Aterian, Inc.

Current report

The Aterian Transactions are subject to significant conditions, including stockholder approval; failure to complete these transactions could materially harm our business and our ability to continue as a going concern.

Current report

On April 27, 2026, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Trademark Global, LLC and a Securities Purchase Agreement with David E. Lazar (collectively, the "Aterian Transactions"); however, there can be no assurance that we will obtain the necessary stockholder approvals or that other closing conditions will be satisfied. These transactions are subject to significant conditions, including the receipt of stockholder approval for the Asset Sale and the issuance of Common Stock upon conversion of the Preferred Stock, as well as our ability to achieve specific contribution margin targets. If the Aterian Transactions are not consummated, we will have incurred substantial legal, accounting, and advisory fees without the benefit of the $25 million in total anticipated gross proceeds, and we may be required to pay a termination fee of $1.1 million and reimburse up to $0.6 million of expenses under certain circumstances. Furthermore, our current liquidity position and our ability to remain in compliance with the covenants of our MidCap Credit Facility are significantly dependent on the closing of these transactions. A failure to close would likely impair our ability to continue as a going concern, and during the pendency of these transactions, we face ongoing operational risks including potential disruptions to business relationships with customers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, as well as broader macroeconomic hurdles.

Current report

The strategic investment made by David E. Lazar will result in a change in control and significant dilution of existing stockholders, giving a single investor outsized influence over our corporate strategy.

Current report

Existing stockholders will experience immediate and substantial dilution and a change in control as a result of the Aterian Transactions. Upon the Second SPA Closing and the subsequent conversion of the Series AA and Series AAA Preferred Stock, Mr. Lazar is expected to hold approximately 95.13% of our fully diluted share capitalization. This extreme concentration of ownership will give Mr. Lazar significantly outsized influence over our corporate strategy and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and the approval of significant corporate transactions. The interests of Mr. Lazar may differ from the interests of our other stockholders, and his ability to control the Company may have the effect of delaying or preventing a future change in control or other mergers that other stockholders might consider favorable.

Current report

The Company will dispose of substantially all of its revenue-generating assets upon the closing of the Asset Sale, and our future viability is subject to the successful execution of an unproven strategic pivot.

Current report

The Company will not have any material business assets following the consummation of the Asset Sale, as the sale to Trademark Global constitutes a sale of substantially all of our assets and revenue-generating operations, including our marquee brands. Consequently, our future viability will depend entirely on our ability to identify and consummate a "Post-Investment Transaction" or strategic "Pivot," which involves combining with a target company to create future growth opportunities. We may not be able to identify a suitable target company before our capital resources are depleted, and even if we do, there is no assurance that such a transaction will be successful or achieve anticipated benefits. Additionally, the final amount of net proceeds we receive from the Asset Sale remains subject to substantial uncertainty due to potential adjustments for net working capital, the satisfaction of unforeseen liabilities, and ongoing operational costs. There is also no guarantee that the Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) issued in connection with potential tariff refunds will result in any future cash payments to stockholders.

Current report

Our ability to retain key personnel may be adversely affected by the pending Asset Sale and our transition to new executive leadership.

Current report

The consummation of the Asset Sale and the strategic investment is subject to several conditions that may not be satisfied, including the receipt of stockholder approval. The uncertainty regarding the successful completion of these transactions, as well as the transition of leadership following the Second SPA Closing, may create significant anxiety regarding our future direction and ownership. This uncertainty could lead to increased employee attrition and further hinder our ability to attract and motivate key personnel. Additionally, the Asset Purchase Agreement requires the Company to maintain certain contribution margins, and any failure to meet these financial thresholds could jeopardize the closing of the sale, potentially impacting our ability to retain well-qualified employees.

Current report

Increased costs of raw materials, energy, labor, transportation and platform fees charged by marketplaces may adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.

Current report

Significant increases in the cost and/or reductions in the availability of raw materials, energy, labor, transportation, and increases in tariffs and platform fees charged by marketplaces have negatively impacted our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows and may continue to negatively impact such items in the future. Our contract manufacturers purchase significant amounts of metals, plastics and other materials to manufacture our products. In addition, they also purchase significant amounts of electricity to supply the energy required in their production processes. Global political instabilities, including the Iran conflict, are expected to result in higher metal, plastic, electric, transportation and product costs, and may increase our cost of goods sold in the near term or impair our ability to obtain products at marketable rates or at all. We are heavily dependent on inbound sea, rail and truck freight. Disruptions in the global supply chain and freight networks, has, and may continue to limit inbound and outbound shipment capacity and increase our cost of goods sold and certain operating expenses. Further, the marketplaces on which we sell our products charge fees for selling, storage, advertising and fulfillment, all of which have historically increased, and we expect will continue to increase. Specifically, recent increases in oil prices have contributed to higher marketplace fees. The cost of raw materials, energy, labor, and transportation represents a significant portion of our cost of goods sold, while platform fees charged by marketplaces represent a significant portion of our operating expenses; these costs are not within our control and we have had limited success passing these on to customers. Our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows could be adversely affected by future increases in any of these costs. Additionally, the loss or disruption of essential manufacturing and supply elements such as raw materials or other finished product components, restricted transportation or increased freight costs, reduced workforce, or other manufacturing and distribution disruption could adversely impact our ability to meet our customers’ needs. Furthermore, it is not practical for us to mitigate our exposure to, nor are we able to accurately project the possible effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results due to our constantly changing exposure to various foreign currencies and the difficulty in predicting fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar.

Current report

Recent escalations in geopolitical tensions in Iran, including significant combat operations and retaliatory strikes involving the United States and regional powers, have created substantial volatility in global energy and shipping markets. This conflict has led to disruptions in critical maritime routes and increased the risk of spiked freight insurance premiums and fuel surcharges for inbound shipments from our Asian suppliers. These macroeconomic pressures pose a direct threat to our operating results and could specifically impair our ability to achieve the contribution margin targets required as a condition to the closing of the Asset Purchase Agreement with Trademark Global. Furthermore, any sustained increase in shipping costs or delays in product availability would exacerbate the liquidity constraints that have historically affected our business and could interfere with our ability to maintain compliance with our existing credit facility prior to the anticipated influx of capital from the Aterian Transactions. If we are unable to successfully navigate these disruptions, the failure to close the pending Asset Sale and Stock Sale would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our ability to continue as a going concern.

Current report

We depend on third-party suppliers for all of our products, most of which are located in Asia, and any inability or delay in obtaining products from such suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flow.

Current report

We are dependent on third-party suppliers such as contract manufacturers and third-party logistics providers and carriers for the manufacturing and distribution of our products and any disruption to our supply chain, even for a relatively short period of time, could cause a loss of revenue, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows. Our ability to select reliable suppliers that provide timely deliveries of quality products will impact our success in meeting customer demand. Further, for a number of our significant products, we only have a single-source of supply (such as for certain dehumidifiers) and in general we do not have contracts with our contract manufacturers covering costs and production that we believe we can enforce without undue effort or cost. Any supplier’s inability or unwillingness to timely deliver products that meet desired specifications or any unanticipated changes in suppliers could be disruptive and costly and it is unlikely that we will be able to effect alternative arrangements on a timely basis, or in the case of manufacturing certain of our significant products, at all. Any significant failure by us to obtain quality products, in sufficient quantities, on a timely basis, and at an affordable cost or any significant delays or interruptions of supply would have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.

Current report

As most of our product suppliers are based in China, our business is subject to additional risks including, among others: currency fluctuations; labor unrest; potential political, economic and social instability; restrictions on transfers of funds; import duties and quotas; changes in domestic and international customs and tariffs, including embargoes and customs restrictions; uncertainties involving the costs to transport and warehouse products due to the dynamic nature of the global supply chain; unexpected changes in regulatory environments; regulatory issues involved in dealing with foreign suppliers and in exporting and importing products. The foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.

Current report

In February 2026, we announced a voluntary recall in coordination with the CPSC for approximately 195,000 units of our PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers and Elite Travel Steamers due to reports of hot water expelling from the nozzle. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, costs related to this recall, including refund payments and legal expenses. As a result of this recall, a putative class action complaint, Sarah Brannon v. Aterian, Inc., was filed against us on March 6, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The complaint alleges various violations, including breach of implied warranty, unjust enrichment, and violations of the New Jersey Products Liability Act. While the Company ceased selling these steamers in 2024, the defense of this existing litigation, and the potential for additional product liability or class action lawsuits, could result in significant legal expenses, settlements, or judgments. Furthermore, these developments could damage the reputation of the PurSteam brand, leading to a loss of consumer trust and a permanent decline in revenue for this product line.

Current report

On May 13, 2026, the company entered into a settlement agreement and general release to resolve this litigation. Under the terms of the agreement, the company agreed to pay a total settlement sum of $100,000 in exchange for a full release of all claims related to the purchase and use of the products. The agreement stipulates a voluntary dismissal of the claims with prejudice and includes customary provisions regarding confidentiality, non-disparagement, and a denial of any wrongdoing or liability by the company.

Current report

On March 13, 2026, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into Amendment No. 5 to its Credit and Security Agreement with MidCap Funding IV Trust. Under the terms of the amendment, the Company’s minimum liquidity covenant was reduced from $5.0 million to $3.5 million during the Minimum Liquidity Covenant Reduction Period. This reduction period commenced on the Fifth Amendment Effective Date and is subject to extension at the Company's option on a weekly basis through May 9, 2026, provided it remains in compliance with certain fee payment obligations.

Current report

Our business is sensitive to the strength of the United States consumer market to a meaningful extent, and changes in consumer spending and economic conditions could adversely affect our business.

Current report

The strength of the U.S. economy has a significant impact on our performance. We are dependent on discretionary spending, which is affected by, among other things, unemployment rates, economic and political conditions worldwide, consumer confidence, energy and gasoline prices, interest and mortgage rates, the level of consumer debt and taxation, and financial markets, all of which are outside of our control. In particular, the ongoing conflict in Iran has contributed to increased gasoline and energy prices and heightened geopolitical uncertainty, which has negatively impacted discretionary spending at least in the short term, though these effects could be prolonged if the conflict continues or escalates. A continuing softening of demand, whether caused by changes in customer preferences, a weakening of the U.S. or global economies, or regional instability, may result in decreased revenue. We believe we have sustained a decline in the sales of our products in part due to the factors mentioned above, and any continued economic downturn or uncertainties in the U.S. or in other parts of the world could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.

Current report

Throughout 2025, the U.S. trade environment underwent a period of unprecedented volatility characterized by the implementation of a broad “reciprocal” tariff regime. Utilizing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the administration imposed steep duties on nearly all imported goods, including a baseline 10% global tariff and targeted rates on major trading partners like China that reached historic highs before a late-year temporary truce. These actions were compounded by expanded Section 232 duties on industrial metals and the elimination of “de minimis” exemptions for low-value imports, significantly increasing our landed costs and requiring frequent adjustments to our pricing and sourcing strategies. While these measures were the primary drivers of trade policy for much of the year, their legal foundation remained a point of intense litigation until early 2026.

Current report

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the President to impose sweeping revenue-raising tariffs, invalidating previous broad reciprocal duties. In response, the administration immediately transitioned to a 10% baseline tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective February 24, 2026. These tariffs are subject to a 150-day statutory limit (expiring July 24, 2026) unless extended by Congress.

Current report

On May 7, 2026, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled in Burlap and Barrel, Inc. v. Trump that these Section 122 tariffs are unlawful, finding the administration exceeded its statutory authority. However, because the CIT limited its permanent injunction only to the specific plaintiffs in that case, the federal government continues to collect the 10% duty from all other importers, including the Company. We expect the administration to appeal this decision, and there is significant uncertainty regarding whether the tariffs will be stayed, if Congress will provide a legislative extension, or if the administration will pivot to alternative authorities, such as Section 301 investigations, to maintain or increase duty levels. Any prolonged collection of these duties, or the imposition of higher replacement tariffs, could materially increase our cost of goods sold and adversely affect our operating results.

Current report

On April 24, 2023,the Company received a notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), for the last 30 consecutive business days, the Company was not currently in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Bid Price Notice”). In response to the potential risk of delisting, the Company’s stockholders approved granting the Board discretionary authority to implement a reverse stock split, and on March 20, 2024, the Company effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split of its common stock. The Company subsequently regained compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement in April 2024, and the matter was closed.

Current report

On December 9, 2025, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the Company is not currently in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

Current report

The Bid Price Notice has no immediate effect on the continued listing status of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market, and, therefore, the Company's listing remains fully effective.

Current report

The Company is provided a compliance period of 180 calendar days from the date of the Bid Price Notice, or until June 8, 2026, to regain compliance with the minimum closing bid requirement, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A). If at any time before June 8, 2026, the closing bid price of the Common Stock closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, subject to Nasdaq’s discretion to extend this period pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(H) to 20 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide written notification that the Company has achieved compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, and the matter would be resolved. If the Company does not regain compliance during the compliance period ending June 8, 2026, then Nasdaq may grant the Company a second 180 calendar day period to regain compliance, provided the Company meets the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly-held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, other than the minimum closing bid price requirement, and notifies Nasdaq of its intent to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period.

Current report

The Company will continue to monitor the closing bid price of its Common Stock and seek to regain compliance with all applicable Nasdaq requirements within the allotted compliance periods. If the Company does not regain compliance within the allotted compliance periods, including any extensions that may be granted by Nasdaq, Nasdaq will provide notice that the Common Stock will be subject to delisting. The Company would then be entitled to appeal that determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. There can be no assurance that the Company will regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement during the 180-day compliance period, secure a second period of 180 days to regain compliance or maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements.

Current report

As of the date of this filing, the Company has not yet received formal written confirmation from Nasdaq that it has regained compliance, as the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock has been at or above $1.00 per share for 10 consecutive business days, ending on May 14, 2026.

Current report

The proposed Nasdaq minimum market value rule could result in the immediate suspension and delisting of our common stock without a cure period.

Current report

On January 13, 2026, Nasdaq filed a proposed rule change with the SEC (File No. SR-NASDAQ-2026-004) that would establish a new continued listing requirement. Under the proposal, companies listed on the Nasdaq Global and Capital Markets would be required to maintain a minimum Market Value of Listed Securities (“MVLS”) of at least $5 million.

Current report

If this rule is approved and we fail to maintain a $5 million MVLS for a period of 30 consecutive business days, our common stock would be subject to immediate suspension and delisting. Unlike other Nasdaq listing deficiencies, such as the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement, which typically allows for a 180-day compliance period, the proposed rule does not provide for a cure or compliance period. Furthermore, the proposal specifies that any appeal of a delisting determination under this rule would not stay the suspension of trading.

Current report

If our common stock is delisted from Nasdaq, it would likely trade on the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Such a move could:

Current report

There can be no assurance that the SEC will not approve this rule or that we will be able to maintain a market capitalization sufficient to comply with these new requirements. Any such delisting would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and the value of your investment.

Previous report

Our efforts to grow our business through new products, marketplace and geographic expansion may not be successful and may place a significant strain on our management and operational, financial and other resources.

Previous report

Our long-term success depends on our ability to develop and commercialize a continuing stream of new products, to expand both to new marketplaces and geographies and to leverage new technologies we may incorporate into our business. We have entered and expect to continue to enter new product categories and both new marketplaces and geographies for which we have limited or no experience. In part we rely on Amazon’s global reviews program for success in our international expansion. If that program were to be limited, reduced or discontinued, our international expansion would be negatively affected. We also in part rely on our ability to include new products as variations to existing listings on Amazon. If that strategy were no longer possible for whatever reason, our ability to launch new products could be materially affected. That strategy could also have unanticipated or unexpected negative consequences. Our efforts to grow our business place significant strain on our management, personnel, operations, systems, financial resources, and internal financial control and reporting functions, among other things. We have limited personnel and resources and have reduced headcount significantly in recent years. In order to accomplish our growth goals, our team is required to focus on such growth ventures and reallocate their time and other resources, creating risk in all aspects of our business. We face the risk that we will be unable to disrupt incumbents and that our competitors will introduce new and better products that compete with us. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in successfully developing and commercializing new products on a continuing basis and new product launches may not deliver expected growth in sales or operating results. Any new product that we develop and market may not be introduced in a timely or cost-effective manner, may contain defects, errors, quality or other issues, or may not achieve the market acceptance necessary to generate sufficient revenue or may never become profitable. If we are unable to develop and introduce a continuing stream of competitive new products, it may have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows. Our failure to successfully execute on our growth initiatives can negatively impact our financial results, financial condition, and cash flows.

Previous report

We may be unable to attract, retain or motivate key personnel, which could harm our business.

Previous report

The Company’s use of artificial intelligence technologies may not achieve intended results and could expose us to operational, competitive, regulatory, and reputational risks that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous report

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is an emerging area of technology that may increasingly influence aspects of e-commerce and digital operations. While AI has the potential to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and streamline content creation, it also presents various uncertainties and potential risks. We have made limited use of Generative AI to date, primarily in customer service, software development and business intelligence, and may expand its use in the future. There can be no assurance that our AI initiatives will be successful or that they will not lead to unintended consequences.

Previous report

The development, implementation, and oversight of AI technologies involve complexities and potential challenges. Errors, biases, or flaws in AI algorithms—whether developed internally or provided by third parties—could result in inaccurate responses to customers, poor user experiences, or inappropriate or misleading content. These issues could negatively impact our brand reputation, customer trust, and overall business performance.

Previous report

Additionally, AI is an area of rapid technological advancement and evolving competition. Other e-commerce companies may adopt or develop more effective AI-based solutions, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage. Moreover, the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding AI continues to develop. Emerging laws or regulations could impose new compliance obligations, require changes to how we deploy or monitor AI, or result in unforeseen costs or operational disruptions.

Previous report

We also rely in part on third-party vendors that integrate AI into the tools and services they provide to us. Because we may have limited visibility or control over these systems, any technical errors, data privacy issues, or regulatory noncompliance by such vendors could negatively affect our operations.

Previous report

Any of these factors—whether related to internal AI use, reliance on third-party systems, competitive developments, or regulatory changes—could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous report

The U.S. government's significant tariff measures remain in effect, centered on a 10% baseline reciprocal tariff applied to many imports, in addition to country and product-specific rates. Regarding China, the 90-day truce that was set to expire on November 9, 2025, has been superseded by a new one-year agreement. Effective November 10, 2025, this new deal lowers the cumulative tariff rate on Chinese imports by 10 percentage points and extends the suspension of other heightened tariffs until November 10, 2026. A 10% reciprocal tariff remains in effect during this period, and certain Section 301 exclusions have also been extended. For Canada, the 35% tariff on goods not covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”), effective August 1, 2025, has been further increased; an additional 10% tariff was announced on October 25, 2025, raising the rate on some non-USMCA goods to as high as 45%. The EU's negotiated 15% baseline tariff rate on its exports to the U.S. remains in place. However, this rate is not universal, as key sectors such as steel, aluminum, and copper from the EU and other countries continue to face much higher tariffs, in some cases at 50%.

Previous report

The market price and trading volume of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

Previous report

The market price and trading volume of our common stock has at times experienced substantial price volatility. There has been, and we expect will continue to be, significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of our common stock. In certain instances, these fluctuations have been unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, the market price of our common stock may be, and we believe has been, significantly impacted by investors covering large short positions in our common stock. In addition, there are many other factors that have caused and may continue to cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate, including: our announcement of our Board’s temporary suspension of our share repurchase program, actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results, or the operating results, financial condition, and cash flows of companies perceived to be similar to us; deterioration and decline in general economic, industry and/or market conditions; changes in estimates of our financial results or recommendations by equity research analysts, including any decision by equity research analysts to initiate or discontinue coverage; announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures; and changes in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of additional debt.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

On February 23, 2024, the Company amended the Credit Facility to extend the term to December 2026 and provide us with access to $17 million in current commitments which can be increased, subject to certain conditions, to $30.0 million.