board, all of the members of the Audit, Compensation,
and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are “independent” directors.
Directors are elected by a
plurality of votes cast.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
THE ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ NOMINEES.
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee has appointed
WWC, P.C. Certified Public Accountants (“WWC”) as independent accountants for fiscal 2022. Representatives
of WWC are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have an opportunity to make a statement,
if they so desire.
On June 30, 2021, the Company
was notified by Morison Cogen LLP (“MC”) that the firm resigned as the Company’s independent registered public accounting
firm, which resignation was effective on June 30, 2021.
The audit reports of MC on
the financial statements of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 did not contain any adverse opinion or
disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
There were no disagreements
with MC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, from the
time of MC’s engagement up to the date of resignation which disagreements that, if not resolved to MC’s satisfaction, would
have caused MC to make reference in connection with its opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement. None of “reportable events”,
as that term is described in Item 304(a)(1)(v)(A)-(D)of Regulation S-K occurred within the two fiscal years of the Company ended December
31, 2020 and 2019 and subsequently up to the date of resignation. A copy of MC’s letter addressed to the SEC relating to the aforesaid
statements made by the Company was attached to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 7, 2021.
On July 1, 2021, the Company
engaged WWC to serve as its independent auditor. The decision to engage WWC as the Company’s principal independent accountant was
approved by the Audit Committee of the Company on July 1, 2021. During the two fiscal years of the Company ended December 31, 2020 and
2019, and through the date of WWC’s engagement, the Company did not consult WWC regarding either: (i) the application of accounting
principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s
financial statements; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” or “reportable event”
within the meaning set forth in Regulation S-K, Item 304 (a)(1)(iv) or (a)(1)(v).
Services and Fees of Independent Accountants
The aggregate fees billed to the Company by
its principal accountant for the last two fiscal years were as follows:
Fees |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
170,000 |
|
$ |
222,000 |
|
Audit Related Fees |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Tax Fees |
|
$ |
5,500 |
|
|
9,500 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Total |
|
|
175,500 |
|
|
231,500 |
|
Audit Fees
This
category consists of fees for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of the financial statements included in our quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accountants in connection with statutory
and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
Audit-Related Fees
This
category consists of services by our independent auditors that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our
financial statements and are not reported above under Audit Fees. This category includes accounting consultations on transaction and proposed
transaction related matters. There were no such fees incurred by the Company in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Tax Fees
The
tax fee of $5,500 and $9,500 relate to tax compliance services rendered in each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
All Other Fees
There are no other fees to
disclose.
Pre-Approval of Services
The Audit Committee appoints
the independent accountant each year and pre-approves the audit services. The Audit Committee chair is authorized to pre-approve
specified non-audit services for fees not exceeding specified amounts, if he promptly advises the other Audit Committee members of such
approval.
A majority of votes present
in person or by proxy is required to ratify appointment of the independent accountants.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
“FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.
OTHER INFORMATION
Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials
Under rules adopted by the
SEC, the Company is making this Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report available on the Internet instead of mailing a printed
copy of these materials to each shareholder. Shareholders who received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”)
by mail will not receive a printed copy of these materials other than as described below. Instead, the Notice contains instructions as
to how shareholders may access and review all of the important information contained in the materials on the Internet, including how shareholders
may submit proxies by telephone or over the Internet.
Stockholders' Proposals for Next Annual Meeting
A stockholder of record may
present a proposal for action at the next annual meeting provided that we receive the proposal at our executive office. We anticipate
that the 2024 Annual Meeting will be held in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. The proponent may submit a maximum of one (1) proposal
of not more than five hundred (500) words for inclusion in our proxy materials for a meeting of security holders. At the Annual Meeting,
management proxies will have discretionary authority, under Rule 14a-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to vote on stockholder
proposals that are not submitted for inclusion in our proxy statement unless received by us.
Other Business
The Board of Directors knows
of no business other than that set forth above to be transacted at the meeting, but if other matters requiring a vote of the stockholders
arise, the persons designated as proxies will vote the shares of Common Stock represented by the proxies in accordance with their judgment
on such matters. If a stockholder specifies a different choice on the proxy, his or her shares of Common Stock will be voted in accordance
with the specification so made.
Where You Can Find More Information
We file annual and quarterly
reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Stockholders may read and copy any reports, statements or other
information that we file at the SEC. Our public filings are also available from commercial document retrieval services
and at the Internet Web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K is
available on our website at www.gulfresourcesinc.cn.
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD RELY ONLY
ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO VOTE THEIR SHARES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. NO ONE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED
TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS DATED
OCTOBER 3, 2023. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER
THAN THAT DATE, UNLESS OTHERWISE DISCLOSED.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES
BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. WE URGE YOU TO FILL IN, SIGN AND RETURN THE FORM OF PROXY IN THE PREPAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, NO MATTER HOW LARGE
OR SMALL YOUR HOLDINGS MAY BE.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Ming Yang
Ming Yang
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dated: October 3, 2023
*** Exercise Your Right to Vote *** |
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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the |
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Stockholder Meeting to Be Held on November 30, 2023 |
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Meeting Information |
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GULF RESOURCES, INC. |
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Meeting Type: Annual Meeting |
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For holders as of: October 2, 2023 |
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Date: November 30, 2023 Time: 10:00 AM LST |
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Location: Gulf Resources, Inc. |
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Level 11, Vegetable Building |
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Industrial Park of East City |
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Shouguang City |
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Shandong Province, China |
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GULF RESOURCES,
INC.
Level 11, Vegetable
Building
Industrial Park
of the East City
Shouguang City,
Shandong Province
People’s
Republic of China 262700 |
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You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company.
This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these
shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet.
You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side).
We encourage
you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.
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Investor Address
Line 1
Investor Address
Line 2
Investor Address
Line 3
Investor Address
Line 4
Investor Address
Line 5
John Sample
1234 ANYWHERE
STREET
ANY CITY, ON
A1A 1A1 |
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See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions. |
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Broadridge Internal
Use Only
Job #
Envelope #
Sequence #
# of # Sequence
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—— Before
You Vote ——
How to Access the Proxy
Materials
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Proxy
Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE: |
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1.
Notice & Proxy Statement 2. 10-K |
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How
to View Online: |
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Have
the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow (located
on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com. |
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How
to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy: |
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If
you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please
choose one of the following methods to make your request: |
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1)
BY INTERNET: www.proxyvote.com |
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2)
BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639 |
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3)
BY E-MAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com |
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*
If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow
(located on the following page) in the subject line. |
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Requests,
instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request
as instructed above on or before November 16, 2023 to facilitate timely delivery. |
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—— How To
Vote ——
Please Choose One of the
Following Voting Methods
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Vote
In Person: Many stockholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance
ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance.
At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. |
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Vote
By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box marked
by the arrow available and follow
the instructions. |
Internal Use
Only |
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Vote
By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card. |
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Voting
items |
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The Board of Directors recommends
you
vote FOR the following: |
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1. |
Election of Directors |
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Nominees |
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1a. |
Xiaobin Liu |
1b. |
Naihui Miao |
1c. |
Yibo Yang |
1d. |
Shengwei Ma |
1e. |
Yang Zou |
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1f. |
Shitong Jiang |
1g. |
Dongshan Wang |
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The Board of Directors recommends you
vote FOR proposal 2. |
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2. |
To ratify the appointment of WWC, P.C. Certified Public Accountants, independent public accountants, as the auditor of the Company for
the fiscal year 2023. |
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D
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NOTE: To
transact any other business as may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
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Broadridge Internal
Use Only
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
Cusip Job #
Envelope #
Sequence #
# of # Sequence
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Reserved
for Broadridge Internal Control Information |
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NAME |
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THE
COMPANY NAME INC. - COMMON |
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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THE
COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS A |
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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THE
COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS B |
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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THE
COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS C |
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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THE
COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS D |
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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THE
COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS E |
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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THE
COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS F |
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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THE
COMPANY NAME INC. - 401K |
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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Broadridge
Internal Use |
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THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR SIGNATURES IF APPLICABLE |
Only Job
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Envelope #
Sequence #
# of # Sequence
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GULF RESOURCES,INC.
Level 11, Vegetable Building
Industrial Park of the East City
Shouguang City, Shandong Province
Peoples Republic of China 262700 |
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VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic
delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand
when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing
proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or
the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted,
indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up
until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow
the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return
it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
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Investor Address Line 1
Investor Address Line 2
Investor Address Line 3
Investor Address Line 4
Investor Address Line 5
John Sample
1234 ANYWHERE STREET
ANY CITY, ON A1A 1A1
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OF
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CONTROL # —> 0000000000000000 |
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NAME
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - COMMON
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS A
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS B
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS C
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS D
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS E
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - CLASS F
THE COMPANY NAME INC. - 401 K |
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SHARES
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123,456,789,012.12345
123,456,789,012.12345
123,456,789,012.12345
123,456,789,012.12345
123,456,789,012.12345
123,456,789,012.12345
123,456,789,012.12345
123,456,789,012.12345 |
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PAGE 1 OF 2 |
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TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: |
x |
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KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. |
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For
All
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Withhold
All
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For All
Except
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. |
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
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1. |
Election of Directors |
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Nominees |
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01 Xiaobin Liu |
02 Naihui Miao |
03 Yibo Yang |
04 Shengwei
Ma |
05 Yang Zou |
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06 Shitong Jiang |
07 Dongshan Wang |
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposal 2. |
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For |
Against |
Abstain |
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2. |
To ratify the appointment of WWC, P.C. Certified Public Accountants, independent public accountants, as the auditor of the Company for
the fiscal year 2023. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
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NOTE: To transact any other business as may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
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Please sign exactly as your name appears below. When shares are held
by joint tenants, each should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, corporate officer, or partner,
please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally.
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Investor Address
Line 1
Investor Address
Line 2
Investor Address
Line 3
Investor Address
Line 4
Investor Address
Line 5
John Sample
1234 ANYWHERE
STREET
ANY CITY, ON
A1A 1A1 |
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SHARES |
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CUSIP # |
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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] |
Date |
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JOB # |
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Signature (Joint Owners) |
Date |
SEQUENCE # |
The Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Gulf
Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation
("Company"), will be held on November
30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (local time), at the Company's
headquarters located at
Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park
of the East City, Shouguang City, Shandong
Province, 262700
People's Republic of China.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability
of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement and 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF GULF RESOURCES, INC.
Gulf Resources, Inc.,
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
November 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM Local Time
This proxy is solicited by the Board Of Directors
The stockholders hereby appoints Xiaobin Liu and
Min Li, and each of them, each with full power of substitution, hereby are authorized to vote as specified on the reverse side or, with
respect to any matter not set forth on the reverse side, as a majority of those or their substitutes present and acting at the meeting
shall determine, all of the shares of capital stock of Gulf Resources, Inc. that the undersigned would be entitled to vote, if personally
present, at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournment thereof.
Unless otherwise specified, this proxy will
be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side |
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