EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1482541
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 1482541_10-K_2025_0001641172-25-000913.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Overview
CEA Industries, through our subsidiary, Surna Cultivation Technologies LLC, has been focused on selling environmental control and other technologies and services to the Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) industry. The CEA industry aims to optimize the use of horticultural resources such as water, energy, space, capital, and labor, to create an agriculture business that is more efficient and more productive than those that use traditional farming methods. Typically, the CEA industry has been focused on indoor agriculture and vertical farming.
Headquartered in Colorado, we aim to provide customers with a variety of value-added technology solutions that help improve their overall crop quality and yield, optimize energy and water efficiency, and satisfy the evolving state and local codes, permitting and regulatory requirements. We offer our customers a variety of service and product offerings that include: (i) air handling equipment and systems, (ii) air sanitation products, (iii) LED lighting, and (iv) benching and racking solutions for indoor cultivation.
CEA growers currently face a challenging business environment that includes high energy costs, water usage and conservation issues, continuously evolving waste removal regulations, inflationary pressures, and labor shortages. In addition to these issues, our cannabis growing customers face increasingly rigorous quality standards and declining cannabis prices in a growing industry whose standards are constantly evolving. The part of the CEA industry focused on food related crops is also facing disruption from evolving market demand, competition, and reorganization, including the lack of growth capital and several noteworthy bankruptcies.
Recent Developments - Acquisition of Fat Panda
We have entered into an acquisition agreement to acquire a group of Manitoba corporations that own all the assets used in the business of Fat Panda Ltd. (“Fat Panda”). Fat Panda is engaged in the manufacture, distribution and retail sale of e-cigarettes, vape devices and e-liquids and related products through multiple retail locations in the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, Canada, as well as through its online e-commerce site.
Fat Panda, we believe, is central Canada’s largest retailer and manufacturer of e-cigarettes, vape devices and e-liquids, with a market share exceeding 50% in the region. Fat Panda operates 33 retail locations, including 29 Fat Panda stores and four Electric Fog vape outlets. Fat Panda also serves a wide range of customers through its online e-commerce platform. Its retail footprint is complemented by a comprehensive portfolio of products, including its own line of premium e-liquids manufactured in-house, along with a robust portfolio of trademarks and intellectual property.
The acquisition will include all the assets of Fat Panda, including among other things, the leases for the retail outlets, intellectual property, inventory, government licenses and permits, franchise agreements, manufacturing facilities and supply agreements, which are necessary for the ongoing manufacturing and retail operations of Fat Panda. The acquisition will continue the employment of the current management and of the production and retail staff, for the uninterrupted, continuous operations of the business. The sellers will enter into non-competition agreements at closing. Certain of the senior management persons will enter into employment agreements for their continued employment after the closing of the acquisition.
The purchase price is CAD$18,000,000 (approximately, US$12,600,000), payable in cash, securities and seller loans. The Company also expects to borrow part of the cash portion of the purchase price, in an amount yet to be determined, which will be secured by the assets of Fat Panda. The purchase price includes an initial cash payment of CAD$13,900,000, issuance of 39,000 shares of the common stock of the Company with an agreed aggregate value of CAD$700,000 (approximately CAD$18.00 per share), and issuance of notes to the sellers in the aggregate principal amount of CAD$2,060,000, and release of a CAD$100,000 due diligence deposit. The Company is also agreeing to pay certain financial statement audit expenses of the selling parties. Of the notes to be issued by Fat Panda to the selling parties, one of the notes in the principal amount of CAD$1,030,000, is convertible into the common stock of the Company at a conversion rate of USD$19.00 per share. At closing the following will occur: first, a portion of the cash purchase price in the amount of CAD$1,375,000 will be held in a joint escrow account for 120 days after closing as a working capital adjustment escrow; second, the sum of CAD$1,240,000, will be paid into escrow for possible indemnity claims to be held for 18 months; and third, the purchase price will be reduced by CAD$112,500 and the sum of CAD$112,500 will be paid into escrow to be held for 18 months, both in relation to employee obligation claims under Canadian employment law.
Completion of the acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, which include the preparation and delivery of the Fat Panda companies audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, satisfaction of the financial condition of Fat Panda, completion of due diligence by the Company, receipt of all necessary government approvals and licenses, and continuation and reformation of the various retail location leases. Completion is also subject to the Company obtaining financing for a portion of the cash purchase price. The acquisition agreement also provides for the selling persons to make representations and warranties and undertake certain covenants about many aspects of the business of Fat Panda that shall be true and correct and performed at or prior to closing. The representations, warranties and covenants are those that are typical in relation to the acquisition of an operating business. The Company has also made certain representations, warranties and covenants, the principal one of which is to obtain financing for a part of the purchase price, which if not obtained will permit the Company to terminate the purchase agreement.
The Company anticipates that it will complete the acquisition in the first half of fiscal year 2025.
Shares of our common stock and warrants currently are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Markets under the ticker symbols “CEAD” and “CEADW”, respectively.
Our Current CEA Services and Equipment Solutions
Our goal is to develop relationships with our prospects and customers that will afford us the opportunity to provide comprehensive services and equipment for the complete lifecycle of indoor agriculture facilities. This lifecycle includes designing and engineering the facility, providing the many required infrastructure technologies, advising on and ensuring proper installation of the technologies, providing training and start-up support, and ultimately providing preventative and other ongoing services for ensuring proper maintenance and operations.
We provide a comprehensive range of service solutions that include facility design and budgeting, equipment selection and specification, equipment installation advisory, and preventative maintenance services. In addition, we provide our customers with product offerings that include both proprietary products and value-added reseller (“VAR”) products.
Our CEA Customers and Prospects
We aim to provide our services and products to customers who are building, upgrading, or expanding an indoor cultivation facility for any crop. Our customers vary based on the size of the facility, type of crop being cultivated, and extent of construction or retrofitting of the facility.
Most of our customers are new entrants to the CEA industry and have no other cultivation facilities. Some customers have one or more facilities which we classify as MFOs (multi-facility operators). We currently do not have projects with the largest, publicly traded firms (typically referred to as “MSOs,” or Multi-State Operators).
Competition in the CEA Market
Our environmental control systems and our related engineering and design services compete with various national and local Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) engineering firms. We also compete with national and local HVACD contractors and traditional HVACD equipment suppliers who resell, design, and implement climate control systems for commercial and industrial facilities, but most of whom do not have the specific knowledge that we have about the complexities and challenges of CEA facilities. We have positioned ourselves to differ from these competitors by providing a broad range of engineering and design services and environmental control systems, across most major HVACD solutions, including chilled water systems, custom air handling units, split systems, and packaged roof-top units. Each is tailored specifically for managing the distinct challenges involved in CEA facilities. We believe our industry-specific applications and experience in the CEA market allow us to deliver the right solution to our cultivation customers. Unlike many of our competitors, our solutions are designed specifically for cultivators to provide tight temperature and humidity control, reduce bio-security risks, reduce energy requirements, and minimize maintenance complexity, costs and downtime. However, we are seeing more competitors enter the CEA market, focused on emulating the same types of crop-specific climate control systems and engineering services that we offer. We believe this increased competition may adversely impact our ability to obtain new facility projects from both MFOs and independent smaller growers and could require us to accept lower gross margins on our projects.
Intellectual Property
In our business operations, we generally rely on a combination of patent and trademark rights, licenses, trade secrets, and laws that protect intellectual property, confidential procedures, and contractual restrictions with our employees and others to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. While we have several issued patents, we do not believe that these issued patents currently provide us with a meaningful competitive advantage. We have registered trademarks around our core Surna brand in the United States and select foreign jurisdictions, as well as the Surna logo and the combined Surna logo and name in the United States. Our Surna trademark is also registered in the European Union and Canada. We also recently secured trademark registration for our proprietary SCA platform, SentryIQ, in the United States and Canada. Subject to ongoing use and renewal, trademark protection is potentially perpetual. We actively protect our inventions, new technologies, and product developments by maintaining trade secrets and, in limited circumstances, filing for patent protection.
Employees
We currently have 6 active full-time employees. We review our staffing needs in light of our contract obligations and attempt to size and skill match our employees as required. However, we may engage, and have in the past utilized, the services of consultants, independent contractors, and other non-employee professionals. Additional employees may be hired in the future depending on need, available resources, and our achieved growth.
The Company has experienced a decline in activity, as indicated in its 2024 sales and its current backlog. This decline is due to many factors, including (i) recent challenges in the cannabis market, (ii) continued supply chain-related delays and cancellations that have affected many of its vendors and partners, and (iii) a broader slowdown in the macroeconomic environment.
US Government Regulation in Relation to Cannabis
While we do not generate any revenue from the direct sale of cannabis products, we have historically, and continue to, offer our services and engineering solutions to indoor cultivators that are engaged in various aspects of the cannabis industry. Cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law. Even in those states in which specific uses of marijuana have been legalized, such as medical marijuana or for adult recreational purpose, its use remains a violation of federal laws.
A Schedule I controlled substance is defined as a substance that has no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of safety for use under medical supervision and a high potential for abuse. The Department of Justice defines Schedule I controlled substances as “the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence.” If the federal government decides to enforce the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis, persons that are charged with distributing, possessing with intent to distribute, or growing cannabis could be subject to fines and terms of imprisonment, the maximum being life imprisonment and a $50 million fine. Any change in the federal government’s enforcement of current federal laws could cause significant financial damage to us. While we do not intend to harvest, manufacture, distribute or sell cannabis or cannabis products, we may be irreparably harmed by a change in the enforcement of cannabis laws by the federal or state governments.
In the past, the Obama administration took the position that it was not an efficient use of resources to direct federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those lawfully abiding by state-designated laws allowing the use and distribution of medical marijuana. The Trump administration revised this policy but made no major changes in enforcement through Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions rescinding the Cole Memorandum. Although President Biden stood for decriminalization and descheduling during his campaign, his administration has not formulated an explicit policy on cannabis. The Biden administration has implemented pardons for past federal cannabis possession convictions and encouraged governors to do the same. Also, in May 2021 the Drug Enforcement Administration approved licensed facilities to grow cannabis for the purpose of medical research, and on December 2, 2022, President Biden signed the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. This act is “the first standalone marijuana-related bill approved by both chambers of the United States Congress” and allows medical marijuana research. The act requires the Drug Enforcement Administration to register researchers and suppliers of cannabis for medical research in a timely manner, who will then be able to legally manufacture, distribute, dispense and possess the substance. It also creates a mechanism for FDA approval of drugs derived from the cannabis plant and “protects doctors who may now discuss the harms and benefits of using cannabis and cannabis derivatives.” It also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the medical utility of cannabis and barriers that exist to conducting research and requires the U.S. Attorney General to conduct an annual review to ensure that cannabis is being adequately produced for research purposes. In January 2023, the FDA stated that given the growing cannabidiol (CBD) products market, it had convened a high-level internal working group to explore potential regulatory pathways for CBD products and is prepared to find a new regulatory pathway for CBD to balance individuals’ desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks.
Currently, there is much legislation being considered to reform cannabis products and use. The proposed laws cover a wide spectrum from complete federal legalization to specific industry nuances. In September 2023, the MORE Act was introduced that would provide full federal legalization through descheduling with a particular focus on equity provisions, including expungement for certain cannabis offenses and a community reinvestment program. The MORE Act has not passed through committee. There are two proposed federal bills that would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) entirely and task the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with regulation of cannabis products. One of these bills, The States Reform Act, adopts a dual federal-state regulatory model, like the regulation of alcohol. Another bill, the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act, would permit states to to maintain the prohibition of cannabis, but interstate commerce in state-law-compliant cannabis would be legalized, so non-legal states would not be able to prohibit shipments to and from legal states from crossing through their borders. Finally, only one piece of legislation took the rescheduling approach to cannabis legalization in 2023. The Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2023, opens new tab would simply direct the Attorney General to transfer cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the CSA without clarifying or addressing any other provisions of federal law. However, that was not the only piece of rescheduling-related legislation introduced last year.
Lawmakers continued to offer various solutions for providing financial relief for cannabis businesses and legal protections for ancillary businesses in 2023. The most well-known of these bills is the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, which would provide safe harbor for financial institutions and other ancillary businesses that work with cannabis industry clients, thus increasing the industry’s access to traditional financial services like loans and deposit accounts. Similar to SAFER but with a narrower scope, the Clarifying Law Around Insurance of Marijuana (CLAIM) Act would provide a specific safe harbor for insurance companies that serve the cannabis industry. As for financial support, the Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2023, would exempt cannabis sales conducted in compliance with state law from the prohibition of 26 U.S.C. § 280E, thereby allowing businesses to deduct normal business expenses from their taxes.
During 2023, there have been a myriad of additional bills introduced that govern the expungement and/or sealing of criminal records for non-violent cannabis offenses, legalizing hem and CBD products and adding FDA regulation for these products, facilitating research on cannabis, access for veterans to medical cannabis, and restoring eligibility for federal employment and the right of medical cannabis patient to purchase and possess firearms.
Notwithstanding the actions of the Biden administration, it should be expected that the Department of Justice will continue at this time to enforce the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis under established principles in setting their law enforcement priorities to prevent:
● the distribution of cannabis products, such as marijuana, to minors;
● criminal enterprises, gangs and cartels receiving revenue from the sale of cannabis;
● the diversion of cannabis products from states where it is legal under state law to states where it is not legal under state law;
● the use of state-authorized cannabis activity as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs or other illegal activity;
● violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis products;
● driving while impaired and the exacerbation of other adverse public health and safety consequences associated with cannabis product usage;
● the growing of cannabis on public lands; and
● cannabis possession or use on federal property.
Since the use of marijuana is illegal under federal law, most federally chartered banks will not accept deposit funds from businesses involved with marijuana. Consequently, businesses involved in the marijuana industry generally bank with state-chartered banks and credit unions to provide banking to the industry.
In 2014, Congress passed a spending bill containing a provision (the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment and sometimes referred to as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment) blocking federal funds and resources allocated under the federal appropriations bills from being used to “prevent such States from implementing their own State medical marijuana laws.” The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment, however, did not codify any federal protections for medical marijuana patients and producers operating within state law. The Justice Department maintains that it can still prosecute violations of the federal cannabis laws and continue cases already in the courts. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment must be re-enacted every year, and it is continued through March 8, 2024. However, state laws do not supersede the prohibitions set forth in the federal drug laws.
In order to participate in either the medical or the adult use aspects of the cannabis industry, all businesses and employees must obtain licenses from the state and, for businesses, local jurisdictions as well. As an example, Colorado issues four types of business licenses including cultivation, manufacturing, dispensing, and testing. In addition, all owners and employees must obtain an occupational license to be permitted to own or work in a facility. All applicants for licenses undergo a background investigation, including a criminal record check for all owners and employees.
Colorado has also enacted stringent regulations governing the facilities and operations of cannabis businesses that are involved with the plant and its products. All facilities are required to be licensed by the state and local authorities and are subject to comprehensive security and surveillance requirements. In addition, each facility is subject to extensive regulations that govern its businesses practices, which includes mandatory seed-to-sale tracking and reporting, health and sanitary standards, packaging and labeling requirements, and product testing for potency and contaminants.
Laws and regulations affecting the medical marijuana industry are constantly changing, which could detrimentally affect our proposed operations. Local, state and federal medical marijuana laws and regulations are broad in scope and subject to evolving interpretations, which could require us to incur substantial costs associated with compliance or alter our business plan. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our operations. It is also possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will be directly applicable to our business. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our business.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investing in our securities involves significant risks. Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, in addition to other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.
Summary Of Risk Factors Relating to our Current CEA Operations
Our CEA business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed at length in the section below titled “Risk Factors.” These risks include, among others, the following:
● Historically, we have had limited revenues and operated our business with a working capital deficit. Additionally, our operating results have fluctuated over the years.
● We enter into contracts that are performed over a period of time; therefore, we have a contract backlog in differing amounts from quarter to quarter. Converting backlog to revenue depends on many factors, such as the customer obtaining financing, building permits and construction of their facility. We may not be able to convert all of our contracts representing backlog into revenue. We currently do not convert our backlog on a consistent basis quarter to quarter.
● Although we are not cannabis plant or product touching, historically we have provided services and equipment to the cannabis industry segment. As a result, we may be subject to the changes within that sector and certain of the regulations and enforcement issues of the cannabis industry.
● We have material weaknesses in our controls and procedures for financial reporting.
● We may not be able to implement a successful growth program and, even if that is successful, we may not manage such a program effectively, which may affect our investors’ return on investment.
● To the extent we continue in the CEA industry, we will need to expand our customer base, expand and develop our products and services and increase marketing and achieve timely contract execution.
● Due to supply disruptions and competing demand for products, we continue to experience supply issues similar to other members of the CEA industry. International trade disputes, tariffs, international shipping and domestic trucking issues all contribute to the challenges we face in obtaining the products we need for contract performance. We have experienced and are likely to continue to experience inflationary effects on the cost of products and labor, which is likely to adversely affect our margins. The failure to procure the products we need to satisfy our customer contracts would disrupt our business, harm our reputation, result in losses and potently cause us to lose our market.
● We rely on third party manufacturers to supply the equipment we sell or lease for our CEA customers. If the equipment does not perform to specifications or to our customers’ satisfaction, there may be an adverse impact on our business and our revenues.
● We rely on a limited number of customers and suppliers.
● The build side of the CEA industry is very competitive. To be able to compete successfully, we will need to offer a wide range of products, have adequate capital for expansion, supply and execution, and develop robust marketing.
● We will need to attract and retain top quality employee talent. We are dependent on certain key sales, managerial and executive personnel for our current and future success.
Risk Factors
Risks Relating to Our Current CEA Business
Our revenues have been limited, and we will need to obtain financing for any substantive growth, and possibly our continued operations, which may not be available to us.
Historically, we have raised equity and debt capital to support our operations. We raised approximately $22 million from a public offering completed in February 2022. As of December 31, 2024, we had working capital of approximately $9,064,000 and our cash balance was approximately $9,453,000.
We expect to need additional funds in the longer term, from time to time, to complete aspects of the overall development of our business plan, such as in connection with the acquisition of Fat Panda and other strategic assets. We also anticipate needing additional funds for ongoing operating expenses. The precise amount and timing of our funding needs cannot be determined accurately at this time, and will depend on a number of factors, including demand for our products and services, the success of our product development efforts, the timing of receipts for customer payments, the management of working capital, and the continuation of normal payment terms and conditions for our purchase of goods and services. The continuation of normal payment terms and conditions with our customers and suppliers, including our ability to obtain advance payments from our customers, significantly impacts our ability to fund our ongoing operations.
Any future equity offering will result in dilution to our shareholders; obtaining borrowed capital may not be possible for us.
To the extent that we raise equity and equity linked securities in any future offerings, our existing shareholders will experience a dilution in the voting power and ownership of their common stock, and our earnings per share, if any, would be impacted. Any borrowings made to finance acquisitions and operations, could make us more vulnerable to a downturn in our operating results, a downturn in economic conditions, or increases in interest rates on borrowings that are subject to interest rate fluctuations. The amount and timing of additional financing needs will vary principally depending on the timing of new product launches, investments and/or acquisitions, and the amount of cash flow from our operations. If our resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to issue additional equity or debt securities or obtain a credit facility.
There is no assurance that we will be able to convert our backlog related to our CEA operations into revenue or make a profit.
While we continue our CEA business, we may be unable to convert the full contract value of our backlog in a timely manner, or at all. We inconsistently convert our backlog into revenue on a quarter-to-quarter basis. The performance of our obligations under a sales contract, and the timing of our revenue recognition, is dependent upon our customers’ ability to secure funding and real estate, obtain a license and then build their cultivation facility so they can use our services and take possession of the equipment we provide. Our sales contracts currently are not time specific as to when our customers are required to take delivery of our services and equipment. More recently, we determined that some of our new construction facility projects are becoming larger and more complex and, as a result, delays were more likely due to licensing and permitting, lack of, or delay in, funding, staged facility construction, and/or the shifting priorities of certain customers with multiple facility projects in progress at one time. Even if we obtain more customers, or increase the average size of our projects, there is no guarantee that we will be able to generate a profit. Because we are a small company with limited capital, limited products and services, and limited marketing activities, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to operate profitably. If we cannot operate profitably, we may have to suspend or cease operations.
We may extend credit to our CEA customers in the future and, if we are unable to collect these accounts receivable, our future profitability could be adversely impacted.
Historically, we had little exposure to the collection risk on accounts receivable since we typically received payments from our customers in advance of our performance of services or delivery of equipment. However, in certain situations, especially as we expand our products and services offering for a customer’s entire facility lifecycle, we may extend credit to our customers, in which case we are at risk for the collection of account receivables. Accordingly, we will be at greater risk for the collection of account receivables. Any customer credit arrangements are negotiated and may not protect us if a customer develops operational difficulty or incurs operating losses which could lead to a bankruptcy. In these cases, we may lose most of the outstanding balance due. In addition, we are typically not able to insure our accounts receivables. The risk is that we derive our revenue and profits from selling products and services to the emerging cannabis industry. The failure of our customers to pay the full amounts due to us could negatively affect future profitability.
Because we currently do not maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and investor confidence and the market price of our common stock may, therefore, be adversely impacted.
Our reporting obligations as a public company place significant requirements on our management, operational and financial resources, and systems, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Annually, we are required to prepare a management report on our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is currently not effective. In the event that our status with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) changes to that of an accelerated filer from a smaller reporting company, our independent registered public accounting firm will be required to attest to and report on our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Under such circumstances, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may still decline to attest to our management’s assessment, or may issue a report that is qualified, if it is not satisfied with our controls, or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and, if we do not remediate the material weakness or are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, the accuracy and timeliness of our financial reporting may be adversely affected.
The Company did not maintain effective controls over certain aspects of the financial reporting process because: (i) we lack a sufficient complement of personnel with a level of accounting expertise and an adequate supervisory review structure that is commensurate with our financial reporting requirements, (ii) there is inadequate segregation of duties due to the limitation on the number of our accounting personnel, and (iii) we have insufficient controls and processes in place to adequately verify the accuracy and completeness of spreadsheets that we use for a variety of purposes including revenue, taxes, stock-based compensation and other areas, and place significant reliance on, for our financial reporting. 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 the annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. If we are unable to achieve effective internal control over financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm determines we continue to have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our shares could decline, and our reputation may be damaged.
The inability to effectively manage our operational reorganization could harm our business and materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
If there is any growth in or reorganization of our business and operations, including integrating any acquired business and assets, it is likely to place a strain on our management and administrative resources, infrastructure and systems. We expect that in those instances we will need to further refine and expand our business development capabilities, our systems and processes and our access to financing sources. We also will need to hire, train, supervise, and manage employees. These processes are time consuming and expensive, will increase management responsibilities and will divert management attention. We cannot assure that we will be able to:
● execute on our business plan and strategy;
● expand our products effectively or efficiently or in a timely manner;
● allocate our human resources optimally;
● meet our capital needs;
● identify and hire qualified employees or retain valued employees; or
● effectively incorporate the components of any business or product line that we may acquire in our effort to achieve growth.
Our inability or failure to manage our company effectively could harm our business and materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly based on customer acceptance of our services and products, industry uncertainty, project financing concerns, and regulatory requirements. As a result, period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are unlikely to provide a good indication of our future performance.
Management expects that, under typical operating conditions, we will experience substantial variations in our revenues and operating results from quarter to quarter. This variance may change with fundamental changes in our operations, such as the planned acquisition of Fat Panda.
In our CEA operations, we have been experiencing a decline in revenues, which has also affected our operating results. Our revenue recognition in our CEA operations is dependent upon shipment of the equipment portions of our sales contracts, which, in many cases, may be delayed while our customers complete permitting, prepare their facilities for equipment installation or obtain project financing. Uncertainty in the CEA industry, project financing concerns, and the licensing and qualification of our prospective customers, which are out of our control, make it difficult for us to predict when we will recognize revenue. If customers are unable to obtain licensing, permitting or financing, our sales and revenue will decline, resulting in a reduction in our operating income or possible increase in losses.
To date, the majority of our revenues have been generated from clients that operate in the legal cannabis industry in the United States and Canada.
We provide the overwhelming majority of our facility engineering design and equipment integration and solutions to facilities in the legal cannabis industry. While we are hopeful that the proportion of non-cannabis revenues might increase over time, decreases in demand from the legal cannabis industry will have a material adverse effect on our revenues and the success of our business operations.
The cannabis industry has been an emerging industry over the last several years, and cannabis has only been legalized in some states and remains illegal in other states and under U.S. federal law, making it difficult to accurately forecast the demand for our engineering and product solutions in this specific industry. Losing clients from the cannabis industry may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and the success of our business.
The cannabis industry is still developing in the United States. While the majority of U.S. states now have legal cannabis, it remains illegal under U.S. federal law, making it difficult to accurately predict and forecast the demand for our engineering and product solutions. If the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) did take action against the cannabis industry, we believe those of our clients operating in the legal cannabis industry would be lost to us.
In our operations, we rely heavily upon the various U.S. federal governmental memos issued in the past, including the memorandum issued by the DOJ on October 19, 2009, known as the “Ogden Memorandum”, the memorandum issued by the DOJ on August 29, 2013, known as the “Cole Memorandum” and other guidance, in the attempt to keep our operations acceptable to those state and federal entities that regulate, enforce, or choose to defer enforcement of certain current regulations regarding cannabis. By doing this, we seek to avoid the many possible consequences of providing grow equipment to the cannabis industry as our customers continue to comply with their state and local jurisdictional laws, rules and regulations and the interpretations of relevant authorities.
The legal cannabis industry is not yet well or fully developed, and many aspects of this industry’s development and evolution cannot be accurately predicted. Therefore, the loss of any of our current clients or our inability to capture new client contracts will have a material adverse effect on our business. While we have attempted to identify our business risks in the legal cannabis industry, you should carefully consider that there are other risks that cannot be foreseen or are not described in this report, which could materially and adversely affect our business and financial performance.
There is heightened scrutiny by Canadian regulatory authorities related to the cannabis industry.
Our existing and future operations may become the subject of heightened scrutiny by those regulators and other authorities in Canada that oversee the cannabis industry. As a result, we may become subject to direct and indirect interaction with public officials in one or both the United States and Canada. No assurance can be provided that any heightened scrutiny will not in turn lead to the imposition of restrictions on our ability to operate in Canada, in addition to those described herein.
If we do not successfully have additional products and services, or if those products and services are not successfully commercialized, we could lose revenue opportunities.
Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to expand our product and service offerings in our current operational sector or otherwise expand or change our operations. The processes of identifying and commercializing products are complex and uncertain, and if we fail to accurately predict customers’ changing needs and emerging technological or other trends, then our business could be harmed. We have already and may have to continue to commit significant resources to commercializing products before knowing whether our investments will result in products the market will accept. We may be unable to differentiate our products from those of our competitors, and our products may not be accepted by the market. There can be no assurance that we will successfully identify additional product opportunities, develop and bring products to market in a timely manner, or achieve market acceptance of our products or that products and technologies developed by others will not render our products or technologies obsolete or non-competitive. Furthermore, we may not execute successfully on commercializing those products because of errors in product planning or timing, technical hurdles that we fail to overcome in a timely fashion, or a lack of appropriate resources. This could result in competitors providing those solutions before we do and a reduction in revenue and earnings.
Our future success depends on our ability to grow and expand our customer base. Our failure to achieve such growth or expansion could materially harm our business.
Our success depends on us achieving greater and broader acceptance of our products and services in our current and proposed business operations. This will require us to expand our commercial customer base and win larger contracts. There can be no assurance that customers will purchase our services or products or that we will continue to expand our customer base. If we are unable to effectively market or expand our product and service offerings, we will be unable to grow and expand our business or implement our business strategy. This could materially impair our ability to increase sales and revenue, and materially and adversely affect our margins, which could harm our business and cause our stock price to decline.
Our suppliers in our CEA operations could fail to fulfil our orders for parts used to assemble our products, which would disrupt our business, increase our costs, harm our reputation, and potentially cause us to lose our market.
We depend on third party suppliers around the world, including those in The People’s Republic of China, for materials used in our CEA operations, to assemble our products. Any of these suppliers could fail to produce products to our specifications or in a workmanlike manner and may not deliver the material or products on a timely basis. Our suppliers may also have to obtain inventories of the necessary parts and tools for production. Any change in our suppliers’ approach to resolving production issues could disrupt our ability to fulfil orders and could also disrupt our business due to delays in finding new suppliers, providing specifications and testing initial production.
Equipment failures or poor performance may negatively impact our business.
We rely on third party manufacturers for equipment used in CEA operations which we sell or lease. From time to time, such equipment may not perform to specifications or to our customers’ satisfaction. Such equipment deficiencies may lead to down time impacting our revenue. Further, frequent downtime at customers’ sites due to equipment failures may result in such customers generating less revenue and increasing credit default risk. In addition, these failures may also result in additional time spent by our personnel, decreasing profit margins on certain ancillary services.
The failure of equipment supplied by third parties may also result in breach of contract and warranty claims from our customers. Whether or not we will be able to pass the responsibility for equipment failures that are not of our making will depend on many factors. We, however, will take all action necessary to identify the correct responsible party and pass through any responsibility in respect of an equipment or other failure. We may not be successful in such action and may ultimately be responsible for damages.
We have a concentration of customers and suppliers, which could affect our financial results.
Two customers accounted for 45% and 10% of the Company’s revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. Three customers accounted for 37%, 21% and 12% of the Company’s revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company’s accounts receivable from two customers made up 61% and 36%, respectively, of the total balance as of December 31, 2024. The Company’s accounts receivable from three customers made up 59%, 29%, and 12%, respectively, of the total balance as of December 31, 2023. One supplier accounted for 80% of the Company’s purchases of inventory for the year ended December 31, 2024, and three suppliers accounted for 34%, 17%, and 16% of the Company’s purchases of inventory for the year ended December 31, 2023. Our results of operations will be significantly affected if we lose our primary customer, or if we are not able to replace the customer at the conclusion of our services to that customer. Our operations will also be impacted negatively if we are not able to find suppliers to replace those that we currently use. Overall, our operations and, therefore, financial results are dependent on a limited number of customers and suppliers.
International trade disputes could result in tariffs and other protectionist measures that could adversely affect the Company’s business.
Tariffs could increase the cost of our products and the components and raw materials that go into making them. These increased costs could adversely impact the gross margin that we earn on sales of our products. Tariffs could also make our products more expensive for customers, which could make our products less competitive and reduce customer demand. Countries may also adopt other protectionist measures that could limit our ability to offer our products and services.
Our inability to effectively protect our intellectual property would adversely affect our ability to compete effectively, our revenue, our financial condition, and our results of operations.
We may be unable to obtain intellectual property rights to effectively protect our branding, products, and other intangible assets. Our ability to compete effectively may be affected by the nature and breadth of our intellectual property rights. While we intend to defend against any threats to our intellectual property rights, there can be no assurance that any such actions will adequately protect our interests. If we are unable to secure intellectual property rights to effectively protect our branding, products, and other intangible assets, our revenue and earnings, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected.
We also rely on non-disclosure and non-competition agreements to protect portions of our intellectual property portfolio. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach, that third parties will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or proprietary knowledge, or that third parties will not independently develop competitive products with similar intellectual property.
We may become subject to additional regulation of CEA facilities that are unrelated to cannabis.
Our engineering and design services and solutions are focused on CEA facilities that are able to grow a wide variety of crops other than that of cannabis, such as leafy greens (kale, Swiss chard, mustard, cress), microgreens (leafy greens harvested at the first true leaf stage), ethnic vegetables and small fruits (such as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries), bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Some of these crops and their growing methodologies are subject to regulation by the United States Food and Drug Administration, environmental agencies, public utility agencies and other federal, state or foreign agencies. Changes to any regulations and laws that complicate the design and engineering of a subject CEA facility, such as wastewater treatment and electricity-related mandates, make it possible that potential related zoning and enforcement could decrease the demand for our services, and in turn negatively impact our revenues and business opportunities.
The CEA industry is highly competitive, and we have less capital and resources than many of our competitors, which may give them an advantage in developing and marketing services and products similar to ours or make our services and products obsolete.
There are many competitors in the CEA industry, including some companies that focus on the cannabis industry. These companies generally offer products and services similar or the same as those offered by us. There can be no guarantees that in the future other companies will not enter this arena by developing products that are in direct competition with us or even superior in quality or price. The barriers to entry into the CEA industry are not significant. Over time we anticipate growth and intensity in our competition. Some of our current and future competition may have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger client bases and significantly greater financial, technical, sales and marketing resources. One or more of these qualities may allow them to respond more quickly than us to market opportunities. They may be able to devote greater resources to the marketing, promotion and sale of their products and/or services. Competitors may also adopt more aggressive pricing policies and make more attractive offers to clients, employees, strategic partners, distribution channels and advertisers. Increased competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and a potential loss of market share.
We will be required to have top quality talent to compete in the marketplace.
We believe our success will depend in part on our ability to have skilled managerial, product development, sales and marketing, and finance personnel. Our ability to attract and retain personnel with the requisite credentials, experience and skills will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, our ability to offer competitive wages, benefits and professional growth opportunities. There can be no assurance of success in attracting and retaining such personnel. Shortages in qualified personnel could limit our ability to increase sales of existing products and services and launch new product and service offerings.
We are dependent upon certain key sales, managerial and executive personnel for our future success. If we lose any of our key personnel, our ability to implement our business strategy could be significantly harmed.
We depend on the industry knowledge, technical and financial skill, and network of business contacts of certain key employees. Our future success will depend on the continued service of these key employees or our ability to engage others who are similarly situated in the industry. While we may have employment agreements with certain of these key employees, they are free to terminate their employment with us at any time, although they may be subject to certain restrictive covenants on their post-termination activities. We do not carry key-man life insurance on the lives of our key employees. The departure of any one of our key employees could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our business objective and maintain the specialized services that we offer our customers.
We have a limited number of employees that may not be sufficient to service our contracts.
As a result of various factors affecting the CEA industry in which we operate, we have made employee reductions from time to time in the last year. We believe we are operating as leanly as needed to be able to service our contract obligations. The mix of our current employees and their number may not be sufficient for our current needs and if we increase our business we will need additional employees, which may not be available. If we are not able to service our contract obligations, our business will suffer and we may be liable for contract damages.
System security risks, data protection breaches, cyber-attacks and systems integration issues could disrupt our internal operations or services provided to customers, and any such disruption could reduce our expected revenue, increase our expenses, damage our reputation and adversely affect our stock price.
Experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate our network security and misappropriate or compromise our confidential information or that of third parties, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns. Computer programmers and hackers also may be able to develop and deploy viruses, worms, and other malicious software programs that attack or otherwise exploit any security vulnerabilities of the products that we may sell in the future, especially our SentryIQ® sensors, controls and automation platform. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate cyber or other security problems, bugs, viruses, worms, malicious software programs and security vulnerabilities could be significant, and our efforts to address these problems may not be successful and could result in interruptions, delays, cessation of service and loss of existing or potential customers that may impede our engineering, sales, manufacturing, distribution or other critical functions.
Portions of our IT infrastructure may also experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with systems integration or migration work that takes place from time to time. We may not be successful in implementing new systems and transitioning data, which could cause business disruptions and be more expensive, time consuming, disruptive and resource intensive. Such disruptions could adversely impact our ability to fulfill orders and interrupt other processes. Delayed sales, lower profits, or lost customers resulting from these disruptions could adversely affect our financial results, stock price and reputation.
We incur significant costs as a result of being a public company, which will make it more difficult for us to achieve profitability.
As a public company, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and other rules implemented by the SEC. These costs will make it more difficult for us to achieve profitability.
Changes in accounting standards and subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by management related to complex accounting matters could significantly affect our financial results.
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and related pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations with regard to a wide variety of matters that are relevant to our business, such as, but not limited to, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, trade promotions, and income taxes are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by our management. Changes to these rules or their interpretation or changes in underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments by our management could significantly change our reported results.
Our ability to use net operating losses to offset future taxable income may be subject to limitations.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has U.S. federal and state net operating losses (“NOLs”) of approximately $31,985,000, of which $11,196,000 will expire, if not utilized, in the years 2034 through 2037. However, the balance of $20,789,000 NOLs generated subsequent to December 31, 2017, do not expire but may only be used against taxable income to 80%. In addition, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and corresponding provisions of state law, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” which is generally defined as a greater than 50% change, by value, in its equity ownership over a three-year period, the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income or taxes may be limited. We have experienced ownership changes in the past and we may experience additional ownership changes in the future as a result of subsequent changes in our stock ownership, some of which may be outside of our control. Our September 2021 and February 2022 securities sales also will have to be taken into account for determination of any “ownership change” that we have undergone during a determination period. If an ownership change occurs and our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards is materially limited, it would harm our post tax income by effectively increasing our future tax obligations.
We may not be able to successfully identify, consummate or integrate acquisitions or to successfully manage the impacts of such transactions on our operations.
Part of our business strategy includes evaluating and pursuing synergistic and other acquisitions. Currently, we are in the process of acquiring Fat Panda. Material acquisitions and other strategic transactions, such as the acquisition of Fat Panda involve a number of risks, including: (i) the potential disruption of our ongoing business; (ii) the distraction of management away from the ongoing oversight of our existing business activities; (iii) incurring additional indebtedness; (iv) the anticipated benefits and cost savings of those transactions not being realized fully, or at all, or taking longer to realize than anticipated; (v) an increase in the scope and complexity of our operations; (vi) the disruption of a significant reorganization of the company; and (vii) the loss or reduction of control over certain of our assets.
The pursuit of any acquisitions may pose certain risks to us. We may not be able to identify acquisition candidates that fit our criteria for growth and profitability. Even if we are able to identify such candidates, we may not be able to acquire them on terms or financing satisfactory to us. We will incur expenses and dedicate attention and resources associated with the review of acquisition opportunities, whether or not we consummate such acquisitions.
Risks Related to the Cannabis Industry
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and therefore, strict enforcement of federal laws regarding cannabis, particularly against our customers, would likely result in our inability to execute our business plan.
Marijuana legalization is mixed across the country. And it is constantly evolving. In four states it continues to be fully illegal. In the other states it is either legalized, available for medical uses and decriminalized, available for medical uses, decriminalized, or permitted for low-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”)/high-CBD extracts.
Under U.S. federal law, however, those activities are illegal.
Cannabis, other than hemp (defined by the U.S. government as Cannabis sativa L. with a THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis), is a Schedule I controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801, et seq.) (the “CSA”). Even in states or territories that have legalized cannabis to some extent, the cultivation, possession, and sale of cannabis all violate the CSA and are punishable by imprisonment, substantial fines and forfeiture. Moreover, individuals and entities may violate federal law if they aid and abet another in violating the CSA, or conspire with another to violate the law, and violating the CSA is a predicate for certain other crimes, including money laundering laws and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government has the authority to regulate and criminalize the sale, possession and use of cannabis, even for individual medical purposes, regardless of whether it is legal under state law. For over six years, however, the U.S. government has not enforced those laws against companies complying with state cannabis law and their vendors.
The likelihood of any future adverse enforcement against companies complying with state cannabis laws remains uncertain. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will follow established principles that govern all federal prosecutions when deciding which cannabis activities to prosecute. As a result, federal prosecutors could and still can use their prosecutorial discretion to decide to prosecute even state-legal cannabis activities. However, generally, U.S. Attorneys have not targeted state law compliant entities. The policy of not prosecuting companies complying with state cannabis laws is likely to continue under the Biden Administration.
Additionally, since 2014, versions of the U.S. omnibus spending bill have included a provision prohibiting the DOJ, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, from using appropriated funds to prevent states from implementing their medical-use cannabis laws. In USA vs. McIntosh, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the provision prohibits the DOJ from spending funds to prosecute individuals who engage in conduct permitted by state medical-use cannabis laws and who strictly comply with such laws. The court noted that, if the spending bill provision were not continued, prosecutors could enforce against conduct occurring during the statute of limitations even while the provision was previously in force. Other courts that have considered the issue have ruled similarly, although courts disagree about which party bears the burden of proof of showing compliance or noncompliance with state law.
We cannot predict the timing of any change in federal law or possible changes in federal enforcement. In the unlikely event that the federal government were to reverse its long-standing hands-off approach to the state legal cannabis markets and start more broadly enforcing federal law regarding cannabis, we would likely be unable to execute our business plan, and our business and financial results would be adversely affected.
Certain of our customers may be outside any protections extended to medical-use cannabis under the spending bill provision and more recent medical-use and research laws. This could subject them to greater and/or different federal legal and other risks as compared to businesses where cannabis is sold exclusively for medical use, which could in turn materially adversely affect our business. Furthermore, any change in the federal government’s enforcement posture with respect to state-licensed cannabis sales, including the enforcement postures of individual federal prosecutors in judicial districts where we operate, could result in our inability to execute our business plan, and we would likely suffer significant losses with respect to our customer base, which would adversely affect our operations, cash flow and financial condition.
We are and will be subject to applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations.
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and Canada that involve money laundering, financial recordkeeping and proceeds of crime, including the U.S. Currency and Foreign 125 Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (commonly known as the Bank Secrecy Act), as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), as amended and the rules and regulations thereunder, and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by governmental authorities in the United States, Canada and internationally. Further, under U.S. federal law, banks or other financial institutions that provide a cannabis business with a checking account, debit or credit card, small business loan, or any other service could be found guilty of money laundering if certain other elements are met.
Despite these laws, the FinCEN Memorandum states that in some circumstances, it is permissible for banks to provide services to cannabis-related businesses without risking FinCEN enforcement. It refers to and incorporates supplementary Cole Memo guidance issued to federal prosecutors relating to the prosecution of money laundering offenses predicated on cannabis-related violations of the CSA on the same day.
Notwithstanding former Attorney General Sessions’ revocation of the Cole Memo, the status of the FinCEN Memorandum has not been affected, nor has the Department of the Treasury given any indication that it intends to rescind the FinCEN Memorandum itself. Though it was originally intended for the Cole Memo and the FinCEN Memorandum to work in tandem, the FinCEN Memorandum appears to remain in effect as a standalone document which explicitly lists the eight enforcement priorities originally cited in the rescinded Cole Memo. Although the FinCEN Memorandum remains intact, indicating that the Department of the Treasury and FinCEN intend to continue abiding by its guidance, it is unclear whether the current administration will continue to follow the guidelines of the FinCEN Memorandum.
We face risks related to civil asset forfeiture due to the regulatory environment of the cannabis industry in the United States.
Because the cannabis industry remains illegal under U.S. federal law, any property owned by participants in the cannabis industry, which are either used in the course of conducting such business, or are the proceeds of such business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture. Even if the owner of the property were never charged with a crime, the property in question could still be seized and subject to an administrative proceeding by which, with minimal due process, it could be subject to forfeiture. As a result, the equipment that our customers acquire from us in the United States may be subject to such seizure and forfeiture. Additionally, a broad interpretation of the law could potentially result in the seizure and forfeiture of proceeds we generate from client payments who are subject to property seizure.
Public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry may have an adverse effect on our business reputation.
Government policy changes or public opinion may also result in a significant influence over the regulation of the cannabis industry in the United States, Canada, or elsewhere. Public opinion and support for medical and adult-use marijuana has traditionally been inconsistent and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. While public opinion and support appears to be improving for legalizing medical and adult-use marijuana, it remains a controversial issue subject to differing opinions surrounding the level of legalization (for example, medical marijuana as opposed to legalization in general). A negative shift in the public’s perception of cannabis in the United States or any other applicable jurisdiction could affect future legislation or regulation. Among other things, such a shift could cause state jurisdictions to abandon initiatives or proposals to legalize medical and/or adult-use cannabis, thereby limiting the number of new state jurisdictions into which we could expand. Any inability to fully implement our expansion strategy may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or prospects.
We may have difficulty accessing bankruptcy courts.
Because cannabis is illegal under federal law, federal bankruptcy protection is currently not available to parties who engage in the cannabis industry or cannabis-related businesses. Recent bankruptcy rulings have denied bankruptcies for dispensaries upon the justification that businesses cannot violate federal law and then claim the benefits of federal bankruptcy for the same activity and upon the justification that courts cannot ask a bankruptcy trustee to take possession of and distribute cannabis assets as such action would violate the CSA. Therefore, we may not be able to seek the protection of the bankruptcy courts, and this could materially affect our business or our ability to obtain credit.
Our historical business efforts in Canada have presented opportunities, but no assurance can be given that our revenues and earnings will be improved on the basis of our addressing the Canadian business.
In addition to U.S. operations, we seek to sell products and services to CEA and cannabis growers in Canada, where medical and recreational cannabis has been legal since 2018 across the country both federally and provincially (subject to certain restrictions relating to CBD). We believe Canada, with its federal legal regime, represents a business opportunity for us, but we have noticed softening demand from Canadian prospects due, in part, to limited capital being available for new facilities and an overbuilding of cultivation capacity following federal legalization. As a result, Canada now appears to be in a period of correction. There can be no assurance that we will be able to make any additional sales of products or services in Canada.
Variations in state and local regulation and enforcement in states that have legalized cannabis may impose certain restrictions on cannabis-related activities that may adversely impact our revenue and earnings.
Variations exist among states that have legalized, decriminalized, or created medical cannabis programs. For example, Alaska and Colorado have limits on the number of cannabis plants that can be grown by an individual in the home. In most states, the cultivation of cannabis for personal use continues to be prohibited except by those states that allow small-scale cultivation by the individual in possession of cannabis for medicinal purposes or that person’s caregiver. Active enforcement of state laws that prohibit personal cultivation of cannabis may indirectly and adversely affect our revenue and earnings.
The cannabis industry could face strong opposition from other industries.
We believe that established businesses in other industries may have a strong economic interest in opposing the development of the cannabis industry. Cannabis may be seen by companies in other industries as an attractive alternative to their products, including recreational marijuana as an alternative to alcohol, and medical marijuana as an alternative to various commercial pharmaceuticals. Many industries that could view the emerging cannabis industry as an economic threat are well established, with vast economic and United States federal and state lobbying resources. It is possible that companies within these industries could use their resources to attempt to slow or reverse legislation legalizing cannabis. Any inroads these companies make in halting or impeding legislative initiatives that would be beneficial to the cannabis industry could have a detrimental impact on our clients and, in turn on our operations.
Changing legislation and evolving interpretations of law, could negatively impact our clients and, in turn, our operations.
Laws and regulations affecting the medical and adult-use marijuana industry are constantly changing, which could detrimentally affect our clients involved in that industry and, in turn, our operations. Local, state and federal cannabis laws and regulations are often broad in scope and subject to constant evolution and inconsistent interpretations, which could require our clients and ourselves to incur substantial costs associated with modification of operations to ensure compliance. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our clients’ business and result in a material adverse effect on our operations. In addition, it is possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will limit the amount of cannabis grown or related products that our commercial clients are authorized to produce. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can it determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our operations.
The fact that we provide products and services to companies in the cannabis industry may impact our ability to raise adequate capital for future expansion, which could hinder our growth potential as well as our revenue and earnings.
A very large percentage of our customers are operating in an industry that is still illegal under U.S. federal law. With the lingering uncertainty of federal enforcement, many potential investors, especially institutional investors, either refuse to invest in the industry or are very reluctant to make such investments. Our inability to raise adequate capital for future expansion could substantially hinder our growth potential as well as our revenue and earnings.
Our success may be dependent on additional states legalizing recreational and/or medical cannabis use.
Continued development of the recreational and medical cannabis markets is dependent upon continued legislative authorization of cannabis at the state level for recreational and/or medical purposes. Any number of factors could slow or halt the progress. Furthermore, progress, while encouraging, is not assured, and the process normally encounters setbacks before achieving success. While there may be ample public support for legislative proposals, key support must be created in the relevant legislative committee, or a bill may never advance to a vote. Numerous factors impact the legislative process. Any one of these factors could slow or halt the progress and adoption of cannabis for recreational and/or medical purposes, which would limit the overall available market for our products and services, which could adversely impact our business, revenue and earnings.
Our customers may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult for them to purchase our products and services.
As a result of the federal illegality of marijuana, many banks do not provide banking services to the cultivation and distribution segments of the cannabis industry, the argument being that they would be accepting for deposit funds derived from the operation of a federally illegal business. On February 14, 2014, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) released guidance to banks “clarifying Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) expectations for financial institutions seeking to provide services to marijuana-related businesses.” In addition, there have been legislative attempts to allow banks to transact business with state-authorized cannabis businesses. While these are positive developments, there can be no assurance that legislation will be successful, or that, even with the FinCEN guidance, banks will decide to do business with cannabis companies, or that, in the absence of actual legislation, state and federal banking regulators will not strictly enforce current prohibitions on banks handling funds generated from an activity that is illegal under federal law. Moreover, the FinCEN guidance may be rescinded or amended at any time in order to reconcile the now conflicting guidance of the Sessions Memo. At present, few banks have taken advantage of the FinCEN guidance, resulting in many cannabis businesses still operating on an all-cash basis. This makes it difficult for cannabis businesses to manage their businesses and pay their employees and taxes; in addition, having so much cash on hand creates significant public safety issues. Many ancillary businesses that service cannabis businesses have to deal with the unpredictability of their clients or customers not having a bank account. The inability of our customers to open bank accounts and otherwise access the services of banks, including obtaining credit, may make it more difficult and costly for them to operate and more difficult for such customers to purchase our products and services, which could materially harm our business, revenue and earnings.
We are subject to certain federal regulations relating to cash reporting.
The BSA, enforced by FinCEN, requires us to report currency transactions in excess of $10,000, including identification of the customer by name and social security number, to the Internal Revenue Service. This regulation also requires us to report certain suspicious activity, including any transaction that exceeds $5,000 that we know, suspect or have reason to believe involves funds from illegal activity or is designed to evade federal regulations or reporting requirements and to verify sources of funds. Substantial penalties can be imposed against us if we fail to comply with this regulation. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations, the imposition of a substantial penalty could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
State and municipal governments in which our customers do business or seek to do business may have or may adopt laws that adversely affect our ability to do business with such customers.
While the federal government has the right to regulate and criminalize cannabis, state and municipal governments may adopt or amend additional laws and regulations that further criminalize or adversely affect cannabis businesses. States that currently have laws that decriminalize or legalize certain aspects of cannabis, such as medical marijuana, could in the future, reverse course and adopt new laws that further criminalize or adversely affect cannabis businesses. Additionally, municipal governments in certain states may have laws that adversely affect cannabis businesses, even though there are no such laws at the state level. For example, municipal governments may have zoning laws that restrict where cannabis operations can be located and the manner and size of which they can expand and operate. These municipal laws, like the federal laws, may adversely affect our customers’ ability to do business. Also, given the complexity and rapid change of the federal, state and local laws pertaining to cannabis, our customers may incur substantial legal costs associated with complying with these laws and in acquiring the necessary state and local licenses required by their business endeavour’s. All the foregoing may impact our customers’ ability to purchase our products and services, which may adversely affect our business, revenue and earnings.
Most, if not all, of our customers are impacted by Section 280E of the Code, which limits certain expenses marijuana companies can deduct. This negative impact could affect the financial condition of our customers, which in turn may negatively affect the ability of our customers to purchase our products and services.
Section 280E of the Code forbids businesses from deducting otherwise ordinary business expenses from gross income associated with the “trafficking” of Schedule I or II substances, as defined by the CSA. The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has subsequently applied Section 280E to state-legal cannabis businesses since marijuana is still a Schedule I substance. Section 280E states that no deductions should be allowed on any amount “in carrying on any trade or business if such trade or business consists of trafficking in controlled substances.” Section 280E affects all businesses that engage in the cultivation, sale or processing of marijuana. This includes cultivators, medical dispensaries, marijuana retail stores and infused product manufacturers, as well as marijuana-derived concentrates and oil manufacturers. Because Section 280E limits certain deductions, it can have a dramatic effect on the profitability of these businesses, which in turn may adversely affect their ability to purchase our products and services. Such result may adversely impact our revenue and earnings.
There may be difficulty enforcing certain of our commercial agreements and contracts.
Courts will not enforce a contract deemed to involve a violation of law or public policy. Because cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, parties to contracts involving the state legal cannabis industry have argued that the agreement was void as federally illegal or against public policy. Some courts have accepted this argument in certain cases, usually against the company trafficking in cannabis. While courts have enforced contracts related to activities by state-legal cannabis companies, and the trend is generally to enforce contracts with state-legal cannabis companies and their vendors, there remains doubt and uncertainty that we will be able to enforce our commercial agreements in court for this reason. We cannot be assured that we will have a remedy for breach of contract, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
Due to our involvement in the cannabis industry, we may have a difficult time obtaining the various insurances that are desired to operate our business, which may expose us to additional risk and financial liability.
Insurance that is otherwise readily available, such as general liability and directors’ and officers’ insurance, is more difficult for us to find, and more expensive, because we are product and service providers to companies in the cannabis industry. There are no guarantees that we will be able to find such insurances in the future, or that the cost will be affordable to us. If we are forced to go without such insurances, it may prevent us from entering into certain business sectors, may inhibit our growth, and may expose us to additional risk and financial liabilities.
A drop in the retail price of cannabis products may negatively impact our business.
The fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the prices of commercially grown cannabis, such as increases in the supply of cannabis and decreases in demand for cannabis, could have a negative impact on our clients that are cannabis producers, and therefore could negatively impact our business.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our securities prices may be volatile and may decrease substantially.
The public trading prices of our securities fluctuate, in some cases substantially, and we expect that they will continue to do so. The price of our securities in the market on any particular day depends on many factors including, but not limited to, the following:
● our ability to maintain the listing of our securities on the Nasdaq Stock Market, and our ability to satisfy current continued listing standards;
● price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
● investor demand for our shares and warrants;
● significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of companies in the cannabis industry;
● variations in our operating results and market conditions specific to our business;
● the emergence of new competitors or new technologies;
● operating and market price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable;
● changes in our Board of Directors (the “Board”) or management;
● sales or purchases of our securities by insiders, including sales of our common stock issued to employees, directors and consultants under our equity incentive plans which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) under our S-8 registration statement;
● commencement of, or involvement in, litigation;
● changes in governmental regulations, in particular with respect to the cannabis industry;
● actual or anticipated changes in our earnings, and fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;
● market sentiments about the cannabis industry;
● general economic conditions and trends; and
● departures of any of our key employees.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Due to the potential volatility of our securities prices, we may therefore be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.
In addition, if the market for equity stocks of companies in our industry, or the stock market in general, experiences a loss of investor confidence, the market price of our securities could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, financial condition, or results of operations. If any of the foregoing occurs, it could cause the price of our securities to fall and may expose us to lawsuits that, even if unsuccessful, could be costly to defend and a distraction to our Board of Directors and management.
Our Board of Directors is authorized to reclassify any unissued shares of our preferred stock into one or more classes, which could convey special rights and privileges to its owners.
Our articles of incorporation permit our Board of Directors to reclassify any authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock into one or more classes. Our Board of Directors will generally have broad discretion over the size and timing of any such classification, subject to a finding that the classification and issuance of preferred stock is in our best interests. In the event our Board of Directors opts to classify a portion of our unissued shares of preferred stock into a class of preferred stock, those preferred shares would have a preference over our common stock with respect to dividends and liquidation. The class voting rights of any preferred shares we may issue could make it more difficult for us to take some actions that may, in the future, be proposed by the Board of Directors and/or the holders of our common stock, such as a merger, exchange of securities, liquidation, or alteration of the rights of a class of our securities, if these actions were perceived by the holders of preferred shares as not in their best interests. These effects, among others, could have an adverse effect on your investment in our common stock.
Registration rights and Rule 144 sales contain risks for shareholders.
From time to time, we issue our securities on an unregistered basis, which may be eligible for resale under SEC Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or may require us to register with the SEC the securities for resale. In the event there are securities outstanding that can be sold under Rule 144 or under a registration statement for resale, there may be market pressure on our stock to absorb the securities in respect of the then market value of the company.
We have a substantial number of options and public warrants outstanding, which if exercised for shares of common stock, may put pressure on the market price of a share.
We have sold to public investors a substantial number of warrants to purchase common stock that may be exercised from time to time over the next several years. In addition, we have a substantial number of options and public warrants outstanding held by investment bankers who provided us with underwriting and placement services that were issued warrants and employees that were issued options. To the extent that these are exercised for shares, there may be pressure on our stock price while the market absorbs them. The potential of exercise may also have the same effect. Investors should expect that the options and warrants will be exercised when the stock price is substantially above the exercise price.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, for the foreseeable future, to repay indebtedness and to fund our business. We do not intend to pay any dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board taking into account various factors, including our business, operating results and financial condition, current and anticipated cash needs, plans for expansion, any legal or contractual limitations on our ability to pay dividends under our loan agreements or otherwise. As a result, if our Board does not declare and pay dividends, the capital appreciation in the price of our common stock, if any, will be your only source of gain on an investment in our common stock, and you may have to sell some or all of your common stock to generate cash flow from your investment.
The market price of our securities may be adversely affected by the sale of shares by our management or large stockholders.
Sales of our shares of common stock by our officers or senior managers through 10b5-1 plans or otherwise or by large stockholders could adversely and unpredictably affect the price of our common stock. Additionally, the price of our shares of common stock could be affected even by the potential for sales by these persons. We cannot predict the effect that any future sales of our common stock, or the potential for those sales, will have on our share price. Furthermore, due to relatively low trading volume of our stock, should one or more large stockholders seek to sell a significant portion of their stock in a short period of time, the price of our stock may decline.
An active, liquid trading market for our common stock and warrants may not develop or be sustained, and as a result, investors may not be able to sell their common stock at or above their acquisition price, or at all.
Prior to February 10, 2022, our common stock was quoted on the OTC Markets Group, Inc., OTCQB. Trading on the OTCQB marketplace was infrequent and in limited volume. Although our common stock is now listed on Nasdaq, along with our public warrants, an active trading market for these securities may never develop or be sustained. If an active trading market does not develop, investors will have difficulty selling their shares of common stock and warrants at an attractive price, or at all. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital and may impair our ability to expand our business by using our common stock and common stock related securities as consideration in an acquisition. If we are unable to maintain our listing on the Nasdaq Market, it is possible that our securities will once again trade on the OTC with the limitations noted above.
Investors may be diluted by future issuances of preferred stock or additional common stock in connection with our incentive plans, acquisitions or otherwise; future sales of such shares in the public market, or the expectations that such sales may occur, could lower our stock price.
Our articles of incorporation authorize us to issue shares of our common stock and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to our common stock for the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by our Board in its sole discretion. We could issue a significant number of shares of common stock in the future in connection with investments or acquisitions. Any of these issuances could dilute our existing stockholders, and such dilution could be significant. Moreover, such dilution could have a material adverse effect on the market price for the shares of our common stock.
The future issuance of shares of preferred stock with voting rights may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of shares of our common stock, either by diluting the voting power of our common stock if the preferred stock votes together with the common stock as a single class, or by giving the holders of any such preferred stock the right or ability to block an action on which they have a separate class vote, even if the action were approved by the holders of our shares of our common stock.
The future issuance of shares of preferred stock with dividend or conversion rights, liquidation preferences or other economic terms favorable to the holders of preferred stock, when compared to the rights of the common stockholders, could adversely affect the market price for our common stock by making an investment in the common stock less attractive. For example, investors in the common stock may not wish to purchase common stock at a price above the conversion price of a series of convertible preferred stock because the holders of the preferred stock would effectively be entitled to purchase common stock at the lower conversion price, causing economic dilution to the holders of common stock.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and therefore we are not required to provide information under this item.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
We own no real property. On July 28, 2021, we executed a lease, which became effective November 1, 2021, for our manufacturing and headquarters office space at 385 S. Pierce Avenue, Suite C, Louisville, Colorado 80027. The term of the lease commenced November 1, 2021, and continues through January 31, 2027. Our leased space is approximately 11,491 square feet. We believe that our lease is at market rates and that there is sufficient space available in the Louisville, Colorado area to obtain additional or other space if and when required.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
On October 20, 2023, Sweet Cut Grow, LLC and Green Ice, LLC (collectively, “Claimant”) a client of the Company with which it had an equipment contract and engineering contract, filed a demand for arbitration asserting claims for breach of contract, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment, and demand for $1,049,280 in damages, plus interest (“Claims”). The Company continues to deny all the Claims and has asserted a counterclaim. The Company believes Claimant is owed nothing as the Company fulfilled all its obligations under the contracts to Claimant, and further, that the negligence of a third-party supplier is the basis of the Claims. We intend to generally defend the claims on the basis that we promptly addressed all problems, and that any issues with defective HVAC equipment are the responsibility of our third-party equipment manufacturer. The Company’s equipment contract with Claimant requires the parties to arbitrate their disputes under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitration will be heard in Denver, Colorado. The matter is in the discovery phase. The parties will pay their own legal fees and expenses. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously, believing there are no merits to the claims as currently presented.
On or about April 17, 2024, Optima Consulting Services, LLC (the “Claimant”), a client of the Company with which it had an equipment contract and engineering contract, advised the Company of a potential claim related to work performed by the Company for Claimant and demanded mediation under the parties’ contract. On or about October 28, 2024, Claimant informed the Company it was asserting claims for negligent/defective design and breach of warranty, and alleges its damages exceed $2,000,000 (Claims”). The Company denies all the Claims and that Claimant is entitled to any damages. The Company believes Claimant is owed nothing as the Company fulfilled all its obligations under the contracts to Claimant and performed all work in line with all applicable standards. We intend to generally defend the Claims on the basis that all work was performed pursuant to the contract and any alleged issues that may have occurred were the result of actions by Claimant and/or third parties. If Claimant moves forward with its Claims, the Company’s equipment contract with Claimant requires the parties to arbitrate their dispute with the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitration will be heard in Denver, Colorado. The matter is in the preliminary phase. The parties will pay their own legal fees and expenses. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously, believing there are no merits to the Claims as currently presented.
Given the current uncertainty around estimating the likelihood of success of claims and potential damages, we have not recorded an accrual for any potential loss related to these matters.
From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our customers. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

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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
Public Securities: Common Stock and Warrants
Our shares of common stock currently are quoted on Nasdaq under the symbol “CEAD”. In addition, we have a class of publicly traded warrants to purchase shares of common stock that are quoted on Nasdaq under the symbol “CEADW.”
As of March 7, 2025, we had approximately 40 shareholders of record and we believe we have approximately 12,247 shareholders who hold their shares in street name based on the solicitation of proxies for our 2024 annual meeting.
We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, for the foreseeable future, to repay indebtedness and to fund our business. We do not intend to pay any dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board taking into account various factors, including our business, operating results and financial condition, current and anticipated cash needs, plans for expansion, any legal or contractual limitations on our ability to pay dividends under our loan agreements or otherwise.
Equity Compensation Plans
Equity Incentive Plan
On August 1, 2017, our Board of Directors adopted and approved the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Equity Plan”) in order to attract, motivate, retain, and reward high-quality executives and other employees, officers, directors, consultants, and other persons who provide services to us by enabling such persons to acquire an equity interest in us. Under the 2017 Equity Plan, our Board of Directors may award stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock unit awards (“RSUs”), shares granted as a bonus or in lieu of another award, and other stock-based performance awards. The 2017 Equity Plan allocates 27,778 shares of our common stock (“Plan Shares”) for issuance of equity awards under the 2017 Equity Plan. If any shares subject to an award are forfeited, expire, or otherwise terminate without issuance of such shares, the shares will, to the extent of such forfeiture, expiration, or termination, again be available for awards under the 2017 Equity Plan. As of December 31, 2024, we have granted, under the 2017 Equity Plan, awards in the form of RSAs for services rendered by independent directors and consultants, non-qualified stock options, RSUs, and stock bonus awards.
The information for our 2017 Equity Plan as of December 31, 2024 is summarized as follows:
Number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in first column)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders - - -
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders (1) 11,615 $ 140.70 2,522
Total 11,615 $ 140.70 2,522
(1) Of the 27,778 Plan Shares allocated for issuance under the 2017 Equity Plan, as of December 31, 2024, 13,641 shares have been issued, non-qualified stock options over 11,615 shares were issued and outstanding, and securities in respect of the remaining 2,522 shares were available for future issuance.
Equity Incentive Plan
On March 22, 2021, the Board approved the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Equity Plan”), which was approved by the stockholders on July 22, 2021. The 2021 Equity Plan permits the Board to grant awards of up to 55,556 shares of common stock. The 2021 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards and other equity linked awards to our employees, consultants and directors. If an equity award (i) expires or otherwise terminates without having been exercised in full or (ii) is settled in cash (i.e., the holder of the award receives cash rather than stock), such expiration, termination or settlement will not reduce (or otherwise offset) the number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to this Plan. As of December 31, 2024, we have granted under the 2021 Equity Plan, incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and a stock bonus award.
Number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in first column)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders (1) 16,035 $ 33.81 15,581
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders - - -
Total 16,035 $ 33.81 15,581
(1) Of the 55,556 Plan Shares allocated for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan, as of December 31, 2024, 23,940 shares have been issued, non-qualified stock options over 11,104 shares were issued and outstanding, incentive stock options over 3,401 shares were issued and outstanding, restricted stock units over 1,529 shares were issued and outstanding, and securities in respect of the remaining 15,581 shares were available for future issuance.
Refer to Note 12 - Equity Incentive Plan of our consolidated financial statements, which are included as part of this Annual Report for further details on our 2017 Equity Plan and 2021 Equity Plan.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
We are a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and therefore we are not required to provide the information under this item.

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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
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report, which include additional information about our accounting policies, practices, and the transactions underlying our financial results. In addition to historical information, this Annual Report contains forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under “Cautionary Statements” appearing elsewhere herein and the risks and uncertainties described or identified in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” in this Annual Report.
Please also refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1 - Business in this Annual Report, and our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is segregated into four sections, including:
Executive Overview. This section provides a summary of our operating performance and cash flows, industry trends and our strategic initiatives.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. This section describes the accounting areas where management makes critical estimates to report our financial condition and results of operations.
Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our consolidated results of operations for the two comparative periods presented in our consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position. This section provides an analysis of cash flow, contractual obligations, and certain other matters affecting our financial position.
Executive Overview
CEA Industries Inc. currently is focused on selling environmental control and other technologies and services to the Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) industry. Our service and product offerings include: (i) floor plans and architectural design of cultivation facilities, (ii) licensed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering of commercial scale environmental control systems specific to cultivation facilities, (iii) process cooling systems and other climate control systems, (iv) air handling equipment and systems, (v) LED lighting, (vi) benching and racking solutions for indoor cultivation, (vii) automation and control devices, systems and technologies used for environmental, lighting and climate control, and (viii) preventative maintenance services for CEA facilities. Our customers include commercial, state- and provincial-regulated CEA growers in the U.S. and Canada as well as in other international locations. Customers are those growers building new facilities and those expanding or retrofitting existing facilities, with both ranging in size from several thousand to more than 100,000 square feet.
Historically, our revenue stream is derived primarily from supplying our products, services and technologies to commercial indoor facilities that grow cannabis, but we have served facilities growing other crops and we intend to pursue such facilities as customers more in the future.
Historically, nearly all of our customers have been in the cannabis cultivation business. We believe our customers engage us for their environmental and climate control systems because they value our reputation as experts in the industry. We leverage our reputation and know-how against the many local contractors and MEP engineers who collectively constitute our largest competitors.
The following table summarizes results for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
$ Change % Change
Revenue $ 2,803,000 $ 6,911,000 $ (4,108,000 ) (59 )%
Net loss $ (3,146,000 ) $ (2,912,000 ) $ (234,000 ) (-8 )%
Adjusted net loss $ (3,046,000 ) $ (2,698,000 ) $ (348,000 ) (-13 )%
Our adjusted net income (loss) is our GAAP net income (loss) after addback for our non-cash equity compensation expenses, debt-related items, and depreciation expense. Historically, one of the most significant financial challenges we face is the inconsistent and unpredictable revenue we generate quarter-over-quarter, and our revenue and cash flow remain difficult to predict.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Our Business
The impact of the government and the business economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic affected demand across the majority of our markets and disrupted workflow and completion schedules on projects. We believe we continue to have adverse effects on our sales, project implementation, supply chain infrastructure, operating margins, costs, and working capital, as a result of the pandemic. We continue to monitor costs and continue to take actions to reduce costs in order to mitigate the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the best of our ability. However, these actions may not be sufficient in the long run to avoid reduced sales, increased losses, and reduced operating cash flows in our business. During the year ended December 31, 2024, , the Company experienced delays in the receipt of equipment it had ordered to meet its customer orders due to disruption and delays in its supply chain. Consequently, our revenue recognition of some customer sales has been delayed until future periods when the shipment of orders can be completed.
Impact of Ukrainian and Israeli Conflicts
We believe that the conflicts involving Ukraine and Israel do not have any direct impact on our operations, financial condition, or financial reporting. We believe the conflicts will have only a general impact on our operations in the same manner as it is having a general impact on all businesses that have their operations limited to North America resulting from international sanction and embargo regulations, possible shortages of goods and goods incorporating parts that may be supplied from countries involved in the conflicts, supply chain challenges, and the international and US domestic inflation resulting from the conflict and government spending in relation to the conflicts. As our operations are related only to the North American controlled agricultural industry, largely within the cannabis space, we do not believe we will be specifically targeted for cyber-attacks related to the conflicts. We have no operations in the countries directly involved in the conflict or are specifically impacted by any of the sanctions and embargoes specifically related to those conflicts, as we principally operate in the United States and Canada. We do not believe that the conflicts will have any impact on our internal control over financial reporting. Other than general securities market trends, we do not have reason to believe that investors will evaluate the company as having special risks or exposures related to the conflicts.
Revenue. Our 2024 revenue was approximately $2,803,000. Our 2024 revenue represents a decrease of 59% compared to 2023 See Results of Operations on page 33 below.
Gross Margin. Our 2024 gross loss margin was 7.8%, a decrease from a gross profit margin of 7.8% in 2023. This decrease was primarily due to lower revenue and an increase in our fixed cost base as a percent of revenue. See Results of Operations on page 33 below.
Profitability. Our 2024 adjusted net loss was approximately $3,046,000, compared to a 2023 adjusted net loss of approximately $2,698,000, an increase of $348,000, or 13%. See Results of Operations on page 33 below. Our adjusted net income (loss) is a key management metric for us because it provides a proxy for the cash we generate from (use in) operations.
Capital Resources. We continue to experience softening demand in the markets we serve, and an inability to replace our backlog of projects. As a result, we have taken steps during 2023, 2024, and early 2025 to reduce our operating costs and general and administrative expenses to better reflect the activity levels we are observing in the industry. The reductions have been offset by higher costs for professional fees related to a potential acquisition.
Nonetheless, there remain risks and uncertainties regarding our ability to grow revenue and generate sufficient revenues and cash flows. And there can be no assurances that we will be able to raise future capital on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
Contract Bookings. Our bookings increased in 2024, and our backlog at December 31, 2024, was $490,000, an increase of $55,000, or 13%, from our December 31, 2023 backlog. The increase in bookings was primarily due to one large equipment contract of approximately $1,300,000 booked in the second quarter of 2024. During 2024, we had net bookings of $2,769,000, consisting of: (i) $2,874,000 of new sales contracts executed in 2023, (ii) $92,000 in net negative change orders, and (iii) $14,000 in project cancellations.
The following table sets forth: (i) our beginning backlog (the remaining contract value of outstanding sales contracts for which we have received an initial deposit as of the previous period), (ii) our net bookings for the period (new sales contracts executed during the period for which we received an initial deposit, net of any adjustments including cancellations and change orders during the period), (iii) our recognized revenue for the period, and (iv) our ending backlog for the period (the sum of the beginning backlog and net bookings, less recognized revenue). Based on the current economic climate and our cost cutting measures, there is no assurance that we will be able to continue to obtain the level of bookings that we have had in the past and or fulfil our current backlog, and we may experience contract cancellations, project scope reductions and project delays.
Our recognized revenue for the quarters ended December 31, 2023, March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2024 in the table below, excludes $0, $31,000, $12,000, $0, and $46, respectively, in revenue arising from the forfeiture of non-refundable deposits from former customers on previously cancelled contracts. The contracts were removed from the backlog at the time of cancellation.
For the quarter ended
December 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 June 30, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2024
Backlog, beginning balance $ 548,000 $ 435,000 $ 535,000 $ 227,000 $ 352,000
Net bookings, current period 138,000 303,000 1,440,000 516,000 510,000
Recognized revenue, current period (251,000 ) (203,000 ) (1,748,000 ) (391,000 ) (372,000 )
Backlog, ending balance $ 435,000 $ 535,000 $ 227,000 $ 352,000 $ 490,000
The completion of a customer’s new build facility project is dependent upon the customer’s ability to secure funding and real estate, obtain a license and then build their cultivation facility so they can take possession of the equipment. Accordingly, the time it takes for these customers to complete a new build project, which corresponds to when we are able to recognize revenue, is driven by numerous factors including: (i) the large number of first-time participants interested in the indoor cannabis cultivation business; (ii) the complexities and uncertainties involved in obtaining state and local licensure and permitting; (iii) local and state government delays in approving licenses and permits due to lack of staff or the large number of pending applications, especially in states where there is no cap on the number of cultivators; (iv) the customer’s need to obtain cultivation facility financing; (v) the time needed, and coordination required, for our customers to acquire real estate and properly design and build the facility (to the stage when climate control systems can be installed); (vi) the large price tag and technical complexities of the climate control and air sanitation systems; (vii) the availability of power; and (viii) delays that are typical in completing any construction project.
We have provided an estimate in our consolidated financial statements of when we expect to recognize revenue on our remaining performance obligations (i.e., our Q4 2024 backlog). However, there continues to be significant uncertainty regarding the timing of our recognition of revenue in our Q4 2024 backlog. Refer to the Revenue Recognition section of Note 2 in our consolidated financial statements, included as part of this Annual Report for additional information on our estimate of future revenue recognition on our remaining performance obligations.
Our backlog, remaining performance obligations and net bookings may not be indicative of future operating results, and our customers may attempt to renegotiate or terminate their contracts for a number of reasons, including delays in, or inability to, obtain project financing or licensing or abandonment of the project entirely. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that contracts included in backlog or remaining performance obligations will actually generate revenues or when the actual revenues will be generated. Net bookings and backlog are considered non-GAAP financial measures, and therefore, they should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, our GAAP measures for recognized revenue, deferred revenue and remaining performance obligations. Further, we can provide no assurance as to the profitability of our contracts reflected in remaining performance obligations, backlog and net bookings.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain accounting policies are particularly important to the understanding of our financial position and results of operations and require the application of significant judgment by our management or can be materially affected by changes from period to period in economic factors or conditions that are outside of our control. As a result, they are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. In applying these policies, management uses its judgment to determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in the determination of certain estimates. Those estimates are based on our historical operations, our future business plans and projected financial results, the terms of existing contracts, observance of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers, and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. For information regarding our critical accounting policies as well as recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements.
Our management has discussed the development and selection of critical accounting estimates with the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has reviewed our disclosure relating to critical accounting estimates in this Annual Report. We believe the following are the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Accounts receivable and allowance for accounts receivable. Accounts receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount or based on revenue earned for items not yet invoiced, and generally do not bear interest. In accordance with ASU No. 2016-13 (as amended), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which the Company adopted on a prospective basis effective January 1, 2023, an allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against the Company’s receivables by applying an expected credit loss model. Each period, management assesses the appropriateness of the level of allowance for credit losses by considering credit risk inherent within its receivables as of the end of the period. The Company considers a receivable past due when a debtor has not paid us by the contractually specified payment due date. Account balances are written off against the allowance for credit losses if collection efforts are unsuccessful and the receivable balance is deemed uncollectible (debtor default), based on factors such as the debtor’s credit rating as well as the length of time the amounts are past due. As of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $85,000 and $125,000, respectively. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
Inventory. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The inventory is valued based on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Lower of cost or net realizable value is evaluated by considering obsolescence, excessive levels of inventory, deterioration and other factors. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value, if required, are made for estimated excess, obsolescence or impaired inventory. Excess and obsolete inventory is charged to cost of revenue and a new lower-cost basis for that inventory is established; subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. As of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the allowance for excess and obsolete inventory was $220,000 and $193,000, respectively.
Product warranty. We warrant the products that we manufacture for a warranty period equal to the lesser of 12 months from start-up or 18 months from shipment. Our warranty provides for the repair, rework, or replacement of products (at our option) that fail to perform within stated specification. Our third-party suppliers also warrant their products under similar terms, which are passed through to our customers. We assess the historical warranty claims on our manufactured products and, since 2016, warranty claims have been approximately 1% of annual revenue generated on these products. We continue to assess the need to record a warranty reserve at the time of sale based on historical claims and other factors. As of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, we had an accrued warranty reserve amount of $53,000 and $191,000, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Share-based compensation. We recognize the cost resulting from all share-based compensation arrangements, including stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that we grant under our equity incentive plan in our consolidated financial statements based on their grant date fair value. The expense is recognized over the requisite service period or performance period of the award. The service inception date is typically the grant date, but the service inception date may be prior to the grant date. Awards with a graded vesting period based on service are expensed on a straight-line basis for the entire award. Awards with performance-based vesting conditions which require the achievement of a specific company financial performance goal at the end of the performance period and required service period are recognized over the performance period. Each reporting period, we reassess the probability of achieving the respective performance goal. If the goals are not expected to be met, no compensation cost is recognized, and any previously recognized amount recorded is reversed. If the award contains market-based vesting conditions, the compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value and expected achievement of market condition and is not subsequently reversed if it is later determined that the condition is not likely to be met or is expected to be lower than initially expected. The grant date fair value of stock options is based on the Black-Scholes Model. The Black-Scholes Model requires judgmental assumptions including volatility and expected term, both based on historical experience. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury interest rates whose term is consistent with the expected term of the option.
Revenue Recognition. We account for revenue in accordance with ASC 606. Under the revenue standard, a performance obligation is a promise in a contract with a customer to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. Most of our contracts contain multiple performance obligations that include engineering and technical services as well as the delivery of a diverse range of climate control system equipment and components, which can span multiple phases of a customer’s project life cycle from facility design and construction to equipment delivery and system installation and start-up. We do not provide construction services or system installation services. Some of our contracts with customers contain a single performance obligation, typically engineering only services contracts.
A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. When there are multiple performance obligations within a contract, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on standalone selling price. When estimating the selling price, we use various observable inputs. The best observable input is our actual selling price for the same good or service, however, this input is generally not available for our contracts containing multiple performance obligations. For engineering services, we estimate the standalone selling price by reference to certain physical characteristics of the project, such as facility size and mechanical systems involved, which are indicative of the scope and complexity of the mechanical engineering services to be provided. For equipment sales, the standalone selling price is determined by forecasting the expected costs of the equipment and components and then adding an appropriate margin, based on a range of acceptable margins established by management. Depending on the nature of the performance obligations, we may use a combination of different methods and observable inputs if certain performance obligations have highly variable or uncertain standalone selling prices. Once the selling prices are determined, we apply the relative values to the total contract consideration and estimates the amount of the transaction price to be recognized as each promise is fulfilled.
Generally, satisfaction occurs when control of the promised goods is transferred to the customer or as we recognize revenue for the sale of goods when control transfers to the customer, which primarily occurs at the time of shipment. We have elected to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes (e.g., sales, use, value added, and certain excise taxes) that are assessed by a governmental authority in connection with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by us from the customer. Accordingly, we recognize revenue net of sales taxes. The revenue and cost for freight and shipping is recorded when control over the sale of goods passes to our customers.
We also have performance obligations to perform certain engineering services that are satisfied over a period of time. Revenue is recognized from this type of performance obligation as services are rendered based on the percentage completion towards certain specified milestones.
We offer assurance-type warranties for its products and products manufactured by others to meet specifications defined by the contracts with customers and does not have any material separate performance obligations related to these warranties. We maintain a warranty reserve based on historical warranty costs.
Remaining performance obligations. The revenue standard requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about our remaining performance obligations, which are defined as performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period, including (i) the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations, and (ii) when we expect to recognize as revenue with respect to such amounts on either: (x) a quantitative basis using appropriate time bands for the duration of the remaining performance obligations, or (y) by using qualitative information. Industry uncertainty, project financing concerns, and the licensing and qualification of our prospective customers, which are out of our control, make it difficult for us to predict when we will recognize revenue on our remaining performance obligations. There are risks that we may not realize the full contract value on customer projects in a timely manner or at all, and completion of a customer’s cultivation facility project is dependent upon the customer’s ability to secure funding and real estate, obtain a license and then build their cultivation facility so they can take possession of the equipment. Accordingly, the time it takes for customers to complete a project, which corresponds to when we are able to recognize revenue, is driven by numerous factors including: (i) the large number of first-time participants interested in the indoor cannabis cultivation business; (ii) the complexities and uncertainties involved in obtaining state and local licensure and permitting; (iii) local and state government delays in approving licenses and permits due to lack of staff or the large number of pending applications, especially in states where there is no cap on the number of cultivators; (iv) the customer’s need to obtain cultivation facility financing; (v) the time needed, and coordination required, for our customers to acquire real estate and properly design and build the facility (to the stage when climate control systems can be installed); (vi) the significant price and technical complexities of the climate control and air sanitation system; (vii) the availability of power; and (viii) delays that are typical in completing any construction project. Further, based on the current economic climate, and the Company’s recent cost cutting measures, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to fulfil its backlog, and the Company may experience contract cancellations, project scope reductions and project delays.
There is significant uncertainty regarding the timing of our recognition on all remaining performance obligations as of December 31, 2024. Customer contracts for which we have only received an initial advance payment to cover the allocated value of our engineering services (“engineering only paid contracts”) carry enhanced risks that the equipment portion of these contracts will not be completed or will be delayed, which could occur if the customer is dissatisfied with the quality or timeliness of our engineering services or there is a delay or abandonment of the project due to the customer’s inability to obtain project financing or licensing. In contrast, after the customer has made an advance payment for a portion of the equipment to be delivered under the contract (“partial equipment paid contracts”), we are typically better able to estimate the timing of revenue recognition since the risks and delays associated with licensing, permitting and project funding are typically mitigated once the initial equipment payment is received.
Commitments and contingencies. In the normal course of business, we are subject to loss contingencies, such as legal proceedings and claims arising out of our business, that cover a wide range of matters, including, among others, customer disputes, government investigations and tax matters. An accrual for a loss contingency is recognized when it is probable that an asset has been impaired, or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Revenues and Cost of Goods Sold
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2,803,000 compared to $6,911,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $4,108,000, or 59%. This revenue decrease was primarily the result of our significant decrease in net bookings since 2022, which dropped from $6,042,000 in 2022 to $1,535,000 in 2023, or 75%. Net bookings were higher in 2024, increasing to $2,769,000, or an increase of 80% over 2023. We believe the lower bookings are due to the reduction in capital expenditures in the cannabis market environment as a result of the prolonged effects of pricing and inflationary pressure, in addition to a reduced sales effort by the Company.
Cost of revenue decreased by $3,346,000, or 53%, from $6,369,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $3,023,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024. The factors impacting this change are discussed below.
The gross loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $220,000 compared to a gross profit of $542,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Gross profit margin decreased by 15.7 percentage points from a 7.8% gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 to a 7.8% gross loss for the year ended December 31, 2024. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in revenue, an increase in our fixed cost base as a percent of revenue, offset by slightly lower variable costs as a percent of revenue.
Our revenue cost structure is comprised of both fixed and variable components. The fixed cost component represents engineering, manufacturing and project management salaries and benefits and manufacturing overhead that totaled $892,000, or 32% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $1,279,000, or 18% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease of $388,000 was primarily due to a decrease in salaries and benefits (including stock-based compensation) of $327,000, and a decrease of $61,000 in fixed overhead. The variable cost component, which represents our cost of equipment, outside engineering costs, shipping and handling, travel and warranty costs, totaled $2,132,000, or 76% of total revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $5,090,000, or 74% of total revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2023. In the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, our cost of equipment decreased by $2,537,000 primarily due to the decrease in revenue, offset by a decrease in our equipment margin. Additionally in the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023: (i) our warranty expense decreased by $190,000, (ii) excess and obsolete inventory expenses decreased by $95,000, (iii) travel was down by $81,000, (iv) our outside engineering costs were down $29,000, and (v) shipping and handling and other overhead expenses decreased by $26,000.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased by 16% from $3,495,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $2,952,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $543,000. The operating expense decrease consisted of: (i) a decrease in advertising and marketing expenses of $257,000, (ii) a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A expenses”) of $209,000, and (iii) a decrease in product development expenses of $76,000.
The decrease in advertising and marketing expenses was due primarily to: (i) a decrease in salaries and benefits (including equity-based compensation) of $133,000, (ii) a decrease of $114,000 for advertising and promotion, web development and other marketing expenses, (iii) a decrease of $9,000 for outside marketing services, and (iv) a decrease of $1,000 in expenses related to trade shows and events.
The decrease in SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was due primarily to: (i) a decrease of $449,000 in salaries, benefits (including equity-based compensation) and other employee related costs, (ii) a decrease of $53,000 for facility and office expenses, (iii) a decrease in bad debt expense of $38,000, and (iv) a decrease in commissions of $16,000, offset by (v) an increase in accounting and professional fees of $299,000, (vi) higher business taxes and licenses of $33,000 primarily due to an increase in real estate taxes, and (vii) an increase in loss on asset disposals of $13,000.
The decrease in product development costs was primarily due to (i) a decrease in salaries and benefits (including equity-based compensation) of $70,000, (ii) a decrease in material costs of $4,000 and, (iii) a decrease in travel of $2,000.
Operating Loss
We had an operating loss of $3,172,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to an operating loss of $2,953,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $219,000, or 7%. The operating loss included $82,000 of non-cash, stock-based compensation expenses and $17,000 for depreciation and amortization in the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $188,000 for stock-based compensation, and $26,000 of depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2023. Excluding these non-cash items, our adjusted operating loss increased by $333,000.
Other Income
Our other income (net) decreased by $15,000 from $42,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, to $26,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024. The other income for 2024 consisted of interest on our money market account. The other income for 2023 consisted of (i) $34,000 of interest on the money market account, and (ii) $8,000 for an adjustment to our ERC credit and unclaimed property.
Net Loss
Overall, we had a net loss of $3,146,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to a net loss of $2,912,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $234,000. The net loss included $82,000 of non-cash, stock-based compensation costs and depreciation and amortization expense of $17,000 in the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $188,000 of non-cash, stock-based compensation costs and depreciation and amortization expense of $26,000 in the year ended December 31, 2023. Excluding these non-cash items, our adjusted net loss increased by $348,000.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $9,453,000, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $12,508,000 as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the year ended December 31, 2024 was the result of cash used in operations of $3,055,000. Our cash is held in bank depository accounts in certain financial institutions. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we held deposits in financial institutions that exceeded the federally insured amount.
As of December 31, 2024, we had accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) of $13,000, contract assets (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) of $234,000, inventory (net of excess and obsolete allowance) of $26,000, and prepaid expenses and other of $368,000 (including $83,500 in advance payments on inventory purchases). While we typically require advance payment before we commence engineering services or ship equipment to our customers, we have made exceptions requiring us to record accounts receivable, which carry a risk of non-collectability, especially since most of our customers are funded on an as-needed basis to complete facility construction.
As of December 31, 2024, we had no indebtedness, total accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $550,000, deferred revenue of $344,000, and the current portion of operating lease liability of $136,000. As of December 31, 2024, we had working capital of $9,064,000, compared to a working capital of $12,110,000 as of December 31, 2023.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Because of the challenges to the CEA industry economy and the specific challenges of our business, we cannot predict the continuing level of working capital that we will have in the future. As mentioned elsewhere, we have taken steps to conserve our cash resources by reducing staff and taking other cost cutting measures and we will continue to evaluate further such measures in the future.
Summary of Cash Flows
The following summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
For the Year Ended December 31,
Net cash used in operating activities $ (3,055,000 ) $ (6,129,000 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - -
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - -
Net decrease in cash $ (3,055,000 ) $ (6,129,000 )
Operating Activities
We incurred a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $3,146,000 compared to a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 of $2,912,000. We had an accumulated deficit of $40,336,000 as of December 31, 2024.
Cash used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $3,055,000 compared to cash used in operations of $6,129,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $3,074,000. The decrease was primarily attributable to: (i) a decrease in cash used for working capital of $3,539,000, (ii) a decrease in net loss of $234,000 and, (iii) a decrease in non-cash operating charges of $231,000. Significant non-cash items during 2024 included: (i) $111,000 for the amortization on an ROU asset, and (ii) stock related compensation of $82,000. Significant non-cash items during 2023 included: (i) stock-related compensation of $188,000, (ii) excess and obsolete inventory charges of $122,000, and (iii) $107,000 for the amortization on an ROU asset.
Investing Activities
There was no cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024. Cash provided by investing activities was less than $1,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Financing Activities
There were no cash flows from financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 or the year ended December 31, 2023.
Capital Raising
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses and have funded our operations primarily through issuances of equity securities, debt, and operating revenue. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $40,336,000, working capital of $9,064,000, and stockholders’ equity of $9,198,000.
Inflation
Our operations are being influenced by the inflation existent in the larger economy and in the industries related to building renovations, retrofitting and new build CEA facilities in which we operate. We believe that we will continue to face inflationary increases in the cost of products and our operations, which will adversely affect our margins and financial results and the pricing of our service and product supply contracts. Inflation is reflected in higher wages, increased pricing of equipment, delivery and transportation costs, and general operational expenses. As we move forward, we plan to continuously monitor our various contract terms and may decide to add clauses that will permit us to adjust pricing if inflation and price increase pressures on us will impact our ability to perform our contracts and maintain our margins.
Contractual Payment Obligations
Refer to Note 3 - Leases of our consolidated financial statements, which are included as part of this Annual Report for further details on our obligations under a lease for our manufacturing and office space.
Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
On October 20, 2023, Sweet Cut Grow, LLC and Green Ice, LLC (collectively, “Claimant”) a client of the Company with which it had an equipment contract and engineering contract, filed a demand for arbitration asserting claims for breach of contract, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment, and a demand for $1,049,280 in damages, plus interest (“Claims”). The Company continues to deny all the Claims and has asserted a counterclaim. The Company believes Claimant is owed nothing as the Company fulfilled all its obligations under the contracts to Claimant, and further, that the negligence of a third-party supplier is the basis of the Claims. We intend to generally defend the claims on the basis that we promptly addressed all problems, and that any issues with defective HVAC equipment are the responsibility of the third-party equipment manufacturer. The Company’s equipment contract with Claimant requires the parties to arbitrate their disputes under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitration will be heard in Denver, Colorado. The matter is in the discovery phase. The parties will pay their own legal fees and expenses. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously, believing there are no merits to the Claims as currently presented.
On or about April 17, 2024, Optima Consulting Services, LLC (the “Claimant”), a client of the Company with which it had an equipment contract and engineering contract, advised the Company of a potential claim related to work performed by the Company for Claimant and demanded mediation under the parties’ contract. On or about October 28, 2024, Claimant informed the Company it was asserting claims for negligent/defective design and breach of warranty, and alleges its damages exceed $2,000,000 (Claims”). The Company denies all the Claims and that Claimant is entitled to any damages. The Company believes Claimant is owed nothing as the Company fulfilled all its obligations under the contracts to Claimant and performed all work in line with all applicable standards. We intend to generally defend the Claims on the basis that all work was performed pursuant to the contract and any alleged issues that may have occurred were the result of actions by Claimant and/or third parties. If Claimant moves forward with its Claims, the Company’s equipment contract with Claimant requires the parties to arbitrate their dispute with the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitration will be heard in Denver, Colorado. The matter is in the preliminary phase. The parties will pay their own legal fees and expenses. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously, believing there are no merits to the Claims as currently presented.
Given the current uncertainty around our ability to estimate the amount of loss and success of the Claims, we have not recorded an accrual for any potential loss related to these matters.
From time to time, in the normal course of its operations, the Company is subject to litigation matters and claims. Litigation can be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict, and the Company’s view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and events related thereto unfold. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred. The Company records a liability for contingent losses when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss is known. An unfavorable outcome to any legal matter, if material, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations or its financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
Other Commitments
In the ordinary course of business, we may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, business partners, and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of our breach of such agreements, services to be provided by us, or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and certain of our officers and employees that will require us to, among other things, indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors, officers, or employees. We maintain director and officer insurance, which may cover certain liabilities arising from our obligation to indemnify our directors and certain of our officers and employees, and former officers, directors, and employees of acquired companies, in certain circumstances.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are required to disclose any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that are material to investors. As of December 31, 2024, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet financing activities.
Recent Developments
Refer to Note 14 - Subsequent Events of our consolidated financial statements, included as part of this Annual Report, for the significant events occurring since December 31, 2024.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, therefore are not required to provide the information under this item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our consolidated financial statements are included herein, beginning on page. The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Item 15. “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules” of this Annual Report.

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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
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management conducted an evaluation, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, who are the one in the same person, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as 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 on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer concluded that as a result of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting described below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2024.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for the preparation of our financial statements and related information. Management uses its best judgment to ensure that the financial statements present fairly, in material respects, our financial position and results of operations in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in the Exchange Act. These internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the reported financial information is presented fairly, that disclosures are adequate and that the judgments inherent in the preparation of financial statements are reasonable. There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal controls including the possibility of human error and overriding of controls. Consequently, an effective internal control system can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to reporting financial information.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to maintaining records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that the receipts and expenditures of company assets are made in accordance with our management and directors authorization; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention of or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) published in 2013 and subsequent guidance prepared by COSO specifically for smaller public companies. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024, for the reasons discussed below.
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 the annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Management identified the following material weakness in its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024:
The Company did not maintain effective controls over certain aspects of the financial reporting process because: (i) we lack a sufficient complement of personnel with a level of accounting expertise and an adequate supervisory review structure that is commensurate with our financial reporting requirements, (ii) there is inadequate segregation of duties due to our limited number of accounting personnel, and (iii) we have insufficient controls and processes in place to adequately verify the accuracy and completeness of spreadsheets that we use for a variety of purposes including revenue, taxes, stock-based compensation and other areas, and place significant reliance on, for our financial reporting.
We intend to take appropriate and reasonable steps to make the necessary improvements to remediate these deficiencies. We are committed to taking steps to improve our financial organization including, without limitation, evaluating our accounting staff requirements and improving our systems and controls to reduce our reliance on the manual nature of our existing systems. However, due to our size and our financial resources, remediating the several identified weaknesses has not always been possible and may not be economically feasible now or in the future.
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected.
The material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, remained unchanged from December 31, 2023. Management believes that the material weaknesses set forth above did not have an effect on our financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2024.
We will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and are committed to taking further action and implementing additional enhancements or improvements, as necessary and as funds allow. We do not, however, expect that the material weaknesses in our disclosure controls will be remediated until such time as we have improved our internal control over financial reporting.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes identified in connection with our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, 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
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information about our Directors
The Company’s current directors are set forth below:
Name
Age
Positions & Committees
Anthony K. McDonald
Chairman of the Board; Chief Executive Officer and President
James R. Shipley
Director; Compensation Committee Chair; Audit Committee Member
Nicholas J. Etten
Director; Audit Committee Chair, Compensation Committee Member; Nominations Committee Member
Marion Mariathasan
Director; Nominations Committee Chair, Compensation Committee Member
Matthew Tarallo
Director; Compensation Committee Member, Nominations Committee Member
Certain information with respect to the Company’s current directors is set forth below. The business address of each of the directors is 385 South Pierce Avenue, Suite C, Louisville, Colorado 80027.
Name and Year First Elected Director
Background Information and Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Beyond
Anthony K. McDonald (2018)
Mr. McDonald was appointed a director on September 12, 2018. On November 28, 2018, Mr. McDonald was appointed our Chief Executive Officer and President. On June 24, 2020, Mr. McDonald was appointed Chairman of the Board. Mr. McDonald has been involved in building businesses in the cleantech, energy efficiency and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVACD”) industries over the past 10 years. From 2008 to 2018, Mr. McDonald led sales and business development as Vice-President-Sales for Coolerado Corp., a manufacturer and marketer of innovative, energy-efficient air conditioning systems for commercial, government, and military use. Along with Coolerado’s CEO, Mr. McDonald was instrumental in growing the business to become an INC. 600 high-growth company award winner and assisted in raising $15 million of private funding from a cleantech investment fund. In 2015, Coolerado was acquired by Seeley International, Australia’s largest air conditioning manufacturer and an innovative global leader in the design and production of energy-efficient cooling and heating products, where Mr. McDonald served as National Account Manager. He is also the founder and Managing Partner of Cleantechsell.com and the author of Cleantech Sell: The Essential Guide To Selling Resource Efficient Products In The B2B Market.
Prior to joining Coolerado, Mr. McDonald spent over ten years in the private equity industry where he was involved in numerous transactions in the technology, manufacturing, and power development industries. As a business development officer at several private equity acquisitions groups Mr. McDonald identified, financed, or acquired numerous transactions with total enterprise value in excess of $200 million.
Mr. McDonald was also a consultant to international banks with KMPG from 1994 to 1997 and served as a director for Keating Capital, Inc., a publicly traded business development company that made investments in pre-IPO companies. He previously served as a mentor for companies in the Clean Tech Open competition.
Mr. McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. where he earned a B.S. degree in Engineering and Economics. He also received an M.B.A. degree from the Harvard Business School.
Among the reasons for Mr. McDonald to be selected for service on the Board is his experience in sales, sales and operations management, mergers and acquisitions, the HVACD industry, his in-depth knowledge of climate control systems and technologies.
James R. Shipley (2020)
Mr. Shipley was appointed a director on June 24, 2020. Mr. Shipley recently retired from AgTech Holdings where he was the Chief Strategy Officer of GroAdvisor and the Vice-President of Sales at VividGro since 2017. Since 2017, Mr. Shipley has assisted in design and build consulting along with supply chain management for cultivation operations in 12 states covering more than 500,000 square feet of warehouse indoor cultivation and continues to consult independently with operators in North America. From 2014 to 2017 Mr. Shipley, acting in several executive roles, helped build multiple business lines for MJIC Inc. (now CNSX: MSVN); these roles included being a member of the board of directors, Chairman and President. Mr. Shipley is currently president and a principal in RSX Enterprises Inc., a sales agency and marketing firm that sells and markets equipment for use in controlled environment agriculture on behalf of various manufacturers. Mr. Shipley has been active in the cannabis business, where he has founded various summits such as the Marijuana Investor Summit and been involved in many educational workshops and business expos. Previously, Mr. Shipley was an officer and chief revenue officer with Carrier Access Corporation (CACS), a public company trading on Nasdaq. Prior to Carrier Access, Mr. Shipley worked at Williams Companies in their telecommunications divisions.
Mr. Shipley was selected for service on the Board because of his experience in and commitment to the cannabis industry, his demonstrated and consistent record of success as an executive and entrepreneur, and his extensive network of contacts in the cannabis industry.
Nicholas J. Etten (2020)
Mr. Etten was appointed a director on June 24, 2020. Mr. Etten joined Acreage Holdings in 2018 where he served as the Head of Government Affairs until 2021. Acreage is a vertically integrated, multi-state operator of cannabis licenses and assets in the U.S. In 2017 he founded the Veterans Cannabis Project where he continues to serve as Chairman. Veterans Cannabis Project (VCP) is an organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of cannabis access issues for U.S. military veterans. From 2015 to 2017, Mr. Etten set aside his career to provide care for his seriously ill son. Mr. Etten’s career has been focused on the growth equity market, and prior to Acreage, he held positions including Vice President of Global Business Development for FreightWatch International, and Director of Corporate Development for Triple Canopy. Mr. Etten was an investment professional at Trident Capital, where he focused on the cyber-security space, and an investment banker at Thomas Weisel Partners. Mr. Etten served on active duty as a U.S. Navy SEAL officer. He earned an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and a BS in political science from the United States Naval Academy.
Mr. Etten was selected for service on the Board because of his experience in and commitment to the cannabis industry, his experience with multi-site cannabis operators, his demonstrated and consistent record of success as an executive, and his extensive network of contacts in the cannabis industry and investment banking world.
Marion Mariathasan (2022)
Marion Mariathasan was appointed as a director on January 17, 2022. Mr. Mariathasan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Simplifya, the cannabis industry’s leading regulatory and operational compliance software platform. The company’s suite of products takes the guesswork out of confusing and continually changing state and local regulations. Featuring SOPs, badge tracking, document storage, tailored reporting and employee accountability features, the company’s Custom Audit software reduces the time clients spend on compliance by up to 45 percent.
Mr. Mariathasan is also a serial entrepreneur who has founded or advised numerous startups. He is currently an investor in 22 domestic and international companies that range from cannabis companies to dating apps - four of which he serves as a board member.
Mr. Mariathasan studied Architecture and Computer Science at the University of Kansas and Computer Information Systems with a minor in Business Management from Emporia State University. Marion is a regular guest speaker at events such as Denver Start-Up Week, Colorado University’s program on social entrepreneurship, various universities on the topic of entrepreneurship and the United Nations Global Accelerator Initiative.
Mr. Mariathasan was selected for service on the Board because of his experience in and commitment to the cannabis industry, his demonstrated and consistent record of success as an executive and entrepreneur, and his extensive network of contacts in the cannabis industry.
Matthew Tarallo (2024)
Matthew Tarallo is the Founder & Principal of AETHER Brand Group, an Incubating and Operating Brand house focused on Adult Consumption Categories, which includes a current portfolio several consumer brands across alcohol and cannabis.
With over 15 years in the consumer product goods space, Mr. Tarallo’s career comes with deep experience and success building and leading global brands in both developed and emerging markets, which includes direct P&L ownership across large Fortune 500 & FTSE 100 companies as well as startups.
Prior to starting AETHER Brand Group, Mr. Tarallo served as Senior Vice President of Business Development & Beyond Nicotine at Reynolds American, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco. Mr. Tarallo was part of the Reynolds American management team and accountable for building and leading new, multi-category transformational division (Beyond Nicotine) to deliver long-term value by commercializing fast growing, science-backed brands to reach new customers and consumers across wellbeing & stimulation and cannabis.
Additionally, Mr. Tarallo was the Global Vice President for The Coca-Cola Company, where he led the Global Amazon Business Unit, a multi-billion-dollar retail business.
Mr. Tarallo’s success creating and scaling global brands has garnered large scale recognition and awards such as a nod from Cannes Lions for his global campaign with Coca-Cola, McLaren and Amazon as well as the launch of the US Beyond Nicotine division at Reynolds American.
Mr. Tarallo earned his BS in Business Management from Saint Vincent College as well as a Venture Capital Executive Certificate from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. Mr. Tarallo lives in Atlanta area with his wife and two young children.
Each of the directors on our Board of Directors was elected or appointed because he has demonstrated an ability to make meaningful contributions to our business and affairs and has skills, experience and background that are complementary to those of our other Board members.
Board Diversity
While a company is listed on Nasdaq, each year the board of directors, pursuant to the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market, will review the appropriate characteristics, skills, and experience required for the board of directors as a whole and its individual members. In evaluating the suitability of individual candidates, we will consider factors including, without limitation, an individual’s character, integrity, judgment, potential conflicts of interest, other commitments, and diversity. While we have no formal policy regarding board diversity for our board of directors as a whole nor for each individual member, our board of directors will consider such factors as gender, race, ethnicity and experience, area of expertise, as well as other individual attributes that contribute to the total diversity of viewpoints and experience represented on the board of directors. If we are not listed on Nasdaq, we may not continue to consider diversity in the nominations or appointment of directors.
The following is a table indicating the current board diversity as of March 27, 2025.
Total Number of Directors Five
Female Male Non-Binary Did Not Disclose Gender
Part I: Gender Identity
Directors - - -
Part II: Demographic Background
African American or Black - - - -
Alaskan Native or Native American - - - -
Asian - - - -
Hispanic or Latinx - - - -
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander - - - -
White - - -
Two or More Races or Ethnicities - - - -
LGBTQ+ - - - -
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background - - -
Director Independence
The Nasdaq marketplace rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominations committees be independent, or, if a listed company has no nominations committee, that director nominees be selected or recommended for the board’s selection by independent directors constituting a majority of the board’s independent directors. The Nasdaq marketplace rules further require that audit committee members satisfy independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and that compensation committee members satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act. If we are not listed on Nasdaq or another exchange or trading medium that does not have similar marketplace rules, then we may not continue to adhere to such rules and committee compositions and policies.
Our Board has affirmatively determined that each of Messrs. Shipley, Etten, Mariathasan, and Tarallo qualify as an independent director, as defined under the applicable corporate governance standards of Nasdaq.
Audit Committee
Our Board has established an Audit Committee, which as of the date of this report consists of three independent directors, Mr. Etten (Chairman), Mr. Shipley and Mr. Tarallo. The committee’s primary responsibilities include recommending the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm; evaluating the appointment, compensation and retention of our registered public accounting firm; receiving formal written statements from our independent registered public accounting firm regarding its independence, including a delineation of all relationships between it and the Company; reviewing with such independent registered public accounting firm the planning, scope and results of their audit of our financial statements; pre-approving the fees for services performed; reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the adequacy of internal control systems; reviewing our annual financial statements and periodic filings, and receiving our audit reports and financial statements. The Audit Committee also considers the effect on the Company of any changes in accounting principles or practices proposed by management or the independent registered public accounting firm, any changes in service providers, such as the accountants, that could impact the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, and any changes in schedules (such as fiscal or tax year-end changes) or structures or transactions that required special accounting activities, services or resources. The Audit Committee annually will conduct an enterprise fraud risk assessment, and generally will oversee the enterprise risk assessment, and management process framework to insure monitoring for identification, assessment and mitigation of all significant enterprise risk. The Audit Committee will oversee compliance with the code of ethics of the Company and assess waivers of the code. At least annually, the Audit Committee will review and approve all related party transactions that are required to be disclosed publicly in the Company SEC reports.
The Committee may act in reliance on management, the Company’s independent auditors, internal auditors, and advisors and experts, as it deems necessary or appropriate. The Committee has the power, in its discretion, to conduct any investigation it deems necessary or appropriate to enable it to carry out its duties.
The Board has determined that each of our Audit Committee members are independent of management and free of any relationships that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment and are independent, as that term is defined under the enhanced independence standards for audit committee members in the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder.
The Board has determined that Mr. Etten is an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in the rules promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2012. The Board has further determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee shall be financially literate and that at least one member of the committee has accounting or related financial management expertise, as such terms are interpreted by the Board in its business judgment.
Compensation Committee
Our Board has established a Compensation Committee, which as of the date of this report consists of three independent directors, Mr. Shipley (Chairman), Mr. Etten, and Mr. Mariathasan. The committee’s primary responsibilities include approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to executive officer compensation and evaluate executive officer performance in light of those goals and objectives, determining and approving executive officer compensation, including base salary and incentive awards, making recommendations to the Board regarding compensation plans, and administering our stock plan.
Our Compensation Committee determines and approves all elements of executive officer compensation. It also provides recommendations to the Board with respect to non-employee director compensation. The Compensation Committee may not delegate its authority to any other person, other than to a subcommittee.
The Company compensation policies for executive officers has two fundamental objectives: (i) to provide a competitive total compensation package that enables the Company to attract and retain highly qualified executives with the skills and experience required for the achievement of business goals; and (ii) to align certain compensation elements with the Company’s annual performance goals. With respect to each of the Company’s executive officers, the total compensation that may be awarded, including base salary, discretionary cash bonuses, annual stock incentive awards, stock options, restricted stock units and other equity awards, and other benefits and perquisites will be evaluated by the committee. Under certain circumstances, the committee may also award compensation payable upon termination of the executive officer under an employment agreement or severance agreement (if applicable). The Board recognizes that its overall goal is to award compensation that is reasonable when all elements of potential compensation are considered. The committee believes that cash compensation in the form of base salary and discretionary cash bonuses provides our executives with short-term rewards for success in operations, and that long-term compensation through the award of stock options, restricted stock units and other equity awards aligns the objectives of management with those of our stockholders with respect to long-term performance and success. The Board also has historically focused on the Company’s financial condition when making compensation decisions and approving performance objectives and compensation has been weighted more heavily toward equity-based compensation. The committee will continue to periodically reassess the appropriate weighting of cash and equity compensation in light of the Company’s expenditures in connection with commercial operations and its cash resources and working capital needs.
Nominating Committee
Our Board has established a Nominating Committee, which as of the date of this report consists of three independent directors, Mr. Mariathasan (Chairman), Mr. Etten, and Mr. Tarallo. The committee’s primary responsibilities include identifying individuals qualified to serve on the Board as directors and on committees of the Board, establishing procedures for evaluating the suitability of potential director nominees consistent with the criteria approved by the Board, reviewing the suitability for continued service as a director when his or her term expires and at such other times as the committee deems necessary or appropriate, and determining whether or not the director should be re-nominated, and reviewing the membership of the Board and its committees and recommending making changes, if any.
In evaluating director nominees, the Nominating Committee will generally consider the following factors:
● the appropriate size and composition of our Board of Directors;
● whether or not the person is an “independent” director as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) promulgated by the Nasdaq Stock Market;
● the needs of the Company with respect to the particular talents and experience of its directors;
● the knowledge, skills and experience of nominees in light of prevailing business conditions and the knowledge, skills and experience already possessed by other members of the Board of Directors;
● familiarity with national and international business matters and the requirements of the industry in which we operate;
● experience with accounting rules and practices;
● the desire to balance the considerable benefit of continuity with the periodic injection of the fresh perspective provided by new members; and
● all applicable laws, rules, regulations and listing standards, if applicable.
There are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees, although the committee may consider such factors as it may deem are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Nominating Committee also believes it is appropriate for certain key members of our management to participate as members of the Board of Directors.
The Nominating Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service, or if the Nominating Committee decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, the committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a prospective director nominee in light of the criteria above or determines to reduce the size of the Board. Research may also be performed to identify qualified individuals. To date, we have not engaged third parties to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying potential nominees, nor do we anticipate doing so in the future.
Stockholder Communications with Directors
Stockholders may communicate with the Board by sending a letter to the Corporate Secretary, CEA Industries Inc., 385 South Pierce Avenue, Suite C, Louisville, Colorado 80027. Each communication must set forth the name and address of the stockholder on whose behalf the communication is sent and should indicate in the address whether the communication is intended for the entire Board, the non-employee directors as a group or an individual director. Each communication will be screened by the Corporate Secretary or his designee to determine whether it is appropriate for presentation to the Board or any specified director(s). Examples of inappropriate communications include junk mail, spam, mass mailings, resumes, job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations and advertisements, as well as unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, unsuitable, frivolous, patently offensive or otherwise inappropriate material. Communications determined to be appropriate for presentation to the Board, or the director(s) to whom they are specifically addressed, will be submitted to the Board or such director(s) on a periodic basis. Any communications that concern accounting, internal control or auditing matters will be handled in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.
Code of Ethics
Our Board has adopted a Code of Ethics, which is available for review on our website at www.ceaindustries.com and is also available in print, without charge, to any stockholder who requests a copy by writing to us at CEA Industries Inc., 385 South Pierce Avenue, Suite C, Louisville, Colorado 80027 Attention: Corporate Secretary. Each of our directors, employees and officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, and all of our other principal executive officers, are required to comply with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. There have not been any waivers of the Code of Ethics relating to any of our executive officers or directors in the past year.
Insider Trading Arrangements and Policies
We have adopted an insider trading compliance policy governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of our securities by our directors, officers, and employees that we believe is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and the exchange listing standards applicable to us. The insider trading policy prohibits the use of material non-public information about the Company when making decisions to purchase, sell, give away or otherwise trade in the Company’s securities or to provide such information to others outside the Company. We have established black-out periods to which covered persons are subject related to the filing of our regular reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company may impose additional black-out periods from time to time as other types of material non-public information occur when material non-public events or disclosures are pending. Covered persons are permitted to trade in the Company’s securities only when there is no black-out period in effect and such trade has been pre-cleared by the appointed Company officer, or when a qualified 10b5-1 plan has been established in accordance with federal securities laws. No covered person has adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan during the last fiscal quarter of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
Clawback Policy
Our Board has adopted a written policy to recover “excess” compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a financial reporting measure. The compensation includes both cash-based and equity-based incentives. The compensation covered includes incentive awards awarded to any individuals (including former employees) who served as an executive officer during the three most recently completed fiscal years preceding the date on which the preparation of an accounting restatement is required, provided that the executive officers were awarded more incentive awards than they would have received if the financial statements had been prepared correctly. The recovery will include an executive incentive award even if the executive was not involved in preparing the financial statements or did not commit misconduct that led to the restatement. Restatements attributable to an inadvertent error also will subject executive officers to the recovery of previously received incentive awards.
Meetings and Committees of the Board
Our Board is responsible for overseeing the management of our business. We keep our directors informed of our business at meetings and through reports and analyses presented to the Board and the committees of the Board. Regular communications between our directors and management also occur outside of formal meetings of the Board and committees of the Board.
Meeting Attendance
Our Board generally holds meetings on a quarterly basis but may hold additional meetings as required. In 2024, the Board held 11 meetings. Most of our directors attended 100% of the Board meetings that were held during the periods when he was a director and each of our directors attended 100% of the meetings of each committee of the Board on which he served that were held during the periods that he served on such committee. The Board also took a number of actions by unanimous consent, pursuant to Nevada corporate law and our by-laws. We do not have a policy requiring that directors attend our annual meetings of stockholders.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board may, but is not required to, select a Chairman of the Board who presides over the meetings of the Board and meetings of the stockholders and performs such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board. The positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer may be filled by one individual or two different individuals. Currently the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are held by Mr. McDonald.
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
While risk management is primarily the responsibility of the Company’s management team, the Board is responsible for the overall supervision of the Company’s risk management activities. The Board as a whole has responsibility for risk oversight, and each Board committee has responsibility for reviewing certain risk areas and reporting to the full Board. The oversight responsibility of the Board and its committees is enabled by management reporting processes that are designed to provide visibility to the Board about the identification, assessment, and management of critical risks and management’s risk mitigation strategies in certain focus areas. These areas of focus include strategic, operational, financial and reporting, succession and compensation and other areas.
The Board oversees risks associated with their respective areas of responsibility. The Board oversees: (i) risks and exposures associated with our business strategy and other current matters that may present material risk to our financial performance, operations, prospects or reputation, (ii) risks and exposures associated with management succession planning and executive compensation programs and arrangements, including equity incentive plans, and (iii) risks and exposures associated with director succession planning, corporate governance, and overall board effectiveness.
Management provides regular updates to the Board regarding the management of the risks they oversee at each regular meeting of the Board. We believe that the Board’s role in risk oversight must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and that our existing Board’s role in risk oversight is appropriate. However, we continually re-examine the manners in which the Board administers its oversight function on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to meet the Company’s needs.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) requires our executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports filed by such persons.
Based solely on our review of the copies of reports furnished to us, other than as noted below, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, all executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners of our common stock complied with the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
Executive Officers
Executive officers are appointed by our Board and serve at its discretion. Set forth below is information regarding our executive officers as of the date of this report.
Name
Age
Positions
Anthony K. McDonald
Chief Executive Officer and President; Director (Mr. McDonald also serves as the company’s principal financial officer but is not designated with that or similar title.)
Mr. McDonald’s biographical information is included with such information for the other members of our Board.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Director Compensation Program
On December 16, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), the Board adopted a revised compensation plan for directors. The Plan was effective retroactively for the then current independent directors and provided compensation for subsequent directors elected or appointed after the Effective Date of the plan.
The Company will pay its independent directors an annual cash fee of $25,000, payable quarterly in advance on the first business day of each calendar quarter, prorated for the period of service in the year and which is consideration for their participation in: (i) any regular or special meetings of the Board or any committee thereof attended in person, (ii) any telephonic meeting of the Board or any committee thereof in which the director is a member, (iii) written consent actions, (iv) any non-meeting consultations with the Company’s management, and (iv) any other services provided by them in their capacities as directors (other than services as the Chairman of the Board, the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee, and the other Committees’ Chairman).
At the time of initial election or appointment, each independent director will receive an equity retention award in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The aggregate value of the RSUs at the time of grant will be $25,000, with the number of shares underlying the RSUs to be determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trade date immediately prior to the date of grant. Vesting of the RSUs will be as follows: (i) 50% at the time of grant, and (ii) 50% on the first anniversary of the grant date.
In addition, on the first business day of January each year, each independent director who was not initially appointed or elected in the previous year will receive an equity retention award in the form of RSUs. The aggregate value of the RSUs at the time of grant will be $25,000, with the number of shares underlying the RSUs to be determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trade date immediately prior to the date of grant. These RSUs will be fully vested at date of grant.
The Company will pay the Audit Committee Chairman an additional annual fee of $10,000, payable quarterly in advance on the first business day of each calendar quarter, prorated for the period of service in the year, for the services as the Audit Committee Chairman.
The Company will pay the Chairmen of any other committee of the Board an additional annual fee of $5,000, payable quarterly in advance on the first business day of each calendar quarter, prorated for the period of service in the year, for services as a Committee Chairman.
There is no additional compensation paid to members of any committee of the Board. Interested (i.e. Executive directors) serving on the Board do not receive compensation for their Board service.
Each director is responsible for the payment of any and all income taxes arising with respect to the issuance of common stock and the vesting and settlement of RSUs.
The Company will also reimburse directors for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending Board and committee meetings and undertaking certain matters on the Company’s behalf.
Indemnification; Insurance
Under the Nevada Revised Statutes and pursuant to our charter and bylaws, as currently in effect, the Company may indemnify the Company’s officers and directors for various expenses and damages resulting from their acting in these capacities. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our officers and directors pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and executive officers. The indemnification agreements are intended to provide the Company’s directors the maximum indemnification permitted under the Nevada Revised Statutes, unless otherwise limited by the Company’s charter and bylaws. Each indemnification agreement provides that the Company shall indemnify the director or executive officer who is a party to the agreement (an “Indemnitee”), including the advancement of legal expenses, if, by reason of his corporate status, the Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be, made a party to or a witness in any threatened, pending, or completed proceeding. Each indemnification agreement further provides that the applicable provisions of the Company’s charter and bylaws regarding indemnification shall control in the event of any conflict with any provisions of such indemnification agreements.
The Company may secure insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Company for any liability arising out of his actions, regardless of whether the Nevada Revised Statues would permit indemnification. The Company has obtained liability insurance for its officers and directors.
Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation earned by or awarded or paid in 2024 and 2023 to the individuals who served as our independent directors during such period.
Name Year Fees Earned or Paid in Cash (1) Stock Awards (2), (3), (4) Option Awards (5) Total
James R. Shipley $ 30,000 $ - $ - $ 30,000
$ 30,000 $ 25,000 $ - $ 55,000
Nicholas J. Etten $ 30,204 $ 25,000 $ - $ 55,204
$ 30,000 $ 25,000 $ - $ 55,000
Troy Reisner $ 35,000 $ 25,000 $ - $ 60,000
$ 35,000 $ 25,000 $ - $ 60,000
Marion Mariathasan $ 25,204 $ 25,000 $ - $ 50,204
$ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ - $ 50,000
Matthew Tarallo $ 1,019 $ 12,500 $ - $ 13,519
(1) Excludes reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
(2) Reflects grants to three independent directors of 3,788 each of restricted stock units on January 2, 2024, in connection with the director compensation plan. The shares vested immediately. Mr. Shipley declined this issuance.
(3) Reflects grants to each independent directors of 2,480 of restricted stock units on January 3, 2023, in connection with the director compensation plan. The shares vested immediately.
(4) Reflects grant to one independent directors of 3,058 of restricted stock units on December 17, 2024, in connection with his appointment. 1,529 shares were immediately vested and 1,529 will vest on December 17, 2025.
(5) Reflects the dollar amount of the grant date fair value of awards, measured in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 (“Topic 718”) without adjustment for estimated forfeitures. For a discussion of the assumptions used to calculate the value of equity awards, refer to Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 included in this Annual Report.
The aggregate number of non-qualified stock options and restricted stock units held as of December 31, 2024, by each independent director are as follows:
Name Shares Underlying Non-Qualified Stock Options (1) Shares Underlying Restricted Stock Units (2) Total
James R. Shipley -
Nicholas J. Etten -
Matthew Tarallo - 1,529 1,529
(1) Includes grant to each independent director on June 24, 2020 of 555 non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, a grant to each independent director on August 20, 2021 of non-qualified stock options to purchase 64 shares of the Company’s common stock, and a grant on January 3, 2022 of non-qualified stock options to purchase 260 shares of the Company’s common stock.
(2) Includes grant to one independent director on December 17, 2024 of restricted stock units to purchase 3,058 shares of the Company’s common stock. 1,529 shares vested and issued, 1,529 shares will vest on December 16, 2025. The grant was pursuant to the director’s initial election to the board.
Subsequent to the financial statement date, the following cash fees were paid to directors based on the December 16, 2024 compensation plan.
Name Cash Fees Paid
James R. Shipley $ 7,500
Nicholas J. Etten $ 8,750
Marion Mariathasan $ 7,500
Matthew Tarallo $ 6,250
$ 30,000
Subsequent to the financial statement date, the following restricted stock units were issued to directors based on the December 16, 2024 compensation plan.
Name Shares Underlying Restricted Stock Units
James R. Shipley 3,079
Nicholas J. Etten 3,079
Marion Mariathasan 3,079
9,237
These restricted stock units vested upon grant.
Executive Compensation
Summary Executive Compensation Table
The following table summarizes compensation earned by or awarded or paid to our named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Stock Awards (1) Option Awards (1) Non-equity Incentive Plan Compensation Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings All Other Compensation Total
Anthony K. McDonald - Chief Executive Officer and President (2) $ 350,000 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 21,656 $ 371,656
$ 350,000 $ 10,938 $ - $ 32,370 $ - $ - $ 22,245 $ 415,552
Ian K. Patel- Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer (3) $ 173,654 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 11,851 $ 185,505
$ 275,000 $ 6,445 $ - $ 19,075 $ - $ - $ 16,583 $ 317,103
(1) Reflects the dollar amount of the grant date fair value of awards granted in 2023 or 2024, measured in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 (“Topic 718”) without adjustment for estimated forfeitures. For a discussion of the assumptions used to calculate the value of equity awards, refer to Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, included in this Annual Report.
(2) Mr. McDonald was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President in November 2018. Amounts presented include all compensation for Mr. McDonald for the full 2024 and 2022 years. The 2023 bonuses were paid in recognition of services rendered and contributions to the Company’s performance in the prior year, in respect of the 2021 Annual Incentive Plan. 2023 option awards include non-qualified stock options to purchase 3,054 shares of common stock which vested upon grant. Other compensation in 2024 and 2023 includes (i) employer-paid portion of health plan benefits ($8,456 and $9,045, respectively), and (ii) employer matching contributions under our 401(k) plan ($13,200 and $13,200, respectively).
(3) Mr. Patel was appointed Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer in March 2022. Amounts presented include all compensation for Mr. Patel for 2024 and 2023. The 2023 bonus was paid in recognition of services rendered and contributions to the Company’s performance in the prior year, in respect of the 2021 Annual Incentive Plan. 2023 option awards include non-qualified stock options to purchase 1,800 shares of common stock which vested upon grant. The options were awarded in recognition of services rendered and contributions to the Company’s performance in the prior year, pursuant to the 2021 Annual Incentive Plan. Other compensation in 2024 and 2023 includes (i) employer-paid portion of health plan benefits ($6,055 and $5,325, respectively), and (ii) employer matching contributions under our 401(k) plan ($5,796 and $11,258, respectively). Mr. Patel’s employment was terminated effective June 4, 2024.
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following table sets forth certain information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2024.
Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options Option Exercise Price Option Expiration Date Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (1)
Anthony K. McDonald (1) (2) (3) (4) 2,778 - - $ 160.20 11/28/2028 - - - -
- - $ 126.00 1/2/2030 - - - -
- - $ 234.00 2/16/2031 - - - -
3,772 - - $ 88.20 11/24/2031 - - - -
- - $ 30.12 4/1/2032 - - - -
3,054 - - $ 10.80 3/31/2033 - - - -
11,078
Ian K. Patel (6) (7) - - $ 26.40 3/11/2032 - - - -
1,799 - - $ 10.80 3/31/2033 - - - -
2,633
(1) On November 28, 2018, we granted to Mr. McDonald non-qualified stock options to purchase 2,778 shares of common stock under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, of which: (i) 556 options vested and became exercisable on the grant date, (ii) 1,112 options vested and became exercisable on December 31, 2019, and (iii) 1,111 options vested and became exercisable on December 31, 2020. On January 2, 2020, we granted to Mr. McDonald non-qualified stock options to purchase 556 shares of common stock under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan in recognition of his performance during 2019, which options vested and became exercisable on the grant date. On February 16, 2021, we granted to Mr. McDonald non-qualified stock options to purchase 149 shares of common stock under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan in recognition of his performance during 2020, which options vested and became exercisable on the grant date.
(2) On November 24, 2021, we granted to Mr. McDonald non-qualified stock options to purchase 371 shares of common stock under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, of which: (i) 42 options vested and became exercisable on the grant date, (ii) 41 options vested and became exercisable on November 24, 2022, and (iii) 41 options vested and became exercisable on November 24, 2023. Also on November 24, 2021, we granted to Mr. McDonald incentive stock options to purchase 3,401 shares of common stock under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan of which: (i) 378 options vested and became exercisable on the grant date, (ii) 378 options vested and became exercisable on November 24, 2022, and (iii) 378 options vested and became exercisable on November 24, 2023. These grants were in accordance with a new Executive Employment Agreement effective November 24, 2021.
(3) On November 24, 2021, we granted Mr. McDonald 567 restricted shares of common stock under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, in accordance with a new Executive Employment Agreement effective November 24, 2021.
(4) On April 1, 2022, we granted Mr. McDonald non-qualified stock options to purchase 769 shares of common stock under out 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, in respect to our 2021 Annual Incentive Plan. The options vested and became exercisable upon grant.
(5) On March 31, 2023, we granted Mr. McDonald non-qualified stock options to purchase 3,054 shares of common stock under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, in respect to our 2021 Annual Incentive Plan. The options vested and became exercisable upon grant.
(6) On March 11, 2022, we granted to Mr. Patel non-qualified stock options to purchase 1,250 shares of common stock under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, of which: 167 options vested and became exercisable on the grant date. The balance of the non-qualified options vest and become exercisable as follows: (i) 250 on March 11, 2023, (ii) 417 on March 11, 2024, and (iii) 417 on March 11, 2025. These options were in accordance with his Employment Agreement effective March 11, 2022. All unvested options were cancelled upon Mr. Patel’s termination.
(7) On March 31, 2023, we granted Mr. Patel non-qualified stock options to purchase 1,799 shares of common stock under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, in respect to our 2021 Annual Incentive Plan. The options vested and became exercisable upon grant.
Compensation Arrangements with Named Executive Officers
Anthony K. McDonald
On November 24, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. McDonald, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President. The initial term of the employment agreement commenced on November 24, 2021, for a one-year term that is automatically extended for an additional three years upon completion by the Company of a “qualified offering.” After the initial term (as may be extended), the employment agreement automatically renews for one-year periods unless notice of non-renewal is given 90 days prior to the end of the then expiring term. A qualified offering is (A) the closing of a sale of the securities of the Company, whether in a private placement or pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, or (B) the occurrence of an up-listing event (i.e., having the Company’s stock quoted on an alternative trading platform from the Over-the-Counter (OTC) exchange to a major stock exchange).
Mr. McDonald will be paid an annualized base salary of $275,000 per year, which increased to $350,000 per year upon the completion of the Qualified Offering on February 15, 2022. The base salary will be reviewed at least annually prior to the end of each calendar year to ascertain whether, in the judgment of the board of directors, it should be increased for the next calendar year. Mr. McDonald is eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus under the Company’s annual incentive compensation plan and policy for each full completed calendar year of employment during the term as determined by the board of directors in its sole discretion. Mr. McDonald will be eligible for an annual target bonus of fifty percent of the base salary. Payment of the annual bonus may be made in the form of cash, stock, or a combination thereof, as determined in the sole discretion of the board of directors. Mr. McDonald will also receive an immediate cash amount of $50,000, payable promptly after the signing of the employment agreement.
Mr. McDonald, at the signing of the employment agreement was issued 5,753 shares of common stock, which has an aggregate fair market value of $50,000, and was paid a gross up on that amount for federal state and local income tax. Mr. McDonald was awarded a stock option to purchase 3,772 shares of common stock under the 2021 Stock Award Plan, that was approved by shareholders, with an exercise price of $88.20 per share, the price of a share of common stock on the day immediately prior to the signing of the employment agreement. The vesting of the options is at the rate of one-third on each of the date of the signing of the employment agreement and the first and second anniversary of the signing of the employment agreement. The option, once vested, is exercisable for ten years from the date the employment contract was signed. Vesting will be accelerated upon a change of control of the Company and certain termination events.
Mr. McDonald is entitled to participate in the Company employee benefit plans, including any group health and welfare insurance and profit sharing and 401(k) plans that are sponsored generally by the Company for its employees, as may be offered from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time. Mr. McDonald will be entitled to vacation, personal days, sick days and expense reimbursement. If Mr. McDonald’s employment is terminated for cause, due to death, due to disability or voluntary resignation, he will be paid his base salary to the date of termination, any unpaid annual bonus, COBRA benefits and any unpaid expense reimbursement. If he is terminated without cause or he resigns for good reason, then he will be paid one year’s base salary, and the annual bonus for that year. The employment agreement has typical activity restrictions for non-solicitation of customers and employees of the Company and covenants for confidentiality, non-competition, inventions and protection of Company intellectual property.

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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
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth the shares of our common stock beneficially owned by (i) each of our directors, (ii) each of our named executive officers, (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group, and (iv) all persons known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock as of the date of the filing of this report.
The Company has determined the beneficial ownership shown on this table in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Under these rules, shares are considered beneficially owned if held by the person indicated, or if such person, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares the power to vote, to direct the voting of and/or to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such shares. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of shares if that person has the right to acquire such shares within 60 days through the exercise of any warrant, option or right or through conversion of a security. Except as otherwise indicated in the accompanying footnotes, the information in the table below is based on information as of March 27, 2025. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the following table, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to shares of common and preferred stock and the address for such person is c/o CEA Industries Inc. 385 South Pierce Avenue, Suite C, Louisville, CO 80027.
Common Stock
Name of Beneficial Owner Number of Shares Owned Beneficially (1) Percentage of Class (2)
Directors
Anthony K. McDonald (3) 19,025 2.4 %
Nicholas J. Etten (4) 10,227 1.3 %
Marion Mariathasan (5) 9,627 1.2 %
James R. Shipley (6) 3,959 * %
Matthew Tarallo (7) 1,529 * %
Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (8) 44,367 5.5 %
5% or More Stockholders
Lance Finlinson (9) 67,164 8.4 %
Equity Group LLC, Rochel M. Kassiere and Chaim Herzog (10) 61,308 7.6 %
*Represents less than 0.1%.
(1) Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.
(2) Based on a total of 802,346 shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding as of March 27, 2025.
(3) Includes (i) 7,947 shares of common stock held of record, and (ii) 11,078 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days.
(4) Includes (i) 7,947 shares of common stock held of record, and (ii) 880 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days.
(5) Includes 9,628 shares of common stock held of record.
(6) Includes (i) 3,079 shares of common stock held of record, and (ii) 880 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days.
(7) Includes 1,529 shares of common stock held of record. Does not include 1,529 shares of common stock subject to unvested equity awards.
(8) Includes (i) 30,001 shares of common stock held of record, and (ii) 12,838 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days. Does not include 1,529 shares of common stock subject to unvested equity awards.
(9) As reported on Form 13D filed by Lance Finlinson dated November 30, 2023, as adjusted for the reverse stock split effected June 4, 2024.
(10) As reported on Form 13D, Amendment No. 1, filed jointly by 111 Equity Group LLC, Rochel M. Kassirer, and Chaim Herzog dated June 26, 2024.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Transactions with Related Parties
The Company entered into a manufacturer representative agreement with RSX Enterprises (“RSX”) in March 2021 to become a non-exclusive representative for the Company to assist in marketing and soliciting orders. James R. Shipley, one of our independent directors, has a significant ownership interest in RSX.
Under the manufacturer representative agreement, RSX will act as a non-exclusive representative for the Company within the United States, Canada and Mexico and may receive a commission for qualified customer leads. The agreement had an initial term through December 31, 2021 with automatic one-year renewal terms unless notice is given 90 days prior to each annual expiration. During the years ended December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the Company paid $6,763 and $18,273, respectively, in commissions under this agreement.
On October 13, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with Lone Star Bioscience, Inc. (Lone Star) to provide engineering design services. Nicholas Etten, one of our independent directors, is the Chief Executive Officer of Lone Star. The balance due under this agreement totaled $2,500, with $1,250 received as a deposit in 2022. Another agreement for engineering services was signed on December 20, 2022, in the amount of $10,900. We entered into positive change orders in March 2023 of $3,577, increasing the total of the second sales order to $14,477. No transactions were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2024, in respect of these agreements.
On June 19, 2024, the Company engaged Nicholas J. Etten, a director of the Company, to provide services covering transaction sourcing and evaluation, in the Company’s effort to arrange for a merger, acquisition, combination or other strategic transaction. Mr. Etten has a background in corporate development and investment banking in multiple industries. Mr. Etten will be paid a weekly fee of $2,500. It is expected that Mr. Etten will provide a minimum of 10 hours per week, up to a maximum of 40 hours a month, as determined by the Company and Mr. Etten. The consulting agreement will be on a month-to-month basis, and either the Company or Mr. Etten may terminate the arrangement on five days’ notice. The Company has agreed to indemnify Mr. Etten in respect of his services to the Company under the agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company paid Mr. Etten $58,250 in respect of services related to this agreement.
During 2024, except as discussed above, there have been no transactions in which the Company was or is a participant, and there are no currently proposed transactions in which the Company is to be a participant, in which the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the Company’s average assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any director, executive officer or beneficial holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities or member of such person’s immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Company Policy Regarding Related Party Transactions
The Company has procedures in place for the review, approval and monitoring of transactions involving the Company and certain persons related to the Company. The Company has a code of business conduct and ethics that generally prohibits any employee, officer or director from engaging in any transaction where there is a conflict between such individual’s personal interest and the interests of the Company. Waivers to the code of business conduct and ethics can generally only be obtained from the Audit Committee of the Board and are publicly disclosed as required by applicable law and regulations.
In addition, the Audit Committee of the Board will review all related party transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis (if such transactions are not reviewed and overseen by another independent body of the Board). In accordance with that policy, the Audit Committee’s practice is to review and oversee any transactions that are reportable as related party transactions under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and SEC rules and regulations. Management advises the Board on a regular basis of any such transaction that is proposed to be entered into or continued and seeks approval.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Sadler, Gibb & Associates, L.L.C. (“SGA”) has acted as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023. SGA has advised us that neither the firm nor any present member or associate of it has any material financial interest, direct or indirect, in the Company or its affiliates.
The following table summarizes the fees for SGA for the year ended December 31, 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Audit Fees $ 108,385 $ 111,000
Audit-Related Fees 16,707 2,725
Tax Fees 10,090 (1) 10,943 (2)
Total $ 135,182 $ 124,668
(1) Tax fees in 2024 relate to tax returns for the 2023 year.
(2) Tax fees in 2023 relate to tax returns for the 2022 year.
Audit Fees. Audit fees consist of fees billed by our independent registered public accounting firms for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, and the review of our consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports.
Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related services consist of fees billed by our independent registered public accounting firms for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include the review of our proxy statement.
Tax Fees. Tax fees consist of fees billed by our independent registered public accounting firms for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. These services include assistance regarding federal, state, and local tax compliance.
All Other Fees. All other fees would include fees for products and services other than the services reported above.
Pre-Approval Policy
Our Audit Committee of the Board pre-approves all services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
a. Documents Filed as Part of this Report
The following consolidated financial statements of CEA Industries Inc. are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Financial Statements Page(s)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID NO: 3627) -
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
b. Exhibits
See “Exhibit Index” on the page following the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes and the signature page to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
c. Financial Statement Schedules
No financial statement schedules are filed herewith because (i) such schedules are not required, or (ii) the information has been presented in the aforementioned financial statements.