ACORN ENERGY INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 6, 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 6, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-07.
0001493152-24-009150
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-06.
0001493152-25-009325
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 69 previous paragraphs and 61 current paragraphs.
41 unchanged; 19 reworded; 0 added; 8 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 4 previous and 4 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.
Removed paragraphs (8)
Previous report
We have a history of operating losses and have used significant amounts of cash for operations and to fund our investments.
Previous report
Although we have had several consecutive quarters of profitability at our OmniMetrix subsidiary, we have had a history of losses from our OmniMetrix subsidiary plus corporate overhead and have used significant amounts of cash to fund our operating activities over the years.
Previous report
As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses in connection with our reporting requirements. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Dodd-Frank Act and the rules subsequently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. These rules and regulations have already increased our legal and financial compliance costs and the amount of time and effort we devote to compliance activities. We expect that as a result of continued compliance with these rules and regulations, we will continue to incur significant legal and financial compliance costs. We continue to regularly monitor and evaluate developments with respect to these new rules with our legal counsel, but we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
Previous report
We may in the future become involved in litigation that may materially adversely affect us.
Previous report
From time to time in the ordinary course of our business, we may become involved in various legal proceedings, including commercial, product liability, employment, class action and other litigation and claims, as well as governmental and other regulatory investigations and proceedings. Any legal proceedings can be time-consuming, divert management’s attention and resources and cause us to incur significant expenses. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, the results of any such actions may have a material adverse effect on our business, operations or financial condition.
Previous report
OmniMetrix has had a history of incurring net losses since it was acquired by us and may never achieve sustained profitability.
Previous report
Although OmniMetrix realized an operating profit of $1,131,000 in 2023 and $330,000 in 2022, OmniMetrix has a history of incurring operating losses since it was acquired by Acorn in 2012. While OmniMetrix has significantly reduced its losses and its cash needs from us and we expect positive cash flow from its operations in 2024, we can provide no assurance that OmniMetrix will be able to generate sufficient revenues to allow it to sustain profitability and to have sustained positive cash flows.
Previous report
Although OmniMetrix is not expected to need funding from us in 2024 to support its growth and working capital needs, OmniMetrix has historically been dependent on Acorn’s ability and willingness to provide funding to support its business and growth strategy. As of December 31, 2023, OmniMetrix owes Acorn $2,657,000 from such funding support which includes accrued dividends of $342,000, a loan with an outstanding principal amount of $2,304,000 and accrued interest and other advances of $11,000. During 2023, the intercompany amount due to Acorn from OmniMetrix decreased by $1,020,000. This included repayments of $1,285,000 offset by interest of $164,000, dividends of $76,000 due to Acorn and $25,000 in shared expenses paid by Acorn. During 2022, the intercompany amount due to Acorn from OmniMetrix decreased by $540,000. This included repayments of $985,000 offset by interest of $179,000, dividends of $76,000 due to Acorn and $190,000 in shared expenses paid by Acorn. This intercompany balance is eliminated in consolidation.
Reworded paragraphs (19)
Previous wording
Our success is largely dependent on the skills, experience and efforts of our senior management team, including Jan Loeb, CEO of Acorn and Acting CEO of OmniMetrix, who beneficially owns approximately 21.02% of the Company’s stock, and Tracy Clifford, CFO of Acorn and COO of OmniMetrix. The loss of the services of either of these key managers could materially harm our business, financial condition, future results and cash flow. We do not maintain “key person” life insurance policies on any members of senior management. We may also not be able to locate or employ on acceptable terms qualified replacements for our senior management if their services were no longer available.
Current wording
Our success is largely dependent on the skills, experience and efforts of our senior management team, including Jan Loeb, CEO of Acorn and Acting CEO of OmniMetrix, who beneficially owns approximately 21.07% of the Company’s stock, and Tracy Clifford, CFO of Acorn and COO of OmniMetrix. The loss of the services of either of these key managers could materially harm our business, financial condition, future results and cash flow. We do not maintain “key person” life insurance policies on any members of senior management. We may also not be able to locate or employ on acceptable terms qualified replacements for our senior management if their services were no longer available.
Previous wording
We depend on key technical employees and sales personnel. The loss of certain personnel could diminish our ability to develop and maintain relationships with customers and potential customers. The loss of certain technical personnel could harm our ability to meet development and implementation schedules. The loss of key sales personnel could have a negative effect on sales to certain current customers. Although most of our significant employees are bound by confidentiality and non-competition agreements, the enforceability of such agreements cannot be assured. Our future success also depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified technical and managerial personnel. If we fail to attract or retain highly qualified technical and managerial personnel in the future, our business could be disrupted.
Current wording
We depend on key technical employees and sales personnel. The loss of certain personnel could diminish our ability to develop and maintain relationships with customers and potential customers. The loss of certain technical personnel could harm our ability to meet development and implementation schedules. The loss of key sales personnel could have a negative effect on sales to certain current customers. Our future success also depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified technical and managerial personnel. If we fail to attract or retain highly qualified technical and managerial personnel in the future, our business could be disrupted.
Previous wording
Our common stock is traded on the OTCQB marketplace under the symbol “ACFN.” The OTCQB is a regulated quotation service that displays real-time quotes, last-sale prices and volume information in over-the-counter equity securities and provides significantly less liquidity than a listing on the NASDAQ Stock Market or other national securities exchanges. The OTCQB securities are traded by a community of market makers that enter quotes and trade reports. This market is limited in comparison to the national stock exchanges, and any prices quoted may not be a reliable indication of the value of our common stock. Quotes for stocks included on the OTCQB are not listed in the financial sections of newspapers as are those for the NASDAQ Stock Market or the NYSE. Therefore, prices for securities traded solely on the OTCQB may be difficult to obtain.
Current wording
Our common stock is traded on the OTCQB marketplace under the symbol “ACFN.” The OTCQB is a regulated quotation service that displays real-time quotes, last-sale prices and volume information in over-the-counter equity securities and provides significantly less liquidity than a listing on the NASDAQ Stock Market or other national securities exchanges. The OTCQB securities are traded by a community of market makers that enter quotes and trade reports. This market is limited in comparison to the national stock exchanges, and any prices quoted may not be a reliable indication of the value of our common stock.
Previous wording
Part of our business plan includes the acquisition of new companies either as new platform companies or complimentary companies. Any failure to effectively integrate any future acquisition’s management into our controls, systems and procedures could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
Current wording
Part of our business plan includes the acquisition of new companies either as new platform companies or complimentary companies. Any failure to effectively integrate any future acquisitions into our controls, systems and procedures could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
Previous wording
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be 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. Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. Over time, controls may become inadequate because changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may occur. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Current wording
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be 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. Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some people, by the collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. Over time, controls may become inadequate because changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may occur. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Previous wording
We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. Our ability to compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary technology, systems’ designs and manufacturing processes. The ability of others to use our intellectual property could allow them to duplicate the benefits of our products and reduce our competitive advantage. In the future, should we apply for new patents, we do not know whether any of our pending patent applications will be issued or, in the case of patents issued, that the claims allowed are or will be sufficiently broad to protect our technology or processes. Further, a patent issued covering one use of our technology may not be broad enough to cover uses of that technology in other business areas. Even if all our patent applications are issued and are sufficiently broad, they may be challenged or invalidated, or our competitors may independently develop or patent technologies or processes that are equivalent or superior to ours. We could incur substantial costs in prosecuting patent and other intellectual property infringement suits and defending the validity of our patents and other intellectual property. While we have attempted to safeguard and maintain our property rights, we do not know whether we have been or will be completely successful in doing so. These actions could place our patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights at risk and could result in the loss of patent, trademark or other intellectual property rights protection for the products, systems and services on which our business strategy partly depends. Furthermore, it is not practical from a cost/benefit perspective to file for patent or trademark protection in every jurisdiction where we now or in the future may conduct business. In those territories where we do not have the benefit of patent or trademark protections, our competitors may be able to prevent us from selling our products or otherwise limit our ability to advertise under our established product names and we may face risks associated with infringement litigation as discussed below.
Current wording
We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. Our ability to compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary technology, systems’ designs and manufacturing processes. The ability of others to use our intellectual property could allow them to duplicate the benefits of our products and reduce our competitive advantage. We could incur substantial costs in prosecuting patent and other intellectual property infringement suits and defending the validity of our patents and other intellectual property. While we have attempted to safeguard and maintain our property rights, we do not know whether we have been or will be completely successful in doing so. These actions could place our patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights at risk and could result in the loss of patent, trademark or other intellectual property rights protection for the products, systems and services on which our business strategy partly depends. Furthermore, it is not practical from a cost/benefit perspective to file for patent or trademark protection in every jurisdiction where we now or in the future may conduct business. In those territories where we do not have the benefit of patent or trademark protections, our competitors may be able to prevent us from selling our products or otherwise limit our ability to advertise under our established product names.
Previous wording
We may in the future be involved in product liability and product warranty claims relating to the products we manufacture and distribute that, if adversely determined, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Product liability claims can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant periods, regardless of the ultimate outcome. Claims of this nature could also have a negative impact on customer confidence in our products and our company. While insurance can mitigate some of this risk, due to our current size and operating history, we have been unable to obtain product liability insurance with significant coverage. Our customers may no longer accept the terms we have been able to procure and seek to terminate our existing contracts or cease to do business with us.
Current wording
We may in the future be involved in product liability and product warranty claims relating to the products we manufacture and distribute that, if adversely determined, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Product liability claims can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant periods, regardless of the ultimate outcome. Claims of this nature could also have a negative impact on customer confidence in our products and our company.
Previous wording
Our financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. Our cash was deposited with a U.S. bank and amounted to $1,449,000 at December 31, 2023. We had one customer that represented 25% of the accounts receivable at December 31, 2023. Credit risk with respect to the balance of trade receivables is generally diversified due to the number of entities comprising our customer base. Although we do not believe there is significant risk of non-performance by these counterparties, any failures or defaults on their part could negatively impact the value of our financial instruments and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations or financial condition.
Current wording
Our financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. Our cash was deposited with a U.S. bank and amounted to $2,326,000 at December 31, 2024. We had one customer, the party to the Material Contract, as defined below underOther Matters in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which represented 61% of the accounts receivable at December 31, 2024 of which 53%was collected as of March 4, 2025. Typically, credit risk with respect to the balance of trade receivables is generally diversified due to the number of entities comprising our customer base. However, at December 31, 2024, the balance of accounts receivable under the Material Contract was the majority of the outstanding balance of accounts receivable. Although we do not believe there is a significant risk of non-performance by this customer, any failures or defaults on their part could negatively impact the value of our financial instruments and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations or financial condition.
Previous wording
We are dependent on information technology and our systems and infrastructure face certain risks, including from cybersecurity breaches and data leakage.
Current wording
We are dependent on information technology and our systems and infrastructure face certain risks, including cybersecurity breaches and data leakage.
Previous wording
We rely extensively on information technology systems, networks and services, including internet sites, data hosting and processing facilities and tools, physical security systems and other hardware, software and technical applications and platforms, some of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used for third-parties or their vendors, to assist in conducting our business. A significant breakdown, invasion, corruption, destruction or interruption of critical information technology systems or infrastructure, by our workforce, others with authorized access to our systems or unauthorized persons could negatively impact operations. The ever-increasing use and evolution of technology, including cloud-based computing, creates opportunities for the unintentional dissemination or intentional destruction or modification of confidential information stored in our, or our third-party providers’ systems, portable media or storage devices. We could also experience a business interruption, theft of confidential information or reputational damage from industrial espionage attacks, malware or other cyber-attacks, which may compromise our system infrastructure or lead to data leakage, either internally or at our third-party providers. There has been an increase in cybersecurity incidents across all industries, predominantly ransomware and social engineering attacks. Further, government entities have also been the subject of cyberattacks. As the cyber-threat landscape evolves, these attacks are growing in frequency, sophistication and intensity, and due to the nature of some of these attacks, there is also a risk that they may remain undetected for a period of time. We have invested in industry-appropriate protections and monitoring practices of our data and IT and have established a Cybersecurity Steering Committee to reduce these risks and continue to monitor our systems on an ongoing basis for any current or potential threats. While we have purchased cybersecurity insurance, there are no assurances that the coverage would be adequate in relation to any incurred losses. Moreover, as cyber-attacks increase in frequency and magnitude, we may be unable to obtain cybersecurity insurance in amounts and on terms we view as appropriate for our operations. There can be no assurance that our continuing efforts will prevent breakdowns or breaches of our and/or our third-party providers’ databases or systems that could adversely affect our business.
Current wording
We rely extensively on information technology systems, networks and services, including internet sites, data hosting and processing facilities and tools, physical security systems and other hardware, software and technical applications and platforms, some of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used for third-parties or their vendors, to assist in conducting our business. A significant breakdown, invasion, corruption, destruction or interruption of critical information technology systems or infrastructure, by our workforce, others with authorized access to our systems or unauthorized persons could negatively impact our operations. The ever-increasing use and evolution of technology, including cloud-based computing, creates opportunities for the unintentional dissemination or intentional destruction or modification of confidential information stored in our, or our third-party providers’ systems, portable media or storage devices. We could also experience a business interruption, theft of confidential information or reputational damage from industrial espionage attacks, malware or other cyber-attacks, which may compromise our system infrastructure or lead to data leakage, either internally or at our third-party providers. We have invested in appropriate industry protections and monitoring practices of our data and IT and have established a Cybersecurity Steering Committee to reduce these risks and continue to monitor our systems on an ongoing basis for any current or potential threats. While we have purchased cybersecurity insurance, there are no assurances that the coverage would be adequate in relation to any losses incurred. Moreover, as cyber-attacks increase in frequency and magnitude, we may be unable to obtain cybersecurity insurance in amounts and on terms we view as appropriate for our operations. There can be no assurance that our continuing efforts will prevent breakdowns or breaches of our and/or our third-party providers’ databases or systems that could adversely affect our business.
Previous wording
Non-renewals or other monitoring service terminations could increase in the future due to customer dissatisfaction with our products and services, increased competition from other providers or alternative technologies.
Current wording
Although our historical renewal rate is greater than 90%, non-renewals or other monitoring service terminations could increase in the future due to customer dissatisfaction with our products and services, increased competition from other providers or alternative technologies.
Previous wording
If we have an increase in our non-renewal rate, we will have to acquire new customers on an ongoing basis just to maintain our existing level of customers and revenues. As a result, marketing expenditures are an ongoing requirement of our business. We incur significant costs to acquire new customers, and those costs are an important factor in determining our net profitability. Therefore, if we are unsuccessful in retaining customers or are required to spend significant amounts to acquire new customers, our revenue could decrease and/or our operating results could be affected.
Current wording
If we have an increase in our non-renewal rate, we will have to acquire new customers on an ongoing basis just to maintain our existing level of customers and revenues. As a result, marketing expenditures are an ongoing requirement of our business. We incur costs to acquire new customers, and those costs are a factor in determining our net profitability. Therefore, if we are unsuccessful in retaining customers or are required to spend significant amounts to acquire new customers, our revenue could decrease and/or our operating results could be affected.
Previous wording
If OmniMetrix is unable to keep pace with changing market or customer-mandated product and service improvements, OmniMetrix’s results of operations and financial condition may suffer.
Current wording
If OmniMetrix is unable to keep pace with changing markets or customer-mandated product and service improvements, OmniMetrix’s results of operations and financial condition may suffer.
Previous wording
Cellular networks have evolved over time to offer more robust technical capabilities in both voice and data transmission. For example, the changes from the so-called “3G” to “4G LTE” service have resulted in only limited service interruptions. OmniMetrix anticipates, however, that as new capabilities come online, it will be necessary to have equipment that can readily interface with the newer cellular networks to avoid negative impacts on customer service. Not all of the costs associated with OmniMetrix’s corresponding equipment upgrades can be passed on to customers, and any increased expenses are expected to have a negative impact on OmniMetrix’s operating results.
Current wording
Cellular networks have evolved over time to offer more robust technical capabilities in both voice and data transmission. As new capabilities come online, it will be necessary to have equipment that can readily interface with the newer cellular networks to avoid negative impacts on customer service. Not all of the costs associated with OmniMetrix’s corresponding equipment upgrades can be passed on to customers, and any increased expenses are expected to have a negative impact on OmniMetrix’s operating results.
Previous wording
OmniMetrix provides monitoring services through the use of cellular and satellite technology utilizing the networks of third-party providers. These providers generally do not warrantee their services to either OmniMetrix or the end users, and any dropped transmissions could result in the loss of customer renewals and potential claims against OmniMetrix. While OmniMetrix uses contractual measures to limit its liability to customers, there is no assurance that such limitations will be enforced or that customers will not cancel monitoring services due to network issues.
Current wording
OmniMetrix provides monitoring services through the use of cellular and satellite technology utilizing the networks of third-party providers. These providers generally do not warrantee their services to either OmniMetrix or the end users, and any dropped transmissions could result in the loss of customer renewals and potential claims against OmniMetrix. There is no assurance that customers will not cancel monitoring services due to network issues.
Previous wording
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially in the past and is likely to continue to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. During 2023, on an as-adjusted basis to take into account the September 2023 1-for-16 reverse stock split, our common stock traded at prices as low as $4.00 and as high as $8.50 per share. Fluctuations in our stock price may continue to occur in response to various factors, many of which we cannot control, including:
Current wording
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially in the past and is likely to continue to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. During 2024, our common stock traded at prices as low as $5.76 and as high as $19.35 per share. Fluctuations in our stock price may continue to occur in response to various factors, many of which we cannot control, including:
Previous wording
We do not intend to pay dividends to our stockholders in the foreseeable future. We intend to reinvest earnings, if any, in the development and expansion of our business. Accordingly, investors will need to rely on sales of your common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, in order to realize a return on their investment.
Current wording
We do not intend to pay dividends to our stockholders in the foreseeable future. We intend to reinvest earnings, if any, in the development and expansion of our business. Accordingly, investors will need to rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, in order to realize a return on their investment.
Previous wording
As of March 5, 2024, 2,487,307 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding. As of that date we had 79,168 options outstanding and exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $6.41 per share, which if exercised would result in the issuance of additional shares of our common stock. In addition to the options noted above, at March 5, 2024, there were 13,703 options outstanding that have not yet vested and are not yet exercisable.
Current wording
As of March 4, 2025, 2,491,130 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding. As of that date, we had 68,089 options outstanding and exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $6.80 per share, which if exercised would result in the issuance of additional shares of our common stock. In addition to the options noted above, at March 4, 2025, there were 8,960 options outstanding that have not yet vested and are not yet exercisable.
Previous wording
As of March 5, 2024, we had consolidated cash of $1,236,000 which we believe is sufficient for at least the next twelve months. Despite this, we may ultimately not have sufficient cash to allow us to execute our plans, and the occurrence of one or more unanticipated events may require us to make significant expenditures. Accordingly, we may need to raise additional amounts to finance our operations. If we were to do so by selling shares of our common stock and/or other securities convertible into shares of our common stock, current investors may incur dilution in the value of their shares.
Current wording
As of March 4, 2025, we had consolidated cash of $2,800,000 which we believe is sufficient for at least the next twelve months. Despite this, we may ultimately not have sufficient cash to allow us to execute our plans, and the occurrence of one or more unanticipated events may require us to make significant expenditures. Accordingly, we may need to raise additional amounts to finance our operations. If we were to do so by selling shares of our common stock and/or other securities convertible into shares of our common stock, current investors may incur dilution in the value of their shares.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
See “Risks Related to Our Securities” below.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
While we believe we have sufficient cash to finance our operations for at least twelve months from the issuance of the audited consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report, we may need to seek additional sources of funding for long-term corporate costs or if OmniMetrix were not to grow at the rate anticipated and needed additional funds for their operations. Additional sources of funding may include additional loans from related and/or non-related parties, partial sale of, or finding a strategic partner for, OmniMetrix or equity financing. There can be no assurance additional funding will be available at acceptable terms or that we will be able to successfully utilize any of these possible sources to provide additional liquidity.