EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 896493
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 896493_10-K_2024_0001214659-24-006963.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Company Overview
Ault Alliance, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in September 2017 (sometimes referred to as “AAI,” the “Company,” “we” or “us”). Through our wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, we own and/or operate data centers at which we mine Bitcoin and offer colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence (“AI”) ecosystems and other industries, and provide mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including a metaverse platform, oil exploration, crane services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma, consumer electronics and textiles. Our direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries include (i) Sentinum, Inc. (“Sentinum”), (ii) Alliance Cloud Services, LLC (“ACS”), (iii) BNI Montana, LLC (“BNI Montana”), (iv) Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“Ault Capital”), (v) Ault Lending, LLC (“Ault Lending”), (vii) Ault Global Real Estate Equities, Inc. (“AGREE”), (viii) Ault Disruptive Technologies Company, LLC (“ADTC”), which is the sponsor, Manager and the majority owner of Ault Disruptive Technologies Corporation (“Ault Disruptive”), (ix) Eco Pack Technologies, Inc. (“Eco Pack”), which has a controlling interest in Eco Pack Technologies Limited, (x) Ault Aviation, LLC (“Ault Aviation”) and (xi) Third Avenue Apartments, LLC (“Third Avenue”).
We also have a direct controlling interest in (i) Circle 8 Holdco LLC (“Circle 8 Holdco”), which wholly owns Circle 8 Crane Services, LLC (“Circle 8”), (ii) TurnOnGreen, Inc., formerly known as Imperalis Holding Corp. (“TurnOnGreen”), which wholly owns TOG Technologies, Inc. (“TOG Technologies”) and Digital Power Corporation (“Digital Power”), (iii) Gresham Worldwide, Inc., formerly known as Giga-tronics Incorporated (“GIGA”), which wholly owns Gresham Holdings, Inc., formerly Gresham Worldwide, Inc. (“GWW”), which in turn wholly owns Gresham Power Electronics Ltd. (“Gresham Power”), Enertec Systems 2001 Ltd. (“Enertec”), Relec Electronics Ltd. (“Relec”) and has a controlling interest in Microphase Corporation (“Microphase”) and (iv) Avalanche International Corp. (“Avalanche” or “AVLP”), which does business as MTIX International (“MTIX”). We have minority interests in (i) RiskOn International, Inc., formerly known as BitNile Metaverse, Inc. (“ROI”), which wholly owns BitNile.com, Inc. (“BNC”), RiskOn 360, Inc., formerly known as Ault Iconic, Inc. (“RiskOn 360”), RiskOn Learning, Inc. and GuyCare, Inc. (“GuyCare”) and (ii) The Singing Machine Company, Inc. (“SMC”). We consolidate each of ROI and SMC as variable interest entities.
AAI was founded by Milton C. (Todd) Ault, III, its Executive Chairman, and is led by Mr. Ault, William B. Horne, its Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman, and Henry Nisser, its President and General Counsel. Together, they constitute the Executive Committee, which manages the day-to-day operations of the holding company. The Company’s long-term objective is to maximize per share intrinsic value. All major investment and capital allocation decisions are made for us by Mr. Ault and the Executive Committee.
We have the following reportable segments:
· AAI directly conducts Fintech, commercial lending and trading through Ault Lending;
· Sentinum: Bitcoin mining operation and data center operations through ACS;
· Circle 8: crane rental and lifting solutions provider for oilfield, construction, commercial and infrastructure markets;
· ROI: operates a software-as-a-service platform called askROI.com, which is a unique, generative AI-driven platform engineered to provide pertinent and unique data insights through integration with business specific data that pushes beyond the conventional uses of existing large language models. ROI also owns 100% of BNC, which operates a metaverse platform and 100% of GuyCare, Inc. which develops products designed to improve men’s health;
· GIGA: defense solutions with operations conducted by GWW’s subsidiaries Microphase, Enertec, Gresham Power and Relec;
· TurnOnGreen: commercial electronics solutions with operations conducted by Digital Power, and electric vehicle (“EV”) charging solutions through TOG Technologies;
· SMC: karaoke audio equipment;
· AVLP: advanced textiles processing technology; and
· Ault Disruptive: a special purpose acquisition company.
We operate as a holding company with operations conducted primarily through our subsidiaries, which are described below.
Recent Events and Developments
On February 25, 2022, we entered into an At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “2022 Sales Agreement”) with Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC (“Ascendiant”) to sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $200 million from time to time, through an “at the market offering” program (the “2022 ATM Offering”). The offer and sale of shares of common stock from the 2022 ATM Offering was made pursuant to our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 and an accompanying base prospectus contained therein (Registration Statement No. 333-260618) which became effective on November 12, 2021. Through March 13, 2023, we received gross proceeds of approximately $177 million through the sale of 42,382 shares of common stock from the 2022 ATM Offering. The 2022 Sales Agreement has been terminated.
On June 10, 2022, we entered into an At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “2022 Preferred Sales Agreement”) with Ascendiant to sell shares of our 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series D Preferred Shares”) having an aggregate offering price of up to $46.4 million from time to time, through an “at the market offering” program (the “2022 ATM Preferred Offering”). The offer and sale of Series D Preferred Shares from the 2022 ATM Preferred Offering was made pursuant to our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 and an accompanying base prospectus contained therein (Registration Statement No. 333-260618) which became effective on November 12, 2021. Through June 16, 2023, we received gross proceeds of approximately $3.4 million through the sale of 281,197 Series D Preferred Shares in the 2022 ATM Preferred Offering. The 2022 Preferred Sales Agreement has been terminated.
On November 7, 2022, we and certain of our subsidiaries borrowed $18.9 million of principal amount of term loans (the “Term Loans”) from a group of institutional investors (the “Financing”). The Term Loans matured in 18 months, which may have been extended to 24 months, accrued interest at the rate of 8.5% per annum and were secured by certain of our and certain of our subsidiaries’ assets. Starting in January 2023, the lenders had the right to require us to make monthly payments of $0.6 million, which increased to $1.1 million in November 2023. The Term Loans were issued with an original issue discount of $1.89 million.
The lenders received warrants to purchase 604 shares of our common stock, exercisable for four years at $3,375 per share and warrants to purchase another 604 shares of our common stock, exercisable for four years at $5,625 per share, subject to adjustment.
On July 19, 2023, we along with certain of our subsidiaries entered into a First Amendment and Joinder to Loan and Guarantee Agreement (the “Amendment”) with the institutional investors pursuant to which the (i) Loan and Guarantee Agreement, dated November 7, 2022, entered into between us and the institutional investors (the “Loan Agreement”) and (ii) Security Agreement, dated November 7, 2022, entered into between the institutional investors and Sentinum (the “Security Agreement”) was amended. Pursuant to the Amendment, we borrowed an additional $8.8 million. The net proceeds of the additional loan amount were $7.5 million and the aggregate size of the Term Loans increased from $18.9 million to $24.3 million. The Term Loans were repaid in December 2023.
On December 16, 2022 we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) with an accredited investor (the “December 2022 Investor”) providing for the issuance of a secured promissory note (the “December 2022 Note”) with an aggregate principal face amount of $14,700,000. On December 29, 2022, the Company and the December 2022 Investor entered into an amended and restated amendment to the SPA, pursuant to which the total amount of the financing was increased to $17,456,245 and the Company sold an additional note to a second accredited investor.
Under the SPA, we were obligated to repay, while the December 2022 Note remains outstanding, (i) eighty percent (80%) of the proceeds we may receive from any financing conducted, other than at-the-market offerings and (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds we may receive from the sale of marketable securities by Ault Lending. In addition, if Third Avenue Apartments, LLC (“Third Avenue”), our wholly owned subsidiary, sold the property it owns in St. Peterburg, Florida, then we would use the net proceeds from the sale of such property in excess of $10 million, to repay the December 2022 Note. In addition, we agreed to issue 1,547 shares of our common stock to the December 2022 Investor in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding warrants previously issued to the December 2022 Investor, which warrants were exercisable for 1,547 shares of our common stock.
On January 23, 2023, we filed a Certificate of Elimination with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware with respect to our Series C convertible redeemable preferred stock which, effective upon filing, eliminated the Series C convertible redeemable preferred stock.
On February 8, 2023, we entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “February 2023 Agreement”) with ROI and the other signatories thereto. The February 2023 Agreement provided that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, ROI would acquire all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of our then subsidiary, BNC, of which we owned approximately 86%, and the remaining 14% was owned by minority shareholders (the “Minority Shareholders”), as well as RiskOn 360, in exchange for the following: (i) 8,637.5 shares of newly designated Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of ROI that were issued to our company (the “Series B Preferred”), and (ii) 1,362.5 shares of newly designated Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of ROI that were issued to the to the Minority Shareholders (the “Series C Preferred,” and together with the Series B Preferred, the “Preferred Stock”). The Series B Preferred and the Series C Preferred each have a stated value of $10,000 per share (the “Stated Value”), for a combined stated value of the Preferred Stock to be issued by ROI, of $100,000,000, and subject to adjustment, are convertible into shares of common stock of ROI. However, pending approval of the transaction by ROI’s shareholders, the Preferred Stock is subject to a 19.9% beneficial ownership limitation, including the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that we acquired from ROI in June of 2022.
Pursuant to the Certificates of Designations of the Rights, Preferences and Limitations of the Series B Preferred and the Series C Preferred (collectively, the “Preferred Stock Certificates”), each share of Preferred Stock will be convertible into a number of shares of ROI common stock determined by dividing the Stated Value by $0.25 (the “Conversion Price”), or 40,000 shares of ROI common stock. The Conversion Price will be subject to certain adjustments, including potential downward adjustment if ROI closes a qualified financing resulting in at least $25,000,000 in gross proceeds at a price per share that is lower than the Conversion Price then in effect. The holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 5% of the Stated Value per annum from issuance until February 7, 2033 (the “Dividend Term”). During the first two years of the Dividend Term, dividends will be payable in additional shares of Preferred Stock rather than cash, and thereafter dividends will be payable in either additional shares of Preferred Stock or cash as each holder may elect. If ROI fails to make a dividend payment as required by the Preferred Stock Certificates, the dividend rate will be increased to 12% for as long as such default remains ongoing and uncured. Each share of Preferred Stock will also have an $11,000 liquidation preference in the event of a liquidation, change of control event, dissolution or winding up of ROI, and will rank senior to all other capital stock of ROI with respect thereto, except that the Series B Preferred and Series C Preferred shall rank pari passu. Each share of Series B Preferred was originally entitled to vote with the ROI common stock at a rate of 10 votes per share of common stock into which the Series B Preferred is convertible, but that provision was subsequently eliminated, as were the conventional voting rights of the Series C Preferred. Other than certain rights granted to the Company relating to amendments or waiver of various negative covenants, the terms, rights, preferences and limitations of the Preferred Stock Certificates are essentially identical. The February 2023 Agreement closed on March 6, 2023.
On February 24, 2023, BNI Montana entered into an asset purchase agreement with TypeX, LLC (“TypeX”), to acquire two land lease agreements and two corresponding power purchase agreements in Montana. The lease and power agreements run for a period of 10 years, with a 10-year renewal option. Sentinum is building out and developing fully operational data centers dedicated to Bitcoin mining operations on the properties (the “Montana Facilities”). We anticipate that upon completion, the Montana Facilities will provide up to a combined 20 megawatts of power, enabling up to 6,500 S19j Pro Antminers to operate. The first 10 megawatts of power was connected to the utility electrical network in March 2024. The substations providing power to the Montana Facilities have the ability to handle additional capacity and Sentinum has initiated a load study to determine future capacity and, if economically viable, intends to acquire such additional power capacity. We are redeploying S19j Pro Antminers that are currently mining in our Michigan data center, allowing us to focus on expansion at our Michigan site to support the rapid growth of high-performance computing and AI use cases.
On April 6, 2023, we issued a term note with a principal amount of $1.1 million, bearing an interest rate of 12% (the “Term Note”). The Term Note was issued at a discount, with net proceeds to us amounting to $1.0 million. The Term Note was scheduled to mature on June 5, 2023. We exercised the option to extend the maturity date by one month, by paying a $30,000 extension fee. Ault & Company guaranteed repayment of the Term Note.
On April 20, 2023, Sentinum entered into an amended Master Services Agreement with Core Scientific, Inc. (“Core Scientific”) for hosting services related to the deployment of Bitcoin miners. This agreement provides for the sale of Bitcoin mined on a daily basis with the proceeds from such sales generally being applied to operations fees of $25 per miner, hosting services fees, other miscellaneous fees and then any remaining amounts, if any, are distributed 60% to Sentinum and 40% to Core Scientific if the price of Bitcoin is consistently greater than $45,000 at month’s end. If the price of Bitcoin is less than $45,000, then any remaining amounts, if any, are distributed 50% to Sentinum and 50% to Core Scientific. We have deployed 10,200 S19 Pro and S19j Pro Antminers with Core Scientific, securing approximately 30 MW of power. The agreement terminates on August 31, 2024, unless terminated sooner pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate the agreement with respect to 1,000 units in any thirty (30) day period on thirty (30) days written notice on or after November 30, 2023. The Core Scientific hosting services agreement expedited the deployment of our Bitcoin miners to approximately 19,200, representing a mining production capacity of approximately 2.1 exahashes per second. Under the terms of the Core Scientific hosting services agreement, we expect that Sentinum will pay Core Scientific a monthly fee for operations and hosting services of approximately $1.1 million, which amount excludes the profit sharing arrangement described above between the parties.
On June 8, 2023, we entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Ault & Company as the lender. The Credit Agreement provided for an unsecured, non-revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $10,000,000. All loans under the Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Advances”) were due within five business days after request by Ault & Company and Ault & Company was not obligated to make any further Advances under the Credit Agreement after December 8, 2023. Advances under the Credit Agreement bore interest at the rate of 9.5% per annum and may be repaid at any time without penalty or premium.
On June 9, 2023, we entered into an At-the-Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC, as sales agent (the “Agent”) to sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $10,000,000 (the “Shares”) from time to time, through an “at the market offering” (the “ATM Offering”) as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act. On June 9, 2023, we filed a prospectus supplement with the SEC relating to the offer and sale of up to $10,000,000 of common stock in the ATM Offering. The offer and sale of the Shares are being made pursuant to our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 and an accompanying base prospectus contained therein (Registration Statement No. 333-260618) filed with the SEC on October 29, 2021 and declared effective by the SEC on November 12, 2021. On July 13, 2023 and September 8, 2023, we filed prospectus supplements increasing the size of the ATM Offering to $20,000,000 and $50,000,000, respectively. Through March 12, 2024, we received gross proceeds of approximately $50 million through the sale of 29,945,147 shares of common stock from the ATM Offering. The Sales Agreement has been terminated.
On June 26, 2023, we established a record date for our initial distribution of securities of TurnOnGreen. Stockholders as of this date were entitled to 40 shares of TurnOnGreen common stock, along with warrants to purchase 40 shares of TurnOnGreen common stock (the “TurnOnGreen Securities”) for every share of our common stock they held on the record date. The initial distribution was finalized in July 2023. We distributed 58.7 million TurnOnGreen Securities in the first distribution.
On July 24, 2023, we established a record date for our second partial distribution of TurnOnGreen Securities. Stockholders as of this date were entitled to 15 shares of TurnOnGreen Securities for every share of the Company’s common stock they held on the record date. The second distribution was finalized on August 7, 2023. We distributed 56.4 million TurnOnGreen Securities in the second distribution.
Effective August 3, 2023, we and certain holders of preferred stock (the “Investors”) entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which the Investors exchanged all of their preferred shares as well as their demand notes (the “Demand Notes”) issued to the Investors by us on or about May 20, 2023, with each Demand Note having a principal outstanding amount of approximately $0.8 million for two new 10% Secured OID Promissory Notes (the “Exchange Notes”), each with a principal face amount of $5.3 million, for an aggregate amount owed of $10.5 million (the “Principal Amount”). We and Mr. Ault, our Executive Chairman, entered into guaranty agreements with the March 2023 Investors guaranteeing repayment by Ault & Company of the Exchange Notes.
Effective as of August 3, 2023, we assigned the Exchange Notes to Ault & Company. As consideration for Ault & Company assuming the Exchange Notes from us, we issued a 10% demand promissory note in the principal face amount of $10.5 million (the “First Ault & Company Demand Note”) to Ault & Company.
Effective as of August 10, 2023, we assigned the Term Note to Ault & Company. As consideration for Ault & Company assuming the Term Note from us, we issued a 12% demand promissory note in the principal face amount of $1.1 million (the “Second Demand Note”) to Ault & Company.
On September 8, 2023, we issued to an accredited investor a term note (the “Short-Term Note”) with a principal face amount of $2,200,000 with a maturity date of September 25, 2023. The Short-Term Note was issued with an original issue discount of $200,000 and did not bear interest unless an event of default occurred under the Short-Term Note. The maturity date of the Short-Term Note was September 25, 2023. The purchase price for the Short-Term Note was $2 million. Repayment of the Short-Term Note was secured by a guaranty provided by Ault & Company as well as by Milton C. Ault, our Executive Chairman of the Company and the Chief Executive Officer of Ault & Company.
On September 27, 2023 we entered into a securities exchange agreement with the holder of the Short-Term Note, pursuant to which we issued and sold in a registered direct offering to the investor, a $2.2 million principal face amount convertible promissory note (the “Convertible Note”). The Convertible Note bears no interest (unless an event of default occurs) as it was issued in exchange for the Short-Term Note, which contained an original issue discount. The Convertible Note is convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to 90% of the lowest volume weighted average price of the common stock during the five consecutive trading days prior to the date of conversion. As of the date of filing of this Annual Report, we had issued 84,632 shares of common stock on the conversion of approximately $0.5 million of the Convertible Note and paid an additional $1.2 million. The Convertible Note matured on March 29, 2024, is presently in default and has an outstanding balance of approximately $0.5 million.
On October 13, 2023, we entered into a note purchase agreement with Ault & Company, pursuant to which we sold to Ault & Company (i) a senior secured convertible promissory note in the principal face amount of $17.5 million (the “Senior Note”) and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of our common stock for a total purchase price of up to $17.5 million.
The purchase price was comprised of the following: (i) cancellation of $4.6 million of cash loaned by Ault & Company to us since June 8, 2023 pursuant to the Credit Agreement; (ii) cancellation of $11.6 million of term loans made by us to Ault & Company in exchange for Ault & Company assuming liability for the payment of $11.6 million of secured notes; and (iii) the retirement of $1.25 million stated value of 125,000 shares of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (representing all shares issued and outstanding of that series) being transferred from Ault & Company to us.
The Senior Note had a principal face amount of $17.5 million and a maturity date of October 12, 2028. The Senior Note bore interest at the rate of 10% per annum. Interest was payable, at Ault & Company’s option, in cash or shares of common stock at the applicable conversion price. Accrued interest was payable on the maturity date, provided, however, that Ault & Company had the option, on not less than 10 calendar days’ notice to us, to require payment of accrued but unpaid interest on a monthly basis in arrears.
The Senior Note was convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to the greater of (i) $0.10 per share (the “Floor Price”), and (ii) the lesser of (A) $7.38 or (B) 105% of the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the ten trading days immediately prior to the date of conversion. The conversion price was subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price then in effect, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The Floor Price shall not be adjusted for stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations and other similar transactions.
The Warrants grant Ault & Company the right to purchase 1,907,440 shares of common stock. The Warrants have a five-year term, expiring on the fifth anniversary of the closing date, and become exercisable on the first business day after the six-month anniversary of the closing date. The exercise price of the Warrants is $0.35, which is subject to adjustment in the event of customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events or in the event of an issuance of Common Stock at a price per share lower than the exercise price.
In addition, we and various of our subsidiaries granted Ault & Company a senior security interest in substantially all of our assets as collateral for the repayment of the Senior Note, which was subordinated to the security interest granted to the holders of the outstanding secured promissory notes.
On November 6, 2023, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “November 2023 SPA”) with Ault & Company, pursuant to which we agreed to sell, in one or more closings, to Ault & Company up to 50,000 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock and warrants to purchase up to 14.8 million shares of common stock for a total purchase price of up to $50 million. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the November 2023 SPA, specifically the conversion of the Series C convertible preferred stock and the exercise of the warrants in an aggregate number in excess of 19.99% on the execution date of the November 2023 SPA, are subject to various customary closing conditions as well as regulatory and stockholder approval. In addition to customary closing conditions, the closing of the financing is also conditioned upon the receipt by Ault & Company of financing to consummate the transaction.
On November 15, 2023, we purchased from ROI 603.44 shares of ROI’s newly designated Series D convertible preferred stock (“ROI Series D Preferred”) for a total purchase price of $15.1 million. The purchase price was paid by the cancellation of $15.1 million of cash advances made by us to ROI between January 1, 2023 and November 9, 2023. Each share of ROI Series D Preferred has a stated value of $25,000 per share and each share of ROI Series D Preferred is convertible into a number of shares of ROI’s common stock determined by dividing the stated value by $0.51, subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of ROI common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The ROI Series D Preferred holders are entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 10% per annum from issuance until November 14, 2033. In addition, for as long as at least 25% of the ROI Series D Preferred remain outstanding, ROI must obtain our consent with respect to certain corporate events, including reclassifications, fundamental transactions, stock redemptions or repurchases, increases in the number of directors, and declarations or payment of dividends, and further ROI is subject to certain negative covenants, including covenants against issuing additional shares of capital stock or derivative securities, incurring indebtedness, engaging in related party transactions, selling of properties having a value of over $50,000, altering the number of directors, and discontinuing the business of any subsidiary, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. However, pending approval of the transaction by ROI’s shareholders, the ROI Series D Preferred is subject to a 19.99% beneficial ownership limitation.
On December 8, 2023, we filed a Certificate of Elimination with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware with respect to our Series B convertible preferred stock which, effective upon filing, eliminated the Series B convertible preferred stock.
On December 14, 2023, pursuant to the November 2023 SPA entered into with Ault & Company on November 6, 2023, we sold to Ault & Company, in three separate closings that occurred on the closing date, an aggregate of 41,500 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock (the “Series C Convertible Preferred Stock”), and warrants (the “Series C Warrants”) to purchase 12,269,031 shares of common stock, for a total purchase price of $41.5 million. At the first closing, Ault & Company purchased 21,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 6,356,245 shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $21.5 million, paid in cash (the “Initial Closing”). Immediately upon the Initial Closing, we paid $20,432,876 to satisfy in full the outstanding secured convertible notes issued to the lenders pursuant to the Loan and Guarantee Agreement, dated November 7, 2022, as amended on July 19, 2023.
Promptly thereafter, at the second closing (the “Second Closing”), Ault & Company purchased 10,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 2,956,393 shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $10.0 million, paid in cash. Immediately upon the Second Closing, we paid $10.0 million to partially satisfy the outstanding Senior Note. Promptly thereafter, at the third closing (the “Third Closing”), Ault & Company purchased another 10,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase another 2,956,393 shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $10.0 million, paid in cash. Immediately upon the Third Closing, we paid $7.5 million to satisfy the remaining outstanding balance on the outstanding Senior Note.
On December 14, 2023, we, along with our wholly owned subsidiaries Sentinum, Third Avenue, ACS, BNI Montana, Ault Lending, Ault Aviation and AGREE (collectively with our company, Sentinum, Third Avenue, ACS, BNI Montana, Ault Lending and Ault Aviation, the “Guarantors”) entered into a Loan and Guaranty Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with institutional lenders, pursuant to which Ault & Company borrowed $36 million and issued secured promissory notes to the lenders in the aggregate amount of $38.9 million (collectively, the “Secured Notes”; and the transaction, the “Loan”). The Loan Agreement was amended as of April 15, 2024.
Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Guarantors, as well as Milton C. Ault, III, our Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Ault & Company, agreed to act as guarantors for repayment of the Secured Notes. In addition, certain Guarantors entered into various agreements as collateral in support of the guarantee of the Secured Notes, including (i) a security agreement by Sentinum, pursuant to which Sentinum granted to the Lenders a security interest in (a) 19,226 Antminers (the “Miners”), (b) all of the digital currency mined or otherwise generated from the Miners and (c) the membership interests of ACS, (ii) a security agreement by the Company, Ault Lending, BNI Montana and AGREE, pursuant to which those entities granted to the lenders a security interest in substantially all of their assets, as well as a pledge of equity interests in Ault Aviation, AGREE, Sentinum, Third Avenue, Ault Energy, LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary (“Ault Energy”), ADTC, Eco Pack, and Circle 8 Holdco, (iii) a mortgage and security agreement by Third Avenue on the real estate property owned by Third Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida (the “Florida Property”), (iv) a future advance mortgage by ACS on the real estate property owned by ACS in Dowagiac, Michigan (the “Michigan Property”), (v) an aircraft mortgage and security agreement by Ault Aviation on a private aircraft owned by Ault Aviation (the “Aircraft”), and (vi) deposit account control agreements over certain bank accounts held by certain of our subsidiaries.
In addition, pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we agreed to establish a segregated deposit account (the “Segregated Account”), which would be used as a further guarantee of repayment of the Secured Notes. $3.5 million of cash was paid into the Segregated Account on the closing date. We are required to have the minimum balance in the Segregated Account be not less than $7 million, $15 million, $20 million and $27.5 million on the five-month, nine-month, one-year and two-year anniversaries of the closing date, respectively. In addition, starting on March 31, 2024, we are required to deposit $0.3 million monthly into the Segregated Account, which increases to $0.4 million monthly starting March 31, 2025. Further, we agreed to deposit into the Segregated Account, (i) up to the first $7 million of net proceeds, if any, from the sale of the Hilton Garden Inn in Madison West, the Residence Inn in Madison West, the Courtyard in Madison West, and the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockford; (ii) 50% of cash dividends (on a per dividend basis) received from Circle 8 on or after June 30, 2024; (iii) 30% of the net proceeds from any bond offerings we conduct, which shall not exceed $9 million in the aggregate; and (iv) 25% of the net proceeds from cash flows, collections and revenues from loans or other investments made by Ault Lending (including but not limited to sales of loans or investments, dividends, interest payments and amortization payments), which shall not exceed $5 million in the aggregate. In addition, if we decide to sell certain assets, we further agreed to deposit funds into the Segregated Account from the sale of those assets, including, (i) $15 million from the sale of the Florida Property, (ii) $11 million from the sale of the Aircraft, (iii) $17 million from the sale of the Michigan Property, (iv) $350 per Miner, subject to a de minimis threshold of $1 million, and (v) $10 million from the sale of Circle 8.
On January 12, 2024, pursuant to the approval provided by our stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders, we filed an Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the State of Delaware to effectuate a reverse stock split of our common stock affecting both the authorized and issued and outstanding number of such shares by a ratio of one-for-twenty-five. The reverse stock split became effective on January 16, 2024. All share amounts in this Annual Report have been updated to reflect the reverse stock split.
On January 31, 2024, Ault Lending entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “January 2024 SPA”) with Alzamend Neuro, Inc. (“Alzamend”), pursuant to which Alzamend agreed to sell, in one or more closings, to Ault Lending up to 6,000 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock (the “ALZN Series B Preferred”) and warrants to purchase up to 6.0 million shares of Alzamend common stock (the “ALZN Series B Warrants”) for a total purchase price of up to $6.0 million. On January 31, 2024, Ault Lending purchased 1,220 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred and warrants to purchase 1.22 million shares for a total purchase price of $1.22 million. The purchase price was paid by the cancellation of $1.22 million of cash advances made by Ault Lending to Alzamend between November 9, 2023 and January 31, 2023. Each share of ALZN Series B Preferred has a stated value of $1.00 per share and is convertible into a number of shares of Alzamend’s common stock determined by dividing the stated value by $1.00, subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of Alzamend common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The ALZN Series B Warrants are exercisable on the first business day after the six-month anniversary of issuance and have a five-year term, expiring on the fifth anniversary of the initial exercise date. The exercise price of the ALZN Series B Warrants is $1.20, subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of Alzamend common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events.
On each of March 7, 2024, March 8, 2024, March 18, 2024 and March 19, 2024, pursuant to the November 2023 SPA, we sold to Ault & Company 500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 147,820 shares of common stock to the Purchaser, for a purchase price of $500,000. As of April 15, 2024, Ault & Company has purchased an aggregate of 43,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 12,860,311 shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $43.5 million.
On March 11, 2024 we entered into a note purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with two institutional investors (the “Buyers”) pursuant to which the Buyers purchased from the Company, on March 12, 2024 in a registered direct offering to the Buyers an aggregate of $2,000,000 principal face amount convertible promissory notes (the “Notes”). The Notes were sold to the Buyers for an aggregate purchase price of $1,800,000, which reflects an original issue discount of $200,000. The Notes accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum, unless an event of default (as defined in the Notes) occurs, at which time the Notes would accrue interest at 12% per annum. The Notes will mature on June 12, 2024, provided, however, that we have the right, upon written notice to the Buyers, to extend the maturity date to September 12, 2024, for which we would increase the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by 5%. The Notes are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.35 per share.
On March 26, 2024, pursuant to the January 2024 SPA, Ault Lending purchased 780 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred Stock and ALZN Series B Warrants to purchase 780,000 shares of Alzamend common, for a purchase price of $780,000. As of April 15, 2024, Ault Lending has purchased an aggregate of 2,000 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred and ALZN Series B Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2.0 million shares of Alzamend common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million.
On March 25, 2024 we entered into an amendment to the (i) November 2023 SPA, (ii) the related Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series C Preferred Convertible Stock and (iii) the number of Series C Warrants, to provide for (A) an increase in the dollar amount of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock that Ault & Company may purchase from us from $50,000,000.00 to $75,000,000.00 and (B) extended the date of on which the final closing may occur to June 30, 2024, subject to Ault & Company’s ability to further extended such date for ninety days.
Corporate Information
We are a Delaware corporation, initially formed in California in 1969 and reincorporated in Delaware in 2017. We are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141. Our phone number is (949) 444-5464 and our website address is www.ault.com.
Our Corporate Structure
On January 3, 2023, we changed our name from BitNile Holdings, Inc. to Ault Alliance, Inc. (the “Name Change”). The Name Change was effected through a parent/subsidiary short form merger pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 20, 2022. Neither the merger nor the Name Change affected the rights of our security holders. Our common stock is traded on the NYSE American under the symbol “AULT.” Existing stock certificates that reflect a prior corporate name continue to be valid. Certificates reflecting the new corporate name are issued as old stock certificates are tendered for exchange or transfer to our transfer agent.
In March 2024, we reorganized our corporate structure pursuant to a series of transactions by and among the Company and its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries as well as third parties. The purpose of the reorganization was to simplify our organizational and reporting structure to more accurately reflect our business operations. As a result of the foregoing transactions, our corporate structure is currently as follows:
Our Business Strategy
As principally a holding company, our business strategy is designed to increase stockholder value. Under this strategy, we are focused on managing and financially supporting our existing subsidiaries and partner companies, with the goal of pursuing monetization opportunities and maximizing the value returned to stockholders. We have, are and will consider initiatives including, among others: public offerings, the sale of individual partner companies, the sale of certain or all partner company interests in secondary market transactions, or a combination thereof, as well as other opportunities to maximize stockholder value, such as activist trading. We anticipate returning value to stockholders after satisfying our debt obligations and working capital needs.
On October 7, 2019, we created an Executive Committee which is comprised of our Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. The Executive Committee meets on a daily basis to address the Company’s critical needs and provides a forum to approve transactions which are communicated to our Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance on a bi-weekly basis by our Chief Executive Officer.
Our Executive Committee approves and manages our investment and trading strategy. The Executive Committee has decades of experience in financial, investing and securities transactions. Led by our Founder and Executive Chairman, Milton C. (Todd) Ault, III, we seek to find undervalued companies and disruptive technologies with a global impact. We use a traditional methodology for valuing securities that primarily looks for deeply depressed prices. Upon making an investment, we often become actively involved in the companies we seek to acquire. That activity may involve a broad range of approaches, from influencing the management of a target to take steps to improve stockholder value, to acquiring a controlling or sizable but non-controlling interest or outright ownership of the target company in order to implement changes that we believe are required to improve its business, and then operating and expanding that business. Mr. Ault relies heavily on William B. Horne, our Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Henry Nisser, our President and General Counsel, to provide analysis and guidance on all acquisition targets and throughout the acquisition process.
From time to time, we engage in discussions with other companies interested in our subsidiaries or partner companies, either in response to inquiries or as part of a process we initiate. To the extent we believe that a subsidiary partner company’s further growth and development can best be supported by a different ownership structure or if we otherwise believe it is in our stockholders’ best interests, we will seek to sell some or all of our position in the subsidiary or partner company. These sales may take the form of privately negotiated sales of stock or assets, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings of the subsidiary or partner company’s securities and, in the case of publicly traded partner companies, transactions in their securities in the open market. Our plans may include taking subsidiaries or partner companies public through rights offerings, mergers or spin-offs and directed share subscription programs. We will continue to consider these and functionally equivalent programs and the sale of certain subsidiary or partner company interests in secondary market transactions to maximize value for our stockholders.
Our Executive Committee acts as the underwriting committee for Ault Lending and approves all lending transactions. Under its business model, Ault Lending generates revenue through origination fees charged to borrowers and interest generated from each loan. Ault Lending may also generate income from appreciation of investments in marketable securities as well as any shares of common stock underlying convertible notes or warrants issued to Ault Lending in any particular financing.
Over the recent past, we have provided capital and relevant expertise to fuel the growth of businesses in cryptocurrency mining, generative AI and metaverse platform development, oil exploration, crane services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma, consumer electronics and textiles. We have provided capital to subsidiaries as well as partner companies in which we have an equity interest or may be actively involved, influencing development through board representation and management support.
Our Principal Subsidiaries and their Businesses
The following is a brief summary of the businesses in which we own a controlling interest, or whose financial statements we consolidated in this Annual Report:
Sentinum, Inc.
Sentinum conducts data center operations and Bitcoin mining through ACS.
Overview
Through its owned and operated data centers, Sentinum’s mission is to support internal computing requirements and to empower AI-focused businesses and other businesses requiring high-density power with reliable, scalable, and secure hosting solutions. We currently have data centers in Michigan and Montana. The Michigan data center design and available power provides Sentinum the ability to create bespoke solutions enabling it to seize growth opportunities within the broader data center services market. Sentinum can provide a range of service options tailored to a customer’s needs, including high-performance computing (“HPC”) and AI. HPC and AI are synonymous with applications requiring immense computational power to process complex models and perform real-time inferences. These use cases are being adopted by a wide range of industries, such as healthcare, energy, automotive, robotics and other autonomous systems. We are exploring the potential of working directly with end user companies as well as companies who we could team with to provide comprehensive solutions.
Sentinum’s attentiveness to disruptive technologies such as HPC, AI and blockchain combined with the foundational elements of data centers, power infrastructure, telecommunications and security enable it to support the internal operations for Bitcoin mining alongside non-mining solutions for third party customers. The economies of scale created by Bitcoin mining operations provide a competitive advantage to Sentinum as it seeks to add non-mining applications to its services portfolio.
We also mine Bitcoin using purpose-built computers (or “miners”) to solve complex cryptographic algorithms (or “verify” or “solve” blocks) in the blockchain in exchange for rewards and fees denominated in the native token of that blockchain network. Some of our miners provide computing power to a Bitcoin mining pool operator, in which all the participants’ machines mine Bitcoin as a collective group, and we get paid the expected value of both the block reward and transaction fees for doing so; the other miners mine directly for our own account. The mine pool operators receive block rewards and transaction fees paid in Bitcoin by the blockchain when the mine pool finds new blocks. The reward and transaction fees are then shared by the pool participants based on their hash rate contributions to the pool, less a small amount of fees.
We will evaluate each digital asset in our portfolio, or that we propose to acquire in the future (including by mining), to determine whether it would likely be considered a security under U.S. federal securities laws, in consultation with outside counsel, as applicable. We will base our analysis on relevant case law, applying the frameworks established by the U.S. Supreme Court and taking into consideration relevant guidance by the SEC and its staff. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Bitcoin Operations - Legal and Regulatory - A particular digital asset’s status as a ‘security’ in any relevant jurisdiction is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and if a regulator disagrees with our characterization of a digital asset, we may be subject to regulatory scrutiny, investigations, fines and penalties, which may adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. A determination that Bitcoin that we own or mine is a ‘security’ may adversely affect the value of Bitcoin and our business.”
We do not, however, acquire crypto currencies for investment purposes. As of December 31, 2023, we held 16.7 Bitcoins valued at $0.5 million, based on cost less impairment as of such date. Our mining operations generated a net loss of $2.6 million and revenue of $33.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a net loss of $91.6 million and revenue of $16.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, the $0.5 million carrying value of our 16.7 Bitcoins represented 0.2% of our total assets of $299.2 million as of such date.
Sentinum Breakeven Analysis
Since commencement of Sentinum’s mining operations in 2021, we have received approximately 2,669.01 Bitcoin for providing computing power to a Bitcoin mining pool operator and from hosted mining operations with Core Scientific through March 31, 2024. While the Bitcoin received is available for sale in the ordinary course of business, we believe that cryptocurrency represents an attractive, appreciating investment opportunity, and as such we have historically held cryptocurrency assets that we do not otherwise sell to fund our operating expenses. We believe that our integrated model with close control over our power sources and owning our Bitcoin mining data center helps us to produce Bitcoin with attractive cost efficiency that helps us to produce Bitcoin at a cost that we believe is attractive versus the price of Bitcoin, and generally below the prevailing market price of power that many of our peers must pay and may have to pay in the future during periods of uncertain or elevated power pricing.
Our net cost of power was between approximately $42 to $62 per megawatt-hour (“MWh”) in the second half of 2023 to present, and we expect that our blended power cost upon the relocation of approximately 6,500 miners to our Montana facilities, once fully operational, will be approximately $46 per MWh. This $42 to $62 per MWh corresponds to approximately $23,050 per Bitcoin equivalent with modern miners and assuming a network hash rate of approximately 2.1 exahash per second (“EH/s”). In addition to the cost of power, we recognize a significant amount of expenses from depreciation on our investment in miners and hosting fees from Core Scientific. In the aggregate, excluding Sentinum’s daily general and operating costs of approximately $15,000, these expenses result in a direct cost for each Bitcoin mined of approximately $51,000. We believe this cost to mine is attractive versus the price of Bitcoin. For example, the price of Bitcoin ranged from approximately $17,000 to approximately $44,000 during 2023, and was approximately $70,500 as of April 10, 2024, according to Coin Market Cap.
We anticipate that upon completion of the initial phase of development, the Montana Facilities will provide up to a combined 20 MWs of power, enabling up to 6,500 S19j Pro Antminers to operate. Inclusive of costs previously incurred to acquire two land lease agreements and two corresponding power purchase agreements, we estimate that the Montana Facilities will cost approximately $7 million. Further, given the favorable cost differential for power between Montana and Michigan, we expect the increase in operating costs and depreciation from capitalized expenditures will approximate the power cost savings. As such, development of the Montana Facilities is not expected to have a negative impact on our operating results.
Thus, if the price of Bitcoin, level of difficulty to mine, the amount of the block reward or the amount of Bitcoin earned by miners for mining one block on the Bitcoin blockchain remained constant, then we would expect that Sentinum would be profitable in 2024. However, given the pending block reward halving, an event that occurs approximately every four years, we are currently unable to predict with any certainty what effect this will have on revenues derived from our Bitcoin mining operations, the price of Bitcoin or the level of difficulty to mine. Currently miners receive 6.5 Bitcoin for mining one block on the Bitcoin blockchain, which will decrease to 3.25 Bitcoin when the halving occurs. While the pending halving may have an adverse effect on our profitability, the expected cash generated from our Bitcoin mining operations is still expected to exceed that of our operating costs given the significance of depreciation charges, which is expected to account for nearly 30% of Sentinum’s total costs of operations during 2024.
During 2024, we also anticipate large expenditures in our Michigan Facility to facilitate the transition of the facility to support HPC and AI applications. Initially, these expenditures will likely increase Sentinum’s loss unless we are able to pass these costs on to our future customers. These uncertainties make it impossible to predict when, if ever, that Sentinum will achieve profitable operations.
During 2023, Sentinum reported a loss from operations of approximately $2.6 million inclusive of depreciation and amortization of approximately $18.3 million. As such, after capital expenditure of approximately $2 million, Sentinum generated approximately $15.3 in cash for the year ended December 31, 2023. The cash generated from operations was used to pay for a portion of costs we incurred.
Cryptocurrency and Cryptocurrency Mining Overview
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Overview
Cryptocurrencies are a type of digital asset that function as a medium of exchange, a unit of account and/or a store of value (i.e. a new form of digital money). Cryptocurrencies operate by means of blockchain technology, which generally uses open-source, peer-to-peer software to create a decentralized digital ledger that enables the secure use and transfer of digital assets. We believe cryptocurrencies and associated blockchain technologies have potential advantages over traditional payment systems, including: the tamper-resistant nature of blockchain networks; rapid-to-immediate settlement of transactions; lower fees; elimination of counterparty risk; protection from identify theft; broad accessibility; and a decentralized nature that enhances network security by reducing the likelihood of a “single point of failure.” Recently, cryptocurrencies have gained widespread mainstream attention and have begun to experience greater adoption by both retail and institutional investors and the broader financial markets. For example, Bitcoin’s aggregate market value had appreciated to $1.4 trillion in April 2024 compared to $512 billion in February 2023. All figures are derived from Yahoo Finance and data furnished by Messari.io, an independent entity with which we have no relationship and that, in its own words, “brings transparency to the crypto economy.” As cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technologies more generally, have entered the mainstream, prices of digital assets have reached all-time highs and the broader ecosystem has continued to develop. While we expect the value of Bitcoin to remain volatile, we believe this increase in aggregate market value signals institutionalization and wider adoption of cryptocurrency. For example, in January 2024, the SEC approved the listing and trading of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, of which, as of April 9, 2024, approximately 20 are trading with over $58 billion of Bitcoin assets held.
Cryptocurrencies are decentralized currencies that enable near instantaneous transfers. Transactions occur via an open-source, cryptographic protocol platform which uses peer-to-peer technology to operate with no central authority. The online network hosts the public transaction ledger, known as the blockchain, and each cryptocurrency is associated with a source code that comprises the basis for the cryptographic and algorithmic protocols governing the blockchain. In a cryptocurrency network, every peer has its own copy of the blockchain, which contains records of every historical transaction - effectively containing records of all account balances. Each account is identified solely by its unique public key (making it effectively anonymous) and is secured with its associated private key (kept secret, like a password). The combination of private and public cryptographic keys constitutes a secure digital identity in the form of a digital signature, providing strong control of ownership.
No single entity owns or operates the network. The infrastructure is collectively maintained by a decentralized public user base. As the network is decentralized, it does not rely on either governmental authorities or financial institutions to create, transmit or determine the value of the currency units. Rather, the value is determined by market factors, supply and demand for the units, the prices being set in transfers by mutual agreement or barter among transacting parties, as well as the number of merchants that may accept the cryptocurrency. Since transfers do not require involvement of intermediaries or third parties, there are only nominal transaction costs in direct peer-to-peer transactions. For example:
· In terms of conventional peer-to-peer transactions, there either are no fees or they are de minimis (Source: https://www.kraken.com/en-us);
· For purposes of traditional networks, there are nominal fees associated with any transaction (Source: https://bitinfocharts.com/bitcoin); and
· As of April 1, 2024, the average Bitcoin network fee is $5.82 per transaction, which is still low compared to conventional transaction fees charged by banks and other more traditional financial institutions (https://bitinfocharts.com/bitcoin).
The network fee is separate and distinct from the pool fee we pay Luxor Technology (“Luxor”) for its services in acting as a pool operator, discussed below. The network fee is applicable to anyone who transacts on the blockchain.
Given that block space is limited, mining fees can and often do fluctuate significantly from transaction to transaction as a result of “congestion.” However, this congestion does not negate any of the statements made immediately above.
Units of cryptocurrency can be converted to fiat currencies, such as the U.S. dollar, at rates determined on various exchanges, such as Binance, Coinbase, Bybit, Kraken, Gemini and others. Cryptocurrency prices are quoted on various exchanges and fluctuate with extreme volatility.
We believe cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, the only cryptocurrency we receive for providing computing power to a mining pool operator, offer many advantages over traditional, fiat currencies, although many of these factors also present potential disadvantages and may introduce additional risks, including:
· Acting as a fraud deterrent, as cryptocurrencies are digital and cannot be counterfeited or reversed arbitrarily by a sender;
· Immediate settlement;
· Elimination of counterparty risk;
· No trusted intermediary required;
· Lower fees;
· Identity theft prevention;
· Accessible by everyone;
· Transactions are verified and protected through a confirmation process, which prevents the problem of double spending;
· Decentralized - no central authority (government or financial institution); and
· Not recognized universally and not bound by government imposed or market exchange rates.
However, cryptocurrencies may not provide all of the benefits they purport to offer.
Limitations on Bitcoin Mining
In addition to competition, there are two factors that may affect all digital asset mining companies and Bitcoin in particular: (i) limitations on the supply of the cryptocurrency being mined; and (ii) the market price of the cryptocurrency.
The blockchain’s method for creating new Bitcoins is mathematically determined in a manner so that the supply of Bitcoins grows at a limited rate pursuant to a pre-set schedule. Specifically, the number of Bitcoins awarded for solving a new block is automatically halved for every 210,000 blocks that are solved. The current fixed reward for solving a new block is 6.25 Bitcoins per block, which was reduced from 12.5 Bitcoins in May 2020 and will be reduced further to 3.125 Bitcoins per block in April 2024. This deliberately controlled rate of Bitcoin creation means that the number of Bitcoins in existence will never exceed 21 million and that Bitcoins cannot be devalued through excessive production unless the Bitcoin network’s source code and the underlying protocol for Bitcoin issuance is altered. This also means, however, that our revenue prospects will decline unless the price of a Bitcoin increases commensurately or we acquire more miners.
We currently only participate in mining pools that mine Bitcoin. Our ability to generate revenue from these mining operations will be dependent on the price of Bitcoin. The prices of cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin, have experienced substantial volatility, including fluctuation patterns which may reflect “bubble” type volatility, meaning that high or low prices at a given time may not be indicative of the current or future value of Bitcoin. The price of a Bitcoin may be subject to rapidly changing investor and market sentiment, and may be influenced by factors such as technology, regulatory developments and media coverage. Further, Bitcoin’s value, like that of other cryptocurrencies, may be based on various factors, including their acceptance as a means of exchange or purchasing power by consumers and vendors, volume, liquidity and transferability and market demand. Bitcoin’s current price reflects, in part, the belief by some that Bitcoin could become a widely accepted form of currency; however, if this prediction turns out to be incorrect its price could decrease dramatically, as would our prospects for future revenue and profits. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Bitcoin Operations” for more information on the risks we face due to our mining of Bitcoin and its speculative and volatile nature.
Cryptocurrency Mining and Mining Pools
As a participant in a cryptocurrency mining pool, we use specialized miners to solve cryptographic math problems necessary to record and “publish” cryptocurrency transactions to blockchain ledgers. Generally, each cryptocurrency has its own blockchain, which consists of software code (also known as a protocol), which is run by all the computers on the network for such blockchain. Within this code, transactions are collated into blocks, and these blocks must meet certain requirements to be verified by the blockchain software, added to the blockchain or ledger of all transactions and published to all participants on the network that are running the blockchain software. After a transaction is verified, it is combined with other transactions to create a new block of data for the blockchain. For proof-of-work blockchains, the process of verifying valid blocks requires computational effort to solve a cryptographic equation, and this computational effort protects the integrity of the blockchain ledger. This process is referred to as “mining.” As a reward for verifying a new block, miners receive payment in the form of the native cryptocurrency of the network (e.g., Bitcoin). This payment is comprised of a block reward (i.e., the automatic issue of new cryptocurrency tokens) and the aggregated transaction fees for the transactions included in the block (paid in existing cryptocurrency tokens by the participants to the transactions). The block reward payments and the aggregated transaction fees are what provide the incentive for miners to contribute hash rate to the network.
A “hash” is the actual cryptographic function run by the miners, and is a unique set of numbers and letters derived from the content of the block. The protocol governing the relevant blockchain sets certain requirements for the hash. Miners compete to be the first to generate a valid hash meeting these requirements and, thereby, secure payment for solving the block. Hash rate is the speed at which miners can complete the calculation, and therefore is a critical measure of performance and computational power. A high rate means a miner may complete more calculations over a given period and has a greater chance to solve a block. An individual miner has a hash rate total of its miners seeking to mine a specific cryptocurrency, and the blockchain-wide hash rate for a specific cryptocurrency can be understood as the aggregate of the hash rates of all of the miners actively trying to solve a block on that blockchain at a given time.
The protocols governing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are coded to regulate the frequency at which new blocks are verified by automatically adjusting what is known as the “mining difficulty,” which is the level of computational activity required before a new block is solved and verified. For example, on the Bitcoin blockchain the protocol is coded such that a new block is solved and verified approximately every ten minutes. As such, to the extent the hash power on the network is increased or decreased due to, for example, fluctuations in the number of active miners online, mining difficulty is correspondingly increased or decreased to maintain the preset interval for the verification of new blocks.
On certain cryptocurrency networks, including Bitcoin, the rewards for solving a block are also subject to periodic incremental halving. Halving is a process designed to control the overall supply and reduce the risk of inflation in cryptocurrencies using a proof-of-work consensus algorithm. After a predetermined number of blocks are added to the blockchain, the mining reward is cut in half, hence the term “halving.” The last halving for Bitcoin occurred on May 11, 2020 but the next halving is expected to occur in April 2024. Transaction fees are variable and depend on the level of activity on the network. Generally, transaction fees increase during times of network congestion, as miners will prefer transactions with higher fees, and therefore a higher fee can reduce the time to process a transaction, and decrease when there are fewer transactions on the network.
As the total amount of available hash rate has increased (particularly on the Bitcoin network), it has become increasingly difficult for any individual miner to independently solve a block and as a result “mining pools” have emerged as an efficient way for miners to pool resources. Mining pools aggregate the hash rate of various miners participating in the mining pool. In this way the mining pool operator, rather than an individual miner, validates the block and receives the block reward and related transaction fees. The mining pool is organized by a third party, in our case, Luxor. In consideration for receiving a percentage of the earned block rewards and transaction fees, Luxor administers the pool and ensures that the participants in the pool receive their share of the block reward and related transaction fees, generally pro-rata to their contributed hash rate. Mining pools offer miners more predictable and consistent revenue compared to mining individually. We participate in mining pools by providing what the industry refers to as “hashrate” to the pool. Hashrate is defined as the computing power that our mining equipment produces when helping to validate a block that the mining pool is trying to solve. We use the FPPS, or Full Pay-Per-Share, method when mining with Luxor. Pursuant to the “Full Pay-Per-Share” model, both the block reward and the mining service charge are settled according to the theoretical profit. It includes the calculation of a standard transaction fee within a certain period and distributes it to mining pool participants according to their hash power contributions in the pool. It increases the mining pool participants’ earnings by sharing transaction fees. Standard transaction fees are calculated using a certain period which are then distributed to miners according to their hash power contributions in the pool. Luxor currently charges us a 0.68% mining fee.
We provide computing power to the mining pool, which is run by the mining pool operator with whom we contract, who in turn provides transaction verification services. Based on the terms of the agreement, in our judgment, the mining pool operator is considered the principal in providing mining pool services. We recognize revenue, net of certain transaction fees from the mining pool operator, which are not considered material. Our current mining pool agreement is cancelable at any time by either party without penalty. Revenue received for providing computing power would be directly impacted positively or negatively should we start and stop providing computing power to the mining pool operator within a given reporting period.
Our Strategy
Smart Growth
We aim to optimize our mining by identifying and purchasing the most profitable miners with industry-leading returns on investment and actively monitoring and adjusting the operation of those machines to enhance their performance. Most recently, in April 2023, we acquired 664 S19 XP Antminers and currently have no outstanding contracts to acquire additional miners at this time since our focus is primarily centered upon the expansion of our Michigan and Montana facilities. When planning our short- and long-term operating strategies and capital expenditures, we carefully monitor fluctuations and longer-term trends in the value of certain cryptocurrencies, which impacts the return on investment of machines. We also regularly evaluate potential innovations in geography, physical footprint, computing technology and similar areas to improve our operations and productivity. We believe this smart growth strategy, including our commitment to mining efficiency and return on investment in miners, will enable us to build value over the long term.
Own and Operate Our Mining Facilities
We are investing heavily in purchasing, building and operating our mining facilities. By owning and operating our miners at facilities that offer competitive advantages, including access to reliable, low-cost, renewable power and room for expansion, we expect to have greater control over the timing of the purchase and deployment of our miners. We also may enhance our ability to intelligently and quickly adapt our operating model and reap savings compared to paying for outsourced operations and infrastructure. We anticipate that we will continue to consider other opportunities to integrate our operations, including with respect to both the software utilized by our fleet and the associated hardware.
Reliable, Low-Cost, Renewable Power
Power represents our highest variable direct cost for our mining operations, with electrical power required to operate the miners. We believe the combination of increased mining difficulty, driven by greater hash rates, and the periodic adjustment of reward rates, such as the halving of Bitcoin rewards, will drive the increasing importance of power efficiency in cryptocurrency mining over the long term. As a result, we are focused on deploying our miners at locations with access to reliable, renewable power sources, as successfully doing so should enable us to reduce our power costs.
Miners require considerable amounts of electrical energy to perform their functions and mine Bitcoin; consequently, a critical aspect of operating in the cryptocurrency mining industry is obtaining a reliable supply of electricity at a relatively low and stable cost. To this end, in January 2021, ACS purchased a 617,000 square foot energy-efficient facility located on a 34.5 acre site in southern Michigan (the “Michigan Facility”). Since the purchase of the Michigan Facility, we have invested in infrastructure improvements and began both ramping up the power capacity and installing miners. To date, we have increased power load from 1.5 megawatts (MWs”) to approximately 30 MWs. In addition, we have received a commitment from the utility company that currently provides our power to expand the Michigan Facility’s capacity up to approximately 300 MWs, which we are currently evaluating. Our relationship with the utility company has grown as we have demonstrated our ability to upgrade and use power at our site effectively.
We have also invested in a data center through BNI Montana, which acquired two land lease agreements and two corresponding power purchase agreements in Montana in 2023. We have completed the build-out at one of the two sites (collectively, the “Montana Facilities”), which provides up to 10 MWs of power. Once we complete the build-out of the second site, which is expected to occur later in 2024, the Montana Facilities will provide up to a combined 20 MWs of power. We believe that the capacity of the Montana Facilities can be significantly expanded and we have begun an electrical load study in collaboration with the local utility to explore potential power upgrades. We anticipate expanding the capacity at the Montana Facilities to the extent possible, after determination of the completed load study, subject to additional funding.
We continue to evaluate other sites, locations, and partnerships for additional and alternative support of future mining operations. While we have not at present entered into any other agreements, we will continue to explore and evaluate additional facilities that would enable us to expand our mining operations as needed.
Our Mining Operations
Currently, we have 4,397 S19j Pro Antminers and 4,628 S19 XP Antminers in operation at our Michigan facility, two S19j Pro Antminers in operation at our Montana facility and 3,549 S19 Antminers and 6,651 S19J Pro Antminers hosted with Core Scientific, with an aggregate mining production capacity of approximately 2.1 EH/s.
Our strategy includes identifying less expensive, clean power for our Bitcoin mining operations. Management of the company has considered the issues surrounding the environmental impact of our Bitcoin mining operations. Based on this review, we have concluded that the environmental impact of our mining operations is not material given that approximately 85% of the energy we use is “green,” meaning it is sourced from nuclear, wind or solar power. In addition to our continued expansion investments at the Michigan Facility, we also seek out new locations to support our bitcoin mining business. We consider sites with a variety of offerings, including purchasing the site (as we have done in Michigan), but also leasing buildings and facilities (as we have done with the Montana Facilities), hosting relationships and strategic partnerships. At this time, we have not entered into any new mining agreements at locations other than the Michigan Facility and the Montana Facilities. We currently mine Bitcoin only.
Coins that are mined are held in a custodial account as digital assets. We securely store our digital assets at Gemini Trust Company, LLC (“Gemini”), a regulated, audited and insured cryptocurrency custodian. The custody arrangements require that we mine to a custodial wallet address where the private key is held by the custodian and all keys for the wallet are held in cold storage. This provides a layer of protection in both the transaction and liquidation phases of the operations by using multi-factor and multi-person approval processes, to include Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering procedures of the receiving party. We will either hold the digital assets or may choose to convert those assets into fiat currency depending on financial needs and plans. When we opt to convert the digital assets we sell or exchange our Bitcoin through Gemini, the custodian of our digital wallet. When we elect to make a sale or exchange our Senior Vice President - Finance submits a request to Gemini’s execution department to exchange Bitcoin for U.S. dollars. Gemini sends an approval email to both our CEO and CFO to approve. Once approved by either our CEO or CFO, Gemini executes the sale/exchange on its trading platform at current market prices, less commissions, and deposits the U.S. dollars into our bank account.
Beyond the foregoing, our custody agreement with Gemini provides that:
· Gemini provides a unique custody account in which all our blockchain assets are held, which are segregated from all others’ assets and are verifiable through the blockchain; and
· Gemini charges us fees in bitcoin, which is deducted from our digital assets on the last business day of every month.
Currently, we are converting Bitcoin received from our mining activities into fiat currency on a nearly daily basis to pay for operating costs and purchase commitments for expansion activities at our facilities. In January 2024, we made a strategic decision to begin holding up to 20% and a minimum of 5% of the Bitcoin we mine for investment.
Regulation
The laws and regulations applicable to cryptocurrency are evolving and subject to interpretation and change. Governments around the world have reacted differently to cryptocurrencies; certain governments have deemed them illegal, and others have allowed their use and trade without restriction, while in some jurisdictions, such as in the United States, cryptocurrencies are subject to extensive, and in some cases overlapping, unclear and evolving regulatory requirements. As cryptocurrencies have grown in both popularity and market value, the U.S. Congress and a number of U.S. federal and state agencies, including the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and state financial regulators, have been examining the operations of cryptocurrency networks, cryptocurrency users and cryptocurrency exchange markets, with particular focus on the extent to which cryptocurrencies can be used to launder the proceeds of illegal activities or fund criminal or terrorist enterprises and the safety and soundness and consumer-protective safeguards of exchanges or other service-providers that hold, transfer, trade or exchange digital assets for users. Many of these state and federal agencies have issued consumer advisories regarding the risks posed by cryptocurrencies to investors. In addition, federal and state agencies, and other countries have issued rules or guidance about the treatment of cryptocurrency transactions or requirements for businesses engaged in activities related to cryptocurrencies. Depending on the regulatory characterization of the cryptocurrencies we mine, the markets for those cryptocurrencies in general, and our activities in particular, may be subject to one or more regulators in the United States and globally. Ongoing and future regulatory actions may alter, perhaps to a materially adverse extent, the nature of cryptocurrency markets and our cryptocurrency operations. Additionally, U.S. state and federal, and foreign regulators and legislatures have taken action against cryptocurrency businesses or enacted restrictive regimes in response to adverse publicity arising from hacks, consumer harm, or criminal activity stemming from cryptocurrency activity. There is also increasing attention being paid by U.S. federal and state energy regulatory authorities as the total load of crypto mining grows and potentially alters the supply and dispatch functionality of the wholesale grid and retail distribution systems. Many state legislative bodies are also actively reviewing the impact of crypto mining in their respective states.
For instance, the Cyber-Digital Task Force of the DOJ published a report entitled “Cryptocurrency: An Enforcement Framework” in October 2020. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the possible threats and enforcement challenges the DOJ views as associated with the use and prevalence of cryptocurrency, as well as the regulatory and investigatory means the DOJ has at its disposal to deal with these possible threats and challenges. Further, in early March 2021, the SEC chairperson nominee expressed an intent to focus on investor protection issues raised by bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, on March 9, 2022, President Biden signed an executive order on cryptocurrencies. While the executive order did not mandate any specific regulations, it instructs various federal agencies to consider potential regulatory measures, including the evaluation of the creation of a U.S. Central Bank digital currency.
Additionally, we are unable to predict the effect that any future regulatory change, or any overlapping or unclear regulations, may have on us, but such change, overlap or lack of clarity could be substantial and make it difficult for us to operate our business or materially impact the market for cryptocurrencies that we mine or may mine in the future. FinCEN has issued guidance stating its position that it does not differentiate between fiat currency (which FinCEN calls “real currency”) and cryptocurrencies that are convertible into fiat currency or other forms of convertible virtual currencies (which FinCEN calls “virtual currency”) for purposes of determining whether a person or entity is engaging in “money transmission services.” Persons and entities engaging in virtual currency activities that amount to “money transmission services,” or otherwise cause them to be deemed a “money services business” under FinCEN’s regulations, must register as a money services business, implement an “effective” anti-money laundering program and comply with FinCEN’s reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
In May 2019, FinCEN issued guidance relating to how the BSA and its implementing regulations relating to money services businesses apply to certain businesses that transact in convertible virtual currencies. Although the guidance generally indicates that certain mining and mining pool operations will not be treated as money transmission, the guidance also addresses when certain activities, including certain services offered in connection with operating mining pools such as hosting convertible virtual currency wallets on behalf of pool members or purchasers of computer mining power, may be subject to regulation. Although we believe that our mining activities do not presently trigger FinCEN registration requirements under the BSA, if our activities cause us to be deemed a “money transmitter,” “money services business” or equivalent designation, under federal law, we may be required to register at the federal level and comply with laws that may include the implementation of anti-money laundering programs, reporting and recordkeeping regimes, and other operational requirements. In such an event, the required registration and regulatory compliance steps may result in extraordinary, non-recurring expenses to us, as well as on-going recurring compliance costs, possibly affecting an investment in our shares of common stock, operating results or financial condition in a material and adverse manner. Failure to comply with these requirements may expose us to fines, penalties and/or interruptions in our operations that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
According to the CFTC, at least some cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, fall within the definition of a “commodity” under the U.S. Commodities Exchange Act of 1936, as amended (the “CEA”). Under the CEA, the CFTC has broad enforcement authority to police market manipulation and fraud in spot cryptocurrency markets in which we may transact. Beyond instances of fraud or manipulation, the CFTC generally does not oversee cash or spot market exchanges or transactions involving cryptocurrencies that do not utilize margin, leverage, or financing. The National Futures Association (“NFA”) is the self-regulatory agency for the U.S. futures industry, and as such has jurisdiction over Bitcoin futures contracts and certain other cryptocurrency derivatives. However, the NFA does not have regulatory oversight authority for the cash or spot market for cryptocurrency trading or transactions. In addition, CFTC regulations and CFTC oversight and enforcement authority apply with respect to futures, swaps, other derivative products, and certain retail leveraged commodity transactions involving cryptocurrencies, including the markets on which these products trade.
The SEC has taken the position that many cryptocurrencies may be securities under U.S. federal securities laws. Some senior members of the staff of the SEC have expressed the view that Bitcoin and Ethereum are not securities under U.S. federal securities laws. However, such statements are not official policy statements by the SEC and reflect only the speakers’ views, which are not binding on the SEC or any other agency or court and cannot be generalized to any other cryptocurrency. The SEC’s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology published a framework for analyzing whether any given cryptocurrency is a security in April 2019; however, this framework is also not a rule, regulation or statement of the SEC and is similarly not binding on the SEC. Notwithstanding that the SEC has not asserted regulatory authority over Bitcoin or trading or ownership of Bitcoin and has not expressed the view that Bitcoin should be classified or treated as a security for purposes of U.S. federal securities laws, the SEC has commented on Bitcoin and Bitcoin-related market developments and has taken action against investment schemes involving Bitcoin. For example, the SEC has charged at least three Bitcoin mining companies in connection with a Ponzi scheme to defraud investors in their mining operation. The SEC has also repeatedly denied proposed rule changes by exchanges to list and trade shares of certain Bitcoin-related investment vehicles on public markets, citing significant investor protection concerns regarding the markets for cryptocurrencies, including the potential for market manipulation and fraud. Although the SEC has not stated that mining Bitcoin is itself a regulated activity, to the extent any cryptocurrencies we mine are deemed to be securities, the offer, sale, and trading of those cryptocurrencies would be subject to the U.S. federal securities laws.
In addition to the SEC, state securities regulators and several foreign governments have also issued warnings that certain cryptocurrencies may be classified as securities in their jurisdictions, and that transactions in such cryptocurrencies may be subject to applicable securities regulations. Furthermore, certain state securities regulators have taken the position that certain cryptocurrency mining operations may involve the offer of securities. For example, the Texas State Securities Board (“TSSB”) has taken enforcement action against the operator of a cloud mining company, whereby customers could purchase hash rate managed by the cloud mining company in exchange for a share of the mining reward, for offering unregistered securities.
State financial regulators such as the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYDFS”) have also implemented licensure regimes, or repurposed pre-existing fiat money transmission licensure regimes, for the supervision, examination and regulation companies that engage in certain cryptocurrency activities. The NYDFS requires that businesses apply for and receive a license, known as the “BitLicense,” to participate in a “virtual currency business activity” in New York or with New York customers, and prohibits any person or entity involved in such activity from conducting activities without a license. Louisiana also has enacted a licensure regime for companies engaging in a “virtual currency business activity,” and other states are considering proposed laws to establish licensure regimes for certain cryptocurrency businesses as well. Some state legislatures have amended their money transmitter statutes to require businesses engaging in certain cryptocurrency activities to seek licensure as a money transmitter, and some state financial regulators have issued guidance applying existing money transmitter licensure requirements to certain cryptocurrency businesses. The Conference of State Bank Supervisors also has proposed a model statute for state level cryptocurrency regulation. Although we believe that our mining activities do not presently trigger these state licensing requirements in any state in which we operate or plan to operate, if our activities cause us to be deemed a “money transmitter,” “money services business” or equivalent designation under the law of any state in which we operate or plan to operate, we may be required to seek a license or register at the state level and comply with laws that may include the implementation of anti-money laundering programs, reporting and recordkeeping regimes, consumer protective safeguards, and other operational requirements. In such an event, the required registrations, licensure and regulatory compliance steps may result in extraordinary, non-recurring expenses to us, as well as on-going recurring compliance costs, possibly affecting an investment in our shares of common stock, our net income in a material and adverse manner. Failure to comply with these requirements may expose us to fines, penalties and/or interruptions in our operations that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Overall, presently, we do not believe any U.S. or State regulatory body has taken any action or position adverse to Bitcoin with respect to its production, sale, and use as a medium of exchange; however, future changes to existing regulations or entirely new regulations may affect our business in ways it is not presently possible for us to predict with any reasonable degree of reliability.
Further, following the appreciation of the market price of Bitcoin in the second half of 2020, we have observed increasing media attention directed at the environmental concerns associated with cryptocurrency mining, particularly its energy-intensive nature. We do not believe any U.S.-based regulators have taken a position adverse to Bitcoin mining thus far.
As the regulatory and legal environment evolves, we may become subject to new laws, such as further regulation by the SEC and other agencies, which may affect our mining and other activities. For additional discussion regarding our belief about the potential risks existing and future regulation pose to our business, see the “Risk Factors” herein.
Environmental
The perceived threat of climate change continues to attract considerable attention in the United States and around the world. Numerous proposals have been made and could continue to be made at the international, national, regional and state levels of government to monitor and limit emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHGs”). These efforts have included consideration of cap-and-trade programs, carbon taxes, GHG disclosure obligations and regulations that directly limit GHG emissions from certain sources. In addition, President Biden identified addressing climate change and the energy transition as priorities under his Administration. He has issued, and may continue to issue, executive orders and regulatory directives related to climate change, and has recommitted the United States to long-term international goals to reduce emissions. In recent years, the U.S. Congress has considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs and has included climate change considerations in its funding bills. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which appropriates significant federal funding for renewable energy initiatives, was signed into law in August 2022 and could accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. These laws, initiatives, and associated regulations or other national or regional commitments to reduce GHG emissions could adversely affect fossil fuel consumption, require the installation of emissions control technologies, and increase the expense associated with the purchase of emissions reduction credits or allowances to comply with current or future emissions reduction programs.
At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has also adopted rules that, among other things, establish construction and operating permit reviews, emissions control standards, and monitoring and annual reporting for GHG emissions from certain large stationary sources. In November 2021, the Biden Administration released “The Long-Term Strategy of the United States: Pathways to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050,” which establishes a roadmap to net zero emissions in the United States by 2050 through, among other things, improving energy efficiency, decarbonizing energy sources via electricity, hydrogen and sustainable biofuels, eliminating subsidies provided to the fossil fuel industry, reducing non-CO2 GHG emissions and increasing the emphasis on climate-related risks across government agencies and economic sectors. Additionally, from time to time the EPA has proposed, revised, and adopted rules establishing new source performance standards for certain pollutants from coal-fueled electric generating plants.
We note that the implementation of the rule depends, in part, on the widespread development, adoption, and availability of carbon capture and storage technology and solutions, which may not be certain at this time. We also note that this proposed rule is subject to intense political debate and its adoption or implementation could be impacted by the results of the 2024 election cycle. While no final rule has been published to date, this proposed rule and any other new agency action or rulemaking that applies to our facilities could increase our compliance costs or otherwise materially restrict our operations.
At the international level, the United States re-entered the United Nations-sponsored “Paris Agreement,” a non-binding agreement for nations to limit their greenhouse gas emissions through individually determined reduction goals every five years after 2020, shortly after President Biden took office in February 2021. Then, in April 2021, President Biden announced a new, more rigorous nationally determined emissions reduction level of 50%-52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net GHG emissions by 2030. The international community has since gathered again in November 2021, November 2022, and December 2023 for the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, where the U.S., the European Union, and other partners announced reaffirmed their emissions reduction commitments and made further climate change goals. Most recently, the parties agreed to transition “away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner” and increase renewable energy capacity so as to achieve net zero by 2050, although no timeline for doing so was set. The impacts of these orders, pledges, agreements and any legislation or regulation promulgated to fulfill the U.S.’s commitments under the Paris Agreement or other international conventions cannot be predicted at this time.
Governmental, scientific, and public concern over the threat of climate change arising from GHG emissions has resulted in increasing financial, political, and litigation risks in the United States and we anticipate that initiatives to reduce GHG emissions and restrict fossil fuel production and consumption will continue to develop. Certain states, municipalities, community coalitions, and other parties, including proponents of renewable energy that are opposed to the burning of fossil fuels have sought to further restrict GHG emissions and recover damages from fossil fuel companies through lawsuits regardless of federal legislative and regulatory initiatives on the matter. Moreover, financial risks could increase, as stockholders and bondholders currently invested in fossil fuel energy companies concerned about the potential effects of climate change may elect in the future to shift some or all of their investments into non-fossil fuel energy related sectors. Institutional investors who provide financing to fossil fuel energy companies also have become more attentive to sustainability issues and some of them may elect not to provide funding for fossil fuel energy companies in the future. These litigation and financial risks may result in restrictions or cancellations in our development activities, reduce demand for energy from fossil fuels, or otherwise adversely impact our ability to raise capital and develop power generation facilities. Enhanced public and private support for low-carbon power sources and products could impact the public perception of our business. Additionally, there is increased competitiveness of alternative energy sources (such as Tier I alternative energy sources, including wind and solar photovoltaic) that do not generally have the adverse impact to the environment that is associated with the combustion of fossil fuels and also are not subject to as much regulatory scrutiny as are facilities that combust fossil fuels.
Additionally, increasing concentrations of GHG in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods, rising sea levels and other climatic vents. These climatic events have the potential to cause physical damage to our facilities or disrupt our supply chains. Consequently, one or more of these developments could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Finally, crypto asset mining has become more heavily scrutinized from a climate change and energy consumption perspective in recent years. Politicians, regulators, environmental groups, and climate activists alike have called for increased oversight, regulation, and reporting of energy use and GHG emissions of crypto asset mining companies, among other measures. Certain members of the U.S. Congress and other non-governmental organizations have made investigations into, and published claims and reports regarding, the crypto asset mining industry’s impact on global GHG emissions and energy consumption and raised concerns over the diversion of power sources for crypto mining and possible impacts on consumer electricity prices. These individuals and groups have also urged regulatory agencies to investigate energy and climate impacts of mining companies and to consider regulations requiring the monitoring and reporting of emissions and energy consumption by certain crypto asset operations. For example, the Crypto Asset Environmental Transparency Act was introduced to the U.S. Senate on March 6, 2023, and, if passed, would impose emissions reporting obligations on mining operations that consume electricity above a specified threshold and would direct the EPA to investigate the environmental and climate impacts of the crypto asset mining industry. Separately, in September 2022, the Biden Administration released its report on Climate and Energy Implications of Crypto-Assets in the United States, which recommends that the federal government take action to develop environmental performance standards for crypto asset technologies, assess the impact of crypto asset mining on electricity system reliability, and minimize emissions and other environmental impacts associated with crypto asset mining, among other recommendations. More recently, in January and February 2024 the U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) initiated a mandatory commercial cryptocurrency miner energy use survey. However, a federal district court granted a temporary restraining order prohibiting the EIA from collecting data from certain Texas-based cryptocurrency miners who filed a lawsuit against the energy use survey. Concurrently, the EIA has voluntary paused the survey in the rest of the country. Certain state governments have also introduced legislation imposing restrictions on the crypto asset mining industry, citing similar concerns. We are unable to predict whether currently proposed legislation or regulatory initiatives will be implemented, but any action by the federal government or states in which we operate to restrict, limit, condition, or otherwise regulate our power production or crypto asset mining operations, whether as part of a climate change or energy transition policy initiative or otherwise, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Similarly, public statements by government officials and non-governmental organizations regarding the impact of crypto asset mining on global energy consumption, GHG emissions and grid stability, whether valid or not, could harm our reputation and stakeholder goodwill.
Competition
Our business environment is constantly evolving, and cryptocurrency miners can range from individual enthusiasts to professional mining operations with dedicated data centers. We compete with other companies that focus all or a portion of their activities on cryptocurrency mining activities at scale. We face significant competition in every aspect of our business, including, but not limited to, the acquisition of new miners, the ability to raise capital, obtaining the lowest cost of electricity, obtaining access to energy sites with reliable sources of power, and evaluating new technology developments in the industry.
At present, the information concerning the activities of these enterprises may not be readily available as the vast majority of the participants in this sector do not publish information publicly or the information may be unreliable. Published sources of information include “bitcoin.org” and “blockchain.info”; however, the reliability of that information and its continued availability cannot be assured and the contents of these sites are not incorporated into this Annual Report.
A number of public companies (traded in the U.S. and internationally) and private companies may be considered to compete with us, including the following companies:
· Argo Blockchain PLC;
· Bit Digital, Inc.;
· Bitdeer Technologies Group;
· Bitfarms Technologies Ltd.;
· Cipher Mining Inc.;
· CleanSpark, Inc.;
· Core Scientific, Inc.;
· Digihost Technology Inc.;
· Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd.;
· Hive Blockchain Technologies Inc.;
· Hut 8 Mining Corp.;
· Iris Energy Limited;
· Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.;
· Northern Data AG;
· Phoenix Group PLC;
· Riot Blockchain, Inc.;
· Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc.; and
· TeraWulf Inc.
Intellectual Property
We do not currently own, and do not have any current plans to seek, any patents in connection with our existing and planned blockchain and cryptocurrency related operations. We do expect to rely upon trade secrets, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other intellectual property rights and expect to license the use of intellectual property rights owned and controlled by others.
Accounting for Digital Currencies
Prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2023-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Crypto Assets (Topic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets, digital currencies were accounted for as intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and are recorded at cost less impairment in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized but assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently, when events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived asset is impaired. Whenever the exchange-traded price of digital currencies declines below its carrying value, we have determined that it is more likely than not that an impairment exists and record an impairment equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value at that point in time. We have deemed the price of digital assets to be a Level 1 input under the ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, hierarchy as these were based on observable quoted prices in the principal market for identical assets. Subsequent reversal of impairment losses is not permitted.
Blockchain Background
Blockchain technology first came to public attention in 2008 as the database technology that underpins Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency. Blockchains are generally open-source, peer-to-peer software programs that act as decentralized digital ledgers, each comprising a series of data “blocks” that are linked and secured using cryptography in a “chain.” The blockchain program consists of a software protocol with several functions. The software protocol is run by multiple computer systems or “nodes.” For many blockchain networks, each node has its own copy of the blockchain ledger, which contains a historical record of every transaction. The digital ledger continuously grows as new blocks are added to it to record the most recent transactions in a linear, chronological order. The same information is stored across a network of computers all over the world, and this record makes it possible to track the ownership and transfer of cryptocurrency from the creation of the blockchain to its current state, and effectively, records of all account balances (as you can identify what account holds what value through the decentralized ledger).
We do not operate a complete node; rather, as noted above under the heading “Cryptocurrency Mining and Mining Pools,” we provide computing power to a pool operator.
The blockchain protocol allows users to submit transactions to the network for confirmation. However, a transaction will not be accepted by the protocol if the inputs to the transaction have previously been used in another transaction. This prevention of “double spending” is a key security feature of blockchain networks.
Another key function of the blockchain that protects the integrity of the network is the hashing process, which acts as a tamper-evident seal that confirms the validity of the new block and all earlier blocks. Hashing is the process of a block being posted to the network. Hashing results from miners, who are responsible for receiving broadcast transactions, processing those transactions into new blocks and updating the blockchain with the new blocks through hashing. The hashing process ties every new block to the existing block on the blockchain to ensure each is a continuous record of verified transactions.
The hashing algorithm on a proof-of-work blockchain network is a mathematical transformation function with two key properties. The first important function of hashing is that the algorithm accepts any alphanumeric dataset as an input and produces a unique output code. The smallest change in the dataset results in a significant change in the unique code. Any tampering of the dataset can be detected by re-hashing the data and checking for a change in the unique code. Any user that runs the hash algorithm on the same data will derive the same unique code. Consequently, the data on the distributed ledger can be run through a series of hash algorithms to create a unique code, which would reveal if any changes to the ledger have been made.
Second, whenever a new set or “block” of transactions is added to the ledger, it is appended with the code from the prior state of the ledger before it is hashed. Thus, the hash created from the new block will incorporate the hash from the previous block. An alteration made to an earlier block would make the hashes of all subsequent blocks invalid, as the discrepancy would be easily detected by future miners through the protocols governing the blockchain. If a hacker were to attempt to make a change to an earlier block and broadcast it along with following blocks to the other nodes on the network, that broadcast would be discarded in favor of one from a different node which complied with the requirements of the protocol.
Thus, in addition to creating new block, miners “vote” with their computer power, expressing their acceptance of valid blocks by working on adding them to the blockchain, and rejecting invalid blocks by refusing to work on them. If a miner’s proposed block is added to the blockchain by a majority of the nodes on the network, it is considered part of the blockchain. The nodes on the network synchronize with each other to ensure that once a block is accepted by the majority, the new block will eventually be added to all the nodes. Thus, the historical state of the ledger can be changed if control of more than 50% of the network is obtained; however, in the case of widely held cryptocurrencies with non-trivial valuations, it may be economically prohibitive for any actor or group of actors acting in concert to obtain computing power that consists of more than 50% of the network.
Unlike proof-of-work networks, in which miners expend computational resources to compete to validate transactions and are rewarded cryptocurrency in proportion to the amount of computational resources expended, in a proof-of-stake network, miners (sometimes called validators) risk or “stake” assets to compete to be randomly selected to validate transactions and are rewarded cryptocurrency in proportion to the amount of assets staked. Any malicious activity, such as mining multiple blocks, disagreeing with the eventual consensus or otherwise violating protocol rules, results in the forfeiture or “slashing” of a portion of the staked assets. Proof-of-stake is viewed by some as more energy efficient and scalable than proof-of-work.
Blockchain technology enables the secure use and transfer of digital assets. “Digital asset” is a broad term that encompasses additional applications, including ownership, transaction tracking, identity management, and smart contracts. A digital asset can represent physical or virtual assets, a value, or a use right/service (e.g., computer storage space).
Whereas digital assets can take many forms and be used for a variety of functions, cryptocurrencies are a type of digital asset that primarily function as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and/or a store of value. Cryptocurrencies allow anyone who holds a compatible wallet, anywhere in the world, to hold and transfer that cryptocurrency without the need for an intermediary or trusted third party. Units of a cryptocurrency may exist only as data on the internet, and often are not issued or controlled by any single institution, authority or government. Whereas most of the world’s money currently exists in the form of electronic records managed by central authorities such as banks, units of a non-government cryptocurrency exist as electronic records in a decentralized blockchain database. Because cryptocurrencies have no inherent intrinsic value, the value of cryptocurrencies is determined by the value that various market participants place on them through their transactions. Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies have historically exhibited high price volatility relative to more traditional asset classes.
Private entities also issue digital assets called “stablecoins” whose prices are pegged to those of an underlying fiat currency, a commodity or other financial instrument or other physical asset and therefore less susceptible to volatility. Stablecoins can be backed by fiat money, physical assets, or other crypto assets. Government institutions are also reportedly testing and considering issuing Central Bank Digital Currencies (“CBDC’s”). While stablecoins or CBDC’s may exhibit less price volatility than other cryptocurrencies, both rely on a central authority to establish the value of the asset, and therefore represent an exception to the general discussion of the design of cryptocurrencies herein.
Each cryptocurrency has a source code that comprises the basis for the cryptographic and algorithmic protocols, which govern the blockchain. The source code is commonly open-source and therefore can be inspected by anyone, and is maintained on an ongoing basis through contributors proposing amendments to the protocol, which are peer reviewed and adopted by consensus among participants on the blockchain network. These protocols govern the functioning of the network, including the ownership and transfer of the cryptocurrency, and are executed on the decentralized peer-to-peer blockchain infrastructure. The peer-to-peer infrastructure on which a blockchain operates is not owned or operated by a single entity. Instead, the infrastructure is collectively maintained by a decentralized user base. Each peer user is generally known as a “node” or “miner,” and each miner processes transactions on the network in accordance with the protocols of the relevant cryptocurrency.
As a result, these cryptocurrencies do not rely on either governmental authorities or financial institutions to create, transmit or determine the value of units of cryptocurrency. Rather:
· the creation of units of cryptocurrency generally is governed by the source code, not a central entity;
· the transmission of a cryptocurrency is governed by the source code and processed by the decentralized peer-to-peer network of nodes or miners; and
· the value of a cryptocurrency is generally determined by the market supply of and demand for the cryptocurrency, with prices set in transfers by mutual agreement or barter, as well as through acceptance directly by merchants in exchange for goods and services.
Cryptocurrencies may be open-source projects with no official developer or group of developers that control the network. However, certain networks’ development may be overseen informally by a core group of developers that may propose quasi-official releases of updates and other changes to the network’s source code. The release of updates to a blockchain network’s source code does not guarantee that the updates will be automatically adopted. Users and miners must accept any changes made to the source code by downloading the proposed modification of the network’s source code. A modification of the network’s source code is effective only with respect to the users and miners that download it. If a modification is accepted by only a percentage of users and miners, a division in the network will occur such that one network will run the pre-modification source code and the other network will run the modified source code. Such a division is known as a “fork.” Consequently, a modification to the source code becomes part of a blockchain network only if accepted by participants collectively having most of the processing power on the network.
Each “account” on a blockchain network is identified by its unique public key, and is secured with its associated private key (which the account holder must keep secret, like a password). Cryptocurrencies are treated as bearer assets, because possession of the private key generally determines who controls or owns a cryptocurrency. Protecting private keys from unwarranted access and theft is critically important, as once the private key is taken, in most circumstances, control over the related cryptocurrency is gone. The combination of private and public cryptographic keys constitutes a secure digital identity in the form of a digital signature. As long as the private key is kept private (i.e., confidential to the owner of the account) it provides strong control of ownership.
Ault Lending
Ault Lending provides commercial loans to companies throughout the U.S. to provide them with operating capital to finance the growth of their businesses. The loans range in duration from six months to three years. Ault Lending loans are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license (Lic.no. 60 DBO77905).
Ault Lending acquires controlling or non-controlling interests in and actively manages businesses that we generally believe (i) are undervalued and have disruptive technologies with a global impact, (ii) operate in industries with long-term macroeconomic growth opportunities, (iii) have the potential for positive and stable cash flows, (iv) face minimal threats of technological or competitive obsolescence, and (v) have strong management teams largely in place. We offer investors a unique opportunity to own a diverse group of leading middle-market businesses in the niche-industrial and branded-consumer sectors.
Ault Lending uses a traditional methodology for valuing securities that primarily looks for deeply depressed prices. Upon making an investment, we often become actively involved in the companies we seek to acquire. That activity may involve a broad range of approaches, from influencing the management of a target to take steps to improve stockholder value, to acquiring a controlling or non-controlling interest or outright ownership of the target company in order to implement changes that we believe are required to improve its business, and then operating and expanding that business.
Ault Lending believes that private company operators and corporate parents looking to sell their business units may consider us an attractive purchaser because of our ability to:
· provide ongoing strategic and financial support for their businesses, including professionalization of our subsidiaries at scale;
· maintain a long-term outlook as to the ownership of those businesses;
· sustainably invest in growth capital and/or add-on acquisitions where appropriate; and
· consummate transactions efficiently without being dependent on third-party transaction financing.
In particular, we believe that our outlook on length of ownership and active management on our part may alleviate the concern that many private company operators and parent companies may have with regard to their businesses going through multiple sale processes in a short period of time. We believe this outlook enhances our ability to develop a comprehensive strategy to grow the earnings and cash flows of each of our businesses.
Finally, it has been our experience that our ability to acquire businesses without the cumbersome delays and conditions typical of third party transactional financing is appealing to sellers of businesses who are interested in confidentiality, speed and certainty to close.
We believe our management team’s strong relationships with industry executives, accountants, attorneys, business brokers, commercial and investment bankers, and other potential sources of acquisition opportunities offer us substantial opportunities to assess small businesses available for acquisition. In addition, the flexibility, creativity, experience and expertise of our management team in structuring transactions allows us to consider non-traditional and complex transactions tailored to fit a specific acquisition target.
In terms of the businesses in which we have a controlling interest as of December 31, 2023, we believe that these businesses have strong management teams, operate in strong markets with defensible market niches, and maintain long-standing customer relationships.
Ault Lending provides funding to businesses through loans and investments. Ault Lending offers a variety of loan types including commercial loans, convertible notes and revolving lines of credit. Ault Lending is engaged in providing commercial loans to companies throughout the United States to provide them with operating capital to finance the growth of their businesses. The loans are primarily short-term, ranging from six to 12 months, but may be of longer duration. These terms are subject to change as market needs dictate, and Ault Lending anticipates offering additional products in the future.
Ault Lending uses its considerable financial experience, data analytics, and a credit scoring model to assess the creditworthiness of each small business borrower applicant. If the business meets Ault Lending’s criteria, Ault Lending sets the initial interest rate according to its credit and financial models. The final interest rate offered to the borrower will be determined by Ault Lending’s interpretation of the marketplace. In order to borrow from Ault Lending, borrowers must display characteristics indicative of durable business and financial situations. These include factors such as revenue, time in business, number of employees, and financial and credit variables. In order to qualify, business borrower applicants must be approved through Ault Lending’s underwriting process, which analyzes credit and financial data of both the business and the business owner. Ault Lending takes into account several business factors (including revenue, age of business, cash flows, and other variables). The underwriting process determines the loan amount to approve, how loans will be priced, and whether to include a blanket lien is based on the above analysis, as well as additional factors (including length of loan, estimated default rates by type and grade, and general economic environment).
Our Executive Committee, which is comprised of our Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, acts as the underwriting committee for Ault Lending and approves all lending transactions. The Executive Committee has decades of experience in financial, investing and securities transactions. Under its business model, Ault Lending generates revenue through origination fees charged to borrowers and interest generated from each loan. Ault Lending may also generate income from appreciation of investments in marketable securities as well as any shares of common stock underlying convertible notes or warrants issued to Ault Lending in any particular financing.
As noted above, we will from time to time, through Ault Lending, engage in discussions with other companies interested in our subsidiaries or partner companies, either in response to inquiries or as part of a process we initiate. To the extent we believe that a subsidiary partner company’s further growth and development can best be supported by a different ownership structure or if we otherwise believe it is in our stockholders’ best interests, we will seek to sell some or all of our position in the subsidiary or partner company. These sales may take the form of privately negotiated sales of stock or assets, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings of the subsidiary or partner company’s securities and, in the case of publicly traded partner companies, transactions in their securities in the open market. Our plans may include taking subsidiaries or partner companies public through rights offerings, mergers or spin-offs and directed share subscription programs. We will continue to consider these and functionally equivalent programs and the sale of certain subsidiary or partner company interests in secondary market transactions to maximize value for our stockholders.
During 2024, we anticipate providing significant new funding to expand Ault Lending’s loan and investment portfolio. Ault Lending loans are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license (Lic.no. 60 DBO77905).
RiskOn International, Inc.
BitNile.com, Inc.
Overview
BNC is primarily engaged in the development and operation of an online metaverse platform (the “Metaverse”). The Metaverse represents a significant development in the online metaverse landscape, offering immersive, interconnected digital experiences that are inclusive, engaging, and dynamic. By integrating various elements such as virtual markets, real world goods marketplaces and VIP experiences, gaming, social activities, sweepstakes, gambling, and more, ROI aims to revolutionize the way people interact online. ROI’s virtual world, located at BitNile.com, is accessible via any device using any web browser, without requiring permissions, downloads, or apps, and the platform can be enjoyed without the need for bulky and costly virtual reality headsets.
BNC’s games operate on a free-to-play model, whereby game players may collect coins free of charge through the passage of time and, if a game player wishes to obtain coins above and beyond the level of free coins available to that player, the player may purchase additional coin packages (“Freemium” gaming model). Once obtained, Nile Tokens and Nile Coins (either free or purchased) cannot be redeemed for cash or exchanged for anything outside of the Metaverse. When coins are used and played in the games, the game player could “win” and would be awarded additional coins or could “lose” and lose the future use of those coins.
BNC’s current and planned products and experiences are:
· Virtual markets. The platform facilitates sales of virtual goods and items from BNC as well as third party vendors like virtual real estate, digital art, user customizations, and unique collectibles.
· Real world goods marketplaces. The platform allows users to shop for a diverse range of real world products and VIP experiences.
· Gaming. The platform provides an extensive selection of gaming options, including participation in games, sweepstakes and social gaming experiences, such as Blackjack and roulette.
· Sweepstakes gaming. The platform features a dedicated gaming zone for users to engage in sweepstakes gaming, offering opportunities to win virtual and real money.
· Contests of skill. The platform organizes competitions for users to showcase their talents and compete against others for prizes and recognition in various disciplines.
· Building private spaces. The platform allows users to construct and customize their dream homes or private spaces.
· Socialization and connectivity. The platform’s ongoing mission will be to foster global connections by enabling users to interact with individuals from around the world, forming new friendships, collaborating on projects or engaging in conversations within various social hubs.
· Real and virtual concerts. BNC believes that the platform may, in the future, host live and virtual concerts within the Metaverse, featuring performances from both real world and virtual artists, allowing users to attend and enjoy shows in an immersive environment.
Business Strategy
The metaverse industry is experiencing rapid growth and expansion, driven by advancements in technology, increased interest in virtual experiences and the rise of digital economies. BNC’s business strategy revolves around creating a seamless, all-encompassing platform that caters to various user needs and interests.
The strategic pillars for the growth of the BitNile.com metaverse platform include (i) leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer a user-friendly, browser-based platform compatible with virtual reality headsets and other modern devices for an enhanced experience, (ii) providing a diverse range of products and experiences that caters to users with different interests and preferences, (iii) fostering global connections and a sense of community among users, encouraging socialization and collaboration, and (iv) focusing on continuous innovation to stay ahead of industry trends and customer expectations.
Competition
BNC faces competition from existing metaverse platforms and new entrants. Key competitors include:
· Established metaverse platforms, such as Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Second Life, as well as companies that develop metaverse tools and platforms such as META;
· Gaming-focused platforms, like Fortnite and Roblox; and
· Social media platforms that integrate metaverse elements, such as Facebook’s Horizon Workrooms.
Regulatory Environment: Present and Future Challenges
As the metaverse industry continues to grow and evolve, regulatory challenges and considerations are becoming increasingly important. The unique nature of the metaverse, which often combines elements of virtual reality, gaming, social networking, and digital economies, presents a complex landscape for regulators to navigate.
To navigate the complex and evolving regulatory landscape, BNC will prioritize compliance with relevant laws and regulations in all jurisdictions where it operates. This includes data privacy and protection regulations, gaming and sweepstakes regulations, and intellectual property rights. By maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance, BNC aims to minimize potential legal risks and build trust with users and partners.
Present Regulatory Challenges
The metaverse industry is currently grappling with several regulatory challenges, including:
· Data Privacy and Security: As users share personal information and engage in transactions within the metaverse, concerns about data privacy and security are paramount. Regulators must ensure that platforms adhere to existing data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”);
· Intellectual Property Rights: The metaverse’s reliance on user-generated content and virtual goods and items raises questions about intellectual property rights and the enforcement of copyright, trademark, and patent laws in virtual environments;
· Taxation and Financial Regulations: The growth of virtual economies and the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens have raised questions about taxation and financial regulations. Regulators must determine how to classify and tax digital assets and transactions, as well as ensure compliance with anti-money laundering and know-your-customer regulations; and
· Content Moderation and Liability: Metaverse platforms face challenges in moderating content and managing user behavior, raising questions about the platforms’ liability for user-generated content and potential violations of existing laws, such as those related to hate speech, harassment, and misinformation.
Future Regulatory Challenges
As the metaverse industry continues to develop and expand, several future regulatory challenges are likely to emerge, including:
· Cross-border jurisdictional issues: With the metaverse being a global, borderless environment, determining jurisdiction and applying national laws to activities and transactions within the metaverse will become increasingly complex;
· Virtual reality and augmented reality regulations: As VR and AR technologies become more integrated into the metaverse, new regulations may be needed to address issues related to safety, privacy, and ethical considerations in the use of these technologies;
· Decentralization and governance: The increasing trend towards decentralized metaverse platforms raises questions about governance and regulatory oversight, as traditional regulatory mechanisms may not be applicable or effective in these environments; and
· Ethics and inclusivity: As the metaverse becomes more intertwined with daily life, ethical considerations related to inclusivity, accessibility, and the potential for digital divides will become increasingly important for regulators to address.
GuyCare
Overview
GuyCare, a subsidiary of ROI, seeks to become a leading provider of comprehensive healthcare solutions tailored to address the unique needs of the male population. Launched in 2023, GuyCare is building a consumer-centric platform that leverages innovative technologies, personalized treatments, and a patient-focused approach to transform the way men access and receive care for their health and wellness needs. GuyCare’s mission is to empower men worldwide to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through the power of better health.
Addressing Unique Healthcare Needs
GuyCare recognizes the unique healthcare challenges faced by men and strives to offer a wide range of innovative products and services to meet those needs.
GuyCare’s portfolio of products and services addresses critical areas of men’s health, including sexual health, hair restoration, weight management, regenerative joint treatments, and overall well-being. GuyCare offers advanced treatments such as medication-based therapies, Acoustic Wave Therapy for erectile dysfunction, and Platelet-Rich Plasma (“PRP”) injections for joint health, all delivered through a user-friendly digital platform and a network of highly qualified healthcare professionals.
In the area of sexual health, GuyCare provides treatments for erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and premature ejaculation, utilizing medication-based therapies and innovative procedures like Acoustic Wave Therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses high-frequency sound waves to improve blood flow and promote tissue regeneration in the targeted area.
For hair restoration, GuyCare offers medication-based treatments in the form of pills and topical applications, carefully formulated to promote healthy hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Weight management solutions include products such as Semaglutide, a medication that regulates appetite and promotes feelings of fullness, as well as alternative options like weight loss pills. These treatments are selected based on their safety and efficacy profiles to support men in their weight loss journey.
Regenerative joint treatments, such as Adipose Derived Allograft and PRP injections, harness the body’s natural healing capabilities to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation in affected joints. These treatments are complemented by a range of vitamins and supplements formulated to support joint health and overall well-being.
GuyCare’s platform enables men to access these healthcare solutions conveniently and discreetly, connecting patients with highly qualified healthcare professionals for personalized treatment plans.
Business Strategy and Market Differentiation
GuyCare’s business strategy is centered around three key pillars:
· Trusted Brand. GuyCare strives to build a brand that is trusted by customers, easy-to-use, and normalizes the practice of seeking and receiving treatment by empowering men with personalized care and an omnichannel experience;
· Individualized Products and Services. GuyCare leverages insights and customer feedback to offer personalized prescription and non-prescription treatments designed to meet individual needs; and
· Clinical Excellence. The foundation of GuyCare’s platform is the consumer trust established through clinical excellence. Care delivered through the platform is subject to evidence-based clinical guidelines and provided by highly trained healthcare professionals to ensure consistency and quality.
GuyCare operates through a hybrid model that integrates a proprietary telehealth platform with a physical clinic located in Utah. This approach enables GuyCare to extend its geographic reach and provide accessible, confidential healthcare services to men across diverse locations. By leveraging technology and personalized care, GuyCare aims to deliver high-quality services while emphasizing patient convenience and privacy. GuyCare competes with established entities such as Hims and medRx. However, ROI believes that GuyCare’s comprehensive suite of offerings, unique delivery model combining in-person and virtual care, and strategic partnership with ROI, provide GuyCare with the potential to navigate market challenges effectively and capture a growing portion of the expanding men’s health sector.
Growth Opportunities
GuyCare, having recently entered the market in 2023, is focused on several key growth strategies to establish itself as a competitive player in the men’s health sector:
· Attracting New Customers. By leveraging its innovative products and developing targeted, omnichannel acquisition strategies, GuyCare aims to attract new customers seeking treatment for their specific health concerns, building brand recognition and trust in the process;
· Nurturing Existing Customer Relationships. As GuyCare expands its offerings and introduces personalized products, it seeks to foster long-term relationships with its existing customer base, encourages subscription-based purchases and explores cross-selling opportunities to drive growth;
· Gradual Specialty Expansion. GuyCare is carefully planning its specialty expansion, initially focusing on conditions that can be safely and effectively treated through its telehealth platform, require ongoing customer engagement, and have well-established generic medications as treatment options. This measured approach allows GuyCare to build a strong foundation before expanding into additional areas; and
· Exploring New Markets. While currently focused on the U.S. market, GuyCare’s digital-first, cloud-based business model has the potential to be adapted to new markets and languages in the future. As GuyCare grows and solidifies its position in the domestic market, it will explore potential international expansion opportunities to extend its reach and impact on men’s health globally.
Regulatory Environment
As a consumer-focused health and wellness company delivering comprehensive telehealth technologies, services, and products (both prescription and over the counter), GuyCare is required to comply with complex healthcare laws and regulations, as well as consumer protection laws, at both the state and federal levels. GuyCare’s business and operations are subject to extensive regulation in areas such as the practice of medicine, use of telehealth, relationships with healthcare providers, privacy and security of personal health information and product safety.
· Government Regulation of Healthcare. While GuyCare currently accepts payments only from customers and not from third-party payors, GuyCare remains subject to various healthcare regulations that affect the industry as a whole and may impact customer use of its solutions;
· Practice of Medicine and Telehealth. GuyCare's telemedicine services are currently licensed in four states, with plans to expand its operations to all 41 states that allow nurse practitioners to operate telemedicine services that GuyCare provides. The approval of the licensing in these additional states is expected to occur on a rolling basis in 2024. For the remaining nine states, which require such services to be provided by a licensed doctor, GuyCare is seeking to contract with medical groups or hire licensed doctors to provide such services. GuyCare has established systems to ensure that providers are appropriately licensed and that telehealth services are delivered in compliance with applicable rules;
· Affiliated Pharmacies. GuyCare contracts with affiliated pharmacies to provide pharmaceutical services. When medication is prescribed, the client pays GuyCare directly for the prescription, and GuyCare then sends the prescription to one or more mail order pharmacies that GuyCare contracts with, which then dispenses the medication directly to the client;
· U.S. Federal and State Fraud and Abuse Laws. Given its current operations, GuyCare believes that the Anti-Kickback Law, the federal False Claims Act, and the Stark Law should not apply to its business. However, if the scope of these laws is extended or GuyCare begins accepting reimbursement payments from third-party payors, it may become subject to these laws and need to modify its business model accordingly;
· U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) Regulation. Certain products available through GuyCare’s platform, as well as the third-party suppliers and manufacturers of these products, are subject to extensive FDA regulation. GuyCare believes that its product promotion is conducted in material compliance with FDA and other regulations. However, if the FDA determines that GuyCare’s product promotion constitutes promotion of an unapproved use or unapproved product, GuyCare could face regulatory and/or legal enforcement actions; and
· Health Information Privacy and Security Laws. GuyCare has developed and maintains policies and procedures to protect customers’ health and personal information, including the adoption of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. As GuyCare’s business operations continue to develop, it may collect additional sensitive information from customers, creating further compliance obligations and increasing exposure to regulatory risks.
Innovative Delivery Model
GuyCare operates through a hybrid model comprising a single brick-and-mortar clinic and an advanced telehealth platform. This approach enables it to extend its reach, offering accessible and confidential healthcare services to men across diverse geographic locations. By leveraging technology and personalization, GuyCare strives to deliver exceptional care while prioritizing convenience and comfort for its patients.
Strategic Partnerships and Synergies
As part of ROI, GuyCare benefits from shared resources, infrastructure, and expertise, enabling it to scale its operations efficiently. GuyCare’s growth strategy revolves around expanding its clinic network, further enhancing its telehealth capabilities, and forging strategic partnerships and acquisitions that align with GuyCare’s mission to improve men’s health outcomes globally.
Conclusion
GuyCare stands at the forefront of men’s health and wellness, committed to delivering personalized, discreet, and comprehensive solutions that empower men to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. With GuyCare’s unwavering dedication to innovation, excellence, and patient-centered care, it is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for specialized men’s healthcare services and make a meaningful impact on the well-being of its clients nationwide.
Further, GuyCare is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for specialized men’s healthcare services by leveraging its brand, innovative products and services, and commitment to clinical excellence. As GuyCare expands its clinic network, enhance its telehealth capabilities, and forge strategic partnerships, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the well-being of men worldwide while driving long-term value. GuyCare’s strong focus on compliance with the complex regulatory landscape governing healthcare, telehealth, and privacy ensures that it can navigate the challenges and opportunities in the evolving men’s health market.
askROI.com
Overview
askROI.com, a division of ROI, is a cutting-edge, AI-powered software-as-a-service platform designed to revolutionize the way businesses leverage their data for competitive advantage. At the core of askROI.com’s technology is a state-of-the-art large language model (“LLM”), which is exclusively licensed from a leading third-party provider for use in North America. This strategic partnership is anticipated to enable askROI.com to harness the full potential of the LLM’s advanced natural language processing capabilities while ensuring compliance with the highest standards of data security and privacy.
By seamlessly integrating with a company’s existing tools and data sources, askROI.com goes beyond traditional search to deliver actionable insights, intelligent analysis, and data-driven decision support. The platform’s LLM-powered technology allows it to interpret complex queries, identify relevant information, and provide highly contextualized responses, all while continuously learning and adapting to each organization’s unique language and terminology.
Whether it be empowering sales teams to close deals faster, enabling support teams to resolve customer issues quickly, or providing administrators with real-time analytics, askROI.com is poised to transform how businesses operate in the digital age. With its exclusive access to cutting-edge LLM technology and commitment to delivering tangible business value, ROI believes that askROI.com sets a new standard for AI-powered insights and decision support in the North American market.
askROI.com’s current and planned product functionality are:
· Seamless Integration: askROI.com connects with a wide range of business tools, including customer relationship management, cloud storage systems (OneDrive, Google Drive), and communication platforms (Slack, Teams). Ongoing expansion of integration partnerships will further streamline data access and analysis;
· Contextualized Understanding: By leveraging the power of its exclusively licensed LLM, askROI.com learns each company’s unique terminology, product names, and project codes, providing highly relevant and tailored insights. Continuous enhancements to the platform’s natural language processing capabilities will enable even more nuanced and context-aware analysis;
· Actionable Insights: askROI.com analyzes data to generate custom reports, draft data-rich presentations, and create visualizations like charts and graphs. Introduction of industry-specific templates for reports, data visualizations, and analytics dashboards will provide additional value for users in targeted sectors;
· Transparency and Security: askROI.com cites specific data sources for its answers and provides direct document links for reference. Robust data security measures, including access controls, encryption, and audit trails, seek to ensure the protection of sensitive information. Future updates will focus on achieving compliance with key regulations such as GDPR, SOC 2, and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards;
· Ethical AI: Implementation of strict guidelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure responsible development and use of askROI.com’s AI models, mitigating risks of bias, discrimination, or misuse; and
· Partner Ecosystem: Development of a robust network of consultancies, system integrators, and industry-specific solution providers to accelerate adoption and create tailored solutions for diverse business needs.
By continually enhancing and expanding askROI.com’s capabilities, ROI aims to position the platform as an indispensable tool for businesses seeking to leverage their data for competitive advantage and operational excellence.
Business Strategy
askROI.com is currently in beta testing, focusing on support and commercial applications. However, the platform’s flexible architecture and powerful AI capabilities, underpinned by its exclusive licensing agreement for the LLM technology in North America, position it for broad applicability across industries. The go-to-market strategy involves continued refinement of the core product based on beta user feedback, followed by a staged rollout to additional sectors.
Key strategic initiatives include:
· Leveraging the exclusive LLM licensing agreement to differentiate askROI.com from competitors and establish a strong market position in North America. By emphasizing the unique capabilities and benefits of the underlying LLM technology, askROI.com aims to attract customers through seeking cutting-edge AI solutions for their business needs;
· Aggressive expansion of integration partnerships to make askROI.com a seamless fit for a wide range of business tech stacks. By prioritizing integrations with the most widely used tools and platforms, askROI.com aims to minimize adoption barriers and maximize its potential user base;
· Targeted marketing campaigns highlighting askROI.com’s singular ability to turn a company’s own data into its most valuable competitive asset. These campaigns will focus on demonstrating real-world use cases and ROI, showcasing how askROI.com can drive tangible business outcomes across various functions and industries;
· Development of a robust partner ecosystem, including consultancies, system integrators, and industry-specific solution providers. These partnerships will serve to accelerate adoption by providing customers with end-to-end solutions tailored to their specific needs, as well as offering valuable insights and feedback to guide future product development;
· Continuous investment in research and development to advance askROI.com’s AI capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving market. This will involve ongoing collaboration with the LLM technology provider to ensure askROI.com remains at the forefront of natural language processing, machine learning, and data analytics capabilities; and
· Establishment of a world-class customer success program to ensure users are able to fully leverage askROI.com’s capabilities and achieve maximum value from the platform. This will include comprehensive onboarding, training, and support resources, as well as regular check-ins and consultations to help customers optimize their use of askROI.com over time.
By adopting these strategic initiatives and leveraging the exclusive LLM licensing agreement, askROI.com aims to establish itself as the leading AI-powered insights engine for businesses in North America, setting the standard for data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.
Competition
ROI believes that askROI.com’s unique positioning as an AI-powered insights engine that operates exclusively on a company’s own data, combined with its exclusive licensing agreement for the state-of-the-art LLM technology in North America, sets it apart from both generic AI tools and other enterprise search and analytics platforms.
Key differentiators include:
· Exclusive Access to Cutting-Edge LLM Technology: askROI.com’s licensing agreement provides a significant competitive advantage, enabling the platform to leverage advanced natural language processing capabilities available in the North American market;
· Seamless Integration with Existing Business Tools: By minimizing disruption to established workflows and enabling rapid adoption, askROI.com will reduce barriers to entry and increases its appeal to potential customers;
· Ability to Learn Company-Specific Language and Context: askROI.com’s LLM-powered technology allows it to provide highly relevant and actionable insights tailored to each organization’s unique needs, setting it apart from generic AI solutions;
· Focus on Delivering Actionable Insights: askROI.com goes beyond simple data aggregation, empowering users to make informed decisions and drive tangible business outcomes; and
· Commitment to Data Security and Privacy: By ensuring that sensitive information remains protected and compliant with evolving regulations, askROI.com addresses a key concern for businesses considering AI-driven solutions.
ROI believes that as the market for AI-driven business tools continues to grow, askROI.com is well-positioned to capture market share in North America through its powerful capabilities, ease of use, and strong commitment to customer success. The exclusive LLM licensing agreement serves as a significant barrier to entry for potential competitors, providing askROI.com with a sustainable competitive advantage in the region.
However, askROI.com recognizes the potential for competition from established players in the enterprise software space, as well as from emerging startups focused on AI-powered analytics and decision support. To mitigate these risks, askROI.com will focus on building a strong brand identity, cultivating a loyal customer base, and leveraging its partner ecosystem to create advantages focused on its core offerings.
Ultimately, askROI.com’s success will depend on its ability to consistently deliver value to customers, stay at the forefront of technological innovation, and adapt to the evolving needs of the market. By remaining agile, customer-centric, and committed to its vision of empowering businesses through AI-driven insights, askROI.com is confident in its ability to thrive in the face of competition and emerge as a leader in the North American market.
Regulatory Environment (Present and Future)
The regulatory landscape for AI and data-driven technologies is evolving rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for askROI.com. ROI’s exclusive licensing agreement for the LLM technology in North America adds an additional layer of complexity, as it must ensure compliance not only with regional regulations but also with the terms and conditions of the licensing agreement itself.
On one hand, the increasing focus on data privacy and security, as exemplified by regulations such as the GDPR, highlights the critical importance of responsible data management and protection. This aligns closely with ROI’s core values and its commitment to ensuring the security and confidentiality of customer data.
On the other hand, the lack of clear and consistent guidelines around the ethical development and use of AI technologies creates a degree of uncertainty for companies operating in this space. As regulators and policymakers work to catch up with the rapid pace of technological advancement, there is a risk of overregulation or fragmented regulatory frameworks that could hinder innovation and growth.
To navigate this complex regulatory environment, askROI.com is proactively taking steps to ensure compliance with existing regulations while also staying ahead of potential future developments, including:
· Collaborating closely with the LLM technology provider to ensure that askROI.com’s use of licensed technology adheres to all relevant legal and ethical guidelines, both in North America and in the provider’s home jurisdiction;
· Investing in robust data security measures and processes, such as access controls, encryption, and audit trails, to safeguard customer data and maintain the highest standards of data privacy;
· Developing and implementing strict guidelines and oversight mechanisms for the ethical development and use of its AI models, drawing on best practices from industry leaders and academic experts;
· Engaging with regulators, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to provide input and guidance on the development of AI-related regulations, ensuring that askROI.com’s perspective is heard and that future regulations are informed by practical realities; and
· Maintaining a commitment to transparency, both in terms of how askROI.com uses and protects customer data, as well as in how its AI models are developed and deployed. This should help to build trust with customers and demonstrate askROI.com’s dedication to responsible, ethical AI practices.
By proactively addressing these regulatory considerations, staying at the forefront of industry best practices, and working closely with its LLM technology provider, askROI aims to ensure its own compliance and success while delivering innovative AI solutions to its customers.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, askROI.com will remain vigilant and adaptable, always prioritizing the needs of its customers and the integrity of its platform. By doing so, ROI is confident in its ability to navigate any regulatory challenges that may arise and emerge as a leader in responsible, compliant AI innovation for businesses in the North American market.
RiskOn 360
RiskOn 360, a wholly owned subsidiary of ROI, is a company dedicated to organizing and hosting an annual global success conference that serves as a promotional vehicle for ROI and its various offerings. The conference is designed to foster growth and success among attendees by providing a platform for renowned speakers to share their experiences and strategies for achieving success in both their professional and personal lives.
The primary objective of the RiskOn 360 conference is to educate and inspire attendees by exposing them to a wide range of success stories, innovative ideas, and best practices from across various industries. By bringing together successful individuals from diverse backgrounds, RiskOn 360 aims to create a unique learning environment that encourages networking, collaboration, and personal growth.
In addition to the annual conference, RiskOn 360 is responsible for managing and coordinating the numerous speaking engagements of ROI’s representatives. These speaking engagements serve as an important tool for promoting ROI’s overall objectives, educating potential clients and partners about ROI’s offerings, and establishing ROI representatives as a thought leader in their respective fields.
Through its conference and speaking engagement activities, RiskOn 360 plays a crucial role in supporting ROI’s mission to provide innovative solutions and valuable insights to its clients, ultimately contributing to their success and growth. RiskOn 360’s efforts in organizing these events not only help to strengthen ROI’s brand recognition but also provide a platform for showcasing ROI’s expertise and capabilities to a wide audience.
Circle 8
Description of the Business
Headquartered in Houston, Circle 8 is a premier lifting services provider serving clients in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico with five strategically located branches in Texas and Oklahoma. Its modern fleet consists of 55 mobile all-terrain and hydraulic cranes, with lifting capacities of up to 350 tons that provides services across the Eagle Ford, Permian, Delaware and Haynesville basins. Circle 8 is poised for organic growth through a strengthened financial profile following its recapitalization in December 2022. Circle 8’s fleet consists of Grove, Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (“XCMG”) and other leading original equipment manufacturers.
Circle 8 provides experienced professionally certified operators to deliver customized solutions to lifting clients in oil field services, construction, commercial, refining / marketing and wind energy markets. Circle 8 maintains an industry leading safety record. Safety personnel hold certifications and undergo in-house training.
New Management
In April 2023, Circle 8 hired Arnold Mabee as its new CEO. Mr. Mabee has a longstanding, successful track record, as he was previously the President of Sterling Crane USA, LLC (“Sterling Crane”), which has a portfolio of diverse cranes and locations serving multiple business segments. As such, Mr. Mabee is responsible for one of the larger mobile crane companies in the US.
Prior to joining Sterling Crane, Mr. Mabee was the Partner in Charge / Administration at R.S. Phillips Steel LLC, a fourth-generation family-owned Steel Service Center that serves the Tri-State Area of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. During his time there, Mr. Mabee pioneered several new innovative ideas to enhance safety, compliance and productivity.
Mr. Mabee has thirty years of operations and senior level management experience in a variety of industries including all aspects mobile crane & heavy haul services, steel service centers and other industrial services businesses. Mr. Mabee has a long history of improving profitability, significantly growing businesses, and where appropriate, taking them through successful restructuring and segmentation events.
Competitive Advantage
Circle 8’s operating experience and the mid-sized diverse fleet that it has developed serves the oil services and petrochemical industries, providing full-service lifting solutions with an industry leading safety record. Key strengths of Circle 8 include:
· Leading lifting solutions platform
○ Leading provider of comprehensive lifting solutions to diversified end markets, including oil & gas and with expanding operations in infrastructure, plant turn-around and commercial/industrial construction; and
○ Leading market position with five branches strategically located throughout Texas and Oklahoma.
· Industry leading safety record, commitment and policy
○ Safety is a core value and Circle 8 is a market leader in employee training and practices; and
○ Dedicated team focused on safety programs.
· Proven strength of management, recently enhanced and augmented
○ Proven ability to navigate a secular downturn by maintaining strong customer relationships and scale operations to capture additional market share;
○ Seasoned industry leaders who have positioned Circle 8 for future growth; and
○ Additional advisory team to supplement full time management with strategic industry knowledge, contacts and corporate transaction capability.
· High quality fleet with the opportunity to expand by 100% creates a barrier to entry. Circle 8’s fleet of 55 cranes, as of the date of this Annual Report, comprises 45 all-terrain cranes and 10 hydraulic truck cranes with a combined average age of 9 years and capacity of up to 350 tons.
· Diversified blue-chip customers
○ Entrenched provider to leading, well-capitalized oil and gas industry operators in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana and Oklahoma;
○ Diverse customer base with minimal customer concentration risk; and
○ Longstanding relationships enable company to easily scale up operations with customers’ demands in the oilfield (upstream), commercial, construction, refining & marketing (downstream) and wind energy markets.
· Compelling utilization and financial profile
○ Recently downsized underutilized cranes to return to pre-pandemic fleet utilization over 160%; and
○ Substantial upside remains as the Company efficiently relocates and repurposes its fleet across geographies and end markets.
Industry
There continues to be some consolidation within the industry recently, including the acquisitions of Rental Services Corporation, NES Rentals, Neff Corporation and Ahern Rentals by United Rentals, Inc. (“URI”) and the acquisitions of Contractors Building Supply Co. and Cloverdale Equipment Co. by Herc Holdings, Inc. (“HRI”). However, the U.S. lifting solution equipment distribution and rental industry remains highly fragmented and consists mainly of a small number of multi-location regional or national operators and a large number of relatively small, independent businesses serving discrete local markets. The industry is driven by a broad range of economic factors including total U.S. residential and non-residential construction trends, construction machinery demand, demand for rental equipment and additional, region-specific factors. Lifting solutions equipment is largely distributed to end users through two channels: equipment rental companies and equipment dealers. Examples of equipment rental companies include URI, Sunbelt Rentals, and HRI. Examples of equipment dealers include Finning and Toromont. Circle 8 operates substantially in a segment of the rental business whereby Circle 8 provides all labor and consumables to complete a project or an assignment. Like Circle 8, many other pure equipment rental companies may also provide parts and service support to customers.
Sales and Marketing
Led by Phillip Bryson and Brett Rhuland, the sales force is highly specialized in lifting solutions sales to oil services customers, seeking long term purchase orders and master service agreements. Circle 8 plans to continue the extensive training program which involves original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) training sessions on operations and maintenance to ensure the entire sales force knows the fleet inside and out.
Circle 8 will be working with continuing management to implement a back-office content resource management system that will be heavily focused on data collection so that it can continue to improve margin and help streamline scheduling, operations and fleet management to optimize utilization.
Competitive Business Strategy
The oil services’ lifting solutions demand has historically been one of the leading sub-segments of the industry for profitability due to high utilization rates that coincide with the continuous workstreams of extraction. Circle 8 plans to expand this business line in both topline sales through optimizing service and quality operations with a strong safety record.
In addition to expanding the existing business, Circle 8 will seek to make additional forays into the infrastructure construction, the refinery and manufacturing plant turn-around and industrial facility construction with the availability of new cranes as they become available.
Customers
With a focus on the oil services sub-segment of the lifting solutions business in the Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Permian, Delaware and Anadarko basins, Circle 8 has a diversified base of blue-chip customers in TX and OK. While about a third of its sales are expected to be made up from six of the largest players in the industry, the remaining two thirds of sales will be highly diversified, leading to minimal concentration risk. With its longstanding relationships with blue-chip customers and incoming fleet units, Circle 8 believes it has the ability to scale up sales with these customers locally and most likely into other adjacent areas.
Competition
Due to the highly skilled nature and competitive nature of the lifting solutions business, the sector typically consists of companies like Circle 8 that provide full service lifting solutions on rental or contract basis, including the manpower required to operate the equipment or companies that require extensive lifting solutions straight purchasing the equipment and hiring crane operators directly.
The full-service lifting solutions business is highly fragmented and local with only a few national service providers. In Circle 8’s existing subsegment of the lifting solutions business to the petrochemical industry, the competition is not as strong as it is in others as the contract terms are usually longer term and driven by maintaining strong customer relationships. The diversification strategy for Circle 8 into other subsegments will be faced with competition that is largely driven based on availability, quality (including safety record), reliability and price.
Environmental and Safety Regulations
Circle 8’s equipment, facilities and operations are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws, which may vary locally. These laws regulate (1) the handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials and waste and, if any, the associated cleanup of properties affected by pollutants; (2) air quality (emissions); and (3) wastewater. While lifting solutions’ operations generally do not raise significant environmental risks, Circle 8 uses petroleum products, solvents and other hazardous substances for fueling and maintaining its fleet and vehicles. Circle 8 has made, and will continue to make, capital and other expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. Circle 8 does not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or competitive position as a result of its efforts to comply with such requirements.
In the future, federal, state or local governments could enact new or more stringent laws or issue new or more stringent regulations concerning environmental and worker health and safety matters, reporting and disclosure obligations, or effect a change in their enforcement of existing laws or regulations, that could affect operations and increase operational and compliance expenditures. Also, in the future, contamination may be found to exist at Circle 8’s facilities or off-site locations where waste has been sent. There can be no assurance that Circle 8, or various environmental regulatory agencies, will not discover previously unknown environmental non-compliance or contamination. Circle 8 could be held liable for such newly discovered non-compliance or contamination. It is possible that changes in environmental and worker health and safety laws or liabilities from newly discovered non-compliance or contamination could have a material adverse effect on Circle 8’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
AGREE
AGREE has invested in various classes of commercial and residential real estate including hospitality, multifamily, and industrial properties targeting the middle market segment in locations demonstrating relative value. AGREE’s objective is to generate risk adjusted returns through development, capital investment and operational improvement. AGREE owns and operates both Third Avenue Apartments and AGREE Madison.
In September 2023, we committed to a plan for our wholly owned subsidiary AGREE to list for sale its four recently renovated Midwest hotels, the Hilton Garden Inn in Madison West, the Residence Inn in Madison West, the Courtyard in Madison West, and the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockford. The decision to sell the hotels follows the decision to also list the multifamily development site in St. Petersburg, Florida and is driven by our desire to focus on our core businesses, Energy, Fintech and Sentinum. We plan to use the proceeds from the sales of the hotel properties to pay off debt and commit more capital to our core businesses. Our real estate properties, which include both hotels and land, are currently listed for sale.
In connection with the planned sale of AGREE’s assets, we concluded that the net assets of AGREE met the criteria for classification as held for sale. In addition, the proposed sale represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. As a result, we have presented the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of AGREE as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes for all periods presented.
SMC
Overview
SMC is a consumer electronics manufacturer of retail karaoke products. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and founded over forty years ago, SMC is primarily engaged in the development, marketing, and sale of a wide assortment of at-home and in-car consumer karaoke audio equipment, accessories, musical recordings and products. SMC’s portfolio is marketed under both proprietary brands and licenses, including Carpool Karaoke and Sesame Street. SMC’s products are sold in locations worldwide, primarily through mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs, on-line retailers and to a lesser extent department stores, lifestyle merchants, direct mail catalogs and showrooms, music and record stores, and specialty stores.
Recent Developments
Private Placement
On November 20, 2023, SMC entered into an agreement to sell $2,000,000 in common stock through a private placement of common stock. The private placement was completed with two affiliates, both of which were existing shareholders with representation on SMC’s board of directors. The private placement was completed at $0.91 per share of SMC’s common stock, with a total of approximately 2,199,000 shares issued. Net proceeds from the transaction were approximately $1,900,000, net of transaction fees of approximately $100,000. During the six-month period after the closing date, the purchasers may make a written request for registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of all or any portion of the shares purchased.
As a result of the transaction, our share ownership of SMC was diluted to approximately 28%. Due to the significant change in our ownership and voting rights, we determined that we no longer met the criteria of the primary beneficiary and, accordingly, we deconsolidated SMC as of November 20, 2023. We recorded a $3.0 million loss on deconsolidation for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Upon deconsolidation, we recorded our $2.3 million retained investment in SMC based upon the fair value of the common shares held by us at November 20, 2023. Due to our significant influence over SMC, we began accounting for our retained interest under the equity method of accounting.
Hospitality Lease
On August 23, 2023, MICS Nomad, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“MICS NY”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MICS, entered into an Agreement of Lease (the “Lease Agreement”) with OAC 111 Flatiron, LLC and OAC Adelphi, LLC (the “Landlord”), pursuant to which MICS NY agreed to lease approximately 10,000 square feet of ground floor retail space and a portion of the basement underneath the ground floor retail space in the property located at 111 West 24th Street, New York, New York (the “Premises”). MICS NY intends to use the Premises as a new karaoke venue, offering immersive karaoke technology and audio-visual capabilities, with restaurant and bar offerings.
The term of the Lease Agreement is for fifteen (15) years, or on such earlier date upon which the term shall expire, be canceled or terminated pursuant to any of the conditions or covenants of the Lease Agreement. Pursuant to the Lease Agreement, MICS NY is obligated to pay an initial base rent in the amount of $30,000 beginning August 1, 2024, with scheduled increases over the term, as set forth in the Lease Agreement.
TurnOnGreen
Overview
TurnOnGreen, Inc. (formerly known as Imperalis Holding Corp.), a Nevada corporation (“TOG”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries Digital Power Corporation (“Digital Power”) and TOG Technologies Inc. (“TOGT”), is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and sale of highly engineered, feature-rich, high-grade power conversion and power system solutions for mission-critical applications and processes. For more than 50 years, Digital Power has been devoted to the perfection of power solution products that have enabled customer innovation in complex applications covering a wide range of industries. A natural outgrowth of TOGT’s development of these power systems has been its effort to apply TOG’s proprietary core power technologies to optimizing the design and performance of electric vehicle (“EV”) charging solutions. TOGT began commercial sales of its product line of high-speed charging solutions in mid-2021. TOG believes that its charging solutions represent an entire generation of new chargers due to improvements in terms of size reduction in electronic circuitry and higher output density. TOG also believes that, by leveraging its experience and expertise in power conversion and generation, it can become a leader in the EV charging solution market.
At Digital Power, TOG provides a comprehensive range of integrated power system solutions that are designed to meet the diverse and precise needs of its customers with the highest levels of efficiency, flexibility and scalability. TOG designs, develops and manufactures custom power systems to meet performance and/or form-factor requirements that cannot be met with standard power products. These power system solutions are designed to function reliably in harsh environments associated with defense and aerospace applications, while also being utilized for applications ranging from industrial and telecommunications equipment to medical instrumentation. TOG believes that Digital Power’s power products are highly adaptive and feature digital power management and software configurations that allow them to achieve higher power efficiency to meet the requirements of both its customers and its OEMs. In addition to Digital Power’s custom power system solutions, it also provides a wide range of industry-standard power products. These products include the AC/DC Open Frame product series, which TOG believes to be among the industry’s leading power switchers in terms of power efficiency. The Open Frame products are deployed in highly compact form factors and modular power series that support configurable multiple DC outputs. Additionally, Digital Power offers high-power and high-voltage laser power supplies tailored to meet the unique requirements of medical, dental, and industrial pulsed energy systems. Digital Power’s expertise also encompasses high-performance and high-power data-center power supplies, semiconductor fabrication equipment power source supplies, desktop power supplies, and a comprehensive range of value-added customized AC/DC and DC/DC ruggedized power supply and system solutions.
TOGT’s EV Charging Solutions
TOG formed TOGT following more than two years of engineering design and product prototypes, to provide EV drivers of all types with easy access to convenient, reliable and high-speed EV charging solutions. TOGT offers Level 2 AC charging infrastructure for use in single family homes, multi-family unit developments, parking garages and lots, commercial retail properties and fleet environments. TOGT provides Level 3 DC fast charger infrastructure for high traffic, high density urban, suburban, exurban locations, and portable microgrid charging infrastructure. Prior to August 2021, Digital Power operated the EV business presently conducted by TOGT. TOGT’s EV charging solutions are designed to address what TOG expects to be a rapid expansion of infrastructure required to support broad adoption of EVs globally. With more than 50 years of expertise in power technology, TOGT provides EV charging solutions to enable the eMobility of tomorrow. TOGT’s innovative charging solutions produce a full charge for an EV with a 250-mile range battery in approximately 30 minutes. TOGT provides a wide range of EV charging solutions, including a Level 2 AC charging product line compatible with the SAE J1772 standard, and a Level 3 DC fast charging product line compatible with the combined charging system standard and the CHArge de MOve (“CHAdeMO”) standard.
TOGT’s network is capable of natively charging (i.e., charging without an adapter) all EV models and supports all charging standards currently available in the United States. Its network can serve a wide variety of private, retail, commercial and fleet customers. TOGT’s charging systems maintain what TOG believes to be the highest standards in the market and are backed by an internationally recognized certificate of safety and performance. TOG anticipates rapid growth in the number of EVs in North America, and TOG intends to expand TOGT’s network of charging stations to accommodate this growth while prioritizing development of locations with favorable traffic and utilization characteristics.
GIGA
Gresham Worldwide, Inc., formerly Giga-tronics, Incorporated (“GIGA”) designs, manufactures and distributes purpose-built electronics equipment, automated test solutions, power electronics, supply and distribution solutions, as well as radio, microwave and millimeter wave communication systems and components for a variety of applications with a focus on the global defense industry and the healthcare market.
GIGA has two subsidiaries, Gresham Holdings, Inc. (“Gresham Holdings”) and Microsource Inc. (“Microsource”). GIGA also has a division. GIGA is a majority owned subsidiary of the Company and currently operates as an operating segment of AAI. Gresham Holdings has three wholly owned subsidiaries, Gresham Power Electronics Ltd. (“Gresham Power”), Relec Electronics Ltd. (“Relec”), and Enertec Systems 2001 Ltd. (“Enertec”), and one majority owned subsidiary, Microphase Corporation (“Microphase”). GIGA’s operations consist of three business segments:
· Radio Frequency Solutions (“RF Solutions”) - consists of Microphase which is located in Connecticut. Microphase designs and manufactures custom microwave hardware products for military applications and generates revenue primarily through production contracts for custom engineered components and RADAR filters;
· Precision Electronic Solutions - consists of two subsidiaries and one division. The subsidiaries are Enertec located in Israel and Microsource located in California. The division is referred to as the Giga-tronics Division. Enertec develops and supplies advanced command & control, test and calibration systems for use in failsafe military and medical applications. The legacy business of Giga-tronics (the “Giga-tronics Business”) consists of Microsource, a wholly owned subsidiary that develops and manufactures sophisticated RADAR filters used in fighter aircraft, and the Giga-tronics Division which markets “EW Test and Training,” which serves the defense electronics market with a signal generation platform; and
· Power Electronics & Displays - consists of two subsidiaries, namely Relec and Gresham Power located in the United Kingdom (the “UK”) which primarily engineer and provide integrated, mobile power electronics and display solutions that distribute and supply continuous, dependable, clean low voltage power.
GIGA is focused on products that are getting designed in to military systems such as fighter jet, ships and ground vehicles or missiles, which provide a recurring revenue stream for years to come and decrease competition because the cost of replacing designed in products is prohibitive for both the competition and the customer.
GIGA operates both within the U.S. and at three locations abroad. A summary of GIGA’s locations and high level review of its operations at each facility is provided in the table below:
Name
Location
Nature of Business
Corporate Headquarters
Scottsdale, Arizona
Offices
Microsource and Giga-tronics Division
Livermore, California
Offices, research and development, engineering, fabrication, sourcing, assembly, tuning and testing
Microphase Corporation*
Shelton, Connecticut
Offices, research and development, engineering, fabrication, sourcing, assembly, tuning and testing
Enertec Systems 2001 Ltd.
Karmiel, Israel
Offices, research and development, engineering, fabrication, sourcing, assembly, tuning and testing
Relec Electronics Ltd.
Wareham, Dorset, England UK
Offices and warehouse operations
Gresham Power Electronics Ltd.
Salisbury, Wiltshire, England UK
Offices, research and development, engineering, fabrication, sourcing, assembly, tuning and testing
* 63% owned
Industry
GIGA’s operations focus exclusively on the market for electronic solutions that support the defense industry and other mission critical applications, including medical technology, transportation, and telecommunication. The essential nature of these applications provides a degree of insulation from volatility associated with other segments of the global economy while accounting for stability and steady growth of the addressable market opportunities available in segments that GIGA serves. Demand for solutions to meet these requirements continues unaffected, and in many instances increases in times of global crisis. Total defense spending in the three countries in which we currently operate was expected to total more than an estimated $919 billion in 2023 (https://www.globalfirepower.com/defense-spending-budget.php). GIGA sells to the militaries and defense contractors in 15 other countries as well. Overall global defense spending hit $2.1 trillion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 3% through 2028 with U.S. spending continuing to lead the world in the same period (ASD Reports, Global Defense Budget Analysis - Forecast to 2028). The current wars in the Ukraine and Israel and tensions with China and in the Middle East have intensified interest and investment in defense platforms throughout the UK and Europe.
GIGA believes that the increasing emphasis on electromagnetic spectrum operations and close coordination of air, land, sea, space and cyber operations will fuel an increase in defense modernization, force protection and situational awareness, all of which will drive increased spending in procurement of components and systems to enable electronic warfare, countermeasures and unattended solutions. The Defense Electronics Market was estimated to be $220.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $ 289.0 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.6%. (https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/defense-electronics-market-183642563.html). The drive for greater connectivity and analytics will in turn increase demand for radio frequency (“RF”) communications, power electronics and electronic control solutions content in new major military platforms, which are the core offerings of GIGA’s operating units.
Thousands of companies compete in this market to deliver electronics solutions to meet defense and other mission critical applications. However, GIGA’s operating units have longstanding relationships with dominant defense contractors in the U.S., in the UK, in Israel and other countries who hold contracts for major defense platforms with very long life cycles. GIGA’s customers typically have unique needs, and they engage with GIGA in funding development contracts for custom solutions. Once a solution is proven in its application, GIGA typically realizes a secure, recurring revenue stream for products, services and/or repairs for many years (sometimes decades) until the technology becomes outdated. Because GIGA is often sole-sourced for developmental projects, GIGA believes that it is unlikely that a competitor will replace such a designed-in product as the cost and re-qualification time to do so is prohibitive. These relationships enable us to narrow the field of competition considerably and grow based on repeat business with relatively low selling costs. As technology evolves, prime contractors may, over subsequent years, migrate to systems other than those GIGA produces.
Beyond the defense arena, initiatives to complete $42 billion in upgrades to the current National Railway System in the UK over the next three years while spending $115 billion over the next 10 years to build high speed rail to link London with the Midlands cities of Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester will generate significant opportunities for growth in demand for power electronics to upgrade and replace current infrastructure, both in rolling stock and track side controls. Relec’s current relationships and track record for supplying power solutions to the UK rail industry position us ideally to capitalize on these ongoing refurbishment and expansion efforts. A similarly robust market in the medical power supply markets with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9% to reach $1.8 billion in 2025 creates growth opportunities for Relec in the UK. Increases in contracts for the precision manufacturing of medical diagnostic and calibration tools drive growth opportunities for Enertec as well.
Business Strengths
GIGA has the following core strengths that its management believes give it a competitive advantage:
· Developing and producing classified military products requiring a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility and personnel with appropriate security clearances. These products are designed-in to military systems such as fighter jets, military ships and vehicles;
· Military grade quality (AS9100), ultra-reliable technology offerings with elegant designs and precision “high touch” manufacture that stand the test of time, narrow the field of competition and command enhanced operating margins;
· Enduring relationships with “blue chip” customers in the defense market provide stable revenue growth and reduce sales cost; and
· Substantial growth in backlog of orders with definite delivery dates for solutions engineered into long life cycle platforms that provide revenue base for years to come. Global operations expand GIGA’s market opportunities, extend its operational reach and diversify its business base.
Strategy
GIGA’s goal is to become the supplier of choice for the major players in the defense industry and provide solutions for mission critical applications in health care.
GIGA’s near-term strategies are focused on developing synergies as a result of the acquisition of Gresham Holdings:
· Gresham Holdings incurred major overhead expenses being a subsidiary of a larger company. GIGA incurred large expenses being a public company with very limited sales. GIGA is combining the overhead functions, shrinking its leased facilities and focusing on cost reductions;
· Consolidate duplicate functions and reduce the costs of sales, human resources, information technologies, quality management and contracts administration; and
· Combine the RF Solutions group into one subsidiary and reduce operating costs.
In addition, GIGA is focused on securing sufficient working capital to execute on a substantial backlog of orders with definite delivery dates, take on additional significant orders and further improve access to capital resources.
GIGA’s long-term strategy includes the following key elements:
· maintain, strengthen and expand relationships with current customers, by increasing on-time delivery, diversifying solutions offered and maximizing quality of solutions;
· acquire designed-in products or companies. GIGA believes that there are many small well run, profitable defense contractors whose principal owner is nearing retirement which could be attractive acquisition targets;
· attract new customers through building business development, marketing and sales infrastructure to raise market awareness and identify opportunities early in the design process;
· take advantage of the cross-selling opportunities among GIGA’s operating subsidiaries to leverage current resources; and
· enhance GIGA’s geographic footprint by increasing marketing outreach, forming alliances with leading companies located in areas beyond its current reach and acquiring businesses that expand reach into other geographies.
Our Strategy
Our business strategy is designed to increase shareholder value. Under this strategy, we are focused on managing and financially supporting our existing subsidiaries and partner companies, with the goal of pursuing monetization opportunities and maximizing the value returned to shareholders. We have, are and will consider initiatives including, among others: public offerings, the sale of individual partner companies, the sale of certain or all partner company interests in secondary market transactions, or a combination thereof, as well as other opportunities to maximize shareholder value, such as activist trading. We anticipate returning value to shareholders after satisfying our debt obligations and working capital needs.
Our Executive Committee approves and manages our investment strategy. Upon making an investment, we often become actively involved in the companies we seek to acquire. That activity may involve a broad range of approaches, from influencing the management of a target to take steps to improve stockholder value, to acquiring a controlling or sizable but non-controlling interest or outright ownership of the target company in order to implement changes that we believe are required to improve its business, and then operating and expanding that business.
From time to time, we engage in discussions with other companies interested in our subsidiaries or partner companies, either in response to inquiries or as part of a process we initiate. To the extent we believe that a subsidiary partner company’s further growth and development can best be supported by a different ownership structure or if we otherwise believe it is in our shareholders’ best interests, we will seek to sell some or all of our position in the subsidiary or partner company. These sales may take the form of privately negotiated sales of stock or assets, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings of the subsidiary or partner company’s securities and, in the case of publicly traded partner companies, transactions in their securities in the open market. Our plans may include taking subsidiaries or partner companies public through rights offerings and directed share subscription programs. We will continue to consider these and functionally equivalent programs and the sale of certain subsidiary or partner company interests in secondary market transactions to maximize value for our shareholders.
Management Strategy
Our management strategy involves the proactive financial and operational management of the businesses we own in order to increase cash flows and stockholder value. Ault Alliance actively oversees and supports the management teams of each of our businesses by, among other things:
· recruiting and retaining talented managers to operate our businesses using structured incentive compensation programs, including non-controlling equity ownership, tailored to each business;
· regularly monitoring financial and operational performance, instilling consistent financial discipline, and supporting management in the development and implementation of information systems to effectively achieve these goals;
· identifying and aligning with external policy and performance tailwinds such as those influenced by growing climate, health, and social justice concerns (and similar environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) drivers);
· assisting management in their analysis and pursuit of prudent organic growth strategies;
· identifying and working with management to execute attractive external growth and acquisition opportunities;
· assisting management in controlling and right-sizing overhead costs;
· nurturing an internal culture of transparency, alignment, accountability and governance, including regular reporting;
· professionalizing our subsidiaries at scale; and
· forming strong subsidiary level boards of directors to supplement management in their development and implementation of strategic goals and objectives.
Specifically, while our businesses have different growth opportunities and potential rates of growth, we expect Ault Alliance to work with the management teams of each of our businesses to increase the value of, and cash generated by, each business through various initiatives, including:
· making selective capital investments to expand geographic reach, increase capacity, or reduce manufacturing costs of our businesses;
· investing in product research and development for new products, processes or services for customers;
· improving and expanding existing sales and marketing programs;
· pursuing reductions in operating costs through improved operational efficiency or outsourcing of certain processes and products; and
· consolidating or improving management of certain overhead functions.
Our businesses typically acquire and integrate complementary businesses. We believe that complementary add-on acquisitions improve our overall financial and operational performance by allowing us to:
· leverage manufacturing and distribution operations;
· leverage branding and marketing programs, as well as customer relationships;
· add experienced management or management expertise;
· increase market share and penetrate new markets; and
· realize cost synergies by allocating the corporate overhead expenses of our businesses across a larger number of businesses and by implementing and coordinating improved management practices.
Compliance with Material Government (Including Environmental) Regulations
Sentinum
Sentinum is subject to various federal, state, local and non-U.S. laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and remediation of hazardous substances and wastes. Sentinum continually assesses compliance status and management of environmental matters to ensure our operations are in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. Investigation, remediation, and operation and maintenance costs associated with environmental compliance and management of sites are a normal, recurring part of operations. While Sentinum’s regulatory compliance costs are currently not considered material, it is possible that costs incurred to ensure continued environmental compliance could have a material impact on results of operations, financial condition or cash flows if new areas of soil, air and groundwater contamination are discovered and/or expansions of work scope are prompted by the results of ongoing monitoring.
The Michigan Facility is subject to a final corrective measures plan with the Environment Protection Agency. The seller performed remedial activities at the Michigan Facility relating to historical soil and groundwater contamination and Sentinum is responsible for ongoing monitoring and final remediation plans. We estimate cost of the environmental remediation obligation is approximately $0.4 million and reflects our best estimate of probable future costs for remediation based on the current assessment data and regulatory obligations. Future costs will depend on many factors, including the extent of work necessary to implement monitoring and final remediation plans and ACS’s time frame for remediation. We may incur actual costs in the future that are materially different than this estimate and such costs could have a material impact on results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows during the period in which they are recorded.
TurnOnGreen
TurnOnGreen’s businesses are heavily regulated in most of its markets. TurnOnGreen handles power electronics products mainly in the form of power conversion. TurnOnGreen must take into account several standards for electronic safety to protect the health of humans and animals. TurnOnGreen serves diverse markets including automotive, defense/aerospace, medical/healthcare, industrial and telecommunications, each of which has its own set of safety regulations and standards that TurnOnGreen must comply with.
Government Contracts. The U.S. Government, and other governments, may terminate any of TurnOnGreen’s government contracts at their convenience, as well as for default based on our failure to meet specified performance requirements. If any of TurnOnGreen’s U.S. Government contracts were to be terminated for convenience, TurnOnGreen would generally be entitled to receive payment for work completed and allowable termination or cancellation costs. If any of TurnOnGreen’s government contracts were to be terminated for default, generally the U.S. Government would pay only for the work that has been accepted and could require TurnOnGreen to pay the difference between the original contract price and the cost to re-procure the contract items, net of the work accepted from the original contract. The U.S. Government can also hold TurnOnGreen liable for damages resulting from the default.
Medical device power supplies. TurnOnGreen’s medical power supplies must incorporate one or more means of protection (“MOP”) to avoid electrocution. A MOP can be safety insulation, a protective earth, a defined creepage distance, an air gap (clearance) or other protective impedance. These can be used in various combinations - having two MOPs means if one fails, there is another in place. A MOP can be achieved through safety insulation, protective earth, a defined creepage distance, an air gap, other protective impedances, or by implementing a combination of these techniques. TurnOnGreen must comply with a standard that treats operators and patients, resulting in the classifications “means of operator protection” and “means of patient protection.” The latter requirements are more stringent because the patient may be physically connected via an applied part and unconscious when the fault occurs.
Environmental. TurnOnGreen is subject to various federal, state, local and non-U.S. laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including the discharge, treatment, storage, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and wastes. TurnOnGreen continually assesses its compliance status and management of environmental matters to ensure that its operations are in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. Investigation, remediation, and operation and maintenance costs associated with environmental compliance and management of sites are a normal, recurring part of TurnOnGreen’s operations.
Non-U.S. Sales. TurnOnGreen’s non-U.S. sales are subject to both U.S. and non-U.S. governmental regulations and procurement policies and practices, including regulations relating to import-export control, tariffs, investment, exchange controls, anti-corruption, and repatriation of earnings. Non-U.S. sales are also subject to varying currency, political and economic risks.
GIGA
GIGA’s businesses are heavily regulated in most of its markets. GIGA transacts with numerous U.S. Government agencies and entities, including but not limited to the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”), branches of the U.S. military and the Department of Homeland Security. Similar government authorities exercise similar regulatory oversight in GIGA’s non-U.S. markets.
Government Contracts. The governments of the U.S., U.K. and Israel may terminate any of GIGA’s applicable operating subsidiaries’ government contracts at their convenience, as well as for default based on our failure to meet specified performance requirements. If the U.S. Government terminated any of GIGA’s contracts for convenience, GIGA generally would be entitled to receive payment for work completed and allowable termination or cancellation costs. If any of GIGA’s government contracts were to be terminated for default, generally the U.S. government would pay only for the work that has been accepted and could require GIGA to pay the difference between the original contract price and the cost to re-procure the contract items, net of the work accepted from the original contract. The U.S. Government can also hold GIGA liable for damages resulting from the default. Similar provisions apply to GIGA’s contracts with other governments and to GIGA’s subcontractors with major defense contractors who provide systems or military platforms directly to the government.
Power Electronics. In all of GIGA’s markets in the U.S., GIGA’s commercial power electronics offerings must comply with safety, energy use and operational performance regulations and standards (IEC/EN/UL/CSA) issued and administered by international standards organizations. In the U.S., the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Communications Commission mandate and enforce compliance with these standards. Outside the U.S., various government agencies in the U.K., Europe and Israel mandate and enforce compliance with these international requirements for safety, energy use and operational performance. In commercial markets, GIGA’s suppliers bear most of the expense of compliance with international standards as a standard cost of business. Given the universal application of these requirements, the costs of compliance do not create any competitive disadvantage because all competitors must comply to sell into the market.
Environmental. GIGA must meet applicable regulatory, environmental, emissions, safety and other requirements where its customer specifies, or as applicable local regulations or laws require. The products that GIGA markets and sells in Europe also may be subject to the 2003 European Directive on Restriction of Hazardous Substances (“RoHS”), which restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of certain electronic and electrical equipment, as well as the 2002 European Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“WEEE”), which determines collection, recycling and recovery goals for electrical goods. In July 2006, GIGA’s industry began phasing in RoHS and WEEE requirements in most geographical markets with specific emphasis on consumer-based products. GIGA believes that RoHS and WEEE-compliant components may be subject to longer lead-times and higher prices as the industry transitions to these new requirements. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals Registration) is a European Union regulation dating from 18 December 2006. REACH addresses the production and use of chemical substances, and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment.
These regulatory mandates apply to all of GIGA’s operating subsidiaries. GIGA has structured operations to comply with these requirements and have experienced little to no impact on lead times or prices. Give the applicability of these requirements to all competitors alike, compliance has had no impact on the competitive position of any operating subsidiary.
Non-U.S. Sales. GIGA’s non-U.S. sales are subject to both U.S. and non-U.S. governmental regulations and procurement policies and practices, including regulations relating to import-export control, tariffs, investment, exchange controls, anti-corruption, and repatriation of earnings. Non-U.S. sales are also subject to varying currency, political and economic risks.
Security Clearance
As a U.S. Government contractor working on classified projects, Microphase is required to maintain facility and personnel security clearances complying with the DoD and other federal agency requirements. Microphase maintains strict protocols for handling classified information and Confidential Unclassified Information (“CUI”) associated with its work for the DoD and has built a secure restricted area within its Shelton production facility certified for generating, storing and reviewing classified information.
Gresham Power works on many contracts classified as “Official Sensitive” that require individual security clearances and adherence to information security protocols for receiving, handling and storing confidential information as required in the U.K. Official Secrets Act and its implementing regulations.
Enertec complies with all information security requirements included in their customer contracts as well as all the confidentiality laws that the State of Israel mandates for work related to defense of the country.
Audits and Investigations
As a government contractor, we are subject to audits and investigations by U.S. Government agencies including the Defense Contract Audit Agency (the “DCAA”), the Defense Contract Management Agency (the “DCMA”), the Inspector General of the DoD and other departments and agencies, the Government Accountability Office, the DOJ and Congressional Committees. From time-to-time, these and other agencies investigate or conduct audits to determine whether a contractor’s operations are being conducted in accordance with applicable requirements. The DCAA and DCMA also review the adequacy of, and compliance with, a contractor’s internal control systems and policies, including the contractor’s accounting, purchasing, property, estimating, earned value management and material management accounting systems. Our final allowable incurred costs for each year are also subject to audit and have from time to time resulted in disputes between us and the U.S. Government. Any costs found to be improperly allocated to a specific contract will not be reimbursed or must be refunded if already reimbursed. If an audit or investigation uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, which may include termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the U.S. Government.
Enertec conducts operations under constant supervision of the Ministry of Defense of Israel and the contractors through which the Ministry of Defense does most of its business. All its contracts are subject to audits of performance, quality and price reasonableness.
Gresham Power contracts with the U.K. Ministry of Defence, Royal Navy or major defense contractors serving those agencies include standard provisions which give the customer the right to audit our performance under those contracts when they see fit. Audits are part of doing business with the government and typically focus on deliveries - on time project milestones as well as quality. The Royal Navy will review Gresham Power pricing of services provided under support contract every 12 months for reasonableness.
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation, as implemented in standard contract clauses, mandates that Microphase establish and follow extensive detailed processes and protocols to protect classified information and CUI from disclosure and unauthorized access. That mandate includes a requirement that Microphase formulate and implement a system security plan with 110 different elements and protocols for handling and protecting classified information and CUI. Over the next three years, the DoD will require all participants in the defense supply chain to demonstrate compliance with the Capability Model Maturity Cybersecurity as verified through an independent third-party auditor. Compliance with these mandates requires and will require Microphase to invest significant resources to maintain compliance. For instance, compliance requires extensive security controls on access to Microphase information technology systems, strong firewalls and intrusion monitoring. Microphase will have to hire a full-time person to ensure information security and act as a Facility Security Officer as well as oversee security of all Microphase employees. These investments add to indirect cost pools that Microphase must recover in the price of its products for DoD and contractors.
Gresham Power Electronics Ltd is fully certified as “Cyber Essentials Plus Compliant.” Cyber Essentials Plus is a government-backed, industry-supported scheme to help organizations protect themselves against common online threats. The UK Government requires all suppliers bidding for contracts involving the handling of sensitive and personal information to be certified against the Cyber Essentials Plus program criteria.
Enertec has implemented the strongest possible cyber security protections consistent with the resources available to a company its size.
Other Compliance Matters
In addition, we are subject to the local, state and national laws and regulations of the jurisdictions where we operate that affect companies generally, including laws and regulations governing commerce, intellectual property, trade, health and safety, contracts, privacy and communications, consumer protection, web services, tax, and corporate laws and securities laws. These regulations and laws may change over time. Unfavorable changes in existing and new laws and regulations could increase our cost of doing business and impede our growth.
Research and Development
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we spent approximately $7.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, on research and development.
Human Capital Resources
We are committed to attracting and retaining the brightest and best talent, so investing in human capital is critical to our success. The employee traits we value include industriousness, intellectual curiosity, growth mindset and deeply caring about the quality of work. The human capital measures and objectives that we focus on in managing our business include employee safety, talent acquisition and retention, employee engagement, development and training, diversity and inclusion, and compensation and pay equity. None of our employees is represented by a collective bargaining unit or is a party to a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.
The following description provides an overall view of our Company. Since we are a holding company, however, every statement may not be applicable to every subsidiary, particularly since some are located in foreign countries.
Employee Profile
As of December 31, 2023, we had 643 employees located in the U.S., the U.K. and Israel, of whom 71 were engaged in engineering and product development, 62 in sales and marketing, 369 in general operations and 141 in general administration and finance. All but 56 of these employees are employed on a full-time basis. None of our employees is currently represented by a trade union. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately 28% of our current workforce is female, 72% male, and our average tenure is 6.4 years, a decrease of 17% from an average tenure of 7.7 years as of December 31, 2022.
Talent
A core tenet of our talent system is to both develop talent from within and supplement with external hires. This approach has yielded loyalty and commitment in our employee base which in turn grows our business, our products, and our customers, while adding new employees and external ideas supports a continuous improvement mindset and our goals of a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe that our average tenure of 6.4 years as of the end of the fiscal year 2023 reflects the engagement of our employees in this core talent system tenet.
We believe we materially comply with all applicable state, local and international laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we operate. All applicants and employees are treated with the same high level of respect regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
Employee Engagement and Development
Our employee engagement efforts include our frequent and transparent “all-hands” meetings and executive communications, through which we aim to keep our employees well-informed and to increase transparency. We believe in continual improvement and use employee feedback to drive and improve processes that support our customers and ensure a deep understanding of our employees’ needs. We plan to conduct annual confidential employee surveys as we believe that ongoing performance feedback encourages greater engagement in our business and improves individual performance. Our employees will participate in a 360-degree evaluation process to identify critical capabilities for development and establish new stretch goals.
Pay Equity
Our employee compensation strategy supports three primary objectives: attract and retain the best team members; reflect and reinforce our most important values; and align team member interests with stockholder interests in building enduring value. We believe people should be paid for what they do and how they do it, regardless of their gender, race or other personal characteristics. To deliver on that commitment, we benchmark and set pay ranges based on market data and consider factors such as an employee’s role and experience, the location of their job, and their performance. We also regularly review our compensation practices, both in terms of our overall workforce and individual employees, to ensure our pay is fair and equitable.
Total Rewards
As part of our compensation philosophy, we believe that we must offer and maintain market competitive total rewards programs for our employees in order to attract and retain superior talent. In addition to healthy base wages, additional programs include annual bonus opportunities, healthcare and insurance benefits, paid time off, family leave, family care resources and flexible work schedules. We established a Company matched 401(k) plan during 2021.
Health and Safety
The success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people. Accordingly, we are committed to the health, safety and wellness of our employees. We provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of flexible and convenient health and welfare programs, including benefits that support their physical and mental health by providing tools and resources to help them improve or maintain their health status; and that offer choice where possible so they can customize their benefits to meet their needs and the needs of their families.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves significant risks. You should carefully consider the following risks and all other information set forth in this Annual Report before deciding to invest in our common stock. If any of the events or developments described below occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations may suffer. In that case, the value of our common stock may decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.
You should consider each of the following risk factors and any other information set forth in this Annual Report and the other reports filed by the Company with the SEC, including the Company’s financial statements and related notes, in evaluating the Company’s business and prospects. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones that impact on the Company’s operations and business. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company, or that the Company currently considers immaterial, may also impair its business or operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, the Company’s business and financial condition, results or prospects could be harmed. Please also read carefully the section entitled “Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Annual Report.
Risks Related to Our Company
We have an evolving business model, which increases the complexity of our business.
Our business model has evolved in the past and continues to do so. In prior years we have added additional types of services and product offerings and in some cases, we have modified or discontinued those offerings. We intend to continue to try to offer additional types of products or services, and we do not know whether any of them will be successful. From time to time we have also modified aspects of our business model relating to our product mix. We do not know whether these or any other modifications will be successful. The additions and modifications to our business have increased the complexity of our business and placed significant strain on our management, personnel, operations, systems, technical performance, financial resources, and internal financial control and reporting functions. Future additions to or modifications of our business are likely to have similar effects. Further, any new business or website we launch that is not favorably received by the market could damage our reputation or our brand. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are heavily dependent on our senior management, and a loss of a member of our senior management team could cause our stock price to suffer.
If we lose the services of Milton C. Ault, III, our Executive Chairman, William B. Horne, our Chief Executive Officer, Henry Nisser, our President and General Counsel, or Ken Cragun, our Chief Financial Officer and/or certain key employees, we may not be able to find appropriate replacements on a timely basis, and our business could be adversely affected. Our existing operations and continued future development depend to a significant extent upon the performance and active participation of these individuals and certain key employees. Although we have entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Ault, Horne and Nisser, and we may enter into employment agreements with additional key employees in the future, we cannot guarantee that we will be successful in retaining the services of these individuals. If we were to lose any of these individuals, we may not be able to find appropriate replacements on a timely basis and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We rely on highly skilled personnel and the continuing efforts of our executive officers and, if we are unable to retain, motivate or hire qualified personnel, our business may be severely disrupted.
Our performance largely depends on the talents, knowledge, skills, know-how and efforts of highly skilled individuals and in particular, the expertise held by our Executive Chairman, Milton C. Ault, III. His absence, were it to occur, would materially and adversely impact development and implementation of our projects and businesses. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract, among others, new technology developers and to retain and motivate our existing contractors. If one or more of our executive officers are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them readily, if at all. Therefore, our business may be severely disrupted, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new officers. In addition, if any of our executives joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose some customers.
We may not be able to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards.
As of December 31, 2023, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for income tax purposes of approximately $23.7 million and $104.2 million, respectively, after application of the limitations set forth in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. In accordance with Section 382, future utilization of our NOLs is subject to an annual limitation as a result of ownership changes that occurred previously. We also maintain NOLs in various foreign jurisdictions.
Our corporate structure and intercompany arrangements are subject to the tax laws of various jurisdictions, and we could face greater than anticipated tax liabilities, which would harm our results of operations.
We are subject to tax laws in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions, including Israel and the U.K. Our income tax obligations are based in part on our corporate structure and intercompany arrangements. The tax laws applicable to our business are increasingly complex, are subject to interpretation and their application can be uncertain. The amount of taxes we pay in the jurisdictions in which we operate could increase substantially as a result of changes in the applicable tax principles, including increased tax rates, new tax laws or revised interpretations of existing tax laws and precedents.
We are subject to the examination of our income tax returns by the IRS and foreign tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and we may be subject to assessments or audits in the future in any such jurisdictions. The tax authorities in these jurisdictions may aggressively interpret their laws in an effort to raise additional tax revenue and may claim that various withholding requirements apply to us or our subsidiaries, challenge the availability to us or our subsidiaries of certain benefits under tax treaties, and challenge our methodologies for valuing developed technology or intercompany arrangements or our revenue recognition policies, which could result in an increase of our worldwide effective tax rate and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Liquidity
We will need to raise additional capital to fund our operations in furtherance of our business plan.
Until we are profitable, we will need to quickly raise additional capital in order to fund our operations in furtherance of our business plan. The proposed financing may include shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, warrants to purchase shares of common stock or preferred stock, debt securities, units consisting of the foregoing securities, equity investments from strategic development partners or some combination of each. Any additional equity financings may be financially dilutive to, and will be dilutive from an ownership perspective to, our stockholders, and such dilution may be significant based upon the size of such financing. Additionally, we cannot assure that such funding will be available on a timely basis, in needed quantities, or on terms favorable to us, if at all.
If we are unable to comply with the covenants or restrictions contained in the Loan Agreement with our senior secured lender, the lender could declare all amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement to be due and payable and foreclose on its collateral, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and operations.
As previously announced, on December 14, 2023, we, along with our wholly owned subsidiaries Sentinum, Third Avenue, ACS, BNI Montana, Ault Lending, Ault Aviation and AGREE, entered into the Loan Agreement with institutional lenders, pursuant to which Ault & Company borrowed $36 million and issued Secured Notes to the lenders in the aggregate amount of $38,918,919. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we, and the other Guarantors, agreed to act as guarantors for repayment of the Secured Notes. In addition, certain Guarantors entered into various agreements as collateral in support of the guarantee of the Secured Notes, including (i) a security agreement by Sentinum, pursuant to which Sentinum granted to the Lenders a security interest in (a) the Miners, (b) all of the digital currency mined or otherwise generated from the Miners and (c) the membership interests of ACS, (ii) a security agreement by the Company, Ault Lending, BNI Montana and AGREE, pursuant to which those entities granted to the lenders a security interest in substantially all of their assets, as well as a pledge of equity interests in Ault Aviation, AGREE, Sentinum, Third Avenue, Ault Energy, ADTC, Eco Pack, and Circle 8 Holdco, (iii) a mortgage and security agreement by Third Avenue on the Florida Property, (iv) a future advance mortgage by ACS on the Michigan Property, (v) an aircraft mortgage and security agreement by Ault Aviation on the Aircraft, and (vi) deposit account control agreements over certain bank accounts held by certain of our subsidiaries. The Loan Agreement has customary representations, warranties and covenants including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, restricted payments and dividends, investments, asset sales and similar covenants and contains customary events of default.
The covenants and other restrictions contained in the Loan Agreement and other current or future debt agreements could, among other things, restrict our ability to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, create liens on assets, make investments, loans or advances, make acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidations and engage in certain transactions with affiliates. These restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise restrict corporate activities. In addition, substantially all of our borrowed money obligations are secured by certain of our assets.
A failure to comply with any restrictions or covenants in the Loan Agreement, or to make payments into the Segregated Account when due or make other payments we are obligated to make under Loan Agreement, could have serious consequences to our financial condition or result in a default under the Loan Agreement and under other agreements containing cross-default provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity of the debt under these debt agreements and to foreclose upon collateral securing the debt, among other remedies. Furthermore, an event of default or an acceleration under one of our debt agreements could also cause a cross-default or cross-acceleration of another debt instrument or contractual obligation, which would adversely impact our liquidity. Under these circumstances, we might not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations. We may not be granted waivers or other amendments to these debt agreements if for any reason we are unable to comply with these debt agreements, and we may not be able to restructure or refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Whether or not those kinds of actions are successful, we might seek protections of applicable bankruptcy laws. Additionally, all of our indebtedness is senior to the existing common stock in our capital structure. If we were to seek certain restructuring transactions, our creditors would experience better returns as compared to our equity holders. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on the value of our equity and on our business, financial performance, and liquidity.
To service any future indebtedness and other obligations, we will require a significant amount of cash.
Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control, and any failure to meet our debt service obligations, of which we currently have very few but may in the future incur, including our obligations under our indebtedness or future outstanding shares of preferred stock, could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance any indebtedness and outstanding preferred stock and to fund working capital needs and planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or if future borrowings are not available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us and our subsidiaries to pay our indebtedness or make dividend payments with respect to our any shares of preferred stock that we may issue, or to fund our other liquidity needs, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness or redeem the preferred stock, on or before the maturity thereof, sell assets, reduce or delay capital investments or seek to raise additional capital, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us.
In addition, we may not be able to effect any of these actions, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our ability to restructure or refinance our indebtedness or redeem the preferred stock will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt or financings related to the redemption of any shares of preferred stock that we may issue could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of future debt instruments or preferred stock may limit or prevent us from taking any of these actions. In addition, any failure to make scheduled payments of interest and principal on any future outstanding indebtedness or dividend payments on any shares of preferred stock that we may issue could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness or otherwise raise capital on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy any future debt service and other obligations, or to refinance or restructure our obligations on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would have an adverse effect, which could be material, on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Circle 8
Circle 8 uses substantial leverage in its capital structure which could adversely affect its financial condition. Although Circle 8’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio is below the industry median, operational disruptions or economic shocks could hinder Circle 8’s ability to service its debt and impact its solvency. Additionally, the industry tends to heavily rely on debt to finance expansionary initiatives, whether through organic growth or acquisitions.
Circle 8 currently has a substantial amount of outstanding debt. As of December 31, 2023, it had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $22.5 million, of which $15.9 million was borrowed from First Citizens Bank (“FCB”) in a senior secured asset-based revolving line of credit and $4.8 million consists of outstanding equipment notes with De Lage Landen Group, LLC (“DLL”) and MidCap Equipment Finance (“MicCap”). Circle 8 has the ability to increase the FCB loan by $10 million. Circle 8 may further increase its debt balance where permitted by incumbent lenders for growth and expansionary purposes. Circle 8’s substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it may:
· increase Circle 8’s vulnerability to general adverse economic, industry and competitive conditions;
· require management to dedicate a substantial portion of Circle 8’s cash flow from operations to interest payments and principal repayment, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividend payments to its owners and other general corporate purposes;
· limit Circle 8’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in Circle 8’s specific business and the industry in which it operates;
· place Circle 8 at a competitive disadvantage compared to its competitors that have less debt; and
· limit Circle 8’s ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes.
Circle 8 expects to use cash flow from operations and borrowings under the FCB commitment to meet current and future financial obligations, including funding operations, debt service and capital expenditures. Circle 8’s ability to make these payments depends on future operational performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors, many of which Circle 8 cannot control. Circle 8’s business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future or be able to appropriately adjust operations to suit organic industry developments, which could result in Circle 8’s inability to service its debt obligations, or to fund other liquidity needs. If Circle 8 has insufficient capital to cover its debt obligations, it may be forced to reduce or delay ongoing or growth activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, obtain additional debt or dilutive equity capital or restructure or refinance all or a portion of its debt, including the incumbent FCB, DLL and MidCap loans, and any other incremental loans, on or before maturity. There can be no assurance that Circle 8 will be able to accomplish any of these alternatives on terms acceptable to it or to us, if at all. In addition, the terms of existing or future indebtedness, including the agreements governing the incumbent loans, may limit Circle 8’s ability to pursue any other alternatives.
While Circle 8 has had an industry-leading safety record throughout its history, it operates in a potentially hazardous industry, and any safety incident could significantly impact its operations. A blemish on Circle 8’s safety record could lead to direct consequences such as fines, levies, and increased insurance premiums, as well as indirect consequences such as customers preferring competitors with better safety records.
The lifting solutions business is inherently risky, and accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including negligence and unforeseeable events. Despite this, Circle 8 has maintained an industry-leading safety record and has not experienced any incidents that have significantly impacted its operations. While Circle 8 has a safety program in place, it cannot guarantee protection against unforeseeable events or “acts of God.” Any safety transgressions can have a material impact on sales and operating results, leading to fines and levies, and potentially causing customers to prefer competitors with better safety records. Therefore, Circle 8 places a great emphasis on maintaining its safety program and continually improving its practices to minimize the risk of incidents occurring.
The lifting solutions business is dependent on the domestic oil markets’ activity, oil pricing, construction and industrial activities, and the overall economic conditions. Any downturn in these areas could adversely affect the demand for lifting solutions, leading to decreased sales and lower lifting solutions prices, which may result in a decline in Circle 8’s revenues, gross margins and operating results.
Circle 8 primarily provides lifting solutions for the U.S. domestic oil market. As such, any downturn in the U.S. domestic oil market or the economy as a whole could result in reduced demand for its services or lower sales prices. Additionally, its business may face temporary or long-term negative impacts due to:
· a reduction in extraction levels by customers due to increased costs and break-even oil price and lower levels of reserves due to depletion of existing reserves and resources;
· exploration and drilling are capital intensive and results are uncertain, which may limit Circle 8’s current clients’ demand for Circle 8’s services and adversely affect its ability to generate new clients;
· until it executes on its expansion program, dependence on a limited number of clients in a niche oil services market could make Circle 8 vulnerable compared to larger industry incumbents with greater client diversity;
· unfavorable credit and equity markets affecting end-user access to capital or cost of capital, also potentially increasing the all-in cash costs and break-even oil prices may make operations of its current and future clients no longer economically viable;
· adverse changes in federal, state, tribal and local government infrastructure spending;
· an increase in the cost of consumables and construction materials related to oil extraction and infrastructure construction;
· adverse weather conditions or natural disasters which may affect a particular region;
· a decrease in the level of exploration, development, production activity and capital spending by oil and natural gas companies;
· an increase in inflationary pressure on materials and labor;
· labor issues such as strikes or worker shortages;
· a prolonged shutdown of the U.S. government;
· an increase in interest rates;
· supply chain disruptions;
· changes in federal and state regulations related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions may materially adversely impact Circle 8’s and/or its clients’ revenues, operating results and profitability;
· public health crises and epidemics; or
· terrorism or hostilities involving the United States and/or its allies.
Weakness or deterioration in the oil services industry, renewables infrastructure construction, plant turn-around and public and industrial infrastructure construction sectors caused by the above or other factors could have a material adverse effect on Circle 8’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the future and may also have a material adverse effect on residual values realized on the disposition of the existing and future rental fleet.
Circle 8’s business is highly reliant on the availability of specialized skilled labor, and this dependency is particularly pronounced given the current scarcity of domestic U.S. skilled labor. This scarcity is at an all-time high, which is further compounded as labor requirements to operate in Circle 8 ‘s business becomes even more specialized.
The lifting solutions business requires licensed operators to operate safely and within U.S. domestic regulatory requirements. It takes several months and material funding to be trained to become a licensed crane operator, making the availability of qualified labor scarce for the lifting solutions industry in general and specifically in remote locations in which Circle 8’s client set operates its oil services. Availability of labor may have a significant impact on Circle 8’s ability to service its current client set and to be able to execute on its expansion program.
Additionally, the training and licensing requirements for crane operators can vary by state and even by municipality, which can create further challenges for Circle 8 in sourcing and deploying qualified labor in different geographic locations. Moreover, the competitive labor market for skilled workers in the oil services industry could potentially drive-up labor costs for Circle 8, which would impact its profitability and competitiveness.
Circle 8’s business is, directly and indirectly, dependent on a functioning global supply chain system. The oil and steel markets are global, and many suppliers, vendors, OEM’s and parts manufacturers for Circle 8 and its clients’ industries are offshore.
The lifting solutions business success is heavily dependent on the availability and efficient conversion to elevated utilization rates of the lifting assets. These metrics can be fundamentally impacted by the functionality of the global supply chain, which plays several roles in the lifting solutions business. For example, supply chain disruptions could delay the delivery of critical parts and components needed for maintenance and repair of lifting assets, leading to longer downtime periods and reduced utilization rates.
In addition, fluctuations in commodity prices could impact the cost of raw materials needed to manufacture lifting assets, potentially affecting the company’s profitability. These fluctuations, among others, could impact the efficiency and profitability of Circle 8’s lifting solutions business and can be impacted by a variety of factors, including the following:
· possible geopolitical unrest and conflict may impact ability to receive new parts or new cranes in a timely manner, if at all, to optimize utilization and ultimately, profitability;
· reliance on foreign suppliers for cranes and exposure to trade embargoes could impede its ability to procure necessary parts and equipment to execute its growth strategies and maintain its fleet;
· inflationary pressures resulting from supply chain disruptions and labor shortages could make it difficult for Circle 8 to repair and replace its crane equipment at regular costs;
· fuel price escalation could have a material impact on gross profit since it is typically approximately 7% of the operating cost structure in recent history;
· oil market sanctions and political pressure on domestic production reduction may adversely impact Circle 8’s core clients and its revenues and profitability; or
· steel market sanctions, trade embargoes and other supply chain shocks may adversely impact public and private infrastructure and renewables new construction and maintenance projects, ultimately slowing Circle 8’s strategic transition to diversify its end markets and client base.
Furthermore, as Circle 8 expands its operations, it may need to rely on suppliers and logistics partners in new geographic regions, which could expose the company to additional supply chain risks.
Circle 8’s reliance on a limited number of equipment manufacturers exposes the company to significant risks, as the termination or disruption of relationships with any of these manufacturers could adversely impact Circle 8’s ability to obtain equipment in a timely or adequate manner, potentially leading to operational disruptions and financial losses.
Circle 8 purchases most of its equipment from a leading, nationally recognized OEM. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the company did not purchase any new cranes as it was in a period of restructuring and right sizing its fleet. Prior thereto, it purchased 100% of its equipment from Manitowoc/Grove, one of the leading worldwide heavy equipment manufacturers. Utilizing one OEM reduces the number of parts and inventory items kept on hand resulting in savings, while still allowing for efficient and timely repairs and maintenance of Circle 8’s cranes. Circle 8 may diversify its equipment supplier options going forward to diversify its fleet somewhat. Utilizing a new OEM equipment manufacturer creates risk from requiring an increase in parts inventory and could have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations if the new OEM were unable to supply Circle 8 in an adequate or timely manner.
Circle 8 faces risks related to heightened inflation, recession, financial and credit market disruptions and other economic conditions.
Circle 8’s financial results, operations and forecasts depend significantly on worldwide economic and geopolitical conditions, the demand for Circle 8’s products, and the financial condition of its customers and suppliers. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty have in the past resulted, and may result in the future, in reduced demand for lifting solutions resulting in decreased sales, margins and earnings. In 2022 and 2023, the U.S. experienced significantly heightened inflationary pressures which have continued into 2024. It is difficult to fully mitigate the impact of inflation through price increases passed through to customers that are operating in commodity sector with global end market pricing mechanisms, productivity initiatives and cost savings, which could have an adverse effect on Circle 8’s financial results and position. In addition, if the U.S. economy enters a recession, Circle 8’s sales may decline, which could have an adverse effect on its overall business, operating results and financial condition. Similarly, disruptions in financial and/or credit markets may impact Circle 8’s ability to manage normal commercial relationships with its customers, suppliers and creditors. Further, in the event of a recession or threat of a recession, Circle 8’s customers and suppliers may suffer their own financial and economic challenges and as a result they may demand pricing accommodations, delay payment, or become insolvent, which could harm Circle 8’s ability to meet its customer demands or collect revenue or otherwise could harm the business and its ability to service incumbent loans, ultimately leading to possible insolvency. An economic or credit crisis could occur and impair credit availability and Circle 8’s ability to raise capital as required for ongoing working capital, maintenance capital and expansion capex. A disruption in the financial markets could impair Circle 8’s banking or other business partners, on whom it relies for access to capital. In addition, changes in tax or interest rates in the U.S. or other nations, whether due to recession, economic disruptions or other reasons, could have an adverse effect on Circle 8’s operating results. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty may also lead to asset impairment, restructuring actions or adjust Circle 8’s operating strategy and reduce expenses in response to decreased sales or margins. Circle 8 may not be able to adequately adjust its cost structure in a timely fashion, which could have an adverse effect on its operating results and financial condition. Uncertainty about economic conditions may increase foreign currency volatility in markets in which it transacts business, which could have an adverse effect on Circle 8’s operating results.
The inability to forecast trends accurately may have an adverse impact on Circle 8’s business and financial condition.
An economic downturn or economic uncertainty makes it difficult to forecast trends. For example, the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19, and its impact on Circle 8’s operational and financial performance was highly dependent on the depth and duration of the pandemic, as well as the government-mandated restrictions on economic activity and government economic stimulus packages passed in response to the economic downturn. More recently, rising interest rates, higher than expected inflation, and several bank failures also underscore the potential impact of ongoing economic risks to Circle 8’s operations and financial performance. These factors can lead to increased borrowing costs, reduced consumer spending, and reduced access to credit, among other potential challenges.
This uncertainty makes it difficult to forecast Circle 8’s future operating performance, cash flows and financial position, which could have an adverse impact on its business and financial condition. Additionally, uncertainty regarding future oil and natural gas prices have negatively impacted the exploration, production and construction activity of Circle 8’s customers in those markets. Uncertainty regarding future lifting solutions demand could cause Circle 8 to maintain excess equipment inventory and increase its equipment inventory carrying costs, decrease utilization and cause a technical default in certain covenants. Alternatively, difficulty forecasting, in addition to labor shortages and supply chain disruptions could cause a shortage incremental rental equipment that could result in an inability to satisfy demand for Circle 8 service and a loss of market share.
Circle 8’s revenue and operating results may fluctuate, which could result in a decline in profitability and make it more difficult to grow the business.
Circle 8’s revenue and operating results have historically varied from month to month and quarter to quarter. Periods of decline could result in an overall decline in profitability and make it more difficult to adequately service indebtedness and grow the business using incremental leverage. It can be expected that Circle 8’s quarterly results will continue to fluctuate in the future due to a number of factors, including the following:
· general economic conditions in the markets in which the company operates;
· the cyclical nature of Circle 8’s customers’ business, particularly Circle 8’s oil services customer and prospective customers in the construction industry;
· sales patterns in general in the construction industry, with sales activity tending to be lower in the winter months, which causes significant volatility in utilization;
· changes in the size of Circle 8’s fleet due to rapid growth followed by a slow-down and Circle 8’s ability to service and maintain its fleet in a timely manner;
· an overcapacity of fleet in the crane services industry;
· severe weather and seismic conditions temporarily affecting the regions in which Circle 8 operates;
· supply chain or other disruptions that impact its ability to obtain equipment and other supplies from key suppliers on acceptable terms or at all;
· changes in corporate spending for plants and facilities or changes in government spending for infrastructure projects;
· changes in interest rates and related changes in Circle 8’s interest expense and debt service obligations; or
· the possible need, from time to time, to record impairment charges or other write-offs or charges due to a variety of occurrences, such as the impairment of assets, existing location divestitures, dislocation in the equity and/or credit markets, consolidations or closings, restructurings, or the refinancing of existing indebtedness.
Circle 8 is subject to competition, which may have a material adverse effect on its business by reducing its ability to increase or maintain revenues or profitability.
The full-service crane services and lifting solutions industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Many of the markets in which Circle 8 operates are served by numerous competitors, ranging from global, national and multi-regional equipment rental companies to small, independent businesses with a limited number of locations. Circle 8 has historically competed on the basis of availability, quality, reliability, delivery and price. Some of Circle 8’s competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than it does, and may be able to reduce rates. Circle 8 may encounter increased competition from existing competitors or new market entrants in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The cost of new Circle 8 rental fleet units may increase and therefore may require a larger equity investment equipment. In some cases, it may not be possible to procure equipment on a timely basis due to supplier constraints, among other reasons.
The cost of new equipment from manufacturers of Circle 8 fleet may increase because of increased raw material costs, including increases in the cost of steel, which is a primary material used in almost all of the equipment Circle 8 uses, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions or due to increased regulatory requirements, such as those related to emissions. In addition, in an effort to combat climate change, Circle 8’s customers may require Circle 8’s fleet to meet certain standards which may not be able to be met without capital intensive and time-consuming fleet unit retrofits or ultimately cost prohibitive replacements. If such retrofits or replacements cannot be achieved in a timely manner, or at all, Circle 8’s sales, financial results and financial position would be materially adversely impacted. These increases could materially impact Circle 8’s financial condition or results of operations in future periods if Circle 8 is not able to pass such cost increases through to its customers.
Circle 8’s fleet is subject to residual value risk upon disposition.
The market value of any given piece of equipment could be less than its depreciated value at the time it is sold. The market value of used rental equipment depends on several factors, including:
· general economic conditions in the markets in which the company operates;
· wear and tear on the equipment relative to its age;
· the time of year that it is sold (prices are generally higher during the busy season);
· worldwide and domestic demands for used equipment;
· the supply of used equipment on the market; and
· general economic conditions.
Circle 8 typically includes in operating income the difference between the sales price and the depreciated value of an item of equipment sold. Although for the year ended December 31, 2023, Circle 8 sold used equipment from Circle 8 rental fleet reducing its fleet from 75 to 55 cranes at an average selling price above of net orderly liquidation value, it cannot be assured that used equipment selling prices will not decline. Any significant decline in the selling prices for used equipment could have a material adverse effect on Circle 8’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
As Circle 8’s rental fleet ages, its operating costs may increase, it may be unable to pass along such costs to customers, and earnings may decrease. The costs of new fleet units may increase, requiring Circle 8 to spend more for replacement equipment or preventing it from procuring equipment on a timely basis.
If Circle 8’s rental equipment ages, the costs of maintaining such equipment, if not replaced within a certain period of time, will likely increase. The costs of maintenance may materially increase in the future and could lead to material adverse effects on Circle 8’s results of operations. The cost of new equipment for use in Circle 8’s rental fleet could also increase due to increased material costs for its suppliers (including tariffs on raw materials) or other factors beyond Circle 8’s control. Such increases could materially adversely impact Circle 8’s financial condition and results of operations in future periods. Furthermore, changes in customer demand could cause certain of Circle 8’s existing equipment to become obsolete and require Circle 8 to purchase new equipment at increased costs.
Labor disputes could disrupt Circle 8’s ability to serve its customers and/or lead to higher labor costs.
As of December 31, 2023, Circle 8 had approximately 143 employees in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, none of whom is unionized. While Circle 8 has no current plans to unionize any of its locations, it recognizes the possibility of a branch or group of branches in a state becoming unionized against Circle 8’s wishes in the future. However, Circle 8 is committed to maintaining positive and productive relationships with its employees without union influence, prioritizing open communication and collaboration to address any concerns and ensure a positive work environment.
Any Circle 8 employee’s union organizing efforts or collective bargaining negotiations could potentially lead to work stoppages and/or slowdowns or strikes by certain Circle 8 employees, which could adversely affect its ability to serve its customers.
Climate change, climate change regulations and greenhouse effects may materially adversely impact Circle 8 operations and markets.
Climate change and its association with greenhouse gas emissions is receiving increased attention from the scientific and political communities. The U.S. federal government, certain U.S. states and certain other countries and regions have adopted or are considering legislation or regulation imposing overall caps or taxes on greenhouse gas emissions from certain sectors or facility categories. Such new laws or regulations, or stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, could increase the costs of operating Circle 8’s businesses, reduce the demand for its products and services and impact the prices charged to customers, any or all of which could adversely affect Circle 8’s results of operations. Failure to comply with any legislation or regulations could potentially result in substantial fines, criminal sanctions or operational changes. Moreover, even without such legislation or regulation, the perspectives of Circle 8’s customers, employees and other stakeholders regarding climate change are continuing to evolve, and increased awareness of, or any adverse publicity regarding, the effects of greenhouse gases could harm Circle 8’s reputation or reduce customer demand for Circle 8’s products and services. Additionally, as severe weather events become increasingly common, Circle 8’s and its customers’ operations may be disrupted, which could result in increased operational costs or reduced demand for its products and services, which could have an adverse effect on Circle 8’s results of operations. In addition, climate change may also reduce the availability or increase the cost of insurance for weather-related events and may impact the global economy, including as a result of disruptions to supply chains. Circle 8 anticipates that climate change-related risks will increase over time.
Risks Related to Our Bitcoin Operations
Risks Related to Our Bitcoin Operations - General
To remain competitive in our industry, we would need to seek to grow our hash rate to match the growing network hash rate and increasing network difficulty of the Bitcoin blockchain, and if we are unable to grow our hash rate at pace with the network hash rate, our chance of earning Bitcoin from our Mining operations would decline.
As the adoption of Bitcoin has increased, the price of Bitcoin has generally appreciated, causing the demand for new Bitcoin rewards for successfully solving blocks on the Bitcoin blockchain to likewise increase. This has encouraged more miners to attempt to mine Bitcoin, which increases the global network hash rate deployed in support of the Bitcoin blockchain.
Because a miner’s relative chance of successfully solving a block and earning a new Bitcoin reward is generally a function of the ratio the miner’s individual hash rate bears to the global network hash rate, as the global network hash rate increases, a miner must increase its individual hash rate to maintain its chances of earning new Bitcoin rewards. Therefore, as new miners enter the industry and as miners deploy greater and greater numbers of increasingly powerful machines, existing miners must seek to continually increase their hash rate to remain competitive. Thus, a feedback loop is created: as Bitcoin gains popularity and its relative market price increases, more miners attempt to mine Bitcoin and the Bitcoin network hash rate is increased; in response, existing miners and new miners devote more and more hash rate to the Bitcoin blockchain by deploying greater numbers of increasingly powerful machines in an attempt to ensure their ability to earn additional Bitcoin rewards does not decrease. Compounding this feedback loop, the network difficulty of the Bitcoin network (i.e., the amount of work (measured in hashes) necessary to solve a block) is periodically adjusted to maintain the pace of new block additions (with one new block added to the blockchain approximately every ten minutes), and thereby control the supply of Bitcoin. As miners deploy more hash rate and the Bitcoin network hash rate is increased, the Bitcoin network difficulty is adjusted upwards by requiring more hash rate to be deployed to solve a block. Thus, miners are further incentivized to grow their hash rate to maintain their chance of earning new Bitcoin rewards. In theory, these dual processes should continually replicate themselves until the supply of available Bitcoin is exhausted. In response, miners have attempted to achieve greater hash rate by deploying increasingly sophisticated miners and expensive miners in ever greater quantities. This has become the Bitcoin mining industry’s great “arms race.” Moreover, because there are very few manufacturers of miners capable of producing a sufficient number of miners of adequate quality to meet this need, scarcity results, leading to higher prices. Compounding this phenomenon, it has been observed that some manufacturers of Bitcoin miners may increase the prices for new miners as the market price of Bitcoin increases.
Accordingly, to maintain our chances of earning new Bitcoin rewards and remaining competitive in our industry, we would need to seek to continually add new miners to grow our hash rate at pace with the growth in the Bitcoin network hash rate. However, until such time as we have access to a sufficient amount of power to run all of our existing Bitcoin miners outside of our Michigan Facility, we do not anticipate purchasing additional miners to grow our hash rate. Further, as demand has increased and scarcity in the supply of new miners has resulted, the price of new miners has increased sharply, and we expect this process to continue in the future as demand for Bitcoin increases. Therefore, if and when we do look to purchase additional miners, if the price of Bitcoin is not sufficiently high to allow us to fund our hash rate growth through new miner acquisitions and if we are otherwise unable to access additional capital to acquire these miners, our hash rate may further stagnate and we may fall behind our competitors. If this happens, our chances of earning new Bitcoin rewards would decline and, as such, our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.
Acceptance and/or widespread use of Bitcoin is uncertain.
Currently, there is a limited use of any Bitcoin in the retail and commercial marketplace, thus contributing to price volatility that could adversely affect an investment in our securities. Banks and other established financial institutions may refuse to process funds for Bitcoin transactions or process wire transfers to or from Bitcoin exchanges, Bitcoin-related companies or service providers, which we have experienced, or maintain accounts for persons or entities transacting in Bitcoin. Conversely, a significant portion of Bitcoin demand is generated by investors seeking a long-term store of value or speculators seeking to profit from the short- or long-term holding of the asset. Price volatility undermines Bitcoin’s role as a medium of exchange, as retailers are much less likely to accept it as a form of payment. Market capitalization for a Bitcoin as a medium of exchange and payment method may always be low.
The relative lack of acceptance of Bitcoins in the retail and commercial marketplace, or a reduction of such use, limits the ability of end users to use them to pay for goods and services. Such lack of acceptance or decline in acceptances could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our business strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations and potentially the value of Bitcoins we mine or otherwise acquire or hold for our own account.
The development and acceptance of cryptographic and algorithmic protocols governing the issuance of and transactions in cryptocurrencies is subject to a variety of special economic, geopolitical and regulatory factors, which could slow the growth of the industry in general and our company as a result.
The use of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, to, among other things, buy and sell goods and services and complete transactions, is part of a new and rapidly evolving industry that employs cryptocurrency assets based upon a computer-generated mathematical and/or cryptographic protocol. Large-scale acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment has not, and may never, occur. The growth of this industry in general, and the use of Bitcoin in particular, is subject to a high degree of uncertainty, and the slowing or stopping of the development or acceptance of developing protocols may occur unpredictably. The factors include, but are not limited to:
· the progress of worldwide growth in the adoption and use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange;
· the experience of businesses in using Bitcoin;
· the impact from prominent business leaders in criticizing Bitcoin’s potential harm to the environment and the effect of announcements critical of Bitcoin, such as those that occurred with Elon Musk of Tesla;
· governmental and organizational regulation of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and their use, or restrictions on or regulation of access to and operation of the network or similar cryptocurrency systems (such as the 2021 ban in China);
· changes in consumer demographics and public tastes and preferences, including as may result from coverage of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies by journalists and other sources of information and media;
· the maintenance and development of the open-source software protocol of the network;
· the increased consolidation of contributors to the Bitcoin blockchain through mining pools and scaling of mining equipment by well-capitalized market participants;
· the availability and popularity of other forms or methods of buying and selling goods and services, including new means of using fiat currencies;
· the use of the networks supporting Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for developing smart contracts and distributed applications;
· general economic conditions and the regulatory environment relating to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies;
· the impact of regulators focusing on cryptocurrencies and the costs, financial and otherwise, associated with such regulatory oversight; and
· a decline in the popularity or acceptance of Bitcoin could adversely affect an investment in us.
The outcome of these factors could have negative effects on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our business strategy, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations as well as potentially negative effects on the value of any Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies we mine or otherwise acquire, which would harm investors in our securities. If Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies we mine do not gain widespread market acceptance or accrete in value over time, our prospects and your investment in us would diminish.
The digital asset exchanges on which cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and thus may be exposed to fraud and failure. Such failures may result in a reduction in the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and can adversely affect an investment in us.
Digital asset exchanges on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and, in most cases, largely unregulated. Many digital exchanges do not provide the public with significant information regarding their ownership structure, management teams, corporate practices or regulatory compliance. As a result, the marketplace may lose confidence in, or may experience problems relating to, cryptocurrency exchanges, including prominent exchanges handling a significant portion of the volume of digital asset trading.
A perceived lack of stability in the digital asset exchange market and the closure or temporary shutdown of digital asset exchanges due to business failure, hackers or malware, government-mandated regulation, or fraud, may reduce confidence in digital asset networks and result in greater volatility in cryptocurrency values. These potential consequences of a digital asset exchange’s failure could adversely affect an investment in us.
We may face several risks due to disruptions in the digital asset markets, including but not limited to the risk from depreciation in our stock price, financing risk, risk of increased losses or impairments in our investments or other assets, risks of legal proceedings and government investigations, and risks from price declines or price volatility of digital assets.
In the second half of 2022 and beginning of 2023, some of the well-known digital asset market participants, including Celsius Network, Voyager Digital Ltd., Three Arrows Capital and Genesis Global Holdco LLC, declared bankruptcy, resulting in a loss of confidence in participants of the digital asset ecosystem and negative publicity surrounding digital assets more broadly. In November 2022, FTX, the third-largest digital asset exchange by volume at the time, halted customer withdrawals, and shortly thereafter, FTX and its subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy.
In response to these and other similar events (including significant activity by various regulators regarding digital asset activities, such as enforcement actions, against a variety of digital asset entities, including Coinbase and Binance), the digital asset markets, including the market for Bitcoin specifically, have experienced extreme price volatility and several other entities in the digital asset industry have been, and may continue to be, negatively affected, further undermining confidence in the digital asset markets and in Bitcoin. These events have also negatively impacted the liquidity of the digital asset markets as certain entities affiliated with FTX and platforms such as Coinbase and Binance have engaged, or may continue to engage, in significant trading activity. If the liquidity of the digital asset markets continues to be negatively impacted by these events, digital asset prices (including the price of Bitcoin) may continue to experience significant volatility and confidence in the digital asset markets may be further undermined. These events are continuing to develop and it is not possible to predict at this time all of the risks that they may pose to us, our service providers or on the digital asset industry as a whole.
Although we had no direct exposure to FTX or any of the above-mentioned cryptocurrency companies, nor any material assets that may not be recovered or may otherwise be lost or misappropriated due to the above-mentioned bankruptcies, the failure or insolvency of large exchanges like FTX or other significant players in the digital asset space may cause the price of Bitcoin to fall and decrease confidence in the ecosystem, which could adversely affect an investment in us. To date, the disruptions to the digital assets markets have not materially impacted our operations or financial condition. However, no assurances can be given that future disruptions will not have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Political or economic crises may motivate large-scale sales of cryptocurrencies, which could result in a reduction in values of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and adversely affect an investment in us.
Geopolitical crises, in particular major ones such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas as well as its supporters, may motivate large-scale purchases of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which could increase the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rapidly. This may increase the likelihood of a subsequent price decrease as crisis-driven purchasing behavior dissipates, adversely affecting the value of our Bitcoin following such downward adjustment. Such risks are similar to the risks of purchasing commodities in general uncertain times, such as the risk of purchasing, holding or selling gold. Alternatively, as an emerging asset class with limited acceptance as a payment system or commodity, global crises and general economic downturn may discourage investment in cryptocurrencies as investors focus their investment on less volatile asset classes as a means of hedging their investment risk.
As an alternative to fiat currencies that are backed by central governments, cryptocurrencies, which are relatively new, are subject to supply and demand forces. How such supply and demand will be impacted by geopolitical events is largely uncertain but could be harmful to us and investors in our common stock. Political or economic crises may motivate large-scale acquisitions or sales of cryptocurrencies either globally or locally. Such events could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our new strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations and potentially the value of any Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrencies we mine or otherwise acquire or hold for our own account.
Negative media attention and public perception surrounding energy consumption by cryptocurrency mining may adversely affect our reputation and, consequently, our stock price; particularly in the eyes of some of our investors who may be more interested in our non-crypto operations as a holding company.
Cryptocurrency mining has experienced negative media attention surrounding its perceived high electricity use and environmental impact, which has adversely influenced public perception of the industry as a whole. We believe these factors are overstated for the cryptocurrency mining industry because of the informational disparity between cryptocurrency mining and other energy intensive industries. Cryptocurrency miners (particularly Bitcoin miners) have freely and publicly disclosed their energy consumption statistics because electricity usage, and the associated utility fees, is a cost of production. As increasing numbers of publicly traded cryptocurrency miners enter the market, more data, reliably disclosed in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), has become available; however, such data has not been made as readily available for competitive payment systems and fiat currencies.
Nevertheless, this negative media attention and public perception may materially and adversely affect our reputation and, consequently, our stock price, particularly in the eyes of our investors who are more interested in our non-crypto operations as a holding company. As a single company within the broader cryptocurrency industry, we are likely incapable of effectively countering this negative media attention and affecting public perception. Therefore, we may not be able to adequately respond to these external pressures, which may cause a significant decline in the price of our common stock.
Banks and financial institutions may not provide banking services, or may cut off services, to businesses like us that engage in cryptocurrency-related activities.
A number of companies that engage in Bitcoin and/or other cryptocurrency-related activities have been unable to find banks or financial institutions that are willing to provide them with bank accounts and other services. Similarly, a number of companies and individuals or businesses associated with cryptocurrencies may have had and may continue to have their existing bank accounts closed or services discontinued with financial institutions in response to government action. The difficulty that many businesses that provide Bitcoin and/or derivatives on other cryptocurrency-related activities have and may continue to have in finding banks and financial institutions willing to provide them services may be decreasing the usefulness of cryptocurrencies as a payment system and harming public perception of cryptocurrencies, and could decrease their usefulness and harm their public perception in the future.
The usefulness of cryptocurrencies as a payment system and the public perception of cryptocurrencies could be damaged if banks or financial institutions were to close the accounts of businesses engaging in Bitcoin and/or other cryptocurrency-related activities. This could occur as a result of compliance risk, cost, government regulation or public pressure. The risk applies to securities firms, clearance and settlement firms, national securities exchanges and derivatives on commodities exchanges, the over-the-counter market, and the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), which, if any of such entities adopts or implements similar policies, rules or regulations, could negatively affect our relationships with financial institutions and impede our ability to convert cryptocurrencies to fiat currencies. Such factors could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to monetize our mining efforts, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations and harm investors.
The price of cryptocurrencies may be affected by the sale of such cryptocurrencies by other vehicles investing in cryptocurrencies or tracking cryptocurrency markets. Such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations and potentially the value of any Bitcoin we mine.
The global market for cryptocurrency is characterized by supply constraints that differ from those present in the markets for commodities or other assets such as gold and silver. The mathematical protocols under which certain cryptocurrencies are mined permit the creation of a limited, predetermined amount of digital currency, while others have no limit established on total supply. Increased numbers of miners and deployed mining power globally will likely continue to increase the available supply of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which may depress their market price. Further, large “block sales” involving significant numbers of Bitcoin following appreciation in the market price of Bitcoin may also increase the supply of Bitcoin available on the market, which, without a corresponding increase in customer demand, may cause its price to fall. Currently, the loss of customer demand is also accentuated by disruptions in the crypto assets market. Additionally, to the extent that other vehicles investing in cryptocurrencies or tracking cryptocurrency markets form and come to represent a significant proportion of the customer demand for cryptocurrencies, including the recent approval of Bitcoin exchange traded funds, large redemptions of the securities of those vehicles and the subsequent sale of cryptocurrencies by such vehicles could negatively affect cryptocurrency prices and therefore affect the value of the cryptocurrency inventory we hold. Such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations and potentially the value of any Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies we may in the future mine.
The nature of our business requires the application of complex financial accounting rules, and there is limited guidance from accounting standard setting bodies. If financial accounting standards undergo significant changes, our operating results could be adversely affected.
The accounting rules and regulations that we must comply with are complex and subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the SEC, and various bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. In addition, the accounting policies of many companies are being subjected to heightened scrutiny by regulators and the public, and we have received comments from the staff of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance Office of Crypto Assets (the “Staff”) during fiscal year 2023 related to the accounting of our Bitcoin-related operations, among other things.
A change in these principles or interpretations could have a significant effect on our reported financial results, and may even affect the reporting of transactions completed before the announcement or effectiveness of a change. Recent actions and public comments from the FASB and the SEC have focused on the integrity of financial reporting and internal controls. In addition, many companies’ accounting policies are being subject to heightened scrutiny by regulators and the public. Further, there have been limited precedents for the financial accounting of crypto assets and related valuation and revenue recognition. As such, there remains significant uncertainty on how companies can account for crypto asset transactions, crypto assets, and related revenue. Uncertainties in or changes to in regulatory or financial accounting standards, particularly as they relate to the Company, the financial accounting of our Bitcoin-related operations, and the SEC comments we have received in respect of such matters, could result in the need to changing our accounting methods and restate our financial statements and impair our ability to provide timely and accurate financial information, which could adversely affect our financial statements, result in a loss of investor confidence, and more generally impact our business, operating results, and financial condition. Recent additional FASB and additional guidance may also impact our business, including our accounting policies and procedures. In addition, receipt of SEC comments as a result of the limited precedent set for financial accounting of digital assets may impact or delay our ability to register certain securities and our ability to access capital markets needed to fund our ongoing growth and operations.
Since there has been a limited precedent set for financial accounting of digital assets, including Bitcoin, it is unclear how we will be required to account for transactions involving digital assets.
Because there has been limited precedent set for the financial accounting of cryptocurrencies and related revenue recognition and no official guidance has yet been provided by the FASB or the SEC for Bitcoin miners, it is unclear how Bitcoin miners may in the future be required to account for cryptocurrency transactions and assets and related revenue recognition. A change in regulatory or financial accounting standards or interpretations by the SEC, particularly as they relate to the Company and the financial accounting of our Bitcoin-related operations, could result in changes in our accounting and the necessity to restate our financial statements. In addition, the accounting policies of many companies are being subjected to heightened scrutiny by regulators and the public, and we have received comments from the Staff during fiscal year 2023 related to the accounting of our Bitcoin-related operations. Such continued uncertainty with regard to financial accounting matters, particularly as they relate to the Company, the financial accounting of our bitcoin-related operations and the SEC comments we have received in respect of such matters, could negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to raise capital. In addition, receipt of SEC comments may impact or delay our ability to register certain securities and our ability to access capital markets needed to fund our ongoing growth and operations.
Risks Related to Our Bitcoin Operations - Operational and Financial
Our results of operations are expected to be impacted by fluctuations in the price of Bitcoin because a significant portion of our revenue is expected to come from Bitcoin mining production.
The price of Bitcoin has experienced significant fluctuations over its relatively short existence and may continue to fluctuate significantly in the future. Bitcoin prices ranged from approximately $16,548 per coin as of December 31, 2022 to $42,280 per coin as of December 31, 2023, with a high of $44,705 per coin and a low of $16,521 per coin during 2023, according to Coin Market Cap. During the first three months of 2024, Bitcoin prices have ranged as low as $38,522 and as high as $73,750. As of April 10, 2024, the price of Bitcoin was approximately $70,500.
We expect our results of operations to continue to be affected by the Bitcoin price as a significant portion of our revenue is expected to come from Bitcoin mining production. Any future significant reductions in the price of Bitcoin will likely have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We cannot assure you that the Bitcoin price will remain high enough to sustain our operations or that the price of Bitcoin will not decline significantly in the future. Further, fluctuations in the Bitcoin price can have an immediate impact on the trading price of our shares even before our financial performance is affected, if at all.
Various factors, mostly beyond our control, could impact the Bitcoin price. For example, the usage of Bitcoins in the retail and commercial marketplace is relatively low in comparison with the usage for speculation, which contributes to Bitcoin’s price volatility. Additionally, the reward for Bitcoin mining will decline over time, with the most recent halving event having occurred in May 2020 and the next one expected to occur in April 2024, which may further contribute to Bitcoin price volatility.
Risk related to technological advancements and obsolescence of current bitcoin mining equipment.
Our operations are exposed to the risk of rapid technological advancements in the development and production of Bitcoin mining equipment, which could render our existing mining infrastructure obsolete and adversely impact our financial performance.
The Bitcoin mining industry is characterized by rapid technological change, with companies continually developing and deploying new mining equipment and techniques to enhance computational efficiency and reduce energy consumption. These advancements may outpace our ability to adapt, maintain, and upgrade our mining equipment, thereby negatively affecting our competitive position and operational efficiency. As a result, we may be required to make significant capital investments to acquire and implement new technology to maintain our competitiveness.
If we are unable to anticipate or adapt to such advancements, or if we fail to allocate our resources efficiently, we may be forced to rely on outdated equipment that becomes increasingly inefficient and expensive to maintain. Moreover, the emergence of more advanced mining technologies could lead to an increase in the overall mining difficulty, further reducing the effectiveness of our existing equipment and diminishing our mining rewards.
Additionally, there is a risk that our competitors, who may have greater financial resources and flexibility, will be better positioned to adopt emerging technologies and gain a competitive advantage. This could result in a decline in our market share, revenue, and profitability.
Inability to manage these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Because of our focus on Bitcoin mining, the trading price of shares of our common stock may increase or decrease with the trading price of Bitcoin, which subjects investors to pricing risks, including “bubble” type risks, and volatility.
The trading prices of our common stock may at times be tied to the trading prices of Bitcoin. Specifically, we may experience adverse effects on our stock price when the value of Bitcoin drops. Furthermore, if the market for Bitcoin mine operators’ shares or the stock market in general experiences a loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, operating results or financial condition. The trading price of our common stock could be subject to arbitrary pricing factors that are not necessarily associated with traditional factors that influence stock prices or the value of non-cryptocurrency assets such as revenue, cash flows, profitability, growth prospects or business activity since the value and price, as determined by the investing public, may be influenced by uncertain contingencies such as future anticipated adoption or appreciation in value of cryptocurrencies or blockchains generally, and other factors over which we have little or no influence or control.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency market prices, which have historically been volatile and are impacted by a variety of factors, are determined primarily using data from various exchanges, over-the-counter markets and derivative platforms. Furthermore, such prices may be subject to factors such as those that impact commodities, more so than business activities, which could be affected by additional influence from fraudulent or illegitimate actors, real or perceived scarcity, and political, economic, regulatory or other conditions. Pricing may be the result of, and may continue to result in, speculation regarding future appreciation in the value of cryptocurrencies, or our share price, making their market prices more volatile or creating “bubble” type risks for the trading price of Bitcoin.
The price of Bitcoin has experienced significant fluctuations over its relatively short existence and may continue to fluctuate significantly in the future. For example, the price of Bitcoin ranged from approximately $17,000 to approximately $44,000 during 2023, and was approximately $70,500 as of April 10, 2024, according to Coin Market Cap. There can be no assurance that similar fluctuations in the trading price of Bitcoin will not occur in 2024 and in the future. Accordingly, since our revenue will depend in part on the price of Bitcoin, and the trading price of our securities may therefore at times be connected to the trading price of Bitcoin, if the trading price of Bitcoin again experiences a significant decline, we could experience a similar decline in revenue and/or in the trading price for shares of our common stock. If this occurs, you may lose some or all of your investment.
Our future success will depend in part upon the value of Bitcoin. The value of Bitcoin may be subject to pricing risk and has historically been subject to wide swings.
Our operating results from this sector will depend in part upon the value of Bitcoin because it is the sole digital asset we currently mine. Specifically, our revenues from our Bitcoin mining operations are principally based upon two factors: the number of Bitcoin rewards we successfully mine and the value of Bitcoin. We also receive transaction fees paid in Bitcoin by participants who initiated transactions associated with new blocks that we mine. Our strategy currently focuses primarily on Bitcoin (as opposed to other digital assets). Further, our miners are principally utilized for mining Bitcoin and cannot mine other digital assets that are not mined utilizing the “SHA-256 algorithm.” If other digital assets were to achieve acceptance at the expense of Bitcoin, causing the value of Bitcoin to decline, or if Bitcoin were to switch its proof of work algorithm from SHA-256 to another algorithm for which our miners are not specialized, or the value of Bitcoin were to decline for other reasons, particularly if such decline were significant or over an extended period of time, our operating results would be adversely affected, and there could be a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our business strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations, and harm investors.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency market prices, which have historically been volatile and are impacted by a variety of factors are determined primarily using data from various exchanges, over-the-counter markets and derivative platforms. Such prices may be subject to factors such as those that impact commodities, more so than business activities, which could be subject to additional influence from fraudulent or illegitimate actors, real or perceived scarcity, and political, economic, regulatory or other conditions. Pricing may be the result of, and may continue to result in, speculation regarding future appreciation in the value of digital assets, or our share price, inflating and making their market prices more volatile or creating “bubble” type risks for both Bitcoin and our shares of common stock.
We may be unable to raise additional capital needed to grow our Bitcoin mining business.
We have operated and expect to continue to operate at a loss as we continue to establish our business model and as Bitcoin prices continue to experience significant volatility. In addition, we expect to need to raise additional capital to fund our working capital requirements, expand our operations, pursue our growth strategy and to respond to competitive pressures or working capital requirements. We may not be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms, if at all, which could impair our growth and adversely affect our existing operations. The global economy, including credit and financial markets, has recently experienced extreme volatility and disruptions, including diminished credit availability, rising interest and inflation rates, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates and uncertainty about economic stability. Such macroeconomic conditions could also make it more difficult for us to incur additional debt or obtain equity financing. If we raise additional equity financing, our stockholders may experience significant dilution of their ownership interests, and the per share value of our common stock could decline. Further, if we engage in additional debt financing, the holders of debt likely would have priority over the holders of our common stock on order of payment preference. We may be required to accept terms that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, take other actions including accepting terms that require us to maintain specified liquidity or other ratios that could otherwise not be in the interests of our stockholders. Further, the crypto assets industry has been negatively impacted by recent events such as the bankruptcies of Celsius Network, Voyager Digital, BlockFi, FTX and Genesis Global. In response to these events, the digital asset markets, including the market for Bitcoin specifically, have experienced extreme price volatility and several other entities in the digital asset industry have been, and may continue to be, negatively affected, further undermining confidence in the digital assets markets and in Bitcoin. Increased credit pressures on the cryptocurrency industry, such as banks, investors and other companies reducing or eliminating their exposure to the cryptocurrency industry through lending, have had and may continue to have a material impact on our business. In light of conditions impacting our industry, it may be more difficult for us to obtain equity or debt financing in the future.
The emergence of competing blockchain platforms or technologies may harm our business as presently conducted by preventing us from realizing the anticipated profits from our investments and forcing us to expend additional capital in an effort to adapt.
If blockchain platforms or technologies which compete with Bitcoin and its blockchain, including competing cryptocurrencies which our miners may not be able to mine, such as cryptocurrencies being developed or that may be developed by popular social media platforms, online retailers, or government sponsored cryptocurrencies, consumers may use such alternative platforms or technologies. If that were to occur, we would face difficulty adapting to such emergent digital ledgers, blockchains, or alternative platforms, cryptocurrencies or other digital assets. This may adversely affect us by preventing us from realizing the anticipated profits from our investments and forcing us to expend additional capital in an effort to adapt. Further, to the extent we cannot adapt, be it due to our specialized miners or otherwise, we could be forced to cease our mining or other cryptocurrency-related operations. Such circumstances would have a material adverse effect on our business, and in turn your investment in our securities.
There is a risk that some or all of the Bitcoin we hold could be lost or stolen.
There is a risk that some or all of the Bitcoin we hold could be lost or stolen. In general, cryptocurrencies are stored in cryptocurrency sites commonly referred to as “wallets” by holders of cryptocurrencies which may be accessed to exchange a holder’s cryptocurrency assets. Access to our Bitcoin could also be restricted by cybercrime (such as a denial of service attack). While we have taken steps to attempt to secure the Bitcoin we hold, there can be no assurance our efforts to protect our cryptocurrencies will be successful.
Hackers or malicious actors may launch attacks to steal, compromise or secure cryptocurrencies, such as by attacking the cryptocurrency network source code, exchange miners, third-party platforms, cold and hot storage locations or software, or by other means. Any of these events may adversely affect our operations and, consequently, our ability to generate revenue and become profitable. The loss or destruction of a private key required to access our digital wallets may be irreversible and we may be denied access for all time to our Bitcoin holdings. Our loss of access to our private keys or our experience of a data loss relating to our digital wallets could adversely affect our business.
Cryptocurrencies are controllable only by the possessor of both the unique public and private keys relating to the local or online digital wallet in which they are held, which wallet’s public key or address is reflected in the network’s public blockchain. We will be required to publish the public key relating to digital wallets in use when we verify the receipt of transfers and disseminate such information into the network, but we will need to safeguard the private keys relating to such digital wallets. To the extent such private keys are lost, destroyed or otherwise compromised, we will be unable to access our Bitcoin rewards and such private keys may not be capable of being restored by any network. Any loss of private keys relating to digital wallets used to store our mined Bitcoin could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and ability to continue as a going concern, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations and potentially the value of any Bitcoin we mine. For example, the New York Times reported in January 2021 that about 20% of existing Bitcoin appears to be “lost” due to password issues.
We rely on one or more third parties for depositing, storing and withdrawing the Bitcoin we receive, which could result in a loss of assets, disputes and other liabilities or risks which could adversely impact our business.
We currently use a custodial wallet to store the Bitcoin we receive. In order to own, transfer and use Bitcoin on the blockchain network, we must have a private and public key pair associated with a network address, commonly referred to as a “wallet.” Each wallet is associated with a unique “public key” and “private key” pair, each of which is a string of alphanumerical characters. To deposit Bitcoin into our digital wallet, we must direct the transaction to the public key of a wallet that our Gemini custodial account controls and provides to us, and broadcast the deposit transaction onto the underlying blockchain network. To withdraw Bitcoin from our custodial account, an assigned account representative must initiate the transaction from our custodial account, then an approver must approve the transaction. Once the custodian has verified that the request is valid and who the recipient is through Know Your Customer/Anti-Money Laundering protocols, the custodian then “signs” a transaction authorizing the transfer. In addition, some cryptocurrency networks require additional information to be provided in connection with any transfer of cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.
A number of errors or other adverse events can occur in the process of depositing, storing or withdrawing Bitcoin into or from our custodial account, such as typos, mistakes or the failure to include the information required by the blockchain network. For instance, a user may incorrectly enter our wallet’s public key or the desired recipient’s public key when depositing and withdrawing Bitcoin. Additionally, our reliance on third parties such as Gemini and the maintenance of keys to access and utilize our digital wallet will expose us to enhanced cybersecurity risks from unauthorized third parties employing illicit operations such as hacking, phishing and social engineering, notwithstanding the security systems and safeguards employed by us and others. Cyberattacks upon systems across a variety of industries, including the cryptocurrency industry, are increasing in frequency, persistence and sophistication and, in many cases, are being conducted by sophisticated, well-funded, and organized groups and individuals. For example, attacks may be designed to deceive employees and service providers into releasing control of the systems on which we depend to a hacker, while others may aim to introduce computer viruses or malware into such systems with a view to stealing confidential or proprietary data. These attacks may occur on our digital wallet or the systems of our third-party service providers or partners, which could result in asset losses and other adverse consequences. Insurance held by third parties may not cover related losses. Alternatively, we may inadvertently transfer Bitcoin to a wallet address that we do not own, control or hold the private keys to. In addition, a Bitcoin wallet address can only be used to send and receive Bitcoin, and if the Bitcoin is inadvertently sent to an Ethereum or other cryptocurrency wallet address, or if any of the foregoing errors occur, all of the Bitcoin will be permanently and irretrievably lost with no means of recovery. Such incidents could result in asset loss or disputes, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business.
If a malicious actor or botnet obtains control of more than 50% of the processing power on a cryptocurrency network, such actor or botnet could manipulate blockchains to adversely affect us, which would adversely affect an investment in our company and our ability to operate.
If a malicious actor or botnet (a volunteer or hacked collection of computers controlled by networked software coordinating the actions of the computers) obtains a majority of the processing power dedicated to mining a cryptocurrency, it may be able to alter blockchains on which transactions of cryptocurrency reside and rely by constructing fraudulent blocks or preventing certain transactions from completing in a timely manner, or at all. The malicious actor or botnet could control, exclude or modify the ordering of transactions, though it could not generate new units or transactions using such control. The malicious actor could “double-spend” its own cryptocurrency (i.e., spend the same Bitcoin in more than one transaction) and prevent the confirmation of other users’ transactions for as long as it maintained control. To the extent that such malicious actor or botnet does not yield its control of the processing power on the network or the cryptocurrency community does not reject the fraudulent blocks as malicious, reversing any changes made to blockchains may not be possible. The foregoing description is not the only means by which the entirety of blockchains or cryptocurrencies may be compromised but is only an example.
Although we are unaware of any reports of malicious activity or control of blockchains achieved through controlling over 50% of the processing power on the network, it is believed that certain mining pools may have exceeded the 50% threshold in Bitcoin. The possible crossing of the 50% threshold indicates a greater risk that a single mining pool could exert authority over the validation of Bitcoin transactions. To the extent that the Bitcoin community, and the administrators of mining pools, do not act to ensure greater decentralization of Bitcoin mining processing power, the feasibility of a botnet or malicious actor obtaining control of the blockchain’s processing power will increase, because such botnet or malicious actor could more readily infiltrate and seize control over the blockchain by compromising a single mining pool, if the mining pool compromises more than 50% of the mining power on the blockchain, than it could if the mining pool had a smaller share of the blockchain’s total hashing power. Conversely, if the blockchain remains decentralized it is inherently more difficult for the botnet or malicious actor to aggregate enough processing power to gain control of the blockchain. If this were to occur, the public may lose confidence in the Bitcoin blockchain, and blockchain technology more generally. This would likely have a material and adverse effect on the price of Bitcoin, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial results and operations, and harm investors.
Our reliance on a third-party mining pool service provider for our mining revenue payouts may have a negative impact on our operations such as a result of cyber-attacks against the mining pool operator and/or our limited recourse against the mining pool operator with respect to rewards paid to us.
We receive crypto asset mining rewards from our mining activity through a third-party mining pool operator. Mining pools allow miners to combine their processing power, increasing their chances of solving a block and getting paid by the network. The rewards are distributed by the pool operator, proportionally to our contribution to the pool’s overall mining power, used to generate each block. Should the pool operator’s system suffer downtime due to a cyber-attack, software malfunction or other similar issues, it will negatively impact our ability to mine and receive revenue. Furthermore, we are dependent on the accuracy of the mining pool operator’s record keeping to accurately record the total processing power provided to the pool for a given Bitcoin mining application in order to assess the proportion of that total processing power we provided.
While we have internal methods of tracking both our power provided and the total used by the pool, the mining pool operator uses its own recordkeeping to determine our proportion of a given reward. We have little means of recourse against the mining pool operator if we determine the proportion of the reward paid out to us by the mining pool operator is incorrect, other than leaving the pool. If we are unable to consistently obtain accurate proportionate rewards from our mining pool operators, we may experience reduced reward for our efforts, which would have an adverse effect on our business and operations.
Crypto assets may have concentrated ownership and large sales or distributions by holders of such crypto assets could have an adverse effect on the market price of such crypto asset.
As of December 31, 2023, the largest 111 and 2,103 Bitcoin wallets held approximately 15% and 44%, respectively, of the Bitcoin in circulation. Moreover, it is possible that other persons or entities control multiple wallets that collectively hold a significant number of Bitcoins, even if they individually only hold a small amount, and it is possible that some of these wallets are controlled by the same person or entity. Similar or more concentrated levels of concentrated ownership may exist for other crypto assets as well. As a result of this concentration of ownership, large sales or distributions by such holders could have an adverse effect on the market price of Bitcoin and other crypto assets.
Risks Related to Our Bitcoin Operations - Legal and Regulatory
We are subject to a highly evolving regulatory landscape and any adverse changes to, or our failure to comply with, any laws and regulations could adversely affect our business, prospects or operations.
Our business is subject to extensive laws, rules, regulations, policies and legal and regulatory guidance, including those governing securities, commodities, crypto asset custody, exchange and transfer, data governance, data protection, cybersecurity and tax. Many of these legal and regulatory regimes were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet, mobile technologies, crypto assets and related technologies. As a result, they do not contemplate or address unique issues associated with the crypto economy, are subject to significant uncertainty, and vary widely across U.S. federal, state and local and international jurisdictions. These legal and regulatory regimes, including the laws, rules and regulations thereunder, evolve frequently and may be modified, interpreted and applied in an inconsistent manner from one jurisdiction to another, and may conflict with one another. Moreover, the complexity and evolving nature of our business and the significant uncertainty surrounding the regulation of the crypto economy requires us to exercise our judgement as to whether certain laws, rules and regulations apply to us, and it is possible that governmental bodies and regulators may disagree with our conclusions. To the extent we have not complied with such laws, rules and regulations, we could be subject to significant fines and other regulatory consequences, which could adversely affect our business, prospects or operations. As Bitcoin has grown in popularity and in market size, the Federal Reserve Board, U.S. Congress and certain U.S. agencies (e.g., the CFTC, SEC, FinCEN and the FBI) have begun to examine the operations of the Bitcoin network, Bitcoin users and the Bitcoin exchange market. Regulatory developments and/or our business activities may require us to comply with certain regulatory regimes. For example, to the extent that our activities cause us to be deemed a money service business under the regulations promulgated by FinCEN under the authority of the BSA, we may be required to comply with FinCEN regulations, including those that would mandate us to implement certain anti-money laundering programs, make certain reports to FinCEN and maintain certain records.
On November 23, 2022, the governor of New York signed into law a two-year moratorium on new or renewed permits for certain electricity-generating facilities that use fossil fuel and provide energy for proof-of-work digital asset mining operations. While this action does not directly impact our current operations, as our power generation plans are currently located in Michigan and we have no plans to establish any facilities in New York, it may be the beginning of a new wave of climate change regulations aimed at preventing or reducing the growth of Bitcoin mining in jurisdictions in the United States, including potentially jurisdictions in which we now operate or may in the future operate. The above-described developments could also demonstrate the beginning of a regional or global regulatory trend in response to environmental and energy preservation or other concerns surrounding crypto assets, and similar action in a jurisdiction in which we operate or in general could have a devastating effect on our operations. If further regulation follows, it is possible that the Bitcoin mining industry may not be able to adjust to a sudden and dramatic overhaul to our ability to deploy energy towards the operation of mining equipment. We are not currently aware of any legislation in Michigan being a near-term possibility. If further regulatory action is taken by various governmental entities, our business may suffer and investors in our securities may lose part or all of their investment.
We cannot quantify the effects of this regulatory action on our industry as a whole. If further regulation follows, it is possible that our industry may not be able to cope with the sudden and extreme loss of mining power. Because we are unable to influence or predict future regulatory actions taken by governments in China, the United States, or elsewhere, we may have little opportunity or ability to respond to rapidly evolving regulatory positions which may have a materially adverse effect on our industry and, therefore, our business and results of operations.
Ongoing and future regulatory actions may impact our ability to continue to operate, and such actions could affect our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations.
The crypto economy is novel and has little to no access to policymakers or lobbying organizations, which may harm our ability to effectively react to proposed legislation and regulation of crypto assets or crypto asset platforms adverse to our business.
As crypto assets have grown in both popularity and market size, various U.S. federal, state and local and foreign governmental organizations, consumer agencies and public advocacy groups have been examining the operations of crypto networks, users and platforms, with a focus on how crypto assets can be used to launder the proceeds of illegal activities, fund criminal or terrorist enterprises, and the safety and soundness of platforms and other service providers that hold crypto assets for users. Many of these entities have called for heightened regulatory oversight, and have issued consumer advisories describing the risks posed by crypto assets to users and investors. For instance, in July 2019, then-U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated that he had “very serious concerns” about crypto assets. In recent months, members of Congress have made inquiries into the regulation of crypto assets, and Gary Gensler, Chair of the SEC, has made public statements regarding increased regulatory oversight of crypto assets. Outside the United States, several jurisdictions have banned so-called initial coin offerings, such as China and South Korea, while Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, have opined that token offerings may constitute securities offerings subject to local securities regulations. In July 2019, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority proposed rules to address harm to retail customers arising from the sale of derivatives and exchange-traded notes that reference certain types of crypto assets, contending that they are “ill-suited” to retail investors due to extreme volatility, valuation challenges and association with financial crimes. In May 2021, the Chinese government called for a crackdown on Bitcoin mining and trading, and in September 2021, Chinese regulators instituted a blanket ban on all crypto mining and transactions, including overseas crypto exchange services taking place in China, effectively making all crypto-related activities illegal in China. In January 2022, the Central Bank of Russia called for a ban on cryptocurrency activities ranging from mining to trading, and on March 8, 2022, President Biden announced an executive order on cryptocurrencies which seeks to establish a unified federal regulatory regime for currencies.
The crypto economy is novel and has little to no access to policymakers and lobbying organizations in many jurisdictions. Competitors from other, more established industries, including traditional financial services, may have greater access to lobbyists or governmental officials, and regulators that are concerned about the potential for crypto assets for illicit usage may affect statutory and regulatory changes with minimal or discounted inputs from the crypto economy. As a result, new laws and regulations may be proposed and adopted in the United States and internationally, or existing laws and regulations may be interpreted in new ways, that harm the crypto economy or crypto asset platforms, which could adversely impact our business.
Pending regulation related to electricity consumption by mining companies may impact our results of operations.
On September 16, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), and other U.S. government agencies released eight reports (the “Reports”), including Action Plan to Address Illicit Financial Risks of Digital Assets issued by Treasury, Crypto-Assets: Implications for Consumers, Investors and Businesses issued by Treasury, The Future of Money and Payments issued by Treasury, Climate and Energy Implications of Crypto-Assets in the United States issued by the White House, Policy Objectives for a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency System issued by the White House, Technical Evaluation for a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency System issued by the White House, The Role of Law Enforcement in Directing, Investigating, and Prosecuting Criminal Activity Related to Digital Assets issued by the DOJ, and Responsible Advancement of US Competitiveness in Digital Assets issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Reports were issued in response to White House Executive Order 14067 on Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets, which calls for a whole-of-government alignment of the federal government’s approach to digital assets.
In December 2022, Senator Edward J. Markey, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, and Representative Jared Huffman Senate introduced the Crypto-Asset Environmental Transparency Act. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a comprehensive impact study of U.S. crypto mining activity and require the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from crypto mining operations that consume more than 5 megawatts of power. If the bill is passed by both the Senate and the House and signed into law, mining facilities may be required to report greenhouse gas emissions and to obtain permits and the price to rent mining facilities may increase. If the price increases significantly and if we are not able to find alternative facilities with reasonable prices acceptable to us, our operation will be disrupted and our results of operation will be negatively impacted.
A particular digital asset’s status as a “security” in any relevant jurisdiction is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and if a regulator disagrees with our characterization of a digital asset, we may be subject to regulatory scrutiny, investigations, fines, and penalties, which may adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Furthermore, a determination that Bitcoin or any other digital asset that we own or mine is a “security” may adversely affect the value of Bitcoin and our business.
The SEC and its staff have taken the position that certain digital assets fall within the definition of a “security” under the U.S. federal securities laws. The legal test for determining whether any given digital asset is a security, as described below, is a highly complex, fact-driven analysis that may evolve over time, and the outcome is difficult to predict. Our determination that the digital assets we hold are not securities is a risk-based assessment and not a legal standard or one binding on regulators. The SEC generally does not provide advance guidance or confirmation on the status of any particular digital asset as a security. Furthermore, the SEC’s views in this area have evolved over time and it is difficult to predict the direction or timing of any continuing evolution. It is also possible that a change in the governing administration or the appointment of new SEC commissioners could substantially impact the views of the SEC and its staff. Public statements made by senior officials at the SEC indicate that the SEC does not intend to take the position that Bitcoin is a security (as currently offered and sold). However, such statements are not official policy statements by the SEC and reflect only the speakers’ views, which are not binding on the SEC or any other agency or court and cannot be generalized to any other digital asset. As of the date of this Annual Report, with the exception of certain centrally issued digital assets that have received “no-action” letters from the SEC staff, Bitcoin and Ethereum are the only digital assets which senior officials at the SEC have publicly stated are unlikely to be considered securities. As a Bitcoin mining company, we do not believe we are an issuer of any “securities” as defined under the federal securities laws. Our internal process for determining whether the digital assets we hold or plan to hold is based upon the public statements of the SEC and existing case law. The digital assets we hold or plan to hold, other than Bitcoin, may have been created by an issuer as an investment contract under the Howey test, SEC v. Howey Co., 328 U.S. 293 (1946), and may be deemed to be securities by the SEC. However, the Company was not the issuer that created these digital assets and is holding them on an interim basis until liquidated. Should the SEC state that Bitcoin, or other digital assets we hold should be deemed to be securities, we may no longer be able to hold any of these digital assets. It will then likely become difficult or impossible for such digital asset to be traded, cleared or custodied in the United States through the same channels used by non-security digital assets, which in addition to materially and adversely affecting the trading value of the digital asset is likely to cause substantial volatility and significantly impact its liquidity and market participants’ ability to convert the digital asset into U.S. dollars. Our inability to exchange Bitcoin for fiat or other digital assets (and vice versa) to administer our treasury management objectives may decrease our earnings potential and have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition.
Under the Investment Company Act, a company may fall within the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(1)(A) thereof if it is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, or under section 3(a)(1)(C) thereof if it is engaged or proposes to engage in business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading in securities, and owns or proposes to acquire “investment securities” (as defined therein) having a value exceeding 40% of its total assets (exclusive of government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. There is no authoritative law, rule or binding guidance published by the SEC regarding the status of digital assets as “securities” or “investment securities” under the Investment Company Act. Although we believe that we are not engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in investment securities, and we do not hold ourselves out as being primarily engaged, or proposing to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, to the extent the digital assets which we mine, own, or otherwise acquire may be deemed “securities” or “investment securities” by the SEC or a court of competent jurisdiction, we may meet the definition of an investment company. If we fall within the definition of an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we would be required to register with the SEC. If an investment company fails to register, it likely would have to stop doing almost all business, and its contracts would become voidable. Generally speaking, non-U.S. issuers may not register as an investment company without an SEC order.
The classification of a digital asset as a security under applicable law has wide-ranging implications for the regulatory obligations that flow from the mining, sale and trading of such assets. For example, a digital asset that is a security in the United States may generally only be offered or sold in the United States pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC or in an offering that qualifies for an exemption from registration. Persons that effect transactions in digital assets that are securities in the United States may be subject to registration with the SEC as a “broker” or “dealer.”
There can be no assurances that we will properly characterize any given digital asset as a security or non-security for purposes of determining which digital assets to mine, hold and trade, or that the SEC, or a court, if the question was presented to it, would agree with our assessment. We could be subject to judicial or administrative sanctions for failing to offer or sell digital assets in compliance with the registration requirements, or for acting as a broker or dealer without appropriate registration. Such an action could result in injunctions, cease and desist orders, as well as civil monetary penalties, fines, and disgorgement, criminal liability, and reputational harm. For instance, all transactions in such supported digital asset would have to be registered with the SEC, or conducted in accordance with an exemption from registration, which could severely limit its liquidity, usability and transactability. Further, it could draw negative publicity and a decline in the general acceptance of the digital asset. Also, it may make it difficult for such digital asset to be traded, cleared, and custodied as compared to other digital assets that are not considered to be securities.
If the SEC or another regulatory body considers Bitcoin to be a security under U.S. securities laws, we may be required to comply with significant SEC registration and/or other requirements.
In general, novel or unique assets such as Bitcoin and other digital assets may be classified as securities if they meet the definition of investment contracts under U.S. law. In recent years, the offer and sale of digital assets other than Bitcoin, most notably Kik Interactive Inc.’s Kin tokens and Telegram Group Inc.’s TON tokens, have been deemed to be investment contracts by the SEC. While we believe that Bitcoin is unlikely to be considered an investment contract, and thus a security under the investment contract definition, we cannot provide any assurances that digital assets that we mine or otherwise acquire or hold for our own account, including Bitcoin, will never be classified as securities under U.S. law. This would obligate us to comply with registration and other requirements by the SEC and, therefore, cause us to incur significant, non-recurring expenses, thereby materially and adversely impacting an investment in the Company.
Several foreign jurisdictions have taken a broad-based approach to classifying crypto assets as “securities,” while other foreign jurisdictions, such as Switzerland, Malta, and Singapore, have adopted a narrower approach. As a result, certain crypto assets may be deemed to be a “security” under the laws of some jurisdictions but not others. Various foreign jurisdictions may, in the future, adopt additional laws, regulations, or directives that affect the characterization of crypto assets as “securities.” If Bitcoin or any other supported crypto asset is deemed to be a security under any U.S. federal, state, or foreign jurisdiction, or in a proceeding in a court of law or otherwise, it may have adverse consequences for such supported crypto asset. For instance, all transactions in such supported crypto asset would have to be registered with the SEC or other foreign authority, or conducted in accordance with an exemption from registration, which could severely limit its liquidity, usability and transactability. Moreover, the networks on which such supported crypto assets are utilized may be required to be regulated as securities intermediaries, and subject to applicable rules, which could effectively render the network impracticable for its existing purposes. Further, it could draw negative publicity and a decline in the general acceptance of the crypto asset. Also, it may make it difficult for such supported crypto asset to be traded, cleared, and custodied as compared to other crypto assets that are not considered to be securities.
Current interpretations require the regulation of Bitcoin under the Commodity Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and we may be required to register and comply with such regulations. Any disruption of our operations in response to the changed regulatory circumstances may be at a time that is disadvantageous to our investors.
Current and future legislation, regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and other regulatory developments, including interpretations released by a regulatory authority, may impact the manner in which Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are treated for classification and clearing purposes. In particular, derivatives on these assets are not excluded from the definition of “commodity future” by the CFTC. We cannot be certain as to how future regulatory developments will impact the treatment of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies under the law.
Bitcoin has been deemed to fall within the definition of a commodity and, we may be required to register and comply with additional regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act, including additional periodic report and disclosure standards and requirements. Moreover, we may be required to register as a commodity pool operator and to register as a commodity pool with the CFTC through the National Futures Association. Such additional registrations may result in extraordinary, non-recurring expenses, thereby materially and adversely impacting an investment in us. If we determine not to comply with such additional regulatory and registration requirements, we may seek to cease certain of our operations. Any such action may adversely affect an investment in us.
Additionally, governments may develop and deploy their own blockchain-based digital assets, which may have a material adverse impact on Bitcoin’s price and utility.
Governmental action against digital assets and Bitcoin mining may have a materially adverse effect on the industry, and could affect us if widely adopted.
We and the cryptocurrencies on which our operations will depend are and could become subject to bans and other regulations aimed at preventing what are perceived as some of the negative attributes of Bitcoin and Bitcoin mining. For example, on September 24, 2021, China declared all transactions in and mining of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, illegal. While the ultimate long-term effect of this ban remains uncertain, it could significantly hinder our prospects by limiting a large market for cryptocurrencies within a growing economy. In the hours following China’s announcement of the ban, the price of Bitcoin, which is tied to some extent to public perception of its future value as a form of currency, dropped by nearly $4,000. The ban followed piecemeal regulatory action within China against cryptocurrencies, which was due in part to concerns about the potential for manipulative practices and excessive energy consumption. This could demonstrate the beginning of a regional or global regulatory trend in response to these or other concerns surrounding cryptocurrencies, and similar action in a jurisdiction in which we operate or in general could have devastating effects to our operations. If further regulation follows, it is possible that our industry may not be able to adjust to a sudden and dramatic overhaul to our ability to deploy energy towards the operation of mining equipment.
Because we are unable to influence or predict future regulatory actions taken by governments, we may face difficulty monitoring and responding to rapid regulatory developments affecting Bitcoin mining, which may have a materially adverse effect on our industry and, therefore, our business and results of operations. If further regulatory action is taken by governments in the U.S., our business may be materially harmed, and you could lose some or all of your investment.
The markets for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and the existing markets may be under-regulated and, as a result, the market price of Bitcoin may be subject to significant volatility or manipulation, which could decrease consumer confidence in cryptocurrencies and have a materially adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Cryptocurrencies that are represented and trade on a ledger-based platform and those who hold them may not enjoy the same benefits as traditional securities available on trading markets and their investors. Stock exchanges have listing requirements and vet issuers, requiring them to be subjected to rigorous listing standards and rules, and monitor investors transacting on such platform for fraud and other improprieties. These conditions may not necessarily be replicated on a distributed ledger platform, depending on the platform’s controls and other policies. The more lax a distributed ledger platform is about vetting issuers of cryptocurrency assets or users that transact on the platform, the higher the potential risk for fraud or the manipulation of the ledger due to a control event. We believe that Bitcoin is not a security under federal and state law.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency market prices have historically been volatile, are impacted by a variety of factors, and are determined primarily using data from various exchanges, over-the-counter markets and derivative platforms. Furthermore, such prices may be subject to factors such as those that impact commodities, more so than business activities, which could be subjected to additional influence from fraudulent or illegitimate actors, real or perceived scarcity, and political, economic, regulatory or other conditions. Pricing may be the result of, and may continue to result in, speculation regarding future appreciation in the value of cryptocurrencies, or our share price, making their market prices more volatile or creating “bubble” type risks for both Bitcoin and shares of our common stock.
These factors may inhibit consumer trust in and market acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a means of exchange which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, or operations and potentially the value of any Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies we mine or otherwise acquire.
We are subject to risks associated with our need for significant electrical power. Government regulators may potentially restrict the ability of electricity suppliers to provide electricity to mining operations, such as ours.
The operation of a Bitcoin mining center, as well as AI hyperscale data centers, can require massive amounts of electrical power. We presently have access to approximately 30 MWs of capacity at our Michigan Facility, which we plan to dedicate to our AI hyperscale data center operations, and 10 MWs of capacity at our Montana Facilities for our mining operations. However, we require additional capacity to operate all of our miners outside the Michigan Facility and Montana Facilities and to support the growing power demands of our AI hyperscale data centers. Our mining operations can only be successful and ultimately profitable if the costs, including electrical power costs, associated with mining a Bitcoin are lower than the price of a Bitcoin. Similarly, our AI hyperscale data centers require a reliable and cost-effective power supply to ensure optimal performance and profitability. As a result, any facilities we establish can only be successful if we can obtain sufficient electrical power on a cost-effective basis. The establishment of new mining and AI hyperscale data centers requires us to find locations where this is the case. There may be significant competition for suitable locations for both mining operations and AI hyperscale data centers. Government regulators may potentially restrict the ability of electricity suppliers to provide electricity to these operations in times of electricity shortage or may otherwise potentially restrict or prohibit the provision of electricity to such operations. Any shortage of electricity supply or increase in electricity cost in a jurisdiction may negatively impact the viability and the expected economic return for our Bitcoin mining activities and AI hyperscale data center operations in that jurisdiction.
Our interactions with a blockchain may expose us to specially designated nationals or blocked persons or cause us to violate provisions of law that did not contemplate distributed ledger technology.
The Office of Financial Assets Control of the U.S. Department of Treasury (“OFAC”) requires us to comply with its sanction program and not conduct business with persons named on its specially designated nationals (“SDN”) list. However, because of the pseudonymous nature of blockchain transactions, we may inadvertently and without our knowledge engage in transactions with persons named on OFAC’s SDN list. Our internal policies prohibit any transactions with such SDN individuals, but we may not be adequately capable of determining the ultimate identity of the individual with whom we transact with respect to selling digital assets. In addition, in the future OFAC or another regulator may require us to screen transactions for OFAC addresses or other bad actors before including such transactions in a block, which may increase our compliance costs, decrease our anticipated transaction fees and lead to decreased traffic on our network. Any of these factors, consequently, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results.
Moreover, federal law prohibits any U.S. person from knowingly or unknowingly possessing any visual depiction commonly known as child pornography. Recent media reports have suggested that persons have imbedded such depictions on one or more blockchains. Because our business requires us to download and retain one or more blockchains to effectuate our ongoing business, it is possible that such digital ledgers contain prohibited depictions without our knowledge or consent. To the extent government enforcement authorities literally enforce these and other laws and regulations that are impacted by decentralized distributed ledger technology, we may be subject to investigation, administrative or court proceedings, and civil or criminal monetary fines and penalties, all of which could harm our reputation and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Bitcoin Operations - Technological
Cryptocurrencies face significant scaling obstacles that can lead to high fees or slow transaction settlement times and attempts to increase the volume of transactions may not be effective, which could adversely affect an investment in our securities.
Cryptocurrencies face significant scaling obstacles that can lead to high fees or slow transaction settlement times and attempts to increase the volume of transactions may not be effective. Scaling cryptocurrencies is essential to the widespread acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, which widespread acceptance is necessary to the continued growth and development of our business. Many Bitcoin networks face significant scaling challenges. For example, cryptocurrencies are limited with respect to how many transactions can occur per second. Participants in the Bitcoin ecosystem debate potential approaches to increasing the average number of transactions per second that the network can handle and have implemented mechanisms or are researching ways to increase scale, such as increasing the allowable sizes of blocks, and therefore the number of transactions per block, and sharding (a horizontal partition of data in a database or search engine), which would not require every single transaction to be included in every single miner’s or validator’s block. However, there is no guarantee that any of the mechanisms in place or being explored for increasing the scale of settlement of Bitcoin transactions will be effective, or how long they will take to become effective, which could adversely affect an investment in our securities.
There is a possibility of Bitcoin mining algorithms transitioning to proof of stake validation and other mining related risks, which could make us less competitive and ultimately adversely affect our business and the value of our shares.
The protocol pursuant to which transactions are confirmed automatically on the Bitcoin blockchain through mining is known as proof of work. Proof of stake is an alternative method in validating digital asset transactions. Should the Bitcoin algorithm shift from a proof of work validation method to a proof of stake method, mining would require less energy and may render any company that maintains advantages in the current climate (for example, from lower priced electricity, processing, real estate, or hosting) less competitive. For example, in September 2022, the Ethereum network transitioned from a proof of work to a proof of stake method. We, as a result of our efforts to optimize and improve the efficiency of our Bitcoin mining operations, may be exposed to the risk in the future of losing the benefit of our capital investments and the competitive advantage we hope to gain from this as a result, and may be negatively impacted if a switch to proof of stake validation were to occur. This may additionally have an impact on other various investments of ours. Such events could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our business strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations and potentially the value of any Bitcoin or other digital assets we mine or otherwise acquire or hold for our own account.
Bitcoin is subject to halving, meaning that the Bitcoin rewarded for solving a block will be reduced in the future and its value may not commensurately adjust to compensate us for such reductions, and the overall supply of Bitcoin is finite.
Bitcoin is subject to “halving,” which is the process by which the Bitcoin reward for solving a block is reduced by 50% for every 210,000 blocks that are solved. This means that the amount of Bitcoin we (or any other mining company) are rewarded for solving a block in the blockchain is permanently cut in half. For example, the latest halving having is expected to occur in April 2024, with a revised payout of 3.125 Bitcoin per block solved, down from the current reward rate of 6.25 Bitcoin per block solved. There can be no assurance that the price of Bitcoin will sufficiently increase to justify the increasingly high costs of mining for Bitcoin given the halving feature. If a corresponding and proportionate increase in the trading price of these cryptocurrencies does not follow these anticipated halving events, the revenue we earn from our mining operations would see a corresponding decrease, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. To illustrate, even if the price of Bitcoin remains at its current price, all other factors being equal (including the same number of miners and a stable hash rate), our revenue would decrease substantially upon the next halving.
Further, due to the halving process, unless the underlying code of the Bitcoin blockchain is altered (which may be unlikely given its decentralized nature), the supply of Bitcoin is finite. Once 21 million Bitcoin have been generated by virtue of solving blocks in the blockchain, the network will stop producing more which is anticipated to occur in approximately 2140. Currently, there are approximately 19.7 million Bitcoin in circulation representing about 93.6% of the total supply of Bitcoin under the current source code. For the foregoing reasons, the halving feature exposes us to inherent uncertainty and reliance upon the historically volatile price of Bitcoin, rendering an investment in us particularly speculative, especially in the long-term. If the price of Bitcoin does not significantly increase in value, your investment in our common stock could decline significantly.
Bitcoin has forked multiple times and additional forks may occur in the future which may affect the value of Bitcoin that we hold or mine.
To the extent that a significant majority of users and mining companies on a cryptocurrency network install software that changes the cryptocurrency network or properties of a cryptocurrency, including the irreversibility of transactions and limitations on the mining of new cryptocurrency, the cryptocurrency network would be subject to new protocols and software. However, if less than a significant majority of users and mining companies on the cryptocurrency network consent to the proposed modification, and the modification is not compatible with the software prior to its modification, the consequence would be what is known as a “fork” of the network, with one prong running the pre-modified software and the other running the modified software. The effect of such a fork would be the existence of two versions of the cryptocurrency running in parallel yet lacking interchangeability and necessitating exchange-type transaction to convert currencies between the two forks. Additionally, it may be unclear following a fork which fork represents the original cryptocurrency and which is the new cryptocurrency. Different metrics adopted by industry participants to determine which is the original asset include: referring to the wishes of the core developers of a cryptocurrency, blockchains with the greatest amount of hashing power contributed by miners or validators; or blockchains with the longest chain. A fork in the network of a particular cryptocurrency could adversely affect an investment in our securities or our ability to operate.
Since August 1, 2017, Bitcoin’s blockchain was forked multiple times creating alternative versions of the cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold and Bitcoin SV. The forks resulted in a new blockchain being created with a shared history, and a new path forward. The value of the newly created versions including Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold and Bitcoin SV may or may not have value in the long run and may affect the price of Bitcoin if interest is shifted away from Bitcoin to the newly created cryptocurrencies. The value of Bitcoin after the creation of a fork is subject to many factors including the value of the fork product, market reaction to the creation of the fork product, and the occurrence of forks in the future. As such, the value of Bitcoin could be materially reduced if existing and future forks have a negative effect on Bitcoin’s value.
The characteristics of crypto assets have been, and may in the future continue to be, exploited to facilitate illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and ransomware scams; if any of our customers do so or are alleged to have done so, it could adversely affect us.
Digital currencies and the digital currency industry are relatively new and, in many cases, lightly regulated or largely unregulated. Some types of digital currency have characteristics, such as the speed with which digital currency transactions can be conducted, the ability to conduct transactions without the involvement of regulated intermediaries, the ability to engage in transactions across multiple jurisdictions, the irreversible nature of certain digital currency transactions and encryption technology that anonymizes these transactions, that make digital currency particularly susceptible to use in illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and ransomware scams. Two prominent examples of marketplaces that accepted digital currency payments for illegal activities include Silk Road, an online marketplace on the dark web that, among other things, facilitated the sale of illegal drugs and forged legal documents using digital currencies and AlphaBay, another darknet market that utilized digital currencies to hide the locations of its servers and identities of its users. Both of these marketplaces were investigated and closed by U.S. law enforcement authorities. U.S. regulators, including the SEC, CFTC and Federal Trade Commission, as well as non-U.S. regulators, have taken legal action against persons alleged to be engaged in Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent schemes involving digital currencies. In addition, the FBI has noted the increasing use of digital currency in various ransomware scams.
While our board and management believe that our risk management processes and policies in light of current crypto asset market conditions, which include thorough reviews we conduct as part of our due diligence process, is reasonably designed to detect any such illicit activities conducted by our potential or existing counterparties, we cannot ensure that we will be able to detect any such illegal activity in all instances. Because the speed, irreversibility and anonymity of certain digital currency transactions make them more difficult to track, fraudulent transactions may be more likely to occur. We or our potential banking counterparties may be specifically targeted by individuals seeking to conduct fraudulent transfers, and it may be difficult or impossible for us to detect and avoid such transactions in certain circumstances. If one of our customers (or in the case of digital currency exchanges, their customers) were to engage in or be accused of engaging in illegal activities using digital currency, we could be subject to various fines and sanctions, including limitations on our activities, which could also cause reputational damage and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Incorrect or fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions may be irreversible and it is possible that, through computer or human error, or through theft or criminal action, our cryptocurrency rewards could be transferred in incorrect amounts or to unauthorized third parties.
Cryptocurrency transactions are irrevocable and stolen or incorrectly transferred cryptocurrencies may be irretrievable. As a result, any incorrectly executed or fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions, such as a result of a cybersecurity breach against our Bitcoin holdings, could adversely affect our investments and assets. This is because cryptocurrency transactions are not, from an administrative perspective, reversible without the consent and active participation of the recipient of the cryptocurrencies from the transaction. Once a transaction has been verified and recorded in a block that is added to a blockchain, an incorrect transfer of a cryptocurrency or a theft thereof generally will not be reversible and we may not have sufficient recourse to recover our losses from any such transfer or theft. Further, it is possible that, through computer or human error, or through theft or criminal action, our cryptocurrency rewards could be transferred in incorrect amounts or to unauthorized third parties, or to uncontrolled accounts. If an errant or fraudulent transaction in our Bitcoin were to occur, we would have very limited means of seeking to reverse the transaction or seek recourse. To the extent that we are unable to recover our losses from such action, error or theft, such events could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Because many of our digital assets may in the future be held by digital asset exchanges, we could face heightened risks from cybersecurity attacks and financial stability of digital asset exchanges.
We may transfer our digital assets from our wallet to digital asset exchanges prior to selling them. Digital assets not held in our wallet are subject to the risks encountered by digital asset exchanges including a DDoS Attack or other malicious hacking, a sale of the digital asset exchange, loss of the digital assets by the digital asset exchange and other risks similar to those described herein. We do not expect to maintain a custodian agreement with any of the digital asset exchanges that may in the future hold our digital assets. These digital asset exchanges do not provide insurance and may lack the resources to protect against hacking and theft. If this were to occur, we may be materially and adversely affected.
Cryptocurrencies, including those maintained by or for us, may be exposed to cybersecurity threats and hacks.
As with any computer code generally, flaws in crypto asset codes, including Bitcoin codes, may be exposed by malicious actors. Several errors and defects have been found previously, including those that disabled some functionality for users and exposed users’ information. Exploitation of flaws in the source code that allow malicious actors to take or create money have previously occurred. Additionally, as AI capabilities improve and are increasingly adopted, we may see cyberattacks created through AI. These attacks could be crafted with an AI tool to directly attack information systems with increased speed and/or efficiency than a human threat actor or create more effective phishing emails. Despite our efforts and processes to prevent breaches, our devices, as well as our miners, computer systems and those of third parties that we use in our operations, are vulnerable to cyber security risks, including cyber-attacks such as viruses and worms, phishing attacks, denial-of-service attacks, physical or electronic break-ins, employee theft or misuse, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our miners and computer systems or those of third parties that we use in our operations. As technological change occurs, the security threats to our cryptocurrencies will likely change and previously unknown threats may emerge. Human error and the constantly evolving state of cybercrime and hacking techniques may render present security protocols and procedures ineffective in ways which we cannot predict. Such events could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations and potentially the value of any Bitcoin we mine or otherwise acquire or hold for our own account.
Our use of third-party mining pools exposes us to additional risks.
We receive Bitcoin rewards from our mining activity through third-party mining pool operators. Mining pools allow miners to combine their processing power, increasing their chances of solving a block and getting paid by the network. The rewards are distributed by the pool operator, proportionally to our contribution to the pool’s overall mining power, used to solve a block on the Bitcoin blockchain. Should the pool operator’s system suffer downtime due to a cyber-attack, software malfunction or other issue, it will negatively impact our ability to mine and receive revenue. Furthermore, we are dependent on the accuracy of the mining pool operator’s record keeping to accurately record the total processing power provided to the pool for a given Bitcoin mining application in order to assess the proportion of that total processing power we provided. While we have internal methods of tracking both the hash rate we provide and the total used by the pool, the mining pool operator uses its own record-keeping to determine our proportion of a given reward, which may not match our own. If we are unable to consistently obtain accurate proportionate rewards from our mining pool operators, we may experience reduced reward for our efforts, which would have an adverse effect on our business and operations.
Risks Related to Our Status as a Holding Company
Our inability to successfully integrate new acquisitions could adversely affect our combined business; our operations are widely disbursed.
Our growth strategy through acquisitions is fraught with risk. Since 2017, we acquired a majority interest in Microphase, all of Enertec, all of Relec, the Michigan Facility, a majority interest in IMHC, the four hotel properties in and around Madison, Wisconsin, certain real property located in St. Petersburg, Florida, a majority interest in SMC, substantially all the assets and certain specified liabilities of Circle 8 Crane Service and a position in ROI with which we consolidate as a VIE. Our strategy and business plan are dependent on our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions. In addition, while we are based in Las Vegas, NV, our finance and legal departments are located elsewhere in the U.S., and certain subsidiary’s operations are located across the U.S. and internationally. These distant locations and others that we may become involved with in the future will stretch our resources and management time. Further, failure to quickly and adequately integrate all of these operations and personnel could adversely affect our combined business and our ability to achieve our objectives and strategy. No assurance can be given that we will realize synergies in the areas we currently operate.
If we make any additional acquisitions, they may disrupt or have a negative impact on our business.
We have plans to eventually make additional acquisitions. Whenever we make acquisitions, we could have difficulty integrating the acquired companies’ personnel and operations with our own. In addition, the key personnel of the acquired business may not be willing to work for us. We cannot predict the effect expansion may have on our core business. Regardless of whether we are successful in making an acquisition, the negotiations could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and employees and increase our expenses. In addition to the risks described above, acquisitions are accompanied by a number of inherent risks, including, without limitation, the following:
· If senior management and/or management of future acquired companies terminate their employment prior to our completion of integration;
· difficulty of integrating acquired products, services or operations;
· integration of new employees and management into our culture while maintaining focus on operating efficiently and providing consistent, high-quality goods and services;
· potential disruption of the ongoing businesses and distraction of our management and the management of acquired companies;
· unanticipated issues with transferring customer relationships;
· complexity associated with managing our combined company;
· difficulty of incorporating acquired rights or products into our existing business;
· difficulties in disposing of the excess or idle facilities of an acquired company or business and expenses in maintaining such facilities;
· difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;
· potential impairment of relationships with employees and customers as a result of any integration of new management personnel;
· potential inability or failure to achieve additional sales and enhance our customer base through cross-marketing of the products to new and existing customers;
· effect of any government regulations which relate to the business acquired; and
· potential unknown liabilities associated with acquired businesses or product lines, or the need to spend significant amounts to retool, reposition or modify the marketing and sales of acquired products or the defense of any litigation, whether or not successful, resulting from actions of the acquired company prior to our acquisition.
Our business could be severely impaired if and to the extent that we are unable to succeed in addressing any of these risks or other problems encountered in connection with these acquisitions, many of which cannot be presently identified, these risks and problems could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and employees, increase our expenses and adversely affect our results of operations.
We may not be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition targets and complete acquisitions to meet our growth strategy, and even if we are able to do so, we may not realize the full anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, and our business, financial conditions and results of operations may suffer.
Increasing revenues through acquisitions is one of the key components of our growth strategy. Identifying suitable acquisition candidates can be difficult, time-consuming and costly, and we may not be able to identify suitable candidates or complete acquisitions in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis or at all.
We will have to pay cash, incur debt, or issue equity as consideration in any future acquisitions, each of which could adversely affect our financial condition or the market price of our common stock. The sale of equity or issuance of equity-linked debt to finance any future acquisitions could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could limit our flexibility in managing our business due to covenants or other restrictions contained in debt instruments.
Further, we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of completed acquisitions. Some acquisition targets may not have a developed business or are experiencing inefficiencies and incur losses. Additionally, small defense contractors which we consider suitable acquisition targets may be uniquely dependent on their prior owners and the loss of such owners’ services following the completion of acquisitions may adversely affect their business. Therefore, we may lose our investment in the event that the acquired businesses do not develop as planned, we cannot retain key employees or that we are unable to achieve the anticipated cost efficiencies or reduction of losses.
Additionally, our acquisitions have previously required, and any similar future transactions may also require, significant management efforts and expenditures. Regardless of whether we are successful in making an acquisition, the negotiations could disrupt our ongoing business, divert the attention of our management and key employees and increase our expenses.
We face risks with respect to the evaluation and management of future platform or add-on acquisitions.
A component of our strategy is to continue to acquire additional add-on businesses for our existing businesses. Generally, because such acquisition targets are held privately, we may experience difficulty in evaluating potential target businesses as the information concerning these businesses is not publicly available. In addition, we and our subsidiary companies may have difficulty effectively managing or integrating acquisitions. We may experience greater than expected costs or difficulties relating to such acquisition, in which case we might not achieve the anticipated returns from any particular acquisition, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations.
We may not be able to successfully fund future acquisitions of new businesses due to the lack of availability of debt or equity financing at the parent company level on acceptable terms, which could impede the implementation of our acquisition strategy and materially adversely impact our financial condition, business and results of operations.
In order to make future acquisitions, we intend to raise capital primarily through debt financing, additional equity offerings, the sale of stock or assets of our businesses, or by undertaking a combination of any of the above. Since the timing and size of acquisitions cannot be readily predicted, we may need to be able to obtain funding on short notice to benefit fully from attractive acquisition opportunities. Such funding may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, the level of our indebtedness that we may incur may impact our ability to borrow. Another source of capital for us may be the sale of additional shares, subject to market conditions and investor demand for the shares at prices that we consider to be in the interests of our stockholders. These risks may materially adversely affect our ability to pursue our acquisition strategy successfully and materially adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
Because we face significant competition for acquisition and business opportunities, including from numerous companies with a business plan similar to ours, it may be difficult for us to fully execute our business strategy. Additionally, our subsidiaries also operate in highly competitive industries, limiting their ability to gain or maintain their positions in their respective industries.
We expect to encounter intense competition for acquisition and business opportunities from both strategic investors and other entities having a business objective similar to ours, such as private investors (which may be individuals or investment partnerships), blank check companies including special purpose acquisition companies, and other entities, domestic and international, competing for the type of businesses that we may acquire. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources, or more local industry knowledge, or greater access to capital, than we do, and our financial resources may be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. These factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully completing future acquisitions and investments.
In addition, while we believe that there are numerous target businesses that we could potentially acquire or invest in, our ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses that are sizable will be limited by our available financial resources. We may need to obtain additional financing in order to consummate future acquisitions and investment opportunities and cannot assure you that any additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, or that the terms of our existing financing arrangements will not limit our ability to do so. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing acquisition and investment opportunities.
Furthermore, our subsidiaries also face competition from both traditional and new market entrants that may adversely affect them as well, as discussed elsewhere in these risk factors.
We may be required to expend substantial sums in order to bring the companies we have acquired or may acquire in the future, into compliance with the various reporting requirements applicable to public companies and/or to prepare required financial statements, and such efforts may harm our operating results or be unsuccessful altogether.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires our management to assess the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting for the companies we acquire and our external auditor to audit these companies. In order to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we will need to implement or enhance internal control over financial reporting at acquired companies and evaluate the internal controls. We do not conduct a formal evaluation of companies’ internal control over financial reporting prior to an acquisition. We may be required to hire additional staff and incur substantial costs to implement the necessary new internal controls at the companies we acquire. Any failure to implement required internal controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or increase the risk of material weaknesses in internal controls, which could, if not remediated, adversely affect our ability to report our financial condition and results of operations in a timely and accurate manner.
Future acquisitions or business opportunities could involve unknown risks that could harm our business and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We are a diversified holding company that owns interests in a number of different businesses across several industries. We have in the past, and intend in the future, to acquire businesses or make investments, directly or indirectly through our subsidiaries, that involve unknown risks, some of which will be particular to the industry in which the investment or acquisition targets operate, including risks in industries with which we are not familiar or experienced. There can be no assurance our due diligence investigations will identify every matter that could have a material adverse effect on us or the entities that we may acquire. We may be unable to adequately address the financial, legal and operational risks raised by such investments or acquisitions, especially if we are unfamiliar with the relevant industry, which can lead to significant losses on material investments. The realization of any unknown risks could expose us to unanticipated costs and liabilities and prevent or limit us from realizing the projected benefits of the investments or acquisitions, which could adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity. In addition, our financial condition, results of operations and the ability to service our debt may be adversely impacted depending on the specific risks applicable to any business we invest in or acquire and our ability to address those risks.
We face certain risks associated with the acquisition or disposition of businesses and lack of control over certain of our investments.
In pursuing our corporate strategy, we may acquire, dispose of or exit businesses or reorganize existing investments. The success of this strategy is dependent upon our ability to identify appropriate opportunities, negotiate transactions on favorable terms and ultimately complete such transactions.
In the course of our acquisitions, we may not acquire 100% ownership of certain of our operating subsidiaries or we may face delays in completing certain acquisitions, including in acquiring full ownership of certain of our operating companies. Once we complete acquisitions or reorganizations there can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated benefits of any transaction, including revenue growth, operational efficiencies or expected synergies. If we fail to recognize some or all of the strategic benefits and synergies expected from a transaction, goodwill and intangible assets may be impaired in future periods. The negotiations associated with the acquisition and disposition of businesses could also disrupt our ongoing business, distract management and employees or increase our expenses.
In addition, we may not be able to integrate acquisitions successfully and we could incur or assume unknown or unanticipated liabilities or contingencies, which may impact our results of operations. If we dispose of or otherwise exit certain businesses, there can be no assurance that we will not incur certain disposition related charges, or that we will be able to reduce overhead related to the divested assets.
In the ordinary course of our business, we evaluate the potential disposition of assets and businesses that may no longer help us meet our objectives or that no longer fit with our broader strategy. When we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the accomplishment of our strategic objectives, or we may dispose of a business at a price or on terms which are less than we had anticipated. In addition, there is a risk that we sell a business whose subsequent performance exceeds our expectations, in which case our decision would have potentially sacrificed enterprise value.
Our development stage companies may never produce revenues or income.
We have made investments in and own stakes, either majority or minority, in a certain development stage companies. Each of these companies is at an early stage of development and is subject to all business risks associated with a new enterprise, including constraints on their financial and personnel resources, lack of established credit, the need to establish meaningful and beneficial vendor and customer relationships and uncertainties regarding product development and future revenues. We anticipate that many of these companies will continue to incur substantial additional operating losses for at least the next several years and expect their losses to increase as research and development efforts expand. There can be no assurance as to when or whether any of these companies will be able to develop significant sources of revenue or that any of their respective operations will become profitable, even if any of them is able to commercialize any products. As a result, we may not realize any returns on our investments in these companies for a significant period of time, if at all, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Divestitures and contingent liabilities from divested businesses could adversely affect our business and financial results.
We continually evaluate the performance and strategic fit of all of our businesses and may sell businesses or product lines. Divestitures involve risks, including difficulties in the separation of operations, services, products and personnel, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, the disruption of our business, the potential loss of key employees and the retention of uncertain contingent liabilities, including environmental liabilities, related to the divested business. When we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the achievement of our strategic objectives. We may also dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less desirable than we had anticipated, which could result in significant asset impairment charges, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may experience greater dis-synergies than expected, the impact of the divestiture on our revenue growth may be larger than projected, and some divestitures may be dilutive to earnings. There can be no assurance whether the strategic benefits and expected financial impact of the divestiture will be achieved. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in managing these or any other significant risks that we encounter in divesting a business or product line, and any divestiture we undertake could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Related Party Transactions
There may be conflicts of interest between our company and certain of our related parties and their respective directors and officers which might not be resolved in our favor. More importantly, there may be conflicts between certain of our related parties and their respective directors and officers which might not be resolved in our favor. These risks are set forth below appurtenant to the relevant related party.
Ault & Company
Our relationship with Ault & Company may enhance the difficulty inherent in obtaining financing for us as well as expose us to certain conflicts of interest.
As of April 15, 2024, Ault & Company, of which Milton C. (Todd) Ault, III is the chief executive officer, beneficially owned 452,443 shares of our common stock, consisting of (i) 229 shares of common stock owned and (ii) 452,214 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. While as of April 15, 2024, Ault & Company beneficially owned 1.5% of our common stock, Ault & Company owned additional shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock that cannot be converted and/or exercised in accordance with the rules and regulations of the NYSE American, LLC unless we first obtain stockholder approval. If stockholder approval was obtained and there were no restrictions on the conversion and/or exercise of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants owned by Ault & Company as of April 15, 2024, then Ault & Company would beneficially own 82.2% of our common stock.
In addition, pursuant to the November 2023 SPA, as amended in March 2024, Ault & Company has the right to purchase up to an additional $31.5 million of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants, which would further increase their beneficial ownership. Given the close relationship between Ault & Company, on the one hand, and our company, on the other, it is not inconceivable that we could further amend the November 2023 SPA or enter into additional securities purchase agreements with Ault & Company.
Although we have relied on Ault & Company to finance us in the past, we cannot assure you that Ault & Company will assist us in the future. We would far prefer to rely on Ault & Company’s assistance compared to other sources of financing as the terms they provide us are in general more favorable to us than we could obtain elsewhere. However, Messrs. Ault, Horne and Nisser could face a conflict of interest in that they serve on the board of directors of each of Ault & Company and our company. If they determine that an investment in our company is not in Ault & Company’s best interest, we could be forced to seek financing from other sources that would not necessarily be likely to provide us with equally favorable terms.
Other conflicts of interest between us, on the one hand, and Ault & Company, on the other hand, may arise relating to commercial or strategic opportunities or initiatives. Mr. Ault, as the controlling stockholder of Ault & Company, may not resolve such conflicts in our favor. For example, we cannot assure you that Ault & Company would not pursue opportunities to provide financing to other entities whether or not it currently has a relationship with such other entities. Furthermore, our ability to explore alternative sources of financing other than Ault & Company may be constrained due to Mr. Ault’s vision for us and he may not wish for us to receive any financing at all other than from entities that he controls.
Alzamend
Our relationship with Alzamend may expose us to certain conflicts of interest.
As of April 15, 2024, we beneficially own 2,092,427 shares of Alzamend’s common stock, representing approximately 25.5%, consisting of (i) 1,111 shares underlying currently exercisable warrants we own, (ii) 768,365 shares held by Ault Lending and (iii) 1,322,951 shares issuable upon conversion of series B convertible preferred stock of Alzamend (the “ALZN Series B Preferred”) held by Ault Lending. In addition, Ault Lending owns additional shares of ALZN Series B Preferred and warrants to purchase shares of common stock that cannot be converted and/or exercised in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market unless Alzamend first obtains stockholder approval. In addition, the warrants are either not currently exercisable, as the initial exercise dates are six months after issuance, while other warrants contain beneficial ownership blockers. If stockholder approval was obtained and there were no restrictions on the conversion and/or exercise of the ALZN Series B Preferred and warrants owned by Ault Lending as of April 15, 2024, then we would beneficially own 43.8% of Alzamend’s common stock.
In addition, pursuant to the January 2024 SPA, Ault Lending has the right to purchase up to an additional $4.0 million of ALZN Series B Preferred and warrants, which would further increase our beneficial ownership. Beyond the securities we beneficially own, Mr. Ault, our Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owns an additional 1,168,560 shares of common stock, consisting of (i) 166,865 shares held by Mr. Ault, (ii) 996,197 shares held by Ault Life Sciences, Inc. (“ALSI”) and (iii) 5,498 shares held by Ault Life Sciences Fund, LLC (“ALSF”). Mr. Ault has sole voting and investment power with respect to the securities held of record by ALSI and ALSF.
Messrs. Ault, Horne and Nisser could face a conflict of interest in that they serve on the board of directors of each of Alzamend and our company.
Avalanche
We have lent a substantial amount of funds to Avalanche, a related party, whose ability to repay us is subject to significant doubt; in addition, we currently beneficially own a significant percentage of Avalanche’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock, for which there is presently no market.
On September 6, 2017, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Avalanche (as amended, the “AVLP Loan Agreement”) with an effective date of August 21, 2017 pursuant to which we provided Avalanche a non-revolving credit facility. The AVLP Loan Agreement was increased to up to $20.0 million in June of 2021 and extended to December 31, 2023.
While Avalanche received funds from a third party in the amount of $2.75 million in early April of 2019 in consideration for its issuance of a convertible promissory note to such third party (the “Third Party Note”), $2.7 million was used to pay an outstanding receivable due us and no amount was used to repay the debt Avalanche owes us pursuant to the AVLP Loan Agreement. On October 12, 2021, Ault Alpha LP (“Ault Alpha”), an entity that was an affiliate of ours at that time, repaid the Third Party Note in full and also acquired a warrant to purchase 1.6 million shares of AVLP common stock. In consideration therefor, AVLP issued Ault Alpha a term note in the principal amount of $3.6 million, which term note had a maturity date of June 30, 2022.
On June 27, 2022, AVLP exchanged the term note it had issued to Ault Alpha for a 10% senior secured convertible note in the principal face amount of $3.8 million due June 15, 2024 (the “Ault Alpha Note”). The Ault Alpha Note is convertible, subject to adjustment, at $0.50 per share. AVLP also issued Ault Alpha a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 1,617,647 shares of Avalanche common stock at an exercise price of $0.50. Pursuant to a security agreement entered into by Avalanche and Ault Alpha, as amended by an intercreditor agreement entered into by and among the foregoing parties, our company and certain other persons, Ault Alpha was granted a second priority interest in AVLP’s assets securing the repayment of the Ault Alpha Note. In connection with the liquidation of Ault Alpha in December 2023, Ault Lending assumed the Ault Alpha Note, the warrants to purchase Avalanche common stock and the secured party rights.
On July 11, 2022, AVLP issued us a 10% senior secured convertible note in the principal face amount of $3.0 million due July 10, 2024 (the “AVLP Note”). The AVLP Note is convertible, subject to adjustment, at $0.50 per share. AVLP also issued us warrants to purchase an aggregate of 41.0 million shares of Avalanche common stock at an exercise price of $0.50. Pursuant to a security agreement entered into by Avalanche and Ault Alpha, as amended by an intercreditor agreement entered into by and among the foregoing parties, our company and certain other persons, we have a first priority interest in AVLP’s assets securing the repayment of the AVLP Note.
We previously held a convertible note issued to us by AVLP in the amount of $20.0 million, referred to as the AVLP Loan Agreement. On June 1, 2022, we converted the entire principal and accrued interest on the AVLP Loan Agreement into an aggregate of 51.9 million shares of common stock of Avalanche, representing approximately 90.2% of Avalanche’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock. There is currently no liquid market for the Avalanche common stock. Consequently, even if we were inclined to sell such shares of common stock on the open market, our ability to do so would be severely limited. Avalanche is not current in its filings with the SEC and is not required to register the shares of its common stock underlying the AVLP Loan Agreement or any other loan arrangement we have made with Avalanche described above.
There is doubt as to whether Avalanche will ever have the ability to repay its debt to us, as well as our ability to sell the shares we beneficially own since at present there is no market for these shares. If we are unable to recoup our investment in Avalanche in the foreseeable future or at all, such failure would have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and future prospects.
Milton C. Ault, III and William B. Horne, our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, respectively, and two of our directors are directors of Avalanche.
Milton C. Ault, III and William B. Horne, our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, respectively, and two of our directors, are also directors of Avalanche. Certain conflicts of interest between us, on the one hand, and Avalanche, on the other hand, may arise relating to commercial or strategic opportunities or initiatives, in addition to the conflicts related to the debt that Avalanche owes us. For example, Messrs. Ault and Horne may find it difficult to determine how to meet their fiduciary duties to us as well as Avalanche, which could result in a less favorable result for us than would be the case if they were solely directors of our company. Further, even if Messrs. Ault and Horne were able to successfully meet their fiduciary obligations to us and Avalanche, the fact that they are members of the board of directors of both companies could attenuate their ability to focus on our business and best interests, possibly to the detriment of both companies.
ROI
Our relationship with ROI may expose us to certain conflicts of interest.
As of April 15, 2024, we beneficially own 1,701,969 shares of ROI’s common stock, consisting of (i) 745,244 shares held by Ault Lending, (ii) 293,358 shares issuable upon the conversion of outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock (“ROI Series A Preferred”) we own, and (iii) 663,367 shares issuable upon the conversion of outstanding shares of ROI Series D Preferred we own. While as of April 15, 2024, we beneficially owned approximately 5.1% of ROI’s common stock, we own shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“ROI Series B Preferred”) and additional shares of ROI Series D Preferred that cannot be converted unless we first obtain shareholder approval, in addition to beneficial ownership blockers and other restrictions. If shareholder approval was obtained and there were no restrictions on the conversion of the securities we own, as of April 15, 2024, then we would beneficially own 58.2% of ROI’s common stock.
Messrs. Ault and Nisser could face a conflict of interest in that they serve on the board of directors of each of ROI and our company.
Risks Related to RiskOn
Risks Related to BNC
If BNC does not successfully develop its business, the shares that we own as well as those we are entitled to may have very little value, if any.
We sold BNC to ROI under the assumption that BNC is worth $100 million, of which we would receive shares of Series B Preferred valued at $86 million, assuming ROI obtains Shareholder Approval, as discussed above. However, if BNC does not successfully develop its business within the foreseeable future, ROI could be required to seek additional capital, which could result in a decrease in the value of our shares of Series B Preferred, whether due to dilution or the terms of such financing. There can be no assurance that ROI would be able to raise the requisite financing to maintain or develop its business on reasonably favorable terms, whether to it or to us, if at all. Further, whether or not BNC seeks or receives additional financing, if its business never develops, then our shares of Series B Preferred will in all likelihood have no value at all.
Risks Related to BNC’s Product Offerings
If BNC fails to retain existing users or add new users, or if BNC’s users decrease their level of engagement with BNC’s products, BNC’s revenue, financial results, and business may be significantly harmed.
The size of BNC’s user base and BNC’s users’ level of engagement across BNC’s products are critical to BNC’s success. BNC’s financial performance will be significantly determined by BNC’s success in adding, retaining, and engaging active users of BNC’s products that deliver ad impressions. User growth and engagement are also impacted by a number of other factors, including competitive products and services, such as TikTok, that could reduce some users’ engagement with BNC’s products and services, as well as global and regional business, macroeconomic, and geopolitical conditions. Any future declines in the size of BNC’s active user base, which to date is minimal, may adversely impact BNC’s ability to deliver ad impressions and, in turn, BNC’s financial performance.
If people do not perceive BNC’s products to be useful, reliable, and trustworthy, BNC may not be able to attract or retain users or otherwise maintain or increase the frequency and duration of their engagement. A number of other social networking companies that achieved early popularity have since seen their active user bases or levels of engagement decline, in some cases precipitously. There is no guarantee that BNC will not experience a similar inability to generate a significant used baser or, if achieved, subsequent erosion of BNC’s active user base or engagement levels. User engagement can be difficult to measure, particularly as BNC introduces new and different products and services. Any number of factors can negatively affect user retention, growth, and engagement, including if:
· users increasingly engage with other competitive products or services;
· BNC fails to introduce new features, products, or services that users find engaging or if BNC introduces new products or services, or makes changes to existing products and services, that are not favorably received;
· users feel that their experience is diminished as a result of the decisions BNC makes with respect to the frequency, prominence, format, size, and quality of ads that BNC displays;
· users have difficulty installing, updating, or otherwise accessing BNC’s products on mobile devices as a result of actions by BNC or third parties that BNC relies on to distribute BNC’s products and deliver BNC’s services;
· BNC is unable to develop products for mobile devices that users find engaging, that work with a variety of mobile operating systems and networks, and that achieve a high level of market acceptance;
· there are decreases in user sentiment due to questions about the quality or usefulness of BNC’s products or BNC’s user data practices, concerns about the nature of content made available on BNC’s products, or concerns related to privacy, safety, security, well-being, or other factors;
· BNC is unable to manage and prioritize information to ensure users are presented with content that is appropriate, interesting, useful, and relevant to them;
· BNC is unable to obtain or attract engaging third-party content;
· BNC is unable to successfully maintain or grow usage of and engagement with applications that integrate with BNC’s products;
· users adopt new technologies where BNC’s products may be displaced in favor of other products or services, or may not be featured or otherwise available;
· there are changes mandated by legislation, government and regulatory authorities, or litigation that adversely affect BNC’s products or users;
· BNC is unable to offer a number of BNC’s products and services in Europe, or are otherwise limited in BNC’s business operations, as a result of European regulators, courts, or legislative bodies determining that BNC’s reliance on Standard Contractual Clauses or other legal basis BNC may rely upon to transfer user data from the European Union to the United States is invalid;
· there is decreased engagement with BNC’s products, or failure to accept BNC’s terms of service, as part of privacy-focused changes that BNC has implemented or may implement in the future, whether voluntarily, in connection with the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), the European Union’s ePrivacy Directive, the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), or other laws, regulations, or regulatory actions, or otherwise;
· technical or other problems prevent BNC from delivering its products in a rapid and reliable manner or otherwise affect the user experience, such as security breaches or failure to prevent or limit spam or similar content, or users feel their experience is diminished as a result of BNC’s efforts to protect the security and integrity of the Platform;
· BNC adopts terms, policies, or procedures related to areas such as sharing, content, user data, or advertising, or BNC takes, or fails to take, actions to enforce BNC’s policies, that are perceived negatively by BNC’s users or the general public;
· BNC elects to focus its product decisions on longer-term initiatives that do not prioritize near-term user growth and engagement;
· BNC makes changes in its user account login or registration processes or changes in how BNC promotes different products and services across its family of products;
· initiatives designed to attract and retain users and engagement, including the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, are unsuccessful, whether as a result of actions by BNC, its competitors, or other third parties, or otherwise;
· there is decreased engagement with BNC’s products as a result of taxes imposed on the use of social media or other mobile applications in certain countries, internet shutdowns, or other actions by governments that affect the accessibility of BNC’s products in their countries;
· BNC fails to provide adequate customer service to users, marketers, developers, or other partners; or
· BNC, developers whose products are integrated with BNC’s products, or other partners and companies in BNC’s industry are the subject of adverse media reports or other negative publicity, including as a result of BNC’s or its user data practices.
From time to time, certain of these factors have negatively affected user retention, growth, and engagement to varying degrees. If BNC are unable to maintain or increase BNC’s user base and user engagement, particularly for BNC’s significant revenue-generating products like Facebook and Instagram, BNC’s revenue and financial results may be adversely affected. Any significant decrease in user retention, growth, or engagement could render BNC’s products less attractive to users, marketers, and developers, which is likely to have a material and adverse impact on BNC’s ability to deliver ad impressions and, accordingly, BNC’s revenue, business, financial condition, and results of operations. As the size of BNC’s active user base fluctuates in one or more markets from time to time, BNC will become increasingly dependent on BNC’s ability to maintain or increase levels of user engagement and monetization in order to grow revenue.
BNC’s user growth, engagement, and monetization on mobile devices depend upon effective operation with mobile operating systems, networks, technologies, products, and standards that BNC does not control.
The substantial majority of BNC’s revenue is expected to be generated from advertising on mobile devices. There is no guarantee that popular mobile devices will feature BNC’s products, or that mobile device users will ever use BNC’s products rather than competing products. BNC is dependent on the interoperability of BNC’s products with popular mobile operating systems, networks, technologies, products, and standards that BNC does not control, such as the Android and iOS operating systems and mobile browsers. Changes, bugs, or technical issues in such systems, or changes in BNC’s relationships with mobile operating system partners, handset manufacturers, browser developers, or mobile carriers, or in the content or application of their terms of service or policies that degrade BNC’s products’ functionality, reduce or eliminate BNC’s ability to update or distribute BNC’s products, give preferential treatment to competitive products, limit BNC’s ability to deliver, target, or measure the effectiveness of ads, or charge fees related to the distribution of BNC’s products or BNC’s delivery of ads have in the past adversely affected, and could in the future adversely affect, the usage of BNC’s products and monetization on mobile devices.
BNC’s products and changes to such products could fail to attract or retain users or generate revenue and profits, or otherwise adversely affect BNC’s business.
BNC’s ability to retain, increase, and engage its user base and to increase BNC’s revenue depends heavily on BNC’s ability to continue to evolve BNC’s existing products and to create successful new products, both independently and in conjunction with developers or other third parties. BNC may introduce significant changes to BNC’s products or acquire or introduce new and unproven products, including using technologies with which BNC has little or no prior development or operating experience. For example, BNC does not have significant experience with consumer hardware products or virtual or augmented reality technology, which may adversely affect BNC’s ability to successfully develop and market these products and technologies. BNC will incur substantial costs, and BNC may not be successful in generating profits, in connection with these efforts. These efforts, including the introduction of new products or changes to existing products, may result in new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, ethical concerns, or other complications that could adversely affect BNC’s business, reputation, or financial results. If BNC’s new products or changes to existing products fail to engage users, marketers, or developers, or if BNC’s business plans are unsuccessful, BNC may fail to attract or retain users or to generate sufficient revenue, operating margin, or other value to justify BNC’s investments, and BNC’s business may be adversely affected.
BNC may not be successful in its metaverse strategy and investments, which could adversely affect BNC’s business, reputation, or financial results.
BNC believes that the metaverse, an embodied internet where people have immersive experiences beyond two-dimensional screens, is the next evolution in social technology. BNC intends to focus on helping to bring the metaverse to life. BNC expects this will be a complex, evolving, and long-term initiative that will involve the development of new and emerging technologies, require significant investment in infrastructure as well as privacy, safety, and security efforts, and collaboration with other companies, developers, partners, and other participants. However, the metaverse may not develop in accordance with BNC’s expectations, and market acceptance of features, products, or services BNC may build for the metaverse is uncertain. BNC intends to regularly evaluate BNC’s product roadmaps and make significant changes as BNC’s understanding of the technological challenges and market landscape and BNC’s product ideas and designs evolve. In addition, BNC has virtually no experience with consumer hardware products and virtual and augmented reality technology, which may enable other companies to compete more effectively than it can. BNC may be unsuccessful in BNC’s future research and product development efforts, including if BNC is unable to develop relationships with key participants in the metaverse or develop products that operate effectively with metaverse technologies, products, systems, networks, or standards. BNC hopes to make investments in virtual and augmented reality and other technologies to support these efforts, and BNC’s ability to support these efforts is dependent on generating sufficient profits from BNC’s business. In addition, as BNC’s metaverse efforts evolve, BNC may be subject to a variety of existing or new laws and regulations in the United States and international jurisdictions, including in the areas of privacy, safety, competition, content regulation, consumer protection, and e-commerce, which may delay or impede the development of BNC’s products and services, increase BNC’s operating costs, require significant management time and attention, or otherwise harm BNC’s business. As a result of these or other factors, BNC’s metaverse strategy and investments may not be successful in the foreseeable future, or at all, which could adversely affect BNC’s business, reputation, or financial results.
BNC may not be able to successfully grow usage of and engagement with applications that integrate with BNC’s products.
BNC hopes to make investments to enable developers to build, grow, and monetize applications that integrate with BNC’s products. Such existing and prospective developers may not be successful in building, growing, or monetizing applications that create and maintain user engagement. Additionally, developers may choose to build on other platforms, including platforms controlled by third parties, rather than building products that integrate with BNC’s products. BNC is continuously seeking to balance the distribution objectives of BNC’s developers with BNC’s desire to provide an optimal user experience, and BNC may not be successful in achieving a balance that attracts or retains such developers. In addition, as part of BNC’s efforts related to privacy, safety, and security, BNC intends to conduct investigations and audits of platform applications from time to time. In some instances, these actions will adversely affect BNC’s relationships with developers. If BNC is not successful in BNC’s efforts to grow the number of developers that choose to build products that integrate with BNC’s products or if BNC is unable to continue to build and maintain good relations with such developers, BNC’s user growth and user engagement as well as its financial results may be adversely affected.
Risks Related to BNC’s Business Operations and Financial Results
Our business is highly competitive. Competition presents an ongoing threat to the success of BNC’s business.
BNC expects to compete with companies providing connection, sharing, discovery, and communication products and services to users online, as well as companies that sell advertising to businesses looking to reach consumers and/or develop tools and systems for managing and optimizing advertising campaigns. BNC faces significant competition in every aspect of BNC’s business, including, but not limited to, companies that facilitate the ability of users to create, share, communicate, and discover content and information online or enable marketers to reach their existing or prospective audiences. BNC expects to compete to attract, engage, and retain people who use BNC’s products, to attract and retain businesses that use BNC’s free or paid business and advertising services, and to attract and retain developers who build compelling applications that integrate with BNC’s products. BNC also expects to compete with companies that develop and deliver virtual and augmented reality products and services. As BNC introduces or acquires new products, or as other companies introduce new products and services, including as part of efforts to develop the metaverse or innovate through the application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, BNC may become subject to additional competition.
Virtually all BNC’s current and potential competitors have greater resources, experience, or stronger competitive positions in the product segments, geographic regions, or user demographics in which BNC intends to operate than BNC does. For example, some of BNC’s competitors may be domiciled in different countries and subject to political, legal, and regulatory regimes that enable them to compete more effectively than BNC could. These factors may allow BNC’s competitors to respond more effectively than BNC to new or emerging technologies and changes in market conditions. In the event that users engage with other products and services, BNC may never see any growth in use and engagement in key user demographics or more broadly, in which case BNC’s business would be harmed.
BNC’s competitors may develop products, features, or services that are similar to its own or that achieve greater acceptance, may undertake more far-reaching and successful product development efforts or marketing campaigns, or may adopt more aggressive pricing policies. Some competitors may gain a competitive advantage against BNC, including: by making acquisitions; by limiting BNC’s ability to deliver, target, or measure the effectiveness of ads; by imposing fees or other charges related to BNC’s delivery of ads; by making access to BNC’s products more difficult or impossible; by making it more difficult to communicate with BNC’s users; or by integrating competing platforms, applications, or features into products they control such as mobile device operating systems, search engines, browsers, or e-commerce platforms. BNC’s competitors may, and in some cases will, acquire and engage users or generate advertising or other revenue at the expense of BNC’s own efforts, which would negatively affect BNC’s business and financial results. In addition, from time to time, BNC may take actions in response to competitive threats, but BNC cannot assure you that these actions will be successful or that they will not negatively affect BNC’s business and financial results.
Real or perceived inaccuracies in BNC’s community and other metrics may harm BNC’s reputation and negatively affect BNC’s business.
The numbers for BNC’s key metrics are calculated using internal company data based on the activity of user accounts, at times augmented by other sources. While these numbers are based on what BNC believes to be reasonable estimates of BNC’s user base for the applicable period of measurement, there are inherent challenges in measuring usage of BNC’s products across online and mobile populations around the world. The methodologies used to measure these metrics require significant judgment and are also susceptible to algorithm or other technical errors. In addition, BNC is seeking to establish mechanisms to improve its estimates of its user base, and such estimates may change due to improvements or changes in BNC’s methodology. BNC intends to regularly review BNC’s processes for calculating these metrics, and from time to time BNC expects to discover inaccuracies in these metrics or make adjustments to improve their accuracy.
The lack of comprehensive encryption for communications on the Platform may increase the impact of a data security incident.
Communications on the Platform are not comprehensively encrypted at this time. As such, any data security incident that involves unauthorized access, acquisition, disclosure, or use may be highly impactful to BNC’s business. BNC may experience considerable incident response forensics, data recovery, legal fees, and costs of notification related to any such potential incident, and BNC may face an increased risk of reputational harm, regulatory enforcement, and consumer litigation, which could further harm BNC’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and future business opportunities.
Risks Related to Government Regulation and Enforcement Regarding BNC
Actions by governments that restrict access to BNC’s products in their countries, censor or moderate content on BNC’s products in their countries, or otherwise impair BNC’s ability to sell advertising in their countries, could substantially harm BNC’s business and financial results.
BNC expects that governments will from time to time seek to censor or moderate content available on BNC’s products, should such products ever be developed, distributed and used by customers, in their country, restrict access to BNC’s products from their country partially or entirely, or impose other restrictions that may affect the accessibility of BNC’s products in their country for an extended period of time or indefinitely. In addition, government authorities may seek to restrict user access to BNC’s products if they consider us to be in violation of their laws or a threat to public safety or for other reasons. It is also possible that government authorities could take action that impairs BNC’s ability to sell advertising, including in countries where access to BNC’s consumer-facing products may be blocked or restricted. In the event that content shown on BNC’s products is subject to censorship, access to BNC’s products is restricted, in whole or in part, in one or more countries, BNC would be required to or could elect to make changes to BNC’s future operations, or other restrictions are imposed on BNC’s products, or BNC’s competitors are able to successfully penetrate new geographic markets or capture a greater share of existing geographic markets that BNC cannot access or where BNC face other restrictions, BNC’s ability to increase BNC’s user base, user engagement, or the level of advertising by marketers may be adversely affected, and BNC may not be able to grow BNC’s revenue as anticipated, and BNC’s financial results could be adversely affected.
Our business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding privacy, data use and data protection, content, competition, safety and consumer protection, e-commerce, and other matters. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to BNC’s products and business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm BNC’s business.
BNC is subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that will involve matters central to BNC’s business, including privacy, data use, data protection and personal information, biometrics, encryption, rights of publicity, content, integrity, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution, data security, data retention and deletion, data localization and storage, data disclosure, artificial intelligence and machine learning, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, protection of minors, consumer protection, civil rights, accessibility, telecommunications, product liability, e-commerce, taxation, economic or other trade controls including sanctions, anti-corruption and political law compliance, securities law compliance, and online payment services. The introduction of new products, expansion of BNC’s activities in certain jurisdictions, or other actions that BNC may take may subject it to additional laws, regulations, or other government scrutiny. In addition, foreign data protection, privacy, content, competition, consumer protection, and other laws and regulations can impose different obligations or be more restrictive than those in the United States.
These U.S. federal, state, and foreign laws and regulations, which in some cases can be enforced by private parties in addition to government entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the new and rapidly evolving industry in which BNC operates, and may be interpreted and applied inconsistently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and inconsistently with BNC’s current policies and practices. For example, regulatory or legislative actions or litigation affecting the manner in which BNC displays content to BNC’s users, moderate content, or obtain consent to various practices could adversely affect user growth and engagement. Such actions could affect the manner in which BNC provides its services or adversely affect BNC’s financial results.
As its business develops, BNC expects to become subject to significant legislative and regulatory developments, and proposed or new legislation and regulations could significantly affect BNC’s business in the future. For example, BNC intends to implement certain product changes and controls as a result of requirements under the European General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), and may implement additional changes in the future. The interpretation of the GDPR is still evolving and draft decisions in investigations are subject to review by several European privacy regulators as part of the GDPR’s consistency mechanism, which may lead to significant changes in the final outcome of such investigations. As a result, the interpretation and enforcement of the GDPR, as well as the imposition and amount of penalties for non-compliance, are subject to significant uncertainty. The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), also establishes certain transparency rules and creates new data privacy rights for users, including limitations on BNC’s use of certain sensitive personal information and more ability for users to control the purposes for which their data is shared with third parties. Other states have proposed or enacted similar comprehensive privacy laws that afford users with similar data privacy rights and controls. These laws and regulations are evolving and subject to interpretation, and resulting limitations on BNC’s advertising services, or reductions of advertising by marketers, could adversely affect BNC’s advertising business.
These laws and regulations, as well as any associated claims, inquiries, or investigations or any other government actions, have in the past led to, and may in the future lead to, unfavorable outcomes including increased compliance costs, loss of revenue, delays or impediments in the development of new products, negative publicity and reputational harm, increased operating costs, diversion of management time and attention, and remedies that harm BNC’s business, including fines or demands or orders that BNC modify or cease existing business practices.
Changes in laws affecting gaming and gambling or the public perception of gaming and gambling may adversely impact BNC’s business.
BNC offers a number of products and services, which may include a selection of gaming options, including games, sweepstakes, gambling, and social gaming experiences. Social gaming experiences have recently been the subject of civil lawsuits, and some jurisdictions have taken an adverse position to interactive social gaming, including “social casinos” and sweepstakes-based gaming. This could lead to states adopting legislation or imposing a regulatory framework to govern interactive social gaming or social casino or sweepstakes-based gaming specifically. These could also result in a prohibition on interactive social gaming or social casino or sweepstakes-based gaming altogether, restrict BNC’s ability to advertise its games, or substantially increase BNC or our costs to comply with these regulations, all of which could have an adverse effect on our or BNC’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. It is not possible to predict the likelihood, timing, scope, or terms of any such legislation or regulation or the extent to which they may affect our or BNC’s business.
Regulators in the future may pass additional rules and regulations that could adversely affect our or BNC’s business. In May 2019, the World Health Organization adopted a new edition of its International Classification of Diseases, which lists gaming addiction as a disorder. The American Psychiatric Association (“APA”) and U.S. regulators have yet to decide whether gaming addiction should be considered a behavioral disorder, but the APA has noted that research and the debate on its classification are ongoing. Certain countries, including China and South Korea, have enacted regulations, such as imposing both gaming curfews and spending limits for minors, and established treatment programs aimed at addressing gaming addiction. It is not possible to predict the likelihood, timing, scope, or terms of any similar regulations in any of the markets in which BNC operates, or the extent to which implementation of such regulations may adversely affect our or BNC’s reputation and business.
Consumer protection and health concerns regarding games and gambling such as BNC’s have been raised in the past and may again be raised in the future. Such concerns could lead to increased scrutiny over the manner in which BNC’s games are designed, developed, distributed, and presented. We and BNC cannot predict the likelihood, timing or scope of any concern reaching a level that will impact its business, or whether it would suffer any adverse impacts to our or BNC’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Our reputation may be harmed due to unfamiliarity or negative press associated with activities BNC is undertaking, including the online metaverse landscape, virtual markets, real world goods marketplaces, gaming, social activities, sweepstakes, gambling, and digital assets.
BNC is focused on the development of the online metaverse landscape and is focused on immersive digital experiences, including virtual markets, real world goods marketplaces, gaming, social activities, sweepstakes, gambling, and more. The activities BNC is undertaking are based on technology that is relatively new. Many companies operating in similar industries are unlicensed, unregulated and/or operate without supervision by any governmental authorities. As a result, users and the general public may lose confidence in BNC’s products and services. Companies like BNC that deal in digital assets are appealing targets for hackers and malware and may also be more likely to be targets of regulatory enforcement actions. Negative perception, a lack of stability and standardized regulation in the industries in which BNC operates and the failure of similar companies due to fraud, business failure, hackers or malware, or government mandated regulation, may reduce confidence in our or BNC’s business. Any of these events could have a material and adverse impact on our or BNC’s reputation and business.
We may be subject to regulatory and other government investigations, enforcement actions, settlements, and other inquiries in the future, which could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us or BNC to change its business practices in a manner materially adverse to its business.
Should BNC’s business ever expand to a significant degree, we and BNC’s management expects to receive formal and informal inquiries from government authorities and regulators regarding BNC’s compliance with laws and regulations, many of which are evolving and subject to interpretation. In such a scenario, we and BNC expect to be the subject of investigations, inquiries, data requests, requests for information, actions, and audits in the United States, particularly in the areas of privacy and data protection, including with respect to minors, law enforcement, consumer protection, civil rights, content moderation, blockchain technologies, sweepstakes, promotions, gaming, gambling, and competition. In addition, we or BNC may in the future be subject to regulatory orders or consent decrees.
We or BNC may also become subject to various litigation and formal and informal inquiries and investigations by competition authorities in the United States, which may relate to many aspects of BNC’s future business, including with respect to users and advertisers, as well as BNC’s industry. Such inquiries, investigations, and lawsuits concern, among other things, BNC’s business practices in the areas of social networking or social media services, digital advertising, gambling, and sweepstakes activities and/or mobile or online applications.
Orders issued by, or inquiries or enforcement actions initiated by, government or regulatory authorities could cause us or BNC to incur substantial costs, expose us to civil and criminal liability (including liability for personnel) or penalties (including substantial monetary remedies), interrupt or require us or BNC to change its business practices in a manner materially adverse to our or BNC’s business (including changes products or user data practices), result in negative publicity and reputational harm, divert resources and the time and attention of management from our or BNC’s business, or subject us or BNC to other structural or behavioral remedies that adversely affect our or BNC’s business.
BNC expects, should its business ever develop, to be subject to regulatory and other government investigations, enforcement actions, settlements and other inquiries in the future, which could cause us BNC incur substantial costs or require BNC to change its business practices in a manner materially adverse to its business.
Should BNC’s business ever expand and to a significant degree, its management expects it to receive formal and informal inquiries from government authorities and regulators regarding BNC’s compliance with laws and regulations, many of which are evolving and subject to interpretation. In such a scenario, BNC expects to be the subject of investigations, inquiries, data requests, requests for information, actions, and audits in the United States, Europe, and around the world, particularly in the areas of privacy and data protection, including with respect to minors, law enforcement, consumer protection, civil rights, content moderation, and competition. In addition, BNC may in the future be subject to regulatory orders or consent decrees.
BNC may also become subject to various litigation and formal and informal inquiries and investigations by competition authorities in the United States, Europe, and other jurisdictions, which may relate to many aspects of BNC’s future business, including with respect to users and advertisers, as well as BNC’s industry. Such inquiries, investigations, and lawsuits concern, among other things, BNC’s business practices in the areas of social networking or social media services, digital advertising, and/or mobile or online applications.
Orders issued by, or inquiries or enforcement actions initiated by, government or regulatory authorities could cause BNC to incur substantial costs, expose us to civil and criminal liability (including liability for BNC’s personnel) or penalties (including substantial monetary remedies), interrupt or require BNC to change its business practices in a manner materially adverse to BNC’s business (including changes to BNC’s products or user data practices), result in negative publicity and reputational harm, divert resources and the time and attention of management from BNC’s business, or subject it to other structural or behavioral remedies that adversely affect BNC’s business.
Payment transactions may subject us to additional regulatory requirements and other risks that could be costly and difficult to comply with or that could harm BNC’s business.
Several of BNC’s future products may offer payments functionality, including enabling BNC’s users to purchase tangible, virtual, and digital goods from merchants and developers that offer applications using BNC’s payment infrastructure, send money to other users, and make donations to certain charitable organizations, among other activities. BNC is or may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, including those governing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, money transmission, stored value, gift cards and other prepaid access instruments, electronic funds transfer, virtual currency, consumer protection, charitable fundraising, trade sanctions, and import and export restrictions. Depending on how BNC’s payment products evolve, BNC may also be subject to other laws and regulations including those governing gambling, banking, and lending. In some jurisdictions, the application or interpretation of these laws and regulations is not clear. BNC’s efforts to comply with these laws and regulations could be costly and result in diversion of management time and effort and may still not guarantee compliance. In the event that BNC is found to be in violation of any such legal or regulatory requirements, BNC may be subject to monetary fines or other penalties such as a cease and desist order, or BNC may be required to make product changes, any of which could have an adverse effect on BNC’s business and financial results.
Risks Related to Data, Security, and Intellectual Property
Security breaches, improper access to or disclosure of BNC’s data or user data, other hacking and phishing attacks on BNC’s systems, or other cyber incidents could harm BNC’s reputation and adversely affect BNC’s business.
BNC’s industry is prone to cyber-attacks by third parties seeking unauthorized access to BNC’s data or users’ data or to disrupt BNC’s ability to provide service. BNC’s products and services involve the collection, storage, processing, and transmission of a large amount of data. Any failure to prevent or mitigate security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of BNC’s data or user data, including personal information, content, or payment information from users, or information from marketers, could result in the loss, modification, disclosure, destruction, or other misuse of such data, which could harm BNC’s business and reputation and diminish BNC’s competitive position. In addition, computer malware, viruses, social engineering (such as spear phishing attacks), scraping, and general hacking continue to be prevalent in BNC’s industry and are expected to occur on BNC’s systems in the future. BNC expects to regularly encounter attempts to create false or undesirable user accounts, purchase ads, or take other actions on BNC’s platform for purposes such as spamming, spreading misinformation, or other objectionable ends. Such attacks may cause interruptions to the services BNC intends to provide, degrade the user experience, cause users or marketers to lose confidence and trust in BNC’s products, impair BNC’s internal systems, or result in financial harm to BNC. BNC’s efforts to protect its data or the information BNC receives, and to disable undesirable activities on BNC’s platform, may also be unsuccessful due to software bugs or other technical malfunctions; employee, contractor, or vendor error or malfeasance, including defects or vulnerabilities in BNC’s vendors’ information technology systems or offerings; government surveillance; breaches of physical security of BNC’s facilities or technical infrastructure; or other threats that evolve. In addition, third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or users to disclose information in order to gain access to BNC’s data or BNC’s users’ data. Cyber-attacks continue to evolve in sophistication and volume, and inherently may be difficult to detect for long periods of time. Although BNC intends to try to develop systems and processes that are designed to protect BNC’s data and user data, to prevent data loss, to disable undesirable accounts and activities on BNC’s platform, and to prevent or detect security breaches, BNC cannot assure you that such measures, if implemented, will provide adequate security, that BNC will be able to react in a timely manner, or that BNC’s remediation efforts will be successful. The changes in BNC’s work environment as a result of certain personnel working remotely could also impact the security of BNC’s systems, as well as BNC’s ability to protect against attacks and detect and respond to them quickly.
In addition, some of BNC’s developers or other partners, such as those that help us measure the effectiveness of ads, may receive or store information provided by us or by BNC’s users through mobile or web applications integrated with BNC’s products. BNC provide limited information to such third parties based on the scope of services provided to us. However, if these third parties or developers fail to adopt or adhere to adequate data security practices, or in the event of a breach of their networks, BNC’s data or BNC’s users’ data may be improperly accessed, used, or disclosed.
To date, BNC has not, to its knowledge, experienced a cyber-attack or other security incident, however, it does expect to experience such cyber-attacks and other security incidents of varying degrees from time to time, and BNC expects to incur significant costs in protecting against or remediating such incidents. In addition, BNC is subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad relating to cybersecurity and data protection. As a result, affected users or government authorities could initiate legal or regulatory actions against BNC in connection with any actual or perceived security breaches or improper access to or disclosure of data, which has occurred in the past and which could cause BNC to incur significant expense and liability or result in orders or consent decrees forcing BNC to modify its business practices. Such incidents or BNC’s efforts to remediate such incidents may also result in a decline in BNC’s active user base or engagement levels. Any of these events could have a material and adverse effect on BNC’s business, reputation, or financial results.
We anticipate that BNC’s efforts related to privacy, safety, security, and content review will identify additional instances of misuse of user data or other undesirable activity by third parties on BNC’s platform.
In addition to BNC’s efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risks, BNC intends to make investments in privacy, safety, security, and content review efforts to combat misuse of BNC’s services and user data by third parties, including investigations and audits of platform applications, as well as other enforcement efforts. As a result of these efforts BNC anticipates that BNC will discover and announce additional incidents of misuse of user data or other undesirable activity by third parties. BNC may not discover all such incidents or activity, whether as a result of BNC’s data or technical limitations, including BNC’s lack of visibility over BNC’s encrypted services, the allocation of resources to other projects, or other factors, and BNC may be notified of such incidents or activity by the FTC, the media or other third parties. Such incidents and activities may in the future include the use of user data or BNC’s systems in a manner inconsistent with BNC’s terms, contracts or policies, the existence of false or undesirable user accounts, improper advertising practices, activities that threaten people’s safety on or offline, or instances of spamming, scraping, data harvesting, unsecured datasets, or spreading misinformation. BNC may also be unsuccessful in its efforts to enforce BNC’s policies or otherwise remediate any such incidents. Consequences of any of the foregoing developments include negative effects on user trust and engagement, harm to BNC’s reputation, changes to BNC’s business practices in a manner adverse to BNC’s business, and adverse effects on BNC’s business and financial results. Any such developments may also subject BNC to additional litigation and regulatory inquiries, which could subject BNC to monetary penalties and damages, divert management’s time and attention, and lead to enhanced regulatory oversight.
BNC’s products and internal systems rely on software and hardware that is highly technical, and any errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities in these systems, or failures to address or mitigate technical limitations in BNC’s systems, could adversely affect BNC’s business.
BNC’s products and internal systems rely on software and hardware, including software and hardware developed or maintained internally and/or by third parties, that is highly technical and complex. In addition, BNC’s products and internal systems depend on the ability of such software and hardware to store, retrieve, process, and manage considerable amounts of data. The software and hardware on which BNC relies is expected to contain, errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities, and BNC’s systems are subject to certain technical limitations that may compromise BNC’s ability to meet BNC’s objectives. Some errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities inherently may be difficult to detect and may only be discovered after the code has been released for external or internal use. Errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, design defects, or technical limitations within the software and hardware on which BNC relies, or human error in using such systems, may in the future lead to outcomes including a negative experience for users and marketers who use BNC’s products, compromised ability of BNC’s products to perform in a manner consistent with BNC’s terms, contracts, or policies, delayed product introductions or enhancements, targeting, measurement, or billing errors, compromised ability to protect the data of BNC’s users and/or BNC’s intellectual property or other data, or reductions in BNC’s ability to provide some or all of BNC’s services. In addition, any errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, or defects in BNC’s systems or the software and hardware on which BNC relies, failures to properly address or mitigate the technical limitations in BNC’s systems, or associated degradations or interruptions of service or failures to fulfill BNC’s commitments to BNC’s users, are expected to lead to outcomes including damage to BNC’s reputation, loss of users, loss of marketers, prevention of its ability to generate revenue, regulatory inquiries, litigation, or liability for fines, damages, or other remedies, any of which could adversely affect BNC’s business and financial results.
If BNC is unable to protect BNC’s intellectual property, the value of its brands and other intangible assets may be diminished, and its business may be adversely affected.
BNC relies, and expects to continue to rely on a combination of confidentiality, assignment, and license agreements with BNC’s employees, consultants, and third parties with whom BNC has relationships, as well as intellectual property laws, to protect BNC’s proprietary rights. In the United States and internationally, BNC expects to file various applications for protection of certain aspects of BNC’s intellectual property. Third parties may knowingly or unknowingly infringe BNC’s proprietary rights, third parties may challenge proprietary rights held by BNC in the future, and future trademark and patent applications may not be approved. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which BNC operates or intends to operate. In any or all of these cases, BNC may be required to expend significant time and expense in order to prevent infringement or to enforce BNC’s rights. Although BNC expects to take measures to protect BNC’s proprietary rights, there can be no assurance that others will not offer products or concepts that are substantially similar to BNC’s and compete with BNC’s business. If the protection of BNC’s proprietary rights is inadequate to prevent unauthorized use or appropriation by third parties, the value of BNC’s brands and other intangible assets may be diminished and competitors may be able to more effectively mimic BNC’s products, services and methods of operations. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on BNC’s business and financial results.
BNC expects to be party to patent lawsuits and other intellectual property rights claims that are expensive and time consuming and, if resolved adversely, could have a significant impact on BNC’s business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Companies, in particular established ones, in the internet, technology, and media industries typically own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement, misappropriation, or other violations of intellectual property or other rights. In the event that BNC ever develops a significant intellectual property portfolio, it would face similar challenges that established companies do. In addition, various “non-practicing entities” that own patents and other intellectual property rights often attempt to aggressively assert their rights in order to extract value from technology companies. Furthermore, from time to time BNC may introduce or acquire new products, which could increase BNC’s exposure to patent and other intellectual property claims from competitors and non-practicing entities.
From time to time, BNC may receive notices from patent holders and other parties alleging that certain of BNC’s products and services, or user content, infringe their intellectual property rights. BNC expects, should its business ever develop, to be involved in a number of intellectual property lawsuits. Defending patent and other intellectual property litigation is costly and can impose a significant burden on management and employees, and there can be no assurances that favorable final outcomes will be obtained in all or even most cases. In addition, plaintiffs may seek, and BNC may become subject to, preliminary or provisional rulings in the course of any such litigation, including potential preliminary injunctions requiring us to cease some or all of BNC’s anticipated operations. BNC may seek, if possible, to settle such lawsuits and disputes on terms that are unfavorable to it. Similarly, if any litigation to which BNC is a party is resolved adversely, BNC may be subject to an unfavorable judgment that may not be reversed upon appeal, if appealed. The terms of such a settlement or judgment may require us to cease some or all of BNC’s operations or require us pay substantial amounts to the other party, which we may not be able to afford. In addition, BNC may have to seek a license to continue practices found to be in violation of a third party’s rights, which may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all, and may significantly increase BNC’s operating costs and expenses. As a result, BNC may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology or practices or discontinue the practices. The development of alternative non-infringing technology or practices could require significant effort and expense, could result in less effective technology or practices or otherwise negatively affect the user experience, or may not be feasible. BNC’s business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected as a result of an unfavorable resolution of the disputes and litigation referred to above.
Risks Related to askROI
askROI is heavily dependent upon on an exclusive licensing agreement.
askROI is heavily dependent upon one single exclusive licensing agreement (the “License Agreement”), which involves a number of risks, not all of which may be adequately summarized in this section. Primarily, however, they consist of the following: (i) reliance on a single licensing agreement for core technology could lead to significant disruptions if the License Agreement is terminated, not renewed, or does not provide the benefits that askROI presently expects to derive from it; and (ii) the exclusive nature of the licensing agreement may restrict askROI’s ability to expand its operations beyond North America, potentially limiting growth opportunities. If askROI’s rights benefits under the License Agreement do not materialize in the way it presently expects, its business and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
askROI is heavily dependent on its LLM provider.
askROI is heavily dependent on its Large Language Model (“LLM”) provider, which presents a number of risks, which are related to the risks outlined immediately above and include the following: (i) askROI’s platform heavily relies on the LLM technology provided by its development partner, or licensor of the License Agreement (the “Licensor”), which means that any issues with the LLM’s performance, reliability, or adaptability could directly and adversely impact askROI’s product quality and customer satisfaction; (ii) any disputes or disagreements over intellectual property rights related to the LLM technology or jointly developed components could lead to legal challenges and operational disruptions, and (iii) any divergence in strategic objectives, priorities, or values between askROI and the Licensor, which is the same entity that provides services to RiskOn with respect to BNC, could strain the relationship and hinder effective collaboration.
Further, any negative publicity, security breaches, or ethical controversies associated with the Licensor could indirectly impact askROI’s reputation and customer trust. In addition, the Licensor’s financial instability or a change in ownership of the Licensor could disrupt the partnership and force askROI to seek alternative providers, which it may or may not be able to do, whether on a timely basis or at all.
Moreover, any unfavorable changes in the Licensor’s pricing model or license fees could increase askROI’s operational costs and reduce its profit margins, if any, and any uncertainty around the renewal terms of the licensing agreement or partnership contract could create long-term planning challenges for askROI.
If any of the foregoing risks were to materialize, askROI’s business and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
askROI faces risks commonly associated with start-up companies.
askROI faces risks commonly associated with start-up companies. As a start-up company, askROI may face difficulties in validating market demand for its AI-powered insights platform, which could adversely impact its ability to attract and acquire customers. Further, enterprise sales cycles can be lengthy, particularly for a start-up company without an established track record. Prolonged sales cycles could strain askROI’s cash flow and hinder growth, and (iii) reliance on a few large customers could make askROI vulnerable to revenue volatility and adversely impact its bargaining power. If any of the foregoing risks were to materialize, askROI’s business and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
askROI faces adoption and integration and other challenges.
askROI faces adoption and integration challenges. Complex onboarding processes or steep learning curves could slow customer adoption and time-to-value realization. Further, its software could be difficult to integrate with a customer’s legacy systems, leading to challenges with customers’ legacy systems and tools. Any difficulties associated with integration of different systems could limit askROI’s market penetration and customer satisfaction. In addition, the Licensor’s development team may have limited capacity to support askROI’s platform development needs, particularly if askROI were to begin seeing significant growth and require more rapid iterations and customizations. Also, the LLM technology may not be optimized for the scale and performance requirements of askROI’s growing user base, leading to performance bottlenecks and customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, as a new entrant in the market, askROI may struggle to establish brand awareness and credibility, making it harder to attract customers and partners. Similarly, any negative publicity or customer complaints could disproportionately impact askROI’s reputation as a startup, hindering its growth and ability to compete against established players. If any of the foregoing risks were to materialize, askROI’s business and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
Customer retention risks could pose a challenge for askROI.
askROI may experience difficulties in retaining customers. Any failure on its part to achieve strong product-market fit could lead to high customer churn rates, as businesses may not perceive sufficient value in askROI’s offerings. Further, as a newly formed entity, askROI may struggle to provide the level of customer support expected by enterprise clients, which could have a materially adverse impact on customer satisfaction and retention. Finally, low barriers to entry and minimal switching costs in the AI and analytics market could make it easier for customers to move to competitors, thereby increasing askROI’s customer retention risks. If any of these developments were to occur, askROI’s business and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
Ethical AI concerns.
The AI industry is commonly associated with ethical concerns, whether real or perceived, which askROI must overcome in order to successfully develop its business. Such concerns include the risk that unintended biases in askROI’s AI models could lead to discriminatory or unfair outcomes, damaging the entity’s reputation and exposing it to legal risks, and that difficulty in providing clear explanations for AI-generated insights could erode customer trust and hinder adoption of askROI’s product offerings. If askROI cannot substantially mitigate or prevent such concerns from arising, its business and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Related to GuyCare
GuyCare’s limited operating history and evolving business model make it difficult to evaluate GuyCare’s future prospects and may increase the risk of your investment.
As a newly launched subsidiary in 2023, GuyCare faces significant challenges in establishing its brand presence, attracting and retaining customers, and achieving profitability in a competitive market. GuyCare’s limited operating history makes it difficult for investors, analysts, and other stakeholders to evaluate its business model, financial performance, and future prospects accurately, all the more so as GuyCare is merely one subsidiary of RiskOn, which has other subsidiaries. GuyCare may encounter unexpected obstacles, such as market resistance to its offerings, difficulties in scaling its operations, or unforeseen regulatory hurdles, which could hinder its ability to execute its business plan effectively. Additionally, as a new entrant, GuyCare may need to invest heavily in marketing, technology infrastructure, and talent acquisition to gain market share and compete with established players, which could strain its and its parent RiskOn’s financial resources and delay profitability.
GuyCare operates in a highly regulated industry with complex and evolving healthcare laws and regulations, which could adversely affect GuyCare’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
GuyCare operates in the highly regulated healthcare industry, which is subject to a complex web of laws and regulations at both the state and federal levels. These regulations cover various aspects of GuyCare’s business, including telehealth services, data privacy, healthcare marketing, and the practice of medicine. As a new entrant, GuyCare may face a steep learning curve in ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, which could divert management’s attention and resources from other critical business functions. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in significant penalties, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Moreover, the regulatory landscape for telehealth and men’s health is constantly evolving, with new laws, regulations, and enforcement priorities emerging in response to technological advancements and public health concerns. GuyCare must proactively monitor these changes and adapt its business practices accordingly to mitigate compliance risks and maintain its competitive edge. This may require significant investments in legal and compliance resources, which could impact GuyCare’s financial performance.
The rapidly evolving telehealth industry presents unique challenges and risks for GuyCare as a new entrant in the market.
GuyCare’s business model is heavily reliant on telehealth services, which have gained significant traction in recent years due to advancements in technology and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the telehealth industry is still relatively new and evolving rapidly, which presents several risks for GuyCare as a new entrant. First, GuyCare may face challenges in ensuring the quality, reliability, and security of its telehealth platform, which could impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. Second, GuyCare may encounter resistance from traditional healthcare providers or regulatory bodies who are skeptical of telehealth’s efficacy or concerned about its potential risks. Third, the telehealth market is becoming increasingly crowded, with numerous players vying for market share and customer attention. GuyCare must differentiate its offerings and value proposition to stand out in this competitive landscape. Finally, the long-term sustainability of telehealth as a primary mode of healthcare delivery is still uncertain, as it may be impacted by factors such as changes in reimbursement policies, technological disruptions, or shifts in consumer preferences. GuyCare must navigate these risks and uncertainties to establish a strong foothold in the telehealth industry and drive long-term growth.
GuyCare’s hybrid business model, which includes brick-and-mortar clinics, exposes GuyCare to additional operational risks and challenges.
While GuyCare will focus primarily on telehealth services, GuyCare’s hybrid model also includes operating brick-and-mortar clinics, which presents a unique set of risks and challenges. As a new entrant, GuyCare may face significant upfront costs in acquiring or leasing clinic space, purchasing equipment and supplies and hiring clinical staff. These investments may strain GuyCare’s and thereby RiskOn’s financial resources and divert management’s attention from other critical business functions. Additionally, operating physical clinics exposes GuyCare to various operational risks, such as property maintenance, staffing challenges, and potential liability for on-site accidents or medical malpractice. GuyCare must also ensure compliance with a wide range of regulations governing the operation of healthcare facilities, including safety standards, accessibility requirements, and waste management protocols. Any lapses in compliance or negative incidents at GuyCare’s clinics could result in legal liabilities, regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
GuyCare faces intense competition from established players in the men’s health market, which could hinder GuyCare’s ability to gain market share and achieve profitability. The men’s health market is becoming increasingly crowded, with numerous established players and new entrants vying for market share.
As a new company in the men’s health market, GuyCare faces intense competition from various sources, including traditional healthcare providers, telehealth platforms, direct-to-consumer health brands, and retail pharmacies. Many of these competitors have significant advantages over GuyCare, such as greater brand recognition, larger customer bases, more extensive provider networks, and vastly greater financial resources. To survive in this competitive landscape, GuyCare must differentiate itself through innovative offerings, personalized customer experiences, and compelling marketing campaigns. GuyCare must also continuously monitor and adapt to changes in competitor strategies, pricing, and market positioning to avoid being outmaneuvered. However, as a new entrant, GuyCare may lack the market intelligence, customer insights, and agility to respond quickly to competitive threats, which could hinder its ability to gain market share and achieve profitability. Additionally, intense competition may lead to price wars, margin erosion, and customer churn, which could further strain GuyCare’s financial performance.
As a healthcare company collecting sensitive customer information, GuyCare faces significant cybersecurity and data privacy risks that could expose GuyCare to legal liabilities, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage.
As a healthcare company that collects, stores, and processes sensitive customer information, including personal health data, GuyCare is a prime target for cybersecurity threats and data breaches. A successful cyber-attack or data breach could result in the unauthorized access, disclosure, or theft of customer data, which could lead to significant legal liabilities, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. For example, under state and federal consumer privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, companies that collect personal data must provide customers with certain rights and protections, such as the right to access, delete, or opt out of the sale of their data. Violations of these laws could lead to significant penalties and class-action lawsuits. As a new entrant, GuyCare may lack the robust cybersecurity infrastructure and data privacy controls needed to safeguard customer data effectively. GuyCare must invest heavily in building a secure, compliant data management system and training its employees in data privacy best practices. GuyCare must also regularly monitor and adapt to changes in cybersecurity threats and regulatory requirements to stay ahead of potential risks.
GuyCare’s reliance on third-party suppliers, manufacturers, and partners exposes GuyCare to various operational and financial risks.
GuyCare’s business model depends heavily on third-party suppliers, manufacturers, and partners for various aspects of its operations, including pharmaceutical products, medical supplies, technology infrastructure and marketing services. As a new entrant, GuyCare may lack the bargaining power and established relationships needed to secure favorable terms and reliable service from these third parties. Any disruptions or quality issues in GuyCare’s supply chain or partner network could significantly impact GuyCare’s ability to serve its customers and maintain business continuity. For example, if a key supplier experiences production delays or quality control issues, GuyCare may face shortages of critical products or be forced to recall defective items, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction, legal liabilities, and financial losses. Similarly, if a technology partner experiences a service outage or data breach, GuyCare’s telehealth platform may become unavailable or compromised, leading to lost revenue and reputational damage.
As a new business, GuyCare faces significant challenges in developing, protecting, and commercializing its proprietary technology and other intellectual property assets.
GuyCare’s success depends on its ability to develop, protect, and commercialize its proprietary technology, trade secrets, and other intellectual property (“IP”) assets. As a new entrant in the highly competitive men’s health market, GuyCare may face significant challenges in securing and enforcing its IP rights. For example, GuyCare may lack the financial resources and legal expertise needed to file and prosecute patent applications effectively, or to defend against IP infringement claims by competitors. Additionally, GuyCare’s IP may be vulnerable to reverse engineering, unauthorized disclosure, or independent development by third parties, particularly if GuyCare fails to implement adequate safeguards and confidentiality agreements. Any loss or compromise of GuyCare’s IP could significantly undermine its competitive position and ability to differentiate itself in the market.
Relying on contracted medical groups or hired doctors in certain states introduces additional legal, operational, and quality control risks for GuyCare.
In states where GuyCare cannot directly provide telemedicine services through the use of a nurse practitioner, GuyCare will need to rely on contracted medical groups or hired doctors. These relationships may introduce additional legal, operational, and quality control risks, as GuyCare will have less direct oversight over the care provided to its clients in these states. GuyCare may face increased exposure to malpractice claims or other legal issues arising from the actions of contracted or hired healthcare providers. While these providers should carry their own malpractice insurance, GuyCare could still be named in lawsuits or face reputational damage if the quality of care provided does not meet GuyCare’s standards. Furthermore, GuyCare may have limited ability to enforce its own quality control measures and clinical guidelines when working with external providers. Inconsistencies in the quality of care, adherence to best practices, or bedside manner of contracted or hired providers could undermine GuyCare's brand reputation and customer loyalty.
GuyCare's ambitious multi-state expansion plan may face unforeseen challenges, potentially impacting its financial performance and growth prospects.
GuyCare plans to rapidly expand its telemedicine services to all 41 states that all nurse practitioners to provide its services, which is anticipated to occur within the next five months, is ambitious and may face unforeseen challenges. Delays in obtaining licenses, recruiting providers, or setting up necessary infrastructure could impact GuyCare’s ability to meet its expansion targets and may negatively affect its financial performance and growth prospects.
The loss of key management or healthcare professionals could significantly disrupt GuyCare’s operations and hinder GuyCare’s ability to achieve its growth objectives.
As a new subsidiary, GuyCare’s success is heavily dependent on the skills, experience, and leadership of its key management and healthcare professionals. These individuals play a critical role in setting GuyCare’s strategic direction, building its organizational culture, and executing its business plan. The loss of one or more key personnel, whether due to resignation, illness, or other reasons, could significantly disrupt GuyCare’s operations and hinder its ability to achieve its growth objectives.
As a provider of healthcare products and services, GuyCare faces inherent risks related to product liability claims and lawsuits, which could result in significant legal expenses, damages, and reputational harm.
As a provider of healthcare products and services, GuyCare faces inherent risks related to product liability claims and lawsuits. If a customer experiences an adverse event or injury while using one of GuyCare’s products or services, they may take legal action against GuyCare for damages. Product liability claims can be costly to defend and settle, even if they are ultimately found to be without merit. Additionally, negative publicity surrounding a product liability lawsuit could significantly damage GuyCare’s brand reputation and customer trust, particularly as a new entrant in the market.
Economic downturns or uncertainties could lead to reduced demand for GuyCare’s products and services, negatively impacting GuyCare’s revenue and growth prospects.
As a new business operating in the discretionary healthcare market, GuyCare is particularly vulnerable to economic downturns and uncertainties. During times of economic stress, consumers may cut back on non-essential health and wellness spending, such as elective procedures, preventive care and premium products. This could lead to reduced demand for GuyCare’s offerings, lower revenue, and increased customer churn. Additionally, economic uncertainties may make it harder for GuyCare to secure funding from investors or lenders, particularly as a new entrant with a limited track record of financial performance. This could hinder GuyCare’s ability to invest in growth initiatives, such as new product development, market expansion, and talent acquisition.
Negative publicity or customer feedback could significantly damage GuyCare’s brand reputation and customer trust, hindering GuyCare’s ability to attract and retain customers.
As a new entrant in the highly competitive men’s health market, GuyCare’s success depends heavily on its ability to build and maintain a strong brand reputation. A positive brand image can help GuyCare attract and retain customers, partners, and employees, as well as differentiate itself from competitors. However, building and maintaining a strong brand is a complex and ongoing process that requires significant investments in marketing, customer experience, and product quality. As a new business, GuyCare may face challenges in establishing brand awareness and credibility, particularly in a market where established players have a strong presence. Additionally, any negative publicity or customer feedback, whether justified or not, can quickly erode brand trust and loyalty.
GuyCare faces significant risks and challenges in executing its marketing and advertising strategy effectively and compliantly in the highly regulated healthcare industry.
As a new entrant in the men’s health market, GuyCare must invest heavily in marketing and advertising to build brand awareness, generate demand, and attract new customers. However, GuyCare faces significant risks and challenges in executing its marketing strategy effectively and compliantly. For example, the healthcare industry is subject to strict regulations around marketing and advertising, particularly with respect to product claims, testimonials, and disclosures. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust. Additionally, the digital advertising landscape is becoming increasingly complex and competitive, with numerous players vying for consumer attention and data. This can make it difficult for GuyCare to achieve its desired return on investment and to differentiate itself from competitors.
GuyCare may face intellectual property infringement claims from competitors or other third parties, which could result in costly legal battles and damage to GuyCare’s reputation and financial performance.
As GuyCare develops and commercializes its proprietary products and technologies, it may face the risk of intellectual property infringement claims from competitors, patent trolls, or other third parties. These claims can be costly and time-consuming to defend, even if they are ultimately found to be without merit. In some cases, GuyCare may be forced to pay significant damages or royalties, or to cease using certain technologies or products altogether. Additionally, the publicity surrounding an intellectual property dispute can damage GuyCare’s reputation and customer relationships, particularly as a new entrant in the market.
Any disruptions, outages, or security breaches in GuyCare’s technology infrastructure could significantly impact GuyCare’s ability to deliver its products and services as well as and maintain customer trust and loyalty.
GuyCare’s digital-first approach to men’s health relies heavily on its technology infrastructure, including its telehealth platform, mobile apps, and data management systems. Any disruptions, outages, or security breaches in these systems could significantly impact GuyCare’s ability to deliver its products and services, and to maintain customer trust and loyalty. For example, if GuyCare’s telehealth platform experiences a prolonged outage or a data breach, customers may be unable to access care or may have their personal health information compromised. This could result in lost revenue, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. Additionally, as a new entrant, GuyCare may face challenges in building and maintaining a scalable and resilient technology infrastructure that can keep pace with its growth and evolving customer needs.
Pursuing strategic acquisitions or investments could introduce significant risks and challenges for GuyCare, particularly as a new entrant with limited experience in mergers and acquisitions.
As GuyCare grows and expands its business, it may pursue strategic acquisitions or investments to accelerate its growth, enter new markets, or acquire new capabilities. However, these transactions can also introduce significant risks and challenges, particularly for a new entrant with limited experience in mergers and acquisitions. For example, GuyCare may face difficulties in integrating the acquired company’s technology, products, and personnel into its own operations, leading to culture clashes, redundancies, or loss of key talent. Additionally, the acquisition may not deliver the expected synergies or financial returns, leading to a loss of RiskOn’s shareholder value and confidence.
As a new business, GuyCare may face challenges in securing the necessary financing to fund its growth and expansion plans, which could hinder GuyCare’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives
As a new business operating in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market, GuyCare may require significant capital to fund its growth and expansion plans. However, securing financing can be challenging for a new entrant, particularly if it has a limited track record of revenue and profitability. Additionally, the terms of any financing, such as interest rates, covenants, and dilution, can have a significant impact on GuyCare’s financial flexibility and long-term value creation.
GuyCare’s dependence on key suppliers and vendors for critical products and services could expose GuyCare to significant operational and financial risks.
GuyCare’s ability to deliver high-quality products and services to its customers depends heavily on its relationships with key suppliers and vendors, such as manufacturers, distributors, and technology providers. However, as a new entrant, GuyCare may have limited bargaining power and may be vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, price increases, or quality issues. Additionally, if GuyCare becomes overly dependent on a single supplier or vendor, it may be exposed to significant risks if that relationship is terminated or becomes strained.
GuyCare’s success heavily depends on its ability to attract, retain, and motivate a skilled and diverse workforce in a highly competitive and regulated industry.
As a new business in a highly regulated and customer-facing industry, GuyCare’s success depends heavily on its ability to attract, retain, and motivate a skilled and diverse workforce. However, GuyCare may face significant challenges in competing for talent, particularly in a tight labor market or in high-cost locations. Additionally, any allegations of discrimination, harassment, or other employment-related issues could expose GuyCare to legal and reputational risks and impact its ability to attract and retain employees.
Expanding into prescription medications and other regulated substances could expose GuyCare to increased regulatory scrutiny, legal liabilities, and reputational risks.
As GuyCare expands its product offerings to include prescription medications and other regulated substances, it may face increased risks and complexities related to pharmaceutical regulations and safety. For example, GuyCare may be subject to strict licensing, manufacturing, labeling, and distribution requirements, as well as ongoing monitoring and reporting obligations. Additionally, any adverse events or safety issues related to GuyCare’s products could expose GuyCare to legal and reputational risks and impact its ability to operate in certain markets.
As a new entrant in the highly regulated and litigious healthcare industry, GuyCare may face a heightened risk of litigation and regulatory investigations related to its products, services, or business practices.
As a new entrant in the highly regulated and litigious healthcare industry, GuyCare may face a heightened risk of litigation and regulatory investigations related to its products, services, or business practices. These legal and regulatory challenges can be costly, time-consuming, and distracting for GuyCare, and may impact its reputation, financial performance, and ability to operate in certain markets. Additionally, GuyCare may be subject to regulatory investigations or enforcement actions related to its compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.
Risks Related to RiskOn
Our dependence on key speakers and attendees may adversely affect our conference’s impact and overall success.
The success of RiskOn 360’s annual conference heavily relies on the participation of high-profile speakers and the attendance of key industry professionals. If RiskOn 360 fails to secure the involvement of influential speakers or experiences a significant decline in attendee numbers, the conference’s impact and overall success may be adversely affected, potentially harming RiskOn 360’s reputation and financial performance.
Prevailing economic and market conditions may influence the demand for our conferences and speaking engagements.
The demand for business conferences and speaking engagements may be influenced by prevailing economic and market conditions. In times of economic uncertainty or downturn, companies and individuals may be less willing to invest in attending conferences or hiring speakers, which could result in reduced revenue for RiskOn 360 and negatively impact its ability to organize successful events.
RiskOn 360 operates in a competitive landscape, and its market share and revenue may be adversely affected by other conferences and events.
RiskOn 360 operates in a competitive landscape, with numerous companies organizing similar business conferences and events. If competitors are able to attract a larger audience, secure more prominent speakers, or offer more compelling content, RiskOn 360’s market share and revenue may be adversely affected, potentially impacting the subsidiary’s long-term growth and profitability.
Logistic and operational challenges in organizing large-scale conferences may lead to attendee dissatisfaction, reputational damage, and financial losses.
Organizing large-scale conferences involves significant logistical and operational challenges, such as venue selection, event management, and technology integration. Any disruptions, delays, or failures in the planning and execution of the annual conference could lead to attendee dissatisfaction, reputational damage, and financial losses for RiskOn 360 and, by extension, RiskOn itself.
The actions and content presented at our conferences and speaking engagements may impact the reputation of RiskOn 360’s parent company, RiskOn.
As a subsidiary of RiskOn, RiskOn 360’s actions and the content presented at its conferences and speaking engagements have the potential to impact the reputation of the parent company. If speakers or attendees engage in misconduct, express controversial opinions, or if the conference content fails to meet attendees’ expectations, it could lead to negative publicity and reputational harm for both RiskOn 360 and RiskOn, potentially affecting their ability to attract future speakers, attendees, and clients.
Risks Related to GIGA
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry - Overview
If we fail to anticipate and adequately respond to rapid technological changes in our industry, including evolving industry-wide standards, in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
The markets in which we operate are characterized by technological changes. Such changes, including evolving industry standards, changes in customer requirements and new product introductions and enhancements, could render our products obsolete. Accordingly, we are required to constantly monitor and anticipate technological changes in our industry and develop new product offerings and technologies or adapt or modify our existing offerings and technologies to keep pace with technological advances in our industry and remain competitive.
Our ability to implement our business strategy and continue to grow our revenues will depend on a number of factors, including our continuing ability to:
· identify emerging technological trends in our current and target markets;
· identify additional uses for our existing technology to address customer needs in our current and future markets;
· enhance our offerings by adding innovative features that differentiate our offerings from those of our competitors; and
· design, develop, manufacture, assemble, test, market and support new products and enhancements in a timely and cost-effective manner.
We believe that, to remain competitive in the future, we will need to continue to invest significant financial resources in developing new offerings and technologies or to adapt or modify our existing offerings and technologies, including through internal research and development, strategic acquisitions and joint ventures or other arrangements. However, these efforts may be more costly than we anticipate and there can be no assurance that they will be successful.
If we are unable to identify, attract, train and retain qualified personnel, especially our design and technical personnel, our business and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected and we may not be able to effectively execute our business strategy.
Our performance and future success largely depends on our continuing ability to identify, attract, train, retain and motivate qualified personnel, including our management, sales and marketing, finance and in particular our engineering, design and technical personnel. For example, we currently have limited number of qualified personnel for the assembling and testing processes. We do not know whether we will be able to retain all these personnel as we continue to pursue our business strategy. Our engineering, design and technical personnel represent a significant asset. The competition for qualified personnel in our industries is intense and constrains our ability to attract qualified personnel. The loss of the services of one or more of our key employees, especially of our key engineering, design and technical personnel, or our inability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Our future results will depend on our ability to maintain and expand our existing sales channels and to build out marketing, business development and sales functions for the operating subsidiaries.
To grow our legacy businesses, we must add new customers for our products in addition to retaining and increasing sales to our current customers. Currently, only Relec, the operating subsidiary that we acquired in November 2020, has an effective sales force focused on establishing relationships with customers that we expect to endure over time. In other subsidiaries, we have historically relied on key executives to drive growth through return business with existing customers. Building out marketing, business development and sales functions in all operating subsidiaries is critical to drive significant growth in line with our strategic plans. While we perform certain of these activities ourselves, we may contract for marketing services to improve our websites, manage public relations and optimize our social media presence. Failure to recruit and retain the business development and sale personnel to execute on outreach and capture of new business, or the failure of those new hires or marketing services to perform as expected, will limit our ability to achieve our growth targets.
We are dependent upon our ability, and our contract manufacturers’ ability, to timely procure electronic components.
Because of the global economy, many raw material vendors have reduced capacities, closed production lines and, in some cases, even discontinued their operations. As a result, there is a global shortage of certain electronic or mineral components, which may extend our production lead-time and our production costs. Some materials are no longer available to support some of our products, thereby requiring us to search for cross materials or, even worse, redesign some of our products to support currently available materials. Such redesign efforts may require certain regulatory and safety agency re-submittals, which may cause further production delays. While we have initiated actions that we believe will limit our exposure to such problems, the dynamic business conditions in many of our markets may challenge the solutions that have been put in place, and issues may recur in the future.
In addition, some of our products are manufactured, assembled and tested by third party subcontractors and contract manufacturers located in Asia. While we have had relationships with many of these third parties in the past, we cannot predict how or whether these relationships will continue in the future. In addition, changes in management, financial viability, manufacturing demand or capacity, or other factors, at these third parties could hurt our ability to manufacture our products.
We depend upon a few major customers for a majority of our revenues, and the loss of any of these customers, or the substantial reduction in the quantity of products that they purchase from us, would significantly reduce our revenues and net income.
We currently depend upon a few major OEMs and other customers for a significant portion of our revenues. If our major OEM customers will reduce or cancel their orders scaling back some of their activities, our revenues and net income would be significantly reduced. Furthermore, diversions in the capital spending of certain of these customers to new network elements have and could continue to lead to their reduced demand for our products, which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. If the financial condition of one or more of our major customers should deteriorate, or if they have difficulty acquiring investment capital due to any of these or other factors, a substantial decrease in our revenues would likely result. We are dependent on the electronic equipment industry, and accordingly will be affected by the impact on that industry of current economic conditions.
Substantially all of our existing customers are in the electronic equipment industry, and they manufacture products that are subject to rapid technological change, obsolescence, and large fluctuations in demand. This industry is further characterized by intense competition and volatility. The OEMs serving this industry are pressured for increased product performance and lower product prices. OEMs, in turn, make similar demands on their suppliers, such as us, for increased product performance and lower prices. Such demands may adversely affect our ability to successfully compete in certain markets or our ability to sustain our gross margins.
Our reliance on subcontract manufacturers to manufacture certain aspects of our products involves risks, including delays in product shipments and reduced control over product quality.
Since we do not own significant manufacturing facilities, we must rely on, and will continue to rely on, a limited number of subcontract manufacturers to manufacture our power supply products. Our reliance upon such subcontract manufacturers involves several risks, including reduced control over manufacturing costs, delivery times, reliability and quality of components, unfavorable currency exchange fluctuations, and continued inflationary pressures on many of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of our power supply products. If we were to encounter a shortage of key manufacturing components from limited sources of supply, or experience manufacturing delays caused by reduced manufacturing capacity, inability of our subcontract manufacturers to procure raw materials, the loss of key assembly subcontractors, difficulties associated with the transition to our new subcontract manufacturers or other factors, we could experience lost revenues, increased costs, and delays in, or cancellations or rescheduling of, orders or shipments, any of which would materially harm our business.
We outsource, and are dependent upon developer partners for, the development of some of our custom design products.
We made an operational decision to outsource some of our custom design products to numerous developer partners. This business structure will remain in place until the custom design volume justifies expanding our in house capabilities. Incomplete product designs that do not fully comply with the customer specifications and requirements might affect our ability to transition to a volume production stage of the custom designed product where the revenue goals are dependent on the high volume of custom product production. Furthermore, we rely on the design partners’ ability to provide high quality prototypes of the designed product for our customer approval as a critical stage to approve production.
We face intense industry competition, price erosion and product obsolescence, which, in turn, could reduce our profitability.
We operate in an industry that is generally characterized by intense competition. We believe that the principal bases of competition in our markets are breadth of product line, quality of products, stability, reliability and reputation of the provider, along with cost. Quantity discounts, price erosion, and rapid product obsolescence due to technological improvements are therefore common in our industry as competitors strive to retain or expand market share. Product obsolescence can lead to increases in unsaleable inventory that may need to be written off and, therefore, could reduce our profitability. Similarly, price erosion can reduce our profitability by decreasing our revenues and our gross margins. In fact, we have seen price erosion over the last several years on most of the products we sell, and we expect additional price erosion in the future.
Our future results are dependent on our ability to establish, maintain and expand our manufacturers’ representative OEM relationships and our other relationships.
We market and sell our products through domestic and international OEM relationships and other distribution channels, such as manufacturers’ representatives and distributors. Our future results are dependent on our ability to establish, maintain and expand our relationships with OEMs as well as with manufacturers’ representatives and distributors to sell our products. If, however, the third parties with whom we have entered into such OEM and other arrangements should fail to meet their contractual obligations, cease doing, or reduce the amount of their, business with us or otherwise fail to meet their own performance objectives, customer demand for our products could be adversely affected, which would have an adverse effect on our revenues.
We may not be able to procure necessary key components for our products, or we may purchase too much inventory or the wrong inventory.
The power supply industry, and the electronics industry as a whole, can be subject to business cycles. During periods of growth and high demand for our products, we may not have adequate supplies of inventory on hand to satisfy our customers’ needs. Furthermore, during these periods of growth, our suppliers may also experience high demand and, therefore, may not have adequate levels of the components and other materials that we require to build products so that we can meet our customers’ needs. Our inability to secure sufficient components to build products for our customers could negatively impact our sales and operating results. We may choose to mitigate this risk by increasing the levels of inventory for certain key components. Increased inventory levels can increase the potential risk for excess and obsolescence should our forecasts fail to materialize or if there are negative factors impacting our customers’ end markets. If we purchase too much inventory or the wrong inventory, we may have to record additional inventory reserves or write-off the inventory, which could have a material adverse effect on our gross margins and on our results of operations.
Although we depend on sales of our legacy products for a meaningful portion of our revenues, these products are mature and their sales will decline.
A relatively large portion of our sales have historically been attributable to our legacy products. However, these sales are declining. Although we are unable to predict future prices for our legacy products, we expect that prices for these products will continue to be subject to significant downward pressure in certain markets for the reasons described above. Accordingly, our ability to maintain or increase revenues will be dependent on our ability to expand our customer base, to increase unit sales volumes of these products and to successfully, develop, introduce and sell new products such as custom design and value-added products. We cannot assure you that we will be able to expand our customer base, increase unit sales volumes of existing products or develop, introduce and/or sell new products.
Failure of our information technology infrastructure to operate effectively could adversely affect our business.
We depend heavily on information technology infrastructure to achieve our business objectives. If a problem occurs that impairs this infrastructure, the resulting disruption could impede our ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship in a timely manner, or otherwise carry on business in the normal course. Any such events could cause us to lose customers or revenue and could require us to incur significant expense to remediate.
We are subject to certain governmental regulatory restrictions relating to our international sales.
Some of our products are subject to International Traffic In Arms Regulation (“ITAR”), which are interpreted, enforced and administered by the U.S. Department of State. ITAR regulation controls not only the export, import and trade of certain products specifically designed, modified, configured or adapted for military systems, but also the export of related technical data and defense services as well as foreign production. Any delays in obtaining the required export, import or trade licenses for products subject to ITAR regulation and rules could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or operating results. In addition, changes in U.S. export and import laws that require us to obtain additional export and import licenses or delays in obtaining export or import licenses currently being sought could cause significant shipment delays and, if such delays are too great, could result in the cancellation of orders. Any future restrictions or charges imposed by the U.S. or any other country on our international sales or foreign subsidiary could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or operating results. In addition, from time to time, we have entered into contracts with the Israeli Ministry of Defense which were governed by the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program (“FMF”). Any such future sales would be subject to these regulations. Failure to comply with ITAR or FMF rules could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, and/or operating results.
We depend on international operations for a substantial majority of our components and products.
We purchase a substantial majority of our components from foreign manufacturers and have a substantial majority of our commercial products assembled, packaged, and tested by subcontractors located outside the U.S. These activities are subject to the uncertainties associated with international business operations, including trade barriers and other restrictions, changes in trade policies, governmental regulations, currency exchange fluctuations, reduced protection for intellectual property, war and other military activities, terrorism, changes in social, political, or economic conditions, and other disruptions or delays in production or shipments, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or operating results.
We depend on international sales for a portion of our revenues.
Sales to customers outside of North America accounted for 19% and 37% of net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and we expect that international sales will continue to represent a material portion of our total revenues. International sales are subject to the risks of international business operations as described above, as well as generally longer payment cycles, greater difficulty collecting accounts receivable, and currency restrictions. In addition, GIGA supports our European and other international customers, distributors, and sales representatives, and therefore is also subject to local regulation. International sales are also subject to the export laws and regulations of the U.S. and other countries.
Because a significant portion of our revenues and expenses is denominated in foreign currencies, fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
We face foreign exchange risks because a significant portion of our revenue and expenses is denominated in foreign currencies. Further, some suppliers to Enertec and Relec require payment in U.S. dollars, which exposes us to risk. Generally, U.S. dollar strength adversely impacts the translation of the portion of our revenue that is generated in foreign currencies into the U.S. dollar. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 16.9% and 35.9% of our revenue, respectively, was denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Our results of operations could also be negatively impacted by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar as a large portion of our costs are U.S. dollar denominated. We also have foreign exchange risk exposure with respect to certain of our assets, that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries, and our financial results are affected by the re-measurement and translation of these non-U.S. currencies into U.S. dollars, which is reflected in the effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statements of cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the effects of exchange rates on our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaled ($0.8) million and $0.9 million, respectively, due to fluctuations in exchange rates and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. While we may choose to enter into transactions to hedge portions of our foreign currency translation and balance sheet exposure in the future, it is impossible to predict or eliminate the effects of foreign exchange rate exposure. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our insurance coverage and indemnity may be insufficient to cover potential liabilities we may face due to the risks inherent in the products and services we provide.
We are exposed to liabilities that are unique to the products and services we provide. A significant portion of our business relates to designing, developing and manufacturing components, integrated assemblies and subsystems for advanced defense, medical, transportation, industrial, technology and communications systems and products. New technologies associated with these systems and products may be untested or unproven. Components of certain of the defense systems and products we develop are inherently dangerous. Failures of satellites, missile systems, air traffic control systems, homeland security applications and aircraft have the potential to cause loss of life and extensive property damage. In most circumstances, we may receive indemnification from the government end users of our defense offerings in the U.S., the U.K. and Israel. In addition, failures of products and systems that we manufacture or distribute for medical devices, transportation controls or industrial systems also have the potential to result in loss of life, personal injury and/or extensive property damage.
While we maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs from an accident or incident. It also is not possible for us to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. Substantial claims resulting from an incident in excess of government indemnity and our insurance coverage would harm our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Moreover, any accident or incident for which we are liable, even if fully insured, could negatively affect our standing with our customers and the public, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete effectively, and could significantly impact the cost and availability of adequate insurance in the future.
If we are unable to satisfy our customers’ specific product quality, certification or network requirements, our business could be disrupted and our financial condition could be harmed.
Our customers demand that our products meet stringent quality, performance and reliability standards. We have, from time to time, experienced problems in satisfying such standards. Defects or failures have occurred in the past, and may in the future occur, relating to our product quality, performance and reliability. From time to time, our customers also require us to implement specific changes to our products to allow these products to operate within their specific network configurations. If we are unable to remedy these failures or defects or if we cannot effect such required product modifications, we could experience lost revenues, increased costs, including inventory write-offs, warranty expense and costs associated with customer support, delays in, or cancellations or rescheduling of, orders or shipments and product returns or discounts, any of which would harm our business.
Some of our business is subject to U.S. Government procurement laws and regulations.
We must comply with certain laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of federal government contracts. These laws and regulations affect how we conduct business with our federal government contracts, including the business that we do as a subcontractor. In complying with these laws and regulations, we may incur additional costs, and non-compliance may lead to the assessment of fines and penalties, including contractual damages, or the loss of business.
Failure to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering laws, and similar laws, or allegations of such failure, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are subject to various anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”), the U.S. Travel Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Chapter 9 (sub-chapter 5) of the Israeli Penal Law, 1977, the Israeli Prohibition on Money Laundering Law-2000, and possibly other similar laws in countries outside of the U.S. in which we conduct our business. Anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws have been enforced aggressively in recent years and are interpreted broadly to generally prohibit companies, their employees, agents, representatives, business partners, and third-party intermediaries from authorizing, offering, or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or benefits to recipients in the public or private sector.
We, our employees, agents, representatives, business partners and third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities and may be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these employees, agents, representatives, business partners or third-party intermediaries even if we do not explicitly authorize such activities.
These laws also require that we keep accurate records and maintain internal controls and compliance procedures designed to prevent any such actions. While we have policies and procedures to address compliance with such laws, we cannot assure you that none of our employees, agents, representatives, business partners or third-party intermediaries will take actions in violation of our policies and applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. In addition, we may be held liable for violations committed of the FCPA or similar foreign laws by companies that we acquire.
Any alleged or actual violation of the FCPA or other applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption laws, and anti-money laundering laws could result in whistleblower complaints, investigations, enforcement actions, fines and other criminal or civil sanctions, adverse media coverage, loss of export privileges, or suspension or termination of government contracts. Responding to any investigation or enforcement action would require significant attention of our management and resources, including significant defense costs and other professional fees. Failure to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering laws, and similar laws, or allegations of such failure, could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.
Compliance with the regulations, standards, and contractual obligations promulgated by the European Union related to privacy, data protection, and data security, may cause Gresham Power and Relec to incur additional expenses and failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business and future results of operations.
The European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) contains robust obligations on data “controllers” and data “processors” with heavy documentation requirements for data protection compliance programs that apply to both Gresham Power and Relec. Among other requirements, the GDPR regulates the transfer of personal data subject to the GDPR to third countries that have not been found to provide adequate protection to such personal data, including the U.S. In the U.K., the GDPR requires informed consent for disclosure of names, transfer of email addresses, the use of cookies and direct electronic marketing. The GDPR also imposes conditions on obtaining valid consent to transfer of any personal data that Gresham Power or Relec collect or process. Failure to comply with the GDPR could result in penalties for noncompliance (including possible fines of up to the greater of £8.7 million and 2% of our global annual revenue for the preceding financial year for the violations, as well as the right to compensation for financial or non-financial damages claimed by individuals under Article 82 of the GDPR).
The U.K. has enacted a Data Protection Act substantially implementing the GDPR, effective in May 2018, which was further amended to align more substantially with the GDPR following Brexit. The latest revisions of the GDPR in the U.K. post-Brexit have resulted in even more stringent restrictions on the transfer of data about a person. Data considered in the public domain in the U.S. now falls within the protections of GDPR, which complicates documenting business, marketing, sales outreach, securing infrastructure, audit and business management.
Compliance with the regulations, standards, and contractual obligations promulgated by the U.K. related to privacy, data protection, and data security, may cause Gresham Power and Relec to incur additional expenses and failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business and future results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry - Microphase
Microphase has a history of losses and our future profitability on a quarterly or annual basis is uncertain, which could have a harmful effect on our business and the value of our company.
Microphase has incurred losses from operations during 2019. These losses are attributable to lower volumes of its products sold to major defense contractors partially as a result of the overall reduction in defense spending and sequestration by the U.S. Congress. While Microphase has been profitable, to a certain extent, during 2021 and 2022, there is always the possibility that its results of operations could worsen in the future, whether as a result of new outbreaks of COVID-19, supply chain issues or any of a number of other factors. Since the financial crisis of 2008, Microphase has been significantly short of capital needed to acquire parts for production of its products to complete orders for such products. At times, Microphase has not had the cash available to make advance payments for the purchase of parts, and then, as a consequence, Microphase would not receive the parts from its vendors required to finish a customer order. This would then delay the delivery of products to customers, and would also delay recognition of the resulting revenues and the receipt of cash from the customer. Sometimes after experiencing a delay in delivery of an order from Microphase, the customer would not place its next order with Microphase, resulting in a loss of business.
Microphase’s future profitability depends upon many factors, including several that are beyond its control. These factors include, without limitation:
· economic dislocation, supply chain disruption or mandated shutdowns attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic;
· changes in the demand for its products and services;
· loss of key customers or contracts;
· the introduction of competitive products;
· the failure to gain market acceptance of its new and existing products; and
· the failure to successfully and cost effectively develop, introduce and market new products, services and product enhancements in a timely manner.
A large percentage of Microphase’s current revenue is derived from prime defense contractors to the U.S. Government and its allies, and the loss of these relationships, a reduction in U.S. Government funding or a change in U.S. Government spending priorities or bidding processes could have an adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Microphase’s defense programs may compete with other policy needs, which may be viewed as more necessary. For example, budget and appropriations decisions made by the governments of the U.S, the UK and Israel are outside of Microphase’s control and have long-term consequences for its business. Government spending priorities and levels remain uncertain and difficult to predict and are affected by numerous factors, and the purchase of Microphase’s products could be superseded by alternate arrangements. The current prolonged delay in providing new aid to Ukraine and Israel are evidence of the political uncertainties. While defense budgets in countries around the world have generally increased, there can be no assurance that such increases will continue for the foreseeable future. A change in government spending priorities or an increase in non-procurement spending at the expense of Microphase’s programs, or a reduction in total defense spending, could have material adverse consequences on its future business.
Microphase’s products with military applications are subject to export regulations, and compliance with these regulations may be costly.
Microphase is required to obtain export licenses before filling foreign orders for many of its products that have military or other governmental applications. U.S. Export Administration regulations control technology exports like its products for reasons of national security and compliance with foreign policy, to guarantee domestic reserves of products in short supply and, under certain circumstances, for the security of a destination country. Thus, any foreign sales of its products requiring export licenses must comply with these general policies. Compliance with these regulations is costly, and these regulations are subject to change, and any such change may require Microphase to improve its technologies, incur expenses or both in order to comply with such regulations.
Microphase depends on U.S. Government contracts issued to major defense contractors, which often are only partially funded, subject to immediate termination, and heavily regulated and audited. The termination or failure to fund, or negative audit findings for, one or more of these contracts could have an adverse impact on Microphase’s business.
Over its lifetime, a U.S. Government program awarded to a major defense contractor may be implemented by the award of many different individual contracts and subcontracts. The funding of U.S. Government programs is subject to Congressional appropriations. Although multi-year contracts may be authorized and appropriated in connection with major procurements, Congress generally appropriates funds on a fiscal year basis. Procurement funds are typically made available for obligations over the course of one to three years. Consequently, programs often receive only partial funding initially, and additional funds are designated only as Congress authorizes further appropriations. The termination of funding for a U.S. Government program with respect to major defense contractors for which Microphase is a subcontractor would result in a loss of anticipated future revenue attributable to that program, which could have an adverse impact on its operations. In addition, the termination of, or failure to commit additional funds to, a program for which Microphase is a subcontractor could result in lost revenue and increase its overall costs of doing business.
Generally, U.S. Government contracts are subject to oversight audits by U.S. Government representatives. Such audits could result in adjustments to Microphase’s contract costs. Any costs found to be improperly allocated to a specific contract will not be reimbursed, and such costs already reimbursed must be refunded. Microphase has recorded contract revenues based on costs Microphase expect to realize upon final audit. However, Microphase does not know the outcome of any future audits and adjustments, and Microphase may be required to materially reduce its revenues or profits upon completion and final negotiation of audits. Negative audit findings could also result in termination of a contract, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time.
In addition, U.S. Government contracts generally contain provisions permitting termination, in whole or in part, without prior notice at the U.S. Government’s convenience upon the payment only for work done and commitments made at the time of termination. Microphase can give no assurance that one or more of the U.S. Government contracts with a major defense contractor under which Microphase provides component products will not be terminated under these circumstances. Also, Microphase can give no assurance that it will be able to procure new contracts to offset the revenue or backlog lost as a result of any termination of its U.S. Government contracts. Because a significant portion of Microphase’s revenue is dependent on its performance and payment under its U.S. Government contracts, the loss of one or more large contracts could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Microphase’s government business is also subject to specific procurement regulations and other requirements. These requirements, though customary in U.S. Government contracts, increase its performance and compliance costs. In addition, these costs might increase in the future, thereby reducing Microphase’s margins, which could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Failure to comply with these regulations and requirements could lead to fines, penalties, repayments, or compensatory or treble damages, or suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time. Among the causes for debarment are violations of various laws, including those related to procurement integrity, export control, U.S. Government security regulations, employment practices, protection of the environment, accuracy of records, proper recording of costs and foreign corruption. The termination of a U.S. Government contract or relationship as a result of any of these acts would have an adverse impact on Microphase’s operations and could have an adverse effect on its standing and eligibility for future U.S. Government contracts.
Microphase’s business could be negatively impacted by cybersecurity threats and other security threats and disruptions.
As a U.S. Government defense contractor, Microphase faces certain security threats, including threats to its information technology infrastructure, attempts to gain access to its proprietary or classified information, threats to physical security, and domestic terrorism events. Microphase’s information technology networks and related systems are critical to the operation of its business and essential to its ability to successfully perform day-to-day operations. Microphase is also involved with information technology systems for certain customers and other third parties, which generally face similar security threats. Cybersecurity threats, in particular, are persistent, evolve quickly and include, but are not limited to, computer viruses, attempts to access information, denial of service and other electronic security breaches. Microphase believes that it has implemented appropriate measures and controls and has invested in skilled information technology resources to appropriately identify threats and mitigate potential risks, but there can be no assurance that such actions will be sufficient to prevent disruptions to mission critical systems, the unauthorized release of confidential information or corruption of data. A security breach or other significant disruption involving these types of information and information technology networks and related systems could:
· disrupt the proper functioning of these networks and systems and therefore its operations and/or those of certain of its customers;
· result in the unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of, proprietary, confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable information of Microphase or its customers, including trade secrets, which others could use to compete against Microphase or for disruptive, destructive or otherwise harmful purposes and outcomes;
· compromise national security and other sensitive government functions;
· require significant management attention and resources to remedy the damages that result;
· subject Microphase to claims for breach of contract, damages, credits, penalties or termination; and
· damage Microphase’s reputation with its customers (particularly agencies of the U.S. Government) and the public generally.
Any or all of the foregoing could have a negative impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Compliance with Defense Department requirements for information security require Microphase to invest significant resources to implement and maintain cyber defenses against compromise of information technology architecture, malicious attacks and data breaches.
Microphase enters into fixed-price contracts that could subject it to losses in the event of cost overruns or a significant increase in inflation.
Microphase has a number of fixed-price contracts which allow it to benefit from cost savings but subject it to the risk of potential cost overruns, particularly for firm fixed-price contracts, because Microphase assumes the entire cost burden. If its initial estimates are incorrect, Microphase can lose money on these contracts. U.S. Government contracts can expose Microphase to potentially large losses because the U.S. Government can hold Microphase responsible for completing a project or, in certain circumstances, paying the entire cost of its replacement by another provider regardless of the size or foreseeability of any cost overruns that occur over the life of the contract. Because many of these contracts involve new technologies and applications, unforeseen events such as technological difficulties, fluctuations in the price of raw materials, problems with its suppliers and cost overruns, can result in the contractual price becoming less favorable or even unprofitable to Microphase. The U.S. and other countries also may experience a significant increase in inflation. A significant increase in inflation rates could have a significant adverse impact on the profitability of these contracts. Furthermore, if Microphase does not meet contract deadlines or specifications, Microphase may need to renegotiate contracts on less favorable terms, be forced to pay penalties or liquidated damages or suffer major losses if the customer exercises its right to terminate. In addition, some of its contracts have provisions relating to cost controls and audit rights, and if Microphase fails to meet the terms specified in those contracts Microphase may not realize their full benefits. Microphase’s results of operations are dependent on its ability to maximize its earnings from its contracts. Cost overruns could have an adverse impact on its financial results.
Compliance with the regulations, standards, and contractual obligations related to privacy, data protection, and data security, may cause us to incur additional expenses and failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business and future results of operations.
We expect that the regulatory framework for privacy, data protection and data security will continue to evolve, which may result in additional operating costs for internal compliance and risks to our business. Nearly all of Microphase’s current contracts include provisions that require compliance with detailed cyber security standards laid out in NIST 800-171, which mandates implementation of security controls to protect Microphase’s information systems from compromise, malicious attacks and/or data breaches. Microphase must maintain a System Security Plan with a Plan of Action & Milestones for any controls not yet implemented. To continue doing business with the DoD or major prime contractors working with DoD, Microphase must ultimately achieve Cybersecurity Model Maturity Certification not later than 2026. In addition, Microphase maintains a certified restricted area and must obtain and maintain authority to operate equipment to perform work on classified projects. Compliance with all of these mandates will require Microphase to invest substantial resources to implement, maintain and monitor information systems security controls, facility clearances, personnel clearance and authorities to operate classified systems, which adds to the costs of operating the business.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry - Enertec
Potential political, economic and military instability in Israel could adversely affect our operations.
A significant portion of our business is conducted through Enertec, our Israeli subsidiary. Accordingly, political, economic and military conditions in Israel and the surrounding region may directly affect our Israeli operations. In recent years, Israel has been involved in sporadic armed conflicts with Hamas, an Islamist terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip, with Hezbollah, an Islamist terrorist group that controls large portions of Southern Lebanon, and with Iranian-backed military forces in Syria. Some of these hostilities were accompanied by missile strikes from the Gaza Strip against civilian targets in various parts of Israel, including areas in which our facilities are located, and negatively affected business conditions in Israel. The change in the U.S. Presidency may continue to change the dynamics in the Middle East as forces hostile to the existence of Israel seek to reverse the recent stability and commercial opportunities created by the Abraham Accords. For example, there have been increasing concerns related to a potential attack by Iran. The tension between Israel and Iran and/or these groups may escalate in the future and turn even more violent, which could affect the Israeli economy in general and us in particular. A deterioration in the political and security situation in Israel (for example, the significant instability with regards to changes promoted by the Israeli government in the judiciary branch) may have a negative effect on Israel’s economic situation and on Enertec’s ability to execute new projects, to raise funding for its operations and plans.
Our commercial insurance does not cover losses that may occur as a result of events associated with war and terrorism. Although the Israeli government currently covers the reinstatement value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot assure you that this government coverage will be maintained or that it will sufficiently cover our potential damages. Any losses or damage incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, Israel-based companies and companies doing business with Israel have been the subject of an economic boycott by members of the Arab League and certain other predominantly Muslim countries since Israel’s establishment. Although Israel has entered into various agreements with certain Arab countries and the Palestinian Authority, and various declarations have been signed in connection with efforts to resolve some of the economic and political problems in the Middle East, we cannot predict whether or in what manner these problems will be resolved. Wars and acts of terrorism have resulted in significant damage to the Israeli economy, including reducing the level of foreign and local investment.
Many of our Enertec employees are obligated to perform military reserve duty in Israel, which could have a disruptive impact on our business.
Generally, Israeli adult male and certain female citizens and permanent residents are obligated to perform annual military reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces up to a specified age. They also may be called to active military duty at any time under emergency circumstances. These military service obligations could have a disruptive impact on our business, if hostilities develop in the future.
Enertec may become subject to claims for remuneration or royalties for assigned service invention rights by its employees, which could result in litigation and harm our business.
A significant portion of the intellectual property covered by Enertec’s products has been developed by Enertec’s employees in the course of their employment for Enertec. Under the Israeli Patent Law, 5727-1967, or the Patent Law, and recent decisions by the Israeli Supreme Court and the Israeli Compensation and Royalties Committee, a body constituted under the Patent Law, Israeli employees may be entitled to remuneration for intellectual property that they develop for us unless they explicitly waive any such rights. To the extent that Enertec is unable to enter into agreements with its future employees pursuant to which they agree that any inventions created in the scope of their employment or engagement are owned exclusively by Enertec (as it has done in the past), Enertec may face claims demanding remuneration. As a consequence of such claims, Enertec could be required to pay additional remuneration or royalties to its current and former employees, or be forced to litigate such claims, which could negatively affect its business.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry - Relec
The third parties on which we rely to supply certain products are located outside the United States.
Relec distributes products from foreign manufacturers located in Europe, Asia and North America. Our future operating results will depend, among other things, on our ability to continue to rely on these arrangements. If we are no longer able to rely on these or other similar arrangements for the supply of certain products, or if our cost of relying on such arrangements materially increases, as the result of the imposition of or changes in customs, tariffs, quotas, trade barriers, or other trade protection measures, or otherwise, it could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Our strategic focus on our custom power supply and display solution competencies and concurrent cost reduction plans may be ineffective or may limit our ability to compete.
As a result of our strategic focus on custom power supply solutions, we will continue to devote significant resources to developing and manufacturing custom power supply solutions for a large number of customers, where each product represents a uniquely tailored solution for a specific customer’s requirements. Failure to meet these customer product requirements or a failure to meet production schedules and/or product quality standards may put us at risk with one or more of these customers. Moreover, changes in market conditions and strategic changes at the direction of our customers may affect their decision to continue to purchase from us. The loss of one or more of our significant custom power supply solution customers could have a material adverse impact on our revenues, business or financial condition.
We have also implemented a series of initiatives designed to increase efficiency and reduce costs. While we believe that these actions will reduce costs, they may not be sufficient to achieve the required operational efficiencies that will enable us to respond more quickly to changes in the market or result in the improvements in our business that we anticipate. In such event, we may be forced to take additional cost-reducing initiatives, including those involving our personnel, which may negatively impact quarterly earnings and profitability as we account for severance and other related costs. In addition, there is the risk that such measures could have long-term adverse effects on our business by reducing our pool of talent, decreasing or slowing improvements in our products or services, making it more difficult for us to respond to customers, limiting our ability to increase production quickly if and when the demand for our solutions increases and limiting our ability to hire and retain key personnel. These circumstances could cause our earnings to be lower than they otherwise might be.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock and Future Offerings
If we do not continue to satisfy the NYSE American continued listing requirements, our common stock could be delisted from NYSE American.
The listing of our common stock on the NYSE American is contingent on our compliance with the NYSE American’s conditions for continued listing. While we are presently in compliance with all such conditions, it is possible that we will fail to meet one or more of these conditions in the future.
If we were to fail to meet a NYSE American listing requirement, we may be subject to delisting by the NYSE American. In the event our common stock is no longer listed for trading on the NYSE American, our trading volume and share price may decrease and we may experience further difficulties in raising capital which could materially affect our operations and financial results. Further, delisting from the NYSE American could also have other negative effects, including potential loss of confidence by partners, lenders, suppliers and employees and could also trigger various defaults under our lending agreements and other outstanding agreements. Finally, delisting could make it harder for us to raise capital and sell securities. You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings. In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share paid by investors in this offering.
You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.
In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share paid by investors in this offering.
Our common stock price is volatile.
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American. In the past, our trading price has fluctuated widely, depending on many factors that may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. During the past 52-week period (through April 15, 2024), our stock closed at prices between $775.83 per share and $0.2779 per share, as reported on Nasdaq.com. On April 15, 2024, the price of our common stock closed at $0.2779 per share.
Stock markets, in general, have experienced, and continue to experience, significant price and volume volatility, and the market price of our common stock may continue to be subject to similar market fluctuations unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. This increased volatility, coupled with depressed economic conditions, could continue to have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock. The following factors, many of which are beyond our control, may influence our stock price:
· the status of our growth strategy including the development of new products with any proceeds we may be able to raise in the future;
· announcements of technological or competitive developments;
· announcements or expectations of additional financing efforts;
· our ability to market new and enhanced products on a timely basis;
· changes in laws and regulations affecting our business;
· commencement of, or involvement in, litigation involving us;
· regulatory developments affecting us, our customers or our competitors;
· announcements regarding patent or other intellectual property litigation or the issuance of patents to us or our competitors or updates with respect to the enforceability of patents or other intellectual property rights generally in the US or internationally;
· actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly financial results or the quarterly financial results of companies perceived to be similar to us;
· changes in the market’s expectations about our operating results;
· our operating results failing to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors in a particular period;
· changes in the economic performance or market valuations of our competitors;
· additions or departures of our executive officers;
· sales or perceived sales of our common stock by us, our insiders or our other stockholders;
· share price and volume fluctuations attributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of our shares; and
· general economic, industry, political and market conditions and overall fluctuations in the financial markets in the United States and abroad.
In addition, the securities markets have, from time to time, experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. Any of these factors could result in large and sudden changes in the volume and trading price of our common stock and could cause our stockholders to incur substantial losses. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholders have often instituted securities class action litigation against that company. If we were involved in a class action suit or other securities litigation, it would divert the attention of our senior management, require us to incur significant expense and, whether or not adversely determined, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Volatility in our common stock price may subject us to securities litigation.
Stock markets, in general, have experienced, and continue to experience, significant price and volume volatility, and the market price of our common stock may continue to be subject to similar market fluctuations unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. This increased volatility, coupled with depressed economic conditions, could have a depressing effect on the market price of our common stock.
In addition, the securities markets have, from time to time, experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. Any of these factors could result in large and sudden changes in the volume and trading price of our common stock and could cause our stockholders to incur substantial losses. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholders have often instituted securities class action litigation against that company. If we were involved in a class action suit or other securities litigation, it would divert the attention of our senior management, require us to incur significant expense and, whether or not adversely determined, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We have a substantial number of convertible notes, warrants, options and preferred stock outstanding that could affect our price.
Due to a number of financings, we have a substantial number of shares that are subject to issuance pursuant to outstanding convertible debt, warrants and options. As of the date of this annual report, the number of shares of common stock subject to convertible notes, warrants, options, Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock were 6,108,816, 14,769,824, 779, 7,040, 43,500 and 323,835 respectively. We had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 779 shares of Common Stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $17,423 per share, exercisable at prices ranging from $13,425 to $19,628 per share and warrants to purchase up to 14,769,824 shares of common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $1.83 per share, at exercise prices ranging from $0.35 to $90,000 per share. The issuance of common stock pursuant to convertible notes, warrants, options and preferred stock at conversion or exercise prices less than market prices may have the effect of limiting an increase in market price of our common stock until all of these underling shares have been issued.
A possible “short squeeze” due to a sudden increase in demand of our common stock that largely exceeds supply may lead to price volatility in our common stock.
Investors may purchase our common stock to hedge existing exposure in our common stock or to speculate on the price of our common stock. Speculation on the price of our common stock may involve long and short exposures. To the extent aggregate short exposure exceeds the number of shares of our common stock available for purchase in the open market, investors with short exposure may have to pay a premium to repurchase our common stock for delivery to lenders of our common stock. Those repurchases may in turn, dramatically increase the price of our common stock until investors with short exposure are able to purchase additional common shares to cover their short position. This is often referred to as a “short squeeze.” A short squeeze could lead to volatile price movements in our common stock that are not directly correlated to the performance or prospects of our company and once investors purchase the shares of common stock necessary to cover their short position the price of our common stock may decline.
The issuance of shares of our Class B common stock to our management or others could provide such persons with voting control leaving our other stockholders unable to elect our directors and the holders of our shares of common stock will have little influence over our management.
Although there are currently no shares of our Class B common stock issued and outstanding, our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of 25 million shares of Class B common stock. Each share of Class B common stock provides the holder thereof with ten votes on all matters submitted to a stockholder vote. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors. Any person or group who controls or can obtain more than 50% of the votes cast for the election of each director will control the election of directors and the other stockholders will not be able to elect any directors or exert any influence over management decisions. As a result of the super-voting rights of our shares of Class B common stock, the issuance of such shares to our management or others could provide such persons with voting control and our other stockholders will not be able to elect our directors and will have little influence over our management. While we are listed on the NYSE American or any other national securities exchange it is highly unlikely that we would issue any shares of Class B common stock as doing so would jeopardize our continued listing on any such exchange. However, if were to be delisted for some other reason and our shares of Class A common stock trade on an over-the-counter market, then we would face no restriction on issuing shares of Class B common stock.
General Risk Factors
Our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our future business prospects and to make decisions based on our historical performance.
Although our executive officers have been engaged in the industries in which we operate for varying degrees of time, we did not begin operations of our current business until recently. We have a very limited operating history in our current form, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business on the basis of historical operations. As a consequence, it is difficult, if not impossible, to forecast our future results based upon our historical data. Reliance on our historical results may not be representative of the results we will achieve, and for certain areas in which we operate, principally those unrelated to defense contracting, will not be indicative at all. Because of the uncertainties related to our lack of historical operations, we may be hindered in our ability to anticipate and timely adapt to increases or decreases in sales, product costs or expenses. If we make poor budgetary decisions as a result of unreliable historical data, we could be less profitable or incur losses, which may result in a decline in our stock price.
Deterioration of global economic conditions could adversely affect our business.
The global economy and capital and credit markets have experienced exceptional turmoil and upheaval over the past several years. Ongoing concerns about the systemic impact of potential long-term and widespread recession and potentially prolonged economic recovery, volatile energy costs, fluctuating commodity prices and interest rates, volatile exchange rates, geopolitical issues, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, natural disasters and pandemic illness, instability in credit markets, cost and terms of credit, consumer and business confidence and demand, a changing financial, regulatory and political environment, and substantially increased unemployment rates have all contributed to increased market volatility and diminished expectations for many established and emerging economies, including those in which we operate. Furthermore, austerity measures that certain countries may agree to as part of any debt crisis or disruptions to major financial trading markets may adversely affect world economic conditions and have an adverse impact on our business. These general economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations, results of operations and overall financial condition.
The availability, cost and terms of credit also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by illiquid markets and wider credit spreads. Concern about the stability of the markets generally, and the strength of counterparties specifically, has led many lenders and institutional investors to reduce credit to businesses and consumers. These factors have led to a decrease in spending by businesses and consumers over the past several years, and a corresponding slowdown in global infrastructure spending.
Continued uncertainty in the U.S. and international markets and economies and prolonged stagnation in business and consumer spending may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, and the liquidity and financial condition of our customers, including our ability to access capital markets and obtain capital lease financing to meet liquidity needs.
No assurance of successful expansion of operations.
Our significant increase in the scope and the scale of our operations, including the hiring of additional personnel, has resulted in significantly higher operating expenses. We anticipate that our operating expenses will continue to increase. Expansion of our operations may also make significant demands on our management, finances and other resources. Our ability to manage the anticipated future growth, should it occur, will depend upon a significant expansion of our accounting and other internal management systems and the implementation and subsequent improvement of a variety of systems, procedures and controls. We cannot assure you that significant problems in these areas will not occur. Failure to expand these areas and implement and improve such systems, procedures and controls in an efficient manner at a pace consistent with our business could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure that attempts to expand our marketing, sales, manufacturing and customer support efforts will succeed or generate additional sales or profits in any future period. As a result of the expansion of our operations and the anticipated increase in our operating expenses, along with the difficulty in forecasting revenue levels, we expect to continue to experience significant fluctuations in its results of operations.
If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.
Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result, our small size and any current internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and access to capital. We have carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the most recent period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the material weakness described below.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, within the meaning of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Audit Standard No. 5, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management has identified the following material weakness which has caused management to conclude that as of December 31, 2023, our internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) was not effective at the reasonable assurance level.
We do not have sufficient resources in our accounting function, which restricts our ability to gather, analyze and properly review information related to financial reporting, including fair value estimates, in a timely manner. In addition, due to our size and nature, segregation of all conflicting duties may not always be possible and may not be economically feasible. However, to the extent possible, the initiation of transactions, the custody of assets and the recording of transactions should be performed by separate individuals. Management evaluated the impact of our failure to have segregation of duties during our assessment of our disclosure controls and procedures and concluded that the resulting control deficiency represented a material weakness.
We are currently working to improve and simplify our internal processes and implement enhanced controls to address the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and to remedy the ineffectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. This material weakness will not be considered to be remediated until the applicable remediated controls are operating for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
If our accounting controls and procedures are circumvented or otherwise fail to achieve their intended purposes, our business could be seriously harmed.
We evaluate our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of each fiscal quarter, and annually review and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting in order to comply with the SEC’s rules relating to internal control over financial reporting adopted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or our management does not timely assess the adequacy of such internal control, we may be subject to regulatory sanctions, and our reputation may decline.
Our internal computer systems may fail or suffer security breaches, which could result in a material disruption of our operations.
Like any other business, we rely on e-mail and other digital communications methods as part of our normal operations. As such, our internal computer systems and servers could fail or suffer security breaches, possibly resulting in a material disruption to our operations. The secure operation of our IT networks and systems as well as the secure processing and maintenance of information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Notwithstanding these priorities, we have experienced attempts at cybercrime such as phishing and other electronic fraud, including efforts to misdirect payments to imposter vendors and service providers. After experiencing a financial loss due to e-mail fraud in November 2021, we have instituted greater internal controls and procedures, both electronic and non-electronic, to combat such fraudulent conduct. We also maintain an insurance policy to cover any losses or injuries suffered from cybercrime of this nature; however, it may not be sufficient to cover all damages. Despite our efforts, attempts at fraud such as spoofed e-mails, requests for payment and similar deceptions have become commonplace in the world of e-commerce and are expected to continue. If we are unable to prevent such security breaches in the future, these events or circumstances could materially and adversely affect our operations, financial condition and operating results and impair our ability to execute our business strategy.
We face significant competition, including changes in pricing.
The markets for our products are both competitive and price sensitive. Many competitors have significant financial, operations, sales and marketing resources, plus experience in research and development, and compete with us by offering lower prices. Competitors could develop new technologies that compete with our products to achieve a lower unit price. If a competitor develops lower cost and/or superior technology or cost-effective alternatives to our products and services, our business could be seriously harmed.
The markets for some of our products are also subject to specific competitive risks because these markets are highly price sensitive. Our competitors have competed in the past by lowering prices on certain products. If they do so again, we may be forced to respond by lowering our prices. This would reduce sales revenues and increase losses. Failure to anticipate and respond to price competition may also impact sales and aggravate losses.
Many of our competitors are larger and have greater financial and other resources than we do.
Our products compete and will compete with similar if not identical products produced by our competitors. These competitive products could be marketed by well-established, successful companies that possess greater financial, marketing, distribution personnel, and other resources than we do. Using said resources, these companies can implement extensive advertising and promotional campaigns, both generally and in response to specific marketing efforts by competitors. They can introduce new products to new markets more rapidly. In certain instances, competitors with greater financial resources may be able to enter a market in direct competition with us, offering attractive marketing tools to encourage the sale of products that compete with our products or present cost features that consumers may find attractive.
Our growth strategy is subject to a significant degree of risk.
Our growth strategy through acquisitions involves a significant degree of risk. Some of the companies that we have identified as acquisition targets or made a significant investment in may not have a developed business or are experiencing inefficiencies and incur losses. Therefore, we may lose our investment in the event that these companies’ businesses do not develop as planned or that they are unable to achieve the anticipated cost efficiencies or reduction of losses.
Further, in order to implement our growth plan, we have hired additional staff and consultants to review potential investments and implement our plan. As a result, we have substantially increased our infrastructure and costs. If we fail to quickly find new companies that provide revenue to offset our costs, we will continue to experience losses. No assurance can be given that our product development and investments will produce sufficient revenues to offset these increases in expenditures.
Our operating results may vary from quarter to quarter.
Our operating results have in the past been subject to quarter-to-quarter fluctuations, and we expect that these fluctuations will continue, and may increase in magnitude, in future periods. Demand for our products is driven by many factors, including the availability of funding for our products in our customers’ capital budgets. There is a trend for some of our customers to place large orders near the end of a quarter or fiscal year, in part to spend remaining available capital budget funds. Seasonal fluctuations in customer demand for our products driven by budgetary and other concerns can create corresponding fluctuations in period-to-period revenues, and we therefore cannot assure you that our results in one period are necessarily indicative of our revenues in any future period. In addition, the number and timing of large individual sales and the ability to obtain acceptances of those sales, where applicable, have been difficult for us to predict, and large individual sales have, in some cases, occurred in quarters subsequent to those we anticipated, or have not occurred at all. The loss or deferral of one or more significant sales in a quarter could harm our operating results for such quarter. It is possible that, in some quarters, our operating results will be below the expectations of public market analysts or investors. In such events, or in the event adverse conditions prevail, the market price of our common stock may decline significantly.
Changes in the U.S. tax and other laws and regulations may adversely affect our business.
The U.S. Government may revise tax laws, regulations or official interpretations in ways that could have a significant adverse effect on our business, including modifications that could reduce the profits that we can effectively realize from our international operations, or that could require costly changes to those operations, or the way in which they are structured. For example, the effective tax rates for most U.S. companies reflect the fact that income earned and reinvested outside the U.S. is generally taxed at local rates, which may be much lower than U.S. tax rates. If we expand abroad and there are changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations that significantly increase the tax rates on non-U.S. income, our effective tax rate could increase and our profits could be reduced. If such increases resulted from our status as a U.S. company, those changes could place us at a disadvantage to our non-U.S. competitors if those competitors remain subject to lower local tax rates.
Our sales and profitability may be affected by changes in economic, business and industry conditions.
If the economic climate in the U.S. or abroad deteriorates, customers or potential customers could reduce or delay their technology investments. Reduced or delayed technology and entertainment investments could decrease our sales and profitability. In this environment, our customers may experience financial difficulty, cease operations and fail to budget or reduce budgets for the purchase of our products and professional services. This may lead to longer sales cycles, delays in purchase decisions, payment and collection, and can also result in downward price pressures, causing our sales and profitability to decline. In addition, general economic uncertainty and general declines in capital spending in the information technology sector make it difficult to predict changes in the purchasing requirements of our customers and the markets we serve. There are many other factors which could affect our business, including:
· The introduction and market acceptance of new technologies, products and services;
· New competitors and new forms of competition;
· The size and timing of customer orders (for retail distributed physical product);
· The size and timing of capital expenditures by our customers;
· Adverse changes in the credit quality of our customers and suppliers;
· Changes in the pricing policies of, or the introduction of, new products and services by us or our competitors;
· Changes in the terms of our contracts with our customers or suppliers;
· The availability of products from our suppliers; and
· Variations in product costs and the mix of products sold.
These trends and factors could adversely affect our business, profitability and financial condition and diminish our ability to achieve our strategic objectives.
The sale of our products is dependent upon our ability to satisfy the proprietary requirements of our customers.
We depend upon a relatively narrow range of products for the majority of our revenue. Our success in marketing our products is dependent upon their continued acceptance by our customers. In some cases, our customers require that our products meet their own proprietary requirements. If we are unable to satisfy such requirements, or forecast and adapt to changes in such requirements, our business could be materially harmed.
The sale of our products is dependent on our ability to respond to rapid technological change, including evolving industry-wide standards, and may be adversely affected by the development, and acceptance by our customers, of new technologies which may compete with, or reduce the demand for, our products.
Rapid technological change, including evolving industry standards, could render our products obsolete. To the extent our customers adopt such new technology in place of our products, the sales of our products may be adversely affected. Such competition may also increase pricing pressure for our products and adversely affect the revenues from such products.
Our limited ability to protect our proprietary information and technology may adversely affect our ability to compete, and our products could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others, resulting in claims against us, the results of which could be costly.
Many of our products consist entirely or partly of proprietary technology owned by us. Although we seek to protect our technology through a combination of copyrights, trade secret laws and contractual obligations, these protections may not be sufficient to prevent the wrongful appropriation of our intellectual property, nor will they prevent our competitors from independently developing technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to our proprietary technology. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. In order to defend our proprietary rights in the technology utilized in our products from third party infringement, we may be required to institute legal proceedings, which would be costly and would divert our resources from the development of our business. If we are unable to successfully assert and defend our proprietary rights in the technology utilized in our products, our future results could be adversely affected.
Although we attempt to avoid infringing known proprietary rights of third parties in our product development efforts, we may become subject to legal proceedings and claims for alleged infringement from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Any claims relating to the infringement of third-party proprietary rights, even if not meritorious, could result in costly litigation, divert management’s attention and resources, require us to reengineer or cease sales of our products or require us to enter into royalty or license agreements which are not advantageous to us. In addition, parties making claims may be able to obtain an injunction, which could prevent us from selling our products in the U.S. or abroad.
If we ship products that contain defects, the market acceptance of our products and our reputation will be harmed and our customers could seek to recover their damages from us.
Our products are complex, and despite extensive testing, may contain defects or undetected errors or failures that may become apparent only after our products have been shipped to our customers and installed in their network or after product features or new versions are released. Any such defect, error or failure could result in failure of market acceptance of our products or damage to our reputation or relations with our customers, resulting in substantial costs for us and our customers as well as the cancellation of orders, warranty costs and product returns. In addition, any defects, errors, misuse of our products or other potential problems within or out of our control that may arise from the use of our products could result in financial or other damages to our customers. Our customers could seek to have us pay for these losses. Although we maintain product liability insurance, it may not be adequate.
The rights of the holders of common stock may be impaired by the potential issuance of preferred stock.
Our certificate of incorporation gives our Board the right to create new series of preferred stock. As a result, the Board may, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting, dividend, conversion, liquidation or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power and equity interest of the holders of common stock. Preferred stock, which could be issued with the right to more than one vote per share, could be utilized as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change of control. The possible impact on takeover attempts could adversely affect the price of our common stock. We may issue shares of preferred stock in the future.
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.
We are a public company and subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls for financial reporting. For example, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that our management report on the effectiveness of our internal controls structure and procedures for financial reporting. Section 404 compliance may divert internal resources and will take a significant amount of time and effort to complete. If we fail to maintain compliance under Section 404, or if our internal control over financial reporting continues to not be effective as defined under Section 404, we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the NYSE American, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities. Furthermore, investor perceptions of our company may suffer, and this could cause a decline in the market price of our common stock. Any failure of our internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our stated results of operations and harm our reputation. If we are unable to implement these changes effectively or efficiently, it could harm our operations, financial reporting or financial results and could result in an adverse opinion on internal controls from our independent auditors. We may need to hire a number of additional employees with public accounting and disclosure experience in order to meet our ongoing obligations as a public company, particularly if we become fully subject to Section 404 and its auditor attestation requirements, which will increase costs. Our management team and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to new compliance initiatives and to meeting the obligations that are associated with being a public company, which may divert attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, which may result in material misstatements of our financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations.
We are required to comply with certain provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). Section 404 requires that we document and test our internal control over financial reporting and issue management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on our assessment, as of December 31, 2023, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting contained material weaknesses.
The weakness will not be considered remediated, however, until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and our management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. If we fail to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the accuracy and timeliness of the filing of our annual and quarterly reports may be materially adversely affected and could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock. In addition, a material weakness in the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could result in an increased chance of fraud and the loss of customers, reduce our ability to obtain financing and require additional expenditures to comply with these requirements, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to comply with the rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 related to accounting controls and procedures, or if we discover material weaknesses and deficiencies in our internal control and accounting procedures, our stock price could decline significantly and raising capital could be more difficult.
If we fail to comply with the rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 related to disclosure controls and procedures, or, if we discover material weaknesses and other deficiencies in our internal control and accounting procedures, our stock price could decline significantly and raising capital could be more difficult. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. If material weaknesses or significant deficiencies are discovered or if we otherwise fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal control, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to helping prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our common stock could drop significantly.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they change their recommendations regarding our stock adversely, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. Our research coverage by industry and financial analysts is currently limited. Even if our analyst coverage increases, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
The elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers and employees under law and the existence of indemnification rights for or obligations to our directors, officers and employees may result in substantial expenditures by us and may discourage lawsuits against our directors, officers and employees.
Our certificate of incorporation contains a provision permitting us to eliminate the personal liability of our directors to us and our stockholders for damages for the breach of a fiduciary duty as a director or officer to the extent provided by Delaware law. We may also have contractual indemnification obligations under any future employment agreements with our officers. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in us incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors and officers, which we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and the resulting costs may also discourage us from bringing a lawsuit against directors and officers for breaches of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our stockholders against our directors and officers even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.
We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock and, accordingly, stockholders must rely on stock appreciation for any return on their investment.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board and will depend on various factors, including our operating results, financial condition, future prospects and any other factors deemed relevant by our Board. You should not rely on an investment in our company if you require dividend income from your investment in our company. The success of your investment will likely depend entirely upon any future appreciation of the market price of our common stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable. There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Because we are a smaller reporting company, this section is not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters office utilizes 17,376 square feet of leased office space in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of our Las Vegas leases is currently leased on a month-to-month basis. Our other Las Vegas lease commenced in August 2021 and expires in August 2024. The annual base rent under the leases, payable on a monthly basis, was approximately $0.3 million during 2023.
We also lease additional corporate offices in Costa Mesa, California and New York, New York. Some leases previously expired and are now on a month-to-month basis, while remaining leases expire between December 2024 and July 2026. The annual base rent under the leases, payable on a monthly basis, was approximately $0.2 million during 2023.
We own a 617,000 square foot data center in Dowagiac, Michigan, in which we operate our cryptocurrency mining operations for Sentinum, in addition to renting commercial office and warehouse space.
Our GIGA segment leases 47,771 square feet of office, engineering, laboratory and warehouse space in Scottsdale, Arizona, Shelton, Connecticut and Dublin, California. Our leases expire between August 2023 and May 2026. The annual base rent under the leases, payable on a monthly basis, was approximately $0.5 million during 2023. Our GIGA segment also leases 65,390 square feet of office and manufacturing space internationally in Salisbury, United Kingdom, Dorset, United Kingdom, and Karmeil, Israel. The annual base rent, payable on a monthly basis, was approximately $0.5 million in 2023. The leases expire between September 2024 and May 2031.
Our TurnOnGreen segment leases 39,965 square feet of office, engineering, laboratory and warehouse space in two locations in Milpitas, California. Our leases expire between November 2024 and January 2026. The annual base rent under the leases, payable on a monthly basis, was approximately $0.5 million during 2023.
Our Energy segment crane rental business leases 27,909 of commercial buildings and 10 acres of land in Carthage, Texas, Clinton, Oklahoma, Houston, Texas, and Robstown, Texas. Our leases expire between March 2024 and April 2027. The annual base rent under the leases, payable on a monthly basis, was approximately $0.5 million in 2023.
We currently anticipate that the current leased space will be sufficient to support our current and foreseeable future needs.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation Matters
The Company is involved in litigation arising from other matters in the ordinary course of business. We are regularly subject to claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings involving labor and employment, commercial disputes, and other matters. Such claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings could result in fines, civil penalties, or other adverse consequences.
Certain of these outstanding matters include speculative, substantial or indeterminate monetary amounts. We record a liability when we believe that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, we disclose the reasonably possible loss. We evaluate developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued, and the matters and related reasonably possible losses disclosed, and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both likelihood of there being and the estimated amount of a loss related to such matters.
With respect to our other outstanding matters, based on our current knowledge, we believe that the amount or range of reasonably possible loss will not, either individually or in aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the outcome of such matters is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American under the symbol AULT.
Record Holders
As of April 15, 2024, 30,065,339 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and were owned by 5 holders of record. A number of holders of our common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders whose shares of record are held by banks, brokers, and other financial institutions.
Dividend Policy
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends since our inception, and we do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The declaration of dividends in the future, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, and financial position.
Equity Compensation Information
The information required by this item regarding equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Not applicable.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
From October 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, Ault Alpha LP purchased 13,866 shares of common stock and 178 shares of Series D Preferred Stock. Ault Alpha LP may be deemed to be an “affiliated purchaser” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The purchases were made through open-market transactions.
Common Stock Purchased
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased Average
Price Paid
Per Share Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs Maximum
Number of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under
Plans or Programs
October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023 - $ -
November 1, 2023 - November 30, 2023 13,866 $ 2.22
December 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 - $ -
Total 13,866 $ 2.22 - -
Series D Preferred Stock Purchased
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased Average Price
Paid Per
Share Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs Maximum
Number of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under
Plans or Programs
October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023 - $ -
November 1, 2023 - November 30, 2023 $ 21.96
December 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 - $ -
Total $ 21.96 - -

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. RESERVED

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among others, (a) our expectations about possible business combinations, (b) our growth strategies, (c) our future financing plans, and (d) our anticipated needs for working capital. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “approximate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “budget,” “could,” “forecast,” “might,” “predict,” “shall” or “project,” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. This information may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. These statements may be found in this Annual Report.
Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, potential target businesses, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, the risks outlined under “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report, changes in local, regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market (supply and demand) and regulatory conditions and the following:
· Adverse economic conditions;
· Our ability to effectively execute our business plan;
· Inability to raise sufficient additional capital to operate our business;
· Our ability to manage our expansion, growth and operating expenses;
· Our ability to evaluate and measure our business, prospects and performance metrics;
· Our ability to compete and succeed in highly competitive and evolving industries;
· Our ability to respond and adapt to changes in technology and customer behavior;
· Our ability to protect our intellectual property and to develop, maintain and enhance a strong brand; and
· Other specific risks referred to in the section entitled “Risk Factors”.
We caution you therefore that you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as statements of historical fact or as guarantees or assurances of future performance. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein unless required by law.
Information regarding market and industry statistics contained in this Annual Report is included based on information available to us that we believe is accurate. It is generally based on academic and other publications that are not produced for purposes of securities offerings or economic analysis. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and the additional uncertainties accompanying any estimates of future market size, revenue and market acceptance of products and services. Except as required by U.S. federal securities laws, we have no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results or changes in assumptions or other factors that could affect those statements. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” for a more detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that may have an impact on our future results.
In this Annual Report, the “Company,” “AAI,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Ault Alliance, Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly known as BitNile Holdings, which was incorporated in September 2017. AAI is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.
Through our wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, we own and operate a data center at which we mine Bitcoin, and provide mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including crane services, oil exploration, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma, consumer electronics and textiles. In addition, we extend credit to select entrepreneurial businesses through a licensed lending subsidiary.
. Our direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries include (i) Sentinum, Inc. (“Sentinum”), (ii) Alliance Cloud Services, LLC (“ACS”), (iii) BNI Montana, LLC (“BNI Montana”), (iv) Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“Ault Capital”), (v) Ault Lending, LLC (“Ault Lending”), (vii) Ault Global Real Estate Equities, Inc. (“AGREE”), (viii) Ault Disruptive Technologies Company, LLC (“ADTC”), which is the sponsor, Manager and the majority owner of Ault Disruptive Technologies Corporation (“Ault Disruptive”), (ix) Eco Pack Technologies, Inc. (“Eco Pack”), which has a controlling interest in Eco Pack Technologies Limited, (x) Ault Aviation, LLC (“Ault Aviation”) and (xi) Third Avenue Apartments, LLC (“Third Avenue”).
We also have a direct controlling interest in (i) Circle 8 Holdco LLC (“Circle 8 Holdco”), which wholly owns Circle 8 Crane Services, LLC (“Circle 8”), (ii) TurnOnGreen, Inc., formerly known as Imperalis Holding Corp. (“TurnOnGreen”), which wholly owns TOG Technologies, Inc. (“TOG Technologies”) and Digital Power Corporation (“Digital Power”), (iii) Gresham Worldwide, Inc., formerly known as Giga-tronics Incorporated (“GIGA”), which wholly owns Gresham Holdings, Inc., formerly Gresham Worldwide, Inc. (“GWW”), which in turn wholly owns Gresham Power Electronics Ltd. (“Gresham Power”), Enertec Systems 2001 Ltd. (“Enertec”), Relec Electronics Ltd. (“Relec”) and has a controlling interest in Microphase Corporation (“Microphase”) and (iv) Avalanche International Corp. (“Avalanche” or “AVLP”), which does business as MTIX International (“MTIX”). We have minority interests in (i) RiskOn International, Inc., formerly known as BitNile Metaverse, Inc. (“ROI”), which wholly owns BitNile.com, Inc. (“BNC”), RiskOn 360, Inc., formerly known as Ault Iconic, Inc. (“RiskOn 360”), RiskOn Learning, Inc. and GuyCare, Inc. and (ii) The Singing Machine Company, Inc. (“SMC”). We consolidate each of ROI and SMC as variable interest entities.
Recent Events and Developments
On February 25, 2022, we entered into an At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “2022 Sales Agreement”) with Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC (“Ascendiant”) to sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $200 million from time to time, through an “at the market offering” program (the “2022 ATM Offering”). The offer and sale of shares of common stock from the 2022 ATM Offering was made pursuant to our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 and an accompanying base prospectus contained therein (Registration Statement No. 333-260618) which became effective on November 12, 2021. Through March 13, 2023, we received gross proceeds of approximately $177 million through the sale of approximately 42,382 shares of common stock from the 2022 ATM Offering. The 2022 Sales Agreement has been terminated.
On June 10, 2022, we entered into an At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “2022 Preferred Sales Agreement”) with Ascendiant to sell shares of our 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series D Preferred Shares”) having an aggregate offering price of up to $46.4 million from time to time, through an “at the market offering” program (the “2022 ATM Preferred Offering”). The offer and sale of Series D Preferred Shares from the 2022 ATM Preferred Offering was made pursuant to our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 and an accompanying base prospectus contained therein (Registration Statement No. 333-260618) which became effective on November 12, 2021. Through June 16, 2023, we received gross proceeds of approximately $3.4 million through the sale of 0.3 million Series D Preferred Shares in the 2022 ATM Preferred Offering. The 2022 Preferred Sales Agreement has been terminated.
On November 7, 2022, we and certain of our subsidiaries borrowed $18.9 million of principal amount of term loans (the “Term Loans”) from a group of institutional investors (the “Financing”). The Term Loans matured in 18 months, which may have been extended to 24 months, accrued interest at the rate of 8.5% per annum and were secured by certain of our and certain of our subsidiaries’ assets. Starting in January 2023, the lenders had the right to require us to make monthly payments of $0.6 million, which increased to $1.1 million in November 2023. The Term Loans were issued with an original issue discount of $1.9 million.
The lenders received warrants to purchase 604 shares of our common stock, exercisable for four years at $3,375 per share and warrants to purchase another 604 shares of our common stock, exercisable for four years at $5,625 per share, subject to adjustment.
On July 19, 2023, we entered into an amendment to the loan documents governing the Financing described above. Pursuant to the amendment, the aggregate size of the Loan increased from $18.9 million to $24.3 million. The loan was repaid in December 2023.
On December 16, 2022 we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) with an accredited investor (the “December 2022 Investor”) providing for the issuance of a secured promissory note (the “December 2022 Note”) with an aggregate principal face amount of $14.7 million. On December 29, 2022, the Company and the December 2022 Investor entered into an amended and restated amendment to the SPA, pursuant to which the total amount of the financing was increased to $17.5 million and the Company sold an additional note to a second accredited investor.
Under the SPA, we were obligated to repay, while the December 2022 Note remains outstanding, (i) eighty percent (80%) of the proceeds we may receive from any financing conducted, other than at-the-market offerings and (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds we may receive from the sale of marketable securities by Ault Lending. In addition, if Third Avenue Apartments, LLC (“Third Avenue”), our wholly owned subsidiary, sold the property it owns in St. Peterburg, Florida, then we would use the net proceeds from the sale of such property in excess of $10 million, to repay the December 2022 Note. In addition, we agreed to issue 1,547 shares of our common stock to the December 2022 Investor in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding warrants previously issued to the December 2022 Investor, which warrants were exercisable for 1,547 shares of our common stock.
On January 23, 2023, we filed a Certificate of Elimination with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware with respect to our Series C convertible redeemable preferred stock which, effective upon filing, eliminated the Series C convertible redeemable preferred stock.
On February 8, 2023, we entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “February 2023 Agreement”) with ROI and the other signatories thereto. The February 2023 Agreement provided that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, ROI would acquire all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of our then subsidiary, BNC, of which we owned approximately 86%, and the remaining 14% was owned by minority shareholders (the “Minority Shareholders”), as well as RiskOn 360, in exchange for the following: (i) 8,637.5 shares of newly designated Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of ROI that were issued to our company (the “Series B Preferred”), and (ii) 1,362.5 shares of newly designated Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of ROI that were issued to the to the Minority Shareholders (the “Series C Preferred,” and together with the Series B Preferred, the “Preferred Stock”). The Series B Preferred and the Series C Preferred each have a stated value of $10,000 per share (the “Stated Value”), for a combined stated value of the Preferred Stock to be issued by ROI, of $100 million, and subject to adjustment, are convertible into shares of common stock of ROI. However, pending approval of the transaction by ROI’s shareholders, the Preferred Stock is subject to a 19.9% beneficial ownership limitation, including the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that we acquired from ROI in June of 2022.
Pursuant to the Certificates of Designations of the Rights, Preferences and Limitations of the Series B Preferred and the Series C Preferred (collectively, the “Preferred Stock Certificates”), each share of Preferred Stock will be convertible into a number of shares of ROI common stock determined by dividing the Stated Value by $0.25 (the “Conversion Price”), or 40,000 shares of ROI common stock. The Conversion Price will be subject to certain adjustments, including potential downward adjustment if ROI closes a qualified financing resulting in at least $25.0 million in gross proceeds at a price per share that is lower than the Conversion Price then in effect. The holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 5% of the Stated Value per annum from issuance until February 7, 2033 (the “Dividend Term”). During the first two years of the Dividend Term, dividends will be payable in additional shares of Preferred Stock rather than cash, and thereafter dividends will be payable in either additional shares of Preferred Stock or cash as each holder may elect. If ROI fails to make a dividend payment as required by the Preferred Stock Certificates, the dividend rate will be increased to 12% for as long as such default remains ongoing and uncured. Each share of Preferred Stock will also have an $11,000 liquidation preference in the event of a liquidation, change of control event, dissolution or winding up of ROI, and will rank senior to all other capital stock of ROI with respect thereto, except that the Series B Preferred and Series C Preferred shall rank pari passu. Each share of Series B Preferred was originally entitled to vote with the ROI common stock at a rate of 10 votes per share of common stock into which the Series B Preferred is convertible, but that provision was subsequently eliminated, as were the conventional voting rights of the Series C Preferred. Other than certain rights granted to the Company relating to amendments or waiver of various negative covenants, the terms, rights, preferences and limitations of the Preferred Stock Certificates are essentially identical. The February 2023 Agreement closed on March 6, 2023.
On February 24, 2023, BNI Montana entered into an asset purchase agreement with TypeX, LLC (“TypeX”), to acquire two land lease agreements and two corresponding power purchase agreements in Montana. The lease and power agreements run for a period of 10 years, with a 10-year renewal option. Sentinum is building out and developing fully operational data centers dedicated to Bitcoin mining operations on the properties (the “Montana Facilities”). We anticipate that upon completion, the Montana Facilities will provide up to a combined 20 megawatts of power, enabling up to 6,500 S19j Pro Antminers to operate. The substations providing power to the Montana Facilities have the ability to handle additional capacity and Sentinum has initiated a load study to determine future capacity and, if economically viable, intends to acquire such additional power capacity. We are redeploying S19j Pro Antminers that are currently mining in our Michigan data center, allowing us to focus on expansion at our Michigan site to support the rapid growth of high-performance computing and AI use cases.
On April 6, 2023, we issued a term note with a principal amount of $1.1 million, bearing an interest rate of 12% (the “Term Note”). The Term Note was issued at a discount, with net proceeds to us amounting to $1.0 million. The Term Note was scheduled to mature on June 5, 2023. We exercised the option to extend the maturity date by one month, by paying a $30,000 extension fee. Ault & Company guaranteed repayment of the Term Note.
On April 20, 2023, Sentinum entered into an amended Master Services Agreement with Core Scientific, Inc. (“Core Scientific”) for hosting services related to the deployment of Bitcoin miners. This agreement provides for the sale of Bitcoin mined on a daily basis with the proceeds from such sales generally being applied to operations fees of $25 per miner, hosting services fees, other miscellaneous fees and then any remaining amounts, if any, are distributed 60% to Sentinum and 40% to Core Scientific. We have deployed 10,200 S19 Pro and S19j Pro Antminers with Core Scientific, securing approximately 30 MW of power. The agreement terminates on August 31, 2024, unless terminated sooner pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate the agreement with respect to 1,000 units in any thirty (30) day period on thirty (30) days written notice on or after November 30, 2023. The Core Scientific hosting services agreement expedited the deployment of our Bitcoin miners to approximately 19,200, representing a mining production capacity of approximately 2.1 exahashes per second. Under the terms of the Core Scientific hosting services agreement, we expect that Sentinum will pay Core Scientific a monthly fee for operations and hosting services of approximately $1.1 million, which amount excludes the profit sharing arrangement described above between the parties.
On June 8, 2023, we entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Ault & Company as the lender. The Credit Agreement provided for an unsecured, non-revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $10,000,000. All loans under the Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Advances”) were due within five business days after request by Ault & Company and Ault & Company was not obligated to make any further Advances under the Credit Agreement after December 8, 2023. Advances under the Credit Agreement bore interest at the rate of 9.5% per annum and may be repaid at any time without penalty or premium.
On June 9, 2023, we entered into an At-the-Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC, as sales agent (the “Agent”) to sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $10,000,000 (the “Shares”) from time to time, through an “at the market offering” (the “ATM Offering”) as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act. On June 9, 2023, we filed a prospectus supplement with the SEC relating to the offer and sale of up to $10.0 million of common stock in the ATM Offering. The offer and sale of the Shares are being made pursuant to our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 and an accompanying base prospectus contained therein (Registration Statement No. 333-260618) filed with the SEC on October 29, 2021 and declared effective by the SEC on November 12, 2021. On July 13, 2023 and September 8, 2023, we filed prospectus supplements increasing the size of the ATM Offering to $20.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively.
On June 26, 2023, we established a record date for our initial distribution of securities of TurnOnGreen. Stockholders as of this date were entitled to 40 shares of TurnOnGreen common stock, along with warrants to purchase 40 shares of TurnOnGreen common stock (the “TurnOnGreen Securities”) for every share of our common stock they held on the record date. The initial distribution was finalized in July 2023. We distributed 58.7 million TurnOnGreen Securities in the first distribution.
On July 24, 2023, we established a record date for our second partial distribution of TurnOnGreen Securities. Stockholders as of this date were entitled to 15 shares of TurnOnGreen Securities for every share of the Company’s common stock they held on the record date. The second distribution was finalized on August 7, 2023. We distributed 56.4 million TurnOnGreen Securities in the second distribution.
On July 19, 2023 we along with certain of our subsidiaries entered into a First Amendment and Joinder to Loan and Guarantee Agreement (the “Amendment”) with the institutional investors pursuant to which the (i) Loan and Guarantee Agreement, dated November 7, 2022, entered into between us and the institutional investors (the “Loan Agreement”) and (ii) Security Agreement, dated November 7, 2022, entered into between the institutional investors and Sentinum (the “Security Agreement”) was amended. Pursuant to the Amendment, we borrowed an additional $8.8 million. The net proceeds of the additional loan amount were $7.5 million.
Effective August 3, 2023, we and certain holders of preferred stock (the “Investors”) entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which the Investors exchanged all of their preferred shares as well as their demand notes (the “Demand Notes”) issued to the Investors by us on or about May 20, 2023, with each Demand Note having a principal outstanding amount of approximately $0.8 million for two new 10% Secured OID Promissory Notes (the “Exchange Notes”), each with a principal face amount of $5.3 million, for an aggregate of amount owed of $10.5 million (the “Principal Amount”). We and Milton “Todd” Ault, III, our Executive Chairman, entered into guaranty agreements with the March 2023 Investors guaranteeing repayment by Ault & Company of the Exchange Notes.
Effective as of August 3, 2023, we assigned the Exchange Notes to Ault & Company. As consideration for Ault & Company assuming the Exchange Notes from us, we issued a 10% demand promissory note in the principal face amount of $10.5 million (the “First Ault & Company Demand Note”) to Ault & Company.
Effective as of August 10, 2023, we assigned the Term Note to Ault & Company. As consideration for Ault & Company assuming the Term Note from us, we issued a 12% demand promissory note in the principal face amount of $1.1 million (the “Second Demand Note”) to Ault & Company.
On September 8, 2023, we issued to an accredited investor a term note (the “Short-Term Note”) with a principal face amount of $2,200,000 with a maturity date of September 25, 2023. The Short-Term Note was issued with an original issue discount of $200,000 and did not bear interest unless an event of default occurred under the Short-Term Note. The maturity date of the Short-Term Note was September 25, 2023. The purchase price for the Short-Term Note was $2 million. Repayment of the Short-Term Note was secured by a guaranty provided by Ault & Company as well as by Milton C. Ault, our Executive Chairman of the Company and the Chief Executive Officer of Ault & Company.
On September 27, 2023 we entered into a securities exchange agreement with the holder of the Short-Term Note, pursuant to which we issued and sold in a registered direct offering to the investor, a $2.2 million principal face amount convertible promissory note (the “Convertible Note”). The Convertible Note bears no interest (unless an event of default occurs) as it was issued in exchange for the Short-Term Note, which contained an original issue discount. The Convertible Note is convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to 90% of the lowest volume weighted average price of the common stock during the five consecutive trading days prior to the date of conversion.
The Short-Term Note will mature on the Maturity Date, which for purposes of this note means the earlier of (i) September 28, 2024 or (ii) one (1) month after the date when no more Conversion Shares may be issued by the Company because of the Exchange Cap (such date, the “Exchange Cap Acceleration Date”), provided, however, that this clause (ii) shall not apply so long as (A) the Company is seeking Stockholder Consent (as defined in the Securities Exchange Agreement) and (B) the Company is in compliance with all filing and meeting deadlines in connection with the Stockholder and provided, further, however that in the event that in the event that Stockholder Consent is obtained after the Exchange Cap Acceleration Date but prior to one (1) month thereafter, the Maturity Date shall remain September 28, 2024.
On October 13, 2023, we entered into a note purchase agreement with Ault & Company, pursuant to which we sold to Ault & Company (i) a senior secured convertible promissory note in the principal face amount of $17.5 million (the “Senior Note”) and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of our common stock for a total purchase price of up to $17.5 million (the “Transaction”).
The purchase price was comprised of the following: (i) cancellation of $4.6 million of cash loaned by Ault & Company to us since June 8, 2023 pursuant to the loan agreement; (ii) cancellation of $11.6 million of term loans made by us to Ault & Company in exchange for Ault & Company assuming liability for the payment of $11.6 million of secured notes; and (iii) the retirement of $1.25 million stated value of 125,000 shares of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (representing all shares issued and outstanding of that series) being transferred from Ault & Company to us.
The Senior Note had a principal face amount of $17.5 million and a maturity date of October 12, 2028. The Senior Note bore interest at the rate of 10% per annum. Interest was payable, at Ault & Company’s option, in cash or shares of common stock at the applicable conversion price. Accrued interest was payable on the maturity date, provided, however, that Ault & Company had the option, on not less than 10 calendar days’ notice to us, to require payment of accrued but unpaid interest on a monthly basis in arrears.
The Senior Note was convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to the greater of (i) $0.10 per share (the “Floor Price”), and (ii) the lesser of (A) $7.38 or (B) 105% of the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the ten trading days immediately prior to the date of conversion. The conversion price was subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price then in effect, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The Floor Price shall not be adjusted for stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations and other similar transactions.
The Warrants grant Ault & Company the right to purchase 1.9 million shares of common stock. The Warrants have a five-year term, expiring on the fifth anniversary of the closing date, and become exercisable on the first business day after the six-month anniversary of the closing date. The exercise price of the Warrants is $0.35, which is subject to adjustment in the event of customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events or in the event of an issuance of Common Stock at a price per share lower than the exercise price.
In addition, we and various of our subsidiaries granted Ault & Company a senior security interest in substantially all of our assets as collateral for the repayment of the Senior Note, which was subordinated to the security interest granted to the holders of the outstanding secured promissory notes.
On November 6, 2023, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “November 2023 SPA”) with Ault & Company, pursuant to which we agreed to sell, in one or more closings, to Ault & Company up to 50,000 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock and warrants to purchase up to 14.8 million shares of common stock for a total purchase price of up to $50 million. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the November 2023 SPA, specifically the conversion of the Series C convertible preferred stock and the exercise of the warrants in an aggregate number in excess of 19.99% on the execution date of the November 2023 SPA, are subject to various customary closing conditions as well as regulatory and stockholder approval. In addition to customary closing conditions, the closing of the financing is also conditioned upon the receipt by Ault & Company of financing to consummate the transaction.
On November 15, 2023, we purchased from ROI 603.44 shares of ROI’s newly designated Series D convertible preferred stock (“ROI Series D Preferred”) for a total purchase price of $15.1 million. The purchase price was paid by the cancellation of $15.1 million of cash advances made by us to ROI between January 1, 2023 and November 9, 2023. Each share of ROI Series D Preferred has a stated value of $25,000 per share and each share of ROI Series D Preferred is convertible into a number of shares of ROI’s common stock determined by dividing the stated value by $0.51, subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of ROI common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The ROI Series D Preferred holders are entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 10% per annum from issuance until November 14, 2033. In addition, for as long as at least 25% of the ROI Series D Preferred remain outstanding, ROI must obtain our consent with respect to certain corporate events, including reclassifications, fundamental transactions, stock redemptions or repurchases, increases in the number of directors, and declarations or payment of dividends, and further ROI is subject to certain negative covenants, including covenants against issuing additional shares of capital stock or derivative securities, incurring indebtedness, engaging in related party transactions, selling of properties having a value of over $50,000, altering the number of directors, and discontinuing the business of any subsidiary, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. However, pending approval of the transaction by ROI’s shareholders, the ROI Series D Preferred is subject to a 19.99% beneficial ownership limitation.
On December 8, 2023, we filed a Certificate of Elimination with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware with respect to our Series B convertible preferred stock which, effective upon filing, eliminated the Series B convertible preferred stock.
On December 14, 2023, pursuant to the November 2023 SPA entered into with Ault & Company on November 6, 2023, we sold to Ault & Company, in three separate closings that occurred on the closing date, an aggregate of 41,500 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock (the “Series C Convertible Preferred Stock”), and warrants (the “Series C Warrants”) to purchase 12.3 million shares of common stock, for a total purchase price of $41.5 million. At the first closing, Ault & Company purchased 21,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 6.3 million shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $21.5 million, paid in cash (the “Initial Closing”). Immediately upon the Initial Closing, we paid $20.4 million to satisfy in full the outstanding secured convertible notes issued to the lenders pursuant to the Loan and Guarantee Agreement, dated November 7, 2022, as amended on July 19, 2023.
Promptly thereafter, at the second closing (the “Second Closing”), Ault & Company purchased 10,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 3.0 million shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $10.0 million, paid in cash. Immediately upon the Second Closing, we paid $10.0 million to partially satisfy the outstanding Senior Note. Promptly thereafter, at the third closing (the “Third Closing”), Ault & Company purchased another 10,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase another 3.0 million shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $10.0 million, paid in cash. Immediately upon the Third Closing, we paid $7.5 million to satisfy the remaining outstanding balance on the outstanding Senior Note.
On December 14, 2023, we, along with our wholly owned subsidiaries Sentinum, Third Avenue, ACS, BNI Montana, Ault Lending, Ault Aviation and AGREE (collectively with our company, Sentinum, Third Avenue, ACS, BNI Montana, Ault Lending and Ault Aviation, the “Guarantors”) entered into a Loan and Guaranty Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with institutional lenders, pursuant to which Ault & Company borrowed $36 million and issued secured promissory notes to the lenders in the aggregate amount of $38.9 million (collectively, the “Secured Notes”; and the transaction, the “Loan”). The Loan Agreement was amended on April 15, 2024.
Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Guarantors, as well as Milton C. Ault, III, our Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Ault & Company, agreed to act as guarantors for repayment of the Secured Notes. In addition, certain Guarantors entered into various agreements as collateral in support of the guarantee of the Secured Notes, including (i) a security agreement by Sentinum, pursuant to which Sentinum granted to the Lenders a security interest in (a) 19,226 Antminers (the “Miners”), (b) all of the digital currency mined or otherwise generated from the Miners and (c) the membership interests of ACS, (ii) a security agreement by the Company, Ault Lending, BNI Montana and AGREE, pursuant to which those entities granted to the lenders a security interest in substantially all of their assets, as well as a pledge of equity interests in Ault Aviation, AGREE, Sentinum, Third Avenue, Ault Energy, ADTC, Eco Pack, and Circle 8 Holdco, (iii) a mortgage and security agreement by Third Avenue on the real estate property owned by Third Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida (the “Florida Property”), (iv) a future advance mortgage by ACS on the real estate property owned by ACS in Dowagiac, Michigan (the “Michigan Property”), (v) an aircraft mortgage and security agreement by Ault Aviation on a private aircraft owned by Ault Aviation (the “Aircraft”), and (vi) deposit account control agreements over certain bank accounts held by certain of our subsidiaries.
In addition, pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we agreed to establish a segregated deposit account (the “Segregated Account”), which would be used as a further guarantee of repayment of the Secured Notes. $3.5 million of cash was paid into the Segregated Account on the closing date. We are required to have the minimum balance in the Segregated Account be not less than $7 million, $15 million, $20 million and $27.5 million on the five-month, nine-month, one-year and two-year anniversaries of the closing date, respectively. In addition, starting on March 31, 2024, we are required to deposit $0.3 million monthly into the Segregated Account, which increases to $400,000 monthly starting March 31, 2025. Further, we agreed to deposit into the Segregated Account, (i) up to the first $7 million of net proceeds, if any, from the sale of the Hilton Garden Inn in Madison West, the Residence Inn in Madison West, the Courtyard in Madison West, and the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockford; (ii) 50% of cash dividends (on a per dividend basis) received from Circle 8 on or after June 30, 2024; (iii) 30% of the net proceeds from any bond offerings we conduct, which shall not exceed $9 million in the aggregate; and (iv) 25% of the net proceeds from cash flows, collections and revenues from loans or other investments made by Ault Lending (including but not limited to sales of loans or investments, dividends, interest payments and amortization payments), which shall not exceed $5 million in the aggregate. In addition, if we decide to sell certain assets, we further agreed to deposit funds into the Segregated Account from the sale of those assets, including, (i) $15 million from the sale of the Florida Property, (ii) $11 million from the sale of the Aircraft, (iii) $17 million from the sale of the Michigan Property, (iv) $350 per Miner, subject to a de minimis threshold of $1 million, and (v) $10 million from the sale of Circle 8.
On January 12, 2024, pursuant to the approval provided by our stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders, we filed an Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the State of Delaware to effectuate a reverse stock split of our common stock affecting both the authorized and issued and outstanding number of such shares by a ratio of one-for-twenty-five. The reverse stock split became effective on January 16, 2024. All share amounts in this Annual Report have been updated to reflect the reverse stock split.
On January 31, 2024, Ault Lending entered into a securities purchase agreement with Alzamend (the “January 2024 SPA”), pursuant to which Alzamend agreed to sell, in one or more closings, to Ault Lending up to 6,000 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock (the “ALZN Series B Preferred”) and warrants to purchase up to 6.0 million shares of Alzamend common stock (the “ALZN Series B Warrants”) for a total purchase price of up to $6.0 million. On January 31, 2024, Ault Lending purchased 1,220 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred and warrants to purchase 1.22 million shares for a total purchase price of $1.22 million. The purchase price was paid by the cancellation of $1.22 million of cash advances made by Ault Lending to Alzamend between November 9, 2023 and January 31, 2023. Each share of ALZN Series B Preferred has a stated value of $1.00 per share and is convertible into a number of shares of Alzamend’s common stock determined by dividing the stated value by $1.00, subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of Alzamend common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The ALZN Series B Warrants are exercisable on the first business day after the six-month anniversary of issuance and have a five-year term, expiring on the fifth anniversary of the initial exercise date. The exercise price of the ALZN Series B Warrants is $1.20, subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of Alzamend common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events.
On each of March 7, 2024, March 8, 2024, March 18, 2024 and March 19, 2024, pursuant to the November 2023 SPA, we sold to Ault & Company 500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 147,820 shares of common stock to the Purchaser, for a purchase price of $0.5 million. As of April 15, 2024, Ault & Company has purchased an aggregate of 43,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 12.9 million shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $43.5 million.
On March 11, 2024 we entered into a note purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with two institutional investors (the “Buyers”) pursuant to which the Buyers purchased from the Company, on March 12, 2024 in a registered direct offering to the Buyers an aggregate of $2.0 million principal face amount convertible promissory notes (the “Notes”). The Notes were sold to the Buyers for an aggregate purchase price of $1.8 million, which reflects an original issue discount of $0.2 million. The Notes accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum, unless an event of default (as defined in the Notes) occurs, at which time the Notes would accrue interest at 12% per annum. The Notes will mature on June 12, 2024, provided, however, that we have the right, upon written notice to the Buyers, to extend the maturity date to September 12, 2024, for which we would increase the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by 5%. The Notes are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.35 per share.
On March 26, 2024, pursuant to the January 2024 SPA, Ault Lending purchased 780 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred Stock and ALZN Series B Warrants to purchase 0.8 million shares of Alzamend common, for a purchase price of $0.8 million. As of April 15, 2024, Ault Lending has purchased an aggregate of 2,000 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred and ALZN Series B Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2.0 million shares of Alzamend common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million.
On March 25, 2024 we entered into an amendment to the (i) November 2023 SPA, (ii) the related Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series C Preferred Convertible Stock and (iii) the number of warrants (the “Series C Warrants”), to provide for (A) an increase in the dollar amount of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock that Ault & Company may purchase from us from $50.0 million to $75.0 million and (B) extended the date of on which the final closing may occur to June 30, 2024, subject to Ault & Company’s ability to further extended such date for ninety days.
Presentation of AGREE as Discontinued Operations
In September 2023, we committed to a plan for our wholly owned subsidiary AGREE to list for sale its four recently renovated Midwest hotels, the Hilton Garden Inn in Madison West, the Residence Inn in Madison West, the Courtyard in Madison West, and the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockford. The decision to sell the hotels follows the decision to also list the multifamily development site in St. Petersburg, Florida and is driven by our desire to focus on our core businesses, Energy, Fintech and Sentinum. We plan to use the proceeds from the sales of the hotel properties to pay off debt and commit more capital to our core businesses. Our real estate properties, which include both hotels and land, are currently listed for sale.
In connection with the planned sale of AGREE’s assets, we concluded that the net assets of AGREE met the criteria for classification as held for sale. In addition, the proposed sale represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. As a result, we have presented the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of AGREE as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes for all periods presented.
Our Corporate Structure
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE American under the symbol “AULT.”
Our corporate structure is currently as follows:
General
As a holding company, our business objective is designed to increase stockholder value. Under the strategy we have adopted, we are focused on managing and financially supporting our existing subsidiaries and partner companies, with the goal of pursuing monetization opportunities and maximizing the value returned to stockholders. We have, are and will consider initiatives including, among others: public offerings, the sale of individual partner companies, the sale of certain or all partner company interests in secondary market transactions, or a combination thereof, as well as other opportunities to maximize stockholder value. We anticipate returning value to stockholders after satisfying our debt obligations and working capital needs.
From time to time, we engage in discussions with other companies interested in our subsidiaries or partner companies, either in response to inquiries or as part of a process we initiate. To the extent we believe that a subsidiary or partner company’s further growth and development can best be supported by a different ownership structure or if we otherwise believe it is in our stockholders’ best interests, we will seek to sell or dispose of some or all of our position in the subsidiary or partner company. These sales or dispositions may take the form of privately negotiated sales of stock or assets, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings of the subsidiary or partner company’s securities, dividends and, in the case of publicly traded partner companies, sales of their securities in the open market. Our plans may include taking subsidiaries or partner companies public through rights offerings and directed share subscription programs. We will continue to consider these (or similar) initiatives and the sale of certain subsidiary or partner company interests in secondary market transactions to maximize value for our stockholders.
In recent years, we have provided capital and relevant expertise to fuel the growth of businesses in metaverse platform, oil exploration, crane services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma, consumer electronics and textiles. We have provided capital to subsidiaries as well as partner companies in which we have an equity interest or may be actively involved, influencing development through board representation and management support.
We are a Delaware corporation with our corporate office located at 11411 Southern Highlands Pkwy, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141. Our phone number is 949-444-5464 and our website address is www.ault.com.
Results of Operations
Results of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2023 and
The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
For the Year Ended December 31,
Revenue $ 76,137,000 $ 61,561,000
Revenue, digital currencies mining 33,107,000 16,693,000
Revenue, crane operations 49,198,000 2,739,000
Revenue, lending and trading activities (1,998,000 ) 36,644,000
Total revenue 156,444,000 117,637,000
Cost of revenue, products 57,788,000 44,508,000
Cost of revenue, digital currencies mining 36,446,000 21,508,000
Cost of revenue, crane operations 29,971,000 940,000
Cost of revenue, lending and trading activities 1,180,000 -
Total cost of revenue 125,385,000 66,956,000
Gross profit 31,059,000 50,681,000
Total operating expenses 184,780,000 190,158,000
Loss from operations (153,721,000 ) (139,477,000 )
Other income (expense):
Interest and other income 5,294,000
2,594,000
Interest expense (36,595,000 ) (37,342,000 )
Interest expense (664,000 ) -
Other expense, guarantee (35,400,000 ) -
Loss on extinguishment of debt (8,719,000 ) -
Loss on extinguishment of debt, related party (4,164,000 ) -
Loss from investment in unconsolidated entity (302,000 ) (924,000 )
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary (3,040,000 ) -
Impairment of equity securities (9,555,000 ) (11,500,000 )
Gain from bargain purchase of business - 806,000
Gain on the sale of fixed assets 2,069,000 -
Change in fair value of warrant and derivative liabilities 4,544,000 (2,280,000 )
Total other expense, net (86,532,000 ) (48,946,000 )
Loss before income taxes (240,253,000 ) (188,423,000 )
Income tax (benefit) provision 337,000 (4,485,000 )
Net loss from continuing operations (240,590,000 ) (183,938,000 )
Net loss from discontinued operations (15,704,000 ) (5,895,000 )
Net loss (256,294,000 ) (189,833,000 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest 25,268,000 8,017,000
Net loss attributable to Ault Alliance, Inc. (231,026,000 ) (181,816,000 )
Preferred dividends (1,375,000 ) (393,000 )
Net loss available to common stockholders $ (232,401,000 ) $ (182,209,000 )
Comprehensive loss
Net loss available to common stockholders $ (232,401,000 ) $ (182,209,000 )
Other comprehensive loss
Foreign currency translation adjustment (997,000 ) (995,000 )
Other comprehensive loss (997,000 ) (995,000 )
Total comprehensive loss $ (233,398,000 ) $ (183,204,000 )
Revenues
Revenues by segment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31, Increase
(Decrease) %
Sentinum
Revenue, digital currencies mining $ 33,107,000 $ 16,693,000 $ 16,414,000 98 %
Revenue, commercial real estate leases 1,416,000 1,105,000 311,000 28 %
Energy
Revenue, crane operations
49,198,000 2,739,000 46,459,000 1696 %
Other 899,000 216,000 683,000 316 %
Fintech:
Revenue, lending and trading activities (1,998,000 ) 36,644,000 (38,642,000 ) -105 %
Other - 239,000 (239,000 ) -100 %
GIGA 37,759,000 30,255,000 7,504,000 25 %
SMC 32,357,000 24,224,000 7,333,000 30 %
TurnOnGreen 4,201,000 5,522,000 (1,321,000 ) -24 %
ROI 305,000 -
-
Total revenue $ 156,444,000 $ 117,637,000 $ 38,502,000 33 %
Our revenues increased by $38.5 million, or 33%, to $156.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $117.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Sentinum
Revenues from Sentinum’s digital currencies mining operations increased $16.4 million as a result of our increased digital currencies mining activities from the prior period and a 2% higher average Bitcoin price, partially offset by a 72% increase in average Bitcoin mining difficulty level in the current year period.
Energy
Energy revenues increased by $47.1 million primarily due to the acquisition of Circle 8 in December 2022.
Fintech
Revenues from our lending and trading activities were negative for the year ended December 31, 2023, due to a $6.2 million impairment related to investments in equity securities, a $5.6 million unrealized loss from our investment in Alzamend and a $1.2 million negative adjustment to dividend income, partially offset by $11.0 million of realized and unrealized losses from our investment portfolio. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Ault Lending generated income from realized gains from investments in marketable securities as well as shares of common stock underlying equity securities issued to Ault Lending in certain financing transactions. Ault Lending also generates revenue through origination fees charged to borrowers and interest generated from each loan.
Revenues from our trading activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 included net losses on equity securities, including unrealized gains and losses from market price changes. These gains and losses have caused, and will continue to cause, significant volatility in our periodic earnings.
GIGA
The $7.5 million increase in our GIGA segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 included $2.6 million attributable to our acquisition of Giga-tronics Incorporated on September 8, 2022. Continued conflicts and tensions worldwide are driving defense-related investments in force protection technologies at GIGA across the United States, UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Additionally, demand for key electronics solutions, particularly for customers in medicine and telecommunications, accelerated in the year ended December 31, 2023.
SMC
SMC revenues increased by $7.3 million. Due to the acquisition of SMC in June 2022, we recorded approximately six months of SMC revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022. On November 20, 2023, SMC entered into an agreement to sell 2.2 million shares of its common stock for $2.0 million to two affiliates of SMC, both of which are existing shareholders with representation on the board of directors of SMC. As a result of the transaction, our share ownership of SMC was diluted to approximately 28%. Due to the significant change in our ownership and voting rights, we determined that we no longer met the criteria of the primary beneficiary of SMC and, accordingly, we deconsolidated SMC as of November 20, 2023. As a result of the deconsolidation, we recorded approximately 11 months of SMC revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in SMC revenue is primarily due to the increase in the number of months consolidated for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by an overall decrease in SMC revenue for the full year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the full year ended December 31, 2022.
TurnOnGreen
TurnOnGreen revenues were down $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the cancellation of large projects that contributed to revenue in 2022.
Gross Margins
Gross margins decreased to 20% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 43% for the year ended December 31, 2022. Our gross margins of 20% recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023 were impacted by negative margins from our Sentinum digital currencies mining segment due to the increase in Bitcoin mining difficulty level, in addition to negative margins from our lending and trading activities as compared to other segments. Excluding the effects of margin from our lending and trading activities and digital currencies mining operations, our adjusted gross margins for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 would have been 30% and 29%, respectively.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses increased by $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to expenditures related to development work on ROI’s BitNile metaverse platform.
Selling and Marketing
Selling and marketing expenses were $33.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $29.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $4.2 million, or 14%. The increase was the result of $5.7 million higher advertising and promotion costs related to ROI’s BitNile metaverse platform and $0.7 million higher travel expenditures, partially offset by a $2.2 million decline in employee related costs and consulting expenses.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses were $77.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $60.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $17.5 million, or 29%. General and administrative expenses increased from the comparative prior period, mainly due to increases from new acquisitions and higher cost from our use of the corporate aircraft:
· general and administrative costs of $10.4 million from Circle 8, which was acquired in December 2022;
· general and administrative costs of $7.5 million from ROI, which was acquired in March 2023;
· general and administrative costs of $6.1 million from SMC, which was acquired in June 2022;
· general and administrative costs of $4.4 million from GIGA, which was acquired in September 2022;
· general and administrative costs of $1.2 million from AVLP, which was acquired in June 2022; and
· $4.4 million costs, including $1.9 million depreciation expense, related to our use of the corporate aircraft.
The increases above were partially offset by the following decreases in general and administrative expenses:
· $8.4 million lower performance bonus related to 2022 realized gains on trading activities;
· $4.5 million lower corporate legal fees; and
· $3.6 million lower costs related to our Michigan data center due to higher utilization of the facilities by Sentinum and lower maintenance and repairs costs.
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Impairment of Intangible Assets
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $24.7 million and $1.5 million impairment of intangible assets related to AVLP and Microphase, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized no impairment of intangible assets.
Impairment of AVLP Goodwill
We test the recorded amount of goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on December 31 or more frequently if there are indicators that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its carried value. We performed a goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2023 related to AVLP as there were indicators of impairment related to certain unforeseen business developments and changes in financial projections.
The valuation of the AVLP reporting unit was determined using a market and income approach methodology of valuation. The income approach was based on the projected cash flows discounted to their present value using discount rates, that in our judgment, consider the timing and risk of the forecasted cash flows using internally developed forecasts and assumptions. Under the income approach, the discount rate used is the average estimated value of a market participant’s cost of capital and debt, derived using customary market metrics. The analysis included assumptions regarding AVLP’s revenue forecast and discount rates of 26.7% using a weighted average cost of capital analysis. The market approach utilized the guideline public company method.
The results of the quantitative test indicated the fair value of the AVLP reporting unit did not exceed its carrying amounts, including goodwill, in excess of the carrying value of the goodwill. As a result, the entire $18.6 million carrying amount of AVLP’s goodwill was recognized as a non-cash impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Impairment of Microphase Goodwill
During the fourth quarter of 2023, Microphase experienced a significant decline in sales and, as a result, we performed a goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2023.
The valuation of Microphase was determined using an income approach methodology of valuation. The income approach is based on the projected cash flows discounted to their present value using discount rates, that in our judgment, consider the timing and risk of the forecasted cash flows using internally developed forecasts and assumptions. The market approach was also considered; however, the income approach was chosen as we determined it was a better representation of Microphase’s projected long-term performance.
The results of the quantitative test indicated the fair value of the Microphase reporting unit did not exceed its carrying amounts, including goodwill, in excess of the carrying value of the goodwill. As a result, the entire $3.2 million carrying amount of Microphase’s goodwill was recognized as a non-cash impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Impairment of SMC Goodwill
During the fourth quarter of 2022, SMC experienced adverse changes in business climate, a significant decline in sales and a drop in the trading price of its common stock.
Due to these factors, we determined that a triggering event had occurred, and therefore, performed a goodwill impairment assessment as of December 31, 2022. The valuation of the SMC reporting units was determined using a market approach with observable inputs, primarily based on the trading price of SMC’s common stock plus an estimated control premium of approximately 20%.
The results of the quantitative test indicated the fair value of the SMC reporting unit did not exceed its carrying amounts, including goodwill, in excess of the carrying value of the goodwill. As a result, the entire $3.2 million carrying amount of SMC’s goodwill was recognized as a non-cash impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Impairment of GIGA Goodwill
During the fourth quarter of 2022, GIGA experienced a significant decline in sales and a drop in the trading price of its common stock.
Due to these factors, we determined that a triggering event had occurred, and therefore, performed a goodwill impairment assessment as of December 31, 2022. The valuation of the GIGA reporting units was determined using an income approach methodology of valuation.
The income approach is based on the projected cash flows discounted to their present value using discount rates that in our judgment consider the timing and risk of the forecasted cash flows using internally developed forecasts and assumptions. Under the income approach, the discount rate used is the average estimated value of a market participant’s cost of capital and debt, derived using customary market metrics. Other significant assumptions include revenue growth rates, profitability projections, and terminal value growth rates. The market approach was also considered; however, the income approach was chosen as the Company determined it is a better representation of GIGA’s projected long-term performance.
The results of the quantitative test indicated the fair value of the GIGA reporting unit did not exceed its carrying amounts, including goodwill, in excess of the carrying value of the goodwill. As a result, the entire $9.9 million carrying amount of GIGA’s goodwill was recognized as a non-cash impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Impairment of Deposit due to Vendor Bankruptcy Filing
On September 22, 2022, Compute North filed for bankruptcy protection. We had a deposit of approximately $2.0 million with Compute North for services yet to be performed by Compute North. We assessed this financial exposure and recorded an impairment of the deposit totaling $2.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Impairment of Property and Equipment
During the year ended December 31, 2023, certain unforeseen business developments and changes in financial projections at AVLP indicated that an impairment triggering event had occurred. Testing performed indicated the estimated fair value of AVLP property and equipment as of December 31, 2023 was $0, and an impairment charge of $14.0 million was recognized. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized an impairment charge of $3.9 million related to property and equipment at ROI.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, adverse changes in business climate, including a decrease in the price of Bitcoin and resulting decrease in the market price of miners, indicated that an impairment triggering event had occurred. Testing performed indicated the estimated fair value of our miners to be less than their net carrying value as of December 31, 2022, and an impairment charge of $79.6 million was recognized, decreasing the net carrying value of our Bitcoin mining equipment to their estimated fair value.
Impairment of Mined Digital Currencies
Impairment of mined digital currencies for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $0.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively. Impairment losses are attributable to the volatility of the Bitcoin market when market price of Bitcoin drops below our carrying value within the respective periods. The impairment of mined cryptocurrency for the year ended December 31, 2023 is lower than the comparable prior year period as the average amount of digital currency held decreased during 2023 as we generally sold our mined digital currency the next business day.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net was $86.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $48.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Interest and other income was $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest and other income is primarily due to higher interest rates resulting in higher income from ADRT’s cash and marketable securities held in the trust account, partially offset by lower cash and marketable securities held in the trust account as a result of redemptions that occurred in June 2023.
Interest expense was $36.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 included amortization of debt discount of $21.5 million, contractual interest of $9.6 million, and forbearance and extension fees of $5.5 million. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 related primarily to amortization of debt discount of $29.1 million, contractual interest of $6.8 million, and forbearance and extension fees of $1.5 million.
Interest expense, related party was $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2022. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 related primarily to interest expense from the related party convertible note with Ault & Company.
Other expense, guarantee was $35.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2022. Pursuant to our financial guarantee obligation related to our December 2023 issuance of Series C preferred stock, related party we recorded a guarantee liability of $38.9 million using the practical expedient to fair value as set forth in ASC 460-10-30-2(a) and recorded other expense, guarantee of $35.4 million (the amount of the guarantee liability, less $3.5 million restricted cash related to the guarantee obligation).
Loss on extinguishment of debt was $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Approximately $3.6 million of loss on extinguishment of debt related to the December 2023 AAI exchange of notes payable for preferred stock, related party. Approximately $1.4 million of the loss on extinguishment of debt related to an October 2023 GIGA exchange and waiver agreement related to its senior secured convertible promissory notes. Approximately $2.0 million of the loss on extinguishment related to the April 2023 restructuring of an AAI note payable. Approximately $1.5 million of the loss on extinguishment of debt related to the August 2023 exchange of AAI preferred stock liabilities for secured notes.
Loss on extinguishment of debt, related party was $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 related to the October 2023 AAI exchange of convertible notes, related party for preferred stock, related party.
Loss from investment in unconsolidated entity was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing our share of losses from our equity method investment in SMC, subsequent to the November 2023 deconsolidation. Loss from investment in unconsolidated entity was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing our share of losses from our equity method investment in AVLP prior to the June 2022 acquisition.
Cumulative downward adjustments for impairments for our equity securities without readily determinable fair values held at December 31, 2023 were $9.6 million.
Income Tax Provision
Provision for income taxes was $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a benefit of $4.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The effective income tax provision rate was 0.1% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to a benefit of 2.4% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company’s 2022 tax benefit included a $5.0 million tax benefit to reduce the Company’s valuation allowance related to establishing a deferred tax liability from AVLP acquisition accounting.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
On December 31, 2023, excluding cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations, we had cash and cash equivalents of $8.6 million (excluding restricted cash of $5.0 million), compared to cash and cash equivalents of $7.9 million (excluding restricted cash of $0.7 million) at December 31, 2022. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to cash provided by financing activities related to the sale of common and preferred stock, as well as proceeds from notes and convertible notes partially offset by cash used in operating activities, the payment of debt, purchases of property and equipment and investments in equity securities.
Net cash used in operating activities totaled $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $26.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 included $71.2 million net cash provided by marketable equity securities from trading activities related to the operations of Ault Lending and $29.1 million proceeds from the sale of digital currencies from our Sentinum Bitcoin mining operations, offset by operating losses and changes in working capital. Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 included $4.6 million cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations.
Net cash used in investing activities was $29.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $158.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, which included $99.3 million of capital expenditures, primarily for Bitcoin mining equipment. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily related to $8.7 million purchase of property and equipment, the $11.0 million purchase of equity securities, and the $6.3 million decrease in cash from the deconsolidation of SMC, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of fixed assets of $4.5 million. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 included $6.3 million cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $37.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $124.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, and primarily reflects the following transactions:
· 2022 Common ATM Offering - During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold an aggregate of 4,268 shares of common stock pursuant to the 2022 Common ATM Offering for gross proceeds of $4.2 million and effective March 17, 2023, the 2022 Common ATM Offering was terminated;
· 2022 Preferred ATM Offering - During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold an aggregate of 252,359 shares of Series D Preferred Stock pursuant to the 2022 Preferred ATM Offering for gross proceeds of $3.0 million and effective June 16, 2023, the 2022 Preferred ATM Offering was terminated;
· 2023 Common ATM Offering -On June 9, 2023, we entered into the 2023 Common ATM Offering with Ascendiant Capital. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold an aggregate of 4.3 million shares of common stock pursuant to the 2023 Common ATM Offering for gross proceeds of $35.3 million;
· $65.0 million payments on notes payable, partially offset by $38.8 million proceeds from notes payable;
· $7.3 million proceeds from subsidiaries’ sale of stock to non-controlling interests;
· $5.2 million proceeds from convertible notes payable, partially offset by $1.0 million payments on convertible notes payable;
· $4.6 million proceeds from convertible notes payable, related party, partially offset by $0.2 million payments on convertible notes payable, related party; and
· $3.8 million net proceeds from sales of Series C preferred stock, related party.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 included $5.2 million cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations.
Financing Transactions Subsequent to December 31, 2023
Financing transactions subsequent to December 31, 2023 include the following:
2023 Common ATM Offering
During the period between January 1, 2024 through March 13, 2024, we sold an aggregate of 25.6 million shares of common stock pursuant to the 2023 Common ATM Offering for gross proceeds of $14.6 million and effective March 14, 2024, the 2023 Common ATM Offering was terminated.
6% Convertible Promissory Notes
On March 11, 2024, we entered into a note purchase agreement with two institutional investors pursuant to which we sold in a registered direct offering to the investors an aggregate of $2.0 million convertible promissory notes, bearing interest of 6%. The convertible promissory notes were issued at a discount, with net proceeds to us of $1.8 million. The convertible promissory notes are scheduled to mature June 12, 2024, we have the option to extend the maturity date to September 12, 2024, for which we will increase the principal amount of the convertible promissory notes by 5%. The convertible promissory notes are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.35 per share. As of April 15, 2024, none of the convertible promissory notes have been converted into shares of common stock.
Additional Closings of Series C Preferred Stock, Related Party
On each of March 7, 2024, March 8, 2024, March 18, 2024 and March 19, 2024, pursuant to the November 2023 SPA entered into with Ault & Company on November 6, 2023, we sold to Ault & Company 500 shares of Series C preferred stock and warrants to purchase 147,820 shares of common stock, for a total purchase price of $0.5 million. As of April 15, 2024, Ault & Company has purchased an aggregate of 43,500 shares of Series C preferred stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 12,860,311 shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $43.5 million. The November 2023 SPA provides that Ault & Company may purchase up to $75.0 million of Series C preferred stock and warrants in one or more closings.
Amendment to the November 2023 SPA
On March 25, 2024, the November 2023 SPA entered into with Ault & Company was amended to increase the amount of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants that may be purchase under the agreement from $50.0 million to $75.0 million and an extension of the date to closing the final tranche of the financing to June 30, 2024.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We have the following critical accounting estimates:
· We review and evaluate the net carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. A test for recoverability is performed based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows that will be generated from operations and the estimated salvage value of assets. There are many assumptions underlying future cash flows that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, which include the estimated value of the assets. We review our business and operations for indications of impairment and, when indications are present, perform an impairment test. We involve a third-party expert when needed. However, it is possible that changes could occur in the near term that could adversely affect the estimate of future cash flows and salvage values to be generated from operating assets resulting in an impairment loss.
· Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment reviews include determining the estimated fair values of our reporting units and of indefinite-lived intangible assets. Several methods may be used to estimate fair values, including market quotations, multiples of earnings and other valuation techniques. We primarily use discounted projected future earnings or cash flow methods in determining fair values. The key assumptions and inputs used in such determinations may include forecasting revenues and expenses, cash flows and capital expenditures, as well as an appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Significant judgment by management is required in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and in performing impairment reviews. Due to the inherent subjectivity and uncertainty in forecasting future cash flows and earnings over long periods of time, actual results may differ materially from the forecasts. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, then the excess, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill, is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds fair value, the excess is charged to earnings as an impairment loss.
· On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on known trends and events and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Because we are a smaller reporting company, this section is not applicable.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements required by this Item 8 are included in this Annual Report following Item 16 hereof. As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide supplementary financial information.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2023, we have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of, and with the participation of, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We have established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, with the assistance of other members of the Company’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report and has determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weaknesses as described herein.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated 2013 Framework. Our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective.
A material weakness is a control deficiency (within the meaning of the PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 2) or combination of control deficiencies that result in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. Management has identified the following material weaknesses:
1. We do not have sufficient resources in our accounting department, which restricts our ability to gather, analyze and properly review information related to financial reporting, including applying complex accounting principles relating to consolidation accounting, related party transactions, fair value estimates and analysis of financial instruments for proper classification in the consolidated financial statements, in a timely manner.
2. Due to our size and nature, segregation of all conflicting duties may not always be possible and may not be economically feasible. However, to the extent possible, the initiation of transactions, the custody of assets and the recording of transactions should be performed by separate individuals. Management evaluated the impact of our failure to have segregation of duties during our assessment of our disclosure controls and procedures and concluded that the control deficiency that resulted represented a material weakness.
3. Our primary user access controls (i.e., provisioning, de-provisioning, privileged access and user access reviews) to ensure appropriate authorization and segregation of duties that would adequately restrict user and privileged access to the financially relevant systems and data to appropriate personnel were not designed and/or implemented effectively. We did not design and/or implement sufficient controls for program change management to certain financially relevant systems affecting our processes.
4. The Company did not design and/or implement user access controls to ensure appropriate segregation of duties or program change management controls for certain financially relevant systems impacting the Company’s processes around revenue recognition and digital assets to ensure that IT program and data changes affecting the Company’s (i) financial IT applications, (ii) digital currency mining equipment, and (iii) underlying accounting records, are identified, tested, authorized and implemented appropriately to validate that data produced by its relevant IT system(s) were complete and accurate. Automated process-level controls and manual controls that are dependent upon the information derived from such financially relevant systems were also determined to be ineffective as a result of such deficiency. In addition, the Company has not effectively designed a manual key control to detect material misstatements in revenue.
Planned Remediation
Management continues to work to improve its controls related to our material weaknesses, specifically relating to user access and change management surrounding our IT systems and applications. Management will continue to implement measures to remediate material weaknesses, such that these controls are designed, implemented, and operating effectively. The remediation actions include: (i) enhancing design and documentation related to both user access and change management processes and control activities; and (ii) developing and communicating additional policies and procedures to govern the area of IT change management. In order to achieve the timely implementation of the above, management has commenced the following actions and will continue to assess additional opportunities for remediation on an ongoing basis:
· Engaging a third-party specialist to assist management with improving the Company’s overall control environment, focusing on change management and access controls;
· Implementing new applications and systems that are aligned with management’s focus on creating strong internal controls; and
· Continuing to increase headcount across the Company, with a particular focus on hiring individuals with strong Sarbanes Oxley and internal control backgrounds.
We are currently working to improve and simplify our internal processes and implement enhanced controls, as discussed above, to address the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and to remedy the ineffectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. These material weaknesses will not be considered to be remediated until the applicable remediated controls are operating for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
Despite the existence of these material weaknesses, we believe that the consolidated financial statements included in the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the most recent fiscal quarter in 2023, there were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Trading Plans
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, no director or Section 16 officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following table sets forth the positions and offices presently held by each of our current directors and executive officers and their ages:
Served as a
Position and Offices Director and
Name Age Held with the Company Officer Since
Milton C. Ault, III (1) Executive Chairman of the Board
William B. Horne (1) Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman and Director
Henry Nisser (1) President, General Counsel and Director
Kenneth S. Cragun (1) Chief Financial Officer
Robert O. Smith Lead Independent Director
Moti Rosenberg Director
Jeffrey A. Bentz Director
Howard Ash Director
(1) Executive Officer.
Each of the directors named above will serve until the next annual meeting of our stockholders or until his respective successor is elected and qualified. Subject to the terms of applicable employment agreements, our executive officers serve at the discretion of our Board.
Milton C. (Todd) Ault, III has served as our Executive Chairman since January 2021. Between December 2017 and January 2021, Mr. Ault was our Chief Executive Officer and between March 2017 and December 2017, Mr. Ault served as our Executive Chairman. Mr. Ault has served as a director of Alzamend since January 2024. Mr. Ault is Alzamend’s founder and served as Chairman of the Board and a director from inception in 2016 until its initial public offering in June 2021. Mr. Ault has served as the Chairman of the Board of Ault Disruptive since its inception in February 2021. Since January 2024, Mr. Ault has served as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of ROI. Since April 2023, Mr. Ault has served as the Executive Chairman of the Board of the MICS. Mr. Ault has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Ault & Company since December 2015, and as Chairman of the Board of Avalanche since September 2014. Since January 2011, Mr. Ault has been the Vice President of Business Development for MCKEA Holdings, LLC, a family office. Mr. Ault is a seasoned business professional and entrepreneur who has spent more than twenty-seven years identifying value in various financial markets including equities, fixed income, commodities, and real estate. Throughout his career, Mr. Ault has consulted for a few publicly traded and privately held companies, providing each of them the benefit of his diversified experience, that range from development stage to seasoned businesses.
William B. Horne has been a member of our board of directors since October 2016. In January 2018, Mr. Horne was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer until August 2020, when he resigned as our Chief Financial Officer and was appointed as our President. On January 12, 2021, Mr. Horne resigned as our President and became our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Horne has served as a director of Alzamend since June 2016 and upon the effectiveness of its initial public offering in June 2021, Mr. Horne become its Chairman of the Board. Mr. Horne served as Alzamend’s Chief Financial Officer from June 2016 through December 2018. Mr. Horne has been the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Ault Disruptive since its inception in February 2021. Mr. Horne has served as a director and Chief Financial Officer of Avalanche since June 2016. Mr. Horne has served as a director and Chief Financial Officer of Ault & Company since October 2017. Mr. Horne has served as a director of GIGA since September 2022. He served as the Chief Financial Officer of Targeted Medical Pharma, Inc. from August 2013 to May 2019. Mr. Horne previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer in various public and private companies in the healthcare and high-tech field. Mr. Horne has a Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude in Accounting from Seattle University.
Henry C.W. Nisser, has been our President since May 2019, and has served as our Executive Vice President and General Counsel and as one of our directors since September 2020. Mr. Nisser has been the President, General Counsel and a member of the board of directors of Ault Disruptive since its inception in February 2021. Mr. Nisser has served as Alzamend’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel on a part-time basis since May 2019. Mr. Nisser was appointed as a director of Alzamend in September 2020. Since March 2023, Mr. Nisser has served as the President, General Counsel and director of ROI. Since April 2023, Mr. Nisser has served as a director of MICS. Mr. Nisser is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Avalanche. Mr. Nisser has served as a President, General Counsel and a director of Ault & Company since May 2019. From December 15, 2021 through March 16, 2022, Mr. Nisser served as Chief Executive Officer and on the board of directors of TurnOnGreen. From October 2011 through April 2019, Mr. Nisser was an associate and subsequently a partner with Sichenzia Ross Ference LLP, a law firm in New York. While with this law firm, his practice was concentrated on national and international corporate law, with a particular focus on U.S. securities compliance, public as well as private M&A, equity and debt financings and corporate governance. Mr. Nisser received his B.A. degree from Connecticut College, where he majored in International Relations and Economics. He received his LL.B. from University of Buckingham School of Law in the United Kingdom.
Kenneth S. Cragun has been our Chief Financial Officer since August 2020 and between October 2018 and August 2020, served as our Chief Accounting Officer. Since June 2021, Mr. Cragun has served as Senior Vice President of Finance at Alzamend on a part-time basis. Between December 2018 and June 2021, Mr. Cragun served as the Chief Financial Officer of Alzamend. Mr. Cragun has been the Chief Financial Officer of Ault Disruptive since its inception in February 2021. Since September 2018, Mr. Cragun has served on the board of directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Verb Technology Company, Inc. Since July 2022, Mr. Cragun has served on the board of directors of MICS. He served as a CFO Partner at Hardesty, LLC, a national executive services firm between October 2016 and October 2018. His assignments at Hardesty included serving as Chief Financial Officer of CorVel Corporation, a publicly traded company and a nationwide leader in technology driven, healthcare-related, risk management programs, and of RISA Tech, Inc., a private structural design and optimization software company. Mr. Cragun was also Chief Financial Officer of two Nasdaq-traded companies, Local Corporation, a publicly held local search company (“Local Corp.”), from April 2009 to September 2016, and Modtech Holdings, Inc., from June 2006 to March 2009, a supplier of modular buildings. Prior thereto, he had financial leadership roles with increasing responsibilities at MIVA, Inc., ImproveNet, Inc., NetCharge Inc., C-Cube Microsystems, Inc, and 3-Com Corporation. Mr. Cragun began his professional career at Deloitte. Mr. Cragun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Colorado State University-Pueblo.
Robert O. Smith has served as a director since September 2016, and was previously a member of our board from November 2010 to May 2015. Mr. Smith is currently an independent C-level executive consultant working with Bay Area high-tech firms on various strategic initiatives in all aspects of their business. Mr. Smith has served on the board of directors of GWW since September 2022. Mr. Smith has served on the board of directors of ROI since October of 2023, where he acts as ROI’s lead independent director as well as the chairman of its audit committee. Mr. Smith has served on the board of directors of Ault Disruptive since its inception in February 2021. From 2004 to 2007, he served on the board of directors of Castelle Corporation. From 1990 to 2002, he was our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. From 1980 to 1990, he held several management positions with Computer Products, Inc., the most recent being President of its Compower/Boschert division. From 1970 to 1980, he held managerial accounting positions with Ametek/Lamb Electric and with the JM Smucker Company. Mr. Smith received his BBA degree in Accounting from Ohio University.
Mordechai Rosenberg has served as a director since June 2015. Mr. Rosenberg serves as one of our independent directors. He has served as an independent consultant to various companies in the design and implementation of homeland security systems in Europe and Africa since 2010. From 2004 to 2009, he served as a special consultant to Bullet Plate Ltd., a manufacturer of armor protection systems, and NovIdea Ltd., a manufacturer of perimeter and border security systems. From 2000 to 2003, Mr. Rosenberg was the general manager of ZIV U.P.V.C Products Ltd.’s doors and window factory. Mr. Rosenberg is an active reserve officer and a retired colonel from the Israeli Defense Force (“IDF”), where he served for 26 years and was involved in the development of weapon systems. In the IDF, Mr. Rosenberg served in various capacities, including, company, battalion and brigade commander, head of the training center for all IDF infantry, and head of the Air Force’s Special Forces. Mr. Rosenberg received a B.A in History from the University of Tel Aviv and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Haifa in Israel. Mr. Rosenberg graduated from the course of Directors & Officers at the College of Management, Tel Aviv.
Jeffrey A. Bentz has served as a director since January 2018. Mr. Bentz is an experienced businessman who served from 1994 to 2022 as President of North Star Terminal & Stevedore Company, a full-service stevedoring company located in Alaska and whose major areas of business include terminal operations and management, stevedore services and heavy equipment operations. Mr. Bentz has served as a director of Ault Disruptive since its inception in February 2021 and GWW since September 2022. He also has served as a director and advisor to several private companies and agencies. Mr. Bentz obtained a B.A. degree in Business and Finance from Western Washington University.
Howard Ash has served as a director since August 2020. Mr. Ash is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in business and finance, who served as CEO, COO and CFO to a variety of high profile, international companies. Mr. Ash continues to serve as Chairman of Claridge Management since 2000. Mr. Ash was a director of Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ-NETE) from June 13, 2016 through July 13, 2020, serving as Chairman of both the Audit and Compensation committees, as well as the Nominating and Governance Committees during his tenure. He served as Chief Operating Officer of BioCard Corporation from 1997 to 2007. He served as Chief Operating Officer of CITA Americas, Inc. from 1996 to 1997. Mr. Ash served as Chief Executive Officer of IEDC Marketing, Inc. from 1992 to 1996. He held a CFO/Chief Strategist position at Abrams, Ash & Associates from 1990 to 1992. Mr. Ash currently serves on the Advisory Board of the U.K. based E2Exchange, the Institute of Entrepreneurs, since 2011, and is the only non-UK citizen holding that position. Mr. Ash served from 2009 to 2014 in a senior development and strategic capacity for One Laptop Per Child, a global NGO created to provide educational opportunities providing laptops to the world’s poorest children. Prior Chairmanships include the 2009 through 2012 term for the Sturge Weber Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to curing this rare but fatal syndrome affecting children. Previously, Mr. Ash was an Advisory Board Member to Edge Global Investment Limited which forged a strategic partnership with the Africa Forum, consisting of 37 former Heads of State and Government. Mr. Ash started an interest-free micro-loan society in 1987 that has provided more than $15 million in micro-loans throughout the U.S. and Israel. In 1999, Mr. Ash founded the Circle of Life Resource Center, Inc., a food bank in Miami, Florida that feeds several hundred families per week. Mr. Ash earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with Honors in Accounting and Law from the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) in 1980.
Corporate Governance
Our Board is currently composed of seven members and maintains the following three standing committees: (1) the Audit Committee; (2) the Compensation Committee; and (3) the Nominating and Governance Committee. The membership and the function of each of the committees are described below. Our Board may, from time to time, establish a new committee or dissolve an existing committee depending on the circumstances. Current copies of the charters for the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee can be found on our website at https://www.ault.com.
Audit Committee
Messrs. Ash, Smith and Bentz currently comprise the Audit Committee of our Board. Our Board has determined that each of the current members of the Audit Committee satisfies the requirements for independence and financial literacy under the standards of the SEC and the NYSE American. Our Board has also determined that Messrs. Ash and Smith qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in SEC regulations and satisfy the financial sophistication requirements set forth in the NYSE American Rules. Mr. Ash serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, selecting and hiring our independent auditors, approving the audit and pre-approving any non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditors; reviewing the scope of the annual audit undertaken by our independent auditors and the progress and results of their work; reviewing our financial statements, internal accounting and auditing procedures, and corporate programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws; and reviewing the services performed by our independent auditors to determine if the services rendered are compatible with maintaining the independent auditors’ impartial opinion.
Compensation Committee
Messrs. Smith, Bentz and Rosenberg currently comprise the Compensation Committee of our Board. Our Board has determined that each of the current members of the Compensation Committee meets the requirements for independence under the standards of the NYSE American. Mr. Bentz serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing and approving executive compensation policies and practices; reviewing and approving salaries, bonuses and other benefits paid to our officers, including our Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer; and administering our stock option plans and other benefit plans.
Nominating and Governance Committee
Messrs. Smith, Ash and Rosenberg currently comprise the Nominating and Governance Committee of our Board. Our Board has determined that each of the current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee meets the requirements for independence under the standards of the NYSE American. Mr. Smith serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for, among other things, assisting our Board in identifying prospective director nominees and recommending nominees for each annual meeting of stockholders to the Board; developing and recommending governance principles applicable to our Board; overseeing the evaluation of our Board and management; and recommending potential members for each Board committee to our Board.
The Nominating and Governance Committee considers diversity when identifying Board candidates. In particular, it considers such criteria as a candidate’s broad-based business and professional skills, experiences and global business and social perspective.
In addition, the Committee seeks directors who exhibit personal integrity and a concern for the long-term interests of stockholders, as well as those who have time available to devote to Board activities and to enhancing their knowledge of the power-supply industry. Accordingly, we seek to attract and retain highly qualified directors who have sufficient time to attend to their substantial duties and responsibilities.
Executive Committee
As a holding company, our business strategy is designed to increase stockholder value. Under this strategy, we are focused on managing and financially supporting our existing subsidiaries and partner companies, with the goal of pursuing monetization opportunities and maximizing the value returned to stockholders. We have, are and will consider initiatives including, among others: public offerings, the sale of individual partner companies, the sale of certain or all partner company interests in secondary market transactions, or a combination thereof, as well as other opportunities to maximize stockholder value, such as activist trading. We anticipate returning value to stockholders after satisfying our debt obligations and working capital needs.
On October 7, 2019, we created an Executive Committee which is comprised of our Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. The Executive Committee meets on a daily basis to address the Company’s critical needs and provides a forum to approve transactions which are communicated to our Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance on a bi-weekly basis by our Chief Executive Officer.
Our Executive Committee approves and manages our investment and trading strategy. The Executive Committee has decades of experience in financial, investing and securities transactions. Led by our Founder and Executive Chairman, Milton C. (Todd) Ault, III, we seek to find undervalued companies and disruptive technologies with a global impact. We use a traditional methodology for valuing securities that primarily looks for deeply depressed prices. Upon making an investment, we often become actively involved in the companies we seek to acquire. That activity may involve a broad range of approaches, from influencing the management of a target to take steps to improve stockholder value, to acquiring a controlling or sizable but non-controlling interest or outright ownership of the target company in order to implement changes that we believe are required to improve its business, and then operating and expanding that business. Mr. Ault relies heavily on William B. Horne, our Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Henry Nisser, our President and General Counsel, to provide analysis and guidance on various objectives that the Company sets, including financings and all acquisition targets and throughout the acquisition process.
From time to time, we engage in discussions with other companies interested in our subsidiaries or partner companies, either in response to inquiries or as part of a process we initiate. To the extent we believe that a subsidiary partner company’s further growth and development can best be supported by a different ownership structure or if we otherwise believe it is in our stockholders’ best interests, we will seek to sell some or all of our position in the subsidiary or partner company. These sales may take the form of privately negotiated sales of stock or assets, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings of the subsidiary or partner company’s securities, dividends and, in the case of publicly traded partner companies, transactions in their securities in the open market. Our plans may include taking subsidiaries or partner companies public through rights offerings, mergers or spin-offs and directed share subscription programs. We will continue to consider these and functionally equivalent programs and the sale of certain subsidiary or partner company interests in secondary market transactions to maximize value for our stockholders.
Our Executive Committee acts as the underwriting committee for Ault Lending and approves all lending transactions. Under its business model, Ault Lending generates revenue through origination fees charged to borrowers and interest generated from each loan. Ault Lending may also generate income from appreciation of investments in marketable securities as well as any shares of common stock underlying convertible notes or warrants issued to Ault Lending in any particular financing. Ault Lending’s activities are more fully described elsewhere in this Annual Report; see page 22.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
Except as set forth below, to the best of our knowledge, during the past ten years, none of the following occurred with respect to a present or former director, executive officer, or employee:
· been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
· had any bankruptcy petition filed by or against the business or property of the person, or of any partnership, corporation or business association of which he was a general partner or executive officer, either at the time of the bankruptcy filing or within two years prior to that time; *
· been subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction or federal or state authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting, his involvement in any type of business, securities, futures, commodities, investment, banking, savings and loan, or insurance activities, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;
· been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; **
· been the subject of, or a party to, any federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated (not including any settlement of a civil proceeding among private litigants), relating to an alleged violation of any federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity;
· or been the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.
* Mr. Cragun served as Chief Financial Officer of Local Corporation (April 2009 to September 2016), formerly based in Irvine, California, and, in June 2015, Local Corporation filed a voluntary petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California seeking relief under the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code.
** Please see the press release issued by the Company on August 15, 2023.
Except as set forth in our discussion below in “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” none of our directors or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among our directors and executive officers.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted the Code of Ethical Conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller or person performing similar functions. The Code of Ethical Conduct is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The full text of our Code of Ethical Conduct is published on our website at https://www.ault.com. We will disclose any substantive amendments to the Code of Ethical Conduct or any waivers, explicit or implicit, from a provision of the Code on our website or in a current report on Form 8-K. Upon request to our President, Henry Nisser, we will provide without charge, a copy of our Code of Ethical Conduct.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth all compensation earned in all capacities during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, by our principal executive officer. Because we are a Smaller Reporting Company, we only have to report information of our principal executive officer and our two other most highly compensated executive officers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and principal position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Stock Awards ($) (1) Option
Awards ($) (1) All Other Compensation ($)(2) Total ($)
Milton C. Ault, III 400,000 16,667 - - 325,773 742,440
Executive Chairman of the Board 400,000 1,716,667 - - 56,392 2,173,059
William B. Horne 375,000 16,667 - - 98,195 489,862
Chief Executive Officer 300,000 1,812,500 - - 49,664 2,162,164
Henry C. Nisser 300,000 12,500 - - 55,727 368,227
President and General Counsel 300,000 912,000 - - 36,251 1,248,251
(1) The values reported in the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” columns represent the aggregate grant date fair value, computed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718 Share Based Payments, of grants of stock options and stock awards to our named executive officer in the years shown.
(2) The amounts in “All Other Compensation” consist of 401(k) matching amounts, vehicle allowance, personal use of the Company’s corporate aircraft, health insurance benefits, long-term and short-term disability insurance benefits, and travel and entertainment expenses. The personal use of corporate aircraft, reflects the incremental cost to Ault Alliance for use of the corporate aircraft, determined on the basis of the variable operational costs of each flight, including fuel, maintenance, flight crew travel expense. Summary table of “All Other Compensation” for the year ended December 31, 2023 is set forth below:
Name 401(k) Matching
Contribution ($) Automobile
Expenses ($) Personal Use of
Aircraft ($) Medical and Life
Insurance Benefits ($) Travel and
Entertainment ($) Total All Other
Compensation ($)
Milton C. Ault, III 16,500 12,000 262,134 23,179 11,960 325,773
William B. Horne 16,500 12,000 5,719 52,016 11,960 98,195
Henry C. Nisser 12,763 - 20,301 10,704 11,960 55,727
Compensation from Related Companies
The compensation table above does not include compensation paid to those executives from related companies for the year ended December 31, 2023 as set forth below:
AVLP Alzamend Circle 8 SMC
Name Board
Fees Officer
Compensation Board
Fees Officer
Compensation Board
Fees Board
Fees
Milton C. Ault, III $ 100,000 $ - $ 50,000 $ - $ - $ -
William B. Horne $ - $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ - $ 25,000 $ -
Henry C. Nisser $ - $ 50,000 $ - $ 50,000 $ - $ 16,000
Employment Agreements
Milton C. Ault, III
On June 17, 2018, the Company entered into a ten-year executive employment agreement with Milton C. Ault, III, to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. On January 19, 2021, Mr. Ault was appointed as Executive Chairman of the Company. For his services, Mr. Ault will be paid a base salary of $400,000 per annum (the “Base Salary”).
Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the agreement, if the Company meets or exceeds criteria adopted by the Company’s compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) for earning bonuses which shall be adopted by the Compensation Committee annually, Mr. Ault shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus, which percentage shall be based on achievement of applicable performance goals determined by the Compensation Committee.
In addition, Mr. Ault shall be eligible to receive a performance-based award (the “CEO Performance Award”), provided that the Company, for any given fiscal year during the term of this agreement, meets the following criteria: (A) an increase in revenue, as calculated under GAAP over the previous fiscal year as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K or successor form for such fiscal year; provided that any increase less than thirty-five percent (35%) (the “Revenue Percentage”) shall reduce the CEO Performance Award correspondingly; (B) positive net income, as calculated under GAAP, as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K or successor form for such fiscal year, provided that any increase less than five percent (5%) (the “Net Income Percentage”) shall reduce the CEO Performance Award correspondingly; and (C) positive net cash flow from operations on a year-to-year basis, where cash flow is defined as the net amount of cash and cash-equivalents being transferred into and out of the Company. The CEO Performance Award shall consist of a number of shares of the Company’s common stock having a maximum value equal to ten percent (10%) of any appreciation in the Company’s Market Capitalization above the High Water Mark (as such terms are defined in the agreement) as measured by the daily average closing bid price of the Company’s common stock for the applicable fiscal year subject to proration obtained by the product of Revenue Percentage and the Net Income Percentage. If the CEO Performance Award in a fiscal year is less than ten percent (10%) due to a reduction caused by an annual shortfall in either the Revenue Percentage or the Net Income Percentage, the prior year’s targets would be deemed to have been achieved if a corresponding overage in a subsequent fiscal year results in the achievement of the cumulative targets. The annual and cumulative targets for revenue and net income, which are provided solely for the purpose of establishing cumulative totals, are set forth in the agreement.
Upon termination of Mr. Ault’s employment (other than upon the expiration of the employment), Mr. Ault shall be entitled to receive: (A) any earned but unpaid base salary through the termination date; (B) all reasonable expenses paid or incurred; and (C) any accrued but unused vacation time.
Further, unless Mr. Ault’s employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability or for cause or he terminates his employment without good reason, then upon the termination or non-renewal of Mr. Ault’s employment, the Company shall pay to Mr. Ault a “Separation Payment” as follows: (A) an amount equal to four (4) weeks of base salary for each full year of service and credit for his service commencing from September 22, 2016, (B) should Mr. Ault provide the Company with a separation, waiver and release agreement within 60 days of termination, then the Company shall: (i) pay his base salary until the last to occur (the “Separation Period”) of (1) the expiration of the remaining portion of the initial term or the then applicable renewal term, as the case may be, but in no event an amount greater than the Base Salary payable should either such period expire within two years, or (2) the 12-month period commencing on the date Mr. Ault is terminated, payable in one lump sum; (ii) provide during the Separation Period the same medical, dental, long-term disability and life insurance; and (iii) pay an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the maximum annual bonus as Mr. Ault would have been otherwise entitled to receive by (y) the fraction in which the numerator is the number of calendar months worked including the entire month in which severance occurred and the denominator of which is 12; and (iv) all outstanding options and other equity awards shall immediately vest and become fully exercisable for a period of 24 months. Finally, upon the occurrence of a change in control, Mr. Ault will be paid an amount equal to the greater of: (i) five times his then current Base Salary or (ii) the Separation Payment amount set forth above, without regard to whether Mr. Ault continues in the employ of the Company or its successor.
William B. Horne
On January 25, 2018, we entered into an employment agreement with William Horne to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of the Company and its subsidiaries for an initial term through September 30, 2022, which automatically renews thereafter for successive one-year terms unless either party provides written notification at least four months prior to the end of a term of their desire to terminate. Mr. Horne’s base salary was $300,000 per annum, which was increased to $400,000 effective April 1, 2023. Mr. Horne is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus equal to a percentage of his annual base salary based on achievement of applicable performance goals determined by the Company’s compensation committee.
Upon termination of Mr. Horne’s employment (other than upon the expiration of the employment), Mr. Horne shall be entitled to receive: (i) any earned but unpaid base salary through the termination date; (ii) all reasonable expenses paid or incurred; and (iii) any accrued but unused vacation time.
Further, unless Mr. Horne’s employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability or for cause or he terminates his employment without good reason, then upon the termination or non-renewal of Mr. Horne’s employment, the Company shall pay to Mr. Horne a “Separation Payment” as follows: (A) an amount equal to four weeks of base salary for each full year of service, (B) should Mr. Horne provide the Company with a separation, waiver and release agreement within 60 days of termination, then the Company shall: (i) pay his base salary until the last to occur (the “Separation Period”) of (1) the expiration of the remaining portion of the initial term or the then applicable renewal term, as the case may be, or (2) the 12-month period commencing on the date Mr. Horne is terminated, payable in one lump sum; (ii) provide during the Separation Period the same medical, dental, long-term disability and life insurance; and (iii) pay an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the maximum annual bonus as Mr. Horne would have been otherwise entitled to receive by (y) the fraction in which the numerator is the number of calendar months worked including the entire month in which severance occurred and the denominator of which is 12; and (iv) all outstanding options and other equity awards shall immediately vest and become fully exercisable for a period of 24 months. Finally, upon the occurrence of a change in control, Mr. Horne will be paid an amount equal to four times his Separation Payment.
Henry Nisser
On April 12, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with Henry Nisser to serve as General Counsel and Executive Vice President of the Company and its subsidiaries for an initial term through May 1, 20223 which automatically renews thereafter for successive one-year terms unless either party provides written notification at least four months prior to the end of a term of their desire to terminate. The effective date of the Agreement was May 1, 2019. For 2023, Mr. Nisser’s base salary was $300,000 per annum (the “Base Salary”).
Mr. Nisser is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus equal to a percentage of his annual base salary based on achievement of applicable performance goals determined by the Company’s compensation committee.
Mr. Nisser’s bonuses, if any, and all stock based compensation shall be subject to “Company Clawback Rights” if during the period that Mr. Nisser is employed by the Company and upon the termination of Mr. Nisser’s employment and for a period of two years thereafter, there is a restatement of any of the Company’s financial results from which any bonuses and stock based compensation to Mr. Nisser shall have been determined.
Upon termination of Mr. Nisser’s employment (other than upon the expiration of the employment), Mr. Nisser shall be entitled to receive: (A) any earned but unpaid base salary through the termination date; (B) all reasonable expenses paid or incurred; and (C) any accrued but unused vacation time.
Further, unless Mr. Nisser’s employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability or for cause or he terminates his employment without good reason, then upon the termination or non-renewal of Mr. Nisser’s employment, the Company shall pay to Mr. Nisser a “Separation Payment” as follows: (a) an amount equal to four weeks of base salary for each full year of service, (b) commencing on the date that shall be one (1) year from the effective date, should Mr. Nisser provide the Company with a separation, waiver and release agreement within 30 days of termination, then the Company shall pay to Mr. Nisser the Base Salary (in effect immediately prior to the termination date) an amount equal to the lesser of what Mr. Nisser would have received if the employment period ended after (1) the expiration of the remaining portion of the initial term or the then applicable renewal term, as the case may be, or (2) the 18-month period commencing on the date Executive is terminated, payable in one lump sum; (ii) provide during the separation period the same medical, dental, long-term disability and life insurance; and (iii) pay an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the maximum annual bonus as Mr. Nisser would have been otherwise entitled to receive by (y) the fraction in which the numerator is the number of calendar months worked including the entire month in which severance occurred and the denominator of which is 12; and (iv) all outstanding options and other equity awards shall immediately vest and become fully exercisable for a period of 24 months. Finally, upon the occurrence of a change in control, Mr. Nisser will be paid an amount equal to four times his Separation Payment.
CEO Pay Ratio
As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, we are providing disclosure regarding the ratio of annual total compensation of Mr. Ault, our Executive Chairman, to that of our median employee. Our median employee earned $52,400 in total compensation for 2023. Based upon the total 2023 compensation reported for Mr. Ault of $742,440 as reported under “Total” in the Summary Compensation Table, our ratio of PEO to median employee pay was 12:1. Our median employee is employed in our Circle 8 subsidiary.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer, however, is not Mr. Ault but William B. Horne. In order to follow the intent of the SEC’s rules, which appear to presume that the CEO is the highest paid executive officer of an issuer, we chose to present the total annual compensation of Mr. Ault, who is paid marginally more than Mr. Horne.
While Mr. Ault’s salary exceeds Mr. Horne’s by $25,000 and $100,000 for both fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, his annual total compensation exceeds Mr. Horne’s by no more than $252,578 and $10,895, respectively.
Calculation Methodology
To identify our median employee, we identified our total employee population worldwide as of December 31, 2023, excluding our Executive Chairman, in accordance with SEC rules. On December 31, 2023, 80% of our employee population was located in the U.S., with 20% in non-U.S. locations.
We collected full-year 2023 actual gross earnings data for the December 31, 2023 employee population, including cash-based compensation and equity-based compensation that was realized in 2023, relying on our internal payroll records. Compensation was annualized on a straight-line basis for non-temporary new hire employees who did not work with our company for the full calendar year.
Once we determined the median employee, we calculated total compensation for the median employee in the same manner in which we determine the compensation shown for our named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table, in accordance with SEC rules.
Pay Versus Performance
Pay Versus Performance Table
The following table sets forth information concerning: (1) the compensation of our Executive Chairman, Mr. Ault (referred to in the table below as “EC”) and the average compensation for our other Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”), Mr. Horne (our PEO) and Mr. Nisser, both as reported in the Summary Compensation Table and with certain adjustments to reflect the “compensation actually paid” to such individuals, as defined under SEC rules, for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and (2) our cumulative total shareholder return (“TSR”), the cumulative TSR of our selected peer group (Bitfarms Limited, Cipher Mining, Inc., CleanSpark, Inc., Hive Digital Technologies Limited, Riot Platforms, Inc., Titan Machinery Inc., Alta Equipment Group Inc., B. Riley Financial, Inc.), net loss and revenue over such years, in each case determined in accordance with SEC rules:
Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based on:
Year Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for PEO ($) Compensation
Actually Paid
to PEO ($) Average
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for Non-PEO
NEOs ($) Average
Compensation
Actually Paid
to Non-PEO
NEOs ($) Total
Shareholder
Return ($) Peer Group
Total
Shareholder
Return ($) Net Income
($) Total
Revenue ($)
742,440 689,052 429,045 375,657 0.01 88.88 (232,401,000 ) 156,444,000
2,173,059 1,120,398 1,705,208 652,547 3.64 62.62 (182,209,000 ) 117,637,000
4,195,025 2,418,538 3,681,239 1,904,752 27.36 147.19 (23,269,000 ) 52,400,000
Compensation actually paid to our EC represents the “Total” compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable fiscal year, adjusted as follows:
Name EC ($) Average of
NEOs ($) EC ($) Average of
NEOs ($) EC ($) Average of
NEOs ($)
Summary compensation table total 742,440 429,045 2,173,059 1,705,208 4,195,025 3,681,239
Deduction for amounts reported under the stock awards column in the summary compensation table - - - - 2,933,440 2,933,440
Year end value of equity awards granted during year that remain unvested as of year-end - - - - 1,156,953 1,156,953
Year over year change in fair value of outstanding and unvested equity awards - - (525,468 ) (525,468 ) - -
Year over year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years and vested in the year (53,388 ) (53,388 ) (527,193 ) (527,193 ) - -
Compensation actually paid 689,052 375,657 1,120,398 652,547 2,418,538 1,904,752
Narrative Disclosure to Pay Versus Performance Table
Relationship between Financial Performance Measures
The line graphs below compare (i) the compensation actually paid to our EC and the average of the compensation actually paid to our remaining NEOs, with (ii) our cumulative TSR, (iii) our peer group TSR, (iv) our net loss, and (v) our revenue, in each case, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
TSR amounts reported in the graph assume an initial fixed investment of $100, and that all dividends, if any, were reinvested. The term “PEO” as used in the tables below refers to the EC, not the PEO.
Policies on Ownership, Insider Trading, 10b5-1 Plans and Hedging
We do not have formal stock ownership guidelines for our employees or directors, because the Board is satisfied that stock and option holdings among our employees or directors are sufficient at this time to provide motivation and to align this group’s interests with those of our stockholders.
We have established an insider trading policy that provides guidelines to, and imposes restrictions on, officers, directors and employees with respect to transactions in the Company’s securities. The Company’s insider trading policy prohibits certain actions by such individuals relating to buying and selling common stock of the Company, and discourages certain other actions in other situations. Such individuals are authorized to enter into trading plans established according to Section 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act with an independent broker-dealer. Under these plans, the individual must not exercise any influence over the amount of the securities to be traded, the price at which they are to be traded or the date of the trade. The plan must either specify the amount, pricing and timing of transactions in advance or delegate discretion on these matters to an independent third party. Such plans provide a defense from insider trading liability.
We have not adopted any hedging policies.
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
At the annual meeting of stockholders on November 23, 2022, the stockholders approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers. An advisory vote on executive compensation is held every three years.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information on outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2023 to the named executive officers.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2023
OPTION 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
Milton C. Ault, III - - 13,425.00 9/17/2030
- - 19,125.00 4/26/2031
William B. Horne - - 13,425.00 9/17/2030
- - 19,125.00 4/26/2031
Henry C. Nisser - - 13,425.00 9/17/2030
- - 19,125.00 4/26/2031
Director Compensation
The Company pays each independent director an annual base amount of $45,000 annually, other than Messrs. Smith and Ash, who each receive a base amount of $55,000 annually due to the additional services provided by Mr. Smith as a lead independent director and Mr. Ash as Audit Committee Chairman. Additionally, our Board makes recommendations for adjustments to an independent director’s compensation when the level of services provided is significantly above what was anticipated. In addition, independent directors are eligible, at the Board’s discretion, to receive a bonus.
The table below sets forth, for each non-employee director, the total amount of compensation related to his service during the year ended December 31, 2023:
Fees earned or Stock Option All other
Name
paid in cash ($) awards ($) awards ($) compensation ($) Total ($)
Robert O. Smith
55,000 - - - 55,000
Jeffrey A. Bentz
45,000 - - - 45,000
Mordechai Rosenberg
45,000 - - - 45,000
Howard Ash
55,000 - - - 55,000
Stock Incentive Plans
On December 28, 2018, the stockholders approved the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended on May 5, 2019), which amendment was approved by the stockholders on July 19, 2019, the “2018 Stock Incentive Plan”), under which options to acquire up to 5,000 shares of common stock may be granted to the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants. The 2018 Stock Incentive Plan is in addition to the Company’s (ii) 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, under which options to acquire up to 1 share of common stock may be granted to the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants, (iv) 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, under which 1,000 stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, and other stock-based compensation. be granted to the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants, (v) 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, intended to assist our employees in acquiring share ownership up to an aggregate of 131 shares of common stock, and (vi) 2022 Stock Incentive Plan, under which 10,000 stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, and other stock-based compensation. be granted to the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants (collectively the “Plans”).
The purpose of the Plans is to advance the interests of the Company by providing to key employees of the Company and its affiliates, who have substantial responsibility for the direction and management of the Company, as well as certain directors and consultants of the Company, additional incentives to exert their best efforts on behalf of the Company, to increase their proprietary interest in the success of the Company, to reward outstanding performance and to provide a means to attract and retain persons of outstanding ability to the service of the Company.
As of December 31, 2023, options to purchase 779 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding, and 10,411 shares are available for future issuance under the Plans.
401(k) Plans
Ault Alliance, TurnOnGreen and Microphase have adopted tax-qualified employee savings and retirement plan, or 401(k) plans, which generally cover all of their full-time employees. Pursuant to the 401(k) plans, eligible employees may make voluntary contributions to the plan up to a maximum of pursuant to the current Internal Revenue Code limits. The Microphase 401(k) plan permits, but does not require, matching contributions by them on behalf of plan participants. The Ault Alliance and TurnOnGreen 401(k) plans include matching contributions at the rate of (1) $1.00 for each $1.00 contributed, up to 3% of the base salary and (2) $0.50 for each $1.00 contributed thereafter, up to 5% of the base salary and permits discretionary contributions. The 401(k) plans are intended to qualify under Sections 401(k) and 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Contributions to such a qualified plan are deductible by the Company when made, and neither the contributions nor the income earned on those contributions is taxable to plan participants until withdrawn. All 401(k) plan contributions are credited to separate accounts maintained in trust.
Effective January 1, 2001, SMC adopted a voluntary 401(k) plan. All SMC employees with at least one year of service are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan. SMC makes a matching contribution of 100% of salary deferral contributions up to 3% of pay, plus 50% of salary deferral contributions from 3% to 5% of pay for each payroll period.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Except as otherwise indicated below, the following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 15, 2024 by (1) each of our current directors; (2) each of the executive officers; (3) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock based upon Schedules 13G or 13D filed with the SEC; and (4) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. As of April 15, 2024, there were 30,065,339 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Common stock subject to options or warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2024 are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person or group holding such options or warrants for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person or group, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person or group. Unless otherwise indicated by footnote, to our knowledge, the persons named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all common stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws.
Name and address of beneficial owner(1) Number of
shares
beneficially
owned
Approximate
percent
of class
Milton C. Ault, III 452,785
(2) 1.48 %
William Horne (3) *
Henry Nisser (3) *
Ken Cragun (4) *
Robert Smith (5) *
Mordechai Rosenberg (6) *
Jeffrey A. Bentz (6) *
Howard Ash (7) *
All directors and executive officers as a group (eight persons) 453,364
1.49 %
* Less than one percent.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is c/o Ault Alliance, Inc., 11411 Southern Heights Pkwy, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141.
(2) Represents (i) 261 shares of Common Stock, (ii) 81 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2024, (iii) 229 shares of Common Stock held by Ault & Company, and (iv) 452,214 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock held by Ault & Company. Excludes (i) 123,833,499 additional shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series C Preferred Stock owned by Ault & Company, (ii) 1,907,440 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of a warrant issued October 13, 2023 and an aggregate of 12,860,311 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants issued December 14, 2023, March 7, 2024, March 8, 2024, March 18, 2024 and March 19, 2024 to Ault & Company (the “Warrants”). No more than 452,214 shares of Common Stock may be issued in the aggregate upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock and/or exercise of the Warrants, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the NYSE American, LLC unless the Company first obtains stockholder approval. Mr. Ault is the Chief Executive Officer of Ault & Company.
(3) Represents (i) 81 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 81 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2024.
(4) Represents (i) 28 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 44 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2024.
(5) Represents (i) 18 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 27 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2024.
(6) Represents (i) 21 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 27 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2024.
(7) Represents (i) 14 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 27 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2024.
Equity Compensation Information
The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023.
Number of securities
Number of securities Weighted- remaining available for
to be issued average future issuance under
upon exercise exercise price equity compensation plans
of outstanding of outstanding (excluding securities
options, warrants and rights options, warrants and rights reflected in column (a))
Plan Category (a) (b) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders $ 17,546 10,411
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders $ 17,278 -
Total $ 17,423 10,411

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Our Audit Committee or in certain instances, a special committee of our Board, monitors and reviews issues involving potential conflicts of interest and approves all transactions with related persons as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the securities laws. Examples of such transactions that must be approved by our Audit Committee or a special committee of our Board include, but are not limited to any transaction, arrangement, relationship (including any indebtedness) in which:
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the aggregate amount involved is determined to by the Audit Committee to be material;
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we are a participant; and
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any of the following has or will have a direct or indirect interest in the transaction:
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an executive officer, director, or nominee for election as a director;
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a greater than five percent beneficial owner of our common stock; or
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any immediate family member of the foregoing.
When reviewing transactions with a related person, the Audit Committee or any special committee of our Board formed for that purpose applies the standards for evaluating conflicts of interest outlined in our written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
The following information sets forth certain related transactions between us and certain of our stockholders or directors.
Ault & Company, Inc.
On February 25, 2021, Ault & Company sold and issued an 8% Secured Promissory Note in the principal amount of $2,500,000 (the “2021 Note”) to us. The principal amount of the 2021 Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest at a rate of 8% per annum, was originally due and payable on August 5, 2021 but the maturity date was subsequently extended to December 31, 2022.
On June 8, 2023, we entered into the Credit Agreement with Ault & Company as the lender. The Credit Agreement provided for an unsecured, non-revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $10,000,000. All Advances were due within five business days after request by Ault & Company and Ault & Company was not obligated to make any further Advances under the Credit Agreement after December 8, 2023. Advances under the Credit Agreement bore interest at the rate of 9.5% per annum and may be repaid at any time without penalty or premium. As of April 15, 2024, no Advances were outstanding.
Effective August 3, 2023, we and the Investors entered into the Exchange Agreement pursuant to which the Investors exchanged all of their preferred shares as well as their Demand Notes issued to the Investors by us on or about May 20, 2023, with each Demand Note having a principal outstanding amount of approximately $0.8 million for the Exchange Notes, each with a principal face amount of $5.3 million, for an aggregate Principal Amount of $10.5 million. We and Mr. Ault, our Executive Chairman, entered into guaranty agreements with the March 2023 Investors guaranteeing repayment by Ault & Company of the Exchange Notes.
Effective as of August 3, 2023, we assigned the Exchange Notes to Ault & Company. As consideration for Ault & Company assuming the Exchange Notes from us, we issued the First Ault & Company Demand Note to Ault & Company.
Effective as of August 10, 2023, we assigned the Term Note to Ault & Company. As consideration for Ault & Company assuming the Term Note from us, we issued the Second Demand Note to Ault & Company.
On October 13, 2023, we entered into a note purchase agreement with Ault & Company, pursuant to which we sold to Ault & Company (i) the Senior Note and Warrants to purchase shares of our common stock for a total purchase price of up to $17.5 million.
The purchase price was comprised of the following: (i) cancellation of $4.6 million of cash loaned by Ault & Company to us since June 8, 2023 pursuant to the Credit Agreement; (ii) cancellation of $11.6 million of term loans made by us to Ault & Company in exchange for Ault & Company assuming liability for the payment of $11.6 million of secured notes; and (iii) the retirement of $1.25 million stated value of 125,000 shares of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (representing all shares issued and outstanding of that series) being transferred from Ault & Company to us.
The Senior Note had a principal face amount of $17.5 million and a maturity date of October 12, 2028. The Senior Note bore interest at the rate of 10% per annum. Interest was payable, at Ault & Company’s option, in cash or shares of common stock at the applicable conversion price. Accrued interest was payable on the maturity date, provided, however, that Ault & Company had the option, on not less than 10 calendar days’ notice to us, to require payment of accrued but unpaid interest on a monthly basis in arrears.
The Senior Note was convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to the greater of (i) the Floor Price, and (ii) the lesser of (A) $7.38 or (B) 105% of the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the ten trading days immediately prior to the date of conversion. The conversion price was subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price then in effect, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The Floor Price shall not be adjusted for stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations and other similar transactions.
The Warrants grant Ault & Company the right to purchase 1,907,440 shares of common stock. The Warrants have a five-year term, expiring on the fifth anniversary of the closing date, and become exercisable on the first business day after the six-month anniversary of the closing date. The exercise price of the Warrants is $0.35, which is subject to adjustment in the event of customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events or in the event of an issuance of common stock at a price per share lower than the exercise price.
On November 6, 2023, we entered into the November 2023 SPA with Ault & Company, pursuant to which we agreed to sell, in one or more closings, to Ault & Company up to 50,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and the Series C Warrants to purchase up to 14.8 million shares of common stock for a total purchase price of up to $50 million. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the November 2023 SPA, specifically the conversion of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and the exercise of the Series C Warrants in an aggregate number in excess of 19.99% on the execution date of the November 2023 SPA, are subject to various customary closing conditions as well as regulatory and stockholder approval.
Additionally, until the earlier of (i) four years from the initial closing date of the November 2023 SPA (the “Initial Closing Date”), or (ii) the date when Ault & Company holds fewer than 10,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company will be prohibited from (A) entering into any financing, whether debt or equity, other than conventional loans from a commercial bank, at a price per share less than the Series C Conversion Price (as defined below) or (B) entering into a variable rate financing transaction.
Further, for as long as Ault & Company holds at least 10,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, Ault & Company shall have a right to participate in any subsequent financing (a “Subsequent Financing”) allowing Ault & Company to purchase such number of securities in the Subsequent Financing to allow Ault & Company to maintain its percentage beneficial ownership of the Company that Ault & Company held immediately prior to the Subsequent Financing.
In addition, the Company must establish a reserve account to be funded with no less than 12.5% of the gross proceeds received from the sale of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, which shall be maintained for a period of at least nine months from the Initial Closing Date.
On December 14, 2023, pursuant to the November 2023 SPA, we sold to Ault & Company, in three separate closings that occurred on the closing date, an aggregate of 41,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 12,269,031 shares of common stock, for a total purchase price of $41.5 million. At the Initial Closing, Ault & Company purchased 21,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 6,356,245 shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $21.5 million, paid in cash. Immediately upon the Initial Closing, we paid $20,432,876 to satisfy in full the outstanding secured convertible notes issued to the lenders pursuant to the Loan and Guarantee Agreement, dated November 7, 2022, as amended on July 19, 2023.
Promptly thereafter, at the Second Closing, Ault & Company purchased 10,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase 2,956,393 shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $10.0 million, paid in cash. Immediately upon the Second Closing, we paid $10.0 million to partially satisfy the outstanding Senior Note. Promptly thereafter, at the Third Closing, Ault & Company purchased another 10,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Warrants to purchase another 2,956,393 shares of common stock, for a purchase price of $10.0 million, paid in cash. Immediately upon the Third Closing, we paid $7.5 million to satisfy the remaining outstanding balance on the outstanding Senior Note.
On December 14, 2023, we, along with the Guarantors entered into the Loan Agreement with institutional lenders, pursuant to which Ault & Company borrowed $36 million and issued the Secured Notes to the lenders in the aggregate amount of $38.9 million. The Loan Agreement was amended on April 15, 2024.
Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Guarantors, as well as Milton C. Ault, III, our Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Ault & Company, agreed to act as guarantors for repayment of the Secured Notes. In addition, certain Guarantors entered into various agreements as collateral in support of the guarantee of the Secured Notes, including (i) a security agreement by Sentinum, pursuant to which Sentinum granted to the Lenders a security interest in (a) the Miners, (b) all of the digital currency mined or otherwise generated from the Miners and (c) the membership interests of ACS, (ii) a security agreement by the Company, Ault Lending, BNI Montana and AGREE, pursuant to which those entities granted to the lenders a security interest in substantially all of their assets, as well as a pledge of equity interests in Ault Aviation, AGREE, Sentinum, Third Avenue, Ault Energy, ADTC, Eco Pack, and Circle 8 Holdco, (iii) a mortgage and security agreement by Third Avenue on the Florida Property, (iv) a future advance mortgage by ACS on the Michigan Property, (v) an aircraft mortgage and security agreement by Ault Aviation on the Aircraft, and (vi) deposit account control agreements over certain bank accounts held by certain of our subsidiaries.
In addition, pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we agreed to establish the Segregated Account, which would be used as a further guarantee of repayment of the Secured Notes. $3.5 million of cash was paid into the Segregated Account on the closing date. We are required to have the minimum balance in the Segregated Account be not less than $7 million, $15 million, $20 million and $27.5 million on the five-month, nine-month, one-year and two-year anniversaries of the closing date, respectively. In addition, starting on March 31, 2024, we are required to deposit $0.3 million monthly into the Segregated Account, which increases to $0.4 million monthly starting March 31, 2025. Further, we agreed to deposit into the Segregated Account, (i) up to the first $7 million of net proceeds, if any, from the sale of the Hilton Garden Inn in Madison West, the Residence Inn in Madison West, the Courtyard in Madison West, and the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockford; (ii) 50% of cash dividends (on a per dividend basis) received from Circle 8 on or after June 30, 2024; (iii) 30% of the net proceeds from any bond offerings we conduct, which shall not exceed $9 million in the aggregate; and (iv) 25% of the net proceeds from cash flows, collections and revenues from loans or other investments made by Ault Lending (including but not limited to sales of loans or investments, dividends, interest payments and amortization payments), which shall not exceed $5 million in the aggregate. In addition, if we decide to sell certain assets, we further agreed to deposit funds into the Segregated Account from the sale of those assets, including, (i) $15 million from the sale of the Florida Property, (ii) $11 million from the sale of the Aircraft, (iii) $17 million from the sale of the Michigan Property, (iv) $350 per Miner, subject to a de minimis threshold of $1 million, and (v) $10 million from the sale of Circle 8.
On March 25, 2024 we entered into an amendment to the (i) November 2023 SPA, (ii) the related Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series C Preferred Convertible Stock and (iii) the number of Series C Warrants, to provide for (A) an increase in the dollar amount of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock that Ault & Company may purchase from us from $50,000,000.00 to $75,000,000.00 and (B) extended the date of on which the final closing may occur to June 30, 2024, subject to Ault & Company’s ability to further extended such date for ninety days.
Description of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock
Conversion Rights
Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock has a stated value of $1,000.00 and is convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to the greater of (i) the Floor Price, and (ii) the lesser of (A) $0.35 or (B) 105% of the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the ten trading days immediately prior to the date of conversion (the “Series C Conversion Price”). The Series C Conversion Price is subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of common stock at a price per share lower than the Series C Conversion Price then in effect, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The Floor Price will under no circumstances be adjusted for stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations or similar transactions.
Voting Rights
The holders of the Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to vote with the common stock as a single class on an as-converted basis, subject to applicable law provisions of the Delaware General Company Law and the NYSE American, provided, however, that for purposes of complying with NYSE American regulations, the conversion price, for purposes of determining the number of votes the holder of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to cast, shall not be lower than $3.075 (the “Voting Floor Price”), which represents the closing sale price of the common stock on the trading day immediately prior to the date of execution of the November 2023 SPA. The Voting Floor Price shall be adjusted for stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations and other similar transactions.
In addition, Ault & Company will be entitled to elect such number of directors to the Board as shall be equal to a percentage determined by dividing (i) the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock then owned by Ault & Company (the “Conversion Shares”), by (ii) the sum of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding plus the number of Conversion Shares.
The conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock is subject to approval by the NYSE American and our stockholders.
Description of the Series C Warrants
On each closing date, the Company will issue Ault & Company the Series C Warrants, which grant Ault & Company the right to purchase a specified number of common stock (the “Warrant Shares”). The exercise price of the Series C Warrants is $0.35 (the “Exercise Price”) and the number of Warrant Shares is determined by dividing the actual investment amount by the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price is subject to adjustment in the event of customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events.
The Series C Warrants have a five-year term, expiring on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance, and become exercisable on the first business day after the six-month anniversary of the date of issuance.
The exercise of the Warrants is also subject to approval by the NYSE American and our stockholders.
Milton C. Ault, III, our Executive Chairman, is also the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Ault & Company. William B. Horne, our Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman, is also Chief Financial Officer and a director of Ault & Company. Henry Nisser, our President, General Counsel and a member of our board of directors, is also the President, General Counsel and a director of Ault & Company.
ROI
On June 8, 2022, Ault Lending entered into a securities purchase agreement with ROI whereby Ault Lending agreed to purchase $12,000,000 of a new series of convertible preferred stock of ROI, which transaction closed on June 29, 2022. As part of the transaction we were issued 102,881 shares of ROI’s common stock and a warrant to purchase forty-nine percent (49%) of ROI’s common stock calculated on a fully diluted basis, subject to certain terms and conditions.
On July 11, 2022, we announced the formation of Ault Energy. Ault Energy will partner with White River Holdings Corp. (“White River”), a then subsidiary of ROI, on drilling projects across 30,000 acres in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Ault Energy, as Ault Lending’s designee, has the right to purchase up to 25%, or such higher percentages at the discretion of White River, in various drilling projects of White River. In August 2022, Ault Energy committed to purchasing 40% of the first drilling project offered, at a cost to Ault Energy of approximately $1 million. In October 2022, Ault Energy committed to purchasing 37.5% of the second drilling project offered, at a cost to Ault Energy of approximately $1.6 million. In March 2023, Ault Energy committed to purchasing 20% of the third drilling project offered, at a cost to Ault Energy of approximately $1.0 million.
On February 8, 2023, we entered into the February 2023 Agreement with ROI and the other signatories thereto. The February 2023 Agreement provided that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, ROI would acquire all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of our then subsidiary, BNC, of which we owned approximately 86%, and the remaining 14% was owned by the Minority Shareholders, as well as RiskOn 360, in exchange for the following: (i) 8,637.5 shares of Series B Preferred that were issued to us, and (ii) 1,362.5 shares of Series C Preferred that were issued to the to the Minority Shareholders. The Series B Preferred and the Series C Preferred each have a Stated Value of $10,000 per share, for a combined stated value of the Preferred Stock to be issued by ROI, of $100,000,000, and subject to adjustment, are convertible into shares of common stock of ROI. However, pending approval of the transaction by ROI’s shareholders, the Preferred Stock is subject to a 19.9% beneficial ownership limitation, including the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that we acquired from ROI in June of 2022.
Pursuant to the Preferred Stock Certificates, each share of Preferred Stock will be convertible into a number of shares of ROI common stock determined by dividing the Stated Value by the Conversion Price, or 40,000 shares of ROI common stock. The Conversion Price will be subject to certain adjustments, including potential downward adjustment if ROI closes a qualified financing resulting in at least $25,000,000 in gross proceeds at a price per share that is lower than the Conversion Price then in effect. The holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 5% of the Stated Value per annum during the Dividend Term. During the first two years of the Dividend Term, dividends will be payable in additional shares of Preferred Stock rather than cash, and thereafter dividends will be payable in either additional shares of Preferred Stock or cash as each holder may elect. If ROI fails to make a dividend payment as required by the Preferred Stock Certificates, the dividend rate will be increased to 12% for as long as such default remains ongoing and uncured. Each share of Preferred Stock will also have an $11,000 liquidation preference in the event of a liquidation, change of control event, dissolution or winding up of ROI, and will rank senior to all other capital stock of ROI with respect thereto, except that the Series B Preferred and Series C Preferred shall rank pari passu. Each share of Series B Preferred was originally entitled to vote with the ROI common stock at a rate of 10 votes per share of common stock into which the Series B Preferred is convertible, but that provision was subsequently eliminated, as were the conventional voting rights of the Series C Preferred. Other than certain rights granted to the Company relating to amendments or waiver of various negative covenants, the terms, rights, preferences and limitations of the Preferred Stock Certificates are essentially identical. The February 2023 Agreement closed on March 6, 2023.
On November 15, 2023, we purchased from ROI 603.44 shares of ROI Series D Preferred for a total purchase price of $15.1 million. The purchase price was paid by the cancellation of $15.1 million of cash advances made by us to ROI between January 1, 2023 and November 9, 2023. Each share of ROI Series D Preferred has a stated value of $25,000 per share and each share of ROI Series D Preferred is convertible into a number of shares of ROI’s common stock determined by dividing the stated value by $0.51, subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of ROI common stock at a price per share lower than the conversion price, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The ROI Series D Preferred holders are entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 10% per annum from issuance until November 14, 2033. In addition, for as long as at least 25% of the ROI Series D Preferred remain outstanding, ROI must obtain our consent with respect to certain corporate events, including reclassifications, fundamental transactions, stock redemptions or repurchases, increases in the number of directors, and declarations or payment of dividends, and further ROI is subject to certain negative covenants, including covenants against issuing additional shares of capital stock or derivative securities, incurring indebtedness, engaging in related party transactions, selling of properties having a value of over $50,000, altering the number of directors, and discontinuing the business of any subsidiary, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. However, pending approval of the transaction by ROI’s shareholders, the ROI Series D Preferred is subject to a 19.99% beneficial ownership limitation.
Milton C. Ault, III, our Executive Chairman, is also the Executive Chairman of ROI. Henry Nisser, our President, General Counsel and a member of our board of directors, is also the President, General Counsel and a director of ROI.
Alzamend
In November 2022, we entered into a marketing and brand development agreement with Alzamend, effective August 1, 2022, whereby we provided various marketing services over twelve months valued at $1.4 million. Alzamend had the right to pay the fee in cash or shares of its common stock with a value of $22.50 per share. On November 11, 2022, Alzamend elected to pay the fee in shares, and issued us 62,222 shares of its common stock.
On January 31, 2024, Ault Lending entered into the January 2024 SPA with Alzamend, pursuant to which Alzamend agreed to sell, in one or more closings, to Ault Lending up to 6,000 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred and ALZN Series B Warrants to purchase up to 6.0 million shares of Alzamend common stockfor a total purchase price of up to $6.0 million. On January 31, 2024, Ault Lending purchased 1,220 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred and warrants to purchase 1.22 million shares for a total purchase price of $1.22 million. The purchase price was paid by the cancellation of $1.22 million of cash advances made by Ault Lending to Alzamend between November 9, 2023 and January 31, 2023. On March 26, 2024, pursuant to the January 2024 SPA, Ault Lending purchased 780 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred Stock and ALZN Series B Warrants to purchase 780,000 shares of Alzamend common, for a purchase price of $780,000. As of April 15, 2024, Ault Lending has purchased an aggregate of 2,000 shares of ALZN Series B Preferred and ALZN Series B Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2.0 million shares of Alzamend common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million.
Description of the ALZN Series B Preferred
The terms of the ALZN Series B Preferred are as set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificates of Designations of the Rights, Preferences and Limitations of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, as amended (the “Series B Certificate of Designation”). Each share of ALZN Series B Preferred has a stated value of $1,000 per share (the “ALZN Stated Value”). The ALZN Series B Preferred does not accrue dividends.
Conversion Rights
Each share of ALZN Series B Preferred is convertible into a number of shares of Alzamend common stock (“ALZN Conversion Shares”) determined by dividing the ALZN Stated Value by $1.00 (the “ALZN Conversion Price”). The ALZN Conversion Price is subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of common stock at a price per share lower than the ALZN Conversion Price then in effect, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events.
Voting Rights
The holders of the ALZN Series B Preferred are entitled to vote with the common stock as a single class on an as-converted basis, subject to applicable law provisions of the Delaware General Company Law and Nasdaq, provided however, that for purposes of complying with Nasdaq regulations, the conversion price, for purposes of determining the number of votes the holder of ALZN Series B Preferred is entitled to cast, shall not be lower than $0.873 (the “ALZN Voting Floor Price”). The ALZN Voting Floor Price shall be adjusted for stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations and other similar transactions.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Alzamend, the holders of ALZN Series B Preferred have a preferential right to receive an amount equal to the ALZN Stated Value per share of ALZN Series B Preferred before any distribution to other classes of capital stock. If the assets are insufficient, the distribution will be prorated among the holders of ALZN Series B Preferred. The remaining assets, if any, will then be distributed pro rata to the holders of outstanding Alzamend common stock. Any transaction that constitutes a change of control transaction shall be deemed to be a liquidation under the Series B Certificate of Designation.
Description of the Series B Warrants
At each closing, Alzamend will issue Ault Lending Series B Warrants, which grant Ault Lending the right to purchase a specified number of Alzamend common stock (the “ALZN Warrant Shares”). The exercise price of the Series B Warrants is $1.20 (the “ALZN Exercise Price”) and the number of ALZN Warrant Shares is equal to the number of ALZN Conversion Shares issuable upon the ALZN Series B Preferred issued at that closing. The ALZN Exercise Price is subject to adjustment in the event of an issuance of common stock at a price per share lower than the ALZN Exercise Price then in effect, as well as upon customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events.
The Series B Warrants become exercisable on the first business day after the six-month anniversary of issuance (the “ALZN Initial Exercise Date”) and have a five-year term, expiring on the fifth anniversary of the ALZN Initial Exercise Date.
Messrs. Ault, Horne and Nisser are each paid $50,000 annually by Alzamend.
Milton C. Ault, III, our Executive Chairman, is also the Vice Chairman of Alzamend. William B. Horne, our Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman, is also the Chairman of Alzamend. Henry Nisser, our President, General Counsel and a member of our board of directors, is also the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and a director of Alzamend.
Avalanche
On September 6, 2017, we entered into the AVLP Loan Agreement with an effective date of August 21, 2017, pursuant to which we provided Avalanche a non-revolving credit facility. The AVLP Loan Agreement has been increased to up to $20.0 million and extended to December 31, 2023.
At December 31, 2021, we had provided Avalanche with $17.8 million and, in addition to the 12% convertible promissory notes, AVLP has issued warrants to us to purchase 35.6 million shares of AVLP common stock. Under the terms of the AVLP Loan Agreement, any notes issued by AVLP are secured by the assets of AVLP. As of December 31, 2021, we recorded contractual interest receivable attributed to the AVLP Loan Agreement of $2.0 million and a provision for loan losses of $2.0 million. The warrants issued in conjunction with the non-revolving credit facility entitles us to purchase up to 35.6 million shares of Avalanche common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share for a period of five years. The exercise price of $0.50 is subject to adjustment for customary stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events. The warrants may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis.
While Avalanche received funds from a third party in the amount of $2.75 million in early April of 2019 in consideration for its issuance of the Third Party Note, $2.7 million was used to pay an outstanding receivable due us and no amount was used to repay the debt Avalanche owes us pursuant to the AVLP Loan Agreement. On October 12, 2021, Ault Alpha repaid the Third Party Note in full and also acquired a warrant to purchase 1.6 million shares of AVLP common stock. In consideration therefor, AVLP issued Ault Alpha a term note in the principal amount of $3.6 million, which term note had a maturity date of June 30, 2022.
On June 27, 2022, AVLP exchanged the term note it had issued to Ault Alpha for the Ault Alpha Note. The Ault Alpha Note is convertible, subject to adjustment, at $0.50 per share. AVLP also issued Ault Alpha a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 1,617,647 shares of Avalanche common stock at an exercise price of $0.50. Pursuant to a security agreement entered into by Avalanche and Ault Alpha, as amended by an intercreditor agreement entered into by and among the foregoing parties, our company and certain other persons, Ault Alpha was granted a second priority interest in AVLP’s assets securing the repayment of the Ault Alpha Note. In connection with the liquidation of Ault Alpha in December 2023, Ault Lending assumed the Ault Alpha Note, the warrants to purchase Avalanche common stock and the secured party rights.
On July 11, 2022, AVLP issued us the AVLP Note. The AVLP Note is convertible, subject to adjustment, at $0.50 per share. AVLP also issued us warrants to purchase an aggregate of 41.0 million shares of Avalanche common stock at an exercise price of $0.50. Pursuant to a security agreement entered into by Avalanche and Ault Alpha, as amended by an intercreditor agreement entered into by and among the foregoing parties, our company and certain other persons, we have a first priority interest in AVLP’s assets securing the repayment of the AVLP Note.
We previously held the Prior AVLP Note. On June 1, 2022, we converted the entire principal and accrued interest on the Prior AVLP Note into an aggregate of 51.9 million shares of common stock of Avalanche, representing approximately 90.2% of Avalanche’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock. There is currently no liquid market for the Avalanche common stock. Consequently, even if we were inclined to sell such shares of common stock on the open market, our ability to do so would be severely limited. Avalanche is not current in its filings with the SEC and is not required to register the shares of its common stock underlying the Prior AVLP Note or any other loan arrangement we have made with Avalanche described above.
Mr. Ault is paid $100,000 annually by AVLP, and each of Messrs. Horne and Nisser is paid $50,000 annually by AVLP.
Milton C. Ault, III and William Horne, our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, respectively, and two of our directors are directors of Avalanche. In addition, Philou Ventures, of which Ault & Company is the Manager, is the controlling stockholder of Avalanche. Mr. Ault is the Executive Chairman of Avalanche. Further, Henry Nisser, our President, General Counsel and one of our directors, is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Avalanche.
Ault Alpha
Ault Alpha is a former affiliate of our company, whereby Ault Lending was the largest limited partner and Ault & Company controlled the general partner and investment manager. See immediately above for its involvement with respect to the Third Party Note. In addition, Ault Alpha previously purchased an aggregate of 27,199 shares of our common stock and 101,362 Series D Preferred Shares, for aggregate purchase prices of $28.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively. In connection with the liquidation of Ault Alpha on December 28, 2023, those shares of common stock and Series D Preferred Shares were distributed to Ault Lending, who then returned the shares to our treasury.
Director Independence
Independent
Audit Committee Nominating and
Governance Committee Compensation Committee
Director
Milton C. Ault III No
William B. Horne No
Henry Nisser No
Robert O. Smith Yes X C X
Howard Ash Yes C X
Jeffrey A. Bentz Yes X
C
Mordechai Rosenberg Yes
X X
____________
C - Chairman of committee
X - Member of committee

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Marcum LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Ziv Haft, a BDO Member Firm, served as the independent registered public accounting firm of Enertec for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Fees and Services
The following table shows the aggregate fees billed to us for professional services by Marcum LLP and Ziv Haft for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Audit Services $ 2,241,000 $ 3,280,000
Audit-Related Services - -
Tax Services - -
All Other Services - -
Total $ 2,241,000 $ 3,280,000
Audit Fees. This category includes the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audits of our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, for the reviews of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during 2023 and 2022, and for other services that are normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the relevant years.
Audit-Related Fees. This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two years for assurance and related services by the independent auditors that are reasonably related to the performance of the audits or reviews of the financial statements and are not reported above under “Audit Fees,” and generally consist of fees for other engagements under professional auditing standards, accounting and reporting consultations, internal control-related matters, and audits of employee benefit plans.
Tax Fees. This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two years for professional services rendered by the independent auditors for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice.
All Other Fees. This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two years for products and services provided by the independent auditors that are not reported above under “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” or “Tax Fees.”
The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all services provided by our independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. Our independent auditors are required to report periodically to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services they provide in accordance with such pre-approval.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 7, 2021. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2021 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 1, 2021. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2021 as Exhibit 2.1 thereto.
2.3
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 20, 2022. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2022 as Exhibit 2.1 thereto.
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation, dated September 22, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2017 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.2
Certificate of Designations of Rights and Preferences of 10% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, dated September 13, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 14, 2018 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, dated January 2, 2019. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2019 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.4
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (1-for-20 Reverse Stock Split of Common Stock), dated March 14, 2019. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2019 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.5
Certificate of Ownership and Merger. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2021 as Exhibit 2.1 thereto.
3.6
Certificate of Ownership and Merger, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 1, 2021. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2021 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.7
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights relating to the 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, dated May 25, 2022. Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on May 26, 2022 as Exhibit 3.6 thereto.
3.8
Certificate of Increase of the Designated Number of Shares of 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, dated June 10, 2022. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2022 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.9
Certificate of Correction to the Certificate of Designation, Rights and Preferences of 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, dated June 16, 2022. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 17, 2022 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.10
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (1-for-300 Reverse Stock Split of Common Stock), dated May 15, 2023. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2023 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.11
Certificate of Elimination of the Series E convertible redeemable preferred stock of Ault Alliance, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 18, 2023 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.12
Certificate of Elimination of the Series F convertible redeemable preferred stock of Ault Alliance, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 18, 2023 as Exhibit 3.2 thereto.
3.13
Certificate of Elimination of the Series G convertible redeemable preferred stock of Ault Alliance, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 18, 2023 as Exhibit 3.3 thereto.
3.14
Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock, dated November 15, 2023. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2023 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.15
Certificate of Elimination of the Series B convertible redeemable preferred stock of Ault Alliance, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2023 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.16
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 12, 2024. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 12, 2024 as Exhibit 3.2 thereto.
3.17
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, effective as of January 11, 2024. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 12, 2024 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
3.18
Certificate of Increase to Certificate Designations of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2024 as Exhibit 3.1 thereto.
4.1
Form of Warrant, dated as of May 28, 2020. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 29, 2020 as Exhibit 4.3 thereto.
4.2
Form of Warrant, dated June 26, 2020. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2020 as Exhibit 4.2 thereto.
4.3
Form of Warrant. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2020 as Exhibit 4.2 thereto.
4.4
Form of Warrant, dated October 22, 2020. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2020 as Exhibit 4.2 thereto.
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.5
Form of Warrant dated October 27, 2020. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 27, 2020 as Exhibit 4.3 thereto.
4.6
Form of Warrant dated October 27, 2020. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 27, 2020 as Exhibit 4.4 thereto.
4.7
Form of Warrant issued to Esousa Holdings, LLC, dated November 19, 2020. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2020 as Exhibit 4.3 thereto.
4.8
Form of Senior Indenture between BitNile Holdings, Inc. and the Trustee. Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on October 29, 2021 as Exhibit 4.1 thereto.
4.9
Form of Subordinated Indenture between BitNile Holdings, Inc. and the Trustee. Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on October 29, 2021 as Exhibit 4.2 thereto.
4.10
Form of Class A Warrant, dated December 29, 2021. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2022 as Exhibit 4.2 thereto.
4.11
Form of Class B Warrant, dated December 29, 2021. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2022 as Exhibit 4.3 thereto.
4.12
Form of Note. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 11, 2022 as Exhibit 4.1 thereto.
4.13
Form of Class A Warrant. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 8, 2022 as Exhibit 4.1 thereto.
4.14
Form of Class B Warrant. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 8, 2022 as Exhibit 4.2 thereto.
4.15
Form of Note. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2022 as Exhibit 4.1 thereto.
4.16
Form of amendment #1 to senior secured promissory note. Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 22, 2023 as Exhibit 10.7 thereto.
4.17
Form of 7.00% Senior Note due 2024. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2023 as Exhibit 4.1 thereto.
4.18
Form of 8.50% Senior Note due 2026. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2023 as Exhibit 4.2 thereto.
4.19
Form of 10.50% Senior Note due 2028. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2023 as Exhibit 4.3 thereto.
4.20
Form of Note. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 28, 2023 as Exhibit 4.1 thereto.
4.21
Form of Warrant issued October 13, 2023. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 16, 2023 as Exhibit 4.2 thereto.
4.22
Form of Warrant. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2023 as Exhibit 10.2 thereto.
4.23
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2023, by and between Ault Alliance, Inc. and RiskOn International, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2023 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
4.24
Form of Certificate of Designations of Rights, Preferences and Limitations of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock of RiskOn International, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2023 as Exhibit 10.2 thereto.
4.25
Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 11, 2024, by and among the Company and the Investors. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2024 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
4.26
Form of Note. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2024 as Exhibit 4.1 thereto.
4.27**
Description of Capital Stock.
10.1
Loan and Security Agreement between the Company and Avalanche International Corp., dated August 21, 2017. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 7, 2017 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
10.2
Amendment to MTIX Limited Purchase Order Number 2121. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2020 as Exhibit 10.2 thereto.
10.3*
2021 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed on July 6, 2021 as Appendix B thereto.
10.4*
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed on July 6, 2021 as Appendix C thereto.
10.5*
Form of Stock Option Grants. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on August 26, 2021 as Exhibit 99.3 thereto.
10.6*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grants. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on August 26, 2021 as Exhibit 99.4 thereto.
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.7
Form of Construction Loan Agreement. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2021 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
10.8
Form of Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2021 as Exhibit 10.2 thereto.
10.9
Form of Assignment of Leases, Rents and Profits. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2021 as Exhibit 10.3 thereto.
10.10
Form of Guaranty. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2021 as Exhibit 10.4 thereto.
10.11*
2022 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed on September 23, 2022 as Annex B thereto.
10.12
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2022 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
10.13
Form of Guaranty. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2022 as Exhibit 10.3 thereto.
10.14
Form of Amended and Restated Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2023 as Exhibit 10.4 thereto.
10.15
Form of Share Exchange Agreement, entered into February 8, 2023. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 10, 2023 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
10.16
Form of Series B Preferred Stock Certificate of Designations. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 10, 2023 as Exhibit 10.2 thereto.
10.17
Form of Series C Preferred Stock Certificate of Designations. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 10, 2023 as Exhibit 10.3 thereto.
10.18
Form of Ault Alliance, Inc. Investor Agreement relating to 7.00% Senior Notes due 2024, 8.50% Senior Notes due 2026 and 10.50% Senior Notes due 2028. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2023 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
10.19
Securities Exchange Agreement, dated September 27, 2023, by and between the Company and the Investor. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 28, 2023 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
10.20
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 6, 2023, by and between Ault Alliance, Inc. and Ault & Company, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2023 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
10.21
Form of Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated December 14, 2023. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2023 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
10.22
Form of Security Agreement. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2023 as Exhibit 10.2 thereto.
10.23
Form of Security Agreement. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2023 as Exhibit 10.3 thereto.
10.24
Form of Florida Mortgage. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2023 as Exhibit 10.4 thereto.
10.25
Form of Michigan Mortgage. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2023 as Exhibit 10.5 thereto.
10.26
Form of Aircraft Mortgage. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2023 as Exhibit 10.6 thereto.
10.27
Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Certificate of Designation and Series C Warrants, dated March 25, 2024. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 26, 2024 as Exhibit 10.3 thereto.
10.28**
Luxor Mining Pool Service Level Agreement, dated March 28, 2023, by and between Bitnile Inc. (n/k/a Sentinum Inc.) and Luxor Technology Corporation.
10.29**
Master Services Agreement, dated March 23, 2023, by and between Bitnile, Inc. (n/k/a Sentinum Inc.) and Core Scientific, Inc.
10.30
Amendment to the Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated April 15, 2024. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 16, 2024 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto.
21**
List of subsidiaries.
23.1**
Consent of Marcum LLP.
23.2**
Consent of Ziv Haft, BDO member firm.
31.1**
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
31.2**
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
32.1***
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
97.1**
Ault Alliance, Inc. Clawback Policy.
101.INS**
Inline XBRL Instance Document. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH**
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL**
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF**
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB**
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE**
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Filed herewith.
*** Furnished herewith.