UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

Live Ventures Incorporated

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):

LIVE VENTURES INCORPORATED

325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102

Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

(702) 997-5968

NOTICE OF 2020 ANNUAL MEETING

OF STOCKHOLDERS

Las Vegas, Nevada

June 25, 2020

Dear Stockholder,

The 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Live Ventures Incorporated, a Nevada corporation, will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., Pacific time, at our principal executive offices located at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 for the following purposes:

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on June 17, 2020 as the record date for the 2020 Annual Meeting. Only the holders of record of our common stock and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the 2020 Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof. We have also enclosed with this notice (i) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 and (ii) a Proxy Statement.

Your vote is extremely important regardless of the number of shares you own.

Whether you own a few shares or many, and whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, it is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. You may vote your shares on the Internet, by telephone, by completing, signing and promptly returning a proxy card, or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. Voting online, by telephone, or by returning your proxy card does not deprive you of your right to attend the Annual Meeting.

The proxy statement is dated June 25, 2020 and is first being made available to stockholders on or about June 25, 2020.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on July 24, 2020: The Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxy.docs.com/LIVE.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Live Ventures Incorporated

325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102

Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

(702) 997-5961

PROXY STATEMENT FOR

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON JULY 24, 2020

This Proxy Statement relates to the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Live Ventures Incorporated (“Live Ventures” or the “Company”). The Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time, at our corporate offices located at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, or at such other time and place to which the Annual Meeting may be adjourned or postponed. The enclosed proxy is solicited by Live Ventures’ Board of Directors (the “Board”). The proxy materials relating to the Annual Meeting are first being mailed to stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on or about June 25, 2020.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING

With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.

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You may (i) vote in person at the annual meeting or (ii) authorize the persons named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card, Jon Isaac and Virland A. Johnson, to vote your shares by returning the enclosed proxy card by mail, through the Internet or by telephone.

If you hold your shares in “street name” and do not provide specific voting instructions to your Broker, a “broker non-vote” will result with respect to Proposal 1. Therefore, it is very important to respond to your Broker’s request for voting instructions on a timely basis if you want your shares held in “street name” to be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Please see below for additional information if you hold your shares in “street name” and desire to attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares in person.

If you hold your shares in “street name,” refer to the voting instructing form provided by your Broker for more information about what to do if you submit voting instructions and then change your mind in advance of the Annual Meeting.

If you hold your shares in “street name,” please bring an account statement or letter from the applicable Broker, indicating that you are the beneficial owner of the shares as of the record date if you would like to gain admission to the Annual Meeting. In addition, if you hold your shares in “street name” and desire to actually vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your Broker. For more information about obtaining such a proxy, contact your Broker.

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Election of Directors. Election of a director requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares for which votes are cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The five persons receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected as directors. Stockholders may not cumulate votes in the election of directors.

Ratification of Auditors. The ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of WSRP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020 will be approved if the proposal receives the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, present in person or by proxy, in favor of the proposal.

Broker non-votes and abstentions by stockholders from voting (including Brokers holding their clients’ shares of record who cause abstentions to be recorded) will be counted towards determining whether or not a quorum is present. However, as the five nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected, abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the election of directors. With regard to the affirmative vote of the shares present at the meeting required for Proposal 2, it is a routine matter so there will be no broker non-votes, but abstentions will have the effect of a vote against Proposal 2.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock and Series B Stock as of June 17, 2020, the record date, for:  

The business address of each beneficial owner listed in the table unless otherwise noted is c/o Live Ventures Incorporated, 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.

We deem shares of our common stock and Series B Stock that may be acquired by an individual or group within 60 days of June 17, 2020, pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants or conversion of convertible securities, to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but these shares are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person or group shown in the table. Percentage of ownership is based on 1,616,151 shares of common stock and 214,244 shares of Series B Stock (which convert into 1,071,220 shares of common stock) outstanding on June 17, 2020. The information as to beneficial ownership was either (i) furnished to us by or on behalf of the persons named or (ii) determined based on a review of the beneficial owners’ Schedules 13D/G and Section 16 filings with respect to our common stock and Series B Stock.

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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

(Proposal No. 1)

General

Live Ventures’ Bylaws provide that the Board shall consist of not less than three nor more than nine directors (with the precise number of directors to be established by resolution of the Board), each of whom is elected annually. Currently, there are five members of the Board. The Board has determined that five directors will be elected at the 2020 Annual Meeting and has nominated each of the five incumbent directors for re-election. Each director is to be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is elected and qualified. If a director resigns or otherwise is unable to complete his term of office, the Board may elect another director for the remainder of the departing director’s term.

The Board has no reason to believe that the nominees will not serve if elected, but if they should become unavailable to serve as a director, and if the Board designates a substitute nominee, the persons named as proxies will vote for the substitute nominee designated by the Board.

Recommendation of our Board of Directors

The Board recommends voting "FOR" the election of each of the Director nominees as directors, each of whom shall hold office for a term of one year, expiring at the annual meeting in 2021, and until his successor is elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

Vote Required

If a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, the five nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the Board.

Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors in 2020

The Board’s nominees are listed below. The Board recommends that you vote FOR the election of each of Messrs. Jon Isaac, Tony Isaac, Butler, Gao, and Sickmeyer.

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* Independent director.

Certain Family Relationships

Jon Isaac, who is a director and serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer, is the son of Tony Isaac, who is also a director and serves as our Financial Planning and Strategist/Economist.

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 during the past ten years.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Set forth below is certain information regarding each of our current executive officers as of June 17, 2020, other than Jon Isaac, whose biographical information is presented under “Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors in 2020.”

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

How often did the Board meet during fiscal 2020?

The Board met three times during fiscal 2020, either telephonically or in person, and took action by unanimous written consent two times. None of our directors attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board held during the director’s service or of any committee on which the director served during fiscal 2020.

Who are the Board’s “independent” directors?

Each year, the Board reviews the relationships that each director has with the Company and with other parties. Only those directors who do not have any of the categorical relationships that preclude them from being independent within the meaning of applicable NASDAQ Listing Rules and who the Board affirmatively determines have no relationships that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director, are considered to be independent directors. The Board has reviewed a number of factors to evaluate the independence of each of its members. These factors include its members’ current and historic relationships with the Company and its competitors, suppliers, and customers; their relationships with management and other directors; the relationships their current and former employers have with the Company; and the relationships between the Company and other companies of which a member of the Company’s Board of Directors is a director or executive officer.

After evaluating these factors, the Board of Directors has determined that a majority of the members of the Board, namely Messrs. Butler, Gao, and Sickmeyer, do not have any relationships that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out their responsibilities as directors and that each such director is an independent director of the Company within the meaning of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) and the related rules of the SEC.

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How can our stockholders communicate with the Board?

Stockholders and others interested in communicating with the Board may do so by writing to Board of Directors, Live Ventures Incorporated, 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.

What is the leadership structure of the Board?

Jon Isaac, our President and Chief Executive Officer, also serves as Chairman of the Board. Currently, the Board does not have a Lead Independent Director. Although the Board assesses the appropriate leadership structure from time to time in light of internal and external events or developments and reserves the right to make changes in the future, it believes that the current structure, as described in this Proxy Statement, is appropriate at this time given the size and experience of the Board, as well as the background and experience of management.

What is the Board’s role in risk oversight?

Our management is responsible for managing risk and bringing the most material risks facing the Company to the Board’s attention. The Board has oversight responsibility for the processes established to report and monitor material risks applicable to the Company. The Board also oversees the appropriate allocation of responsibility for risk oversight among the committees of the Board. The Audit Committee plays a central role in overseeing the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and reviewing and approving the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent accountants. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers risks related to succession planning and considers risk related to the attraction and retention of talent and risks related to the design of compensation programs and arrangements. The Compensation Committee monitors the design and administration of the Company’s compensation programs to ensure that they incentivize strong individual and group performance and include appropriate safeguards to avoid unintended or excessive risk taking by Company employees. The Board does not believe that its process for risk oversight should affect its leadership structure (i.e., whether it may combine the Chairman and CEO roles in the future) because Board committees (comprised entirely of independent directors) play the central role in risk oversight.

What committees has the Board established?

The Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, each of which is a separately designated standing committee of the Board. Each committee has a charter.

Audit Committee. The purpose of our Audit Committee is to assist the Board in overseeing (i) the integrity of our Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes, the audits of our financial statements, as well as our systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting, and legal compliance; (ii) our Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent public accountants; and (iv) our Company’s financial risk. In carrying out this purpose, the Audit Committee maintains and facilitates free and open communication between the Board, the independent public accountants, and our management. During fiscal 2019, Messrs. Gao (Chairman), Butler, and Sickmeyer served on our Audit Committee. Each member of the committee satisfies the independence standards specified in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules and the related rules of the SEC and has been determined by the Board to be “financially literate” with accounting or related financial management experience. The Board has also determined that Mr. Gao is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under SEC rules and regulations and qualifies as a financially sophisticated audit committee member as required under Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. The Board has adopted a charter for the Audit Committee, a copy of which is posted on our website at ir.liveventures.com/governance-docs. The Audit Committee met five times, either telephonically or in person, during fiscal 2019.

Compensation Committee. The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to (i) discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company’s directors and executives, (ii) produce an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement, if necessary, and (iii) oversee and advise the Board on the adoption of policies that govern the Company’s compensation programs, including stock and benefit plans. During fiscal 2019, Messrs. Butler (Chairman), Gao, and Sickmeyer served on the Compensation

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Committee. Each member of the committee satisfies the independence standards specified in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules and the related rules of the SEC. In addition, each of the current members of the Compensation Committee is a “non-employee director” under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and an “outside director” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Board has adopted a charter for the Compensation Committee, a copy of which is posted on our website at ir.liveventures.com/governance-docs. The Compensation Committee acted one time by unanimous written consent during fiscal 2019.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The purpose of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is to (i) identify individuals who are qualified to become members of the Board, consistent with criteria approved by the Board, and to select, or to recommend that the Board select, the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders or to fill vacancies on the board; (ii) develop and recommend to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to our Company; and (iii) oversee the evaluation of the Board and our Company’s management. During fiscal 2018, Messrs. Butler (Chairman), Gao, and Sickmeyer served on the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Each member of the committee satisfies the independence standards specified in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules and the related rules of the SEC. The Board has adopted a charter for the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, a copy of which is posted on our website at ir.liveventures.com/governance-docs. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee acted one time by unanimous written consent during fiscal 2019.

What are the procedures of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee in making nominations?

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee establishes and periodically reviews the criteria and qualifications for board membership and the selection of candidates to serve as directors of our Company. In determining whether to nominate a candidate for director, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers the following criteria, among others:

The committee has the authority to retain a search firm to identify director candidates and to approve any fees and retention terms of the search firm’s engagement, although the committee has not recently engaged such a firm.

Although the committee has not specified any minimum criteria or qualifications that each director must meet, the committee conducts its nominating process in a manner designed to ensure that the Board continues to meet applicable requirements under SEC and NASDAQ rules (including, without limitation, as they relate to the composition of the Audit Committee).

The Board is of the view that the continuing service of qualified incumbents promotes stability and continuity in the boardroom, giving our Company the benefit of the familiarity and insight into our Company’s affairs that its directors have accumulated during their tenure, while contributing to the Board’s ability to work as a collective body. Accordingly, the process of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee for identifying nominees reflects the practice of re-nominating incumbent directors who continue to satisfy the committee’s criteria for membership on the Board, who the committee believes will continue to make important contributions to the Board, and who consent to continue their service on the Board.

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What are our policies and procedures with respect to director candidates who are nominated by security holders?

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider director candidates recommended by our stockholders under criteria similar to those used to evaluate candidates nominated by the committee (including those listed above). In considering the potential candidacy of persons recommended by stockholders, however, the committee may also consider the size, duration, and any special interest of the recommending stockholder (or group of stockholders) in Live Ventures’ common stock.

Stockholders who desire to recommend a nominee for election to the Board must follow the following procedures:

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Does the Board have a policy on director attendance at the Annual Meeting?

The Board does not have a formal policy regarding director attendance at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders, but all directors are encouraged to attend. Three of our directors who were standing for re-election at our 2019 Annual Meeting attended that meeting, either in person or via teleconference.

How are our directors compensated?

Jon Isaac, who is both director and an employee of the Company does not receive any separate compensation in connection with his Board service. Our non-employee directors generally receive a $30,000 annual retainer. We reimburse directors for reasonable expenses related to their Board service. For more information about the compensation paid or provided to our directors during fiscal 2019, please refer to the “Director Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement.  

Does the Company have a Code of Ethics?

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees of our Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and other principal financial and operating officers of the Company. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website at ir.liveventures.com/governance-docs. If we make any amendment to, or grant any waivers of, a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller where such amendment or waiver is required to be disclosed under applicable SEC rules, we intend to disclose such amendment or waiver and the reasons therefor on Form 8-K or on our website.  

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Mezzanine Loan from Isaac Capital Fund

In connection with the purchase of Marquis Industries Inc., the Company entered into a mezzanine loan in an amount of up to $7,000,000 provided by Isaac Capital Fund, a private lender whose managing member is Jon Isaac, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

The Isaac Capital Fund mezzanine loan bears interest at 12.5% with payment obligations of interest each month and all principal due in January 2021 (six months after the final payments are due under the Bank of America Term and Revolving Loan). As of September 30, 2019, there was $2,000,000 outstanding on this mezzanine loan.

ICG Note and Warrants; Loan Transaction

On January 16, 2018 and December 3, 2019, we entered into separate amendments to warrants with Isaac Capital Group, LLC (“ICG”) each of which amends the expiration date of certain warrants issued to ICG to provide that if the specified warrant remains unexercised on the expiration date, then the expiration date shall be automatically extended for a period of two years from such date.

On April 9, 2020, the Company entered into and delivered to ICG an unsecured revolving line of credit promissory note whereby ICG agreed to provide the Company with a $1,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility”). The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility matures on April 8, 2023, bears interest at 10.0% per annum, and provides for the payment of interest monthly in arrears.  The foregoing transaction did not include the issuance of any shares of the Company’s common stock, warrants, or other derivative securities.

Customer Connexx

Customer Connexx LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of JanOne Inc. (formerly Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.), sub-leases call center space from Live Ventures Incorporated in Las Vegas, Nevada. Total amount of sub-lease rent and common area charges was approximately $176,000 for fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

Acquisition of ApplianceSmart

On December 30, 2017, ApplianceSmart Holdings LLC, a Nevada limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“ASH”), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. (the “Seller”) and ApplianceSmart, Inc. (“ApplianceSmart”), then a subsidiary of the Seller. Pursuant to the Agreement, ASH purchased (the “Transaction”) from the Seller all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of ApplianceSmart in exchange for $6,500,000 (the “Purchase Price”). ASH was required to deliver the Purchase Price, and a portion of the Purchase Price was delivered, to the Seller prior to March 31, 2018. Between March 31, 2018 and April 24, 2018, ASH and the Seller negotiated in good faith the method of payment of the remaining outstanding balance of the Purchase Price.

On April 25, 2018, ASH delivered to the Seller that certain Promissory Note (the “ApplianceSmart Note”) in the original principal amount of $3,919,494 (the “Original Principal Amount”), as such amount may be adjusted per the terms of the ApplianceSmart Note. The ApplianceSmart Note was effective as of April 1, 2018 and matures on April 1, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”). The ApplianceSmart Note bears interest at 5% per annum with interest payable monthly in arrears. Ten percent of the outstanding principal amount will be repaid annually on a quarterly basis, with the accrued and unpaid principal due on the Maturity Date. ApplianceSmart has agreed to guaranty repayment of the ApplianceSmart Note. The remaining $2,580,506 of the Purchase Price was paid in cash by ASH to the Seller. ASH may reborrow funds, and pay interest on such re-borrowings, from the Seller up to the Original Principal Amount. As of September 30, 2018, there was $3,821,507 outstanding on the ApplianceSmart Note.  On December 26, 2018, ASH and the Seller amended and restated the ApplianceSmart Note to, among other things, grant the Seller a security interest in the assets of ASH and ApplianceSmart in accordance with the terms of separate security agreements entered into between ASH and ApplianceSmart, respectively, and the Seller, in exchange for modifying the terms of repayment terms of principal and interest so that such amounts are due in full on the Maturity Date.

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Sale of ApplianceSmart Contracting

On April 22, 2020, the Company sold ApplianceSmart Contracting Inc. (“ApplianceSmart Contracting”) to Michelle Cooper, a related party as a result of her relationship with Virland A. Johnson, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, for $60,000.  In connection with the sale, and under the terms of a purchase and sale agreement and a secured promissory note (the “ASC Note”), the Company agreed to loan ApplianceSmart Contracting up to $382,091.64 to satisfy then outstanding sales tax obligations owed by ApplianceSmart Contracting. Advances under the loan are only made by the Company to ApplianceSmart Contracting upon the presentation of evidence by ApplianceSmart Contracting of the satisfaction of one or more outstanding state sales tax amounts.  Advances bear interest at 8.0% per annum.  The loan matures on September 30, 2022 or on such earlier date as provided in the Note.  The loan is guaranteed by the related party and secured by the assets of ApplianceSmart Contracting.  At the closing of the sale transaction, the Company advanced ApplianceSmart Contracting $60,000.

Procedures for Approval of Related Party Transactions

In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee reviews and recommends for approval all related party transactions (as such term is defined for purposes of Item 404 of Regulation S-K). The Audit Committee participated in the approval of the transactions described above other than the ApplianceSmart Acquisition, which was approved by a special committee consisting solely of Mr. Sickmeyer.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a charter which is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee. Additionally, a brief description of the primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee is included in this Proxy Statement under the discussion of “The Board of Directors and Certain Governance Matters — Committee Membership — Audit Committee.” Under the Audit Committee charter, management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the application of accounting and financial reporting principles and our internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing our financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements and internal control over financial reporting of the Company with management and with the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 1301 “Communications with Audit Committee.” In addition, the Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letters from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence.

Based upon the review and discussions described in the preceding paragraph, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements of the Company be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, filed with the SEC.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Overview

The purpose of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) is to provide material information about the Company’s compensation philosophy, objectives, and other relevant policies and to explain and put into context the material elements of the disclosure that follows in this Proxy Statement with respect to the compensation of our named executive officers (in this CD&A, referred to as the “NEOs”). For fiscal 2019, our NEOs were:

Jon Isaac, President and Chief Executive Officer

Weston A. Godfrey, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Marquis Industries, Inc.

Michael J. Stein, Senior Vice President and General Counsel

The Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee reviews the performance and compensation of the Chief Executive Officer or other principal executive officer (currently, our President and Chief Executive Officer) and the Company’s other executive officers. Additionally, the Compensation Committee reviews compensation of outside directors for service on the Board and for service on committees of the Board and administers the Company’s stock plans.

Role of Executives in Determining Executive Compensation

Our President and Chief Executive Officer provides input to the Compensation Committee regarding the performance of the other NEOs and offers recommendations regarding their compensation packages in light of such performance. The Compensation Committee is ultimately responsible, however, for determining the compensation of the NEOs, including the Chief Executive Officer or other principal executive officer.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Compensation Committee and the Board believe that the Company’s compensation programs for its executive officers should reflect the Company’s performance and the value created for its stockholders. In addition, we believe the compensation programs should support the goals and values of the Company and should reward individual contributions to the Company’s success. Specifically, the Company’s executive compensation program is intended to:

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Factors Considered in Determining Compensation; Components of Compensation

The Compensation Committee makes executive compensation decisions on the basis of total compensation, rather than on individual components of compensation. The Compensation Committee attempts to create an integrated total compensation program structured to balance both short and long-term financial and strategic goals. Our compensation should be competitive enough to attract and retain highly skilled individuals. In this regard, we utilize a combination of between two to four of the following types of compensation to compensate our executive officers:

The Compensation Committee periodically reviews each executive officer’s base salary and makes appropriate recommendations to the Board. Salaries are based on the following factors:

Performance bonuses and equity compensation are awarded based upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. Restricted stock is granted under the Company’s stockholder-approved equity incentive plan(s) and is priced at 100% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Incentive and/or non-qualified stock options are generally granted under the Company’s stockholder-approved equity incentive plan(s), as well, with the exercise price of such options set at 100% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. These grants are made with a view to linking executives’ compensation to the long-term financial success of the Company.

Use of Benchmarking and Compensation Peer Groups

The Compensation Committee did not utilize any benchmarking measure in fiscal 2019 and traditionally has not tied compensation directly to a specific profitability measurement, market value of the Company’s common stock, or benchmark related to any established peer or industry group. Salary increases are based on the terms of the NEOs’ employment agreements, if applicable, and correlated with the Board’s and the Compensation Committee’s assessment of each NEO’s performance. The Company also generally seeks to increase or decrease compensation, as appropriate, based upon changes in an executive officer’s functional responsibilities within the Company. Historically, the Compensation Committee has not used outside consultants in determining the compensation of the NEOs, and no such consultants were engaged during fiscal 2019.

Other Compensation Policies and Considerations; Tax Issues and Risk Management

The intention of the Company has been to compensate the NEOs in a manner that maximizes the Company’s ability to deduct such compensation expenses for federal income tax purposes. However, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to provide compensation that is not “performance-based” under Section 162(m) of the Code it determines that such compensation is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. For fiscal 2019, the Company expects to deduct all compensation expenses paid to the NEOs.

On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee evaluates the Company’s compensation policies and practices for its employees, including the NEOs, to assess whether such policies and practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Based on its evaluation, the Compensation Committee has determined that the Company’s compensation policies and practices do not create such risks.

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The Summary Compensation Table above corrects disclosure that was included in the Summary Compensation Table included in Part III, Item 11 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, filed with the SEC on February 10, 2020 (the “Fiscal 2019 10-K”).  The Summary Compensation Table included in the Fiscal 2019 10-K disclosed a bonus of $75,000 and nil for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Such amounts were earned for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, but paid in the fiscal years ended September 2019 and September 2018, respectively.  

The Summary Compensation Table above amends and restates the Summary Compensation Table included in the Fiscal 2010 10-K and discloses that Mr. Godfrey earned bonuses of $400,000 and $75,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively.  The bonus Mr. Godfrey earned for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 was paid prior to December 31, 2019.  

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

The Company entered into an employment agreement with Jon Isaac, its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2013, as amended on January 16, 2018. The agreement will expire on December 30, 2020. Mr. Isaac is entitled to a base annual salary in an amount of $200,000, payable in periodic installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and subject to all applicable withholdings, including taxes. Mr. Isaac is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board or the entire Board. Mr. Isaac is entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by him in connection with his employment and the performance of his duties as President and Chief Executive Officer, including a reasonable housing expense, not to exceed $7,000 per month. Mr. Isaac is eligible to participate fully in all health and benefit plans available to senior officers of the Company generally, as the same may be amended from time to time by the Board. Mr. Isaac’s employment terminates upon the first to occur of the following dates: (i) date of Mr. Isaac’s death; (ii) the date on which Mr. Isaac has experienced a Disability (as defined in his employment agreement), and we give Mr. Isaac notice of termination on account of Disability; (iii) the date on which Mr. Isaac has engaged in conduct that constitutes Cause (as defined in Mr. Isaac’s employment agreement),

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and we give Mr. Isaac notice of termination for Cause; (iv) the date on which Mr. Isaac voluntarily terminates his relationship with us; or (v) the date on which we give Mr. Isaac notice of termination for any reason other than the reasons set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above. Upon termination of Mr. Isaac’s employment, we will have no further obligation to Mr. Isaac except that Mr. Isaac will be entitled to payment of any earned but unpaid salary through the date of termination and any unearned bonus in accordance with the terms of the employment agreement.  On or about November 11, 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved an increase in Jon Isaac’s salary to $350,000 per year and awarded him a bonus of $275,000 as part of his 2019 compensation.  The increase in salary was effective immediately. The bonus was paid in full as of December 31, 2019.

Marquis Industries, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, entered into an employment agreement with Weston A. Godfrey, Jr., effective on January 22, 2018 to employ him as its executive vice president from January 22, 2018 until July 1, 2018, and chief executive officer from July 1, 2018 through September 30, 2023, the date on which the agreement terminates. Mr. Godfrey is entitled to a base annual salary in an amount of $285,000, payable in periodic installments in accordance with Marquis’s customary payroll practices. Mr. Bailey is also entitled to receive a car allowance of $1,000 per month, family health and dental insurance at Marquis’ expense, a $1.0 million term life insurance policy, and a family membership to a local fitness facility. Mr. Godfrey is eligible for annual cash bonuses (in an amount no less than $75,000) after the end of the fiscal year based on the attainment of certain actual EBITDA ranges of Marquis during such fiscal year. In the event of a change of control of Marquis, Mr. Godfrey is entitled to a bonus equal to $660,000.  Marquis may terminate Mr. Godfrey for “cause” (as defined in Mr. Godfrey’s employment agreement), or, in the event Mr. Godfrey becomes permanently disabled or is prevented by injury or sickness from attention to his duties for six consecutive weeks or more, without “cause.”  If Marquis terminates Mr. Godfrey’s employment without “cause” other than because of Mr. Godfrey’s death or disability, Mr. Godfrey will continue to receive his annual salary for a period of twelve months following such termination and receive fully paid family coverage of health and dental insurance at Marquis’ expense until the earlier of twelve months after such termination or the date of Mr. Godfrey’s subsequent employment.  Mr. Godfrey’s employment agreement also contains customary confidentiality, non-competition and non-disparagement provisions.

The Company entered into an employment agreement with Michael J. Stein, its Senior Vice President, General Counsel, dated September 5, 2017. Mr. Stein’s employment commenced on October 2, 2017 and continues until his employment is terminated in accordance with the terms his employment agreement. Mr. Stein is entitled to a base annual salary in an amount of $310,000, payable in periodic installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and subject to all applicable withholdings, including taxes. Mr. Stein is eligible to participate fully in all benefit programs or plans sponsored by the Company, as the same may be amended from time to time. Mr. Stein’s employment terminates upon the first to occur of the following dates: (i) date of Mr. Stein’s death; (ii) the date on which Mr. Stein has experienced a Disability (as defined in his employment agreement); (iii) the date on which Mr. Stein has engaged in conduct that constitutes Cause (as defined in Mr. Stein’s employment agreement); (iv) the date on which we terminate Mr. Stein’s employment for any reason other than Cause, provided that we give Mr. Stein 60 days written notice of such termination, (v) the date on which Mr. Stein voluntarily terminates his relationship with us, provided that Mr. Stein is required to give 30 days’ advance written notice; or (vi) the date on which we give Mr. Stein notice of termination for any reason other than the reasons set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above. Upon termination of Mr. Stein’s employment, we will have no further obligation to Mr. Stein except that if we terminate Mr. Stein without cause or as a result of a Disability, Mr. Stein will continue to receive his unpaid annual salary for a period of three months following such termination, and, until the earlier of six months following Mr. Stein’s date of termination and the date Mr. Stein is eligible to receive substantially similar coverage and benefits from a new employer, an amount equal to the difference between the COBRA continuation coverage premiums and the amount of premiums paid by similarly situated active employees of the Company under the Company’s health insurance plans in which Mr. Stein and, if applicable, his family, were participating immediately prior to the termination date. Upon Mr. Stein’s death, the Company will pay Mr. Stein’s estate unpaid annual salary as lawfully required, and for a period of 12 months following his death, an amount equal to the difference between the COBRA continuation coverage premiums and the amount of premiums paid by similarly situated active employees of the Company under the Company’s health insurance plans in which Mr. Stein and, if applicable, his family, were participating immediately prior to the termination date.

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END

The following table summarizes all stock options held by the NEOs as of the end of fiscal 2019.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table summarizes compensation paid to each of our directors who served in such capacity during fiscal 2019. We have omitted from this table the columns for Stock Awards, Options Awards, Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation, and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings, as no amounts are required to be reported in any of those columns for any director during fiscal 2019.

None of our directors received separate compensation for attending meetings of our board of directors or any committees thereof. Jon Isaac, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is the only director who is also an employee of Live Ventures. Jon Isaac is not entitled to separate compensation for his service on our board of directors.

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table summarizes securities available for issuance under Live Venture’s equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2019:

2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan

On January 7, 2014, our Board of Directors adopted the 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which authorizes the issuance of distribution equivalent rights, incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, performance stock, performance units, restricted ordinary shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, tandem stock appreciation rights and unrestricted ordinary shares to our officers, employees, directors, consultants and advisors. The Company has reserved up to 300,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2014 Plan.

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RATIFICATION OF OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
(Proposal No. 2)

Our Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has ratified the appointment of WSRP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020. The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors is solely responsible for selecting our independent public accountants. Although stockholder approval is not required to appoint WSRP as our independent public accountant firm, we believe that submitting the appointment of WSRP to our stockholders for ratification is a matter of good corporate governance. If our stockholders do not ratify the appointment, then the appointment may be reconsidered by the Audit Committee. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may engage a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interest of our Company and our stockholders.

We expect that representatives of WSRP will be present at the annual meeting and be available to answer stockholders’ questions.

The shares represented by your proxy will be voted for the ratification of the selection of WSRP unless you specify otherwise.

Recommendation of our Board

The Board recommends a vote FOR ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of WSRP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2020

Audit and Other Fees

Each year, the Audit Committee approves the annual audit engagement in advance. The Audit Committee also has established procedures to pre-approve all non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. All fiscal 2019 and 2018 non-audit services listed below were pre-approved.

Audit Fees: This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in our annual and periodic reports that are filed with the SEC. This category also includes services performed for the preparation of responses to SEC and NASDAQ correspondence, travel expenses for our auditors, on audit and accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements, and the preparation of an annual “management letter” on internal control and other matters.

Tax Fees: This category consists of professional services rendered by our independent auditors for tax compliance.

The following fees were billed to us by our independent registered public accounting firm, WSRP, LLC for fiscal 2019 and WSRP, LLC, BDO LLP, and SingerLewak LLP for fiscal 2018. SingerLewak LLP reviewed the Company’s quarterly financial statements for each of the first three fiscal quarters during fiscal 2018. BDO LLP audited the 2017 annual financial statements for which costs were billed during the first quarter of fiscal 2018.  

Vote Required

The ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of WSRP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020 will be approved if the proposal receives the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, present in person or by proxy, in favor of the proposal. Since Proposal 2 is a routine matter, there will be no broker non-votes, but abstentions will have the effect of a vote against Proposal 2.

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ANNUAL MEETING

To be considered for inclusion in our proxy materials relating to our 2021 Annual Meeting, stockholder nominations or other proposals must be received at our principal executive offices by February 25, 2021, which is 120 calendar days prior to the anniversary of the mailing date of the Company’s 2020 Proxy Statement. All stockholder proposals must be in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the provisions of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, in order to be considered for possible inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2021 Annual Meeting.

Pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Company’s Bylaws, any notice of a stockholder nomination or other proposal submitted outside of the process prescribed by Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act (i.e., proposals that are not to be included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy) received after February 25, 2021 will be considered untimely. To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice must set forth, as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and record address of such stockholder, (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company that are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such business, and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting.

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board does not intend to present at the Annual Meeting any matters other than those described herein and does not presently know of any matters that will be presented by other parties. If any other matter is properly brought before the meeting for action by stockholders, proxies in the enclosed form returned to us will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board or, in the absence of such a recommendation, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holder.

ANNUAL REPORT

A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 has been mailed to you with this Proxy Statement. Except as provided above, the Annual Report is not to be considered a part of these proxy soliciting materials or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. The information contained in the “Audit Committee Report” shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. We will provide upon written request, without charge to each stockholder of record as of the record date, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 as filed with the SEC. Any exhibits listed in the Form 10-K report also will be furnished upon request at the actual expense incurred by us in furnishing such exhibits. Any such requests should be directed to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices at 325 East Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.

STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO IMMEDIATELY MARK, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY VIA FACSIMILE TO THE ATTENTION OF SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL, LIVE VENTURES INCORPORATED, AT (702) 997-5968 OR IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.

Live Ventures Incorporated

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ANNUAL MEETING OF LIVE VENTURES INCORPORATED   1: Election of Directors 01 Jon Isaac 02 Tony Isaac 03 Richard D. Butler, Jr. 04 Dennis (De) Gao 05 Tyler Sickmeyer 2. To ratify the appointment of WSRP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020. 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments thereof.   Authorized Signatures - This section must be completed for your Instructions to be executed.  Please Sign Here  Please Sign Here  Please Date Above  Please Date Above  Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on your stock certificate. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the proxy.  Annual Meeting of Live Ventures Incorporated to be held on Friday, July 24, 2020  for Holders as of Wednesday, June 17, 2020 This proxy is being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors   OR  • Mark, sign and date your Proxy Card/Voting Instruction Form.     • Detach your Proxy Card/Voting Instruction Form.     • Return your Proxy Card/Voting Instruction Form in the     postage-paid envelope provided.  The undersigned hereby appoints Jon Isaac and Virland A. Johnson, and each or either of them, as the true and lawful attorneys of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, and authorizes them, and each of them, to vote all the shares of capital stock of Live Ventures Incorporated which the undersigned is entitled to vote at said meeting and any adjournment thereof upon the matters specified and upon such other matters as may be properly brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof, conferring authority upon such true and lawful attorneys to vote in their discretion on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and revoking any proxy heretofore given. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, SHARES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE DIRECTORS IN ITEM 1 AND FOR THE PROPOSAL IN ITEM 2.  PROXY TABULATOR FOR  LIVE VENTURES INCORPORATED P.O. BOX 8016 CARY, NC 27512-9903

Proxy — Live Ventures Incorporated   Annual Meeting of Stockholders  July 24, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time   This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors   The undersigned appoints Jon Isaac and Virland A. Johnson (the “Named Proxies”) and each of them as proxies for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote the shares of capital stock of Live Ventures Incorporated, a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at the Company’s offices at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. (PT) and all adjournments thereof. Please The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to take action on the following: 1. Election of Directors; separate 2. Ratify the appointment of WSRP as the company’s independent registered  public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020; and carefully 3. Transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual  Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.  

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