−Removed: (together with its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires), referred to herein as “DSS,”
−Removed: “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”, currently operates five distinct business lines
−Removed: operate around the globe with primary operations in North America and Asia.
−Removed: The six divisions are:
+Added: together with its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires), referred to herein as “DSS,” “we,”
+Added: “us,” “our” or the “Company”, currently operates five distinct business lines operate around the
+Added: globe with primary operations in North America and Asia.
+Added: The five divisions are:
Biotechnology,
and Investment Management, and
−Removed: Direct Marketing,
−Removed: Each of these business lines are in various
−Removed: stages of development, growth, and income generation.
−Removed: Due to these variations in the business cycle, including differences in revenue
−Removed: and assets acquired, the company is currently reporting financial information for five of these operating segments:
+Added: of these business lines are in various stages of development, growth, and income generation.
+Added: Due to these variations in the business
+Added: cycle, including differences in revenue and assets acquired, the Company is currently reporting financial information for five of these
+Added: operating segments:
Biotechnology,
−Removed: Marketing, and
−Removed: and Investment Management
−Removed: As the other divisions grow and start
−Removed: generating material operations and revenue, those operating segments will be added to our financial segmental reporting .
−Removed: Our divisions, their business lines,
−Removed: subsidiaries, and operating territories:
+Added: and Investment Management, and
+Added: the other divisions grow and start generating material operations and revenue, those operating segments will be added to our financial
+Added: segmental reporting .
+Added: divisions, their business lines, subsidiaries, and operating territories:
The Company’s consumer packaging and security printing business is led by its wholly owned subsidiary, Premier
9 unchanged sentences
(“Biotech”) Biotechnology, a science-driven industry sector that uses living organisms and molecular biology to produce
−Removed: healthcare-related products, progressed on multiple fronts in 2021.
−Removed: This business line was created to invest in or acquire companies
−Removed: in the BioHealth and BioMedical fields, including businesses focused on the advancement of drug discovery and prevention, inhibition,
−Removed: and treatment of neurological, oncological, and immune related diseases.
−Removed: This division is also targeting unmet, urgent medical needs,
−Removed: and is developing open-air defense initiatives, which curb transmission of air-borne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and
−Removed: We had a productive year including key patent awards, the advancement of key programs, the release of positive study results,
−Removed: and several projects now in global licensing discussions.
−Removed: Assets of this group are organized under the holding company, DSS BioHealth
−Removed: Security, Inc.
+Added: healthcare-related products.
+Added: This division is committed to both funding research and developing intellectual property
+Added: It is currently focus on research in three main areas:
+Added: (i) development of a universal therapeutic drug platform;
+Added: a new sugar substitute;
+Added: and (iii) a multi-use fragrance.
+Added: Biotech discovers, confirms, and patents unique science and technologies
+Added: which can be developed into new offerings in human healthcare and wellness in collaboration with external partners through licensing,
+Added: co-development, joint ventures, and other relationships.
+Added: By leveraging technology and new science with strategic partnerships,
+Added: we provide advances in biopharmaceuticals and over the counter direct to consumer wellness offerings, and drug discovery for the
+Added: prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncology and immuno-related diseases.
+Added: Assets of this group are organized under
+Added: the holding company, DSS BioHealth Security, Inc.
Its subsidiaries are currently operating in Houston, TX and Rochester, NY.
−Removed: The group also has a research facility
−Removed: in Winter Haven, Florida.
−Removed: American Pacific Bancorp, Inc.
−Removed: (“APB”) represents our banking and financing
−Removed: business line.
−Removed: During 2023, APB issued more than $14 million in new loans, and over $4 million in renewal loan to customers with
−Removed: strong credit quality across a diverse portfolio of businesses.
−Removed: Looking ahead, to better meet the needs of the current financial
−Removed: market, the company is looking to transition away from certain industries like direct marketing and focus more on growing its inventory
−Removed: / equipment loan portfolio as well as engaging in more specialized areas of lending like broker/dealer loans.
−Removed: We will continue to
−Removed: monitor our managed loan portfolio of more than $22 million, which earns 1.25% annually in service charges, and explore future opportunities.
−Removed: Importantly, the equity portfolio as a bank holding company is anticipated to remain relatively stable, regardless of stock market
−Removed: fluctuations.
+Added: American Pacific Financial, Inc.
+Added: (“APF”) represents our banking and financing business line.
+Added: Looking ahead, to better meet the needs of the current financial market, the company is looking to transition away from certain industries
+Added: like direct marketing and focus more on growing its inventory / equipment loan portfolio as well as engaging in more specialized
+Added: areas of lending like broker/dealer loans.
and Investment Management:
2 unchanged sentences
Investments, and Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc.
−Removed: Additionally, we have become the Registered Investment Advisor (“RIA”) for DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds (DSS
−Removed: AmericaFirst) family.
−Removed: This group of businesses is led by its holding company, DSS Securities, Inc., (“DSS Securities”)
−Removed: and the group is currently headquartered in Houston, Texas, with operations in Chicago, Illinois, Sacramento, California, Los Angeles,
−Removed: California, and New York, NY.
−Removed: Also in this segment is the Company’s real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), organized
−Removed: for the purposes of acquiring hospitals and other acute or post-acute care centers from leading clinical operators with dominant
−Removed: market share in secondary and tertiary markets, and leasing each property to a single operator under a triple-net lease.
−Removed: was formed to originate, acquire, and lease a credit-centric portfolio of licensed medical real estate.
−Removed: This group is headquartered
−Removed: in Houston, Texas.
−Removed: Trading”) This Division was established to develop and/or acquire assets and investments in the securities
−Removed: trading and/or funds management arena.
−Removed: Trading, in partnership with recognized global leaders in alternative trading systems,
−Removed: intends to obtain a broker-dealer license and launch an Alternative Trading System (“ATS”).
−Removed: The ATS, focusing on financial
−Removed: market inefficiencies, will utilize a blockchain based financial market infrastructure (‘FMI’) that will trade digital
−Removed: asset securities exempt from registration, or ‘private securities’.
−Removed: The digital FMI will allow for T+0 settlement, which
−Removed: USX believes can be used to attract liquidity.
−Removed: The platform will generate trading liquidity for the ‘middle’ market –
−Removed: companies that are seeking to raise under $150M USD, can pursue private placements, which have lower compliance costs that public
−Removed: USX Holdings Company, Inc.
−Removed: (“USX”), a subsidiary of the DSS Blockchain, Inc., is a collaboration between the
−Removed: GSX Group, Coinstreet Partners and DSS, Inc.
−Removed: This collaboration is currently in the planning stages.
−Removed: Trading division is
−Removed: currently headquartered in Houston, TX.
−Removed: Transformation (Legacy) :
−Removed: This division was established to serve as a Preferred Technology Partner and Application Development
−Removed: Solution for mid-cap brands across various industries, including the direct selling and affiliate marketing sector.
−Removed: Digital Transformation
−Removed: enhanced marketing, communications, and operational processes through tailored software development and implementation.
−Removed: It successfully
−Removed: launched several mobile applications for direct sales businesses, seamlessly integrating back-office and social networking functions.
−Removed: Please note that Digital Transformation was headquartered in Hong Kong until its discontinuation in 2023.
−Removed: Living (Legacy) :
−Removed: This division had embarked on a mission to create fully sustainable, secure, connected, and health-focused
−Removed: living communities, featuring homes equipped with advanced technology, energy-efficient solutions, and high-quality living environments,
−Removed: catering to both new construction and renovation projects for single and multi-family residential housing.
−Removed: Secure Living had been
−Removed: actively collaborating with various land development partners across the United States to develop complete, fully sustainable single-family
−Removed: subdivisions promoting healthy living.
−Removed: Secure Living was headquartered in Houston, Texas, until it was wound down
−Removed: Energy (Legacy) :
−Removed: This group was established with the vision to lead the company into the clean energy sector, focusing
−Removed: on environmentally responsible and sustainable initiatives.
−Removed: Alset Energy, Inc., the holding company for this group, and its wholly
−Removed: owned subsidiary, Alset Solar, Inc., were dedicated to the development of utility-scale solar farms to support regional power grids
−Removed: in the United States and provide small microgrids for independent energy on underutilized properties.
−Removed: In addition to solar farms,
−Removed: solar battery banks, and residential energy creation and storage, Alset Energy also explored alternative energy investment and development
−Removed: opportunities.
−Removed: Our overarching goal was to make a significant impact in mitigating the negative effects of climate change by reducing
−Removed: air pollution and expanding access to clean energy, thus contributing to global economic well-being.
−Removed: was headquarters in Houston, Texas until its discontinuation in 2023.
−Removed: Direct Marketing:
−Removed: Led by the holding corporation, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc.
−Removed: (“Decentralized”) provides services to assist companies
−Removed: in the emerging growth “Gig” business model of peer-to-peer decentralized sharing marketplaces.
−Removed: Direct specializes in
−Removed: licensing its products and services through its subsidiary HWH World, Inc.
−Removed: (“HWH World”) using the popular gig economic
−Removed: marketing strategy as a form of direct marketing.
−Removed: Direct’s products include, among other things, nutritional and personal care
−Removed: products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
−Removed: The following is a summary of the DSS
−Removed: reported transactions and investments since January 2023 that reflect the active advancements and investments in these business lines:
−Removed: April 17, 2023, DSS, Inc..
−Removed: announced today that Jason
−Removed: Grady, Chief Operating Officer of DSS, will be presenting at the Emerging Growth Virtual Conference on Wednesday, April 19 from 1:45-2:15
−Removed: April 19, 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: announced that the Company plans to distribute to its stockholders common stock of Sharing Services
−Removed: Global Corporation (“ Sharing Services ”
−Removed: or “ SHRG ”) that is beneficially held
−Removed: by DSS, directly and through its subsidiary, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc.
−Removed: Sharing Services is a diversified direct marketing company that is currently listed on the OTC (OTC:
−Removed: SHRG) and is in the process of up-listing
−Removed: May 1, 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: announced today the distribution date for the common stock of Sharing Services Global Corporation (“Sharing
−Removed: Services” or “SHRG”) that is beneficially held by DSS, directly and through its subsidiary, Decentralized Sharing Systems,
−Removed: As previously announced, DSS Inc., together with its subsidiary DSSI, distributed (the “Distribution”)
−Removed: approximately 280 million shares of Sharing Services’ common stock beneficially held by DSS and DSSI in a distribution to holders
−Removed: of DSS common stock, par value $0.02 per share (“DSS Common Stock”) as of April 28, 2023.
−Removed: Each share of DSS Common Stock
−Removed: outstanding as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, held on April 28, 2023, will entitle the holder thereof to receive two (2) SHRG common
−Removed: stock shares to be distributed on May 4, 2023.
−Removed: May 16, 2023, DSS, Inc reported earnings results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2023.
−Removed: Premier Packaging division
−Removed: had a stellar quarter in booking a 72% increase in revenues in the first quarter compared to the First Quarter of 2022 as a result
−Removed: of our capital investments completed over the past year.”
−Removed: June 26, 2023, DSS, Inc Announces Record and Distribution Date for Impact BioMedical Spin-Off Special Dividend.
−Removed: has filed for the distribution of a special stock dividend to DSS Inc.
−Removed: shareholders of record on June 30th for distribution on July 14,
−Removed: DSS shareholders of record as of 4:00 p.m.
−Removed: ET on June 30, 2023 (the “record date”) will receive four (4) shares of
−Removed: Impact Biomedical, Inc.
−Removed: for every one (1) share of DSS.
−Removed: June 30, 2023, DSS, Inc announced updated shareholder of record date for Spin-Off of Impact BioMedical, Inc.
−Removed: the distribution of a special stock dividend of Impact Biomedical Inc.
−Removed: shareholders of record on July 10, 2023, pending SEC
−Removed: DSS shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m.
−Removed: ET on July 10, 2023 (the “record date”) were entitled to four (4) shares
−Removed: of Impact Biomedical Inc.
−Removed: for every one (1) share of DSS on the distribution date.
−Removed: July 31, 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: announced today the distribution date for the previously announced stock dividend of Impact BioMedical
−Removed: shareholders of record on July 10, 2023 will be entitled to four (4) shares of Impact Biomedical Inc.
−Removed: for every one (1)
−Removed: share of DSS to be distributed on August 8, 2023.
−Removed: October 23, 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: announced that a registration statement on Form S-1 was filed with the U.S.
−Removed: Securities and Exchange Commission
−Removed: (“SEC”) relating to the proposed initial public offering of DSS’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Impact Biomedical.
−Removed: October 26, 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: announced that the Company received a letter (the “Letter”) from the staff of
−Removed: NYSE American LLC (the “Exchange”) stating that the Company’s securities have been selling for a low price per
−Removed: share for a substantial period of time and, pursuant to Section 1003(f)(v) of the NYSE American Company Guide.
−Removed: The Company’s
−Removed: continued listing is predicated on it effecting a reverse stock split of its common stock or otherwise demonstrating sustained price
−Removed: improvement within a reasonable period of time, which the Exchange has determined to be no later than April 20, 2024.
−Removed: November 8, 2023, Impact BioMedical Inc.
−Removed: filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2023, disclosing that Impact effected a
−Removed: reverse stock split of its issued and outstanding common stock by a ratio of 1 for 55.
−Removed: Impact did not effectuate a reverse split of its
−Removed: authorized capital stock and no amendment to the articles of incorporation or bylaws was made.
−Removed: Impact received approval from its majority
−Removed: stockholder and the Company’s Board of Directors to effectuate the reverse split.
−Removed: November 14, 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: announced that, in a unanimous
−Removed: decision, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) rejected Nichia Corp.’s challenge to U.S.
−Removed: (the ‘040 Patent).
−Removed: Chief Circuit Judge Kimberly Moore, who authored the opinion, and U.S.
−Removed: Circuit Judges Kara Stoll and
−Removed: Tiffany Cunningham sat on the panel for the Federal Circuit.
−Removed: November 28, 2023, Premier Packaging, a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of DSS, Inc., Secures Contract Extension with Major
−Removed: Retailer Worth Up to $15 Million over Four Years.
−Removed: announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Premier Packaging
−Removed: signed a contract extension with an existing client for the next three years totaling a minimum of $12 Million
−Removed: with a fourth year extension option bringing the potential total revenue to over $15 Million.
−Removed: December 22, 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: announced that
−Removed: it will proceed with a 1-for-20 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Split”) of its issued and outstanding shares of common
−Removed: stock, par value $0.02, following authorization by its Board of Directors and majority shareholders to effect a reverse split by a ratio
−Removed: of not less than 1-for-20 and not more than 1-for-40 (the “Reverse Split Range”), at any time on or before April 20, 2024,
−Removed: with the Board having the discretion as to whether or not the Reverse Split is to be effected, and with the exact ratio to be set at
−Removed: a whole number within the Reverse Split Range as determined by the Chief Executive Officer in his discretion.
−Removed: The reverse split was effective January 8, 2024.
+Added: Additionally, we have become the Registered Investment Advisor (“RIA”)
+Added: for DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds (DSS AmericaFirst) family.
+Added: This group of businesses is led by its holding company, DSS Securities,
+Added: Inc., (“DSS Securities”) and the group is currently headquartered in Houston, Texas, with operations in Chicago, Illinois,
+Added: Sacramento, California, Los Angeles, California, and New York, NY.
+Added: Also in this segment is the Company’s real estate investment
+Added: trusts (“REITs”), organized for the purposes of acquiring hospitals and other acute or post-acute care centers from leading
+Added: clinical operators with dominant market share in secondary and tertiary markets, and leasing each property to a single operator under
+Added: a triple-net lease.
+Added: The REIT was formed to originate, acquire, and lease a credit-centric portfolio of licensed medical real estate.
+Added: This group is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
+Added: (“Direct”) Led by the holding corporation, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc.
+Added: (“Decentralized”)
+Added: provides services to assist companies in the emerging growth “Gig” business model of peer-to-peer decentralized sharing
+Added: marketplaces.
+Added: Direct specializes in licensing its products and services through its subsidiary HWH World, Inc.
+Added: (“HWH World”)
+Added: using the popular gig economic marketing strategy as a form of direct marketing.
+Added: Direct’s products include, among other things,
+Added: nutritional and personal care products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
+Added: following is a summary of the DSS reported transactions and investments since January 2024 that reflect the active advancements and investments
+Added: in these business lines:
+Added: 16, 2024, DSS, Inc.
+Added: and its subsidiary Impact BioMedical Inc.
+Added: (NYSE American:
+Added: IBO), announced the successful pricing of Impact BioMedical’s
+Added: initial public offering (IPO).
+Added: Impact BioMedical, a trailblazer in advancing human healthcare and wellness solutions, has set its
+Added: IPO price at $3.00 per share, with an initial offering of 1,500,000 shares.
+Added: Trading under the ticker symbol “IBO,” these
+Added: shares will begin trading on the NYSE American Market on September 16, 2024.
+Added: This significant achievement underscores Impact BioMedical’s
+Added: innovative contributions to the healthcare sector and represents a major milestone for DSS.
+Added: We are particularly proud of the role this
+Added: IPO plays in enhancing shareholder value, reflecting our ongoing commitment to providing substantial returns to our investors.
+Added: September 10, 2024, DSS Wealth Management, Inc., the registered investment advisor for the DSS AmericaFirst Funds, announced that
+Added: effective August 9, 2024, David Friedensohn, Monica Himes and Allan Siegel have resigned from their positions as independent directors.
+Added: The Trust is pleased to announce the election of three new independent directors by shareholder proxy vote:
+Added: Prabir Datta, Darryl
+Added: Robinson and Mark Gronet.
+Added: These individuals are seasoned senior investment executives who bring a wealth of experience and expertise
+Added: in asset management, risk management, investment operations and sales.
+Added: August 26, 2024, DSS announced the appointment of Jason Grady as its Interim CEO, effective August
+Added: Grady, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer of DSS, Inc., brings over 25 years of extensive experience in executive
+Added: leadership, business development, restructuring, and operations management across a variety of industries.
+Added: He will succeed Frank D.
+Added: who is exiting the company to transition to a leadership role within one of its former subsidiaries.
+Added: Throughout his career, Mr.
+Added: has held pivotal positions within DSS, including CEO and Director of DSS Biohealth Holdings, President of Premier Packaging Corporation,
+Added: President and COO of DSS Financial Management, and Chief Business Officer of Impact Biomedical, among others.
+Added: January 30, 2024, Impact Biomedical, Inc (“IBO”).
+Added: IBO announced a milestone in its innovative Laetose™
+Added: technology platform.
+Added: Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued U.S.
+Added: patent # 11,898,184, entitled “Low Glycemic
+Added: Sugar Composition” developed within this platform.
+Added: The Laetose™ technology demonstrates compelling potential in reducing
+Added: caloric intake and glycemic index in foods, while also inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a cytokine associated
+Added: with inflammatory chronic diseases.
+Added: The patented formulation is a novel combination of one or more sugars and myo-inositol, with
+Added: potential to inhibit the inflammatory and metabolic response of sugar alone.
+Added: This marks the first Laetose™ patent issued in
+Added: the U.S., emphasizing IBO’s commitment to discovering, developing, and patenting unique technologies to address unmet needs in
+Added: human healthcare.
+Added: The term of this US patent will expire in 2037.
+Added: January 04, 2024, DSS.
+Added: announced a significant investment by its Chairman of the Board, Heng Fai Ambrose Chan.
+Added: In a strategic move
+Added: to bolster shareholder confidence and underscore his commitment to the company’s growth.
+Added: Chairman Chan acquired an additional 672,173
+Added: shares of DSS, Inc.
+Added: in an open market transaction on December 28, 2023.
BUSINESS PLAN AND PROGRESSION
we highlight three specific developments:
−Removed: We are preparing
−Removed: for an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) of our majority owned subsidiary, Impact Biomedical, Inc.
−Removed: after distributing four shares of IBIO for every share of DSS held as of the record date of July 10, 2023.
−Removed: Once the IPO has
−Removed: been completed, these stock dividend shares will not be eligible for resale until 180 days from the effective date of the IPO, a
−Removed: restriction that can be lifted at the discretion of IBIO.
−Removed: The structure of this spinoff is designed for DSS to maintain the
−Removed: consolidation of IBIO’s financials, ensuring our shareholders receive the benefits of IBIO’s success on a go forward
−Removed: Our license agreement with ProPhase Labs (Nasdaq:
−Removed: PRPH) is resulting in promising clinical advancement in the development of
−Removed: our Linebacker and Equivir assets.
−Removed: Impact Biomedical is actively considering various ways to maximize the value of its investments
−Removed: The company is excited about the opportunities that the IPO will create and is looking forward to introducing its
−Removed: shareholders to subsequent spinoffs or similar liquidity events.
−Removed: Turning to our
−Removed: product packaging division, Premier Packaging Corporation, Inc., net income increased 126% year over year.
−Removed: Premier Packaging
−Removed: Corporation is experiencing a positive trend in its financial performance, thanks to strategic investments and operational
−Removed: improvements.
−Removed: Our commitment to
−Removed: reinforcing our leadership dynamics is evident in the recent enhancement of the management team at DSS Wealth Management, Inc.
−Removed: This deliberate
−Removed: move is aimed at fostering a legacy of investment excellence and scaling our assets under management.
−Removed: We are planning to launch a Total
−Removed: Return Bond Fund, to capitalize on the prevailing higher interest rates.
+Added: enters a new chapter, our strategic focus is to optimize operational efficiencies, realign resources, and position the company
+Added: for sustainable long-term growth.
+Added: This approach has already yielded meaningful results, as demonstrated in our most recent earnings report.
+Added: Below, we outline our key initiatives moving forward:
+Added: Focus for Revenue Growth and Operational Excellence
+Added: ● Expansion of High-Impact Business Lines :
+Added: We are strategically expanding key business units, such as Premier Packaging, to drive growth and contribute to long-term revenue generation.
+Added: ● Exploration
+Added: of Untapped Markets :
+Added: is committed to identifying and investing in high-growth markets, with a focus on creating scalable
+Added: and recurring revenue streams across multiple sectors.
+Added: Accountability Across Business Units :
+Added: To ensure consistent execution of high-priority opportunities, we are implementing metrics-driven
+Added: accountability systems across all business units.
+Added: Structure Optimization and Operational Efficiency
+Added: ● Comprehensive Business Unit Review :
+Added: We are conducting an extensive evaluation of all business units to identify underperforming segments.
+Added: Our goal is to restructure, streamline, or divest from non-core areas to bolster our core strengths.
+Added: and Technology Optimization :
+Added: To improve productivity and reduce inefficiencies, DSS will introduce new operational tools and processes
+Added: aimed at reducing waste in procurement, production, and logistics.
+Added: Cost Reduction :
+Added: We have set a target to reduce costs by 15-20% in the upcoming fiscal year, which will significantly improve profitability
+Added: and strengthen our financial position.
+Added: Innovation for Competitive Advantage
+Added: ● Advancing Research and Development (R&D) :
+Added: DSS is leveraging its R&D capabilities to develop cutting-edge solutions in emerging sectors, such as biomedical technologies and sustainable packaging, ensuring our leadership in innovation.
+Added: ● Cultivating Strategic Partnerships :
+Added: We are actively building partnerships with key industry players to accelerate the market introduction of innovative products and solutions, enhancing our competitive advantage.
+Added: Program Launches :
+Added: Targeted pilot programs will be deployed in select regions or sectors to validate new initiatives, which, once
+Added: proven, will be scaled company-wide.
+Added: Shareholder Value Through Disciplined Growth
+Added: ● Disciplined
+Added: Financial Stewardship :
+Added: DSS remains steadfast in our commitment to delivering consistent growth, profitability, and returns for shareholders,
+Added: ensuring long-term value creation.
+Added: to Transparency :
+Added: We will provide regular updates on our progress, milestones, and strategic objectives, ensuring stakeholders remain
+Added: well-informed of our activities.
+Added: Shareholder Rewards :
+Added: We are exploring initiatives to directly reward our shareholders for their continued trust and support, reinforcing
+Added: our commitment to shareholder value.
+Added: Transition and Future Outlook
+Added: pivotal moment in DSS, Inc.’s journey marks a clear path toward growth, innovation, and sustained value creation.
+Added: With a focused strategy
+Added: and commitment to execution, we are poised to unlock new opportunities and drive long-term shareholder returns.
+Added: We extend our thanks
+Added: to all stakeholders for their continued support and confidence in DSS, Inc.
+Added: We look forward to updating you on our progress and invite
+Added: any questions you may have through our Investor Relations team.
Development for Exponential Growth
−Removed: For every completed acquisition, and
−Removed: taking into consideration market conditions and other constraints, we adhere to a well-structured three-stage development process with
−Removed: the goal of maximizing value creation and propelling our growth by expanding our capabilities, strength, and scale.
−Removed: Asset Acquisition
−Removed: and Organizational Development In this initial phase, our focus lies in identifying and acquiring assets, vehicles, asset structures,
−Removed: and assembling the necessary talent and organizations.
−Removed: This strategic step serves as the strong foundation upon which we build future
−Removed: Generation and Operational Excellence Our second stage revolves around driving revenue through diverse channels, including revenue streams,
−Removed: licensing, and other scalable sources.
−Removed: Our primary objective during this phase is the creation of efficient and well-operating businesses
−Removed: that excel in operational performance.
−Removed: The success achieved in this stage in 2022, evidenced by substantial revenue growth, is a testament
−Removed: to our efforts.
−Removed: Profitability
−Removed: and Positive EBITDA The third and final stage focuses on achieving positive EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and
−Removed: Amortization) and profitability.
−Removed: This is realized through the optimization of business operations, capitalizing on scale and efficiency
−Removed: to generate sustained profits.
−Removed: IPOs as a Growth Strategy:
−Removed: has plans to pursue Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) as a means to share its success with shareholders.
−Removed: We aim to take our businesses
−Removed: public once they reach an optimal point for effective leverage and meet internal goals and expectations.
−Removed: Decentralized Sharing Model:
−Removed: believe in our unique decentralized sharing model, combined with the three-stage development process, to create substantial shareholder
+Added: every completed acquisition, and taking into consideration market conditions and other constraints, we adhere to a well-structured three-stage
+Added: development process with the goal of maximizing value creation and propelling our growth by expanding our capabilities, strength, and
+Added: Asset Acquisition and Organizational Development.
+Added: In this initial phase, our focus lies in identifying and acquiring assets, vehicles,
+Added: asset structures, and assembling the necessary talent and organizations.
+Added: This strategic step serves as the strong foundation upon which
+Added: we build future growth.
+Added: Revenue Generation and Operational Excellence.
+Added: Our second stage revolves around driving revenue through diverse channels, including
+Added: revenue streams, licensing, and other scalable sources.
+Added: Our primary objective during this phase is the creation of efficient and well-operating
+Added: businesses that excel in operational performance.
+Added: Profitability and Positive EBITDA The third and final stage focuses on achieving positive EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,
+Added: Depreciation, and Amortization) and profitability.
+Added: This is realized through the optimization of business operations, capitalizing on
+Added: scale and efficiency to generate sustained profits.
+Added: as a Growth Strategy:
+Added: Our company has plans to pursue Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) as a means to share its success with shareholders.
+Added: We aim to take our businesses public once they reach an optimal point for effective leverage and meet internal goals and expectations.
+Added: Decentralized
+Added: Sharing Model:
+Added: We firmly believe in our unique decentralized sharing model, combined with the three-stage development process, to create
+Added: substantial shareholder value.
This model involves distributing dividends from potential IPOs directly to benefit shareholders.
−Removed: In summary, our strategy delineates a
−Removed: methodical approach encompassing asset acquisition, revenue generation, operational efficiency, profitability, and ultimately, taking
−Removed: businesses public through IPOs to reward our shareholders.
−Removed: We place a strong emphasis on our decentralized sharing model, ensuring that
−Removed: the benefits of our success are shared directly with our valued shareholders.
−Removed: Packaging Secures Contract Extension with Major Retailer
−Removed: Our Premier Packaging
−Removed: Corporation, Inc.
−Removed: (“Premier”) subsidiary provides a clear example of the second stage of our development process as it began
−Removed: operations at its new 105,000 sq.
−Removed: facility in Western New York in the first half of 2022.
−Removed: The increased production capacity at the
−Removed: new facility, which has enabled us to meet growing customer demand, was a key driver behind our nearly 3% year-over-year revenue growth
−Removed: for this segment in the most recently reported quarter as well as net income increase of 126% year over year.
−Removed: Since 2019, we have
−Removed: accelerated the transformation of Premier’s operations, investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, people, and processes
−Removed: to increase its capacity, improve quality and delivery, and to ensure it has the resources to support its growing customer base and their
−Removed: evolving supply chain demands.
−Removed: Utilizing these investments, we design and manufacture folding cartons that attract the consumer’s
−Removed: attention when and where it matters most at the point of sale.
−Removed: In 2023, Premier
−Removed: Packaging signed a contract extension with an existing client for the next three years with expected revenue to approximate $12
−Removed: Million with a fourth-year extension.
−Removed: We are very pleased
−Removed: to see that our capital investment to increase production capacity and economies of scale at Premier Packaging continues to result in
−Removed: satisfied clients and increasing revenues.
−Removed: Since inaugurating Premier’s state-of-the-art 105,000 sq.
−Removed: facility in 2022, our
−Removed: packaging division has expanded its customer base and built a competitive advantage in the packaging industry.
−Removed: We will continue to add
−Removed: capabilities in key areas that increase operational efficiencies to strengthen Premier’s foundation and offerings while continuing
−Removed: to provide world-class service to our customers.
−Removed: Premier specializes in creating innovative
−Removed: fiber-based, folding cartons and packaging solutions which provide a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
−Removed: BioMedical Share Distribution and IPO
−Removed: In the field of Biotechnology
−Removed: and Biomedical, Impact Biomedical Inc.
−Removed: is dedicated to the discovery, validation, and patenting of innovative scientific advancements
−Removed: and technologies that lead to new developments in human healthcare and well-being.
−Removed: Once these breakthroughs are ready for implementation,
−Removed: IBIO collaborates closely with various partners through licensing agreements, co-development initiatives, joint ventures, and other strategic
−Removed: relationships to facilitate the introduction of these novel healthcare solutions to the market.
−Removed: Their mission is to advance and bring
−Removed: to fruition cutting-edge innovations that have the potential to significantly impact and improve the field of human health and wellness.
−Removed: In 2023, Impact BioMedical,
−Removed: a vital component of our BioHealth group, made significant strides in various areas.
−Removed: These achievements included promising initial test
−Removed: results related to new bioplastics, the reinforcement of intellectual property safeguards, and the establishment of licensing agreements
−Removed: with ProPhase Biopharma, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ProPhase Labs, Inc.
−Removed: ProPhase Labs, an extensively diversified diagnostic
−Removed: company with a track record spanning over three decades, dedicated to enhancing wellness and improving health through both over-the-counter
−Removed: (OTC) and prescription products.
−Removed: They have shown strong belief in Impact BioMedical’s Linebacker compounds, recognizing their potential
−Removed: value in the multi-billion-dollar range as co-therapies for cancer.
−Removed: Furthermore, ProPhase Labs anticipates the launch of Equivir as an
−Removed: OTC supplement in late 2023.
−Removed: Additionally, ProPhase BioPharma is preparing to submit an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application to
−Removed: the US FDA for Equivir G as a prescription antiviral.
−Removed: Impact BioMedical
−Removed: effectively utilizes its scientific expertise and intellectual property rights to provide innovative solutions to long-standing challenges
−Removed: within the biomedical field.
−Removed: The company’s primary focus lies in dedicated research and discovery efforts aimed at developing promising
−Removed: products for the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncological, and immuno-related diseases.
−Removed: For further details
−Removed: about Impact BioMedical, you can visit their website at http://impactbiomedinc.com/.
−Removed: With a strengthened
−Removed: foundation now in place, we expect Impact BioMedical to provide us with the first opportunity to clearly demonstrate a core tenant of
−Removed: our vision – sharing our success with our shareholders.
−Removed: In August of 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: distributed a stock dividend of four (4) shares
−Removed: of Impact BioMedical Inc.
−Removed: to all DSS Inc.
−Removed: shareholders of record on July 10, 2023.
−Removed: Each share of Impact BioMedical distributed as part
−Removed: of the distribution will not be eligible for resale until 180 days from the date Impact BioMedical’s initial public offering becomes
−Removed: effective under the Securities Act, subject to the discretion of the Company to lift the restriction sooner.
−Removed: Importantly, Impact
−Removed: BioMedical is just one of multiple assets we believe can have liquidity events in 2024 as we continue to diligently move our growing
−Removed: portfolio of businesses through our unique and strategic value creation process.
−Removed: Upcoming Milestone for AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds
−Removed: AmericaFirst Quantitative
−Removed: Funds, part of our Securities and Investment Management segment, showed improved performance versus benchmarks for three of the four
−Removed: mutual funds under management since the new investment advisory team took over in May 2023.
−Removed: In addition to focusing on improved relative
−Removed: performance, the team expects to enhance marketing and sales efforts to grow assets under management, continue to improve operational
−Removed: efficiencies, and plans to launch a Total Return Bond Fund in the first half of the year.
+Added: summary, our strategy delineates a methodical approach encompassing asset acquisition, revenue generation, operational efficiency, profitability,
+Added: and ultimately, taking businesses public through IPOs to reward our shareholders.
+Added: We place a strong emphasis on our decentralized sharing
+Added: model, ensuring that the benefits of our success are shared directly with our valued shareholders.
+Added: Packaging Strategic Update and Progression
+Added: Packaging Corp.
+Added: is focusing on its core competencies and growth areas for 2024 and 2025, with a strong emphasis on expanding into targeted
+Added: markets while enhancing internal capabilities.
+Added: Here’s an update on the Company’s focus areas and plans:
+Added: Areas & Growth Markets
+Added: Growth Markets
+Added: Targeting the growing need for safe, compliant, and sustainable packaging solutions for medical products.
+Added: This sector presents
+Added: high-margin opportunities, especially for custom paperboard packaging that aligns with regulatory standards (cGMP certifications).
+Added: With increasing demand for sustainable packaging, Premier Packaging is targeting secondary food packaging.
+Added: is exploring the potential for obtaining SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification, addressing the growing concern for food safety and sustainability
+Added: in packaging.
+Added: The company is also focusing on providing cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions for health and beauty products,
+Added: particularly where companies are overpaying for high-end packaging.
+Added: Although not currently investing heavily in this category, the company continues to monitor the opportunity for growth in this space.
+Added: Sustainability
+Added: Initiatives Premier is working towards aggressive sustainability certification and exploring green solutions across its offerings,
+Added: ensuring that their products meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging.
+Added: Strategic Initiatives for 2025
+Added: Team Development and Specialization :
+Added: We will prioritize investment in comprehensive, specialized training programs tailored to the
+Added: unique needs of our key sectors—Food & Beverage, Medical Devices, and Health & Beauty.
+Added: By equipping our sales force with
+Added: sector-specific knowledge and customer insights, we aim to drive deeper client relationships, accelerate revenue growth, and position
+Added: our team as experts in delivering high-value, tailored packaging solutions.
+Added: Infrastructure and Technological Advancements :
+Added: A critical component of our growth strategy for 2025 will be the strategic acquisition
+Added: and installation of key capital assets.
+Added: These investments will focus on advanced production technologies and equipment upgrades, including
+Added: the procurement of glue systems, hot melt units, and enhanced press systems.
+Added: These actions are expected to significantly expand production
+Added: capacity, streamline operations, and improve product quality, contributing to both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
+Added: of the Quotation Process :
+Added: To improve our operational efficiency and market competitiveness, we will undertake a comprehensive review
+Added: and optimization of our quoting process.
+Added: By leveraging automation tools and advanced analytics, we aim to reduce lead times, enhance
+Added: the accuracy of cost estimates, and improve our responsiveness to customer inquiries, thereby increasing overall sales conversion rates
+Added: and strengthening our market position.
+Added: Marketing and Brand Positioning :
+Added: We will execute a focused marketing strategy designed to enhance brand visibility and reinforce
+Added: our commitment to sustainability.
+Added: This will include the development of impactful campaigns that highlight our leadership in eco-friendly
+Added: packaging, showcase relevant case studies, and promote our ability to solve specific customer pain points.
+Added: Additionally, we will strengthen
+Added: our customer engagement initiatives, utilizing digital marketing channels, lead generation tactics, and thought leadership content to
+Added: increase market penetration and foster long-term customer loyalty.
+Added: strategic initiatives will be instrumental in positioning the company for sustained growth, profitability, and shareholder value in 2025
+Added: BioMedical, Inc.
+Added: A Key Milestone for DSS, Inc.
+Added: 2024, Impact BioMedical, Inc., a subsidiary of DSS, Inc., achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of its initial
+Added: public offering (IPO).
+Added: This event marks a pivotal moment in the strategic evolution of DSS, Inc., reflecting our commitment to creating
+Added: long-term shareholder value and providing a solid foundation for continued growth within the biotechnology and biomedical sectors.
+Added: BioMedical’s IPO, which was finalized in the latter half of 2024, resulted in the company being listed on a recognized public exchange.
+Added: This public offering raised substantial capital, enabling Impact BioMedical to further accelerate its expansion into cutting-edge biomedical
+Added: technologies, which align with the growing demand for advanced healthcare solutions.
+Added: The funds raised from the IPO will be allocated
+Added: to advancing R&D initiatives, scaling production capabilities, and enhancing market penetration.
+Added: Importance for DSS, Inc.
+Added: successful IPO of Impact BioMedical is not only a significant achievement for the subsidiary but also serves as a key strategic move
+Added: for DSS, Inc.
+Added: By spinning off Impact BioMedical and enabling it to operate as an independent public company, DSS has effectively unlocked
+Added: the value inherent in this high-potential subsidiary, providing both entities with the flexibility to pursue their respective growth
+Added: trajectories.
+Added: The IPO also enhances DSS’s ability to focus on its core operations while benefiting from any future financial or strategic
+Added: synergies with Impact BioMedical.
+Added: and Market Impact
+Added: completion of Impact BioMedical’s IPO reflects a robust market appetite for innovative biotech companies with strong growth prospects.
+Added: For DSS, Inc., the IPO has led to increased market visibility and raised investor confidence in our broader portfolio.
+Added: The capital infusion
+Added: into Impact BioMedical, combined with the increased operational independence of the subsidiary, positions both DSS, Inc.
+Added: and Impact BioMedical
+Added: for sustainable growth in the rapidly evolving biomedical sector.
+Added: ahead, Impact BioMedical’s IPO sets the stage for further innovation and value creation.
+Added: As Impact BioMedical continues to advance in
+Added: its mission to develop novel biomedical solutions, DSS, Inc.
+Added: will remain an influential stakeholder, benefiting from the long-term growth
+Added: potential of its investment.
+Added: The IPO underscores DSS’s commitment to fostering successful subsidiaries and advancing shareholder value
+Added: through strategic investments in high-growth industries.
+Added: BioMedical’s successful IPO represents a transformative moment for both the subsidiary and DSS, Inc.
+Added: It not only enhances financial
+Added: stability and market position but also highlights our strategic ability to identify, nurture, and capitalize on high-value opportunities.
+Added: This achievement positions DSS, Inc.
+Added: to continue creating substantial value for its shareholders in the years ahead.
+Added: AmericaFirst Funds Performance and Strategic Plans
+Added: AmericaFirst Funds, a part of our Securities and Investment Management segment, has demonstrated strong performance relative to
+Added: benchmarks for three of the four mutual funds under management in calendar year 2024, as well as cumulatively since the new
+Added: investment advisory team took over in May 2023.
+Added: This success is driven by the team’s focus on top-down, fundamental research,
+Added: quantitative and technical analysis for stock selection and portfolio management.
+Added: forward, the team will continue to prioritize enhancing relative performance while placing greater emphasis on improving operational
+Added: efficiencies.
+Added: In addition, they plan to execute targeted strategies to effectively market their services and attract new assets under
+Added: AmericaFirst Funds, currently includes four mutual funds, each designed to outperform
+Added: their respective benchmark indices.
+Added: With a strategic focus on continued performance improvement, increased marketing and sales
+Added: efforts, and the introduction of new investment products, DSS AmericaFirst Funds is poised for ongoing growth in assets under
Operating Segments:
−Removed: As we have reported
−Removed: above, we financially report business operating results on five operating segments, which we believe will certainly increase and transition
−Removed: as the newer lines of business develop and mature.
−Removed: However, the five business segments that we are reporting on in 2023 are as follows:
−Removed: (“Premier”) Premier Packaging Corporation provides custom packaging services and serves clients
−Removed: in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, consumer goods, beverage, specialty foods, confections, photo packaging and direct marketing industries,
+Added: we have reported above, we financially report business operating results on five operating segments, which we believe will certainly
+Added: increase and transition as the newer lines of business develop and mature.
+Added: DSS’s operating segments in 2024 highlight the company’s
+Added: ongoing commitment to innovation and diversification.
+Added: Each segment is strategically positioned for growth, with Premier Packaging and
+Added: Commercial Lending continuing to evolve and adapt to market demands.
+Added: The Securities and Investment Management segment remains a key pillar
+Added: of our growth strategy, with expanding initiatives that include real estate investment, digital securities, and wealth management solutions.
+Added: As DSS continues to evolve and execute its strategic objectives, it is well-positioned to deliver sustained value to its shareholders
+Added: and customers across these key business lines.
+Added: The five business segments that we are reporting on in 2024 are as follows:
+Added: (“Premier”) Premier Packaging Corporation provides custom packaging services and serves clients in the
+Added: pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, consumer goods, beverage, specialty foods, confections, photo packaging and direct marketing industries,
among others.
5 unchanged sentences
printing, brand protection, consumer engagement and related technologies.
−Removed: For over 25 years,
−Removed: Premier has been a market leader in providing solutions for paperboard packaging from consumer retail packaging and heavy mailing envelopes,
−Removed: to sophisticated custom folding cartons and complex three-dimensional direct mail solutions.
−Removed: Premier’s innovative products and
−Removed: design team delivers packaging that provides functionality, marketability, and sustainability, with its fiber-based packing solutions
−Removed: providing an alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
−Removed: Since 2019, we have
−Removed: accelerated the transformation of Premier’s operations, investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, people, and processes
−Removed: to increase its capacity, improve quality and delivery, and to ensure it has the resources to support its growing customer base and their
−Removed: evolving supply chain demands.
−Removed: We will continue
−Removed: to add capabilities in key areas that increasing operational efficiencies to strengthen our foundation and offerings to our customers
−Removed: while continuing to provide world-class customer service to the customers we serve.
−Removed: (“Commercial Lending”) through its operating company, American
−Removed: Pacific Bancorp, Inc.
−Removed: (“APB”) represents our banking and financing business line.
−Removed: Looking ahead, to better meet the needs of the current financial market, the company is looking to
−Removed: transition away from certain industries like direct marketing and focus more on growing its inventory / equipment loan portfolio as well
−Removed: as engaging in more specialized areas of lending like broker/dealer loans.
−Removed: We will continue to monitor our managed loan portfolio of
−Removed: more than $6 million, which earns 1.25% annually in service charges, and explore future opportunities.
−Removed: Importantly, the equity portfolio
−Removed: as a bank holding company is anticipated to remain relatively stable, regardless of stock market fluctuations.
+Added: (“Commercial Lending”) through its operating company, American Pacific Financial, Inc.
+Added: represents our banking and financing business line.
+Added: is organized for the purposes of being a financial network holding company, focused
+Added: providing commercial loans and on acquiring equity positions in (i) undervalued commercial bank(s), bank holding companies and nonbanking
+Added: licensed financial companies operating in the United States, South East Asia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and (ii) companies engaged
+Added: in—nonbanking activities closely related to banking, including loan syndication services, mortgage banking, trust and escrow services,
+Added: banking technology, loan servicing, equipment leasing, problem asset management, SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) consulting,
+Added: and advisory capital raising services.
+Added: From this financial platform, the Company shall provide an integrated suite of financial services
+Added: for businesses that shall include commercial business lines of credit, land development financing, inventory financing, third party loan
+Added: servicing, and services that address the financial needs of the world Gig Economy.
Biotechnology:
−Removed: (“Biotech”) Impact BioMedical, Inc.
−Removed: targets unmet, urgent medical needs and expands the borders of medical
−Removed: and pharmaceutical science.
−Removed: Impact drives mission-oriented research, development, and commercialization of solutions for medical advances
−Removed: in human wellness and healthcare.
−Removed: By leveraging technology and new science with strategic partnerships, Impact BioMedical provides advances
−Removed: in drug discovery for the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncology and immuno-related diseases.
−Removed: Other exciting
−Removed: technologies include a breakthrough alternative sugar aimed to combat diabetes and functional fragrance formulations aimed at the industrial
−Removed: and medical industry.
−Removed: Impact BioMedical has several important
−Removed: and valuable products, technology or compounds that are in continuing development and/or licensing stages:
+Added: (“Biotech”) targets unmet, urgent medical needs and expands the borders of medical and pharmaceutical science.
+Added: drives mission-oriented research, development, and commercialization of solutions for medical advances in human wellness and healthcare.
+Added: By leveraging technology and new science with strategic partnerships, Biotech provides advances in drug discovery for the prevention,
+Added: inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncology and immuno-related diseases.
+Added: Other exciting technologies include a breakthrough alternative
+Added: sugar aimed to combat diabetes and functional fragrance formulations aimed at the industrial and medical industry.
+Added: has several important and valuable products, technology or compounds that are in continuing development and/or licensing stages:
Multi-faceted therapeutic platform for metabolic, neurologic, cancer, and infectious diseases.
50 unchanged sentences
and cognitive processes to toxin neutralization and immunity against pathogens.
−Removed: The business model of Impact BioMedical
−Removed: revolves around two methodologies – Licensing and Sales Distribution.
−Removed: Impact develops valuable and unique patented technologies which will be licensed to pharmaceutical, large consumer package
−Removed: goods companies and venture capitalists in exchange for usage licensing and royalties.
−Removed: Impact utilizes the DSS ecosystem to leverage its sister companies that have in place distribution networks on a global scale.
−Removed: Impact will engage in branded and private labelling of certain products for sales generation through these channels.
−Removed: This global distribution
−Removed: model will give direct access to end users of Impact’s nutraceutical and health related products.
and Investment Management:
−Removed: (“Securities”) Securities was established to develop and/or acquire assets in the
−Removed: securities trading or management arena, and to pursue, among other product and service lines, real estate investment funds, broker dealers,
−Removed: and mutual funds management.
−Removed: This business sector has already established the following business lines/investments and associated products and services:
+Added: (“Securities”) Securities was established to develop and/or acquire assets in the securities
+Added: trading or management arena, and to pursue, among other product and service lines, real estate investment funds, broker dealers, and
+Added: mutual funds management.
+Added: This business sector has already established the following business lines/investments and associated products
+Added: and services:
Management Fund:
8 unchanged sentences
as well as preferred stock, and accelerates the trajectory of the DSS digital securities business.
−Removed: WestPark is a full-service investment banking and securities brokerage firm which serves the needs of both private and public
−Removed: companies worldwide, as well as individual and institutional investors.
BMIC is a private investment bank specializing in corporate finance advising, raising equity, and venture services, providing
4 unchanged sentences
AmericaFirst is a suite of mutual funds managed by DSS Wealth Management.
−Removed: AmericaFirst expects to expand into numerous investment platforms including additional mutual
−Removed: funds and exchange-traded funds.
−Removed: AmericaFirst currently consists of four mutual funds that
−Removed: seek to outperform their respective benchmark indices by applying top-down, fundamental research,
−Removed: quantitative and technical analysis to stock selection and portfolio management.
−Removed: Direct Marketing Segment :
−Removed: Prior to June
−Removed: 2023, the Direct Marketing business segment, operated through its holding company, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc., along with
−Removed: its subsidiaries and partners, including Sharing Services Global Corporation, offered a diverse range of products and services
−Removed: through an extensive independent contractor network until its transition to SHRG in late 2023 to effect DSS’s refocus on core
−Removed: business lines.
−Removed: For instance, one of Decentralized’s
−Removed: wholly-owned subsidiaries, HWH World, Inc., was dedicated to promoting products and services that aligned with its core values of health,
−Removed: wealth, and happiness.
−Removed: Within the HWH Marketplace and its associated brands, the primary goal was to assist customers in achieving their
−Removed: healthiest and happiest selves.
−Removed: In terms of health-related offerings, the company provided herbal alternatives, nutraceuticals, consumables,
−Removed: topicals, dietary supplements, beauty and skincare products, personal care items, gut health products, aloe vera-based supplements, and
−Removed: various wellness products.
−Removed: In the wealth sector, the company developed educational tools to help users manage their finances effectively
−Removed: and offered savings programs to assist consumers in reaching their financial goals.
−Removed: In pursuit of happiness, the company collaborated
−Removed: with partners to acquire or establish products and services that enabled consumers to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, including access to a
−Removed: global travel membership network.
−Removed: Sharing Services Global Corporation
−Removed: (“SHRG”), founded in Nevada on April 24, 2015, is focused on enhancing shareholder value by developing or acquiring businesses
−Removed: and technologies that expand its product and services portfolio, enhance its business capabilities, and broaden its geographic presence.
−Removed: Sharing Services’ integrated platform harnesses the expertise of various companies engaged in direct-to-consumer product marketing
−Removed: through independent contractors.
−Removed: Their shared services platform caters to the direct selling “gig economy” sector by providing
−Removed: essential services such as equity and inventory financing, advisory services, mobile application tools, merchant processing services,
−Removed: commercial insurance, and event planning to smaller direct sales companies.
−Removed: Sharing Services, through its subsidiaries, currently markets
−Removed: and distributes health and wellness products, including subscription-based travel services, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico,
−Removed: utilizing a direct selling business model.
−Removed: Their growth strategy involves both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions that complement
−Removed: their product range, enhance their business capabilities, and align with their overall growth objectives.
−Removed: in July 2023, Direct now specializes in licensing its products and services through its subsidiary HWH World, Inc.
−Removed: (“HWH World”)
+Added: AmericaFirst expects to expand into
+Added: numerous investment platforms including additional mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.
+Added: AmericaFirst currently consists of four
+Added: mutual funds that seek to outperform their respective benchmark indices by applying top-down, fundamental research, quantitative
+Added: and technical analysis to stock selection and portfolio management.
+Added: Marketing Segment :
+Added: provides services to assist companies in the emerging growth gig business model of peer-to-peer decentralized
+Added: sharing marketplaces.
+Added: It specializes in marketing and distributing its products and services through its subsidiary and partner network,
using the popular gig economic marketing strategy as a form of direct marketing.
−Removed: Direct’s products include, among other things,
−Removed: nutritional and personal care products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
−Removed: Impact Biomedical Inc.
−Removed: patents issued, one(1) allowed, and over forty (40) patents pending worldwide with expiration of US patents between 2029 and 2040.
+Added: Direct marketing products include, among other things,
+Added: nutritional and personal care products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe.
+Added: Biomedical Inc.
+Added: has nine (9) patents issued, and over forty (40) patents pending worldwide with expiration of US patents between 2029
Pending patents could extend this exclusivity period in all regions.
−Removed: The issued and allowed patents include
−Removed: composition and method of application for Linebacker, Equivir, 3F (Functional Fragrance), and Laetose.
−Removed: We have several trademarks
−Removed: related to our DSS, Inc.
+Added: issued and allowed patents include composition and method of application for Linebacker, Equivir, 3F (Functional Fragrance), and Laetose.
+Added: have several trademarks related to our DSS, Inc.
+Added: businesses, which support the protection of our brand and products in various markets.
+Added: These trademarks are critical to maintaining the distinctiveness and recognition of our offerings.
primary corporate website we maintain is www.dssworld.com .
Our other sites are:
−Removed: American Medical REIT, Inc:
+Added: Medical REIT, Inc:
http://www.americanmedreit.com
−Removed: DSS AmericaFirst:
+Added: AmericaFirst:
https://www.afcm-quant.com
−Removed: American Pacific Bancorp (“APB”):
+Added: Pacific Financial (“APF”):
https://www.ampacbancorp.com
−Removed: DSS PureAir, Inc.:
+Added: PureAir, Inc.:
https://dsspureair.com/
−Removed: Premier Packaging:
https://www.premiercustompkg.com
−Removed: Impact Biomedical:
https://www.impactbiomedinc.com
−Removed: In addition to the
−Removed: active websites, the Company is building multiple new sites and owns several other domain names reserved for future use or for strategic
−Removed: competitive reasons.
+Added: addition to the active websites, the Company is building multiple new sites and owns several other domain names reserved for future use
+Added: or for strategic competitive reasons.
Information on our websites or any other website does not constitute a part of this annual report.
and Competition
−Removed: Product Packaging:
−Removed: Within our packaging division, we face competition from numerous national and regional companies, many of which operate independently
−Removed: and are privately held.
−Removed: The major players in this market are primarily concentrated in long-term consumer packaged goods and health and
−Removed: beauty sectors.
−Removed: These include prominent integrated paper companies like West Rock Company and Graphic Packaging Holding Company.
−Removed: Commercial Lending:
−Removed: American Pacific Bancorp, our commercial lending company, offers a comprehensive range of financial services tailored
−Removed: to businesses.
−Removed: Our services encompass commercial business lines of credit, land development financing, inventory financing, third-party
−Removed: loan servicing, and solutions designed to meet the diverse financial requirements of various business sectors.
−Removed: In this competitive landscape,
−Removed: APB competes with a wide array of traditional commercial banks and investment banking firms.
+Added: In our packaging division, we face competition from a wide range of national and regional companies, many of which operate
+Added: independently and are privately held.
+Added: The competition is primarily concentrated in the consumer-packaged goods and health and beauty
+Added: sectors, with major players including prominent integrated paper companies such as WestRock Company and Graphic Packaging Holding Company.
+Added: These competitors have established significant market presence and brand recognition, which drives competitive dynamics in the industry.
+Added: American Pacific Financial, our commercial lending company, offers a comprehensive range of financial services tailored to businesses.
+Added: Our services encompass commercial business lines of credit, land development financing, inventory financing, third-party loan servicing,
+Added: and solutions designed to meet the diverse financial requirements of various business sectors.
+Added: In this competitive landscape, APF competes
+Added: with a wide array of traditional commercial banks and investment banking firms.
Biotechnology:
−Removed: Impact Biomedical
−Removed: is dedicated to the discovery, confirmation, and patenting of unique scientific advancements and technologies, which lead to
−Removed: innovative solutions in the realm of human healthcare and wellness.
−Removed: IBIO collaborates closely with licensing partners, engages in
−Removed: co-development initiatives, forms joint ventures, and nurtures other valuable relationships to effectively introduce these
+Added: Impact Biomedical Inc.
+Added: is dedicated to the discovery, confirmation, and patenting of unique scientific advancements and technologies,
+Added: which lead to innovative solutions in the realm of human healthcare and wellness.
+Added: IBO collaborates closely with licensing partners,
+Added: engages in co-development initiatives, forms joint ventures, and nurtures other valuable relationships to effectively introduce these
groundbreaking solutions to the market.
−Removed: Securities and Investment
+Added: Within this competitive landscape, IBO faces competition from other biotechnology firms and
+Added: research institutions that are also pursuing cutting-edge advancements in healthcare, wellness, and related technologies.
+Added: and Investment Management:
Was established to develop and/or acquire assets in the securities trading or management arena.
−Removed: These efforts and established
−Removed: business lines compete with individual money managers, companies or organizations that engage in the business of trading securities and
−Removed: derivatives for the benefit of their customers.
−Removed: Traditional RIA’s, Brokers Dealers, REIT’s and other personal investment
−Removed: companies would also be considered competition.
−Removed: During 2023, one customer accounted for approximately 20% of our consolidated revenue and second customer accounted for approximately 11% of our consolidated revenue.
−Removed: Customer diversification
−Removed: improvements have produced several new customers to our overall customer base and will continue to do so in 2024.
−Removed: Since 2021, American Pacific Bancorp, Inc.
−Removed: has issued nearly $26 million in new loans since September 2021 to customers
−Removed: across a diverse portfolio of businesses.
−Removed: Securities and Investment
+Added: This business
+Added: unit faces competition from individual money managers, established financial institutions, and organizations that engage in securities
+Added: trading and management, including both traditional Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and Broker-Dealers.
+Added: Additionally, the division
+Added: competes with Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), private equity firms, and other personal investment companies that offer similar
+Added: investment opportunities and financial products to individual and institutional clients.
+Added: During 2024, one customer accounted for approximately 22% of our consolidated revenue and second customer accounted for approximately
+Added: 13% of our consolidated revenue.
+Added: Customer diversification improvements have produced several new customers to our overall customer base
+Added: and will continue to do so in 2025.
+Added: Since 2021, American Pacific Financial, Inc.
+Added: has issued nearly $26 million in new loans to customers across a diverse portfolio
+Added: of businesses.
+Added: and Investment Management:
Our Securities and Investment Management division has a mixture of retail and institutional investors.
−Removed: Product Packaging:
−Removed: The primary raw materials the Company uses in its business are paper, paperboard, corrugated board and ink.
−Removed: The Company negotiates with
−Removed: leading suppliers to maximize its purchasing efficiencies and uses a wide variety of paper grades, formats, ink formulations and colors.
−Removed: The good news is that while there are materials that remain challenging, raw materials have begun to improve in terms of cost and availability.
−Removed: The good news is that while there are materials that remain challenging, raw materials have begun to improve in terms of cost and availability
−Removed: in late 2023.
−Removed: Procurement sustainability as a crucial element and it involves not only ensuring that suppliers meet sustainability standards,
−Removed: but also a commitment to ongoing internal improvement in sustainability practices.
−Removed: Premier is proactively engaged in setting high standards
−Removed: and ensuring that these standards are followed by its supply chain partners, contributing to the improvement and compliance of the broader
−Removed: During 2023, one vendor accounted for approximately 25% and second vendor
−Removed: accounted for approximately 13% of our paper and paperboard purchases.
−Removed: Direct Marketing:
−Removed: Sources its products from 3 rd party suppliers
−Removed: for nutritional, performance, and health and beauty product ingredients.
−Removed: We rely on our extensive supplier network for the availability
−Removed: of an extensive range of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, plant, and herb extracts, as well as nutritional supplements.
+Added: The primary raw materials used in our packaging business are paper, paperboard, and ink.
+Added: We work closely with leading suppliers
+Added: to maximize purchasing efficiencies, utilizing a diverse range of paper grades, formats, ink formulations, and colors to meet the needs
+Added: of our products.
+Added: While certain materials continue to present challenges, we have seen improvements in both the cost and availability
+Added: of raw materials, particularly in the latter half of 2024.
+Added: Sustainability in procurement is a critical focus for the Company.
+Added: only ensure that our suppliers meet rigorous sustainability standards, but we are also committed to continuous internal improvements
+Added: in sustainability practices.
+Added: We are proactively setting high standards for sustainability and working with our supply chain partners
+Added: to ensure these standards are met, contributing to the overall progress and compliance within the industry.
+Added: Sources its products from 3 rd party suppliers for nutritional, performance, and health and beauty product ingredients.
+Added: We rely on our extensive supplier network for the availability of an extensive range of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, plant, and herb
+Added: extracts, as well as nutritional supplements.
Environmental
−Removed: is the Company’s policy to conduct its operations in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and other requirements.
−Removed: While it is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters, particularly remediation
−Removed: and other compliance efforts that the Company may undertake in the future, in the opinion of management, compliance with the present
−Removed: environmental protection laws, before taking into account estimated recoveries from third parties, will not have a material adverse effect
−Removed: on the Company’s consolidated annual results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
−Removed: Our biotechnology
−Removed: business is faced with potential government regulations.
−Removed: If new legislation, regulations, or rules are implemented either by Congress,
−Removed: Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), or the courts that impact the patent application process, the patent
−Removed: enforcement process or the rights of patent holders, these changes could negatively affect our patent monetization efforts and, in turn,
−Removed: our assets, expenses and revenue.
+Added: Company is committed to conducting its operations in full compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and other requirements.
+Added: While the potential impact of future environmental matters, including remediation efforts and compliance initiatives, cannot be predicted
+Added: with certainty, management believes that adherence to current environmental protection laws, excluding any potential recoveries from
+Added: third parties, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position,
+Added: or cash flows.
+Added: The Company remains focused on maintaining environmental responsibility while managing any future environmental liabilities
+Added: in a prudent and cost-effective manner.
+Added: biotechnology business is faced with potential government regulations.
+Added: If new legislation, regulations, or rules are implemented either
+Added: by Congress, the U.S.
+Added: Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), or the courts that impact the patent application process,
+Added: the patent enforcement process or the rights of patent holders, these changes could negatively affect our patent monetization efforts
+Added: and, in turn, our assets, expenses and revenue.
United States patent laws have been amended by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act.
−Removed: The America Invents
−Removed: Act includes several significant changes to U.S.
−Removed: In general, the legislation attempts to address issues surrounding the enforceability
−Removed: of patents and the increase in patent litigation by, among other things, establishing new procedures for patent litigation.
−Removed: the America Invents Act changes the way that parties may be joined in patent infringement actions, increasing the likelihood that such
−Removed: actions will need to be brought against individual parties allegedly infringing by their respective individual actions or activities.
+Added: America Invents Act includes several significant changes to U.S.
+Added: In general, the legislation attempts to address issues surrounding
+Added: the enforceability of patents and the increase in patent litigation by, among other things, establishing new procedures for patent litigation.
+Added: For example, the America Invents Act changes the way that parties may be joined in patent infringement actions, increasing the likelihood
+Added: that such actions will need to be brought against individual parties allegedly infringing by their respective individual actions or activities.
In addition, the U.S.
4 unchanged sentences
and costs surrounding the enforcement of any such patented technologies.
−Removed: Moreover, new rules
−Removed: regarding the burden of proof in patent enforcement actions could significantly increase the cost of our enforcement actions, and new
−Removed: standards or limitations on liability for patent infringement could negatively impact our revenue derived from such enforcement actions.
−Removed: The Company, incorporated
−Removed: in the state of New York in May 1984 has formally conducted business in the name of Document Security Systems, Inc.
−Removed: On September 16,
−Removed: 2021, the board of directors approved an agreement and plan of merger with a wholly owned subsidiary, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: (a New York corporation,
−Removed: incorporated in August 2020), for the sole purpose of effecting a rebranding from Document Security Systems, Inc.
−Removed: became effective on September 30, 2021.
−Removed: maintained the same trading symbol “DSS” and updated its CUSIP number to
−Removed: In January 2024, in conjunction with a reverse split, DSS now operates under the CUSIP 26253C 201.
−Removed: See the “Overview”
−Removed: section above for further details about our acquisitions.
−Removed: Human Capital Resources
−Removed: As of December
−Removed: 31, 2023, DSS, Inc.
−Removed: had 95 employees worldwide.
+Added: new rules regarding the burden of proof in patent enforcement actions could significantly increase the cost of our enforcement actions,
+Added: and new standards or limitations on liability for patent infringement could negatively impact our revenue derived from such enforcement
+Added: Company, incorporated in the state of New York in May 1984 has formally conducted business in the name of Document Security Systems,
+Added: On September 16, 2021, the board of directors approved an agreement and plan of merger with a wholly owned subsidiary, DSS, Inc.
+Added: (a New York corporation, incorporated in August 2020), for the sole purpose of effecting a rebranding from Document Security Systems,
+Added: This change became effective on September 30, 2021.
+Added: maintained the same trading symbol “DSS”
+Added: and updated its CUSIP number to 26253C-102.
+Added: In January 2024, in conjunction with a reverse split, DSS now operates under
+Added: the CUSIP 26253C 201.
+Added: See the “Overview” section above for further details about our acquisitions.
+Added: Capital Resources
+Added: of December 31, 2024, DSS, Inc.
+Added: had 100 employees.
We continue to retain and attract qualified management and technical personnel.
−Removed: employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement, and we believe that our relations with our employees are in good
−Removed: Our website address
−Removed: is www.dssworld.com .
−Removed: Information on our
−Removed: website is not incorporated herein by reference.
−Removed: We make available free of charge through our website our press releases, Annual Report
−Removed: on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable
−Removed: after electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
+Added: employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement, and we believe that our relations with our employees are in good standing.
+Added: website address is www.dssworld.com .
+Added: Information on our website is not incorporated herein by reference.
+Added: We make available
+Added: free of charge through our website our press releases, Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports
+Added: on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filed with or furnished to the
+Added: Securities and Exchange Commission.
Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.