9. Equity Based Compensation

Stock Option Plan

During 2022, the Company created a stock option plan (the “Plan”) that provides for the granting of options to certain employees for the purchase of the Company’s class D common shares. The Plan provides for the grant of stock options for eligible employees as determined by the Board of Directors and does not guarantee employment rights. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 the Company granted options to purchase 0 and 333,574 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common shares at an exercise price of $0.0001 per share. The weighted-average grant date fair values of options granted was $0.60 per share. The fair values of the stock-based awards granted were calculated with the following assumptions:

For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded approximately $0 and $1,273,000, respectively, of employee stock-based compensation expense. On February 7, 2024, as a result of the Reverse Recapitalization (Note 1), 4,000,000 stock options were exercised and converted at an exchange ratio of 0.0661 into 264,400 shares of Newco Class A common stock. This stock option plan was closed upon the business combination and a new equity incentive plan was approved and implemented as of February 7, 2024.

Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is summarized as follows:

Restricted Stock

Stock compensation expense related to restricted stock units (“RSUs”) was approximately $444,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

RSUs represent the right to receive one common share of the Company or the cash equivalent of one common share upon vesting, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreement. Vesting is generally subject to continued service and any other conditions established by the Compensation Committee.

The Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, adopted on February 7, 2024, provides for the grant of stock options, RSUs, performance share units (PSUs), deferred share units (DSUs) and stock appreciation rights (SARs) to directors, officers, employees and consultants. The purpose of the plan is to attract, retain and incentivize eligible participants and align their interests with those of shareholders through equity-based compensation.