Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM
9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our
management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and
CFO concluded that, due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as described below, our disclosure
controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2024.
Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting
Management
is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange
Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation
of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based upon the document “Internal
Control - Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
Based upon this assessment and those criteria, management concluded that due to the material weaknesses described below, our internal
control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024.
The
Company employs a decentralized internal control methodology, coupled with management’s oversight, whereby its subsidiary is responsible
for mitigating its risks to financial reporting by implementing and maintaining effective control policies and procedures and subsequently
translating that respective risk mitigation up and through to the parent level and to the Company’s external consolidated financial
statements. Also, as the Company’s subsidiary is not large enough to effectively mitigate certain risks by segregating incompatible
duties, management must employ compensating mechanisms throughout the Company in a manner that is feasible within the constraints it
operates.
The
material weaknesses management identified were caused by an insufficient complement of resources at the Company’s OmniMetrix subsidiary
and limited IT system capabilities, such that individual control policies and procedures could not be implemented, maintained, or remediated
when and where necessary. Management identified the following material weaknesses set forth below in our internal control over financial reporting:
●
The Company had ineffective design and operation of information technology general controls (ITGCs) over logical access, program change management, and vendor management controls.
●
The Company had ineffective design and operation of internal controls over financial reporting related to segregation of duties and journal entries. The weakness related to segregation of duties arises due to insufficient segregation of duties within the Company’s ERP system. Specifically, two individuals currently have access to both the recording and approval of financial transactions, which increases the risk of unauthorized adjustments. The weakness related to journal entries stems from the ERP’s functionality that allows users to modify journal entries after they have been posted. This capability creates a risk of unauthorized changes to financial records.
●
The Company had ineffective design and operation of controls including management review controls, over the Company’s projected financial information within the Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance analysis.
A
material weakness is defined as 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 the Company’s annual or interim consolidated financial statements
will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weaknesses identified, and the related risks are not uncommon in a
company of our size because of the limitations in the location, size and number of our staff. The material weaknesses identified, however,
did not result in any material misstatements of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures for any interim
periods during, or for, the annual period ended December 31, 2024.
22
Remediation
Actions
Management
intends to continue to focus on strengthening the Company’s internal controls. Management expects to make progress towards reducing
the risk that the material weakness could result in a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim consolidated financial
statements. As business conditions allow and resources permit, management will continue to systematically build the necessary capabilities
and infrastructure to implement corrective actions.
Changes
in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, we have implemented the following (i) a process pursuant to which System and Organization Controls
(SOC) reports are obtained from third-party vendors on a recurring schedule and such reports are evaluated for any issues, (ii) provisioning/termination
controls with signed and authenticated authorizations, and (iii) change controls for development processes that require authorizations,
peer review, quality assurance documentation, ticket matching of changes to work authorizations and overall change controls. It is our
belief that these added controls and related actions will effectively remediate the existing material weaknesses. The material weaknesses
will not be considered remediated, however, until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has
concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
Other
than the remediation actions described above, there
were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange
Act) during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
ITEM
9B. OTHER INFORMATION
During
the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, none of our directors or officers adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement”
or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as those terms are defined in Regulation S-K, Item 408.
ITEM
9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not
applicable.
PART
III
ITEM
10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors
and Executive Officers
Set
forth below is certain information concerning the directors and certain officers of the Company:
Name
Age
Position
Jan
H. Loeb
66
Director,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Acorn Energy, Inc. and Acting CEO of OmniMetrix
Gary
Mohr
66
Director
and member of our Audit, Nominating and Compensation Committees
Michael
F. Osterer
79
Director
and member of our Audit, Nominating and Compensation Committees
Peter
Rabover
44
Director
Samuel
M. Zentman
79
Director,
Chairman of our Audit Committee and member of our Nominating and Compensation Committees
Tracy
S. Clifford
56
Chief
Financial Officer of Acorn Energy, Inc. and COO of OmniMetrix
23
Jan
H. Loeb has served as our President and CEO since January 28, 2016 and as Acting CEO of OmniMetrix since December 1, 2019. He was
appointed to our Board in August 2015 pursuant to the terms of our loan and security agreement with Leap Tide Capital Partners III, LLC
(the “Leap Tide Loan Agreement”). He was also appointed to the Board of our then subsidiary DSIT in August 2015 pursuant
to the terms of the Leap Tide Loan Agreement and held that position until the sale of our remaining interest in DSIT in February 2018.
Mr. Loeb has more than 40 years of money management and investment banking experience. He has been the Managing Member of Leap Tide Capital
Management LLC since 2007. From 2005 to 2007, he served as the President of Leap Tide’s predecessor, Leap Tide Capital Management
Inc., which was formerly known as AmTrust Capital Management Inc. He served as a Portfolio Manager of Chesapeake Partners from February
2004 to January 2005. From January 2002 to December 2004, he served as Managing Director at Jefferies & Company, Inc. From 1994 to
2001, he served as Managing Director at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, Inc. (formerly Wasserstein Perella & Co., Inc.). He served
as a Lead Director of American Pacific Corporation from July 8, 2013 to February 27, 2014, and also served as its Director from January
1997 to February 27, 2014. He served as an Independent Director of Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (formerly, Golf Trust of America,
Inc.) from 2006 to August 31, 2011. He served as a Director of TAT Technologies, Ltd. from August 2009 to December 21, 2016. He served
as a Director of Keweenaw Land Association, Ltd. from December 2016 until May 2019. He has served as President, Executive Chairman and
board member of NovelStem International Corp since July 2018, and as a board member of Gyrodyne, LLC since July 2023.
Key
Attributes, Experience and Skills. Mr. Loeb brings to the Acorn Board significant financial expertise, cultivated over more than
40 years of money management and investment banking experience, together with a background in public company management and audit committee
experience.
Gary
Mohr was elected to the Board in August 2018 and is a member of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees. Mr. Mohr is President
of UE Systems, Incorporated, an international technology company specializing in the field of plant asset reliability through ultrasound.
Mr. Mohr started with UE Systems in 1988 as a salesman and rapidly progressed through the ranks as regional sales manager, National Sales
Manager, Vice President and eventually President of the company. It is through Mr. Mohr’s stewardship that UE Systems has grown
from a national brand to an international company with offices in Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, India and the Netherlands, and developed
a list of loyal customers, including those in the Fortune 500.
Key
Attributes, Experience and Skills. Mr. Mohr brings to the Board a broad range of operational and managerial experience, including
a successful track record in product development and marketing leadership.
Michael
F. Osterer was elected to the Board in August 2018 and is a member of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees. He served
as an advisor to our Board from October 2017 until his election as director. Since 1973, Mr. Osterer has served as Chairman of the Board
of UE Systems, Incorporated, a leader in the field of plant asset reliability through ultrasound, which he founded in 1973. He also served
as President of UE Systems from 1973 to 1985. Since 1987, Mr. Osterer has served as President of Libom Oil, an oil exploration, drilling
and purchasing company, which he founded in 1987. He is the Acting Chairman of the Board of Radon Testing Corporation of America, Inc.,
which he founded in 1985 and where he served as President from 1985 through 1989. Mr. Osterer also founded Westchester Consultants, a
general business consultancy nationally recognized for branding expertise of food products. He served in the United States Air Force/Air
National Guard, 105th Airborne Division, from 1964 through 1970. Mr. Osterer graduated from Fordham University with a BA in Social Sciences,
Magna Cum Laude .
Key
Attributes, Experience and Skills. Mr. Osterer brings to Acorn a wealth of operational and managerial experience gained over his
long history of successful entrepreneurial pursuits, corporate leadership and oversight.
Peter
Rabover was appointed to the Board in March 2023. Mr. Rabover is currently the chief financial officer for Grodivo, a corporate culture
measurement software company. He has been an active buyside investor for over 20 years, and is currently the Managing Director of Artko
Capital LP, a partnership focused on microcap investments, which is a role he has held since he founded the partnership in 2015. In such
capacity, Mr. Rabover has advised on a wide range of corporate finance activities for dozens of companies. Prior to founding Artko Capital,
he worked for Scharf Investments from 2012 to 2014, and Hahn Capital Management from 2005 to 2011 in an analyst capacity. He served in
the United States Peace Corps in Kazakhstan from 2003 to 2005 as an Economic Development Volunteer. Mr. Rabover started his career as
an auditor for United States Steel Corporation from 2001 to 2003. He holds an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University, a Masters
of Business Administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and is a CFA Charterholder.
24
Key
Attributes, Experience and Skills. Mr. Rabover has a wide range of corporate finance, audit and capital allocation acumen and experience
as well as a unique shareholder perspective gained through a long career of managing outside capital and finding successful investments.
Samuel
M. Zentman has been one of our directors since November 2004 and currently serves as Chairman of our Audit Committee and as a member
of our Compensation and Nominating Committees. From 1980 until 2006, Dr. Zentman was the president and chief executive officer of a privately
held textile firm, where he also served as vice president of finance and administration from 1978 to 1980. From 1973 to 1978, Dr. Zentman
served in various capacities in the Information Systems department at American Motors Corporation including Director of the Corporate
Data Center and the Engineering Computer Centers. He holds a Ph.D. in Complex Analysis. Dr. Zentman serves on the board of Hinson &
Hale Medical Technologies, Inc., as well as several national charitable organizations devoted to advancing the quality of education.
Key
Attributes, Experience and Skills. Dr. Zentman’s long-time experience as a businessman together with his experience with computer
systems and software enables him to bring valuable insights to the Board. Dr. Zentman has a broad, fundamental understanding of the business
drivers affecting our Company and also brings leadership and oversight experience to the Board.
Tracy
S. Clifford has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since June 1, 2018 and as the COO of OmniMetrix since December
1, 2019. She serves in such positions pursuant to a Consulting Agreement between the Company and Tracy Clifford Consulting, LLC. Ms.
Clifford is President and Owner of Tracy Clifford Consulting, LLC, through which she has been providing contract CFO/COO services and
other advisory services and project engagements since June 2015. Between October 1999 and May 2015, she served as CFO, Principal Accounting
Officer, Corporate Controller and Secretary for a publicly traded pharmaceutical company and a publicly traded REIT. Her prior experience
includes accounting leadership positions at United Healthcare (Atlanta) and the North Broward Hospital District (Fort Lauderdale) and
work on the audit team of Deloitte & Touche (Miami). Ms. Clifford has served as a board member of Novelstem International Corp since
July 2018. Ms. Clifford obtained a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree
in business administration with a concentration in finance from Georgia State University. Ms. Clifford is a licensed CPA in the state
of South Carolina and holds a certification in the fundamentals of forensic accounting from the AICPA.
Key
Attributes, Experience and Skills. Ms. Clifford brings to the Company over 20+ years as a public company chief financial/accounting
officer together with Big 4 public accounting experience and a broad scope of operational experience.
Audit
Committee; Audit Committee Financial Expert
The
Company has a separate designated standing Audit Committee established and administered in accordance with SEC rules. The three members
of the Audit Committee are Samuel M. Zentman (who serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee), Gary Mohr and Michael F. Osterer. The Board
of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence criteria prescribed by NASDAQ governing the
qualifications for audit committee members and each Audit Committee member meets NASDAQ’s financial knowledge requirements. Our
Board has determined that Dr. Zentman qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in the rules and regulations
of the SEC.
Compensation
Committee
Our
executive compensation is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The members of the Compensation Committee
are Gary Mohr, Michael F. Osterer and Samuel M. Zentman, all of whom have been determined by the Board to be independent in accordance
with NASDAQ’s requirement for independent director oversight of executive officer compensation.
Nominating
Committee
The
Nominating Committee of our Board of Directors has overall responsibility for identifying, evaluating, recruiting and selecting qualified
candidates for election, re-election or appointment to the Board. The Members of the Nominating Committee are Gary Mohr, Samuel M. Zentman
and Michael Osterer, all of whom have been determined by the Board to meet the independence criteria prescribed by NASDAQ governing the
qualifications of nominating committee members.
25
Our
stockholders may recommend potential director candidates by contacting the Secretary of the Company to receive a copy of the procedure
to recommend a potential director candidate for consideration by the Nominating Committee, who will evaluate recommendations from stockholders
in the same manner that they evaluate recommendations from other sources.
Section
16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance; Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section
16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) requires our executive officers and directors, and persons
who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC.
These persons are also required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Further, we have implemented
measures to ensure timely filing of Section 16(a) reports by our executive officers and directors. Based solely on our review of such
forms or written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that during 2024 our executive officers and directors complied
with the filing requirements of Section 16(a).
Code
of Ethics
We
have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all our directors, officers and employees. This code of ethics is
designed to comply with the NASDAQ marketplace rules related to codes of conduct. Our
code of ethics may be accessed under “Investor Relations” on our website at www.acornenergy.com. We also intend to satisfy
any disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 on Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our code of ethics by
posting such information on our website, www.acornenergy.com.
Insider
Trading Policy
W e
have adopted an Insider Trading Policy governing the purchase, sale and/or other dispositions of
our securities by directors, officers and employees, and by the Company itself, that are reasonably designed to promote compliance with
insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and any listing standards applicable to us. A copy of the policy is filed as Exhibit 19.1
to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM
11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive
and Director Compensation
Summary
Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Option Awards
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Jan H. Loeb
2024
321,360 (3)
—
13,009 (5)
—
334,369
President and CEO of the Company and Acting CEO of OmniMetrix (1)
2023
312,000 (3)
—
9,142 (6)
—
321,142
Tracy S. Clifford
2024
216,300 (4)
—
13,009 (7)
—
229,309
CFO of the Company and COO of OmniMetrix (2)
2023
210,000 (4)
—
18,000 (8)
—
228,000
(1)
Mr.
Loeb began serving as President and CEO of the Company on January 28, 2016 and as Acting CEO of OmniMetrix on December 1, 2019.
(2)
Ms.
Clifford began serving as CFO of the Company on June 1, 2018 and as COO of OmniMetrix on December 1, 2019.
(3)
Represents
the consulting fee paid for the provision of Mr. Loeb’s services to the Company as President and CEO of the Company and Acting
CEO of OmniMetrix.
(4)
Represents
the consulting fee paid for the provision of Ms. Clifford’s services as CFO of the Company and COO of OmniMetrix.
26
(5)
Represents
the grant date fair value calculated in accordance with applicable accounting principles with respect to 2,200 options granted on
January 2, 2024 with an exercise price of $6.09. The fair value of the options was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model using the following assumptions: (i) a risk-free interest rate of 4.0% (ii) an expected term of 4.88 years (iii) an assumed
volatility of 194.1% and (iv) no dividends.
(6)
Represents
the grant date fair value calculated in accordance with applicable accounting principles with respect to 2,187 options granted on
January 1, 2023 with an exercise price of $5.60 (as adjusted in connection with the September 2023 1-for-16 reverse stock split).
The fair value of the options was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: (i) a
risk-free interest rate of 4.0% (ii) an expected term of 5.19 years (iii) an assumed volatility of 94.3% and (iv) no dividends.
(7)
Represents
the grant date fair value calculated in accordance with applicable accounting principles with respect to 2,200 options granted on
January 2, 2024 with an exercise price of $6.09. The fair value of the options was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model using the following assumptions: (i) a risk-free interest rate of 4.0% (ii) an expected term of 4.88 years (iii) an assumed
volatility of 194.1% and (iv) no dividends.
(8)
Represents
the grant date fair value calculated in accordance with applicable accounting principles with respect to 6,250 options granted on
June 1, 2023 with an exercise price of $4.96 (as adjusted in connection with the September 2023 1-for-16 reverse stock split). The
fair value of the options was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: (i) a risk-free
interest rate of 3.9% (ii) an expected term of 3.7 years (iii) an assumed volatility of 93.8% and (iv) no dividends.
Executive
Compensation for 2024 and 2023
Jan
H. Loeb. On January 2, 2024, the Company entered into a consulting agreement (the “2024
Loeb Consulting Agreement”) extending its arrangements for compensation of Mr. Loeb. Pursuant to the 2024 Loeb Consulting Agreement,
Mr. Loeb received cash compensation of $16,780 per month for service as President and CEO of Acorn, and an additional $10,000 per month
for serving as Acting CEO of OmniMetrix. Mr. Loeb also received a grant of options on January 2, 2024 to purchase 2,200 shares of the
Company’s common stock, which are exercisable at an exercise price equal to the December 29, 2023, closing price of the common
stock of $6.09 per share. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the options were vested immediately; the remaining options vested in three equal
increments on April 1, 2024, July 1, 2024 and October 1, 2024. The exercise period and other terms are otherwise substantially the same
as the terms of the options granted by the Company to its outside directors. The 2024 Consulting Agreement expired on December
31, 2024; the Company and Mr. Loeb have entered into a new consulting agreement for 2025 as described below under Employment Arrangements .
On
January 1, 2023, the Company entered into a new consulting agreement (the “2023 Consulting Agreement”) with Jan H. Loeb,
extending its arrangements for compensation of Mr. Loeb for his services as President and CEO of the Company and as principle executive
officer of the Company’s OmniMetrix subsidiary in the capacity of Acting CEO.
Pursuant
to the 2023 Consulting Agreement, Mr. Loeb received cash compensation of $16,000 per month for service as President and CEO of the Company,
and an additional $10,000 per month for service as Acting CEO of OmniMetrix. Mr. Loeb also received a grant of options on January 1,
2023, to purchase 2,187 shares of the Company’s common stock, which are exercisable at an exercise price equal to the December
30, 2022, closing price of the common stock of $5.60 per share (as adjusted in connection with the September 2023 1-for-16 reverse stock
split). Twenty-five percent (25%) of the options were vested immediately; the remaining options vested in three equal increments on April
1, 2023, July 1, 2023 and October 1, 2023. The exercise period and other terms are otherwise substantially the same as the terms of the
options granted by the Company to its outside directors.
27
Tracy
S. Clifford. On January 2, 2024, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Consulting
Agreement with Ms. Clifford (the “2024 Clifford Consulting Agreement”) for the provision of Ms. Clifford’s services
as both CFO of Acorn and COO of OmniMetrix . The 2024 Clifford Consulting Agreement amends, restates
and replaces in its entirety the 2023 Clifford Consulting Agreement. The 2024 Clifford Consulting Agreement has an effective date of
January 1, 2024, had an initial one-year term, and automatically renews for an additional year upon the expiration of each one-year term
unless earlier terminated as provided therein. Pursuant to the 2024 Clifford Consulting Agreement, Ms. Clifford receives cash compensation
of $18,025 per month. In the event of termination, other than for cause, Ms. Clifford shall be entitled to continuation, for a period
of six months following the date of such termination, of the monthly cash compensation in effect at the time of such termination. Pursuant
to the terms of the 2024 Clifford Consulting Agreement, Ms. Clifford also received a grant of options on January 2, 2024, to purchase
2,200 shares of the Company’s common stock, which are exercisable at an exercise price equal to the December 29, 2023, closing
price of the common stock of $6.09 per share. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the options were vested immediately; the remaining options
vested in three equal increments on April 1, 2024, July 1, 2024 and October 1, 2024. On each subsequent anniversary of January 1, 2024,
so long as the 2024 Clifford Consulting Agreement has not been terminated, the Company will grant Ms. Clifford 2,200 stock options exercisable
at an exercise price equal to the then-current stock price. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the options will be vested immediately as of
the date of grant; the remaining options will vest in three equal increments on April 1, July 1 and October 1 during the first nine months
following the date of grant. The exercise period and other terms are otherwise substantially the same as the terms of the options granted
by the Company to its outside directors. This agreement auto renewed on January 1, 2025.
On
June 1, 2023, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement with Ms. Clifford (the “2023 Clifford Consulting
Agreement”). The 2023 Clifford Consulting Agreement began on June 1, 2023, had a one-year term, and was to automatically renew
for an additional year upon the expiration of each one-year term unless earlier terminated as provided therein. Pursuant to the 2023
Clifford Consulting Agreement, Ms. Clifford received cash compensation of $17,500 per month, as well as a grant of options on June 1,
2023, to purchase 6,250 shares of our common stock, which are exercisable at an exercise price per share equal to the May 31, 2023, closing
price of the common stock of $4.96 per share (as adjusted in connection with the September 2023 1-for-16 reverse stock split). Twenty-five
percent (25%) of the options were vested immediately; the remaining options vested in three equal increments on September 1, 2023, December
1, 2023 and March 1, 2024. On January 2, 2024, the Company entered into a new consulting agreement
with Tracy Clifford Consulting, LLC, that amends, restates and replaces in its entirety the 2023 Clifford Consulting Agreement, as described
above. From January to May 2023, Ms. Clifford received cash compensation of $17,500 per month pursuant to the terms of the Amended
and Restated Consulting Agreement entered into by the Company and Tracy Clifford Consulting, LLC on June 1, 2022.
Stockholder
input on executive compensation . Stockholders can provide the Company with their views on executive compensation matters at each
year’s annual meeting through the stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation and during the interval between stockholder
advisory votes. The Company welcomes stockholder input on our executive compensation matters, and stockholders are able to reach out
directly to our independent directors by emailing samzentman@yahoo.com to express their views on executive compensation matters.
Employment
Arrangements
The
employment arrangements of each named executive officer are described below.
Jan
H. Loeb
On
January 6, 2025, the Company entered into a new consulting agreement (the “2025 Loeb Consulting Agreement”) extending its
arrangements for compensation of Mr. Loeb. Pursuant to the 2025 Loeb Consulting Agreement, Mr. Loeb will receive cash compensation of
$16,780 per month for service as President and CEO of Acorn, and an additional $10,000 per month for so long as he serves as Acting CEO
of OmniMetrix. Mr. Loeb also received a grant of options on January 6, 2025 to purchase 2,200 shares of the Company’s common stock,
which are exercisable at an exercise price equal to the January 3, 2025, closing price of the common stock of $17.50 per share. Twenty-five
percent (25%) of the options were vested immediately; the remaining options shall vest in three equal increments on April 1, 2025, July
1, 2025 and October 1, 2025. The exercise period and other terms are otherwise substantially the same as the terms of the options granted
by the Company to its outside directors. The 2025 Loeb Consulting Agreement expires on December 31, 2025, unless terminated early as
provided therein.
Tracy
S. Clifford
On
January 1, 2025, the 2024 Clifford Consulting Agreement discussed
above for the provision of Ms. Clifford’s services as both CFO of Acorn and COO of OmniMetrix automatically renewed for another
one-year term . Pursuant to the 2024 Clifford Consulting Agreement, Ms. Clifford receives cash compensation
of $18,025 per month. Ms. Clifford also received a grant of options on January 1, 2025 to purchase 2,200 shares of the Company’s
common stock, which are exercisable at an exercise price equal to the December 31, 2024, closing price of the common stock of $17.89
per share. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the options were vested immediately; the remaining options shall vest in three equal increments
on April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025 and October 1, 2025. The exercise period and other terms are otherwise substantially the same as the terms
of the options granted by the Company to its outside directors.
28
Outstanding
Equity Awards at 2024 Fiscal Year End
The
following table sets forth all outstanding equity awards made to each of the Named Executive Officers that were outstanding at December
31, 2024.
OPTIONS TO PURCHASE ACORN ENERGY, INC. STOCK
Name
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration Date
Jan H. Loeb
2,187
—
5.92
January 1, 2027
2,187
—
7.68
January 1, 2028
2,187
—
10.08
January 1, 2029
2,187
—
5.60
January 1, 2030
2,200
—
6.09
January 2, 2031
Tracy S. Clifford
1,875
—
6.56
June 1, 2025
1,875
—
4.48
June 25, 2026
3,125
—
3.68
June 8, 2027
6,250
—
9.92
May 10, 2028
3,125
—
7.04
June 1, 2029
6,250
4.96
June 1, 2030
2,200
—
6.09
January 2, 2031
Option
and Warrant Exercises
Options
were exercised by Jan Loeb on December 9, 2024, for 2,187 shares at an exercise price of $5.60 per share and on February 21, 2024, for
2,187 shares at an exercise price of $5.76 per share.
Warrants
were exercised by Leap Tide Capital Management, LLC (of which Mr. Loeb is the Managing Member), on March 2, 2023, for 2,187 shares at
an exercise price of $2.08 per share.
Non-qualified
Deferred Compensation
There
was no executive non-qualified deferred compensation activity for either of our named executive officers for the year ended December
31, 2024.
Payments
and Benefits Upon Termination or Change in Control
Jan
H. Loeb
Under
the terms of the consulting agreement with Mr. Loeb, there are no amounts due under any termination scenario.
Tracy
S. Clifford
Under
the terms of the consulting agreement with Ms. Clifford, in the event of termination by the Company other than for cause, Ms. Clifford
shall be entitled to a continuation, for a period of six months following the date of such termination, of the monthly cash compensation
in effect at the time of such termination. There are no other amounts due under any other termination scenario under the terms of her
consulting agreement.
29
Compensation
of Directors
The
Board reviews non-employee director compensation on an annual basis. Our compensation policy for non-employee Directors for 2024 was
as follows:
Each
non-employee Director (other than the Executive Chairman) receives an annual retainer of $15,000, plus an annual grant on January 1 of
an option to purchase 625 shares of Company Common Stock.
Upon
a non-employee Director’s first election or appointment to the Board, such newly elected/appointed Director will be granted an
option to purchase 1,562 shares of Company Common Stock. Each option granted to a newly elected/appointed Director shall vest for the
purchase of one-third of the shares purchasable under such option on each of the three anniversaries following the date of the first
election or appointment.
All
options granted to non-employee Directors shall have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock
on its then-current trading platform or exchange on the last trading day immediately preceding the date of grant, and shall, except as
described in the preceding paragraph, vest in four quarterly installments beginning on the grant date. Once vested, such options shall
be exercisable in whole or in part at all times until the earliest of (i) seven years from the date of grant or (ii) 18 months from the
date such Director ceases to be a Director, officer, employee of, or consultant to, the Company.
The
chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000; each Audit Committee member other than the chair receives
an additional annual retainer of $2,000.
Each
Director may, in his discretion, elect by written notice delivered on or before the first day of each calendar year whether to receive,
in lieu of some or all of his retainer and board fees, that number of shares of Company Common Stock as shall have a value equal to the
applicable retainer and board fees, based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on its then-current trading platform
or exchange on the last trading day immediately preceding the first day of the applicable year. Once made, the election shall be irrevocable
for such election year and the shares subject to the election shall vest and be issued one-fourth upon the first day of the election
year and one-fourth as of the first day of each of the second through fourth calendar quarters thereafter during the remainder of the
election year. A newly-elected or appointed Director may, in his or her discretion, make such an election for the balance of the year
in which he or she was elected/appointed by written notice delivered on or before the tenth day after his or her election/appointment
to the Board, with the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such newly elected/appointed Director’s election to
be based on closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on its then-current trading platform or exchange on the last trading day
immediately preceding the day of such newly elected/appointed Director’s election/appointment.
The
following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned for service on our Board of Directors during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2024 by each individual who served as a director at any time during the fiscal year (other than Mr. Loeb who was not
separately compensated for his Board service).
30
DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION IN 2024
Name
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
Option
Awards
($)(1)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Samuel M. Zentman
25,000 (2)
3,695 (1)
—
28,695
Gary Mohr
17,000 (3)
3,695 (1)
—
20,695
Peter Rabover
15,000 (4)
3,695 (1)
18,695
Michael F. Osterer
17,000 (3)
3,695 (1)
—
20,695
(1)
On
January 1, 2024, Samuel M. Zentman, Gary Mohr, Peter Rabover, and Michael F. Osterer were each granted 625 options to acquire stock
in the Company. The options had an exercise price of $6.09 and were to expire on January 1, 2031. The fair value of the options was
determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: (i) a risk-free interest rate of 3.86% (ii)
an expected term of 4.9 years (iii) an assumed volatility of 194.1% and (iv) no dividends.
(2)
Represents
the annual retainer of $15,000 as a non-employee director and $10,000 received for services rendered as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
(3)
Represents
the annual retainer of $15,000 as a non-employee director plus $2,000 received for services rendered as a member of the Audit Committee.
(4)
Represents
the annual retainer of $15,000 as a non-employee director.
ITEM
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
OWNERSHIP
OF THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK
The
following table and the notes thereto set forth information, as of March 4, 2025, concerning beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule
13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of common stock by (i) each director of the Company, (ii) each executive officer (iii)
all executive officers and directors as a group, and (iv) each holder of 5% or more of the Company’s outstanding shares of common
stock.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) (2)
Number of
Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned (2)
Percentage of
Common Stock
Outstanding (2)
Jan H. Loeb
527,497 (3)
21.07 %
Gary Mohr
73,862 (4)
2.96 %
Michael F. Osterer
182,058 (5)
7.29 %
Peter Rabover
125,196 (6)
5.02 %
Samuel M. Zentman
10,679 (7)
*
Tracy S. Clifford
26,925 (8)
1.07 %
All executive officers and directors of the Company as a group (6 people)
894,134 (9)
35.11 %
Joel Charles Sklar
162,111 (10)
6.51 %
*
Less than 1%
(1)
Unless
otherwise indicated, the address for each of the beneficial owners listed in the table is in care of the Company, 1000 N West Street,
Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
(2)
Unless
otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power with respect to the shares indicated. For purposes of this
table, a person or group of persons is deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of any shares, as of a given date which
such person has the right to acquire within 60 days after such date. Percentage information is based on the 2,491,130 shares outstanding
as of March 4, 2025.
(3)
Consists
of 242,198 shares held by Mr. Loeb directly, 273,251 shares held by Leap Tide Capital Acorn LLC, and 12,048 shares underlying currently
exercisable options held by Mr. Loeb. Mr. Loeb is the sole manager of Leap Tide Capital Acorn LLC, with sole voting and dispositive
power over the securities held by such entity. Mr. Loeb disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by Leap Tide Capital
Acorn LLC except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(4)
Consists
of 68,238 shares beneficially held by Mr. Mohr (including 52,083 shares held by UE Systems Inc.), and 5,624 shares underlying currently
exercisable options.
31
(5)
Consists
of 176,107 shares beneficially held by Mr. Osterer (including 52,083 shares held by UE Systems Inc.), and 5,951 shares underlying
currently exercisable options.
(6)
Consists
of 123,218 shares held by Artko Capital LP and 1,978 shares underlying currently exercisable options held by Mr. Rabover. Mr. Rabover
is Managing Director of Artko Capital LP, with sole voting and dispositive power over the securities held by such entity. Mr. Rabover
disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by Artko Capital LP except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(7)
Consists
of 6,617 shares and 4,062 shares underlying currently exercisable options.
(8)
Consists
of 1,125 shares and 25,800 shares underlying currently exercisable options.
(9)
Consists
of 838,671 shares and 55,463 shares underlying currently exercisable options.
(10)
The
information is based on a Schedule 13G filed by Mr. Sklar with the SEC on October 18, 2024, reporting beneficial ownership as of
that date. Mr. Sklar reported that he has sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to all 162,111 shares of Common
Stock.
EQUITY
COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The
table below provides certain information concerning our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2024.
Plan Category
Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights (a)
Weighted-average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities
Reflected in
Column (a))
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders
3,451
$ 5.28
—
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders
66,698
$ 6.58
70,806
Total
70,149
$ 6.52
70,806
The
grants made under our equity compensation plans not approved by security holders represent 66,698 options which were granted under our
2006 Stock Incentive Plan following the original expiration of the Plan on February 8, 2017. These grants were made to directors and
officers at exercise prices equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant. The options generally vest over a one-year period
and expire seven years from the date of the grant. In February 2019, the Company’s Board ratified all option grants made under
our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan following the original expiration of the Plan on February 8, 2017 and extended the expiration date of the
Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan until December 31, 2024. In March 2025, the Company’s Board ratified all option grants made under our Amended and Restated 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan following expiration of the Plan on December 31, 2024 and extended the expiration date of the Amended and Restated 2006
Stock Incentive Plan until December 31, 2034.
Equity
awards are granted to our named executive officers pursuant to the terms of their consulting agreements. The 2024 Loeb Consulting Agreement
and the 2025 Loeb Consulting Agreement each provided for, on the date the respective agreement was executed, a grant of 2,200 stock options
exercisable at an exercise price equal to the then-current stock price . The 2024 Clifford
Consulting Agreement calls for, on each anniversary of January 1, 2024, so long as the 2024 Clifford
Consulting Agreement has not been terminated, a grant of 2,200 stock options exercisable
at an exercise price equal to the then-current stock price. Our director compensation policy currently calls for an annual grant
of stock options to our directors on the first day of the applicable fiscal year. In addition, equity awards may be granted at other
times during the year to new hires, employees receiving promotions, and in other special circumstances.
32
We
do not grant equity awards in anticipation of the release of material, nonpublic information or time the release of material, nonpublic
information based on equity award grant dates, vesting events, or sale events. For all stock option awards, the exercise price is the
closing price of our common stock on the OTCQB marketplace on the last trading day preceding the date of grant.
ITEM
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Director
Independence
Applying
the definition of independence provided under the NASDAQ rules, the Board has determined that with the exception of Jan H. Loeb, all
of the members of the Board of Directors are independent. The Board has also determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee,
the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee are independent under the NASDAQ independence standards for such committees.
ITEM
14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Accounting
Fees
Marcum,
LLP
The
following table summarizes the fees billed to Acorn for professional services rendered by Marcum, LLP for the years ended December 31,
2024 and 2023.
2024
2023
Audit fees
$ 144,835
$ 122,990
Tax fees
23,107
13,511
All other fees
—
—
Total
$ 168,772
$ 136,501
Audit
Fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company, assistance with
review of documents filed with the SEC, consents, and other assistance required to be performed by our independent accountants.
Tax
Fees generally consist of tax compliance and return preparation fees.
Pre-Approval
Policies and Procedures
The
Audit Committee’s current policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services that are to be performed and fees to be charged
by our independent auditor to assure that the provision of these services does not impair the independence of the auditor. The Audit
Committee pre-approved all audit and non-audit services rendered by our principal accountant in 2024 and 2023.
33
PART
IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1)
List of Financial Statements of the Registrant
The
consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and the reports thereon of the Registrant’s Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firms are included in this Annual Report beginning on page F-1.
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 688)
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Deficit)
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7
ITEM
16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not
applicable.
(a)(3)
List of Exhibits
No.
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 8, 2023).
3.3
By laws of the Registrant
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S 1 (File No. 33 44027)
(the “1992 Registration Statement”)).
3.4
Amendments to the By Laws
of the Registrant adopted December 27, 1994 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report
on Form 8-K dated January 10, 1995).
3.5
Amendment to By-laws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 8, 2023).
4.1
Specimen certificate for
the common stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the 1992 Registration Statement).
4.2
Form of Representative Warrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 15, 2013)
4.3
Form of Placement Agent Warrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 20, 2010).
4.4
Form of Placement Agent Warrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed November 6, 2014).
4.5
Form of Investor Warrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.02 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed November 6, 2014).
4.6
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.03 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed November 6, 2014).
4.7
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of OMX Holdings, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016)
34
4.8
Form of Warrant, dated as of March 16, 2016, of Acorn Energy, Inc., issued to Leap Tide Capital Management LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016).
#10.1*
Acorn Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.2*
Forms of Option Award Certificate and Option Award Agreement under the Registrant’s Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018).
10.3*
Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Registrant’s Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011).
10.4
Form of Registration Rights Agreement between Acorn Energy, Inc. and the Backstop Purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on June 4, 2019).
10.5*
Consulting Agreement, dated January 6, 2025, by and between the Registrant and Jan H. Loeb (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 8, 2025).
10.6*
Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement, dated January 2, 2024, by and between the Registrant and Tracy Clifford Consulting, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 5, 2024).
#19.1
Acorn Energy, Inc. Insider Trading Policy
#21.1
List of subsidiaries.
#23.1
Consent of Marcum, LLP.
#31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
#31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
#32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
#32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
#101.1
The following
financial statements from Acorn Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed on March 6, 2025, formatted
in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations,
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.
#104.1
Cover Page
Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
*
This exhibit
includes a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement in which one or more directors or executive officers of the Registrant
participate.
#
This exhibit
is filed or furnished herewith.
35
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, on March 6, 2025.
ACORN ENERGY,
INC.
By:
/s/
Jan H. Loeb
Jan H. Loeb
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant,
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/
Jan H. Loeb
President,
Chief Executive Officer and
March
6, 2025
Jan H. Loeb
Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/
Tracy S. Clifford
Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial
March
6, 2025
Tracy S. Clifford
Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/
Gary Mohr
Director
March
6, 2025
Gary Mohr
/s/
Michael F. Osterer
Director
March
6, 2025
Michael F. Osterer
/s/
Peter Rabover
Director
March
6, 2025
Peter Rabover
/s/
Samuel M. Zentman
Director
March
6, 2025
Samuel M. Zentman
36
ACORN
ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 688 )
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Deficit)
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7
F- 1
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Acorn Energy, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets of Acorn Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively
referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We
are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards
of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform,
an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess
the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond
to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are
matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the
audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially
challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions
on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets
Critical Audit Matter Description
As described in Note 10 of the financial statements,
at December 31, 2024, the Company had deferred tax assets of $4.4 million (net of a $11.4 million valuation allowance). Deferred tax assets
are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion,
or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Auditing the Company’s analysis of the realizability
of its deferred tax assets required complex auditor judgment because the amounts are material to the financial statements and the assessment
process involves significant judgment related to the projections of future taxable income that may be affected by future market or economic
conditions.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in
the Audit
We obtained an understanding and evaluated the design
of controls that address the risks of material misstatement relating to the realizability of deferred tax assets. This included controls
over management’s projected financial information that have been identified as a source of future taxable income.
To test the Company’s assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets and the resulting valuation allowance,
our audit procedures included, among others, testing the Company’s calculation of future taxable income from the reversal of existing
temporary taxable differences. In addition, we evaluated projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences
and carryforwards. We involved our tax professionals to assist in evaluating the application of tax law in the Company’s consideration
of the sources of future taxable income.
/s/ Marcum llp
Marcum LLP
We
have served as the Company’s auditor since 2010.
Marlton,
New Jersey
March
6, 2025
F- 2
ACORN
ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(IN
THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
As of December 31,
2024
2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash
$ 2,326
$ 1,449
Accounts receivable, net
1,933
536
Inventory, net
436
962
Other current assets
288
280
State income tax receivable
10
—
Deferred cost of goods sold (COGS)
406
809
Total current assets
5,399
4,036
Property and equipment, net
505
570
Right-of-use assets, net
84
193
Deferred COGS
70
476
Other assets
103
174
Deferred tax assets
4,435
—
Total assets
$ 10,596
$ 5,449
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 297
$ 288
Accrued expenses
290
132
Deferred revenue
3,521
4,034
Current operating lease liabilities
98
123
Other current liabilities
59
30
State income tax payable
19
—
Total current liabilities
4,284
4,607
Long-term liabilities:
Deferred revenue
712
1,550
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
—
98
Other long-term liabilities
24
20
Total liabilities
5,020
6,275
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Equity (deficit): Acorn Energy, Inc. stockholders
Common stock – $ 0.01 par value per share; Authorized – 42,000,000 shares; issued – 2,541,308 and 2,534,969 shares at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively; outstanding – 2,491,130 and 2,484,791 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
25
25
Additional paid-in capital
103,405
103,321
Accumulated stockholders’ deficit
( 94,854 )
( 101,148 )
Treasury stock, at cost – 50,178 shares at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
( 3,036 )
( 3,036 )
Total Acorn Energy, Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit)
5,540
( 838 )
Non-controlling interests
36
12
Total equity (deficit)
5,576
( 826 )
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)
$ 10,596
$ 5,449
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 3
ACORN
ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN
THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Year ended December 31,
2024
2023
Revenue
$ 10,986
$ 8,059
COGS
2,987
2,055
Gross profit
7,999
6,004
Operating expenses:
Research and development expense (R&D)
1,012
875
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense
5,050
5,055
Total operating expenses
6,062
5,930
Operating income
1,937
74
Interest income, net
73
64
Income before income taxes
2,010
138
Current state tax expense
( 123 )
( 9 )
Deferred income tax benefit
4,435
—
Net income
6,322
129
Non-controlling interest share of income
( 28 )
( 10 )
Net income attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. stockholders.
$ 6,294
$ 119
Basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. stockholders:
Net income per share attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. stockholders – basic
$ 2.53
$ 0.05
Net income per share attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. stockholders –diluted
$ 2.51
$ 0.05
Weighted average number of shares outstanding attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. stockholders – basic
2,487
2,484
Weighted average number of shares outstanding attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. stockholders – diluted
2,512
2,503
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
ACORN
ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(IN
THOUSANDS)
Acorn Energy, Inc. Stockholders
Total Acorn
Number of Shares Outstanding
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Number of
Treasury
Shares
Treasury
Stock
Energy, Inc.
Stockholders’
Equity
(Deficit)
Non-
controlling interests
Total
Equity
(Deficit)
Balances as of December 31, 2022
2,482
$ 25
$ 103,261
$ ( 101,267 )
50
$ ( 3,036 )
$ ( 1,017 )
$ 6
$ ( 1,011 )
Net income
—
—
—
119
—
—
119
10
129
Proceeds from stock option exercise
2
- *
5
—
—
—
5
—
5
Accrued dividend in OmniMetrix preferred shares
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
( 4 )
( 4 )
Stock-based compensation
—
—
55
—
—
—
55
—
55
Balances as of December 31, 2023
2,484
25
103,321
( 101,148 )
50
( 3,036 )
( 838 )
12
( 826 )
Balances
2,484
25
103,321
( 101,148 )
50
( 3,036 )
( 838 )
12
( 826 )
Net income
—
—
—
6,294
—
—
6,294
28
6,322
Proceeds from stock option exercises
7
- *
28
—
—
—
28
—
28
Accrued dividend in OmniMetrix preferred shares
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
( 4 )
( 4 )
Stock-based compensation
—
—
56
—
—
—
56
—
56
Balances as of December 31, 2024
2,491
$ 25
$ 103,405
$ ( 94,854 )
50
$ ( 3,036 )
$ 5,540
$ 36
$ 5,576
Balances
2,491
$ 25
$ 103,405
$ ( 94,854 )
50
$ ( 3,036 )
$ 5,540
$ 36
$ 5,576
*
less than $1
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
ACORN
ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN
THOUSANDS)
Year ended December 31,
2024
2023
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
Net income
$ 6,322
$ 129
Depreciation and amortization
121
161
Decrease in the provision for credit losses
( 6 )
—
Impairment of inventory
12
8
Non-cash lease expense
129
128
Deferred income tax benefit
( 4,435 )
—
Stock-based compensation
56
55
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
( 1,391 )
61
Decrease (increase) in inventory
514
( 181 )
Decrease in deferred COGS
809
409
Decrease in other current assets and other assets
63
49
Increase in state income tax receivable
( 10 )
—
Decrease in deferred revenue
( 1,351 )
( 587 )
Decrease in operating lease liability
( 143 )
( 138 )
Increase in state income tax payable
19
—
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, other current liabilities and non-current liabilities
196
( 22 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
905
72
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Investments in technology
( 48 )
( 76 )
Equipment purchases
( 8 )
( 2 )
Net cash used in investing activities
( 56 )
( 78 )
Cash flows provided by financing activities:
Warrant exercise proceeds
—
5
Stock option exercise proceeds
28
—
Net cash provided by financing activities
28
5
Net increase (decrease) in cash
877
( 1 )
Cash at the beginning of the year
1,449
1,450
Cash at the end of the year
$ 2,326
$ 1,449
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest
$ 1
$ 3
Income taxes
$ 108
$ —
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued preferred dividends to former CEO of OmniMetrix (see Note 3)
$ 4
$ 4
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 6
ACORN
ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE
1— NATURE OF OPERATIONS
(a)
Description of Business
Acorn
Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries, OMX Holdings, Inc. and OmniMetrix, LLC (collectively, “Acorn” or “the Company”)
is a Delaware corporation which is a holding company focused on technology-driven solutions for energy infrastructure asset management.
The Company provides the following products and Internet of Things (“IoT”) applications and services through its OmniMetrix,
LLC (“OmniMetrix”) subsidiary:
Power
Generation (“PG”). OmniMetrix’s PG services provide wireless remote monitoring and control systems and IoT applications
for residential and commercial/industrial power generation equipment. This includes OmniMetrix’s TrueGuard power generator monitors
and AIRGuard product, which remotely monitors and controls industrial air compressors, and its Smart Annunciator product, which is typically
sold to commercial customers that require a visual representation of the generator’s status and has a touchscreen display that
indicates the current state of that generator.
Cathodic
Protection (“CP”). OmniMetrix’s CP services provide remote monitoring and control products for cathodic protection
systems on gas pipelines serving the gas utilities market and pipeline operators. The CP product lineup includes solutions to remotely
monitor and control rectifiers, test stations and bonds. OmniMetrix also offers the industry’s first RAD TM (Remote AC
Mitigation Disconnect) that mounts onto existing Solid-state Decouplers in the field and can remotely disconnect/connect these AC mitigation
tools, which can drastically reduce a company’s expense while increasing employee safety.
See
Notes 12 and 13 for segment information and major customers.
Acorn’s
shares are traded on the OTCQB marketplace under the symbol ACFN.
(b)
Liquidity
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company had $ 2,326,000 of consolidated cash.
At
December 31, 2024, the Company had working capital of $ 1,115,000 . Its working capital includes $ 2,326,000 of cash and deferred revenue
of $ 3,521,000 . Such deferred revenue does not require a significant cash outlay for the revenue to be recognized. Total deferred revenue
decreased by $ 1,351,000 , from $ 5,584,000 at December 31, 2023 to $ 4,233,000 at December 31, 2024, as a result of the sales mix of products
sold. Based on the current products being sold, the Company expects continued decreases in the deferred revenue balance in the foreseeable
future. The balance of deferred hardware revenue at December 31, 2024 will continue to be amortized over the months remaining in the
three-year period since the hardware’s original date of shipment. Net cash increased during the year ended December 31, 2024 by
$ 877,000 , with $ 905,000 provided by operating activities, $ 56,000 used in investing activities, and $ 28,000 provided by financing activities.
As
of March 4, 2025, the Company had cash of $2,800,000. The Company believes that such cash, plus the cash expected to be generated
from operations, will provide sufficient liquidity to finance the corporate activities of Acorn and operating activities of OmniMetrix
at their current level of operations for at least the twelve-month period from the issuance of these audited consolidated financial statements.
The Company may, at some point, elect to obtain a new line of credit or other source of financing to fund additional investments in the
business. If the Company decides to pursue additional financing in the future, it may be in the form of a bank line, a new loan or investment
by others, an equity raise by Acorn which could then facilitate a loan by Acorn to OmniMetrix, or any combination thereof. Whether alternative
funds, such as third-party loans or investments, will be available at the time and on terms acceptable to Acorn and OmniMetrix cannot
be determined at this time.
F- 7
NOTE
2— SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis
of Presentation
The
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America (“GAAP”). All dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand and, thus, are approximate.
Principles
of Consolidation and Presentation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Acorn Energy, Inc. (“Acorn”) and its subsidiaries, OmniMetrix,
LLC (“OmniMetrix”) and OMX Holdings, Inc. (collectively, with Acorn and OmniMetrix, “the Company”).
Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation; profits from intercompany sales are also eliminated; and
non-controlling interests are included in equity.
Use
of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements,
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
As
applicable to these consolidated financial statements, the most significant estimates and assumptions relate to uncertainties with respect
to valuation allowance.
Accounts
Receivable and Credit Losses
Accounts
receivable consists of trade receivables. Trade receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of any allowance for credit losses.
The
Company’s trade receivables primarily arise from the sale of our products to a national telecommunications company, independent
residential dealers, industrial distributors and dealers, national and regional retailers, equipment distributors, and certain end users
with payment terms generally ranging from 30 to 60 days. Certain very large commercial customers have 90 day terms. The Company evaluates
the credit risk of a customer when extending credit based on a combination of various financial and qualitative factors that may affect
the customer’s ability to pay. These factors include the customer’s financial condition and past payment experience.
The
Company maintains an allowance for credit losses, which represents an estimate of expected losses over the remaining contractual life
of its receivables considering current market conditions and estimates for supportable forecasts when appropriate. The Company measures
expected credit losses on its trade receivables on an entity-by-entity basis. The estimate of expected credit losses considers a historical
loss experience rate that is adjusted for delinquency trends, collection experience, and/or economic risk where appropriate. Additionally,
management develops a specific allowance for trade receivables known to have a high risk of expected future credit loss.
For
the Company, the contract assets of accounts receivable, deferred COGS and deferred sales commissions are subject to review under
ASC 326 however, no credit losses on contract assets were incurred.
Inventory
Inventories
are comprised of components (raw materials) and finished goods, which are measured at the lower cost or net realizable value.
Raw
materials inventory is generally comprised of radios, cables, antennas, and electrical components. Finished goods inventory consists
of fully assembled systems ready for final shipment to the customer. Costs are determined at cost of acquisition on a weighted average
basis and include all outside production and applicable shipping costs.
F- 8
All
inventories are periodically reviewed to identify slow-moving and obsolete inventory. Management conducts an assessment at the end of
each reporting period of the Company’s inventory reserve and writes off any inventory items that are deemed obsolete.
All
inventories are periodically reviewed to identify slow-moving and obsolete inventory. Management conducted an assessment and wrote-off
inventory valued at $ 12,000 and $ 8,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets
The
Company reviews long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, intangible assets subject to amortization, and right-of-use assets
on operating leases for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset
group may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance
relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the
strategy for the overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. Recoverability of assets to be held and used
is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the estimated remaining
useful life of the primary asset included in the asset group. If the asset group is not recoverable, the impairment loss is calculated
as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value.
Non-Controlling
Interests
The
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) requires that non-controlling interests be reported as a component of equity,
changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions,
and upon a loss of control, retained ownership interest be re-measured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. The
Company attributes the applicable percentage of income and losses to the non-controlling interests associated with OmniMetrix (see Note
3).
Property
and Equipment
Property
and equipment are presented at cost at the date of acquisition. Depreciation and amortization are calculated based on the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets, or in the case of leasehold improvements, the shorter of the lease
term or the estimated useful life of the asset, a portion of which is allocated to cost of sales. Improvements are capitalized while
repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred.
Capitalization
of Software
The
Company capitalizes certain implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to develop or obtain internal-use
software. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company capitalized internal-use software costs totaling $ 17,000 and
$ 29,000 , respectively.
Deferred
Sales Commissions
The
Company pays its employees sales commissions for sales of hardware and for first sales of monitoring services (not for renewals). In
accordance with Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC 606”), the
Company capitalizes as a contract asset the sales commissions on these sales. Commissions earned from the sales of the new hardware products
will be recognized when the product is shipped. Commissions earned from the sales of monitoring services continue to be deferred and
amortized over the period of service. Contract assets associated with monitoring services are amortized over the expected monitoring
life, including renewals.
The
contract assets of accounts receivable, deferred COGS and deferred sales commissions are subject to review under ASC 326 however, no
credit losses on contract assets were incurred.
F- 9
Leases
The
Company determines if a contractual arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use
(“ROU”) assets, current operating lease liabilities, and noncurrent operating lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated
balance sheets. The Company evaluates and classifies leases as operating or finance leases for financial reporting purposes. The classification
evaluation begins at the commencement date and the lease term used in the evaluation includes the non-cancellable period for which the
Company has the right to use the underlying asset, together with renewal option periods when the exercise of the renewal option is reasonably
certain and failure to exercise such option would result in an economic penalty. All of the Company’s real estate leases are classified
as operating leases.
ROU
assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s
obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement
date of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The lease payments included in the present value
are fixed lease payments. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company estimates its collateralized
incremental borrowing rate, based on information available at the commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments.
The Company applies the portfolio approach in applying discount rates to its classes of leases. The operating lease ROU assets include
any payments made before the commencement date. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease
term. The Company does not currently have residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants in its leases.
The
Company also made accounting policy elections by class of underlying asset to not apply the recognition requirements of the standard
to leases with terms of 12 months or less and to not separate non-lease components from lease components. Consequently, each separate
lease component and the non-lease components associated with that lease component will be accounted for as a single lease component for
lease classification, recognition, and measurement purposes.
The
lease obligation liability was $ 98,000 and $ 221,000 as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which includes the office
space lease and, in 2023, an office equipment lease entered into in April 2019.
Treasury
Stock
Shares
of common stock repurchased are recorded at cost as treasury stock. When shares are reissued, the cost method is used for determining
cost. In accordance with GAAP, the excess of the acquisition cost over the reissuance price of the treasury stock, if any, is charged
to additional paid-in capital, limited to the amount previously credited to additional paid-in capital, if any. Any excess is charged
to accumulated stockholders’ deficit.
Segment
Reporting
Operating
segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and that is evaluated on a
regular basis by the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment
and in assessing performance. The Company’s operations are organized into two reportable segments: PG and CP. See Note 1, Nature
of Operations , for the description of each of these segments. The Company’s organizational structure is based on factors that
the CODM uses to evaluate, view and run the business operations, which include, but are not limited to, the customer base, market share,
competitive landscape and technology. The CODM uses several metrics to evaluate the performance of the overall business, including number
of connections, revenue and profit margin and uses these results to allocate resources to each of the segments.
F- 10
Revenue
Recognition
The
Company’s revenue recognition policy is consistent with applicable revenue recognition guidance and interpretations. The core principle
of ASC 606 is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration
that is expected to be received for those goods or services. ASC 606 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle, which
includes: (1) identifying contracts with customers, (2) identifying performance obligations within those contracts, (3) determining the
transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract, which may include an estimate
of variable consideration, and (5) recognizing revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied. The Company assesses whether
payment terms are customary or extended in accordance with normal practice relative to the market in which the sale is occurring. The
Company’s sales arrangements generally include standard payment terms. These terms effectively relate to all customers, products,
and arrangements regardless of customer type, product mix or arrangement size. See Note 13, Revenue, for further discussion.
Revenue
from sales of the hardware products that are distinct products are recorded when shipped (with the exception of the hardware products
under a material contract with one customer for which revenue is recognized when the unit is accepted) while the revenue from sales of
the hardware products (product versions sold prior to September 1, 2023) that were not separable from the Company’s monitoring
services was deferred and amortized over the estimated unit life. Product revenues are recognized at the point in time when control of
the product is transferred to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery to the one customer under a material contract.
To determine when control has transferred, the Company considers if there is a present right to payment and if legal title, physical
possession, and the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset has transferred to the customer. Revenue from the prepayment
of monitoring fees (generally paid twelve months in advance) are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt of payment from the customer
and then amortized to revenue over the monitoring service period. This method provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services
as it aligns the recognition of revenue with the period in which the monitoring services are provided. By deferring the revenue and recognizing
it over the service period, the financial statements accurately reflect the company’s performance and obligations to its customers.
See Notes 12 and 13 for the disaggregation of the Company’s revenue for the periods presented.
Any
sales tax, value added tax, and other tax the Company collects concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue.
Warranty
Provision
OmniMetrix
generally grants their customers a one-year warranty on their products; however, large volume contracts may receive a longer-term warranty.
Estimated warranty obligations are provided for as a cost of sales in the period in which the related revenues are recognized, based
on management’s estimate of future potential warranty obligations and historical experience. Adjustments are made to accruals as
warranty claim data and historical experience warrant. The Company’s warranty obligations may be materially affected by product
or service failure rates and other costs incurred in correcting a product or service failure. Should actual product or service failure
rates or other related costs differ from the Company’s estimates, revisions to the accrued warranty liability would be required.
Concentration
of Credit Risk
The
Company’s financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of
cash and trade accounts receivable. The Company’s cash was deposited with a U.S. bank and amounted to $ 2,326,000 at December 31,
2024. The Company does not believe there is a significant risk of non-performance by these counterparties. See Note 12(d) with respect
to revenue from significant customers and concentrations of trade accounts receivables.
Financial
Instruments
Fair
values of financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities are estimated to approximate their book values, due
to the short maturity of such instruments.
F- 11
Research
and Development Expenses
Research
and development expenses consist primarily of labor and related expenses and are charged to operations as incurred.
Advertising
Expenses
Advertising
expenses are charged to operations as incurred. Advertising expense was $ 18,000 and $ 24,000 for each of the years ended December 31,
2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Stock-Based
Compensation
The
Company accounts for stock-based awards to employees in accordance with applicable accounting principles, which requires compensation
expense related to share-based transactions, including employee stock options, to be measured and recognized in the consolidated financial
statements based on a determination of the fair value of the stock options. The grant date fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton
(“Black-Scholes”) pricing model. For all employee stock options, the Company recognizes expense over the requisite service
period on an accelerated basis over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant).
Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company’s option pricing model
requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility, expected term, and forfeiture rate.
Any changes in these highly subjective assumptions significantly impact stock-based compensation expense.
Options
awarded to purchase shares of common stock issued to non-employees in exchange for services are accounted for as variable awards in accordance
with applicable accounting principles. Such options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model when the services are performed.
See
Note 9(b) for the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based employee compensation. Upon the exercise of options, it
is the Company’s policy to issue new shares rather than utilizing treasury shares.
Sales
Taxes
The
Company accrues sales taxes based on determination of which of its products/services are subject to sales tax, and in which states and
jurisdictions the tax applies. Further, the Company must determine which of its customers are exempt from the Company charging sales
tax because the customer is a reseller or self-assesses and direct pays to states and other jurisdictions on purchases the customer makes
from the Company. These determinations contain estimates and are subject to judgment and interpretation by taxing authorities in various
states and other jurisdictions, which could result in recognizing materially different amounts in future periods. At December 31, 2024
and December 31, 2023, the amount of such accrual was $ 36,000 and $ 13,000 , respectively.
Deferred
Income Taxes
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current. Valuation allowances are established against deferred tax assets if
it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect
on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in operations in the period that includes the date
of the enactment. See Note 10(d) for the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
F- 12
As
of December 31, 2023, the Company had a full valuation allowance of $ 16,086,000 . During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company
recorded a reduction in the valuation allowance of $ 4,686,000 that was previously recorded against our deferred tax assets. The Company
considered all the positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets and determined,
based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Therefore,
the Company has released valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets (other than as stated above) in the amount of $ 4,435,000 for
the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we believe, based on our projections, that a partial valuation allowance of
$ 11,400,000 is necessary against our deferred tax assets. Management will continue to assess the need for the valuation allowance and
will make adjustments when appropriate. Management’s projections and beliefs are based upon a variety of estimates and numerous
assumptions made by our management with respect to, among other things, interest rates, forecasted revenue of the hardware sales and
monitoring revenue or revenue streams that could generate sufficient income so that the Company can utilize our net operating loss (NOL)
carryforwards and other matters, many of which are difficult to predict, are subject to significant uncertainties and are beyond our
control. As a result, there is inherently uncertainty that the estimates and assumptions upon which these projections and beliefs are
based will prove to be accurate, that the anticipated results will be realized or that the actual results will not be substantially higher
or lower than the Company projected.
Income
Tax Uncertainties
The
calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations.
The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on the two-step process prescribed by applicable accounting principles.
The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is
more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if
any. The second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not
being realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as this requires the Company
to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. The Company reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis.
This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively
settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a
tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period. The Company recognizes interest and penalties as incurred in
interest income, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
As
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no interest or penalties were accrued on the consolidated balance sheets related to uncertain tax positions.
During
the years ending December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no changes in unrecognized tax benefits or associated interest and penalties
as a result of tax positions made during the current or prior periods with respect to its continuing operations.
The
Company is subject to U.S. Federal and state income tax. As of January 1, 2024, the Company is no longer subject to examination by U.S.
Federal taxing authorities for years before 2021, or for years before 2020 for state income taxes.
Basic
and Diluted Net Income Per Share
Basic
net income per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares
outstanding during the year, excluding treasury stock. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted
average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive potential of common shares which would result from the exercise of stock options
and warrants. The dilutive effects of stock options and warrants are excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share if doing
so would be antidilutive.
The
combined weighted average number of options and warrants that were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share, as they
had an antidilutive effect, was 3,000 (which have a weighted average exercise price of $ 11.25 ) and 17,000 (which had a weighted average
exercise price of $ 9.42 ) for the years ending December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
F- 13
The
following data represents the amounts used in computing earnings per share and the effect on net loss and the weighted average number
of shares of dilutive potential common stock (in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF EFFECT ON NET INCOME LOSS AND WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
Year ended December 31,
2024
2023
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$ 6,294
$ 119
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
2,487
2,484
Add: Stock options
25
19
Diluted
2,512
2,503
Basic net income per share
$ 2.53
$ 0.05
Diluted net income per share
$ 2.51
$ 0.05
Fair
Value Measurement
The
Company follows the provisions of the accounting standard which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value
and enhances fair value measurement disclosure. Under these provisions, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to
sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants
at the measurement date.
The
standard establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the
use on unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market
participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.
Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed
based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is described below:
Level
1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value
hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
Level
2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets but corroborated by market data.
Level
3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level
3 inputs.
The
carrying amounts for cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their fair value because of their short-term maturity.
The Company determined that the carrying amount of the lease liabilities approximate fair value since the applicable interest rate approximated
fair value at the time the leases were entered into. While the Company believes the carrying value of the assets and liabilities are
reasonable, considerable judgment is used to develop estimates of fair value; thus, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the
amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation
Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”), and in January 2025, the FASB
issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-01, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures
(Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date (“ASU 2025-01”). ASU 2024-03 requires additional disclosure of the nature
of expenses included in the income statement as well as disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions
presented in the income statement. ASU 2024-03, as clarified by ASU 2025-01, is effective for us for our annual reporting for fiscal
2027 and for interim period reporting beginning in fiscal 2028 on a prospective basis. Both early adoption and retrospective application
are permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of these standards will have on its consolidated financial
statements and disclosures.
In
December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disaggregated
information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation, as well as information related to income taxes paid to
enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This ASU will be effective for the annual period ending December
31, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and impacts of adoption of this ASU.
F- 14
Recently
Adopted Accounting Standards
In
November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, Segment
Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 updates reportable segment
disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment
performance. This update is effective and was adopted for this annual reporting period, fiscal year-ended December 31, 2024.
NOTE
3— INVESTMENT IN OMNIMETRIX
The
Company owns 99 % of the Company’s OMX Holdings, Inc. subsidiary (“Holdings”) and the former CEO of OmniMetrix, LLC
owns the remaining 1 %.
NOTE
4— ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The
Company has historically experienced immaterial write-offs given the nature of the customers that receive credit. As of December 31,
2024, the Company had gross receivables of $ 1,937,000 and an allowance for credit losses of $ 4,000 .
SCHEDULE
OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
As of December 31,
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Accounts Receivable, net, beginning of period
$ 536
$ 597
Accounts Receivable, net, end of period
$ 1,933
$ 536
The
following is a tabular reconciliation of the Company’s allowance for credit losses:
SCHEDULE
OF ALLOWANCES FOR CREDIT LOSSES
As of December 31,
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$ 10
$ 10
(Decrease) increase in provision for credit losses
( 6 )
2
Net credits (charge-offs)
—
( 2 )
Balance at end of period
$ 4
$ 10
NOTE
5— INVENTORY
SCHEDULE
OF INVENTORY
2024
2023
As of December 31,
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Raw materials
$ 405
$ 904
Finished goods
31
58
Inventory
net
$ 436
$ 962
At
December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s inventory reserve for obsolescence was $ 6,000 and $ 8,000 , respectively.
F- 15
NOTE
6— PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property
and equipment consists of the following:
SCHEDULE
OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Estimated
Useful Life
(in years)
As of December 31,
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Cost:
Computer hardware and software
3 - 5
$ 724
$ 938
Equipment
7
133
157
Leasehold improvements
Term of lease
356
356
Intangible asset
Patent term
21
21
1,234
1,472
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Computer hardware and software
257
403
Equipment
122
153
Leasehold improvements
350
346
Intangible asset
*
*
729
902
Property and equipment, net
$ 505
$ 570
*
less than $1,000
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company wrote off fully depreciated equipment and software with an original cost of $ 294,000 . These
assets were no longer in use and had no remaining economic value. The write-off had no impact on the Company’s financial position
or results of operations, as the assets were fully depreciated.
Depreciation
and amortization in respect of property and equipment amounted to $ 121,000 and $ 161,000 for 2024 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE
7— LEASES
OmniMetrix
leases office space and office equipment under operating lease agreements. The office lease has an expiration date of September 30, 2025.
The office equipment lease was entered into in April 2019 and had a sixty-month term. This lease is currently month-to-month until the
Company negotiates a new term. Operating lease payments for 2024 and 2023 were $ 129,000 and $ 128,000 , respectively. The future minimum
lease payments on non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2024 using a discount rate of 4.5 % are 98,000 . The 4.5 % used is
the incremental borrowing rate (established at the commencement of the lease) which, as defined in ASC 842, is the rate of interest that
a lessee would have to pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term and in a similar economic environment, an amount
equal to the lease payments. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases consisted of the following (in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION RELATED TO LEASES
For the year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities
129
128
Supplemental
balance sheet information related to leases consisted of the following:
SCHEDULE
OF SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION RELATED TO LEASES
As of
December 31,
2024
Weighted average remaining lease terms for operating leases
0.75
F- 16
The
table below reconciles the undiscounted future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable lease agreements having initial terms of more
than one year to the total operating lease liabilities recognized on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December
31, 2024 (in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF FUTURE MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS
Year Ended
December 31,
2024
2025
$ 99
Less: Imputed interest
( 1 )
Present value of operating lease liabilities (a)
$ 98
(a)
One hundred percent of
this amount represents the current portion for operating leases.
On
July 6, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with King Industrial Realty, Inc., to sublease from the Company 1,900 square feet
of office space of the Company’s 21,000 square feet of office and production space in the Hamilton Mill Business Park located in
Buford, Georgia, for a monthly sublease payment of $ 2,375 (plus an annual escalator each year of 3%) which includes the base rent plus
a pro-rata share of utilities, property taxes and insurance. Fifty percent of any excess rent received above the per square foot amount
that the Company pays will be remitted to the Company’s landlord less the allocation of any shared expenses and leasehold improvements
specific to the sublease. As of December 31, 2024, after the offset of the investment in leasehold improvements and other expenses related
to the sublease, the Company paid its landlord $ 7,000 , respectively. The Company has paid a total of $ 16,000 for its share of the sublease
profit since the lease commencement. The sublease commenced on October 1, 2021 and will run through September 30, 2025 which is the end
of the Company’s lease term with its landlord. Below are the future payments expected under the sublease net of the estimated annual
service cost of $ 3,000 (gross of the estimated amount expected to be remitted to our landlord):
SCHEDULE
OF SUBLEASES
Total undiscounted cash flows
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2025
$ 22
NOTE
8— COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The
Company has $ 98,000 in operating lease obligations payable through 2025 and $ 496,000 in other contractual obligations. The contractual
services include $ 233,000 payable through December 31, 2025, $ 195,000 payable through December 31, 2026, and $ 15,000 payable through
December 31, 2027. The Company also has $ 603,000 in open purchase order commitments payable through December 31, 2025 of which $ 377,000
( 63 %) is to one electronics vendor.
NOTE
9— STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(a)
Summary Employee Option Information
The
Company’s stock option plans provide for the grant to officers, directors and employees of options to purchase shares of common
stock. The purchase price may be paid in cash or, if the option is “in-the-money” at the end of the option term, it is automatically
exercised “net.” In a net exercise of an option, the Company does not require a payment of the exercise price of the option
from the option holder but reduces the number of shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of the option by the smallest number
of whole shares that has an aggregate fair market value equal to or in excess of the aggregate exercise price for the option shares covered
by the option exercised. Each option is exercisable for one share of the Company’s common stock. Most options expire within five
to ten years from the date of the grant and generally vest over a three-year period from the date of the grant.
F- 17
At
December 31, 2024, 70,806 options were available for grant under the Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and no options were
available for grant under the 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. In 2024 and 2023, 8,350 ( 6,900 to directors and executive
officers and 1,450 to other employees) and 14,936 ( 11,874 to directors and executive officers and 3,062 to other employees) options,
respectively, were granted. In 2024 and 2023, there were no grants to non-employees (other than the non-employee directors and executive
officers). The fair value of the options issued was $ 53,000 and $ 47,000 in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
7,708
options were exercised in the year ended December 31, 2024. 2,187 warrants and no options were exercised in the year ended December 31,
2023. The intrinsic value of options outstanding and of options exercisable at December 31, 2024 was $ 806,000 and $ 758,000 , respectively.
The intrinsic value of options outstanding and of options exercisable at December 31, 2023 was $ 40,000 and $ 35,000 , respectively.
The
Company utilized the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate fair value, utilizing the following assumptions for the respective
years (all in weighted averages):
SCHEDULE
OF STOCK OPTIONS FAIR VALUE ASSUMPTIONS ESTIMATED USING BLACK-SCHOLES PRICING MODEL
2024
2023
Risk-free interest rate
3.9 %
4.0 %
Expected term of options, in years
4.88
4.01
Expected annual volatility
195.5 %
85.0 %
Expected dividend yield
— %
— %
Determined weighted average grant date fair value per option
$ 6.29
$ 3.16
The
expected term of the options is the length of time until the expected date of exercising the options. The Company estimated volatility
by considering historical stock volatility over the expected term of the option. The risk-free interest rates are based on the U.S. Treasury
yields for a period consistent with the expected term. The Company expects no dividends to be paid. The Company believes that the valuation
technique and the approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in determining the estimated fair value of
the Company’s stock options granted in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Estimates of fair value are not intended to
predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by persons who receive equity awards.
(b)
Summary Option Information
A
summary of the Company’s option plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, as well as changes during each of the years then ended,
is presented below:
SUMMARY OF STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY
2024
2023
Number of
Options
(in shares)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
Number of
Options
(in shares)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding at beginning of year
71,893
$ 6.41
58,966
$ 6.72
Granted at market price
8,350
$ 6.48
14,936
$ 5.33
Exercised
7,708
$ 5.28
—
$ —
Forfeited or expired
2,386
$ 7.23
2,009
$ 7.15
Outstanding at end of year
70,149
$ 6.52
71,893
$ 6.41
Exercisable at end of year
66,032
$ 6.52
64,366
$ 6.44
F- 18
Summary
information regarding the options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2024 is as follows:
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REGARDING TO OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AND EXERCISABLE
Outstanding
Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Prices
Number
Outstanding
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Number
Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
(in shares)
(in years)
(in shares)
$ 2.88 – $ 6.08
34,817
3.33
$ 5.16
32,150
$ 5.14
$ 6.10
– $ 10.08
35,332
3.48
$ 7.86
33,882
$ 7.83
70,149
66,032
Stock-based
compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations
was $ 56,000 and $ 55,000 for the years ending December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The
total compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet recognized was $ 19,000 and $ 18,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(c)
Warrants
The
Company has issued warrants at exercise prices equal to or greater than the market value of the Company’s common stock at the date
of issuance. A summary of warrant activity follows:
SUMMARY OF WARRANT ACTIVITY
2024
2023
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Warrants
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Warrants
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding at beginning of year
—
$ —
2,187
$ 2.08
Granted
—
$ —
—
$ —
Exercised
—
$ —
( 2,187 )
$ ( 2.08 )
Forfeited or expired
—
$ —
—
$ —
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year
—
$ —
—
$ —
NOTE
10— INCOME TAXES
Prior
to 2024, based on negative evidence (primarily a cumulative history of operating losses), the Company had a full valuation allowance
against its net deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2024, the Company considered all the positive and negative evidence related
to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets and determined, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more
likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will be realized. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023 the Company had recorded
$ 15,933,000
and $ 16,215,000
of deferred tax assets before valuation allowance, respectively, which was offset by $ 11,400,000
and $ 16,086,000
of valuation allowance, respectively. The Company has recorded deferred tax liabilities of $ 98,000
and $ 129,000
as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which have all been determined to be sources of future taxable income. The
reduction of $ 4,686,000
of the valuation allowance is based on cumulative positive operating results over the prior three-year period and expectations about
generating U.S. taxable income in the future. The remaining valuation allowance relates primarily to anticipated expirations of U.S.
net operating losses prior to utilization based on our forecasts of future taxable income.
(a)
Composition of income (loss) before income taxes is as follows (in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF COMPOSITION OF INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Domestic
$ 2,010
$ 138
F- 19
Income
tax (benefit) expense consists of the following (in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE
2024
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Current:
Federal
$ —
$ —
State and local
123
9
Current income tax (benefit) expense
123
9
Deferred:
Federal
( 4,209 )
—
State and local
( 226 )
—
Deferred income tax benefit
( 4,435 )
—
Total income tax (benefit) expense
$ ( 4,311 )
$ 9
(b)
Effective Income Tax Rates
Set
forth below is a reconciliation between the federal tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rates with respect to continuing
operations:
SCHEDULE
OF RECONCILIATION BETWEEN FEDERAL TAX RATE AND EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATES
2024
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Statutory Federal rates
21 %
21 %
Increase (decrease) in income tax rate resulting from:
Nondeductible/nontaxable items
0 %
2 %
State taxes
3 %
4 %
Rate change
( 3 )%
69 %
Prior year rate change adjustment
— %
173 %
Deferred true ups
( 2 )%
147 %
Valuation allowance
( 233 )%
( 409 )%
Effective income tax rates
( 214 )%
7 %
(c)
Analysis of Deferred Tax Assets and (Liabilities) (in thousands):
SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND (LIABILITIES)
2024
2023
As of
December 31,
2024
2023
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following:
Employee benefits and deferred compensation
$ 72
$ 61
Deferred revenue
215
202
Lease liability
22
47
Intangible assets
218
311
Other temporary differences
113
46
Section 174 expenditures
440
290
NOL and capital loss carryforwards
14,853
15,258
Total deferred tax assets
15,933
16,215
Valuation allowance
( 11,400 )
( 16,086 )
Net deferred tax asset
4,533
129
Right-of-use asset
( 19 )
( 41 )
Fixed assets
( 79 )
( 88 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
( 98 )
( 129 )
Net deferred tax assets
$ 4,435
$ —
F- 20
Valuation
allowances relate primarily to NOL carryforwards related to the Company’s consolidated tax losses as well as state tax losses related
to the Company’s OmniMetrix subsidiary and book-tax differences related to asset impairments and stock compensation expense of
the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the valuation allowance decreased by $ 4,686,000 and $ 567,000 , respectively.
(d)
Summary of Tax Loss Carryforwards
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company had various NOL carryforwards expiring as follows (in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
Expiration
Federal
State
2025 – 2031 *
2,579
—
2032 – 2037 *
59,389
14,967
Unlimited
4,958
1,877
Total
$ 66,926
$ 16,844
*
The utilization of a portion
of these NOL carryforwards is limited due to limits on utilizing NOL carryforwards under Internal Revenue Service regulations following
a change of control.
Under
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the yearly utilization of a corporation’s NOL carryforwards may be limited following
a change in ownership of greater than 50% (by value) over a three-year period. The yearly limitation is based on the value of the corporation
immediately before the ownership change multiplied by the federal long-term tax-exempt rate. We are currently subject to the annual limitation
under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code for NOLs generated prior to 2014. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has not
completed a recent 382 study and the remaining NOL carryforwards may be limited in the amount. The Company has maintained a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets for all NOLs which may be subject
to the annual limitations under Section 382. The Company has determined that no limitation
on the unreserved NOL carryforwards exists. The Company will complete a full analysis of the tax attribute carryforwards prior to any
utilization of NOLs which are currently reserved.
Effective
for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021, taxpayers are required to capitalize any expenses incurred that are considered incidental
to research and experimentation (R&E) activities under IRC Section 174. While taxpayers historically had the option of deducting
these expenses under IRC Section 174, the December 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act mandates capitalization and amortization of R&E expenses
for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021. Expenses incurred in connection with R&E activities in the US must be amortized
over a 5-year period if incurred. R&E activities are broader in scope than qualified research activities considered under IRC Section
41 (relating to the research tax credit). For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company performed an analysis based on available
guidance and capitalized the required R&E costs. The Company will continue to monitor this issue for future developments.
The
Company files tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business,
the Company is subject to examinations by federal, foreign, and state and local jurisdictions, where applicable. There are currently
no pending tax examinations. To the extent the Company has tax attribute carryforwards, the tax years in which the attribute was generated
may still be adjusted upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state and local tax authorities to the extent utilized in
a future period.
The
Company is also subject to certain non-income taxes such as value added taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. The Company has taken
certain positions that management feels, although not free from doubt, should not result in a successful challenge by certain tax authorities.
F- 21
NOTE
11— RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
The
Company recorded fees to officers of $ 538,000 and $ 522,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which is included
in selling, general and administrative expenses.
The
Company recorded fees to directors of $ 74,000 and $ 71,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, which is included in selling,
general and administrative expenses.
The
Company issued 8,350 ( 6,900 to directors and executive officers and 1,450 to other employees) and 14,936 ( 11,874 to directors and executive
officers and 3,062 to other employees) options, in 2024 and 2023, respectively. 7,708 options were exercised in the year ended December
31, 2024. 2,187 warrants and no options were exercised in the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 9 for further discussion.
Each
Director of the Company may elect by written notice delivered on or before the first day of each calendar year whether to receive, in
lieu of some or all of his or her retainer and board fees, that number of shares of Company common stock as shall have a value equal
to the applicable retainer and board fees, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on its then-current trading
platform or exchange on the last trading day immediately preceding the first day of the applicable year. Once made, the election shall
be irrevocable for such election year and the shares subject to the election shall vest and be issued one-fourth upon the first day of
the election year and one-fourth as of the first day of each of the second through fourth calendar quarters thereafter during the remainder
of the election year.
NOTE
12— SEGMENT REPORTING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
(a)
General Information
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company continues to operate in two reportable operating segments, PG and CP, both of which are performed through
the Company’s OmniMetrix subsidiary. See Note 1, Nature of Operations , for a description of these segments.
The
Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units, offering different products and services and are managed separately
by the CODM as each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.
The
CODM is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
(b)
Information about profit or loss and assets
The
accounting policies of all the segments are those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates
performance by segment based on revenue (driven by the number of connections), gross profit and net income or loss before taxes.
The
Company does not systematically allocate assets to the divisions of the subsidiaries constituting its consolidated group, unless the
division constitutes a significant operation. Accordingly, where a division of a subsidiary constitutes a segment that does not meet
the quantitative thresholds of applicable accounting principles, depreciation expense is recorded against the operations of such segment,
without allocating the related depreciable assets to that segment. However, where a division of a subsidiary constitutes a segment that
does meet the quantitative thresholds, related depreciable assets, along with other identifiable assets, are allocated to such division.
Segment
expense that is routinely provided to the CODM is COGS and R&D expense. R&D expense is allocated to each segment based on estimated
time on projects within the segment. SG&A expense and interest income is allocated to each segment based on the percentage of segment
revenue to total revenue instead of being specifically identified to each segment since the Company’s resources have a high level
of shared utilization between the segments. Further, the CODM does not review the assets by segment.
F- 22
The
following tables represent segmented data for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands).
SUMMARY
OF SEGMENTED DATA
PG
CP
Total
Year ended December 31, 2024:
Revenues from external customers
$ 9,882
$ 1,104
$ 10,986
COGS
2,548
439
2,987
Segment gross profit
7,334
665
7,999
R&D expense
851
161
1,012
SG&A expense
3,609
421
4,030
Segment operating income
2,874
83
2,957
Interest income, net
64
6
70
Segment income before income taxes
$ 2,938
$ 89
$ 3,027
Year ended December 31, 2023:
Revenues from external customers
$ 7,000
$ 1,059
$ 8,059
COGS
1,627
428
2,055
Segment gross profit
5,373
631
6,004
R&D expense
737
138
875
SG&A expense
3,471
527
3,998
Segment operating income (loss)
1,165
( 34 )
1,131
Interest income, net
55
8
63
Segment income (loss) before income taxes
$ 1,220
$ ( 26 )
$ 1,194
(c)
The following tables represent a reconciliation of the segment data to the consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet data
for the years ended and as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT DATA TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
2024
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Total net income before income taxes for reportable segments
$ 3,027
$ 1,194
Unallocated cost of corporate headquarters
( 1,017 )
( 1,056 )
Consolidated net income before income taxes
$ 2,010
$ 138
SCHEDULE
OF RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT DATA TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT BALANCE SHEET
2024
2023
As of
December 31,
2024
2023
Assets:
Total assets for OmniMetrix subsidiary
$ 5,901
$ 5,163
Assets of corporate headquarters
260
286
Deferred tax assets
4,435
—
Total consolidated assets
$ 10,596
$ 5,449
SCHEDULE OF REVENUE FROM CUSTOMERS BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS
2024
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Revenues based on location of customer:
United States
$ 10,955
$ 7,992
Other
31
67
Revenues
$ 10,986
$ 8,059
All
of the Company’s long-lived assets are located in the United States.
(d)
Revenues and Accounts Receivable Balances from Major Customers (in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF REVENUES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE BALANCES FROM MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Invoiced
Sales
Accounts
Receivable
2024
2023
2024
2023
Customer
Total
%
Total
%
Balance
%
Balance
%
A
$
1,843
19
%
$
- *
- *
%
$
1,188
61
%
$
- *
- *
%
B
$
- *
- *
%
$
- *
- *
%
$
- *
- *
%
$
134
25
%
*
*
Balance
is not significant.
The
revenue and accounts receivable of both customer A and B are within the PG segment.
F- 23
NOTE
13— REVENUE
OmniMetrix
sells monitoring equipment (“HW”) and monitoring services (“Monitoring”). Prior to September 1, 2023, sales of
OmniMetrix equipment typically did not qualify as a separate unit of accounting. As a result, revenue (and related costs) associated
with sale of equipment was recorded to deferred revenue (and deferred cost of goods sold) upon shipment of PG and CP monitoring units.
Revenue and related costs with respect to the sale of equipment were recognized over the estimated life of the units which was estimated
to be three years. On September 1, 2023, OmniMetrix launched an updated version of its products that includes new functionality in its
TrueGuard, AIRGuard, Patriot and Hero products that allows its customers to have options as it relates to obtaining and utilizing the
data that is provided by its hardware devices. This new functionality allows for SIM card options, configuration options regarding IP
address endpoints and DNS routes, and access to OmniMetrix’s over-the-air data protocol. This product update allows customers to
have the option to purchase OmniMetrix’s monitoring service, monitor the products themselves if they have the ability in-house,
or choose another monitoring provider if they so desire. OmniMetrix’s prior hardware product version could not function as a distinct
product independent from its monitoring services. This new version’s functionality results in OmniMetrix’s hardware and monitoring
services being capable of being two distinct products and services. OmniMetrix recognizes revenue, COGS and commissions from the sale
of the new version of its hardware products when the product is shipped rather than over the estimated time that the unit is in service
for the customer. The remaining balance of deferred hardware revenue from the prior version of these products will continue to be amortized
each period until it is fully amortized. The modifications to the circuit boards and embedded firmware of hardware enclosures in inventory
as of August 31, 2023 were made such that only the new version of these products was sold subsequent to this date.
The
following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
SCHEDULE OF DISAGGREGATES OF REVENUE
HW
Monitoring
Total
Year ended December 31, 2024:
PG Segment
$ 5,579
$ 4,303
$ 9,882
CP Segment
854
250
1,104
Total Revenue
$ 6,433
$ 4,553
$ 10,986
HW
Monitoring
Total
Year ended December 31, 2023:
PG Segment
$ 2,994
$ 4,006
$ 7,000
CP Segment
803
256
1,059
Total Revenue
$ 3,797
$ 4,262
$ 8,059
Deferred
revenue activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 can be seen in the table below (in thousands):
SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED REVENUE ACTIVITY
HW
Monitoring
Total
Balance at December 31, 2023
$ 2,965
$ 2,619
$ 5,584
Additions during the period
—
5,043
5,044
Recognized as revenue
( 1,841 )
( 4,553 )
( 6,395 )
Balance at December 31, 2024
$ 1,124
$ 3,109
$ 4,233
Amounts to be recognized as revenue in the year ending:
December 31, 2025
$ 956
$ 2,565
$ 3,521
December 31, 2026
168
541
709
December 31, 2027 and thereafter
—
3
3
Total
$ 1,124
$ 3,109
$ 4,233
F- 24
The
amount of hardware revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024 that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning
of the fiscal year was $ 1,841,000 . The amount of monitoring revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024 that was included in deferred
revenue at the beginning of the fiscal year was $ 2,268,000 .
Deferred
revenue activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 can be seen in the table below (in thousands):
HW
Monitoring
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022
$ 3,751
$ 2,420
$ 6,171
Balance
$ 3,751
$ 2,420
$ 6,171
Additions during the period
1,595
4,461
6,056
Recognized as revenue
( 2,381 )
( 4,262 )
( 6,643 )
Balance at December 31, 2023
$ 2,965
$ 2,619
$ 5,584
Balance
$ 2,965
$ 2,619
$ 5,584
SCHEDULE
OF RECONCILIATION OF HARDWARE REVENUE
Reconciliation of Hardware Revenue
2024
2023
Amortization of deferred revenue
$ 1,841
$ 2,381
Sales of custom designed units and related accessories
26
259
Hardware sales (new product versions)
4,015
475
Other accessories, services, shipping and miscellaneous charges
551
682
Total hardware revenue
$ 6,433
$ 3,797
Deferred
charges relate only to the sale of HW. Deferred charges activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 can be seen in the table below
(in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF DEFERRED CHARGES ACTIVITY
Balance at December 31, 2023
$ 1,285
Additions during the period
—
Recognized as cost of sales
( 809 )
Balance at December 31, 2024
$ 476
Amounts to be recognized as cost of sales in the year ending:
December 31, 2025
$ 406
December 31, 2026 and thereafter
70
$ 476
Deferred
charges relate only to the sale of HW. Deferred charges activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 can be seen in the table below
(in thousands):
Balance at December 31, 2022
$ 1,694
Additions during the period
655
Recognized as cost of sales
( 1,064 )
Balance at December 31, 2023
$ 1,285
The
following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s sales commissions contract assets for the year ended December 31, 2024
(in thousands):
SCHEDULE
OF SALES COMMISSIONS CONTRACT ASSETS
HW
Monitoring
Total
Balance at December 31, 2023
$ 268
$ 96
$ 364
Additions during the period
—
73
73
Amortization of sales commissions
( 164 )
( 45 )
( 209 )
Balance at December 31, 2024
$ 104
$ 124
$ 228
F- 25
The
capitalized sales commissions are included in other current assets ($ 137,000 ) and other assets ($ 91,000 ) in the Company’s Consolidated
Balance Sheets at December 31, 2024.
SCHEDULE
OF SALES COMMISSIONS EXPENSE
Amounts to be recognized as sales commissions expense in the year ending:
December 31, 2025
$ 137
December 31, 2026
55
December 31, 2027 and thereafter
36
Total
$ 228
The
following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s sales commissions contract assets for the year ended December 31, 2023
(in thousands):
HW
Monitoring
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022
$ 319
$ 80
$ 399
Balance
$ 319
$ 80
$ 399
Additions during the period
148
53
201
Amortization of sales commissions
( 199 )
( 37 )
( 236 )
Balance at December 31, 2023
$ 268
$ 96
$ 364
Balance
$ 268
$ 96
$ 364
The
capitalized sales commissions are included in other current assets ($ 202,000 ) and other assets ($ 162,000 ) in the Company’s Consolidated
Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023.
NOTE
14— SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On
January 1, 2025, 2,200 options were issued to the CFO with an exercise price of $ 17.89 and that vest in equal increments on January 1,
2025, April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025 and October 1, 2025 with a fair value of $ 38,000 . On January 1, 2025, 2,500 options in the aggregate
were issued to directors with an exercise price of $ 17.89 and that vest in equal increments on January 1, 2025, April 1, 2025, July 1,
2025 and October 1, 2025 with a fair value of $ 43,000 in the aggregate. On January 6, 2025, 2,200 options were issued to the CEO with
an exercise price of $ 17.50 and that vest in equal increments on January 6, 2025, April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025 and October 1, 2025 with
a fair value of $ 37,000 .
In
March 2025, the Company’s Board ratified all option grants made under its Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan following
expiration of the Plan on December 31, 2024 and extended the expiration date of the Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan until
December 31, 2034.
F- 26