AUDIOEYE INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 12, 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 12, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-07.
0001410578-24-000150
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-12.
0001558370-25-002819
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 114 previous paragraphs and 111 current paragraphs.
89 unchanged; 19 reworded; 0 added; 4 removed; 2 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 45 previous and 45 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 (4)
Previous report
Our new technology platform may not function as expected or may not be accepted by our clients.
Previous report
In 2022, we completed the migration of all customers to our new platform for our digital accessibility product. We cannot guarantee that our platform will continue to operate as expected or that our new platform will be fully accepted by our customers. If our new platform does not operate as expected or is not accepted, our ability to pursue and retain business may be damaged and our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Previous report
The interests of our controlling stockholders may not coincide with yours and such controlling stockholders may make decisions with which you may disagree.
Previous report
As of December 31, 2023, four of our stockholders, two of whom are our Executive Chairman and our Chief Executive Officer, and another of whom is a director, beneficially owned in the aggregate over 45% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, these stockholders may be able to influence the outcome of matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. In addition, this concentration of ownership may delay or prevent a change in control of our company and make some future transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of our controlling stockholders. The interests of our controlling stockholders may not coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders.
Reworded paragraphs (19)
Previous wording
To date, we have not been profitable, and we may never achieve profitability on a full-year or consistent basis. We incurred net losses of $5,872,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $89,476,000. If we continue to experience losses, we may not be able to continue our operations, and investors may lose their entire investment.
Current wording
To date, we have not been profitable, and we may never achieve profitability on a full-year or consistent basis. We incurred net losses of $4,254,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $95,746,000. If we continue to experience losses, we may not be able to continue our operations, and investors may lose their entire investment.
Previous wording
We continue to pursue business through a variety of channels. Although we may devote significant resources and costs to the development of these sales channels, we may struggle to successfully identify the channel partners, or to successfully conclude transactions with the channel partners. Should we be unable to identify or conclude important channel partnerships, or if our partners are unable to meet our expectations, our business prospects and operations could be adversely affected as a result of the devotion of significant managerial effort and Company costs required. In addition, there can be no assurance that we would fully realize the potential benefit of the relationships. If we cannot do so, we may be unable to meet future revenue expectations.
Current wording
We continue to pursue business through a variety of channels. Although we may devote significant resources and costs to the development of these sales channels, we may struggle to successfully identify the channel partners, or to successfully conclude transactions with the channel partners. Should we be unable to identify, conclude or maintain important channel partnerships, or if our partners are unable to meet our expectations, our business prospects and operations could be adversely affected as a result of the devotion of significant managerial effort and Company costs required. In addition, there can be no assurance that we would fully realize the potential benefit of the relationships. If we cannot do so, we may be unable to meet future revenue expectations.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had $9.2 million in cash following a $7.0 million loan acquired in November 2023, which will become due in November 2026. Our business plan will require additional capital expenditures, and our capital outlays could increase substantially over the next several years as we implement our business plan. As a result, we may need to raise additional capital through future private or public equity offerings, strategic alliances or debt financing. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, among others: market conditions, sales and marketing costs, mergers and acquisition activity, if any, costs of litigation in enforcing our intellectual property rights, and information technology development and acquisition costs. No assurance can be given that we can successfully raise additional equity or debt capital, or that such financing will be available to us on favorable terms, if at all.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had $5.7 million in cash. Our business plan will require additional capital expenditures, and our capital outlays could increase substantially over the next several years as we implement our business plan. As a result, we may need to raise additional capital through future private or public equity offerings, strategic alliances or debt financing. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, among others: market conditions, sales and marketing costs, mergers and acquisition activity, if any, costs of litigation in enforcing our intellectual property rights, and information technology development and acquisition costs. No assurance can be given that we can successfully raise additional equity or debt capital, or that such financing will be available to us on favorable terms, if at all.
Previous wording
On November 30, 2023, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with SG Credit Partners, Inc. (the “Lender”) pursuant to which we acquired a $7.0 million loan due in November 2026. Under the Loan Agreement, we provided the Lender a first priority security interest in all existing and future acquired assets owned by us. The Loan Agreement contains certain customary covenants that limit our ability to engage in certain transactions. In addition, we must maintain (i) at all times a minimum liquidity of not less than $2.0 million (plus, prior to our payment in full of an earnout related to our BOIA acquisition, an amount equal to the greater of $2.1 million and the expected amount of the earnout) and (ii) minimum monthly recurring revenue levels measured on a trailing three (3) month average basis as of the last day of each calendar month. The minimum monthly recurring revenue levels commence at $2.3 million and increase for each month after the month ending November 30, 2024 to the greater of $2.3 million and 105.00% of Borrowers’ monthly recurring revenue for the applicable month in the prior year. We cannot guarantee that we will always meet these covenants or that we can obtain sufficient capital to repay the loan on a timely basis, or obtain refinancing of the loan on satisfactory terms, or at all.
Current wording
On November 30, 2023, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with SG Credit Partners, Inc. (the “Lender”) pursuant to which we acquired a $7.0 million loan due in November 2026. Under the Loan Agreement, we provided the Lender a first priority security interest in all existing and future acquired assets owned by us. The Loan Agreement contains certain customary covenants that limit our ability to engage in certain transactions. In addition, we must maintain (i) minimum liquidity of $2.0 million, subject to a higher minimum liquidity requirement in order to make certain payments; and (ii) minimum monthly recurring revenue levels measured on a trailing three month average basis as of the last day of each calendar month. The minimum monthly recurring revenue levels commence at $2.3 million and increase for each month after the month ending November 30, 2024 to the greater of $2.3 million and 105% of Borrowers’ monthly recurring revenue for the applicable month in the prior year. We cannot guarantee that we will always meet these covenants or that we can obtain sufficient capital to repay the loan on a timely basis, or obtain refinancing of the loan on satisfactory terms, or at all.
Previous wording
We are seeking strategic opportunities, which may include acquisitions, to help us pursue our business objectives. Although we may devote significant time and resources in pursuit of such transactions, we may struggle to successfully identify such opportunities, or to successfully conclude transactions. Should we be unable to identify or conclude important strategic transactions, our business prospects and operations could be adversely affected as a result of the devotion of significant managerial effort required, and the challenges of achieving our objectives in the absence of strategic opportunities. In addition, we may incur significant costs in connection with seeking acquisitions or other strategic opportunities regardless of whether the transaction is completed.
Current wording
We have sought in the past, and are continuing to seek, strategic opportunities, which may include acquisitions, to help us pursue our business objectives. Although we may devote significant time and resources in pursuit of such transactions, we may struggle to successfully identify such opportunities, or to successfully conclude transactions. Should we be unable to identify or conclude important strategic transactions, our business prospects and operations could be adversely affected as a result of the devotion of
Previous wording
Should we be successful in consummating these opportunities, we may not be able to do so on terms that are beneficial to AudioEye. They may also impact our financial position and capital needs which, among other actions, could require us to raise additional capital, which could result in dilution to our stockholders or result in restrictions on our activities, and could cause substantial fluctuations in our results of operations.
Current wording
Even if we are able to consummate these opportunities, we may not be able to do so on terms that are beneficial to AudioEye. They may also impact our financial position and capital needs which, among other actions, could require us to raise additional capital, which could result in dilution to our stockholders or result in restrictions on our activities, and could cause substantial fluctuations in our results of operations.
Previous wording
We may not be able to successfully integrate newly acquired businesses or other strategic relationships, and we may not be able to fully realize the potential benefit of such opportunities.
Current wording
We may not be able to successfully integrate newly acquired businesses or other strategic relationships, such matters involve various risks, and we may not be able to fully realize the potential benefit of such opportunities.
Previous wording
We acquired the Bureau of Internet Accessibility Inc. (“BOIA”) on March 9, 2022, and we cannot assure you that will successfully integrate the business or that the acquisition will bring us the expected benefits.
Current wording
We acquired ADA Site Compliance, LLC (“ADA Site Compliance”) on September 27, 2024, and we cannot assure you that will successfully integrate the business or that the acquisition will bring us the expected benefits.
Previous wording
On March 9, 2022, we acquired Bureau of Internet Accessibility Inc. (“BOIA”). We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully integrate the business or that we will receive the expected benefits from the acquisition. All of the risks from the prior paragraph apply to the integration of BOIA including the risk that we could fail to integrate the customers to new products and services over time. Further, while a significant portion of the aggregate consideration for BOIA is based on BOIA’s revenues for 2022 and 2023, BOIA may ultimately not perform as we hope both during and subsequent to the earn-out period. If it does not, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Current wording
On September 27, 2024, we acquired ADA Site Compliance. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully integrate the business or that we will receive the expected benefits from the acquisition. All of the risks from the risk factor entitled “We may not be able to successfully integrate newly acquired businesses or other strategic relationships, such matters involve various risks, and we may not be able to fully realize the potential benefit of such opportunities” apply to ADA Site Compliance, including the risk that we could fail to integrate the customers to new products and services over time. Further, while a significant portion of the aggregate consideration for ADA Site Compliance is based on ADA Site Compliance’s annual recurring and non-recurring revenue targets measured as of December 31, 2025, ADA Site Compliance may ultimately not perform as we hope both during and subsequent to the earn-out period. If it does not, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Previous wording
In addition, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability, and scope of protection of intellectual property rights in Internet-related businesses are uncertain and still evolving. Because of the growth of the Internet and Internet-related businesses, patent applications are continuously and simultaneously being filed in connection with Internet-related technology. There are a significant
Current wording
In addition, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability, and scope of protection of intellectual property rights in Internet-related businesses are uncertain and still evolving. Because of the growth of the Internet and Internet-related businesses, patent applications are continuously and simultaneously being filed in connection with Internet-related technology. There are a significant number of U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications in our areas of interest, and we believe that there has been, and is likely to continue to be, significant litigation in the industry regarding patent and other intellectual property rights.
Previous wording
Our success is dependent on our employees, many of whom are relatively new in their positions with the Company.
Current wording
Our success is dependent on our employees, some of whom are relatively new in their positions with the Company.
Previous wording
Our success has depended, and continues to depend, on the efforts and talents of our senior management team and employees, including our engineers, product managers, sales and marketing personnel, and professional services personnel. Many of our employees are relatively new to their positions, and we can provide no assurance that our management team will be able to effectively work together or with all of our employees. If they are unable to do so or our new employees do not work effectively, there may be delays in execution of our business and operating strategies.
Current wording
Our success has depended, and continues to depend, on the efforts and talents of our senior management team and employees, including our engineers, product managers, sales and marketing personnel, and professional services personnel. Some of our employees are relatively new to their positions, and we can provide no assurance that our management team will be able to effectively work together or with all of our employees. If they are unable to do so or our new employees do not work effectively, there may be delays in execution of our business and operating strategies.
Previous wording
Our product developers are consistently programming new products and enhancements to existing products. Under applicable accounting guidance, we make determinations to estimate the useful life of each of these products and enhancements. Based on these determinations, we amortize software expenses over a pre-determined period of time. Should our estimates turn out to be inaccurate or
Current wording
Our product developers are consistently programming new products and enhancements to existing products. Under applicable accounting guidance, we make determinations to estimate the useful life of each of these products and enhancements. Based on these determinations, we amortize software expenses over a pre-determined period of time. Should our estimates turn out to be inaccurate or should the business fail to attract new revenue in relation to each respective product or product enhancement, we may have to reverse or write off the related capitalized expenses.
Previous wording
Our business depends upon the capacity, reliability and security of the infrastructure owned by third parties over which our product offerings are deployed. We have no control over the operation, quality or maintenance of a significant portion of that infrastructure or over whether those third parties will upgrade or improve their equipment. We do depend on these companies to maintain the operational integrity of our integrated connections. If one or more of these companies is unable or unwilling to supply or expand its levels of service in the future, our operations could be adversely impacted. System interruptions or increases in response time could result in a loss of potential or existing users and, if sustained or repeated, could reduce the appeal of the networks to users. In addition, users depend on real-time communications; outages caused by increased traffic could result in delays and system failures. These types of occurrences could cause users to perceive that our products and services do not function properly and could therefore adversely affect our ability to attract and retain strategic partners and customers.
Current wording
Our business depends upon the capacity, reliability and security of the infrastructure owned by third parties over which our product offerings are deployed. We have no control over the operation, quality or maintenance of a significant portion of that infrastructure or over whether those third parties will upgrade or improve their equipment. We do depend on these companies to maintain the operational integrity of our integrated connections. If one or more of these companies is unable or unwilling to supply or expand its levels of service in the future, our operations could be adversely impacted. System interruptions or increases in response time could result in a loss of potential or existing users and, if sustained or repeated, could reduce the appeal of the networks to users. In addition, users depend on real-time communications; outages caused by increased traffic could result in delays and system failures. These types
Previous wording
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including pursuant to our currently effective Registration Statement on Form S-3, such sales or the anticipation of such sales could cause the market price of our common stock to fall. Such circumstances, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.
Current wording
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including pursuant to our currently effective Registration Statement on Form S-3, such sales or the anticipation of such sales could cause the market price of our common stock to fall. Such circumstances, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise
Previous wording
Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of common stock with a $0.00001 par value per share and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a $0.00001 par value per share, of which, as of December 31, 2023, approximately 11,711,000 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 2023, we also had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of approximately 112,000 shares of our common stock, and unvested, or vested but not yet settled, restricted stock units covering an aggregate of approximately 1,707,000 shares of common stock. The exercise of such options and the settlement of such restricted stock units would further increase the number of our outstanding shares of common stock.
Current wording
Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of common stock with a $0.00001 par value per share and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a $0.00001 par value per share, of which, as of December 31, 2024, approximately 12,285,000 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 2024, we also had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of approximately 36,000 shares of our common stock, and unvested, or vested but not yet settled, restricted stock units covering an aggregate of approximately 1,315,000 shares of common stock. The exercise of such options and the settlement of such restricted stock units would further increase the number of our outstanding shares of common stock.
Previous wording
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We currently have new research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
Current wording
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
Previous wording
We are close to being controlled by a small number of “insider” stockholders, which could determine corporate and stockholder action on significant matters.
Current wording
A small number of “insider” stockholders have significant influence over stockholder actions.
Previous wording
As of January 31, 2024, our directors and executive officers beneficially owned an aggregate of 4,718,606 of our outstanding shares of common stock, which represents approximately 40% of the aggregate voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock. As of January 31, 2024, our Chief Executive Officer alone beneficially owned over 29% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock. Through their collective ownership of our outstanding stock, such holders, if they were to act together, would be close to controlling the voting of our shares at all meetings of stockholders and, because the common stock does not have cumulative voting rights, to determining the outcome of the election of all of our directors and determining corporate and stockholder action on other matters.
Current wording
As of January 31, 2025, our directors and executive officers beneficially owned an aggregate of 3,538,888 of our outstanding shares of common stock, which represents approximately 29% of the aggregate voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock. As of January 31, 2025, our Chief Executive Officer beneficially owned over 20% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock. Through their collective ownership of our outstanding stock, such insider holders, if they were to act together, would have significant influence over the voting of our shares at all meetings of stockholders and, because the common stock does not have cumulative voting rights, to determining the outcome of the election of all of our directors and determining corporate and stockholder action on other matters. The interests of our controlling stockholders may not coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders. In addition, this concentration of ownership may delay or prevent future transactions or a change in control of our company.
Rearranged current paragraphs (3)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
significant managerial effort required, and the challenges of achieving our objectives in the absence of strategic opportunities. In addition, we may incur significant costs in connection with seeking acquisitions or other strategic opportunities regardless of whether the transaction is completed.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
of occurrences could cause users to perceive that our products and services do not function properly and could therefore adversely affect our ability to attract and retain strategic partners and customers.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
number of U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications in our areas of interest, and we believe that there has been, and is likely to continue to be, significant litigation in the industry regarding patent and other intellectual property rights.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
should the business fail to attract new revenue in relation to each respective product or product enhancement, we may have to reverse or write off the related capitalized expenses.