CPS TECHNOLOGIES CORP/DE/
For the period ended Dec 28, 2024. Filed Mar 17, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 17, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-30; filed 2024-03-14.
0001437749-24-007808
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-28; filed 2025-03-17.
0001437749-25-008029
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 41 previous paragraphs and 44 current paragraphs.
27 unchanged; 11 reworded; 6 added; 3 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 4 previous and 5 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (6)
Current report
Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates can negatively impact our ability to compete against foreign based competitors.
Current report
Several of our major competitors are located outside of the United States. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar compared to such competitors’ respective local currencies makes our products more expensive to our customers relative to our competitors’ prices. Such circumstances could result in a reduction in product pricing (and profitability) in order to maintain or grow our current levels of business. If we are unable or unwilling to reduce pricing of our products to the level necessary to maintain current business levels, we could see an overall reduction in revenue.
Current report
Our dependence on outside vendors to perform particular steps in our manufacturing process could negatively impact us should those vendors be unable or unwilling to provide such service at a reasonable cost.
Current report
Several of our major customers require that we use only vendors approved by them for certain steps, typically plating, of our manufacturing process before the finished product can be shipped to the customer and recognized as revenue. In some cases these vendors are sole sourced, i.e., one vendor is the only vendor approved for that process. If that vendor raises their price to us, we may not be able to pass that increase on to our customer, eroding our margins. If we are able to pass along these increases, that could negatively impact our sales volumes if our customer shifts some of their purchases to a lower priced competitor. If a sole sourced vendor is unable to process our product fast enough to meet our customer’s demand, or if they do not process our product at all, our expected revenue could be negatively affected despite our ability to produce enough to meet that demand.*** ***
Current report
Changes in trade policy could seriously impact our business.
Current report
Most of our raw materials are domestically sourced by CPS. However, some of those raw materials may originate in countries other than the United States. Should tariffs be imposed on any of these countries of origin, our vendors would likely increase their price to us to cover the cost of these tariffs. We may not be able to pass these cost increases on to our customers in a timely manner, therefore eroding our margins. A significant portion of our business is exported to customers outside the United States. Should their countries impose tariffs on US goods, including ours, we could find ourselves at a competitive disadvantage in relation to our competitors, some of whom are located outside the United States.
Removed paragraphs (3)
Previous report
A pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease in the United States or worldwide may adversely affect our business.
Previous report
Our operations expose us to risks associated with pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that subsequently spread around the world. Outbreaks such as these have resulted, and can continue to result, in governments around the world implementing increasingly stringent measures to help control the spread, including quarantines, "shelter in place" and "stay at home" orders, travel restrictions, business curtailments, school closures, and other measures. Government imposed requirements regarding vaccines, testing etc., could negatively impact the Company’s ability to hire or retain certain employees who are important to our business operations. These actions with respect to the COVID-19 outbreak have negatively impacted, and could continue to have negative impacts on, our operations, supply chain, transportation networks, customers and employees. Any continuing economic downturn as a result of this pandemic could adversely affect, demand for our products, and negatively impact our business or results of operations through the temporary closure of our operating locations or those of our customers or suppliers.
Previous report
The extent to which a COVID-19 resurgence may adversely impact our business depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable, including new information concerning the severity of an outbreak and the effectiveness of actions globally to contain or mitigate its effects, including the deployment and efficacy of vaccines.
Reworded paragraphs (11)
Previous wording
Three customers accounted for 60% of revenue in 2023 and 53% of revenue in 2022. We believe that our relationships with these customers are positive and may provide us with ongoing continuous sustainability for years to come, however a large customer, if lost, would be difficult to be replace, and our inability to do so may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We expect that orders from a relatively limited number of customers will continue to account for a substantial portion of our business. The mix and type of customers, and sales to any single customer, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year. If any of our significant customers do not place orders, or they substantially reduce, delay or cancel orders, we may not be able to replace the business in a timely manner or at all, which can and has had a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Major customers may also seek, and on occasion receive, pricing, payment or other commercial terms that are less favorable to us and can hurt our competitive position.
Current wording
Three customers accounted for 58% of revenue in 2024 and 60% of revenue in 2023. We believe that our relationships with these customers are positive and may provide us with ongoing continuous sustainability for years to come. However, a large customer, if lost, would be difficult to replace, and our inability to do so may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We expect that orders from a relatively limited number of customers will continue to account for a substantial portion of our business. The mix and type of customers, and sales to any single customer, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year. If any of our significant customers do not place orders, or they substantially reduce, delay or cancel orders, we may not be able to replace the business in a timely manner or at all, which can have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Major customers may also seek, and on occasion receive, pricing, payment or other commercial terms that are less favorable to us and can hurt our competitive position.
Previous wording
The sales cycle for our products is often lengthy, ranging from several months to several years. In many cases potential customers must evaluate the properties of our product against their current solution, which may not be as robust as the CPS solution, but is often less expensive. In many cases potential customers must redesign other components of the end product they are making to realize the full benefits of using our products. The lengthy sales cycle makes forecasting the volume and timing of sales difficult and raises additional risks that customers may cancel or delay introduction of their end-products into the marketplace, thus affecting our demand. The length of the sales cycle depends on the size and complexity of the project, and the depth of the evaluation of our products conducted by the customers.
Current wording
The sales cycle for our products is often lengthy, ranging from several months to several years. In many cases potential customers must evaluate the properties of our product against their current solution. In many cases potential customers must redesign other components of the end product they are making to realize the full benefits of using our products. The lengthy sales cycle makes forecasting the volume and timing of sales difficult and raises additional risks that customers may cancel or delay introduction of their end-products into the marketplace, thus affecting our demand. The length of the sales cycle depends on the size and complexity of the project, and the depth of the evaluation of our products conducted by the customers.
Previous wording
Because a significant portion of our operating expenses is fixed, we have and may continue to incur substantial expense before we earn associated revenue. If customer cancellations occur, they could result in the loss of anticipated sales without allowing us sufficient time to reduce our operating expenses.
Current wording
Because a significant portion of our operating expenses is fixed, we may incur substantial expense before we earn associated revenue. If customer cancellations occur, they could result in the loss of anticipated sales without allowing us sufficient time to reduce our operating expenses.
Previous wording
Broad-based business, economic disruptions or global health concerns could adversely affect our business and the sale of our products. For example, in December 2019 an outbreak of a novel strain of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to a number of other countries, including the United States. Initially, this outbreak resulted in extended shutdowns of certain businesses in the Wuhan region and had ripple effects to businesses around the world. While the impact of this pandemic has largely subsided, a resurgence of this virus or another could have an impact on our business. Although the Company has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, complete or partial government shutdowns of many businesses, schools, bars and restaurants have occurred. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Israel and Gaza could also adversely affect our business in spite of the immaterial amount of direct business we have done in this region in the past. We cannot presently predict the scope and severity of any future business shutdowns or disruptions to us, but if we or any of the third parties with whom we engage, including our customers, suppliers and other third parties, were to experience extended shutdowns or other business disruptions, our ability to conduct our business could be materially and negatively impacted, and could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operation and financial condition.
Current wording
Broad-based business, economic disruptions or global health concerns could adversely affect our business and the sale of our products. For example, in December 2019 an outbreak of a novel strain of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan, China, and spread to a number of other countries, including the United States. Initially, this outbreak resulted in extended shutdowns of certain businesses in the Wuhan region and had ripple effects to businesses around the world. While the impact of this pandemic has largely subsided, a resurgence of this virus or another could have an impact on our business. Although the Company remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, complete or partial government shutdowns of many businesses, schools, bars and restaurants did occur. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Israel and Gaza could also adversely affect our business in spite of the immaterial amount of direct business we have done in these regions in the past. We cannot presently predict the scope and severity of any future business shutdowns or disruptions to us, but if we or any of the third parties with whom we engage, including our customers, suppliers and other third parties, were to experience extended shutdowns or other business disruptions, our ability to conduct our business could be materially and negatively impacted, and could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operation and financial condition.
Previous wording
We do not have long-term volume production contracts with our customers, and we do not control the timing or volume of orders placed by our customers. Whether and to what extent our customers place orders for any specific products, and the mix and quantities of products included in those orders are factors beyond our control. Insufficient orders would result in under-utilization of our manufacturing facilities and infrastructure, and will negatively affect our financial position and results of operations.
Current wording
We do not typically have long-term volume production contracts with our customers, and we do not control the timing or volume of orders placed by our customers. Whether and to what extent our customers place orders for any specific products, and the mix and quantities of products included in those orders are factors beyond our control. Insufficient orders would result in under-utilization of our manufacturing facilities and infrastructure and will negatively affect our financial position and results of operations.
Previous wording
Our historical business strategy for many of our products has focused on product performance and customer service rather than on price. As a result of budgetary constraints, many of our customers are extremely price sensitive when purchasing our products. Recent inflationary trends could further exacerbate this issue. If we are unable to obtain prices that allow us to continue to compete on the basis of product performance and customer service, our profit margins will be reduced.
Current wording
Our historical business strategy for many of our products has focused on product performance and customer service rather than on offering the lowest price. As a result of budgetary constraints, many of our customers are extremely price sensitive when purchasing our products. Recent inflationary trends could further exacerbate this issue. If we are unable to obtain prices that allow us to continue to compete on the basis of product performance and customer service, our profit margins will be reduced.
Previous wording
Our success is dependent in part on our technologies and our other proprietary rights. We believe that while patents can be useful and may be utilized by us in the future, they are not always necessary or feasible to protect our intellectual property. The process of seeking patent protection is lengthy and expensive, and we cannot be certain that applications will actually result in issued patents or that issued patents will be of sufficient scope or strength to provide meaningful protection or commercial advantage to us. In addition to patent protection, we have also historically protected our proprietary information and intellectual property such as design specifications, blueprints, technical processes and employee know-how, by limiting access to this confidential information and trade secrets and through the use of non-disclosure agreements. Other companies and individuals, including our competitors, may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technology, or design around the intellectual property that we own or license. Our failure to adequately protect our intellectual property, could result in the reduction or extinguishment of our rights to such intellectual property. We also assert rights to certain trademarks relating to certain of our products and product lines.
Current wording
Our success is dependent in part on our technologies and our other proprietary rights. We believe that while patents can be useful and may be utilized by us in the future, they are not always necessary or feasible to protect our intellectual property. The process of seeking patent protection is lengthy and expensive, and we cannot be certain that applications will result in issued patents or that issued patents will be of sufficient scope or strength to provide meaningful protection or commercial advantage to us. In addition to patent protection, we have also historically protected our proprietary information and intellectual property such as design specifications, blueprints, technical processes and employee know-how, by limiting access to this confidential information and trade secrets and through the use of non-disclosure agreements. Other companies and individuals, including our competitors, may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technology, or design around the intellectual property that we own or license. Our failure to adequately protect our intellectual property could result in the reduction or elimination of our rights to such intellectual property. We also assert rights to certain trademarks relating to certain of our products and product lines.
Previous wording
While patent, copyright and trademark protection for our intellectual property may be important, we believe our future success in highly dynamic markets is most dependent upon the technical competence and creative skills of our personnel. We attempt to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information through confidentiality agreements with our customers, suppliers, employees and consultants, and through other internal security measures. However, these employees, consultants and third parties may breach these agreements, and we may not have adequate remedies for wrongdoing. In addition, the laws of certain territories in which we sell our products may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
Current wording
We attempt to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information through confidentiality agreements with our customers, suppliers, employees and consultants, and through other internal security measures. However, these employees, consultants and third parties may breach these agreements, and we may not have adequate remedies for wrongdoing. In addition, the laws of certain territories in which we sell our products may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
Previous wording
The stock market has at times over the last 15 years experienced periods of high and extreme volatility. If these market fluctuations continue, the trading price of our common shares could decline significantly independent of the overall market, and stockholders could lose all or a substantial part of their investment. The market price of our common shares could fluctuate significantly in response to several factors, including, among others:
Current wording
The stock market has at times over the last 15 years experienced periods of high and extreme volatility. If these market fluctuations continue or for other factors, including those listed below, the trading price of our common shares could decline significantly independent of the overall market, and stockholders could lose all or a substantial part of their investment. The market price of our common shares could fluctuate significantly in response to several factors, including, among others:
Previous wording
Significant price and value fluctuations have occurred with respect to our publicly traded securities. The price of our common shares is likely to be volatile in the future. In the past, securities class action litigation often has been brought against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. If similar litigation were pursued against us, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.
Current wording
Significant price fluctuations have occurred with respect to our publicly traded securities. The price of our common shares is likely to be volatile in the future. In the past, securities class action litigation often has been brought against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. If similar litigation were pursued against us, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.
Previous wording
The costs to address the foregoing security problems and security vulnerabilities before or after a cyber-incident could be significant. Our remediation efforts may not be successful and could result in interruptions, delays, or cessation of service, and loss of existing or potential customers, impeding our sales, manufacturing, distribution, or other critical functions. In addition, breaches of our security measures and the unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive data about us, our customer, or other third parties, could expose us, our customers, or other third parties to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, result in litigation and potential liability for us, damage our reputation, or otherwise harm our business.
Current wording
The costs of addressing the foregoing security problems and security vulnerabilities before or after a cyber-incident could be significant. Our remediation efforts may not be successful and could result in interruptions, delays, or cessation of service, and loss of existing or potential customers, impeding our sales, manufacturing, distribution, or other critical functions. In addition, breaches of our security measures and the unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive data about us, our customer, or other third parties, could expose us, our customers, or other third parties to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, result in litigation and potential liability for us, damage our reputation, or otherwise harm our business.