iQSTEL Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 31, 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 31, 2025
IQST$0.81+5.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-04-01.
0001663577-24-000092
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-31.
0001663577-25-000086
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 89 previous paragraphs and 119 current paragraphs.
73 unchanged; 16 reworded; 29 added; 0 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 7 previous and 5 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (29)
Current report
Our operations and performance depend significantly on global and regional economic conditions and adverse economic conditions can adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Current report
A deterioration in economic conditions and related drivers of global uncertainty and change, such as reduced business activity, high unemployment, rising interest rates, housing prices, and energy prices (including the price of gasoline), increased consumer indebtedness, lack of available credit, the rate of inflation, and perceptions of the economy, as well as other factors, such as terrorist attacks, protests, looting, and other forms of civil unrest, cyber-attacks and data breaches, public health emergencies (such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics), extreme weather conditions and climate change, significant changes in the political environment, political instability, armed conflict (such as the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the emerging military conflict in Israel and Gaza) and/or public policy, including increased state, local or federal taxation, could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Current report
Major public health issues, including pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have adversely affected, and could in the future materially adversely affect, us due to their impact on the global economy and demand for our regenerative products; the imposition of protective public safety measures, such as shutdowns and restrictive health mandates; and disruptions in our operations, supply chain and sales and distribution channels, resulting in interruptions to our business and the supply of current products and offering of existing services, and delays in production ramps of new products and development of new services.
Current report
In addition to an adverse impact on demand for our regenerative products and services, uncertainty about, or a decline in, global or regional economic conditions can have a significant impact on our suppliers, contract manufacturers, logistics providers, distributors, and other channel partners, and developers. Potential outcomes include financial instability; inability to obtain credit to finance business operations; and insolvency.
Current report
As a result, our operating results may be impacted by the health of the global economy. Volatility and disruption in global capital and credit markets may lead to slowdowns or declines in client spending which could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Our business and financial performance, including new business bookings and collection of our accounts receivable, may be adversely affected by current and future economic conditions (including a reduction in the availability of credit, higher energy costs, rising interest rates, financial market volatility and lower than expected economic growth) that cause a slowdown or decline in client spending. Reduced purchases by our clients or changes in payment terms could adversely affect our revenue growth and cause a decrease in our cash flow from operations. Bankruptcies or similar events affecting clients may cause us to incur bad debt expenses at levels higher than historically experienced. Further, volatility and disruption in global financial markets may also limit our ability to access the capital markets at a time when we would like, or need, to raise capital, which could have an impact on our ability to react to changing economic and business conditions. Accordingly, if global financial and economic volatility continues or worsens, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Current report
Adverse economic conditions can also lead to increased credit and collectability risk on our trade receivables; the failure of derivative counterparties and other financial institutions; limitations on our ability to issue new debt; reduced liquidity; and declines in the fair values of our financial instruments. These and other impacts can materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.
Current report
We have some revenue derived from customers outside of the United States, and we may lose revenues and market share due to exchange rate fluctuations and political and economic changes related to foreign business.
Current report
Some of our revenue comes from customers outside of the United States. Any company conducting foreign business is always subject to economic, political and regulatory uncertainties and risks that are unique to each area of the world. Fluctuations in exchange rates may also affect the prices that foreign customers are willing to pay and may put us at a price disadvantage compared to other competitors. Potentially volatile shifts in exchange rates may negatively affect our financial position and results.
Current report
These challenges include: (1) compliance with complex and changing laws, regulations and policies of governments that may impact our operations, such as foreign ownership restrictions, import and export controls, tariffs, and trade restrictions; (2) compliance with U.S. and foreign laws that affect the activities of companies abroad, such as anti-corruption laws, competition laws, currency regulations, and laws affecting dealings with certain nations; (3) the difficulties involved in managing an organization doing business in many different countries; (4) rapid changes in government policy, acts of terrorism, or the threat of international boycotts or U.S. anti-boycott legislation; and (5) currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Current report
We intend to make acquisitions of complementary (including competitive) businesses, products and technologies. However, any future acquisitions may result in material transaction costs, increased interest and amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets, increased depreciation expenses and increased operating expenses, any of which could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial position. Acquisitions will require integration of acquired assets and management into our operations to realize economies of scale and control costs. Acquisitions may involve other risks, including diversion of management attention that would otherwise be available for ongoing internal development of our business and risks inherent in entering markets in which we have no or limited prior experience. In connection with future acquisitions, we may make potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities. In addition, consummation of acquisitions may subject us to unanticipated business uncertainties, contingent liabilities or legal matters relating to those acquired businesses for which the sellers of the acquired businesses may not fully indemnify us. There can be no assurance that our business will grow through acquisitions, as anticipated.
Current report
Security breaches, denial of service attacks, or other hacking and phishing attacks on our systems or other security breaches, including internal security failures, could harm our reputation or subject us to significant liability, and adversely affect our business and financial results.
Current report
As a critical infrastructure service provider, we transmit large amounts of data over our systems, and process and store highly sensitive customer data. Consequently we, our third-party service providers, and our customers operate in an industry that is prone to cyber-attacks. Despite our efforts to prevent these events, some of these attacks could result in a material adverse impact to our operations due to distributed denial of service attacks, ransomware attacks, malware, virus, credential harvesting, man-in-the-middle attacks, or social engineering attacks. We do not believe these incidents are likely to have a material adverse impact on our ability to serve our customers or our business, operations or financial results.
Current report
Cyber-attacks on our systems may stem from a variety of sources and take many forms. Cyber-attacks can put at risk personally identifiable information, customer data or protected information, thereby implicating stringent domestic and foreign data protection laws. These threats may also arise from failure or intrusions of systems owned, operated or controlled by other unaffiliated third-party operators, upon whom we are materially reliant to operate our business. Various other factors could intensify these risks, including, (i) our maintenance of information in digital form stored on servers connected to the Internet, (ii) our use of open- and software-defined networks, (iii) the challenges of operating and maintaining our complex multi-continent network composed of legacy and acquired properties, which is more difficult to safeguard than newer fully-integrated networks, (iv) growth in the size and sophistication of our customers and their service requirements, (v) increased use of our network due to greater demand for data services, (vi) the large number of our employees working from remote locations, (vii) our IT support agreements with purchasers of businesses we have divested over the past few years and (viii) as further discussed below, the difficulty of defending against increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Current report
Cyber-attacks could (i) disrupt the proper functioning of our networks and systems, which could in turn disrupt the operations of our customers, (ii) result in the destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of proprietary, confidential, sensitive, classified or otherwise valuable information of ours, our employees, our customers or our customers’ end users, (iii) require us to notify customers, regulatory agencies or the public of data incidents, (iv) damage our reputation or result in a loss of business, (v) require us to provide credits for future service to our customers or to offer expensive incentives to retain customers, (vi) subject us to claims by our customers or regulators for damages, fines, penalties, license or permit revocations or other remedies, (vii) result in the loss of industry certifications or (viii) require significant management attention or financial resources to remedy the resulting damages or to change our systems. Any or all of the foregoing developments could have a material adverse impact on us.
Current report
We believe the importance of our network to global internet data flows will continue to make it a target to a wide range of threat actors, including nation state actors and other advanced persistent threat actors. Moreover, the risk of incidents is likely to continue to increase due to several factors, including (i) the increasing use of machine learning, AI and other sophisticated techniques to initiate cyber and phishing attacks, (ii) the wider accessibility of cyber-attack tools that can circumvent security controls and evade detection, which can delay and limit our ability to accurately assess and fully remediate the impact of the attack, and (iii) growing threats from Chinese, Russian and other state actors due to heightened geopolitical tensions and rivalries, and the attendant increased possibility of cyber warfare targeting us in the event of a direct conflict. It should also be noted that defenses against cyber-attacks currently available to us and others are unlikely to prevent intrusions by a highly-determined, highly-sophisticated threat actor. Thus far, none of our past security incidents have had a material adverse effect on us, and we continue to take steps designed to limit our cyber risks. Nonetheless, we cannot assure you that future cyber incidents or events will not ultimately have a material adverse impact on our business, operations or financial results.
Current report
• had a public float of less than $250 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, computed by multiplying the aggregate worldwide number of shares of our voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates by the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average of the bid and asked prices of common equity, in the principal market for the common equity; or
Current report
• in the case of an issuer whose public float as calculated under paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition was zero, had annual revenues of less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year for which audited financial statements are available.
Current report
• Government regulation of our products and services;
Current report
• The establishment of partnerships with other telecom companies;
Current report
• Operating results below or exceeding expectations;
Current report
• Loss or addition of any strategic relationship;
Current report
• Period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results.
Reworded paragraphs (16)
Previous wording
We have continually operated at a loss with an accumulated deficit of $26,084,133 as of December 31, 2023. We have not attained profitable operations and even though the company maintains a cash position very close to one third year's operating expenses, we dependent upon obtaining financing or generating revenue from operations to continue operations for the next twelve months. Our future is dependent upon our ability to obtain financing or upon future profitable operations. We reserve the right to seek additional funds through private placements of our common stock and/or through debt financing. Our ability to raise additional financing is unknown. We do not have any formal commitments or arrangements for the advancement or loan of funds. For these reasons, our auditors stated in their report that they have substantial doubt we will be able to continue as a going concern. As a result, there is a risk that you could lose the entire amount of your investment in our company.
Current wording
We have continually operated at a loss with an accumulated deficit of $32,703,410 as of December 31, 2024. We have not attained profitable operations and even though the company maintains a cash position very close to one third year's operating expenses, we are dependent upon obtaining financing or generating revenue from operations to continue operations for the next twelve months. Our future is dependent upon our ability to obtain financing or upon future profitable operations. We reserve the right to seek additional funds through private placements of our common stock and/or through debt financing. Our ability to raise additional financing is unknown. Aside from cash exercises as set forth under an outstanding option that expires on July 14, 2025, we do not have any formal commitments or arrangements for the advancement or loan of funds. For these reasons, our auditors stated in their report that they have substantial doubt we will be able to continue as a going concern. As a result, there is a risk that you could lose the entire amount of your investment in our company.
Previous wording
Because we have generated limited revenues and currently operate at a loss, we are completely dependent on the continued availability of financing in order to continue our business operations. There can be no assurance that financing sufficient to enable us to continue our operations will be available to us in the future.
Current wording
Because we currently operate at a loss, we are completely dependent on the continued availability of financing in order to continue our business operations. There can be no assurance that financing sufficient to enable us to continue our operations will be available to us in the future.
Previous wording
We will need additional funds to complete further development of our business plan to achieve a sustainable level where ongoing operations can be funded out of revenues. We anticipate that we must raise for the next 12 months: $1,750,000 for acquisitions to fully implement our business plan to its fullest potential and achieve our growth plans. There is no assurance that any additional financing will be available or if available, on terms that will be acceptable to us.
Current wording
We will need additional funds to complete further development of our business plan to achieve a sustainable level where ongoing operations can be funded out of revenues. There is no assurance that any additional financing will be available or if available, on terms that will be acceptable to us.
Previous wording
A reduction of our prices to compete with any other offers in the market will not always guarantee an increase in the traffic, which may result in a reduction of revenue. If these trends in pricing continue or accelerate, it could have a material adverse effect on the revenues generated by our telecommunications businesses and/or our gross margins. The continued growth of Over-The-Top calling and messaging services, such as WhatsApp, Skype and Viber have adversely affected the use of traditional phone communications. We expect this IP-based service, which offers voice communications for free to continue to increase, which may result in increased substitution on our service offerings.
Current wording
A reduction in our prices to compete with any other offers in the market will not always guarantee an increase in traffic, which may result in a reduction of revenue. If these trends in pricing continue or accelerate, it could have a material adverse effect on the revenues generated by our telecommunications businesses and/or our gross margins. The continued growth of Over-The-Top calling and messaging services, such as WhatsApp, Skype and Viber have adversely affected the use of traditional phone communications. We expect this IP-based service, which offers voice communications for free to continue to increase, which may result in increased substitution on our service offerings.
Previous wording
All of our product lines are subject to significant competition from existing and future competitors, market conditions and technological change, or a combination of them, and our sales revenues and gross margins may suffer protracted and serious declines with the result that we would likely incur protracted losses. Further, the barriers to entry in several of our lines of business are not so significant that we may be facing competition from others who see significant opportunities to enter the market and undercut our prices with products that possess superior technological attributes at prices that offer our customers a better value. In this instance, we could incur protracted and significant losses and persons who acquire our common stock would suffer losses thereby.
Current wording
All of our product lines are subject to significant competition from existing and future competitors, market conditions and technological change, or a combination of them, and our sales revenues and gross margins may suffer protracted and serious declines with the result that we would likely incur protracted losses. Further, the barriers to entry in several of our lines of business are not so significant that we may be facing competition from others who see significant opportunities to enter the market and undercut our prices with products that possess superior technological attributes at prices that offer our customers a better value. In this instance, we could incur protracted and significant losses and people who acquire our common stock would suffer losses thereby.
Previous wording
We rely upon our carrier agreements in order to provide our telecommunications services to our customers. These carrier agreements are, in most cases for finite terms and, therefore, there can be no guarantee that these agreements will be renewed at all or on favorable terms to us. Our ability to compete would be adversely affected if our carrier agreements were terminated or we were unable to enter into carrier agreements in the future to provide our telecommunications services to our customers, which could result in a reduction of our revenues and profits.
Current wording
We rely upon our carrier agreements to provide our telecommunications services to our customers. These carrier agreements are, in most cases for finite terms and, therefore, there can be no guarantee that these agreements will be renewed at all or on favorable terms to us. Our ability to compete would be adversely affected if our carrier agreements were terminated or we were unable to enter into carrier agreements in the future to provide our telecommunications services to our customers, which could result in a reduction of our revenues and profits.
Previous wording
As a provider of international long-distance services, we depend upon sales of transmission and termination of traffic to other long-distance providers and the collection of receivables from these customers. The wholesale telecommunications market continues to feature many smaller, less financially stable companies. If weakness in the telecommunications industry or the global economy reduces our ability to collect our accounts receivable from our major customers our profitability may be substantially reduced. While our most significant customers, from a revenue perspective, vary from quarter to quarter, our 12 largest customers (2.6% of our total customer base) collectively accounted for 89% of total consolidated revenues in fiscal year 2023. Although we are somewhat insulated from nonpayment because 52% of our revenue is prepaid, this concentration of revenues increases our exposure to non-payments and we may experience significant write-offs if any of our large customers fail to pay their outstanding balances, which could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Current wording
As a provider of international long-distance services, we depend upon sales of transmission and termination of traffic to other long-distance providers and the collection of receivables from these customers. The wholesale telecommunications market continues to feature many smaller, less financially stable companies. If weakness in the telecommunications industry or the global economy reduces our ability to collect our accounts receivable from our major customers our profitability may be substantially reduced. While our most significant customers, from a revenue perspective, vary from quarter to quarter, our 27 largest customers (4.5% of our total customer base) collectively accounted for 89% of total consolidated revenues in fiscal year 2024. Although we are somewhat insulated from nonpayment because 33% of our revenue is prepaid, this concentration of revenue increases our exposure to non-payments and we may experience significant write-offs if any of our large customers fail to pay their outstanding balances, which could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Previous wording
It is also possible that if any information provided directly by us contains errors or is otherwise wrongfully provided to users, third parties could make claims against us. For example, we offer web-based e-mail services, which expose us to potential risks, such as liabilities or claims, by our users and third parties, resulting from unsolicited e-mail, lost or misdirected messages, illegal or fraudulent use of e-mail, alleged violations of policies, property interests, or privacy protections, including civil or criminal laws, or interruptions or delays in e-mail service. We may also face purported consumer class actions or state actions relating to our online services, including our fee-based services. In addition, our customers, third parties, or government entities may assert claims or actions against us if our online services or technologies are used to spread or facilitate malicious or harmful code or applications.
Current wording
It is also possible that if any information provided directly by us contains errors or is otherwise wrongfully provided to users, third parties could make claims against us. For example, we offer web-based e-mail services, which expose us to potential risks, such as liabilities or claims, by our users and third parties, resulting from unsolicited e-mail, lost or misdirected messages, illegal or fraudulent use of e-mail, alleged violations of policies, property interests, privacy protections, including civil or criminal laws, or interruptions or delays in e-mail service. We may also face purported consumer class actions or state actions relating to our online services, including our fee-based services. In addition, our customers, third parties, or government entities may assert claims or actions against us if our online services or technologies are used to spread or facilitate malicious or harmful code or applications.
Previous wording
It has been twelve years since our first registered sale of common stock in 2012, so we are no longer eligible for the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to “emerging growth companies.”
Current wording
It has been thirteen years since our first registered sale of common stock in 2012, so we are no longer eligible for the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to “emerging growth companies.”
Previous wording
We have the right to issue additional common stock and preferred stock without consent of stockholders. This would have the effect of diluting investors’ ownership and could decrease the value of their investment.
Current wording
We have the right to issue additional common stock and preferred stock without the consent of stockholders which would have the effect of diluting investors’ ownership and could decrease the value of their investment.
Previous wording
In addition, our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of shares of preferred stock and/or the conversion of existing outstanding preferred stock into common stock, the rights, preferences, designations and limitations of which may be set by the Board of Directors. Our certificate of incorporation has authorized issuance of up 300,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 1,200,000 shares of preferred stock in the discretion of our Board.
Current wording
In addition, our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of shares of preferred stock and/or the conversion of existing outstanding preferred stock into common stock, the rights, preferences, designations and limitations of which may be set by the Board of Directors. Our certificate of incorporation has authorized issuance of up to 300,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 1,200,000 shares of preferred stock in the discretion of our Board.
Previous wording
The shares of authorized but unissued preferred stock may be issued upon Board of Directors approval; no further stockholder action is required. If issued, the rights, preferences, designations and limitations of such preferred stock would be set by our Board and could operate to the disadvantage of the outstanding common stock. Such terms could include, among others, preferences as to dividends and distributions on liquidation.
Current wording
The shares of authorized but unissued preferred stock may be issued upon Board of Directors approval; no further stockholder action is required. If issued, the rights, preferences, designations and limitations of such preferred stock would be set by our Board and could operate to the disadvantage of the outstanding common stock. Such terms could include, among others, preferences as to dividends and distributions on liquidation, conversion rights, voting rights and others.
Previous wording
Our largest shareholders, officers and directors and related parties, Leandro Iglesias and Alvaro Cardona, have substantial control over us and our policies as a result of their holdings in Series A Preferred Stock, and will be able to influence all corporate matters, which might not be in other shareholders’ interests.
Current wording
Our largest shareholders, officers and directors and related parties, Leandro Iglesias and Alvaro Quintana, have substantial control over us and our policies as a result of their holdings in Series A Preferred Stock, and will be able to influence all corporate matters, which might not be in other shareholders’ interests.
Previous wording
There were 10,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of the date of this Annual Report, with Mr. Iglesias holding 7,000 shares and Mr. Cardona the other 3,000 shares. There were 176,329,933 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of the date of this Annual report, with Mr. Iglesias holding 542,932 shares and Mr. Cardona holding 1,121,842 shares, which together accounts for just over 0.9% of our outstanding common stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of our common stock on all matters submitted to shareholders at a rate of 51% of the total vote of shareholders, including the election of directors. Our common stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. By virtue of their ownership of Series A Preferred Stock and common stock, they are able to vote at a rate of approximately 51.47% of the total vote of shareholders. They are therefore able to exercise significant influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors, the approval of significant corporate transactions, and any change of control of our company. They could prevent transactions, which would be in the best interests of the other shareholders. Their interests may not necessarily be in the best interests of the shareholders in general.
Current wording
There were 10,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of the date of this Annual Report, with Mr. Iglesias holding 7,000 shares and Mr. Quintana the other 3,000 shares. There were 210,710,170 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of the date of this Annual report, with Mr. Iglesias holding 2,095,363 shares and Mr. Quintana holding 1,331,842 shares, which together accounts for just over 1.68% of our outstanding common stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of our common stock on all matters submitted to shareholders at a rate of 51% of the total vote of shareholders, including the election of directors. Our common stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. By virtue of their ownership of Series A Preferred Stock and common stock, they are able to vote at a rate of approximately 51.83% of the total vote of shareholders. They are therefore able to exercise significant influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors, the approval of significant corporate transactions, and any change of control of our company. They could prevent transactions, which would be in the best interests of the other shareholders. Their interests may not necessarily be in the best interests of the shareholders in general.
Previous wording
Our common stock is quoted under the symbol “IQST” on the OTCQX operated by OTC Markets Group, Inc., an electronic inter-dealer quotation medium for equity securities. Even though we currently have an active trading market, there can be no assurance that it will be sustained.
Current wording
Our common stock is quoted under the symbol “IQST” on the OTCQX operated by OTC Markets Group, Inc., an electronic inter-dealer quotation medium for equity securities. . Only a limited market exists for our securities. There is no assurance that a regular trading market will develop, or if developed, that it will be sustained.
Previous wording
Our securities are very thinly traded. Accordingly, it may be difficult to sell shares of our common stock without significantly depressing the value of the stock. Unless we are successful in developing continued investor interest in our stock, sales of our stock could continue to result in major fluctuations in the price of the stock.
Current wording
Accordingly, it may be difficult to sell shares of our common stock without significantly depressing the value of the stock. Unless we are successful in developing continued investor interest in our stock, sales of our stock could continue to result in major fluctuations in the price of the stock.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Risk Factors Related to Our International Operations