FOCUS UNIVERSAL INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 28, 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 Feb 28, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-04-01.
0001683168-24-001995
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-28.
0001683168-25-001278
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 125 previous paragraphs and 117 current paragraphs.
100 unchanged; 15 reworded; 2 added; 8 removed; 2 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 27 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 (2)
Current report
In an effort to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s Bid Price Rule, on January 31, 2025, the Company effected a 1 for 10 reverse stock split pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) Section 78.207 which also caused a decrease of the Company’s authorized shares of common stock by the same ratio from 150,000,000 to 15,000,000.
Removed paragraphs (8)
Previous report
Although our financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, we must complete the sale of our facility to fund our operations in order to alleviate as a going concern.
Previous report
****Our current liquidity position raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we are able to improve our liquidity position by completing the sale of our facility, we may alleviate our going concern. While we believe the sale of the facility and the sale of real estate as a whole to be less speculative as a whole, we acknowledge that the transaction still remains to be completed and the risks remain in completion of that transaction. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result.
Previous report
Because we have a limiting operating history with positive revenues, you may not be able to accurately evaluate our operations.
Previous report
We were incorporated on December 4, 2012, and have had limited profitable operations to date. Therefore, we have a limited profitable operating history upon which to evaluate the merits of investing in our company. The likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays encountered in connection with the operations that we plan to undertake. These potential problems include, but are not limited to, unanticipated problems relating to the ability to generate sufficient cash flow to operate our business, and additional costs and expenses that may exceed current estimates. However, we expect to continue generating revenues. Additionally, we recognize that if the effectiveness of our business plan is not forthcoming, we will not be able to continue business operations. If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks, our business will most likely fail.
Previous report
If the Company is not in compliance with the Bid Price Rule by September 16, 2024, the Company may be afforded a second 180 calendar day period to regain compliance. Pursuant to Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(i)-(ii), to qualify, the Company would be required to transfer to The Nasdaq Capital Market and then meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the bid price requirement, and would need to provide written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period, by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. For the MVLS Rule, if the Company does not regain compliance by September 18, 2024, then the Company will be required to transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market where the MVLS is $35,000,000.
Previous report
The Company will continue to actively monitor the closing bid price of its common stock and will evaluate available options, including, without limitation, submitting a transfer application to the Nasdaq Capital Market and/or seeking to effect a reverse stock split, in order to resolve the deficiency and regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule and the MVLS Rule. The Company’s common stock will continue to be listed and traded on The Nasdaq Global Market during the first 180-day compliance period that ends on the Compliance Date, subject to the Company’s compliance with the other continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Market.
Previous report
If we are unable to manage our anticipated post-acquisition growth effectively, our business could be adversely affected.
Previous report
We anticipate that because of the significant expansion of our operations and addition of operating subsidiaries, new personnel may be required in all areas of our operations to continue to implement our post-acquisition business plan. Our future operating results depend to a large extent on our ability to manage this expansion and growth successfully. For us to continue to manage such growth, we must put in place legal and accounting systems and implement human resource management and other tools. We have taken preliminary steps to put this structure in place. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully manage this anticipated rapid growth. A failure to manage our growth effectively could materially and adversely affect our profitability.
Reworded paragraphs (15)
Previous wording
We have a history of operating losses, and we may not be able to sustain profitability.
Current wording
We have a history of operating losses and going concern basis, and we may not be able to sustain profitability.
Previous wording
We were incorporated on December 4, 2012; and as of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $22,582,170. If we are not successful in growing revenues and controlling costs, we will not maintain profitable operations or positive cash flow, and even if we achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods.
Current wording
We were incorporated on December 4, 2012; and as of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $25,782,308. Our current liquidity position raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The Company has assessed its ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the date of the issuance of these consolidated financial statements. The Company has a net loss of $3,200,138 and $4,718,142 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In addition, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $25,782,308 and $22,582,170 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and negative cash flow from operating activities of $4,656,754 and $3,528,762 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. If we are not successful in growing revenues and controlling costs, we will not achieve profitable operations or positive cash flow, and even if we achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods.
Previous wording
The principal raw materials that we use for our Ubiquitor device are standard industrial electronics parts and plastics that are generally easily available through a variety of U.S. domestic and foreign manufacturers. Such raw materials can experience price fluctuations due to a variety of factors, such as tariffs, import/export fees and delays, and availability. If there is scarcity, then larger competitors could be given purchasing priority with major suppliers that could make it so smaller companies like us experience volatility in costs and/or availability issues. Also, since we have not yet manufactured in large numbers, our management team might not have the expertise to mitigate such price fluctuations or availability concerns. Thus, suppliers could stop selling to us because of demand. Even though it is possible to find alternative suppliers, changing to new suppliers could delay production and affect the quality of certain products.
Current wording
The principal raw materials that we use for our Ubiquitor device are standard industrial electronics parts and plastics that are generally easily available through a variety of U.S. domestic and foreign manufacturers. Such raw materials can experience price fluctuations due to a variety of factors, such as tariffs, import/export fees and delays, and availability. If there is scarcity, then larger competitors could be given purchasing priority with major suppliers that could make it so smaller companies like us experience volatility in costs and/or availability issues. We expect added volatility as new import tariffs may be imposed on imports from China, Mexico and Canada. Because this is a recent development, we have not been able to fully assess this risk or its effects in the manufacturing and import of our products. Also, since we have not yet manufactured in large numbers, our management team might not have the expertise to mitigate such price fluctuations or availability concerns. Thus, suppliers could stop selling to us because of demand. Even though it is possible to find alternative suppliers, changing to new suppliers could delay production and affect the quality of certain products, and there is no guarantee that new tariffs will not be levied upon goods imported from such new suppliers.
Previous wording
We currently source products from manufacturers in China, including digital, analog, and quantum light meters, filtration products and certain components for our Ubiquitor device. Currently, the prices we offer to Hydrofarm are FOB (Free on Board) China. Only the cost of delivering the goods to the nearest port is included and Hydrofarm is responsible for the shipping from China and responsible for all other fees, including tariffs, associated with delivering the goods to the ultimate destination. If Hydrofarm changes the term to CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) United States, then we would be responsible for the shipping costs and the tariff costs, which may reduce our gross margin. Thus, we may incur increases in costs due to changes in tariffs, import or export restrictions, other trade barriers, or unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, any of which could reduce our gross margins. Moreover, volatile economic conditions may impact the ability of our suppliers to make timely deliveries; and if a supplier fails to make a delivery, there is no guarantee that we will be able to timely locate an alternative supplier of comparable quality at an acceptable price.
Current wording
We currently source products from manufacturers in China, including digital, analog, and quantum light meters, filtration products and certain components for our Ubiquitor device. Currently, the prices we offer to Hydrofarm are FOB (Free on Board) China. Only the cost of delivering the goods to the nearest port is included and Hydrofarm is responsible for the shipping from China and responsible for all other fees, including tariffs, associated with delivering the goods to the ultimate destination. If Hydrofarm changes the term to CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) United States, then we would be responsible for the shipping costs and the tariff costs, which may reduce our gross margin, specially now that new tariffs may be imposed on goods imported from China. Thus, we may incur increases in costs due to changes in tariffs, import or export restrictions, other trade barriers, or unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, any of which could reduce our gross margins. Moreover, volatile economic conditions may impact the ability of our suppliers to make timely deliveries; and if a supplier fails to make a delivery, there is no guarantee that we will be able to timely locate an alternative supplier of comparable quality at an acceptable price.
Previous wording
Since the beginning of 2018, there has been increasing rhetoric, in some cases coupled with legislative or executive action, from several U.S. and foreign leaders regarding tariffs against imports of certain materials. It is difficult to anticipate the impact on our business caused by the proposed tariffs or whether the proposed changes in tariffs will materialize in the future. Given the relatively fluid regulatory environment in China and the United States, there could be additional tax, tariffs, or other regulatory changes in the future. Any such changes could directly and materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Current wording
Since the beginning of 2025, the U.S. has taken executive orders to increase tariffs against imports from Chinese, Mexican and Canadian goods, but it is difficult to determine at this time if more tariffs will be imposed on goods imported from other countries. It is difficult to anticipate the impact on our business caused by the increased tariffs or whether additional changes in tariffs will materialize in the future. Given the relatively fluid regulatory environment in China and the United States, there could be additional tax, tariffs, or other regulatory changes in the future, and China could retaliate against the tariffs recently imposed by the U.S. Any such changes could directly and materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Previous wording
We may at times collect, store, and transmit information of, or on behalf of, our clients that may include certain types of confidential information that may be considered personal or sensitive, and that are subject to laws that apply to data breaches. We believe that we take reasonable steps to protect the security, integrity, and confidentiality of the information we collect and store, but there is no guarantee that inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure will not occur or that third parties will not gain unauthorized access to this information despite our efforts to protect this information, including through a cyber-attack that circumvents existing security measures and compromises the data that we store. If such unauthorized disclosure or access does occur, we may be required to notify persons whose information was disclosed or accessed. Most states have enacted data breach notification laws and, in addition to federal laws that apply to certain types of information, such as financial information, federal legislation has been proposed that would establish broader federal obligations with respect to data breaches. We may also be subject to claims of breach of contract for such unauthorized disclosure or access, investigation and penalties by regulatory authorities and potential claims by persons whose information was disclosed. The unauthorized disclosure of information, or a cyber-security incident involving data that we store, may result in the termination of one or more of our commercial relationships or a reduction in client confidence and usage of our services. We may also be subject to litigation alleging the improper use, transmission, or storage of confidential information, which could damage our reputation among our current and potential clients and cause us to lose business and revenue.
Current wording
We may at times collect, store, and transmit information of, or on behalf of, our clients that may include certain types of confidential information that may be considered personal or sensitive, and that are subject to laws that apply to data breaches. We believe that we take reasonable steps to protect the security, integrity, and confidentiality of the information we collect and store, but there is no guarantee that inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure will not occur or that third parties will not gain unauthorized access to this information despite our efforts to protect this information, including through a cyber-attack that circumvents existing security measures and compromises the data that we store. If such unauthorized disclosure or access does occur, we may be required to notify persons whose information was disclosed or accessed. Most states have enacted data breach notification laws and, in addition to federal laws that apply to certain types of information, such as financial information, federal legislation has been proposed that would establish broader federal obligations with respect to data breaches. We may also be subject to claims for breach of contract for such unauthorized disclosure or access, investigation and penalties by regulatory authorities and potential claims by persons whose information was disclosed. The unauthorized disclosure of information, or a cyber-security incident involving data that we store, may result in the termination of one or more of our commercial relationships or a reduction in client confidence and usage of our services. We may also be subject to litigation alleging the improper use, transmission, or storage of confidential information, which could damage our reputation among our current and potential clients and cause us to lose business and revenue.
Previous wording
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Current wording
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely manner.
Previous wording
Our CEO and one of our directors, Dr. Desheng Wang, owns 33.343% of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the date of this report. Two of our directors together own over 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Accordingly, our directors have a significant influence in determining the outcome of all corporate transactions or other matters, including mergers, consolidations, and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. They also have the power to prevent or cause a change in control. The interests of our directors may differ from the interests of the other stockholders and thus result in corporate decisions that are disadvantageous to other shareholders.
Current wording
Our CEO and one of our directors, Dr. Desheng Wang, owns 32% of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the date of this report. Two of our directors together own over 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Accordingly, our directors have a significant influence in determining the outcome of all corporate transactions or other matters, including mergers, consolidations, and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. They also have the power to prevent or cause a change in control. The interests of our directors may differ from the interests of the other stockholders and thus result in corporate decisions that are disadvantageous to other shareholders.
Previous wording
In 2018, we registered 19,904,706 shares of our common stock for more than 300 shareholders, which is substantially more than the 18,018,039 shares of common stock that are currently free trading. Any increase in freely trading shares, or the perception that such shares will or could come onto the market could have an adverse effect on the trading price of the stock. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that sales of these shares, or the availability of such shares for sale, will have on the market prices prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, the possibility that substantial amounts of common stock may be sold in the public market may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities or impair our shareholders’ ability to sell on the open market.
Current wording
As of January 31, 2025, we had 3,378,104 freely trading shares, after the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 10 to 1 reverse stock split. Any increase in freely trading shares, or the perception that such shares will or could come onto the market could have an adverse effect on the trading price of the stock. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that sales of these shares, or the availability of such shares for sale, will have on the market prices prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, the possibility that substantial amounts of common stock may be sold in the public market may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities or impair our shareholders’ ability to sell on the open market.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had 64,771,817 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. We are authorized to issue up to 75,000,000 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock. To the extent of such authorization, our Board of Directors will have the ability, without seeking stockholder approval, to issue additional shares of common stock or preferred stock in the future for such consideration as the Board of Directors may consider sufficient. The issuance of additional common stock or preferred stock in the future may reduce a shareholder’s proportionate ownership and voting power.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had 7,153,647 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. We are authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock. To the extent of such authorization, our Board of Directors will have the ability, without seeking stockholder approval, to issue additional shares of common stock or preferred stock in the future for such consideration as the Board of Directors may consider sufficient. The issuance of additional common stock or preferred stock in the future may reduce a shareholder’s proportionate ownership and voting power.
Previous wording
If our existing stockholders sell substantial shares of our common stock in the public market, then the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly. The perception in the public market that our stockholders might sell shares of common stock also could depress the market price of our common stock. There are approximately 64,771,817 shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 1, 2024, of which approximately 26,989,222 shares are currently freely tradable.
Current wording
If our existing stockholders sell substantial shares of our common stock in the public market, then the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly. The perception in the public market that our stockholders might sell shares of common stock also could depress the market price of our common stock. There are approximately 7,153,647 shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024, of which approximately 3,417,793 shares are freely tradable.
Previous wording
We have never paid any cash dividends and currently do not intend to pay any dividends for the foreseeable future. To the extent that we require additional funding currently not provided for in our financing plan, our funding sources may likely prohibit the payment of a dividend. Because we do not intend to declare dividends, any gain on an investment in Focus Universal Inc. will need to come through appreciation of the stock’s price.
Current wording
We have never paid any cash dividends and currently do not intend to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. To the extent that we require additional funding currently not provided for in our financing plan, our funding sources may likely prohibit the payment of a cash dividend. Because we do not intend to declare cash dividends, any gain on an investment in Focus Universal Inc. will need to come through appreciation of the stock’s price.
Previous wording
Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FCUV,” but we can provide no assurance that we will be able to maintain an active trading market on this or any other exchange in the future. A lack of an active market may impair the ability of our stockholders to sell shares at the time they wish to sell or at a price that they consider favorable. The lack of an active market may also reduce the fair market value of our common stock, impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares of capital stock and may impair our ability to use common stock as consideration to attract and retain talent or engage in business transactions (including mergers and acquisitions). In 2021, our common stock was listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our stock was uplisted onto the Nasdaq Global Market on January 28, 2022. On March 20, 2024 and March 22, 2024, we received two separate letters from the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”). The March 20, 2024 letter was notifying the Company that based upon the closing bid price for the last 30 consecutive business days, the Company no longer meets the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “Bid Price Rule”). In addition, on March 22, 2024, Nasdaq notified the Company that since the Company’s Market Value of Listed Securities (“MVLS”) has fallen below $50,000,000 the Company no longer satisfies the requirements to qualify for the Nasdaq Global Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) (the “MVLS Rule”). The notification received has no immediate effect on the Company’s Nasdaq listing.
Current wording
Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FCUV,” but we can provide no assurance that we will be able to maintain an active trading market on this or any other exchange in the future. A lack of an active market may impair the ability of our stockholders to sell shares at the time they wish to sell or at a price that they consider favorable. The lack of an active market may also reduce the fair market value of our common stock, impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares of capital stock and may impair our ability to use common stock as consideration to attract and retain talent or engage in business transactions (including mergers and acquisitions). As previously reported, the Company has met the continued listing requirements for Nasdaq Capital Market by submitting a transfer application from the Nasdaq Global Market to the Capital Market and providing written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “Bid Price Rule”). The Company was provided a second compliance period of 180 calendar days or until March 17, 2025, to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule. If, at any time before the Compliance Date, the bid price of the Company’s security is at least $1 for a minimum of ten consecutive days then this matter should be closed with respect to the Bid Price Rule.
Previous wording
Our shares of common stock are only recently listed on NASDAQ, and we may not be able to maintain the continued listing standards.
Current wording
We may not be able to maintain the continued NASDAQ listing standards.
Previous wording
The smart home installation business is a highly competitive market, and we have numerous competitors who are already well-established in the market. We expect our competitors to continue improving the design and performance of their products and to introduce new products that could be competitive in both price and performance. The reason we believe that we could become competitive in this market segment is because we anticipate integrating the Ubiquitor device into AVX’s smart home installations. However, there is no guarantee that we can integrate the Ubiquitor device into AVX’s smart home installations. If we are unable to integrate the Ubiquitor device into smart home installations, we will not be able to achieve the competitive price and performance we anticipate achieving success in AVX’s future smart home installations. Alternatively, we may not be able to achieve a smart home installation at a cost-effective price that is sufficient to distinguish us from amongst the competition in this market segment.
Current wording
The smart home installation business is a highly competitive market, and we have numerous competitors who are already well-established in the market. We expect our competitors to continue improving the design and performance of their products and to introduce new products that could be competitive in both price and performance. The reason we believe that we could become competitive in this market segment is because we anticipate integrating the Ubiquitor device, and our platforms into AVX’s smart home installations. However, there is no guarantee that we can integrate the Ubiquitor device into AVX’s smart home installations. If we are unable to integrate the Ubiquitor device into smart home installations, we will not be able to achieve the competitive price and performance we anticipate achieving success in AVX’s future smart home installations. Alternatively, we may not be able to achieve a smart home installation at a cost-effective price that is sufficient to distinguish us from amongst the competition in this market segment.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) and 5810(c)(3)(C) (the “Compliance Period Rule”), the Company has been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until September 16, 2024 and September 18, 2024, (the “Compliance Date”), to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule and the MVLS Rule, respectively. If, at any time before the Compliance Date, the bid price of the Company’s security is at least $1 for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, the Staff will provide written confirmation of compliance to the Company and this matter will be closed with respect to the Bid Price Rule. Concurrently, if, at any time before the Compliance date the Company’s MVLS is over $50,000,000 or more for a minimum of ten consecutive business days then this matter will be closed with respect to the MVLS Rule.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Risks Related to Our Acquisition of AVX