Birchtech Corp. 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors. In your evaluation of the Company and our business, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with the information included elsewhere in this report and the other documents we file with the SEC. The following factors describe the risks and uncertainties that we consider significant to the operation of our business but should not be considered a complete listing of all potential risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our operating results, financial position or liquidity. Additionally, our business is subject to the same general risks and uncertainties that affect many other companies, such as but not limited to the overall economic conditions, changes in laws or accounting rules, fluctuations in interest and exchange rates or other disruptions of expected economic and business conditions. Risks Related to Our Company Demand for our mercury emissions services and products is largely driven by coal consumption by North American electricity power generating plants. Any significant changes that diminish the use of coal as a primary fuel source for electricity production may adversely affect our business. North American coal-fired electricity generating units comprise the basis of the market for our services and products. Regulations mandating or incentivizing the purchase of power from renewable energy sources (e.g., wind, solar, hydroelectric and geothermal) and/or the phasing out of coal-fired power plants could lessen the demand for electricity from such plants and overall reduce the number of coal-fired electricity generating units and the amount of coal burned, thereby decreasing the demand for our services and products which could adversely affect our business. The phasing out of coal-fired plants has already had a negative effect on our results of operations. Continued promulgation of these regulations in North America is affected by, among other things, politics, perceived environmental impact, and public favor. 8 Table of Contents The risks associated with technological change may make our products and services less marketable. The market into which we sell our products and services is characterized by periodic technological change as well as evolving industry standards and regulations. The nature of such market will require that we continually improve and/or modify the performance, features, and reliability of our products and services, particularly in response to possible competitive offerings. Unless we are able to enhance, improve, and/or modify existing products in a timely manner or to develop and introduce new products that incorporate new technologies or conform with evolving industry standards and regulations, our products and services may be rendered less marketable. Our industry is highly competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively with competitors having greater resources than we do, our financial results could be adversely affected. We operate in highly competitive industries that are characterized by a diverse range of participants, including companies that operate in both the mercury capture and water treatment industries. Our major competitors in the mercury capture and water treatment markets include companies such as Arq, Inc. (formerly Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc.), Norit Activated Carbon, Calgon Carbon Corporation, and Nalco Company LLC (also known as Nalco Water, an Ecolab company). Many of our competitors employ larger sales staff and are well established in the market with greater financial and operational resources. Our ability to compete successfully depends in part upon our ability to offer superior technology, including a superior team of technical personnel. If we are unable to maintain our competitive position, we could lose market share to our competitors, which is likely to adversely impact our financial results. We may not be able to successfully protect our intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2025, our patent portfolio relating to mercury removal included 18 granted patents worldwide, consisting of 13 U.S. patents and 5 foreign patents (Canada, Europe and China), with stated expiration dates ranging from January 2026 to September 2034. Between August and October 2025, 13 U.S. Patents and 2 foreign patents relating to mercury removal expired. The patent data and expiration timelines cited above and elsewhere in this report are based on internal assessments and information currently available through third-party databases, including Google Patent Database. While we believe these sources to be generally reliable, they are subject to inherent data lags, indexing errors or incomplete coverage of foreign jurisdictions. Consequently, the actual status, enforceability or precise expiration dates of certain patents may differ from those stated. While we actively pursue new patents and technological advancements to replace expiring patents, there is no guarantee that future patents will be granted, or that they will be able to provide and/or allow us to maintain the same level of market protection. As a result, we may not be able to successfully protect proprietary aspects of our technology. With regard to our water treatment technologies, we have to date filed two provisional patent applications in the U.S. relating to water treatment. We have also filed two Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) applications and one U.S. patent application. However, these applications do not provide enforceable patent rights unless they are successfully granted by the PCT and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. There is no assurance that our pending applications will result in issued patents, or that any patents granted will provide meaningful protection against competitors. We may not be successful in patent litigation. Patent litigation, like most types of commercial litigation, can be expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable. Any such litigation may require us to spend a substantial amount of time and money and could distract management from our day-to-day operations. There is no assurance that we will be successful in any such litigation. Moreover, in an infringement proceeding, a court may decide that one or more of our patents are not valid or enforceable, or a court may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patents do not cover the technology in question. An adverse result in any litigation could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, held unenforceable, or interpreted narrowly and could put our patent applications at risk of not being approved. 9 Table of Contents On March 1, 2024, following a five-day jury trial, a federal jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”) awarded a $57.1 million patent infringement verdict in our favor against a group of defendants (the “CERT defendants”). Nevertheless, the ultimate success in this litigation against this group of defendants still remains uncertain due to other possible factors, including, but not limited to, the results of any post-trial motions and applications, appeals and any collectability issues. Following the trial, the Court entered non-final judgments on the verdict against the defendants and the parties submitted post-trial motions relating to the jury trial. The defendants also asserted that the Company’s claims were barred due to their defense that they had an implied license to the asserted patents. A bench trial was held on such issue. On June 10, 2025, the Court ruled that the CERT defendants failed to prove that they had such an implied license and denied their motion to alter or amend the non-final judgment. On September 25, 2025, the Court issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order denying the CERT defendants’ post-trial motion that they should not be held liable as a matter of law for induced infringement, contributory infringement or willful infringement, and on November 20, 2025, the Court issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order denying the CERT defendants’ post-trial motion for a new trial on the issues of induced infringement, contributory infringement, willful infringement and damages. Thereafter, on December 17, 2025, the Court issued a memorandum order granting the Company’s request for pre- and post-judgment interest, and denying the Company’s request for enhanced damages. Following resolution of all post-trial motions, the Court issued the final judgment in favor of the Company on December 29, 2025 in the total amount of $78,397,157, which amount includes pre-judgment interest. On January 28, 2026, the CERT defendants filed a notice of appeal of the judgment. Under applicable rules, the CERT defendants may seek a stay of execution of the judgment pending appeal by posting a bond or other security in an amount and form approved by the Court. As of the date of this report, the CERT defendants have not obtained a bonded stay. Although the automatic stay of execution applicable following entry of judgment has expired, the appeal remains pending. As a result, there can be no assurance regarding the timing or amount of any recovery, if any, from the judgment, or that the judgment will ultimately be upheld on appeal. Interest continues to accrue on the judgment amount during the pendency of the appeal. We are currently subject to inter partes review proceedings that could adversely affect the enforceability of our patent rights. Certain of our patents which pertain to mercury removal from coal-fired power plants are currently the subject of inter partes review (“IPR”) proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. IPR proceedings are a mechanism by which third parties can challenge the validity of issued patents, and they have become a frequent tool used by parties seeking to invalidate patents in our industry. Even though a jury has upheld the validity of certain of our patents in the Delaware proceeding and judgment has been entered as described in the immediately preceding risk factor and in further detail under Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings”, the IPR process is independent and could result in the narrowing or invalidation of some or all of the asserted claims, which could impair or eliminate our ability to enforce the judgment, collect damages or obtain other relief. While IPRs are a common feature of the U.S. patent system, we believe that our patents are valid and enforceable. We intend to actively defend our intellectual property rights, but the outcome of any administrative proceeding cannot be predicted with certainty . We depend on third-party suppliers for materials needed to implement our technologies; availability of raw materials and volatility in price could impact our results of operations. We buy all the raw materials needed to implement our technologies and provide uniquely formulated products from third-party suppliers. Suppliers of our raw materials include large companies that have provided materials for decades and have an international presence. We believe that we have excellent relationships with our current suppliers. If any of our suppliers should become unavailable to us for any reason, there are a number of other suppliers that we believe can be contracted with to supply the raw materials that we need. However, the availability and price of those raw materials can be impacted by factors beyond our control, including any price increases due to inflation. If such suppliers cannot meet our demand for such raw materials on a timely basis or at acceptable prices or if we are unable to offset any such increases that might occur with price adjustments to our customers, such could have a negative effect on our operations. 10 Table of Contents We are dependent on key customers and suppliers. A significant adverse change in such relationships could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. For the year ended December 31, 2025, three customers represented 29%, 11%, and 9% of the Company’s revenues, and for the year ended December 31, 2024, three customers represented 32%, 13%, and 10% of the Company’s revenues. At December 31, 2025, two customers represented 51%, and14% of the Company’s accounts receivable, and at December 31, 2024, three customers represented 32%, 26% and 9% of the Company’s accounts receivable. Our customers are concentrated, so the loss of one or more key customers or a material reduction in business performed for them could cause us to experience a decline in net sales, which could adversely affect our financial results. In addition, there can be no assurance that such customers will not experience financial difficulties or other problems which could delay such customers in paying for product and services on a timely basis or at all. Any problems with such customers can be expected to have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. For the year ended December 31, 2025, two suppliers represented 55% and 36% of the Company’s purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2024, two suppliers represented 51% and 35% of the Company’s purchases. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, 63% and 68% of the Company’s accounts payable and accrued expenses related to two vendors, respectively. The Company believes there are numerous other suppliers that could be substituted should a supplier become unavailable or non-competitive. We rely on a small number of key employees. The loss of more than one of these employees could disrupt our operations and future growth. We have a limited number of employees and we depend on the continued services and performance of our key personnel. The loss of more than one member of this team could disrupt our operations and negatively impact our projected future growth. In addition, as we continue to grow, we cannot guarantee we will continue to attract and retain the personnel we need to maintain our competitive position. Our lack of diversification increases the risk of an investment in the Company. Our business lacks significant diversification and to date has been dependent on the success of our mercury emission control technologies. As a result, we are impacted more acutely by factors affecting our industry or the regions in which we operate than we would if our business were more diversified, enhancing our risk profile. While we are in the process of developing new technologies, particularly in the water treatment market, no assurance can be made that any such new technologies currently under development will be commercialized or result in a significant revenue stream. Low gas prices can negatively impact our results of operations; mild weather could also have corresponding effects on the demand for coal. Our mercury-emissions control technologies are used by coal-fired power plants primarily in the United States. At such times that gas prices remain low for sustained periods of time or such prices drop substantially, power suppliers will likely rely more upon gas-fired units rather than coal plants in meeting their power needs. Historically, gas prices have been volatile and are likely to remain volatile in the future due to numerous factors beyond our control. Although market prices for natural gas have recently remained relatively high, we cannot predict when such prices may decline and remain low for an extended period of time which, in such event, will likely cause a weaker demand for our products. In addition, mild winter months in the U.S. will also result in less of a power demand, which will also be expected to negatively impact our operations. Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to protect us from all business risks. We may be subject, in the ordinary course of business, to claims resulting from products liability, employment-related actions, class action lawsuits, accidents, acts of God, and other actions against us. Additionally, our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all existing and future claims against us. We may be compelled to expend significant time and resources defending any such claims, and a loss that is uninsured or which exceeds policy limits may require us to pay substantial amounts, which could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. 11 Table of Contents Litigation resulting from disputes with customers may result in substantial costs, liabilities, and loss of revenues. From time to time, we may be faced with disputes with our customers over the provisions of supply contracts relating to, among other things, pricing, quality, quantity, and the existence of specified conditions beyond our or our customers’ control that impact performance obligations under the particular contract. In the event such disputes occur, we may not be able to resolve those disputes in a satisfactory manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Revenues are generated under contracts or blanket purchase orders that must be renegotiated periodically. Substantially all of our revenues to date have been generated under contracts or blanket purchase orders which expire periodically or which must be frequently renegotiated, extended, or replaced. Whether these contracts or blanket purchase orders are renegotiated, extended, or replaced is often subject to factors that may be beyond our control, including an extremely competitive marketplace for the services we offer. We cannot assure you that the costs and pricing of our services can remain competitive in the marketplace or that we will be successful in renegotiating our contracts and blanket purchase orders. Business interruptions could significantly disrupt our operations and could have a material adverse impact on us. Our operations, and those of our suppliers, and other contractors and consultants, could be subject to geopolitical events, natural disasters, power and other infrastructure failures or shortages, public health pandemics or epidemics, extreme weather events, including hurricanes, wildfires and prolonged droughts, and other natural or man-made disasters or business interruptions. Any of such occurrences may disrupt our operations, damage our facilities, affect our supply chains, disrupt our workforce, and impact our business relationships with other third parties. Any such disruptions or losses we incur could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and our ability to conduct business as expected. Any disruptions to our information technology systems or breaches of our network security could interrupt our operations, compromise our reputation, and expose us to and costly response measures and could have a material adverse effect on our business operations. We rely on information technology systems, including third-party hosted servers and cloud-based servers, to keep business, financial, and corporate records, communicate internally and externally, and operate other critical functions. If any of our internal systems or the systems of our third-party providers are compromised due to computer virus, unauthorized access, malware, and the like, then sensitive documents could be exposed or deleted, and our ability to conduct business could be impaired. Cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. These incidents can include, but are not limited to, unauthorized access to our systems, computer viruses or other malicious code, denial of service attacks, malware, ransomware, phishing, human error, or other events that result in security breaches or give rise to the manipulation or loss of sensitive information or assets. Cyber incidents can be caused by various persons or groups, including disgruntled employees and vendors, activists, organized crime groups, and state-sponsored and individual hackers. Cyber incidents can also be caused or aggravated by natural events, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, power loss, and telecommunications failures. The risk of cybersecurity breach has generally increased as the number, intensity, and sophistication of attempted attacks from around the world has increased. While we have certain cyber security procedures in place, given the evolving nature of these threats, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer material losses in the future due to cyber-attacks. Maintaining and improving our financial controls may divert management’s attention and increase costs. We are subject to the requirements of the Exchange Act, including the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The requirements of these rules and regulations have increased in recent years, causing an increase in legal and financial compliance costs, and make some activities more difficult, time-consuming, or costly and may also place undue strain on our personnel, systems, and resources. Such rules and regulations require, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. This can be difficult to do. In this regard, our management concluded our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls were not effective as of December 31, 2025. While we have completed certain remedial actions, we continue to plan for and implement additional control procedures to improve our overall control environment, and we expect these efforts to continue throughout 2026 and beyond. As a result of this and similar activities, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Further, investors could lose confidence in our financial reports, and our stock price may be adversely affected, if our internal controls over financial reporting continue to be found not to be effective by management or if we make disclosure of existing or potential significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in those controls in the future. Relatedly, if we fail to remediate any such material weakness in the future, we may not be able to accurately report our financial condition or results of operations. 12 Table of Contents Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition. Liquidity, i.e., ready access to funds, is essential to our business. Our access to external sources of financing could be impaired by factors that are specific to us or others that may be outside of our control. As a result, such liquidity risk could impair our ability to funds operations and jeopardize our financial condition. Our management has discretion in the use of our available funds. Management has discretion concerning the use of our available funds, as well as the timing of their expenditure. As a result, investors will be relying on the judgment of management for the application of our available funds. The results and the effectiveness of the application of the available funds are uncertain. If available funds are not applied effectively, the results of our operations may suffer. Stockholders may not agree with the manner in which management chooses to allocate and spend our available funds. Our Board of Directors concluded in 2025 that we needed to restate previously issued financial statements as a result of a change in accounting for a certain license agreement. On March 28, 2025, our Board of Directors, along with our Audit Committee and with management and, following dialogue with our auditors, concluded that our previously issued financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 included in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10‑K, and the periods ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2024, March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023, included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10‑Q, should no longer be relied upon as a result of the change in accounting for a certain license agreement. We concluded that the Company should have recognized the entire proceeds receivable pursuant to the agreement as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company should also have recognized the financing component of the licensing agreement during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024. Such restatement, and any future restatements of our financial position, could cause uncertain sentiment in the investment community. Risks Related to Regulation Any significant changes in environmental regulations related to mercury emissions and potable water treatment could have a major impact on us. Our business relies heavily on environmental regulations governing emissions from coal-fired power plants and regulations related to water treatment. In the United States, the MATS rule, issued by the EPA in 2011, is intended to reduce air emissions of heavy metals, including Hg, from all major U.S. power plants burning coal or oil, which are the leading source of non-natural mercury emissions in the U.S. Potable water treatment is regulated primarily by the EPA under the SDWA, which establishes standards to ensure that water is safe for human consumption. In April 2024, the EPA issued the first-ever national, enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. The Rule sets limits for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA/GenX). Any changes, rollbacks or delays in these regulations could significantly impact the Company’s financial performance and growth prospects. In this regard, on May 14, 2025, the EPA under the new Trump Administration announced the agency will keep the regulations for PFOA and PFOS, but also announced its intent to extend the PFOA and PFOS MCL compliance deadlines to 2031 and establish a federal exemption framework. Additionally, the EPA announced its intent to rescind the regulations and reconsider the regulatory determinations for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and the Hazard Index mixture of these three PFAS plus PFBS to ensure the determinations and any resulting drinking water regulation follow the SDWA process. 13 Table of Contents Since being enacted, the MATS Rule has been subject to legal challenges and modifications which may continue. Since being enacted in 2011, the MATS regulation has been subject to legal challenge and modifications. In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Michigan v. EPA , held that the EPA unreasonably failed to consider costs in determining whether it is “appropriate and necessary” to regulate hazardous air pollutants, including mercury, from power plants, but left the rule in place. In April 2016, the EPA issued a supplemental finding in response to the Michigan decision and found that, after a consideration of costs, it remained appropriate and necessary to regulate such emissions from coal- and oil-fired power plants. In May 2020, the EPA, then under the first Trump Administration, reversed the determination, finding that, after weighing the costs of compliance against certain benefits of the regulation, the 2016 supplemental finding was erroneous, but left the MATS rule in place. Upon taking office, the Biden Administration in January 2021 directed the EPA to review the previous Administration’s actions on various environmental matters, including the withdrawal of the May 2020 “appropriate and necessary” determination, for conformity with the Biden Administration’s environmental policy. On February 9, 2022, the EPA proposed to revoke the May 2020 finding and reaffirm the EPA’s 2016 finding. On February 15, 2023, the EPA reaffirmed that it remains appropriate and necessary to regulate hazardous air pollutants, including mercury, from power plants after considering cost, and revoked the May 2020 finding. In April 2023, the EPA issued a proposal to strengthen and update MATS. Such proposal was finalized and published in May 2024, with an effective date of July 8, 2024, which, among other things, strengthens and updates MATS for coal-fired power plants and tightens the emission standard for mercury for existing lignite-fired power plants to a level that is aligned with the mercury standard that other coal-fired power plants have been achieving under MATS. On March 12, 2025, the newly appointed EPA administrator under the Trump Administration announced plans to roll back dozens of environmental regulations, including the reconsideration of the MATS regulation. On April 8, 2025, President Trump signed a Proclamation exempting certain stationary sources, identified in Annex 1 of the Proclamation, from compliance with the 2024 updated MATS Rule. As set out in the Proclamation, the President’s exemption lasts for a period of two years beyond the updated Rule’s compliance date (i.e., for the period beginning July 8, 2027 and concluding July 8, 2029). During the two-year period, these stationary sources identified in Annex 1 are subject to the compliance obligations that they are currently subject to under MATS as the MATS Rule existed prior to the 2024 update. Annex 1 identifies 47 plant owners and over 60 power plants provided such exemption. In June 2025, the EPA proposed to repeal certain amendments finalized in 2024 to the MATS Rule and return compliance obligations to the MATS standards which existed prior to the 2024 update. On December 23, 2025, the EPA submitted a draft of the final action to the OMB for interagency review under Executive Order 12866. On February 19, 2026, following completion of the OMB interagency review process, the EPA finalized the repeal of the 2024 amendments to the MATS Rule which returned compliance to the 2012 MATS Rule requirements. Uncertainty of and variability in international environmental regulations could restrict our ability to expand outside of the United States . While the focus of our business has been North America, and particularly the United States, in order to expand our business internationally, we would expect that more restrictive international environmental regulations will need to be enacted for the purpose of mercury control from power plant emissions. In May 2017, the European Union and seven of its member states ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. Specific emissions limits are being developed by the European Union, although the timing of any enactment of such is uncertain. With regard to business opportunities in China and other Asian countries, there currently exists no specific mandate for mercury capture that requires specific control technology, such as we offer. Any delay in enactment of more restrictive international regulations or the lack thereof could restrict any efforts and our ability to attract business in Europe and Asia for our emissions technologies. With regard to our water treatment technologies, we intend to focus on the U.S. market. In the event we seek to expand our water treatment business internationally, we will face a complex array of international water treatment regulations, which vary significantly across countries and may be subject to frequent changes. This regulatory variability introduces uncertainty and potential compliance challenges should we seek to expand globally. Risks Related to our Common Stock Trading activity for our common stock has varied, and, at times, been limited. Our common stock is currently traded in Canada on the TSX under the symbol “BCHT” and prior to February 26, 2026 was quoted in the United States on the OTCQB operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. under the symbol “BCHT”. Effective February 26, 2026, our common stock became listed and began trading on the NYSE American under the symbol “BCHT”, at which point our common stock ceased being traded on the OTCQB. Historically, the trading volume for our common stock has varied and, at times, been limited. Accordingly, if we are not able to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on the NYSE American or the TSX and our common stock becomes quoted on the OTCQB again, investors may find it more difficult to buy and sell our shares. These factors may have an adverse impact on the trading and price of our common stock. 14 Table of Contents Our stock price may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors and litigation. In addition to changes to market prices based on our results of operations and the factors discussed elsewhere in this “ Risk Factors ” section, the market price of and trading volume for our common stock may change for a variety of other reasons, not necessarily related to our actual operating performance. The capital markets have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. In addition, the average daily trading volume of the securities of small companies can be very low, which may contribute to future volatility. Factors that could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly include: · the results of operating and financial performance and prospects of other companies in our industry; · strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings; · announcements of innovations, increased service capabilities, new or terminated customers, or new, amended, or terminated contracts by our competitors; · the public’s reaction to our press releases, other public announcements, and filings with the SEC; · lack of securities analyst coverage or speculation in the press or investment community about us or market opportunities in our industry or about the market for coal-fired power in the U.S. or abroad; · changes in government policies in the United States and in foreign countries, if we are able to derive significant business outside of the United States; · changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities or research analysts who track our common stock or failure of our actual results of operations to meet those expectations; · market and industry perception of our success, or lack thereof, in pursuing our growth strategy; · changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations, or principles; · any lawsuit involving us, our services, or our products; · arrival and departure of key personnel; · sales of common stock by us, our investors or members of our management team; and · changes in general market, economic and political conditions in the United States, and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from natural or man-made disasters. Any of these factors, as well as broader market and industry factors, may result in large and sudden changes in the trading volume of our common stock and could seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. This may prevent you from being able to sell your shares of common stock at or above the price you paid for such shares, if at all. In addition, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholders often institute securities class action litigation against that company. Our involvement in any class action suit or other legal proceeding could divert our senior management’s attention and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Shares of common stock eligible for future sale may have adverse effects on our share price. Sales of substantial amounts of shares of common stock or the perception that such sales could occur may adversely affect the prevailing market price for our shares. We may issue additional shares of common stock in subsequent public offerings or private placements to make new investments or for other purposes. We are not required to offer any such shares of common stock to existing stockholders on a preemptive basis. Therefore, it may not be possible for existing stockholders to participate in such future share issuances, which may dilute the existing stockholders’ interests in us. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Accordingly, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock may be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future. 15 Table of Contents We may need additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to continue investing in our business and to finance acquisitions and other strategic transactions. In February 2026, we completed a financing transaction that strengthened our liquidity. However, we may need additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to among other things, continue investing in our business, pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions. Future financings may involve the issuance of debt, equity, and/or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our equity securities. These financings may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all if and when we require funding. If we are able to consummate such financings, the trading price of our common stock could be adversely affected and/or the terms of such financings may adversely affect the interests of our existing stockholders. Any failure to obtain additional working capital, if and when required, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and may result in a decline in our stock price. Our indemnification obligations to directors and officers could be costly to us and may discourage lawsuits against them, potentially limiting stockholder rights and remedies. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that we possess and may exercise all powers of indemnification of our officers, directors, employees, agents, and other persons and our second amended and restated by-laws (“Bylaws”) also require us to indemnify our officers and directors as permitted under the provisions of the General Corporate Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). In addition, we have entered into agreements to indemnify our directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify these individuals for certain expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and settlement amounts reasonably incurred by such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by or in our right, on account of any services undertaken by such person on behalf of our Company or that person’s status as a member of our Board of Directors to the maximum extent allowed under Delaware law. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in our incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors and officers. These provisions and resultant costs may also discourage us from bringing a lawsuit against directors, officers, and employees for breaches of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our stockholders against our directors, officers, and employees even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit the Company and stockholders. If our common stock becomes characterized as a “penny stock” again under SEC rules, it may be more difficult to resell our common stock. Prior to the recent listing of our common stock on the NYSE American, our common stock was considered a “penny stock” under applicable SEC rules (generally defined as non-exchange traded stock with a per-share price below $5.00). While we do not expect our common stock to be considered a “penny stock” following our listing, if we are later deemed a “penny stock”, certain rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that recommend the purchase or sale of penny stocks to persons other than those who qualify as “established customers” or “accredited investors.” For example, broker-dealers must determine the appropriateness for non-qualifying persons of investments in penny stocks. Broker-dealers must also provide, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, disclose the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, furnish monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account, provide a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser, and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. 16 Table of Contents U.S. legal remedies available to an investor in “penny stocks” may include the following: · If a “penny stock” is sold to the investor in violation of the requirements listed above, or other federal or states securities laws, the investor may be able to cancel the purchase and receive a refund of the investment. · If a “penny stock” is sold to the investor in a fraudulent manner, the investor may be able to sue the persons and firms that committed the fraud for damages. These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our securities, which could severely limit the market price and liquidity of our securities. These requirements may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock and may affect your ability to resell our common stock. Many brokerage firms will discourage or refrain from recommending investments in penny stocks. Most institutional investors will not invest in penny stocks. In addition, many individual investors will not invest in penny stocks due, among other reasons, to the increased financial risk generally associated with these investments. For these reasons, penny stocks may have a limited market and, consequently, limited liquidity. We can give no assurance at what time, if ever, our common stock may be classified as a “penny stock” in the future. If we cannot satisfy the continued listing requirements of the NYSE American and/or the TSX, our common stock may be delisted from the NYSE American and/or the TSX, which could negatively impact the price of our common stock and your ability to sell them. On February 26, 2026, our common stock began to trade on the NYSE American under the symbol “BCHT”. On November 12, 2024, our common stock commenced trading on the TSX. In order to maintain our listing on the NYSE American and TSX, we will be required to comply with certain rules of the NYSE American and TSX, respectively, including those regarding a minimum public float, and various additional requirements. We may not be able to continue to satisfy these requirements and applicable rules. If we are unable to satisfy the NYSE American and/or TSX criteria for maintaining our listing, our common stock could be subject to delisting from the NYSE American and/or TSX. If the NYSE American and/or TSX subsequently delists our common stock from trading, we could face significant consequences, including: · a limited availability for market quotations for our securities; · reduced liquidity with respect to our securities; · limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and · a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. Potential future sales pursuant to Rule 144 may depress the price of our common stock. Many of the shares of our common stock presently held by management and others are “restricted securities” as that term is defined in Rule 144, promulgated under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under Rule 144 of the Securities Act, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who has satisfied a certain holding period, may, under certain circumstances, sell such shares or a portion of such shares. Such holding periods have already been satisfied in many instances. Therefore, actual sales or the prospect of sales of such shares under Rule 144 in the future may depress the price of our common stock. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or for any other reason. 17 Table of Contents Our Chief Executive Officer has the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval. As of March 31, 2026, our Chief Executive Officer, Richard MacPherson, beneficially owned approximately 11.94% of our outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, while we do not expect to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance rules of the NYSE American, Mr. MacPherson is able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, Mr. MacPherson would significantly influence the election of directors and the approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of the Company on terms that other stockholders may desire. Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions, that limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable. Our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and the DGCL contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by our Board of Directors and therefore depressing the trading price of our common stock. These provisions also could make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the current members of our Board of Directors or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. Among other things, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include provisions regarding: · the ability of our Board of Directors to determine the rights, preferences and privileges of our preferred stock and to issue the preferred stock without stockholder approval; · advance notice requirements for election to our Board of Directors and for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings; · vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled by a majority of directors then in office, although less than a quorum; · authority granted to our Board of Directors to increase or decrease the size of our Board of Directors; · authorization for our Board of Directors, by majority vote, to amend the Bylaws; and · under the DGCL, stockholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors unless specifically provided for; our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting. If we fail to comply with the standards for continued listing on the NYSE American, this could negatively impact the price of our common stock and your ability to sell your shares of common stock. In order to maintain our listing on the NYSE American, we will be required to comply with certain rules of the NYSE American, including those regarding minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum share price, minimum market value of publicly held shares, and various additional requirements. Even though we initially met the listing requirements and other applicable rules of the NYSE American, we may not be able to continue to satisfy these requirements and applicable rules. If we are unable to satisfy the NYSE American criteria for maintaining our listing, our securities could be subject to delisting. 18 Table of Contents If the NYSE American subsequently delists our common stock from trading, we could face significant consequences, including: · reduction in the market price of our common stock; · a limited availability for market quotations for our common stock; · reduced liquidity with respect to our common stock; · a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock; · an inability to obtain financing for the continuation of our operations; · a reduction in the number of institutional and general investors that will consider investing in our common stock; · a reduction in the number of investors in general that will consider investing in our common stock; · a reduction in the number of market makers in our common stock; · a reduction in the number of broker-dealers willing to execute trades in shares of our common stock; · a reduction in the availability of information concerning the trading prices and volume of our common stock; · limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and · a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. Even though we effected the 1-for-5 reverse stock split of our common stock, we cannot assure you that the market price of our common stock will remain high enough for such reverse stock split to have the intended effect of complying with the NYSE American’s minimum price requirement. In connection with the uplist of our common stock to the NYSE American, we effected a 1-for-5 reverse stock split on December 26, 2025 with the primary purpose to allow us to meet the NYSE American’s minimum price requirement. There can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock following such reverse stock split will remain at the level required for compliance with that requirement. In any event, other factors unrelated to the number of shares of our common stock outstanding, such as negative financial or operational results, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and thus jeopardize our ability to meet or maintain the NYSE American’s minimum price requirement. If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline. The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on our Company. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our Company, the trading price for our common stock would likely be negatively impacted. In the event securities or industry analysts initiate coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our common stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price may decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our Company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline. Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of our common stock. Short selling is the practice of selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the sale. 19 Table of Contents As it is in the short seller’s interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions regarding the relevant issuer and its prospects to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market. It is not clear what effect such negative publicity could have on us. If we were to become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we could have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves. We may be constrained in the manner in which we can proceed against the relevant short seller by principles of freedom of speech, applicable state law or issues of commercial confidentiality. Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming, and could distract our management from growing our business. Even if such allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against us could severely impact our business, and any investment in the common stock could be greatly reduced or even rendered worthless. We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert our management’s attention. The market price of our common stock may be volatile, and in the past companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their securities have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business. There is no assurance that an investment in our common stock will earn any positive return. There is no assurance that an investment in our common stock will earn any positive return. An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. An investment in our common stock is appropriate only for investors who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their investment. An investment in our common stock, and certain subsequent transactions with respect to our common stock, may result in uncertain or adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for an investor. An investment in our common stock, and certain subsequent transactions with respect to our common stock, may result in uncertain or adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for an investor. See the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to U.S. and Non-U.S. Holders” below for a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our common stock. Each prospective investor is urged to consult with and rely solely upon its own tax advisors with respect to these and other tax consequences when purchasing, holding or disposing of our common stock. The reverse stock split could cause our stock price to decline relative to its value before the split and decrease the liquidity of shares of our common stock. On December 26, 2025, we effected a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock. There is no assurance that such reverse stock split will not cause a decline in the value of our outstanding common stock. The liquidity of the shares of our common stock may be affected adversely by such reverse stock split given the reduced number of shares that are outstanding following such reverse stock split, especially if the market price of our common stock does not increase as a result. Additionally, it is not uncommon for the market price of a company’s common stock to decline in the period following a reverse stock split. If the market price of our common stock declines following the effectuation of our 1-for-5 reverse stock split, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of such a reverse stock split. In addition, this reverse stock split may have increased the number of stockholders who own odd lots (less than 100 shares) of our common stock, creating the potential for such stockholders to experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares and greater difficulty effecting such sales. 20 Table of Contents