374Water Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 31, 2026.
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.
FY2025 · Filed Mar 31, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-28.
0001654954-25-003443
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-03-31.
0001654954-26-003094
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 137 previous paragraphs and 132 current paragraphs.
112 unchanged; 14 reworded; 5 added; 11 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 10 previous and 10 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (5)
Current report
We have experienced management turnover, including turnover of our top executives, which creates uncertainties and could have an adverse effect on our business.
Current report
Our success depends, in large part, on the continued services of our senior management team and on our ability to attract, motivate, develop, and retain a sufficient number of other highly qualified personnel. The loss of any one or more members of our senior management team, for any reason, could impair our ability to execute our business strategy and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
Recently, we have experienced significant changes in our executive leadership as part of our Company restructuring. Effective as of October 8, 2025, Christian Gannon stepped down as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Peter Mandel stepped down as the Company’s General Counsel. The Board of Directors (the “Board”) appointed Stephen J. Jones, a former director of the Company, as the Company’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer effective as of October 8, 2025. On February 23, 2026, Danny Bogar was appointed as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Stephen Jones resigned as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. On March 2, 2026, the Company appointed Adrienne Anderson as its Interim Chief Financial Officer to replace Russell Kline, whose employment as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer was terminated effective as of March 2, 2026.
Current report
Although we have endeavored to implement these management transitions in a non-disruptive manner, such transitions can be inherently difficult to manage and may hamper our ability to meet our financial and operational goals. Such changes may also give rise to uncertainty among our customers, investors, vendors, employees and others concerning our future direction and performance. Any of the foregoing could result in significant disruptions to our operations and may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to execute on our business plans.
Current report
In 2025, President Trump issued executive orders announcing sweeping tariffs on products originating from certain countries and jurisdictions, including Canada, Mexico and China and in some cases threatened to impose additional tariffs. In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that many of the tariffs recently imposed by the United States government exceeded its authority, thereby invalidating many, but not all, of such tariffs. Subsequent to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling, the Trump administration raised potential alternative means through which the administration could impose tariffs and subsequently imposed a global tariff under a different law. The outlook on further trade policy actions, including trade agreements and potential retaliatory tariffs is unclear.
Removed paragraphs (11)
Previous report
Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to recruit and retain qualified management.
Previous report
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to hire and retain highly qualified people and if we are unable to do so, our business and operations may be impaired or disrupted. Competition for highly qualified people is intense and there is no assurance that we will be successful in attracting or retaining replacements to fill vacant positions, successors to fill retirements or employees moving to new positions, or other highly qualified personnel.
Previous report
Furthermore, we may seek to augment or replace members of our management team. For example, we have recently hired a new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and have made other key senior management hires. In addition, we may lose key members of our management team, and we may not be able to attract new management talent with sufficient skill and experience.
Previous report
We may not regain compliance with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market.
Previous report
As previously reported on our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 15, 2025, the Company received a deficiency letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock has been below the minimum $1.00 per share required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”).
Previous report
In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has been given 180 calendar days, or until July 14, 2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. If at any time before July 14, 2025, the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the Staff will provide written confirmation that the Company has achieved compliance.
Previous report
The Company intends to monitor the closing bid price of its common stock and may, if appropriate, consider available options to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, including initiating a reverse stock split. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement or will otherwise be in compliance with other Nasdaq Listing Rules.
Previous report
Further, as previously reported on our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2025, the Company notified the Staff of Nasdaq that the Company no longer complies with Nasdaq’s independent director requirement (“Independent Director Requirement”) as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1), which requires a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) to be comprised of Independent Directors as defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2). On that same date, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq confirming the foregoing (the “Letter”).
Previous report
Consistent with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1)(A), the Letter provides that the Company is eligible for a cure period in which to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1). This cure period will expire at the earlier of the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders or March 9, 2026; or if the Company’s next annual meeting is held before September 8, 2025, then the Company must evidence compliance no later than September 8, 2025.
Previous report
The Company intends to elect an additional Independent Director to the Board as soon as practicable and prior to the expiration of this cure period. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will successfully regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1) within the applicable cure period.
Previous report
The Minimum Bid Price Requirement and Independent Director Requirement deficiencies have no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s common stock, which will continue to be listed and traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SCWO,” subject to the Company’s compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements.
Reworded paragraphs (14)
Previous wording
Our limited operating history makes evaluating the business and future prospects difficult and may increase the risk of your investment. We have yet to generate material revenues from our business and we have so far deployed our AirSCWO technology only in the City of Orlando, Florida. Therefore, the commercial value of our systems is uncertain. There can be no assurance that we will ever generate significant revenues or become profitable. Further, we are subject to all the risks inherent in a new business, including, but not limited to: intense competition; lack of sufficient capital; loss of protection of proprietary technology and trade secrets; difficulties in commercializing our products, managing growth and hiring and retaining key employees; adverse changes in costs and general business and economic conditions; and the need to achieve product acceptance, to enter and develop new markets and to develop and maintain successful relationships with customers, third party suppliers and contractors.
Current wording
Our limited operating history makes evaluating the business and future prospects difficult and may increase the risk of your investment. We have yet to generate material revenues from our business. Therefore, the commercial value of our systems is uncertain. There can be no assurance that we will ever generate significant revenues or become profitable. Further, we are subject to all the risks inherent in a new business, including, but not limited to: intense competition; lack of sufficient capital; loss of protection of proprietary technology and trade secrets; difficulties in commercializing our products, managing growth and hiring and retaining key employees; adverse changes in costs and general business and economic conditions; and the need to achieve product acceptance, to enter and develop new markets and to develop and maintain successful relationships with customers, third party suppliers and contractors.
Previous wording
If our management team is unable to execute on its business strategies, then our development, including the establishment of revenues and our sales and marketing activities would be materially and adversely affected. As described in “Item 1. Business” above, our management team has a number of business strategies intended to grow our operations, increase our customer base and footprint across various markets, and develop a full-scale commercialization of our AirSCWO systems. However, we currently have no demonstrated operating history of such full-scale commercialization, and our ability to execute on such strategies successfully and on the timelines we expect (or at all) is subject to significant uncertainties and risks. As our management team moves forward with its business strategies, unexpected setbacks, obstacles and challenges may occur, resulting in delays, changes in strategy, abandonment of certain projects and plans, and the creation of new strategies and plans that may look very different from our current business strategies. Even if we do not change or reverse our current business strategies, there is no guarantee that we will be able to scale our business on the timelines we expect or at all, or that we will be able to successfully compete with other providers in the market to capitalize on the demand that we have identified to exist. There is also no guarantee that we will be able to effectively manage the costs of maintaining the AirSCWO systems we provide to customers in a way that would allow us to turn a profit at some point in the future. Additionally, all of our management team’s business strategies require significant financing to execute, and there is no guarantee that we will have sufficient capital at any given time to do so.
Current wording
If our management team is unable to execute on its business strategies, including as a result of changes in our executive leadership as part of our company restructuring, then our development, including the establishment of revenues and our sales and marketing activities would be materially and adversely affected. We have recently replaced our management team, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. As described in “Item 1. Business” above, our management team has a number of business strategies intended to grow our operations, increase our customer base and footprint across various markets, and develop a full-scale commercialization of our AirSCWO systems. However, we currently have no demonstrated operating history of such full-scale commercialization, and our ability to execute on such strategies successfully and on the timelines we expect (or at all) is subject to significant uncertainties and risks. As our new management team moves forward with its business strategies, unexpected setbacks, obstacles and challenges may occur, resulting in delays, changes in strategy, abandonment of certain projects and plans, and the creation of new strategies and plans that may look very different from our current business strategies. Even if we do not change or reverse our current business strategies, there is no guarantee that we will be able to scale our business on the timelines we expect or at all, or that we will be able to successfully compete with other providers in the market to capitalize on the demand that we have identified to exist. There is also no guarantee that we will be able to effectively manage the costs of maintaining the AirSCWO systems we provide to customers in a way that would allow us to turn a profit at some point in the future. Additionally, all of our management team’s business strategies require significant financing to execute, and there is no guarantee that we will have sufficient capital at any given time to do so.
Previous wording
Since our business is still in its nascent stages, there is no historical basis upon which to evaluate our ability to successfully execute on our business strategies, achieve our business goals and objectives, and recognize revenue and turn a profit over time. If we are not able to deliver the results we expect, or if our business strategies do not result in the successes we intend, our business, operations and financial condition will be materially and adversely impacted.
Current wording
Since our business is still young, there is limited historical basis upon which to evaluate our ability to successfully execute on our business strategies at scale, achieve our business goals and objectives, and recognize revenue and turn a profit over time. If we are not able to deliver the results we expect, or if our business strategies do not result in the successes we intend, our business, operations and financial condition will be materially and adversely impacted.
Previous wording
Give the early-stage of our Company, we have limited full-time accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and related procedures. We just recently hired a full-time Chief Financial Officer. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, we and our independent registered public accounting firm have identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting related due to our ongoing personnel limitations. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. While we are still working to further expand our financial reporting and related personal to support our Chief Financial Officer and internal controls processes, there is no assurance that the actions we are taking or plan to take will give us the results we expect, that our remediation plan will be effective, or that our remediation plan will be completed on the timelines that we expect. See “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures” for further discussion about the material weakness and our remediation activities.
Current wording
Given the early stage of our Company and significant changes in executive team, we have limited full-time accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and related procedures. We recently experienced significant changes in our Chief Financial Officer position. On March 2, 2026, the Company appointed Adrienne Anderson as its Interim Chief Financial Officer to replace Russell Kline, whose employment as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer was terminated effective as of March 2, 2026. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, we and our independent registered public accounting firm have identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting related to our ongoing personnel limitations and changes. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. We are working to further expand our financial reporting personnel and replace our former CFO to strengthen our internal controls processes. However, there is no assurance that the actions we are taking or plan to take will give us the results we expect, that our remediation plan will be effective, or that our remediation plan will be completed on the timelines that we expect. See “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures” for further discussion about the material weakness and our remediation activities.
Previous wording
We may be required to obtain licenses to patents or other proprietary rights from third parties. If we do not obtain required licenses, we could encounter delays in product development or find that the development, manufacture or sale of products requiring these licenses could be prevented in the U.S. or abroad.
Current wording
We may be required to obtain licenses to patents or other proprietary rights from third parties. If we do not obtain required licenses, we could encounter delays in product development or find that the development, manufacture or sale of products requiring these licenses could be prevented in the United States or abroad.
Previous wording
We have in the past and may in the future become involved in litigation matters, including class action lawsuits and lawsuits relating to intellectual property and product liability. Any lawsuit to which we are a party, with or without merit, may result in an unfavorable judgment. Any such negative outcome could result in payments of substantial damages or fines, damage to our reputation, loss of rights, or adverse changes to our offerings or business practices. Any of these results could adversely affect our business. In addition, defending claims is costly and can impose a significant burden on our management.
Current wording
We have in the past and may in the future become involved in litigation matters, including class action lawsuits and lawsuits relating to intellectual property, product liability, and the termination of former executive officers. Any lawsuit to which we are a party, with or without merit, may result in an unfavorable judgment. Any such negative outcome could result in payments of substantial damages or fines, damage to our reputation, loss of rights, or adverse changes to our offerings or business practices. Any of these results could adversely affect our business. In addition, defending claims is costly and can impose a significant burden on our management.
Previous wording
In addition to the impacts to our business stemming from the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, we may also be materially impacted by retaliatory tariffs and other penalties that may be imposed by such countries against the United States. For example, Canada has already retaliated, imposing 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S.-origin products immediately, and there are plans to expand these tariffs with additional retaliatory tariffs, pending the current delay in the effectiveness of the tariffs against Canadian-origin products. China has also retaliated with tariffs on U.S.-origin farm products and trade and investment restrictions on certain U.S. companies.
Current wording
In addition to the impacts to our business stemming from the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, we may also be materially impacted by retaliatory tariffs and other penalties that may be imposed by such countries against the United States. For example, Canada has imposed 25% tariffs on specific U.S.-origin products, including steel and aluminum. China has also retaliated with tariffs on certain U.S.-origin products and trade and investment restrictions on certain U.S. companies.
Previous wording
In February 2025, President Trump issued executive orders announcing sweeping tariffs on products originating from Canada, Mexico and China. Effective February 4, 2025, all products of Chinese origin became subject to an additional 10% tariff pursuant to these executive orders, and effective March 4, all products of Chinese origin were subject to an additional 10% tariff, raising the tariff rate to 20%. While most of the tariffs on Mexican- and Canadian-origin products have been delayed until April 2, 2025, certain tariffs are already effective and there is no guarantee that the tariffs will be further delayed or negated. Additionally, these tariffs are in addition to existing duties and other tariffs, including the existing and upcoming additional tariffs on steel and aluminum. Our products contain materials and parts purchased globally from hundreds of suppliers, including single-source direct suppliers, which exposes us to potential component shortages or delays.
Current wording
The potential imposition of increased tariffs are in addition to existing duties and other tariffs, including existing tariffs on steel and aluminum. Our products contain materials and parts purchased globally from hundreds of suppliers, including single-source direct suppliers, which exposes us to potential component shortages or delays.
Previous wording
Presently, we do not have sufficient cash resources to meet our plans for the next twelve months from the issuance of the financial statements included herein. Our recurring losses from operations, negative cash flows and need for additional capital raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We will require additional financing to fund our operations or we will have to significantly curtail or discontinue our operations to conserve our capital resources. Additional funds may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all, and such availability will depend on a number of factors, some of which are outside of our control, including general capital markets conditions and investors’ view of our prospects and valuation. In addition, our ability to raise capital in the public capital markets, including through our at-the-market equity offerings, may in the future be limited by, among other things, SEC rules and regulations impacting the eligibility of smaller companies to use Form S-3 for primary offerings of securities. In general, under the “baby shelf” rules if our public float is less than $75 million at the time we file our annual report of Form 10-K to update our Form S-3 and our public float remains less than $75 million, we may not sell more than the equivalent of one-third of our public float during any 12 consecutive months pursuant to the baby shelf rules. Alternative public and private transaction structures may require additional time and cost, may impose operational restrictions on us, and may not be available on attractive terms. Further, investors’ perception of our ability to continue as a going concern may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing, or necessitate that we obtain financing on terms that are more favorable to investors, and could result in the loss of confidence by investors, suppliers and employees. Our continued operations are contingent on our ability to raise additional capital or deploy or otherwise monetize our technology. If we do not acquire sufficient additional funding or alternative sources of capital to meet our working capital needs, we will have to substantially curtail or discontinue our operations, resulting in delays in the development and deployment of our technology and in generating revenue.
Current wording
As of the date of this Annual Report, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or the public float, was approximately $39,144,000, which was calculated based on 11,184,116 outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates at a price of $3.50 per share, the closing price of our common stock on March 25, 2026, as reported on Nasdaq. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, or the “baby shelf” rules, in no event will we sell securities registered on our Form S-3 registration statement, including under our at-the-market equity offering, with a value of more than one-third of the aggregate market value of shares of our common stock held by non-affiliates in any 12-month period, so long as the aggregate market value of shares of our common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $75 million. After giving effect to the approximate $13,000,000 offering limit imposed by General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 and deducting the shares sold within the preceding 12 months, as of the date of filing this Annual Report, approximately $3,700,000 shares of common stock remain available at this time for sale under our Form S-3, including through our at-the-market equity offering. and our public float remains less than $75 million, we may not sell more than the equivalent of one-third of our public float during any 12 consecutive months pursuant to the baby shelf rules. Alternative public and private transaction structures may require additional time and cost, may impose operational restrictions on us, and may not be available on attractive terms. Further, investors’ perception of our ability to continue as a going concern may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing, or necessitate that we obtain financing on terms that are more favorable to investors, and could result in the loss of confidence by investors, suppliers and employees. Our continued operations are contingent on our ability to raise additional capital or deploy or otherwise monetize our technology. If we do not acquire sufficient additional funding or alternative sources of capital to meet our working capital needs, we will have to substantially curtail or discontinue our operations, resulting in delays in the development and deployment of our technology and in generating revenue.
Previous wording
Our research and development expenses may increase in the future.
Current wording
Our research and development expenses will increase in the future.
Previous wording
At December 31, 2024, our principal stockholders, officers and directors beneficially owned approximately 43.5% of our common stock. As a result, our principal stockholders, officers and directors will have the ability to control 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 the Company and make some future transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of our controlling stockholders. The interests of such stockholders may not coincide with your interests or the interests of other stockholders.
Current wording
At December 31, 2025, our principal stockholders, officers and directors beneficially owned approximately 34% of our common stock. As a result, our principal stockholders, officers and directors will have the ability to control 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 the Company and make some future transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of our controlling stockholders. The interests of such stockholders may not coincide with your interests or the interests of other stockholders.
Previous wording
If the existing holders of our common stock, particularly our directors and officers, sell a large number of shares, they could adversely affect the market price for our common stock. We have an at-the-market equity offering pursuant to which, we can issue up to an aggregate of $100 million of common stock, subject to applicable law and our previous at-the-market equity offering sales. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Current wording
If the existing holders of our common stock, particularly our directors and officers, sell a large number of shares, they could adversely affect the market price for our common stock. We have an ATM equity offering pursuant to which, we can issue up to an aggregate of $50 million of common stock, subject to applicable law, limitation and our previous ATM sales. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Previous wording
The market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, particularly volatile, and our shareholders may be unable to resell their shares at a profit. The market price of our common shares has significantly declined over the past twelve months, and may continue to fluctuate or decline in the future. Between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024, the closing price per share of our common shares has ranged from a high of $4.94 (on April 3, 2023) to a low of $0.67 (on December 30, 2024). We believe that one of the reasons for the continual decline in our common stock market price is due to the significant supply that far exceeds demand, as a result of the large volume of sales of our common stock by a single significant stockholder of the Company. Sales by such significant stockholder are out of our control, and there is no assurance that such stockholder will not continue to engage in such sales.
Current wording
The market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, particularly volatile, and our shareholders may be unable to resell their shares at a profit. The market price of our common shares has significantly declined over the past three years , and may continue to fluctuate or decline in the future. Between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025, the closing price per share of our common shares has ranged from a high of $49.40 (on April 3, 2023) to a low of $1.76 (on December 29, 2025). We believe that one of the reasons for the continual decline in our common stock market price is due to the significant supply that far exceeds demand, as a result of the large volume of sales of our common stock by a single significant stockholder of the Company. Sales by such significant stockholder are out of our control, and there is no assurance that such stockholder will not continue to engage in such sales.
Previous wording
If we cannot find ways to successfully manage our stock price, our business and financial condition may be negatively impacted. We may not be able to attract new investors and other stakeholders, and we may not be able to secure financing or otherwise acquire capital in the market (either on favorable terms or at all). If our share price is volatile, we may also become the target of securities litigation, which could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources from our business. Since our stock price has been trading below $1.00 per share, we are also subject to delisting from the Nasdaq stock exchange if we cannot improve our stock price and regain full compliance with the Nasdaq listing standards.
Current wording
If we cannot find ways to successfully manage our stock price, our business and financial condition may be negatively impacted. We may not be able to attract new investors and other stakeholders, and we may not be able to secure financing or otherwise acquire capital in the market (either on favorable terms or at all). If our share price is volatile, we may also become the target of securities litigation, which could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources from our business.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Presently, we do not have sufficient cash resources to meet our plans for the next twelve months from the issuance of the financial statements included herein. Our recurring losses from operations, negative cash flows and need for additional capital raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We will require additional financing to fund our operations or we will have to significantly curtail or discontinue our operations to conserve our capital resources. Additional funds may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all, and such availability will depend on a number of factors, some of which are outside of our control, including general capital markets conditions and investors’ view of our prospects and valuation. In addition, our ability to raise capital in the public capital markets, including through our at-the-market (“ATM”) equity offering, may in the future be limited by, among other things, SEC rules and regulations impacting the eligibility of smaller companies to use Form S-3 for primary offerings of securities.