Apyx Medical Corp

Previous wording

Inflation in the United States has recently accelerated and is currently expected to continue at an elevated level in the near-term. Higher inflation and interest rates could have an adverse impact on our operating expenses and our credit facilities. There is no guarantee we will be able to mitigate the impact of inflation. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to combat inflation and restore price stability. Increases in interest rates on any of our debt will result in higher debt service costs, which will adversely affect our cash flows. Higher interest rates can also impact our customers’ ability to purchase capital. We cannot assure you that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings. Such future constraints could increase our borrowing costs, which would make it more difficult or expensive to obtain additional financing or refinance existing obligations and commitments, which could slow or deter future growth.

Current wording

We are in an inflationary period in the United States and is expected to continue at an elevated level in the near-term. Higher inflation and interest rates could have an adverse impact on our operating expenses and our credit facilities. There is no guarantee we will be able to mitigate the impact of inflation. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to combat inflation and restore price stability. Increases in interest rates on any of our debt will result in higher debt service costs, which will adversely affect our cash flows. Higher interest rates can also impact our customers’ ability to purchase capital. We cannot assure you that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings. Such future constraints could increase our borrowing costs, which would make it more difficult or expensive to obtain additional financing or refinance existing obligations and commitments, which could slow or deter future growth.

Previous wording

Due to our recurring net losses and the continued impact of the FDA Safety Communication on demand for the adoption and utilization of our technology, we may need to raise additional capital to fund our future operations. Our cash needs will depend on numerous factors, including our revenues, successful completion of our FDA product clearance activities, our continued ability to commercialize our advanced energy products, and our ability to reduce and control costs. If we are unable to secure such additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, it will have a material adverse effect on our business, and we may have to limit operations in a manner inconsistent with our growth strategy. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, it will be dilutive to our stockholders and could result in a decrease in our stock price. If we are unable to obtain the requisite amount of financing needed to fund our planned operations, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and ability to continue as a going concern.

Current wording

Due to our recurring net losses and the continued level of demand for the adoption and utilization of our technology, we may need to raise additional capital to fund our future operations. Our cash needs will depend on numerous factors, including our revenues, successful completion of our FDA product clearance activities, our continued ability to commercialize our advanced energy products, and our ability to reduce and control costs. If we are unable to secure such additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, it will have a material adverse effect on our business, and we may have to limit operations in a manner inconsistent with our growth strategy. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, it will be dilutive to our stockholders and could result in a decrease in our stock price. If we are unable to obtain the requisite amount of financing needed to fund our planned operations, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and ability to continue as a going concern.

Previous wording

Our ability to successfully commercialize our products will depend on a number of factors, any of which could delay or prevent commercialization, including:

Current wording

Our ability to successfully commercialize our products, including AYON, which we expect to launch during 2025, will depend on a number of factors, any of which could delay or prevent commercialization, including:

Previous wording

We have been issued 39 patents in the United States and 46 foreign patents. We have 17 pending patent applications in the United States and 48 pending foreign applications. Our intellectual property portfolio for our Renuvion and J-Plasma products continues to grow on an annual basis. We intend to continue to seek legal protection, primarily through patents, for our proprietary technology. Seeking patent protection is a lengthy and costly process and there can be no assurance that patents will be issued from any pending applications, or that any claims allowed from existing or pending patents will be sufficiently broad or strong to protect our proprietary technology. There is also no guarantee that any patents we hold will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or that the patent rights granted will provide competitive advantages to us. Our competitors have developed, and may continue to develop and obtain, patents for technologies that are similar or superior to our technologies. In addition, the laws of foreign jurisdictions in which we develop, manufacture or sell our products may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States.

Current wording

We have been issued 38 patents in the United States and 57 foreign patents. We have 14 pending patent applications in the United States and 19 pending foreign applications. Our intellectual property portfolio for our Renuvion and J-Plasma products continues to grow on an annual basis. We intend to continue to seek legal protection, primarily through patents, for our proprietary technology. Seeking patent protection is a lengthy and costly process and there can be no assurance that patents will be issued from any pending applications, or that any claims allowed from existing or pending patents will be sufficiently broad or strong to protect our proprietary technology. There is also no guarantee that any patents we hold will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or that the patent rights granted will provide competitive advantages to us. Our competitors have developed, and may continue to develop and obtain, patents for technologies that are similar or superior to our technologies. In addition, the laws of foreign jurisdictions in which we develop, manufacture or sell our products may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States.

Previous wording

The success of our business depends on the quality of our products, and we have global processes, procedures and programs that are intended to help us maintain the highest possible level of quality. We operate in an industry susceptible to significant product liability claims; these claims may be brought by individuals seeking relief on their own behalf or purporting to represent a class. Quality is extremely important to us and our customers due to the impact on patients, and the serious and potentially costly consequences of product failure. Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture, and marketing of medical devices. If they were to occur, component failures, manufacturing nonconformances, design defects, off-label use, or inadequate disclosure of product-related risks or product related information, could result in an unsafe condition, injury to, or even death of, a patient. These problems could lead to recall or issuance of safety notices relating to our products and could result in product liability claims and lawsuits, including class actions. Even if our product is not found at fault, we may incur significant legal fees as well as potential losses in excess of insurance coverage associated with product liability.

Current wording

The success of our business depends on the quality of our products, and we have global processes, procedures and programs that are intended to help us maintain the highest possible level of quality. We operate in an industry susceptible to significant product liability claims; these claims may be brought by individuals seeking relief on their own behalf or purporting to represent a class. Quality is extremely important to us and our customers due to the potential impact on patients, and the serious and potentially costly consequences of product failure. Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture, and marketing of medical devices. If they were to occur, component failures, manufacturing nonconformances, design defects, off-label use, or inadequate disclosure of product-related risks or product related information, could result in an unsafe condition, injury to, or even death of, a patient. These problems could lead to recall or issuance of safety notices relating to our products and could result in product liability claims and lawsuits, including class actions. Even if our product is not found at fault, we may incur significant legal fees as well as potential losses in excess of insurance coverage associated with product liability.

Previous wording

Most countries where we sell medical devices subject our technologies to their own approval and other regulatory requirements regarding performance, safety, and quality. The global regulatory environment is increasingly challenging and stringent. Countries that did not have regulatory requirements for medical devices have established such requirements in recent years, and other countries have expanded, or plan to expand, their existing regulations. While there are some efforts at some harmonization of global regulations, requirements continue to differ significantly among countries. We expect that as this global regulatory environment continues to evolve, it could impact the cost, the time needed to approve, and ultimately, our ability to maintain existing approvals or obtain future approvals for our products. Regulations of the the FDA and other regulatory agencies in and outside the U.S. impose significant compliance and monitoring obligations on our business.

Current wording

Most countries where we sell medical devices subject our technologies to their own approval and other regulatory requirements regarding performance, safety, and quality. The global regulatory environment is increasingly challenging and stringent. Countries that did not have regulatory requirements for medical devices have established such requirements in recent years, and other countries have expanded, or plan to expand, their existing regulations. While there are some efforts at some harmonization of global regulations, requirements continue to differ significantly among countries. We expect that as this global regulatory environment continues to evolve, it could impact the cost, the time needed to approve, and ultimately, our ability to maintain existing approvals or obtain future approvals for our products. Regulations of the FDA and other regulatory agencies in and outside the U.S. impose significant compliance and monitoring obligations on our business.

Previous wording

If the FDA were to conclude that we are not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations, or that any of our medical products are ineffective or pose an unreasonable health risk, they could ban such medical products, determine that our products are adulterated or misbranded, order a recall, repair, replacement, correction, or refund of such products, refuse to grant pending pre-market clearances or approvals, refuse to issue export certificates for foreign governments, or require us to notify health professionals and others that the devices present unreasonable risks of substantial harm to the public health.

Current wording

If the FDA were to conclude that we are not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations, or that any of our medical products are ineffective or pose an unreasonable health risk, they could ban such medical products, determine that our products are adulterated or misbranded, order a recall, repair, replacement, correction, or refund of such products. The FDA may also refuse to grant pending pre-market clearances or approvals, refuse to issue export certificates for foreign governments, or require us to notify health professionals and others that the devices present unreasonable risks of substantial harm to the public health.

Previous wording

In the EU, a single regulatory approval process exists, and conformity with the legal requirements is represented by the CE Mark. To obtain a CE Mark, defined products must meet minimum standards of performance, safety, and quality (i.e., the essential requirements), and then, according to their classification, comply with one or more of a selection of conformity assessment routes. The competent authorities of the EU countries separately regulate the clinical research for medical devices and the market surveillance of products once they are placed on the market. A new Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices, or “EU MDR”, came into effect in May 2017, which imposes significant additional premarket and post-market requirements.

Current wording

In the EU, all medical devices must carry the CE marking before being sold in the EU. The CE mark represents compliance with the minimum standards of performance, safety, and quality (i.e., the essential requirements). Based on the device classification, a conformity assessment route is selected. An accredited notified body provides an assessment and issues the certificate. The competent authorities of the EU countries separately regulate the clinical research for medical devices and the market surveillance of products once they are placed on the market. A new Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices, or European Union Medical Device Regulation (“EU MDR”), was published in May 2017, which imposes significant additional premarket and post-market requirements. The Essential Requirements have been revised and are now referred to as the General Safety and Performance Requirements.

Previous wording

The EU MDR represents the first major change to the EU medical device regulatory environment, has significantly raised the compliance bar for the medical device industry, and will cause significant changes to the regulatory obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors involved in the medical device distribution chain. Classification has changed for some product categories, and strict new requirements have been imposed on clinical data, risk management, post market surveillance, and supplier management. Penalties for regulatory non-compliance could be severe, including fines and revocation or suspension of a company’s business license, and criminal sanctions. The regulation initially provided a three-year implementation period to May 2020, but that timeline was delayed to May 2021 due to the global pandemic and its impact on audits and technical file review by Notified Bodies. After that time, medical devices marketed in the EU will require certification according to these new requirements, except for devices with valid CE certificates, issued pursuant to the Medical Device Directives before May 2020, which can be placed in the market until May 2024.

Current wording

The EU MDR represents the first major change to the EU medical device regulatory environment since the 1990s when the Medical Device Directive (“MDD”) was put into effect. The EU MDR supersedes the MDD and has significantly raised the compliance bar for the medical device industry and will cause significant changes to the regulatory obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors involved in the medical device distribution chain. Classification has changed for some product categories, and strict new requirements have been imposed on clinical data, risk management, post market surveillance, and supplier management. Penalties for regulatory non-compliance could be severe, including fines and revocation or suspension of a company’s business license, and criminal sanctions. The regulation initially provided a three-year implementation period to May 2020, but that timeline was delayed to May 2021 due to the global pandemic and its impact on audits and technical file review by Notified Bodies. After that time, medical devices marketed in the EU will require certification according to these new requirements, except for devices with valid CE certificates, issued pursuant to the Medical Device Directives before May 2020, which can be placed in the market until May 2024. Additionally, due to the initial delay in the date of application and the reduction in accredited notified bodies, an extension was provided to the validity of MDD certificates. Devices which have a MDD certificate and have met the extension requirements set forth in the EU MDR may be placed on the market until December 31, 2028. High risk devices and implants have a shorter certificate extension period (December 31, 2027).

Previous wording

We are subject to governmental export controls and economic sanctions that could impair our ability to compete in international markets due to licensing requirements and subject us to potential liability if we are not in compliance with applicable laws. Any non-compliance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

We are subject to governmental export controls and economic sanctions that could impair our ability to compete in international markets due to licensing requirements and subject us to potential liability if we are not in compliance with applicable laws. Any non-compliance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

We take specific measures that are designed to ensure our compliance with U.S. export and economic sanctions laws, including training our employees and maintaining policies for managing employee conduct. We may engage third-party agents, intermediaries, or distributors to act on our behalf in certain countries, and if these third-party agents or intermediaries violate applicable laws, their actions may result in criminal or civil fines or penalties or other sanctions being assessed against us. We cannot provide assurances that our internal controls and procedures will guarantee compliance by our employees or third parties with whom we work. Additionally, it is possible that some of our products have or will be sold to distributors or other parties, without our knowledge or consent, in violation of applicable law and there can be no assurances that we will be in compliance with such rules and regulations in the future. Any such violation could result in significant criminal or civil fines, penalties, or other consequences, including reputational harm, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

We take specific measures that are designed to ensure our compliance with U.S. export and economic sanctions laws, including training our employees and maintaining policies for managing employee conduct. We may engage third-party agents, intermediaries, or distributors to act on our behalf in certain countries, and if these third-party agents or intermediaries violate applicable laws, their actions may result in criminal or civil fines or penalties or other sanctions being assessed against us. We cannot provide assurances that our internal controls and procedures will guarantee compliance by our employees or third parties with whom we work. Additionally, it is possible that some of our products have or will be sold to distributors or other parties, without our knowledge or consent, in violation of applicable law and there can be no assurances that we will be in compliance with such rules and regulations in the future. Any such violation could result in significant criminal or civil fines, penalties, or other consequences, including reputational harm, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “APYX”. The market price of our stock has been, and may continue to be, highly volatile and announcements by us or by third parties may have a significant impact on our stock price. These announcements may include:

Current wording

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “APYX”. The market price of our stock has been, and may continue to be, highly volatile and announcements by us or by third parties may have a significant impact on our stock price. These announcements may include:

Previous wording

We currently do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, and we are subject to restrictions on our ability to pay dividends pursuant to our credit agreement executed in November 2023. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance operations and invest in our business. Any declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends, and other considerations that our board of directors deems relevant.

Current wording

We currently do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, and we are subject to restrictions on our ability to pay dividends pursuant to our credit agreement executed in November 2023 and as amended in November 2024. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance operations and invest in our business. Any declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends, and other considerations that our board of directors deems relevant.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, our outstanding stock options to our employees, officers, directors and consultants amounted to 7,342,883 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 21.2% of our outstanding common stock. In connection with the execution of the MidCap Credit Agreement and the Perceptive Credit Agreement, we issued warrants to purchase 1,500,000 shares of our commons stock, representing approximately 4.3% of our outstanding common stock.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding stock options to our employees, officers, directors and consultants amounted to 7,638,458 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 20.2% of our outstanding common stock. In connection with the execution of the MidCap Credit Agreement and the Perceptive Credit Agreement, we issued warrants to purchase 1,500,000 shares of our commons stock, representing approximately 4.0% of our outstanding common stock. Additionally, in the registered direct offering that we completed in November 2024, we issued 2,934,690 pre-funded warrants which will have a dilutive effect on our common stock outstanding when exercised. As of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, the dilution is 7.8%.

Previous wording

Our business is dependent on the security of our IT networks and those of our customers. Internal or external attacks on any of those could disrupt the normal operations of our engagements and impede our ability to provide critical services to our customers, thereby subjecting us to liability under our contracts. Additionally, our business involves the use, storage and transmission of information about our employees, our customers and clients of our customers. While we take measures to protect the security of, and unauthorized access to, our systems, as well as the privacy of personal and proprietary information, it is possible that our security controls over our systems, as well as other security practices we follow or those systems of our customers into which we operate and rely upon, may not prevent the improper access to or disclosure of personally identifiable or proprietary information. Such disclosure could harm our reputation and subject us to liability under our contracts and laws that protect personal data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenue.

Current wording

Our business is dependent on the security of our IT networks and those of our customers. Internal or external attacks on any of those could disrupt the normal operations of our engagements and impede our ability to provide critical services to our customers, thereby subjecting us to liability under our contracts. Additionally, our business involves the use, storage and transmission of information about our employees, our customers and clients of our customers. We take measures to protect the security of, and unauthorized access to, our systems, as well as the privacy of personal and proprietary information. However, despite these preventative measures, it is possible that our security controls over our systems, as well as other security practices we follow or those systems of our customers into which we operate and rely upon, may not prevent the improper access to or disclosure of personally identifiable or proprietary information. Such disclosure could harm our reputation and subject us to liability under our contracts and laws that protect personal data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenue.