S-8: Securities to be offered to employees in employee benefit plans
Published on
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2026
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Rare Earths Americas, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Texas |
|
39-4918133 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
|
|
|
101 W. Main Street Manchester, GA |
|
31816 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
Rare Earths Americas, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan
Rare Earths Americas, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan
(Full Title of the Plan)
Donald Swartz
Chief Executive Officer and President
Rare Earths Americas, Inc.
101 W. Main Street
Manchester, GA 31816
(706) 846-5063
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Era Anagnosti
DLA Piper LLP (US)
500 Eighth Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 799-4000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
|
☐ |
|
Accelerated filer |
|
☐ |
|
|
|
|
|||
Non-accelerated filer |
|
☐ |
|
Smaller reporting company |
|
☒ |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
Emerging growth company |
|
☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8 will be sent or given to participants as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). These documents and the documents incorporated by reference into this registration statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this registration statement, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
In this registration statement, Rare Earths Americas, Inc. is sometimes referred to as “Registrant,” “we,” “us” or “our.”
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this registration statement, and later information filed with the SEC will update and supersede this information. We hereby incorporate by reference into this registration statement the following documents previously filed with the SEC:
All documents that the Registrant subsequently files pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to the registration statement which indicates that all of the shares of common stock offered have been sold or which deregisters all of such shares then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents; except as to any portion of any future annual or quarterly report to stockholders or document or current report furnished under current Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K, and exhibits furnished on such form that relate to such items, that is not deemed filed under such provisions. For the purposes of this registration statement, any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
Under no circumstances will any information filed under current Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K, and exhibits furnished on such form that relate to such items, be deemed incorporated herein by reference unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The Texas Business Organizations Code (“TBOC”) permits a corporation to indemnify a director who was, is or is threatened to be a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding as a result of the performance of his or her duties if such person acted in good faith and, in the case of conduct in the person’s official capacity
as a director, in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation and, in all other cases, that the person reasonably believed his or her conduct was not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that such person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Subject to certain exceptions, the TBOC further permits a corporation to eliminate in its charter all monetary liability of the corporation’s directors to the corporation or its shareholders for conduct in performance of such director’s duties, but not for a breach of the director’s duty of loyalty or receipt of an improper benefit.
Our certificate of formation provides that a director of the corporation will not be liable to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for any act or omission by the director in the performance of his or her duties, except that there will be no limitation of liability to the extent the director has been found liable under applicable law for: (i) breach of the director’s duty of loyalty owed to the corporation or its shareholders; (ii) an act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach of duty of the director to the corporation or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iii) a transaction from which the director received an improper benefit, regardless of whether the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of the director’s duties; or (iv) an act or omission for which the liability of the director is expressly provided for by an applicable statute.
Sections 8.101 and 8.103 of the TBOC provide that a corporation may indemnify a person who was, is or is threatened to be a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding because the person is or was a director only if a determination is made that such indemnification is permissible under the TBOC: (i) by a majority vote of the directors who at the time of the vote are disinterested and independent, regardless of whether such directors constitute a quorum; (ii) by a majority vote of a board committee designated by a majority of disinterested and independent directors and consisting solely of disinterested and independent directors; (iii) by special legal counsel selected by the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors as set forth in (i) or (ii); (iv) by the shareholders in a vote that excludes the shares held by directors who are not disinterested and independent; or (v) by a unanimous vote of the shareholders.
Section 8.104 of the TBOC provides that the corporation may pay or reimburse, in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding, reasonable expenses incurred by a present director who was, is or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding after the corporation receives a written affirmation by the director of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification under Section 8.101 and a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if it is ultimately determined that he or she has not met that standard or if it is ultimately determined that indemnification of the director is not otherwise permitted under the TBOC. Section 8.105 also provides that reasonable expenses incurred by a former director, or a present or former employee, agent, or officer of the corporation, who was, is or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding may be paid or reimbursed by the corporation, in advance of the final disposition of the action, as the corporation considers appropriate.
Section 8.105 of the TBOC provides that, subject to restrictions in its certificate of formation and to the extent consistent with other law, a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to a person who is not a director, including an officer, employee, or agent of the corporation as provided by: (i) the corporation’s governing documents; (ii) an action by the corporation’s governing authority; (iii) resolution by the shareholders; (iv) contract; or (v) common law. As consistent with Section 8.105, persons who are not directors may seek indemnification and advancement of expenses from a corporation to the same extent that directors may seek indemnification and advancement of expenses from a corporation.
Further, our certificate of formation and bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by law. We are also expressly required to advance certain expenses to our directors and officers, except for claims brought by us, and carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for our directors and officers for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and the directors’ and officers’ insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.
We have also entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. The indemnification agreements provide, among other things, for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by the TBOC and our certificate of formation and bylaws against (i) any and all direct and indirect liabilities and reasonable expenses, including judgments, fines, penalties, interest and amounts paid in settlement of any claim with our approval and reasonable counsel fees and disbursements and (ii) any liabilities incurred as a result of serving as a director, officer, employee, or agent (including as a trustee, fiduciary, partner, or manager or in a similar capacity) of another enterprise or an employee benefit plan at our request. The indemnification agreements also provide for the advancement or payment of expenses to the indemnitee and for reimbursement to us if it is found that such indemnitee is not entitled to such indemnification under applicable law and our certificate of formation and bylaws or the terms of the indemnification agreements.
We maintain standard insurance policies that provide coverage (i) to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act and (ii) to us with respect to indemnification payments that we may make to such directors and officers.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, or persons controlling us under any of the foregoing provisions, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
The 2025 Plan provides, to the maximum extent permitted by law, our charter and bylaws, for indemnification by us of any director, officer, or employee with respect to all their activities taken in good faith under the 2025 Plan.
The 2026 Plan provides, to the maximum extent permitted by law, our charter and bylaws, and by any director’s and officers’ insurance coverage which may be in effect from time to time, for indemnification by us of any director, officer, or employee against all liabilities and expenses, incurred in connection with such person’s action or failure to act in administering the 2026 Plan.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
|
|
|
|
Incorporated by Reference |
|
|
||||||
Exhibit Number |
|
Exhibit Description |
|
Form |
|
File No. |
|
Exhibit |
|
Filing |
|
Field |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
3.1 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
3.2 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
3.3 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.1 |
|
Consent of BDO USA, P.C, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.2 |
|
Consent of PGBR Auditores e Consultores, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.1 |
|
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Registration Statement). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.1 |
|
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
10.1 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.2 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas Ltd. Restricted Stock Units Agreement (for international participants). |
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
10.2 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.3 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas Ltd. Restricted Stock Units Agreement (for U.S. participants). |
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
10.3 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.4 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas Ltd. Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units. |
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
10.4 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.5 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas Ltd. Restricted Stock Agreement. |
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
10.5 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.6 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas Ltd. Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock. |
|
S-1 |
|
333-295032 |
|
10.6 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.7 |
|
|
S-1/A |
|
333-295032 |
|
10.7 |
|
4/28/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.8 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas, Inc. Restricted Stock Units Notice. |
|
|
|
333-295032 |
|
10.8 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.9 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas, Inc. Restricted Stock Units Agreement. |
|
|
|
333-295032 |
|
10.9 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.10 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas, Inc. Incentive Stock Option Notice. |
|
|
|
333-295032 |
|
10.10 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.11 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas, Inc. Incentive Stock Option Agreement. |
|
|
|
333-295032 |
|
10.11 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.12 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas, Inc. Nonstatutory Stock Option Notice. |
|
|
|
|
|
10.12 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99.13 |
|
Form of Rare Earths Americas, Inc. Global Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement. |
|
|
|
|
|
10.13 |
|
4/13/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
Item 9. Undertakings.
1. The Registrant hereby undertakes:
Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) herein do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)) that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
2. The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
3. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement on Form S-8 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Manchester, State of Georgia, on May 7, 2026.
RARE EARTHS AMERICAS, INC. |
||
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Donald Swartz |
Name: |
|
Donald Swartz |
Title: |
|
Chief Executive Officer and President |
Power of Attorney
KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Donald Swartz as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with the full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement on Form S-8 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated below.
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Donald Swartz |
|
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
|
May 7, 2026 |
Donald Swartz |
|
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
/s/ Cheryl Kerr |
|
Chief Accounting Officer |
|
May 7, 2026 |
Cheryl Kerr |
|
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
|
|
/s/ Dan Shribman |
|
Chairman |
|
May 7, 2026 |
Dan Shribman |
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ivy Estabrooke |
|
Director |
|
May 7, 2026 |
Ivy Estabrooke |
|
|
|
|
/s/ Reta Jo Lewis |
|
Director |
|
May 7, 2026 |
Reta Jo Lewis |
|
|
|
|
/s/ Keith Phillips |
|
Director |
|
May 7, 2026 |
Keith Phillips |
|
|
|
|
/s/ Hugo Schumann |
|
Director |
|
May 7, 2026 |
Hugo Schumann |
|
|
|
|