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$NEON Risk Factor changes from 00/02/28/24/2024 to 00/03/21/25/2025
Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report, and in our publicly available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements reflect our analysis only as of the date of this Annual Report. Because actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in or implied by forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. We do not undertake responsibility to update or revise any of these factors or to announce publicly any revision to forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ii PART I Neonode Inc. ii PART I Neonode Inc. , collectively with its subsidiaries, is referred to in this Annual Report as “Neonode”, “we”, “us”, “our”, “registrant”, or “Company”. We use Neonode, our logo, zForce, MultiSensing and other marks as trademarks. This Annual Report contains references to our trademarks and service marks and to those belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this Annual Report, including logos, artwork and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate in any way that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. ITEM 1. BUSINESS About Us Neonode provides advanced optical sensing solutions for touch, contactless touch, and gesture sensing. BUSINESS Our company provides advanced optical sensing solutions for touch, contactless touch, and gesture sensing. We also provide software solutions for machine perception that feature advanced machine learning algorithms to detect and track persons and objects in video streams from cameras and other types of imagers. We base our contactless touch, touch, and gesture sensing products and solutions using our zForce technology platform and our machine perception solutions on our MultiSensing technology platform. We market and sell our solutions to customers in many different markets and segments including, but not limited to, office equipment, automotive, industrial automation, medical, military and avionics. In 2010, we began licensing to Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) and automotive Tier 1 suppliers who embed our technology into products they develop, manufacture, and sell. Since 2010, our licensing customers have sold over 95 million products that feature our technology. Since 2010, our licensing customers have sold approximately 95 million products that feature our technology. In October 2017, we augmented our licensing business and began manufacturing and shipping touch sensor modules (“TSMs”) that incorporate our patented technology. In October 2017, we augmented our licensing business and began manufacturing and shipping touch sensor modules (“TSMs”) that incorporate our patented technology. On December 12, 2023, we announced a new, sharpened strategy with full focus on the licensing business. On December 12, 2023, we announced a new, sharpened strategy with full focus on the licensing business. Consequently, we phased out the TSM product business during 2024 through licensing of the TSM technology to strategic partners and in parallel we sold parts of the remaining TSMs. The phase out of our TSM product business meets the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of discontinued operations. All following information present continuing operations. During 2024, we also continued to focus our efforts on maintaining our current licensing customers and achieving design wins for new programs both with current and future customers. During 2023, we continued to focus our efforts on maintaining our current licensing customers and achieving design wins for new programs both with current and future customers. Licensing We license our zForce and MultiSensing technology to OEMs and automotive Tier 1 suppliers who embed our technology into products that they develop, manufacture and sell. 1 Licensing We license our zForce technology to OEMs and automotive Tier 1 suppliers who embed our technology into products that they develop, manufacture and sell. Since 2010, our licensing customers have sold over 95 million devices that use our patented technology. Since 2010, our licensing customers have sold approximately 95 million devices that use our patented technology. As of December 31, 2024, we had 37 valid technology license agreements with global OEMs, ODMs and automotive Tier 1 suppliers. Our licensing customer base is primarily in the automotive and printer segments. Nine of our licensing customers are currently shipping products that embed our technology. Ten of our licensing customers are currently shipping products that embed our technology. We anticipate current customers, except of one, will continue to ship products with our technology in 2025 and in future years. We anticipate current customers will continue to ship products with our technology in 2024 and in future years. We also expect to expand our customer base with a number of new customers who will be looking to ship new products incorporating our zForce and MultiSensing technologies as they complete final product development and release cycles. Typically, our licensing customers require engineering support during the development and initial manufacturing phase for their products using our technology. For more details on non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) services please refer to the section below. We typically earn our license fees on a per unit basis when our customers ship products using our technology, but in the future we may use other business models as well. 1 Non-recurring Engineering Services We also offer NRE services related to application development linked to our zForce and MultiSensing technology platforms on a flat rate or hourly rate basis. Non-recurring Engineering Services We also offer non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) services related to application development linked to our TSMs and our zForce and MultiSensing technology platforms on a flat rate or hourly rate basis. Typically, our licensing customers require engineering support during the development and initial manufacturing phase for their products using our technology. Typically, our licensing customers require engineering support during the development and initial manufacturing phase for their products using our technology, while our TSM customers require hardware or software modifications to our standard products or support during the development and initial manufacturing phases of their products using our technology. In this case we can offer NRE services and earn NRE revenues. In both cases we can offer NRE services and earn NRE revenues. Strategy and Focus Areas Our customers use touch, contactless touch, gesture sensing, and machine perception technologies to grow their businesses, drive efficiencies, and seek competitive advantages. Our strategy is to deliver value-adding human-machine interaction (“HMI”) and machine perception solutions that enable our customers to achieve these targets. Our strategy is to deliver value-adding human-machine interaction (“HMI”) and machine perception solutions and products that enable our customers to achieve these targets. We offer specialized NRE services related to the integration of our solutions into customer systems and products to ensure that optimal functionality and performance is achieved. We offer specialized NRE services related to the integration of our solutions and products into customer systems and products to ensure that optimal functionality and performance is achieved. With the sharpened strategy, announced in December 2023, we focus solely on the licensing business. With the new, sharpened strategy, announced in December 2023, we focus solely on the licensing business. This allows customers to license our unique and advanced TSM technology to create bespoke products and solutions that bring value to end customers. We continue to be a leader in optical touch and gesture sensing by licensing our zForce technology to customers in the printer, automotive, and other sectors. We also aim to capture a significant share of the growing automotive driver and in-cabin monitoring market by developing our machine perception business. We are innovators in the HMI and machine perception areas and our goal is to introduce next-generation products in these areas that offer better price, performance, and architectural advantages compared to our current offers and those of our competitors. We intend to execute on this strategy through portfolio transformation, internal innovation, and co-development of products with our customers and the building of strategic partnerships with other technology companies. Markets Automotive The automotive value chain consists of OEMs (vehicle manufacturers) and tiered suppliers (Tier 1 system suppliers, Tier 2 component suppliers etc. 2 Markets Automotive The automotive value chain consists of OEMs (vehicle manufacturers) and tiered suppliers (Tier 1 system suppliers, Tier 2 component suppliers etc. ). In this market, we mainly act as a Tier 2 technology provider to Tier 1 suppliers who license our technology and deliver different types of systems to OEMs (e.g. our driver and in-cabin monitoring solution or our touch technology). In some cases, we are also engaged directly by OEMs, following the trend that OEMs are insourcing more and more of their systems and software development. During 2024 and 2023, our automotive customers shipped approximately 0.5 million and 0.9 million products with our technology, respectively. Accumulated, since 2014, our automotive customers have shipped approximately 8. Accumulated, since 2014, our automotive customers have shipped approximately 8 million products featuring our technology. 5 million products featuring our technology. Printers and Office Equipment Multi-function printers typically feature touch displays for user interaction with feature-rich menus and settings. We have operational license agreements with three of the leading global printers and office equipment OEMs. During 2024 our customers shipped approximately 2.4 million printers using our touch technology and since mid-2014 they have shipped approximately 57.3 million printers using our touch technology. Rugged and Larger Touch Displays Following the decision in December 2023 to transform our zForce business to a licensing only business model, we see an increasing number of opportunities for our optical touch and gesture control solutions in the rugged industrial touchscreen market as well as for cost efficient touch solutions for larger touch displays i.e. 21 inch and above where we offer lower cost per inch on larger displays compared to PCAP. Easily integrated using a single-sided TSM sensor or a full-frame zForce implementation, Neonode’s licensable touch interaction technology platforms deliver exceptional performance and value to any touch-operated application. We also see potential demand for our machine perception solutions in industrial settings. 2 Amusement Following the announcement that Nexty Electronics has selected Neonode’s TSM technology for sensor development and manufacturing of the next-generation slot machines for a leading manufacturer in Japan’s amusement market, we see further potential to deliver our technology to companies in the Japanese amusement market as well as in other markets that desire high quality, cost-effective touch functionality on large displays and surfaces. Holographic Interaction Using our TSM technology to facilitate interaction with a hologram, allows us to create immersive experiences with a “wow factor” in the infotainment sector e.g. museums, receptions, AI avatars etc. We also see an increasing potential for surgical planning and education, enabling virtual explorations and interactive learning. Customers Our customers are primarily located in North America, Europe and Asia. Our customers are primarily located in North America, Europe and Asia. As of December 31, 2024, four of our customers represented approximately 80.9% of our consolidated accounts receivable and unbilled revenues. As of December 31, 2023, three of our customers represented approximately 77. As of December 31, 2023, four of our customers represented approximately 76. 8% of our consolidated accounts receivable and unbilled revenues. Customers who accounted for 10% or more of our revenues during the year ended December 31, 2024 are as follows. Customers who accounted for 10% or more of our revenues during the year ended December 31, 2022 are as follows. Customers who accounted for 10% or more of our revenues during the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows. 3 Customers by Market The following table presents our revenues by market as a percentage of total revenues: Geographical Data The following table presents our revenues by geographic region as a percentage of total revenues: The following table presents our total assets by geographic region: Competition There are various technologies for touch and gesture control solutions available that compete with our optical zForce technology. Customers by Market The following table presents our revenues by market as a percentage of total revenues for the years ended December 31: Geographical Data The following table presents our revenues by geographic region as a percentage of total revenues for the years ended December 31: The following table presents our total assets by geographic region as of December 31 (in thousands): Competition There are various technologies for touch and gesture control solutions available that compete with our optical zForce technology. The competing technologies have differing profiles such as performance, power consumption, level of maturity and cost. For touch solutions, the main competition comes from resistive and capacitive touch solutions. For touch displays, projective capacitive technology is the prevalent standard in mobile phones and tablets and therefore an important competing technology to ours that many suppliers offer with price being a major differentiation point. This means we must continuously develop our technology and improve our offers to defend and grow our market share. For gesture control the main competition comes from other optical technologies and from both ultrasonic and radar technologies. Examples of competitors active in the area of gesture sensing include Ultraleap and suppliers of radar and ultrasonic sensor chips, for instance Texas Instruments and Acconeer. Detection range, resolution and cost are the main differentiators. For contactless touch opportunities, competing technologies include camera-based technologies for detecting finger placement and gestures in the airspace in front of a kiosk or button panel, capacitive sensors capable of detecting a finger hovering above a display or button, as well as voice-activated interfaces and interfaces using one’s mobile phone to interact with a kiosk or button panel. 4 For contactless touch opportunities, competing technologies include camera-based technologies for detecting finger placement and gestures in the airspace in front of a kiosk or button panel, capacitive sensors capable of detecting a finger hovering above a display or button, as well as voice-activated interfaces and interfaces using one’s mobile phone to interact with a kiosk or button panel. There are various driver and in-cabin monitoring solutions that compete with our MultiSensing technology. Our competitors among Tier 2 software providers include SmartEye, Cipia, Xperi, Seeing Machines, PUX and Jungo. 4 Intellectual Property We rely on a combination of intellectual property laws and contractual provisions to establish and protect the proprietary rights in our technology. Intellectual Property We rely on a combination of intellectual property laws and contractual provisions to establish and protect the proprietary rights in our technology. The number of our issued and pending patents and patents filed in each jurisdiction as of December 31, 2024 is set forth in the following table: Our patents cover optical blocking technologies for touchscreens and head-up displays, optical reflective technologies for contactless interaction with kiosks and elevators, as well as machine perception solutions for driver and in-cabin monitoring. Our software may also be protected by copyright laws in most countries, including Sweden and the European Union, if the software is deemed new and original. Protection can be claimed from the date of creation. In 2024 we filed four new patent applications and had seven new patent grants issued; eleven patents lapsed, and one patent application was abandoned. The duration of our patent protection for utility patents is generally 20 years. The duration of our patent protection for design patents varies throughout the world between 10 and 25 years, depending on the jurisdiction. We believe the duration of our intellectual property rights is adequate relative to the expected lives of our products. We also protect and promote our brand by registering trademarks in key markets around the world. Our trademarks include: Neonode (26 registrations, 1 pending applications), the Neonode logo (8 registrations), zForce (10 registrations), and MultiSensing (3 registrations). Our trademarks include: Neonode (26 registrations, 2 pending applications), the Neonode logo (8 registrations), zForce (10 registrations), and MultiSensing (3 registrations). Research and Development In fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we incurred $3.4 million and $3.8 million and $4. 8 million, respectively, on research and development activities. Our research and development is performed predominantly in-house, but may also be performed in collaboration with external partners and specialists. Human Capital We recognize that the development, attraction and retention of employees is critical to our success. 5 Human Capital We recognize that the development, attraction and retention of employees is critical to our success. For this reason, we strive to provide a positive work culture for our employees. We focus on skills enhancement, leadership development, innovation excellence and professional growth throughout our employees’ careers. Our leadership program provides leadership trainings to our high-potential emerging leaders. 5 We provide market competitive compensation aligned with company performance. We provide market competitive compensation aligned with company performance. We provide a comprehensive benefits package to our employees, including healthcare and retirement plans. We have a dedicated human resources (HR) person to ensure clear and beneficial HR-related processes and strategy. We work proactively against all discrimination, harassment and other abusive behavior to ensure the work environment at Neonode is good and healthy. We believe that a diverse workforce provides different viewpoints on business strategy, risk and innovation. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided we have adopted a hybrid workplace. While we encourage employees to work from the office as much as possible, employees are permitted to work part time from home. While we encourage employees to come into the office as much as possible, employees are permitted to work part time from home. As of December 31, 2024, we had 43 employees (including 40 full-time employees) and 7 consultants. As of December 31, 2023, we had 53 employees (including 49 full-time employees) and 8 consultants. We have employees and/or consultants located in the United States, Sweden, United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We have experienced no work stoppages. We believe our employee relations are positive. Additional Information We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and we file or furnish reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The reports and other information filed by us with the SEC are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our website is www.neonode.com.We make available free of charge through our website all of our filings with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K as well as Form 3, Form 4, and Form 5 reports for our directors, officers, and principal stockholders, together with amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a), 15(d), or 16 under the Exchange Act. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after their electronic filing or furnishing with the SEC. Our website also includes corporate governance information, such as our Code of Business Conduct (including a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers) and our Board of Directors’ Committee Charters. The information contained on our website is not a part of, nor is it incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding to purchase, hold, or sell our common stock, you should consider carefully the risks described below in addition to the cautionary statements and risks described elsewhere in this Annual Report and in our other filings with the SEC, including subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be seriously harmed. This could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment. Risks Related to Our Business We have had a history of losses and may require additional capital to fund our operations, which may not be available to us on commercially attractive terms or at all. We have experienced substantial net losses in each fiscal period since our inception. These net losses have resulted from a lack of substantial revenues and the significant costs incurred in the development and commercial acceptance of our technologies. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on our ability to implement our business plan. If our operations do not become cash flow positive, we may be forced to seek sources of capital to continue operations. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in obtaining such additional financing on reasonable terms, or at all. If adequate funds are not available when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be unable to adequately fund our business plan, which could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. 6 We may, in the short and long-term, seek to raise capital through the issuance of equity securities or through other financing sources. We may, in the short and long-term, seek to raise capital through the issuance of equity securities or through other financing sources. To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. Any debt financing, if available, may include financial and other covenants that could restrict our use of the proceeds from such financing or impose other business and financial restrictions on us. In addition, we may consider alternative approaches such as licensing, joint venture, or partnership arrangements to provide long-term capital. We are dependent on a limited number of customers. Our license revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 were earned from eight OEM, ODM and Tier 1 customers. Our license revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 were earned from 10 OEM, ODM and Tier 1 customers. We generated NRE revenues from four customers for the year ended December 31, 2024. We generated NRE revenues from two customers for the year ended December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2024, four customers represented approximately 80. During the year ended December 31, 2023, three customers represented approximately 56. 2% of our consolidated net revenues. Our customer concentration may change significantly from period-to-period depending on a customer’s product cycle and changes in our industry. The loss of a major customer, a reduction in net revenues of a major customer for any reason, or a failure of a major customer to fulfill its financial or other obligations due to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and future revenue stream. The response of customers to our sensor products, loss of a major customer, a reduction in net revenues of a major customer for any reason, or a failure of a major customer to fulfill its financial or other obligations due to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and future revenue stream. The new business strategy with 100% focus on technology and software licensing, that we launched in December 2023, is likely to trigger changes in our customer composition and an overall reduction of the number of customers we have active engagements with. We rely on the ability of our customers to design, manufacture and sell their products that incorporate our touch technology. We have historically generated revenue through technology licensing agreements with companies that design, manufacture, and sell their own products incorporating our touch technology. The majority of our license fees earned in 2024 and 2023 were from customer shipments of printer products and automotive infotainment systems. We continue to rely on licensing revenue from current and new customers whose products are still in the development cycle. If our customers are not able to design, manufacture and sell their products, or are delayed in producing and selling their products, our revenues, profitability, and liquidity, as well as our brand image, may be adversely affected. The length of a customer’s product development and release cycle depends on many factors outside of our control and any delays could cause us to incur significant expenses without offsetting revenues, or revenues that vary significantly from quarter to quarter. 7 The length of a customer’s product development and release cycle depends on many factors outside of our control and any delays could cause us to incur significant expenses without offsetting revenues, or revenues that vary significantly from quarter to quarter. The development and release cycle for customer products is lengthy and unpredictable. Our customers often undertake significant evaluation and design in the qualification of our solutions, which contributes to a lengthy product release cycle. Our customers often undertake significant evaluation and design in the qualification of our products, which contributes to a lengthy product release cycle. The typical product development and release cycle is 18 to 36 months. The development and release cycle may be longer in some cases, particularly for automotive vehicle products. There is no assurance that a customer will adopt our technology after the evaluation or design phase, in which case we would not be entitled to any revenues from the customer moving forward. The lengthy and variable development and release cycle for products may also have a negative impact on the timing of our revenues, causing our revenues and results of operations to vary significantly from quarter to quarter. Our license customers rely upon component suppliers to manufacture and sell products containing our technology and limited availability of components may adversely affect our and our customers’ businesses. Under our licensing model, OEMs, ODMs and Tier 1 suppliers manufacture or contract to manufacture products that include Neonode’s special Application Specific Integrated Circuits (“ASICs”) that incorporate our patented technology. The Neonode ASICs are manufactured by Texas Instruments and ST Microelectronics. Texas Instruments manufactures two ASIC components that both we and our license customers buy. As part of their product development process, our customers must qualify these components for use in their products, thus making the components difficult to replace. Our dependence on third parties to supply core components that incorporate our patented technology exposes us to a number of risks including the risk that these suppliers will not be able to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials or components, the risk that these suppliers will not be able to meet our customer requirements, and the risk that these suppliers will not be able to remain in business or adjust to market conditions. If our customers are unable to obtain ASICs that incorporate our patented technology, we may not be able to meet demand, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 7 It can be difficult for us to verify royalty amounts owed to us under licensing agreements, and this may cause us to lose potential revenue. It can be difficult for us to verify royalty amounts owed to us under licensing agreements, and this may cause us to lose potential revenue. Our license agreements typically require our licensees to document the sale of licensed products and report this data to us on a quarterly basis. Although our standard license terms give us the right to audit books and records of our licensees to verify this information, audits can be expensive, time consuming, incomplete, and subject to dispute. From time to time, we audit certain of our licensees to verify independently the accuracy of the information contained in their royalty reports in an effort to decrease the likelihood that we will not receive the royalty revenues to which we are entitled under the terms of our license agreements, but we can give no assurances that these audits will be effective. If we fail to develop and introduce new technology successfully, and in a cost-effective and timely manner, we will not be able to compete effectively and our ability to generate revenues will suffer. 8 If we fail to develop and introduce new technology successfully, and in a cost-effective and timely manner, we will not be able to compete effectively and our ability to generate revenues will suffer. We operate in a highly competitive, rapidly evolving environment, and our success depends on our ability to develop and introduce new technology that our customers and end users choose to buy. If we are unsuccessful at developing new technologies that are appealing to our customers and end users, with acceptable functionality, quality, prices, and terms, we will not be able to compete effectively and our ability to generate revenues will suffer. The development of new technology is very difficult and requires high levels of innovation and competence. The development process is typically also very lengthy and costly. If we fail to anticipate our end users’ needs or technological trends accurately or if we are unable to complete development in a cost effective and timely fashion, we will be unable to introduce new technology into the market or successfully compete with other providers. As we introduce new or enhanced technology or integrate new technology into new or existing customer products, we face risks including, among other things, disruption in customers’ ordering patterns, inability to deliver new technology to meet customers’ demand, possible product and technology defects, and potentially unfamiliar sales and support environments. Premature announcements or leaks of new products, features, or technologies may exacerbate some of these risks. Our failure to manage the transition to newer technology or the integration of newer technology into new or existing customer products could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Our operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. As a result of the unpredictability of our customer product development and the nature of the markets in which we compete, it is very difficult for us to forecast accurately. We base our current and future expense estimates largely on our investment plans and estimates of future needs, although some of our expenses are, to a large extent, fixed. We may be unable to adjust spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue shortfall. Accordingly, any significant shortfall in revenues relative to our planned expenditures would have an immediate adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the following factors, among others, may negatively affect and cause fluctuations in our operating results: 8 ● general economic conditions including as a result of pandemics or epidemics, or geopolitical conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine or the Israel-Palestine conflict. In addition, the following factors, among others, may negatively affect and cause fluctuations in our operating results: 9 Further, as a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, we may from time to time make certain pricing, service, or marketing decisions that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Further, as a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, we may from time to time make certain pricing, service, or marketing decisions that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Due to the foregoing factors, our revenues and operating results are and will remain difficult to forecast. We must enhance our sales and technology development organizations. If we are unable to identify, hire, or retain qualified sales, marketing, and technical personnel, our ability to achieve future revenue may be adversely affected. We continually monitor and enhance the effectiveness and breadth of our sales efforts in order to increase market awareness and sales of our technology, especially as we expand into new market areas. Competition for qualified sales personnel is intense, and we may not be able to hire the kind and number of sales personnel we are targeting. Likewise, our efforts to improve and refine our technology require skilled engineers and programmers. Competition for professionals capable of expanding our research and development efforts is intense due to the limited number of people available with the necessary technical skills. If we are unable to identify, hire, or retain qualified sales, marketing, and technical personnel, our ability to achieve future revenue may be adversely affected. We may make acquisitions and strategic investments that are dilutive to existing stockholders, result in unanticipated accounting charges or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations. We may decide to grow our business through business combinations or other acquisitions of businesses, products or technologies that allow us to complement our existing touch technology offerings, expand our market coverage, increase our workforce, or enhance our technological capabilities. If we make any future acquisitions, we could issue stock that would dilute our stockholders’ percentage ownership, or we may incur substantial debt, reduce our cash reserves and/or assume contingent liabilities. Further, acquisitions and strategic investments may result in material charges, adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation, deferred compensation charges, in-process research and development charges, and the amortization of amounts related to deferred compensation and identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill. Any of these could negatively impact our results of operations. We are dependent on the services of our key personnel. We are highly dependent on our senior management team, including Fredrik Nihlén, our interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. We are highly dependent on our senior management team, including Dr. Changes in our senior management team or the unplanned loss of the services of either member of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects. If we are unable to obtain and maintain patent or other intellectual property protection for any products we develop or for our technologies, or if the scope of the patents and other intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products and technologies similar or identical to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize any products we may develop, and our technologies, may be harmed. Our success depends in large part on our proprietary technology and other intellectual property rights. We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, confidentiality provisions, and licensing arrangements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. Our intellectual property, particularly our patents, may not provide us with a significant competitive advantage. If we fail to protect or to enforce our intellectual property rights successfully, our competitive position could suffer, which could harm our results of operations. Our pending patent applications for registration may not be allowed, or others may challenge the validity or scope of our patents. Even if our patent registrations are issued and maintained, these patents may not be of adequate scope or benefit to us or may be held invalid and unenforceable against third parties. We may need to expend significant resources to secure and protect our intellectual property. The loss of intellectual property rights may adversely impact our ability to generate revenues and expand our business. 9 We may not be successful in our strategic efforts around patent monetization. We may not be successful in our strategic efforts around patent monetization. Our success depends in part on our ability to effectively utilize our intellectual property. Our policy is to always try to protect our innovations using patents. Our patent portfolio is an important prerequisite for our licensing business and also protects our investments in product development. From time to time, we also explore opportunities to monetize our patents per se. As an example of this, on May 6, 2019, we assigned a portfolio of patents to Aequitas Technologies LLC to license or otherwise monetize those patents. In the future we may enter into additional alternative patent monetization strategies, including the sale of patents. Our patent monetization strategies may negatively impact our financial condition, revenues, and results of operations. No assurance can be given that we will enter into agreements related to our patent portfolio or that we will be successful in any strategic efforts around patent monetization. If third parties infringe upon our intellectual property, we may expend significant resources enforcing our rights or suffer competitive injury. 10 If third parties infringe upon our intellectual property, we may expend significant resources enforcing our rights or suffer competitive injury. Existing laws, contractual provisions and remedies afford only limited protection for our intellectual property. We may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and police our intellectual property rights. Effective policing of the unauthorized use of our technology or intellectual property is difficult and litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights. Intellectual property litigation is not only expensive, but time-consuming, regardless of the merits of any claim, and could divert attention of our management from operating the business. Intellectual property lawsuits are subject to inherent uncertainties due to, among other things, the complexity of the technical issues involved, and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in asserting our intellectual property rights. Attempts may be made to copy or reverse engineer aspects of our technology or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. We may not be able to detect infringement and may lose competitive position in the market as a result. In addition, competitors may design around our technology or develop competing technologies. We cannot assure you that we will be able to protect our proprietary rights against unauthorized third party copying or use. The unauthorized use of our technology or of our proprietary information by competitors could have an adverse effect on our ability to sell our technology. The laws of certain foreign countries may not provide sufficient protection of our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, which may make it more difficult for us to protect our intellectual property. As part of our business strategy, we target customers and relationships with suppliers and OEMs in countries with large populations and propensities for adopting new technologies. However, many of these countries do not address misappropriation of intellectual property nor deter others from developing similar, competing technologies or intellectual property. Effective protection of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property may be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries. In particular, the laws of some foreign countries in which we do business may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. As a result, we may not be able to effectively prevent competitors in these regions from infringing our intellectual property rights, which could reduce our competitive advantage and ability to compete in those regions and negatively impact our business. We have an international presence in countries and must manage currency risks. A significant portion of our business is conducted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar (the currency in which our consolidated financial statements are reported), primarily the Swedish Krona and, to a lesser extent, the Euro, Japanese Yen and Korean Won. For the year ended December 31, 2024, our revenues from Asia, North America and Europe were 59.8%, 24.5%, and 15.0%, and 16. 7%, respectively. We incur a significant portion of our expenses in Swedish Krona, including a significant portion of our research and development expenses and a substantial portion of our general and administrative expenses. As a result, appreciation of the value of the Swedish Krona relative to the other currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, could adversely affect operating results. We do not currently undertake hedging transactions to cover our currency exposure, but we may choose to hedge a portion of our currency exposure in the future as we deem appropriate. 10 We have concentration of cash balance at various banks in the United States, Japan and Sweden. Cash and cash equivalents balances are maintained at various banks in the United States, Japan and Sweden. For deposits held with financial institutions in the United States, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides basic deposit coverage with limits up to $250,000 per owner. The Swedish government provides insurance coverage up to 1,050,000 Krona per customer and covers deposits in all types of accounts. For bank accounts of the category held by Neonode, the Japanese government provides full insurance coverage. At times, deposits held with financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided. Security breaches and other disruptions to our information technology infrastructure could interfere with our operations, compromise confidential information, and expose us to liability which could materially adversely impact our business and reputation. In the normal course of business, we rely on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities. Additionally, we collect and store certain data, including proprietary business information and customer and employee data, and may have access to confidential or personal information in certain of our businesses that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations, and customer-imposed controls. Despite our cybersecurity measures, our information technology networks, and infrastructure may be vulnerable to damage, disruptions, or shutdowns due to attack by hackers or breaches, employee error or malfeasance, power outages, computer viruses, telecommunication or utility failures, systems failures, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events. Any such events could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or penalties under privacy laws, disruption in operations, and damage to our reputation, which could materially adversely affect our business. Third parties that maintain our confidential and proprietary information could experience a cybersecurity incident. 11 Third parties that maintain our confidential and proprietary information could experience a cybersecurity incident. We rely on third parties to provide or maintain some of our information technology and related services. We do not exercise direct control over these systems. Despite the implementation of security measures at third party locations, these services are also vulnerable to security breaches or other disruptions. Despite assurances from third parties to protect this information and, where we believe appropriate, our monitoring of the protections employed by these third parties, there is a risk that the confidentiality of the data held by these third parties on our behalf may be compromised and expose us to liability for any security breach or disruption. While we have identified material weaknesses in our internal control, if we are unable to detect additional material weaknesses in our internal control, our financial reporting and our business may be adversely affected.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year, and to include a management report assessing the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 10-K for that fiscal year. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud involving a company have been, or will be, detected. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and we cannot assure you that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become ineffective because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. As described below, we have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. As a result of the material weaknesses, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective based on criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Consequently, we may experience a loss of public confidence, which could have an adverse effect on our business and on the market price of our common stock. We cannot assure you that we or our independent registered public accounting firm will not identify an additional material weakness in our internal controls in the future. We cannot assure you that we or our independent registered public accounting firm will not identify a material weakness in our internal controls in the future. 11 We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In the course of our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. The material weaknesses are discussed in more detail in this Annual Report under “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.” A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Our management is actively engaged in developing a remediation plan designed to address these material weaknesses. We cannot assure you that any measures we may take in the near future will be sufficient to remediate these material weaknesses or avoid potential future material weaknesses. In addition, we may suffer adverse regulatory or other consequences, as well as negative market reaction, as a result of any material weaknesses, and we will incur additional costs as we seek to remediate these material weaknesses. If we are unable to successfully remediate our existing or any future material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, or identify any additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be negatively impacted, we may be unable to maintain compliance with securities law requirements regarding timely filing of periodic reports in addition to applicable stock exchange listing requirements, investors may lose confidence in our financial reporting, and our stock price may decline as a result. Risks Related to Owning Our Stock Future sales of our common stock by us or our insiders could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and dilute your investment. Our long-term success is dependent on us obtaining sufficient capital to fund our operations, develop our technology and bring our technology to the worldwide market in order to generate sufficient sales volume to be profitable. Our long-term success is dependent on us obtaining sufficient capital to fund our operations, develop our technology and bring our technology to the worldwide market in order to generate sufficient sales volume to be profitable. We may sell securities in the public or private equity markets if and when conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional capital at that time. We may also issue additional common stock in future financing transactions or as incentive compensation for our executive management and other key personnel, consultants, and advisors. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock by us or by our insiders or large stockholders, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock by us or by our insiders or large stockholders, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital. Issuing equity securities would also be dilutive to the equity interests represented by our then-outstanding shares of common stock. The market price for our common stock could decrease as the market takes into account the dilutive effect of any of these issuances. Furthermore, we may enter into financing transactions at prices that represent a substantial discount to the market price of our common stock. A negative reaction by investors and securities analysts to any discounted sale of our equity securities could result in a decline in the trading price of our common stock. We currently have fewer than 300 stockholders of record and, therefore, are eligible to terminate the registration of our common stock under the Exchange Act and cease being a U. 12 We currently have fewer than 300 stockholders of record and, therefore, are eligible to terminate the registration of our common stock under the Exchange Act and cease being a U. S. public company with reporting obligations. Section 12(g)(4) of the Exchange Act allows for the registration of any class of securities to be terminated after a company files a certification with the SEC that the number of holders of record of such class of security is fewer than 300 persons. Section 12(g)(4) of the Exchange Act allows for the registration of any class of securities to be terminated after a company files a certification with the SEC that the number of holders of record of such class of security is fewer than 300 persons. As of January 28, 2025, there were 53 stockholders of record of our common stock. This does not include the number of shareholders that hold shares in “street name” through banks, brokers and other financial institutions. Accordingly, we are eligible to deregister our common stock and suspend our reporting obligations under the Exchange Act. If we were to terminate our registration and suspend our reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, we would no longer be required to comply with U.S. public company disclosure requirements under the Exchange Act, including, but not limited to, annual and quarterly report filings, proxy statement filings and filings by insiders to disclose the acquisition and disposition of our securities. 12 Our stock price has been volatile, and your investment in our common stock could suffer a decline in value. Our stock price has been volatile, and your investment in our common stock could suffer a decline in value. There has been significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of equity securities, which is unrelated to the financial performance of the companies issuing the securities. These broad market fluctuations may negatively affect the market price of our common stock. You may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you pay for those shares due to fluctuations in the market price of our common stock caused by changes in our operating performance or prospects, and other factors. Some factors that may have a significant effect on our common stock market price include: A limited number of stockholders, including directors, hold a significant number of shares of our outstanding common stock. Our two largest stockholders, who both are members of our Board of Directors, hold approximately one-fifth of the shares of our outstanding voting stock. This concentration of ownership could impact the outcome of stockholder votes, including votes concerning the election of directors, the adoption or amendment of provisions in our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, and the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions. These factors may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in our management or our voting control. 13 Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control. Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences, and privileges of those shares without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The rights of the holders of common stock will be subject to, and may be materially adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock. Furthermore, certain other provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or management, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In addition, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. If securities analysts do not publish research or if securities analysts or other third parties publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, the price of our common stock could decline. 13 If securities analysts do not publish research or if securities analysts or other third parties publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, the price of our common stock could decline. The trading market for our common stock may rely in part on the research and reports that securities analysts and other third parties choose to publish about us. We do not control these analysts or other third parties. The price of our common stock could be negatively impacted by insufficient analyst coverage or if one or more analysts or other third parties publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY We maintain a comprehensive process for identifying, assessing, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats as part of our broader risk management system and processes. CYBERSECURITY We maintain a comprehensive process for identifying, assessing, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats as part of our broader risk management system and processes. We closely follow the security industry and global threat trends, and our dedicated privacy, safety, and security professionals oversee cybersecurity risk management and mitigation, incident prevention, detection, and remediation. Our team and external partners include professionals with deep cybersecurity expertise across multiple industries, including our IT, Information security & Quality Manager who oversees our cybersecurity operations. Our executive leadership team, along with input from the above professionals, are responsible for our overall enterprise risk management process and regularly consider cybersecurity risks in the context of other material risks to the Company. As part of our cybersecurity risk management system, we track and log privacy and security incidents across Neonode, our vendors, and other third-party service providers to remediate and resolve any such incidents. Significant incidents are reviewed regularly by a cross-functional team to determine whether further escalation is appropriate. Any incident assessed as potentially being or potentially becoming material is immediately escalated for further assessment, and then reported to designated members of our senior management. We consult with outside counsel as appropriate, including on materiality analysis and disclosure matters, and our senior management makes the final materiality determinations and disclosure and other compliance decisions. 14 The Board of Directors has oversight responsibility for risks and incidents relating to cybersecurity threats, including compliance with disclosure requirements, cooperation with law enforcement, and related effects on financial and other risks. The Board of Directors has oversight responsibility for risks and incidents relating to cybersecurity threats, including compliance with disclosure requirements, cooperation with law enforcement, and related effects on financial and other risks. Senior management regularly discusses cyber risks and trends and, should they arise, any material incidents with the Board of Directors. Our business strategy, results of operations and financial condition have not been materially affected by risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previously identified cybersecurity incidents, but we cannot provide assurance that they will not be materially affected in the future by such risks or any future material incidents. Our business strategy, results of operations and financial condition have not been materially affected by risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previously identified cybersecurity incidents, but we cannot provide assurance that they will not be materially affected in the future by such risks or any future material incidents.
For more information on our cybersecurity related risks, see Item 1A Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. . .
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