JanOne Inc. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019

or

Commission File No. 000-19621

JANONE INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  702-997-5968

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If any emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes  ☒ No

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates, based on the closing sales price of such stock on June 29, 2019 was $7,153,000.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 19, 2020 was 1,993,578.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

As of September 10, 2019, JanOne Inc. (formerly known as Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.) and subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” the “Company,” or “JanOne”) broadened its business perspectives to being a pharmaceutical company focused on finding treatments for conditions that cause severe pain and bringing to market drugs with non-addictive pain-relieving properties. The Company aims to reduce prescriptions for dangerous opioid drugs by treating underlying diseases that cause severe pain. Our first drug candidate is a treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease (“PAD”), a condition that can cause severe pain and affects over 8.5 million people in the U.S. alone.  In addition, we continue to operate our legacy businesses, ARCA Recycling, Inc. (“ARCA Recycling”), in our Recycling segment, and GeoTraq Inc. (“GeoTraq”), in our Technology segment.  ARCA Recycling recycles major household appliances in North America by providing turnkey appliance recycling and replacement services for utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs.  GeoTraq is engaged in the development, design and, ultimately, we expect the sale of, cellular transceiver modules and associated wireless services.

Prior to December 30, 2017, we sold new and out-of-the-box major household appliances in the United States though a chain of Company-owned retail stores operating under the name ApplianceSmart^®.  On December 30, 2017, we, together with our then subsidiary ApplianceSmart, Inc. (“ApplianceSmart”), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with ApplianceSmart Holdings LLC (the “Purchaser”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Live Ventures Incorporated (“Live”), pursuant to which we sold to the Purchaser all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of ApplianceSmart (the “ApplianceSmart Stock”) in exchange for $6.5 million. Effective April 1, 2018, the Purchaser issued the Company a promissory note (the “ApplianceSmart Note”) with a three-year term in the original principal amount of $3.9 million for the balance of the purchase price. ApplianceSmart is guaranteeing the repayment of the ApplianceSmart Note. On December 26, 2018, the ApplianceSmart Note was amended and restated to grant ARCA a security interest in the assets of the Purchaser, ApplianceSmart, and ApplianceSmart Contracting Inc. in exchange for modifying the repayment terms to provide for the payment in full of all accrued interest and principal on April 1, 2021, the maturity date of the ApplianceSmart Note. On March 15, 2019, the Company entered into subordination agreements with third parties pursuant to which it agreed to subordinate the payment of indebtedness under the ApplianceSmart Note and the Company’s security interest in the assets of ApplianceSmart and other related parties in exchange for up to $1.2 million payable within 15 days of the agreement.  On December 9, 2019, ApplianceSmart filed a voluntary petition (the “Chapter 11 Case”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”) seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”).  As of December 28, 2019, indebtedness owed by ApplianceSmart to JanOne is approximately $2.9 million.  However, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance for the entire amount of the indebtedness due to the uncertainty of repayment.

We were incorporated in Minnesota in 1983, although through our predecessors we began our appliance retail and recycling business in 1976.  On March 12, 2018, we reincorporated into the State of Nevada. Our principal office is located at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.

Biotechnology

On September 10, 2019, the Company changed its name from Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. to JanOne Inc. and announced that it intended to broaden its business perspectives to include developing new and highly innovative solutions for ending the opioid epidemic. From digital technologies to educational advocacy to revolutionary painkilling drugs that address a multibillion dollar a year market, the company intends to champion new initiatives to combat the opioid crisis, which claims tens of thousands of lives each year.  The new name, JanOne, was strategically chosen to express the start of a “new day” in the fight against the opioid epidemic. January First is the first day of a New Year—a day of optimism, resolution, and hope. JanOne affirms the company’s new strategic commitment to fresh thinking and innovative means to assist in ending the worst drug crisis in our nation’s history.  The Company also adopted a new Nasdaq ticker symbol, NASDAQ:JAN, a new CUSIP number, 03814F403, and a new web address – JanOne.com. On September 12, 2019, the Company announced Eric Bolling as its new President.

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On November 1, 2019, the Company signed a licensing agreement for TV1001SR, a treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease, commonly called PAD. The agreement with LSU Health Shreveport, UAB Research Foundation, and TheraVasc, Inc., gives JanOne a worldwide, exclusive license for TV1001SR along with a portfolio of 30 patents and other intellectual property relating to the sustained release of sodium nitrite.  The company anticipates TV1001SR will be a groundbreaking treatment for those with PAD, an often painful disease affecting more than 200 million people worldwide and 8.5 million people in the United States. There is no known efficacious single-drug treatment for PAD available. Current treatments only mitigate the effects of PAD without treating the underlying cause – reduced ischemic tissue blood flow, which is a lack of blood flow to the extremities, and often leads to significant pain. As a result, according to a recent Stanford University study, nearly 25% of patients with PAD are at increased risk of high opioid use. TV1001SR was invented by Dr. Christopher Kevil, Professor of Pathology, Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Cell Biology and Anatomy at LSU Health Shreveport. In initial research studies, the drug effectively restored ischemic tissue blood flow and was effective in a wide range of pathologies involving alterations of angiogenesis - development of new blood vessels - including diabetes, wound healing and tissue necrosis. Beneficial effects included enhancing angiogenesis, endothelial cell proliferation, and arteriogenesis.  As a result of TV1001SR’s promising clinical trial history, JanOne intends to begin planning a Phase 2b clinical protocol for PAD with an expectation to commence Phase 2b trials by the second half of 2020. In addition, the company intends to apply for the secondary indication of PAD-associated pain as part of its Phase 2b trails. To streamline development and approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”), the Company expects to pursue FDA 505(b)(2) pathway for new drug approval, due to an already approved agent associated with TV1001SR.    

The Company believes that PAD affects over 8.5 million people in the United States and there are currently no direct treatments for PAD on the market today. Research Market Future Reports (“MRFR”) values the PAD market at $3.47 billion in the United States by 2023.  

On February 5, 2020, the Company executed a manufacturing agreement with CoreRx Inc. for the formulation and manufacturing of TV1001SR, a treatment for PAD). CoreRx is a contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) established in 2006. The company operates over 150,000 square feet of cGMP lab and manufacturing facilities, including six formulation suites, 18 manufacturing suites, and two analytical labs. The company began by specializing in clinical drug development and now has established itself as a leading commercial-scale pharma manufacturer. CoreRx has worked closely with leading pharma and bioscience players through FDA approval and commercialization for a wide range of drug formulations affecting millions of patient lives.

Our Biotechnology segment has not generated any revenue to date, including in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.

Recycling

We started our business in 1976 as a used appliance retailer that reconditioned old appliances to sell in our stores.  Under contracts with national and regional retailers of new appliances, such as Sears and Montgomery Ward, we collected the replaced appliance from the retailer’s customer’s residence when one of their stores delivered a new appliance in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Miami or Atlanta market. Any old appliances that we could not sell in our stores were sold to scrap metal processors. In the late 1980s, stricter environmental regulations began to affect the disposal of unwanted appliances and we were no longer able to take appliances that contained hazardous components to a scrap metal processor. At that time, we began to develop systems and equipment to remove the harmful materials so that metal processors would accept the appliance shells for processing. We then offered our services for disposing of appliances in an environmentally sound manner to appliance manufacturers and retailers, waste hauling companies, rental property managers, local governments, and the public.

In 1989, we began contracting with electric utility companies to provide turnkey appliance recycling services to support their energy conservation efforts. Since that time, we have provided our services to approximately 400 utilities and other providers of energy efficiency programs throughout North America.

We currently have contracts to recycle, or to replace and recycle, appliances for approximately 180 utilities across North America.

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We have seen continued interest from sponsors of energy efficiency initiatives that recognize the effectiveness of recycling and replacing energy inefficient appliances.  We are aggressively pursuing electric, water and gas utilities, public housing authorities, and energy efficiency management companies going forward and expect that we will continue to submit proposals for various new appliance recycling and replacement programs accordingly. However, for a variety of reasons, we still have a limited ability to project revenues from utility programs.  We cannot predict recycling volumes or if we will be successful in obtaining new contracts in the next fiscal year.

We operate 13 recycling centers in the U.S. and Canada to process and recycle old appliances according to all federal, state, provincial, and local rules and regulations. ARCA uses U.S. EPA RAD-compliant methods to remove and properly manage hazardous components and materials, including CFC refrigerants, mercury, polyurethane foam insulation and recyclable materials, such as ferrous and nonferrous metals, plastics and glass. All of our facilities comply with licensing and permitting requirements, and employees who process appliances receive extensive safety and hazardous materials training.

Major household appliances in the United States include:

Improper disposal of old appliances threatens air, ground and water resources because many types of major appliances contain substances that can damage the environment. These harmful materials include:

The U.S. federal government requires the recovery of Refrigerants upon appliance disposal and also regulates the management of hazardous materials found in appliances. Most state and local governments have also enacted laws affecting how their residents dispose of unwanted appliances. For example, many areas restrict landfills and scrap metal processors from accepting appliances unless the units have been processed to remove environmentally harmful materials.  As a result, old appliances usually cannot be discarded directly through ordinary solid waste systems.

In addition to these solid waste management and environmental issues, energy conservation is another compelling reason for proper disposal of old appliances. The U.S. Department of Energy’s updated appliance energy efficiency standards that took effect in September 2014 require new refrigerators to be 25 to 30 percent more efficient than those manufactured only one year earlier. Refrigerators manufactured today use about one-fifth as much electricity as units made in the mid-1970s.

While new refrigerators can save a significant amount of energy in the home, more than 30 percent of all U.S. households have a second refrigerator in the basement or garage. These units are typically 15-25 years old and consume about 750 to 1500 kilowatt-hours per year, driving electric bills up by more than $150 annually per household.

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Utilities have become important participants in dealing with energy inefficient appliances as a way of reducing peak demand on their systems and avoiding the capital and environmental costs of adding new generating capacity. To encourage the permanent removal of energy inefficient appliances from use, many electric utility companies sponsor programs through which their residential customers can retire working refrigerators, freezers, and room air conditioners.  Utility companies often provide assistance and incentives for consumers to discontinue use of a surplus appliance or to replace their old, inefficient appliances with newer, more efficient models. To help accomplish this, some utilities offer appliance replacement programs for some segments of their customers, through which older model kitchen and laundry appliances are recycled and new highly efficient ENERGY STAR^® units are installed.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has been supportive of efforts by electric utilities and other entities that sponsor appliance recycling programs to ensure that the collected units are managed in an environmentally sound manner. In October 2006, the EPA launched the Responsible Appliance Disposal (“RAD”) Program, a voluntary partnership program designed to help protect the ozone layer and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Through the program, RAD partners use best practices to recover ozone-depleting chemicals and other harmful materials from old refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Because of our appliance recycling expertise, we were active participants in helping to design the RAD program and currently submit annual reports to the EPA to document the environmental benefits our utility customers that are RAD partners have achieved through their recycling programs.

In October 2009, we entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (the “Joint Venture Agreement”) with 4301 Operations, LLC (“4301”) to establish and operate a regional processing center (“RPC”). At the time of the formation of this joint venture, we believed that 4301 had significant experience in the recycling of major household appliances and, in connection therewith, they contributed their then existing business and equipment to the joint venture. Under the Joint Venture Agreement, the parties formed a new entity known as ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (“AAP”) in which each party had a 50% interest. In connection with the formation of the joint venture, we contributed $2.0 million to the joint venture. The joint venture commenced operations on February 8, 2010. On August 15, 2017, ARCA entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement with 4301 and sold its 50% joint venture interest in AAP to 4301 in consideration of $800,000 in cash. The gain recorded by ARCA was $81,000.  On the same date and in a separate related transaction, ARCA entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Recleim PA, LLC, and the other parties thereto. Under the agreement, ARCA agreed to license certain intellectual property under patent No. 8,931,289 to Recleim PA, LLC for use at 4301 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA or any successor facility within 15 miles where Recleim PA, LLC conducts business. On August 15, 2017 Recleim PA, LLC (1) paid in full all AAP indebtedness owed to BB&T Bank in the amount of $3,454,000, (2) terminated and released all security interests in AAP and ARCA’s equipment as part of Recleim PA LLC’s purchase of certain equipment and assets from AAP on the same date, and, (3) Recleim PA LLC assumed approximately $768,000 in AAP liabilities and all of ARCA’s liabilities to Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc., dba GE Appliances (“GEA”).

Our wholly-owned subsidiaries in our Recycling segment include, ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, formed in September 2006, ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, formed in November 1991, and Customer Connexx, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company formed in October 2016, which provides call center services for recycling business.  

Technology

On August 18, 2017, in a move to diversify our offering beyond our then current appliance recycling capabilities, the Company acquired GeoTraq by way of merger. As a result of this transaction, GeoTraq became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In connection with this transaction, the Company tendered to the owners of GeoTraq $200,000, issued to them an aggregate of 288,588 shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock valued at $14,963,288 inclusive of the beneficial conversion feature, and entered into one-year unsecured promissory notes for an aggregate original principal amount of $800,000. These unsecured promissory notes have been repaid in full. In addition, there was $10,133,366 deferred tax liability associated with the purchase of the intangible assets of GeoTraq. The total value of the intangible assets purchased was $26,096,654 including the deferred tax liability. See “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters – Beneficial Ownership of Series A Preferred Stock.”

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GeoTraq is a Mobile Internet of Things (“IoT”) technology company that designs innovative wireless modules that provide Location Based Services (“LBS”) and connect external sensors to the IoT. GeoTraq is planning to manufacture and sell wireless transceiver modules and subscription services that will allow connectivity using publicly available global Mobile IoT networks. GeoTraq addresses the large LBS market segment that is currently under served with existing solutions due to high deployment costs (hardware, service, logistics), limited battery life and large form factor. We believe that there is a large under-served portion of the LBS market that is not addressed by existing solutions. RFID and Wi-Fi require close proximity for asset tracking, while GPS is too bulky and power hungry for many needs. GeoTraq addresses the white space in-between by designing wireless transceiver modules with technology that provides LBS directly from global Mobile IoT networks. GeoTraq’s technology allows for a substantially lower cost solution, extended service life, a small form factor and even disposable devices, which we believe can significantly reduce return logistics costs.

GeoTraq applied for and was granted Patent No. 10,182,402 which covers various aspects of operation of their Mobile IoT wireless modules. A description of the patent features include:

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With the GeoTraq acquisition, we expect to have the ability to deploy IoT devices to locate, monitor and track the movement of inventory and other assets and monitor connected sensors.

We believe that there is a large under-served portion of the LBS market that is not addressed by existing solutions. RFID and Wi-Fi require close proximity for asset tracking, while GPS is too bulky and power hungry for many needs. GeoTraq addresses the white space in-between by designing wireless transceiver modules with technology that provides LBS directly from global Mobile IoT networks. GeoTraq’s technology allows for a substantially lower cost solution, extended service life, a small form factor and even disposable devices, which we believe can significantly reduce return logistics costs.

Our GeoTraq subsidiary has not generated any revenue to date, including in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.

Recent Developments

As of the date of this Form 10-K, in an effort to manage its financial position and further preserve financial flexibility and longevity, the Company has temporarily closed its corporate office and call center, and idled all of its recycling processing centers in the United States and Canada.  Existing employees are permitted to work from home to the extent that they are able to do so.  As of date of this Form 10-K, since January 1, 2020, the Company has laid off 112 of its 208 employees.  The Company intends to inform its landlords that it will not pay rent for April 2020 and plans to evaluate whether it will pay rent for future months based on how events surrounding the COVID-19 virus evolve, including government actions, declarations, and other orders, and any other government actions to financially assist businesses such as ARCA Recycling.  The Company’s recycling business continues to operate and serve its customers on a scaled down basis with on curb pick up where legally allowed to do so.  All of the Company’s replacement programs have been temporarily suspended until the Company is authorized to resume the programs by its customers.

Customers and Source of Supply

Biotechnology:  Our biotechnology business sources its active pharmaceutical ingredient (the “API”) from a third-party pharmaceutical company.

Recycling: We contract with utility companies or their program administrators and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs to provide a full range of appliance recycling and replacement services to help them achieve their energy savings goals. The contracts usually have terms of one to three years, with provisions for renewal at the option of the utility. Under some contracts, we manage all aspects, including advertising of the appliance recycling or replacement program. Under other contracts, we provide only specified services, such as collection and recycling.

Our contracts with utility customers prohibit us from repairing and selling appliances or appliance parts we receive through their programs. We have instituted tracking and auditing procedures to assure our customers that those appliances do not return to use.

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Our pricing for energy efficiency program contracts is generally on a per-appliance basis and depends upon several factors, including:

GeoTraq: GeoTraq currently has no customers. GeoTraq sources its raw materials, including electronic chips, computers and software from various third parties. GeoTraq is dependent on a single supplier for its modules.

Principal Products and Services

At December 28, 2019, we generated revenues from two sources: recycling and byproduct. Recycling revenues were generated by charging fees for collecting and recycling appliances for utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs and through the sale of new ENERGY STAR^® appliances to utility companies for installation in the homes of a specific segment of their customers. Byproduct revenues were generated by selling scrap materials, such as metal and plastics, from appliances we collected and recycled.

During fiscal year 2019, we operated three reportable segments: biotechnology, recycling, and technology. During fiscal year 2018, we operated two reportable segments: recycling, and technology (commencing on August 18, 2017).   Our recycling segment includes all fees charged for collecting, recycling and installing appliances for utilities and other customers and includes byproduct revenue, which is generated primarily through the recycling of appliances. Our technology segment is engaged in the development, design and, ultimately, we expect the sale of, cellular transceiver modules, also known as Mobile IoT modules.

Seasonality

Promotional activities for programs in which the utility sponsor conducts all advertising are generally strong during the second and third calendar quarters, leading to higher customer demand for services during that time period.  As a result, we experience a surge in business during the second and third calendar quarters, which generally declines through the fourth and first calendar quarters until advertising activities resume.

Neither our biotechnology nor technology segments had any customers at December 28, 2019.

Competition

Biotechnology

To the Company’s knowledge, there are no drugs specifically indicated for PAD-associated pain.  The Company is aware that pentoxifylline is indicated “for the treatment of patients with intermittent claudication on the basis of chronic occlusive arterial disease of the limbs.”  In addition, ibuprofen and opioids may also be used to treat PAD.

Recycling:

Many factors, including obtaining adequate resources to create and support the infrastructure required to operate large-scale appliance recycling and replacement programs, affect competition in the industry. We generally compete for contracts with several other appliance recycling businesses, energy services management companies, and new-appliance retailers. We also compete with small hauling or recycling companies based in the program’s service territory. Many of these companies, including used-appliance dealers that call themselves “appliance recyclers,” resell in the secondary market a percentage of the used appliances they accept for recycling. The unsalable units may

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not be properly processed to remove environmentally harmful materials because these companies do not have the capability to offer the full range of services we provide.

We expect our primary competition for appliance recycling and replacement contracts with existing and new customers to come from a variety of sources, including:

In addition, utility companies and other customers may choose to provide all or some of the services required to operate their appliance recycling and replacement programs internally rather than contracting with outside vendors. We have no assurance that we will be able to compete profitably in any of our chosen markets.

Technology

GeoTraq plans on operating in an industry segment that is made of numerous competing technologies designed to connect devices to the IoT. The business’s wireless solution uses IoT based on LTE CAT-M and the newly released NB-IoT protocols that were defined in the GSMA’s (Groupe Speciale Mobile Association) 3GPP Release 13 standard. The Mobile IoT industry utilizes radio spectrum that is licensed to wireless carries by various governmental regulatory agencies around the world. Mobile IoT is extremely competitive and constantly changing as carriers, manufacturers and solution providers offer innovation to the IoT marketplace. GeoTraq believes there is a large under-served opportunity for “Simple IoT” solutions that significantly reduce the complexity, cycle time and cost of deploying LBS and sensor monitoring solutions. The company’s transceiver modules and associated wireless connectivity subscription service is specifically targeted at accomplishing these objectives.

Government Regulation

Biotechnology

Pharmaceutical companies are subject to extensive regulation by foreign, federal, state, and local agencies, such as the FDA, and various similar agencies in most countries worldwide. The manufacture, distribution, marketing, and sale of pharmaceutical products are subject to government regulation in the U.S. and various foreign countries. Additionally, in the U.S., we must follow rules and regulations established by the FDA requiring the presentation of data indicating that our product candidates are safe and efficacious and are manufactured in accordance with cGMP regulations. If we do not comply with applicable requirements, we may be fined, the government may refuse to approve our marketing applications or allow us to manufacture or market our product candidates, and we may be criminally prosecuted. We, our manufacturers and clinical research organizations may also be subject to regulations under other foreign, federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act and import, export and customs regulations as well as the laws and regulations of other countries. The U.S. government has increased its enforcement activity regarding illegal marketing practices domestically and internationally. As a result, pharmaceutical companies must ensure their compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and federal healthcare fraud and abuse laws, including the False Claims Act.

These regulatory requirements impact our operations and differ from one country to another, so that securing the applicable regulatory approvals of one country does not imply the approval of another country. The approval procedures involve high costs and are manpower intensive, usually extend over many years and require highly skilled and professional resources.

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FDA Market Approval Process

The steps usually required to be taken before a new drug may be marketed in the U.S. generally include:

Clinical studies are conducted under protocols detailing, among other things, the objectives of the study, what types of patients may enter the study, schedules of tests and procedures, drugs, dosages, and length of study, as well as the parameters to be used in monitoring safety, and the efficacy criteria to be evaluated. A protocol for each clinical study and any subsequent protocol amendments must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND process.

Clinical trials are usually conducted in three phases. Phase I clinical trials are normally conducted in small groups of healthy volunteers to assess safety and tolerability of various dosing regimens and pharmacokinetics. After a safe dose has been established, in Phase II clinical trials the drug is administered to small populations of sick patients to look for initial signs of efficacy via dose ranging studies in treating the targeted disease or condition and to continue to assess safety and the effective doses to be studied in larger trials in Phase III. In the case of vaccines, the participants are healthy and the signs of efficacy can be obtained in early Phase I, therefore this Phase is defined as Phase I/II. Phase III clinical trials are usually multi-center, double-blind controlled trials in hundreds or even thousands of subjects at various sites to assess as fully as possible both the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s good clinical practice requirements. The FDA may order the temporary or permanent discontinuation of a clinical study at any time or impose other sanctions if it believes that the clinical study is not being conducted in accordance with FDA requirements or that the participants are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. An institutional review board, or IRB, generally must approve the clinical trial design and patient informed consent at study sites that the IRB oversees and also may halt a study, either temporarily or permanently, for failure to comply with the IRB’s requirements, or may impose other conditions. Additionally, some clinical studies are overseen by an independent group of qualified experts organized by the clinical study sponsor, known as a data safety monitoring board or committee. This group recommends whether or not a trial may move forward at designated check points based on access to certain data from the study. The clinical study sponsor may also suspend or terminate a clinical trial based on evolving business objectives and/or competitive climate.

As a product candidate moves through the clinical testing phases, manufacturing processes are further defined, refined, controlled and validated. The level of control and validation required by the FDA increases as clinical studies progress. We and the third-party manufacturers on which we rely for the manufacture of our product candidate and its components (including the API) are subject to requirements that drugs be manufactured, packaged and labeled in conformity with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMPs”). To comply with cGMP requirements, manufacturers must continue to spend time, money and effort to meet requirements relating to personnel, facilities, equipment, production and process, labeling and packaging, quality control, recordkeeping and other requirements.

Assuming completion of all required testing in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements, detailed information on the product candidate is submitted to the FDA in the form of an NDA, requesting approval to market the product for one or more indications, together with payment of a user fee, unless waived. An NDA includes all relevant data available from pertinent nonclinical and clinical studies, including negative or ambiguous results as

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well as positive findings, together with detailed information on the chemistry, manufacture, controls and proposed labeling, among other things. To support marketing approval, the data submitted must be sufficient in quality and quantity to establish the safety and efficacy of the product candidate for its intended use to the satisfaction of the FDA. The FDA also conducts a pre-approval inspection of the manufacturer and laboratory prior to approval of the NDA.

If an NDA submission is accepted for filing, the FDA begins an in-depth review of the NDA. Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, the FDA’s goal is to complete its initial review and respond to the applicant within ten months of submission, unless the application relates to an unmet medical need, or is for a serious or life-threatening indication, in which case the goal may be within six months of NDA submission. However, PDUFA goal dates are not legal mandates and the FDA response often occurs several months beyond the original PDUFA goal date. Further, the review process and the target response date under PDUFA may be extended if the FDA requests or the NDA sponsor otherwise provides additional information or clarification regarding information already provided in the NDA. The NDA review process can, accordingly, be very lengthy. During its review of an NDA, the FDA may refer the application to an advisory committee for review, evaluation and recommendation as to whether the application should be approved. The FDA is not bound by the recommendation of an advisory committee, but it typically follows such recommendations. Data from clinical studies are not always conclusive and the FDA and/or any advisory committee it appoints may interpret data differently than the applicant.

After the FDA evaluates the NDA and inspects manufacturing facilities where the drug product and/or its API will be produced and tested, it will either approve commercial marketing of the drug product with prescribing information for specific indications or issue a complete response letter indicating that the application is not ready for approval and stating the conditions that must be met in order to secure approval of the NDA. If the complete response letter requires additional data and the applicant subsequently submits that data, the FDA nevertheless may ultimately decide that the NDA does not satisfy its criteria for approval. The FDA could also approve the NDA with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS, plan to mitigate risks, which could include medication guides, physician communication plans, or elements to assure safe use, such as restricted distribution methods, patient registries and other risk minimization tools. The FDA also may condition approval on, among other things, changes to proposed labeling, development of adequate controls and specifications, or a commitment to conduct post-marketing testing. Such post-marketing testing may include Phase IV clinical trials and surveillance to further assess and monitor the product’s safety and efficacy after approval. Regulatory approval of products for serious or life-threatening indications may require that participants in clinical studies be followed for long periods to determine the overall survival benefit of the drug.

If the FDA approves our product candidate, we will be required to comply with a number of post-approval regulatory requirements. We would be required to report, among other things, certain adverse reactions and production problems to the FDA, provide updated safety and efficacy information and comply with requirements concerning advertising and promotional labeling for our product candidate. Also, quality control and manufacturing procedures must continue to conform to cGMPs after approval, and the FDA periodically inspects manufacturing facilities to assess compliance with cGMPs, which imposes extensive procedural, substantive and record keeping requirements. If we seek to make certain changes to an approved product, such as certain manufacturing changes, we may need FDA review and approval before the change can be implemented.

While physicians may use products for indications that have not been approved by the FDA, we may not label or promote the product for an indication that has not been approved. Securing FDA approval for new indications is similar to the process for approval of the original indication and requires, among other things, submitting data from adequate and well-controlled studies that demonstrate the product’s safety and efficacy in the new indication. Even if such studies are conducted, the FDA may not approve any change in a timely fashion, or at all.

The FDA may also require post-marketing testing, or Phase IV testing, as well as risk minimization action plans and surveillance to monitor the effects of an approved product or place conditions or an approval that could otherwise restrict the distribution or use of the product.

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Section 505(b)(2) New Drug Applications

We intend to submit an application for our product candidate via the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. As an alternate path for FDA approval of new indications or new formulations of previously-approved products, a company may file a Section 505(b)(2) NDA, instead of a “stand-alone” or “full” NDA. Section 505(b)(2) of the FDCA was enacted as part of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, otherwise known as the Hatch-Waxman Amendments. Section 505(b)(2) permits the submission of an NDA where at least some of the information required for approval comes from studies not conducted by or for the applicant and for which the applicant has not obtained a right of reference. Some examples of products that may be allowed to follow a 505(b)(2) path to approval are drugs that have a new dosage form, strength, route of administration, formulation or indication.

The Hatch-Waxman Amendments permit the applicant to rely upon certain published nonclinical or clinical studies conducted for an approved product or the FDA’s conclusions from prior review of such studies. The FDA may require companies to perform additional studies or measurements to support any changes from the approved product. The FDA may then approve the new product for all or some of the labeled indications for which the reference product has been approved, as well as for any new indication supported by the Section 505(b)(2) application. While references to nonclinical and clinical data not generated by the applicant or for which the applicant does not have a right of reference are allowed, all development, process, stability, qualification and validation data related to the manufacturing and quality of the new product must be included in an NDA submitted under Section 505(b)(2).

To the extent that the Section 505(b)(2) applicant is relying on the FDA’s conclusions regarding studies conducted for an already approved product, the applicant is required to certify to the FDA concerning any patents listed for the approved product in the FDA’s Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, or Orange Book. Specifically, the applicant must certify that: (i) the required patent information has not been filed; (ii) the listed patent has expired; (iii) the listed patent has not expired, but will expire on a particular date and approval is sought after patent expiration; or (iv) the listed patent is invalid or will not be infringed by the new product. The Section 505(b)(2) application also will not be approved until any non-patent exclusivity, such as exclusivity for obtaining approval of a new chemical entity, listed in the Orange Book for the reference product has expired. If the Orange Book certifications outlined above are not accomplished, the Section 505(b)(2) applicant may invest a significant amount of time and expense in the development of its products only to be subject to significant delay and patent litigation before its products may be commercialized.

Continuing Regulation

After a drug is approved for marketing and enters the marketplace, numerous regulatory requirements continue to apply. These include, but are not limited to:

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Other U.S. Healthcare Laws and Compliance Requirements

For products distributed in the United States, we will also be subject to additional healthcare regulation and enforcement by the federal government and the states in which we conduct our business. Applicable federal and state healthcare laws and regulations include the following:

Reimbursement

Sales of our product candidate in the United States may depend, in part, on the extent to which the costs of the product candidate will be covered by third-party payers, such as government health programs, commercial insurance and managed health care organizations. These third-party payers are increasingly challenging the prices charged for medical products and services. Additionally, the containment of health care costs has become a priority of federal and state governments, and the prices of drugs have been a focus in this effort. The United States government, state

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legislatures and foreign governments have shown significant interest in implementing cost-containment programs, including price controls, restrictions on reimbursement and requirements for substitution of generic products. Adoption of price controls and cost-containment measures, and adoption of more restrictive policies in jurisdictions with existing controls and measures, could further limit our net revenue and results. If these third-party payers do not consider our product candidate to be cost-effective compared to other available therapies, they may not cover our product candidate after approval as a benefit under their plans or, if they do, the level of payment may not be sufficient to allow us to sell our product candidate on a profitable basis.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “MMA”), imposes new requirements for the distribution and pricing of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries and includes a major expansion of the prescription drug benefit under Medicare Part D. Under Part D, Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in prescription drug plans offered by private entities which will provide coverage of outpatient prescription drugs. Part D plans include both stand-alone prescription drug benefit plans and prescription drug coverage as a supplement to Medicare Advantage plans. Unlike Medicare Parts A and B, Part D coverage is not standardized. Part D prescription drug plan sponsors are not required to pay for all covered Part D drugs, and each drug plan can develop its own drug formulary that identifies which drugs it will cover and at what tier or level. However, Part D prescription drug formularies must include drugs within each therapeutic category and class of covered Part D drugs, though not necessarily all the drugs in each category or class. Any formulary used by a Part D prescription drug plan must be developed and reviewed by a pharmacy and therapeutic committee. Government payment for some of the costs of prescription drugs may increase demand for product candidates for which we receive marketing approval. However, any negotiated prices for our product candidates covered by a Part D prescription drug plan will likely be lower than the prices we might otherwise obtain. Moreover, while the MMA applies only to drug benefits for Medicare beneficiaries, private payers often follow Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own payment rates. Any reduction in payment that results from the MMA may result in a similar reduction in payments from non-governmental payers.

On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law. This law provides funding for the federal government to compare the effectiveness of different treatments for the same Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Institutes of Health, and periodic reports on the status of the research and related expenditures will be made to Congress. Although the results of the comparative effectiveness studies are not intended to mandate coverage policies for public or private payers, it is not clear how such a result could be avoided and what if any effect the research will have on the sales of our product candidates, if any such product or the condition that it is intended to treat is the subject of a study. It is also possible that comparative effectiveness research demonstrating benefits in a competitor’s product could adversely affect the sales of our product candidates. Decreases in third-party reimbursement for our product candidate or a decision by a third-party payer to not cover our product candidates could reduce physician usage of the product candidate and have a material adverse effect on our sales, results of operations and financial condition.

Recycling

Federal, state, and local governments regulate appliance collection, recycling, and sales activities. While some requirements apply nationwide, others vary by market. The many laws and regulations that affect appliance recycling include landfill disposal restrictions, hazardous waste management requirements and air quality standards. For example, the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act prohibit the venting of all Refrigerants while servicing or disposing of appliances.

Each of our recycling facilities maintains the appropriate registrations, permits and licenses for operating at its location. We register our recycling centers as hazardous waste generators with the EPA and obtain all appropriate regional and local licenses for managing hazardous wastes. Licensed hazardous waste companies transport and recycle or dispose of the hazardous materials we generate. Our collection vehicles and our transportation employees are required to comply with all U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) licensing requirements.

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Approximately thirty of ARCA Recycling’s clients participate in the EPA’s voluntary RAD program by committing to employing best environmental practices to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases through the proper disposal of refrigeration appliances at end of life. We prepare annual RAD reports quantifying the materials collected to submit to EPA on behalf of our clients.

Although we believe that further governmental regulation of the appliance recycling industry could have a positive effect on us, we cannot predict the direction of future legislation. Under some circumstances, for example, further regulation could materially increase our operational costs or reduce environmental requirements for disposing of appliances at end of life. In addition, under some circumstances we may be subject to contingent liabilities because we handle hazardous materials. We believe we are in compliance with all government regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials, and we have environmental insurance to mitigate the impact of any potential contingent liability.

Technology

GeoTraq’s Mobile IoT modules utilize low power wireless transmitters the emit RF energy waves, which are subject to regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and may be subject to regulation by other domestic and international agencies. GeoTraq believes that FCC rules Part 15, Part 20, Part 22, Part 24 and Part 27 may apply to the company’s products. GeoTraq believes that its products are safe and will utilize FCC accredited testing laboratories to verify and certify that the company’s modules comply with all required regulatory requirements. In addition, GeoTraq intends to seek and obtain necessary licenses and permits from the FCC and other regulatory agencies as required by law.

Employees

On December 28, 2019, we had 208 employees, of which 199 were full-time employees.

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below with respect to an investment in our shares. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, operating results or cash provided by operations could be materially harmed. As a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you might lose all or part of your investment. When evaluating an investment in our common stock, you should also refer to the other information in this Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes.

Risks Relating to Our Business Generally

Our results of operations may be negatively impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

In December 2019, the 2019 novel coronavirus surfaced in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization declared a global emergency on January 30, 2020, with respect to the outbreak and several countries, including the United States, Japan and Australia have initiated travel restrictions to and from China. The impacts of the outbreak are unknown and rapidly evolving.

The widespread health crisis has adversely affected the global economy, resulting in an economic downturn that could impact demand for our products.

To date, the outbreak has started to have a material adverse impact on our operations. For example, several customers in our appliance recycling and appliance replacement business have suspended our ability to pick up and or replace their customers’ appliances resulting in decreased revenues for both recycling and replacement business.  The future impact of the outbreak is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted and there is no assurance that the outbreak will not have a material adverse impact on the future results of the Company. The extent of the impact, if any, will depend on future developments, including actions taken to contain the coronavirus.

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We could incur charges due to impairment of long-lived assets.

At December 28, 2019, we had long-lived asset balances of approximately $20 million, which are subject to periodic testing for impairment. A significant amount of judgment is involved in the periodic testing. Failure to achieve sufficient levels of cash flow within our GeoTraq business, or sales of our branded products or cash flow generated from operations at individual store locations could result in impairment charges for intangible or long-lived assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations. Impairment charges, if any, resulting from the periodic testing are non-cash. A significant decline in the property fair values could result in long-lived asset impairment charges. A significant and sustained decline in our stock price could result in intangible and long-lived asset impairment charges. During times of financial market volatility, significant judgment is used to determine the underlying cause of the decline and whether stock price declines are short-term in nature or indicative of an event or change in circumstances. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

If we fail to implement our business strategy or if our business strategy is ineffective, our financial performance could be materially and adversely affected.

Our future financial performance and success are dependent in large part upon the effectiveness of our business strategy and our ability to implement our business strategy successfully. Implementation of our strategy will require effective management of our operational, financial and human resources and will place significant demands on those resources.

There are risks involved in pursuing our strategy, including the following:

In addition to the risks set forth above, effectiveness of and the successful implementation of our business strategy could also be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, such as increased competition, legal developments, government regulation, general economic conditions, increased operating costs or expenses and changes in industry trends. We may decide to alter or discontinue certain aspects of our business strategy at any time. If we are not able to implement our business strategy successfully, our long-term growth and profitability may be adversely affected. Even if we are able to implement some or all of the initiatives of our business strategy successfully, our operating results may not improve and could decline substantially.

A cybersecurity incident could negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers.

We use computers and transact, receive, transmit and store electronic data in substantially all aspects of our business operations. We also use mobile devices, social networking and other online activities to communicate with our employees and our customers. Such uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, espionage, system disruption, theft and inadvertent release of information. Our business involves the storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/or confidential information, including customers’ personal information, private information about employees, and financial and strategic information about the Company and its business partners. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Additionally, while we have implemented measures to prevent security breaches and cyber incidents, our preventative measures and incident response efforts may not be entirely effective. The theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information or intellectual property, or interference with our information technology systems or the technology systems of third parties on which we rely, could result in business disruption, negative publicity, brand damage, violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, potential liability and competitive disadvantage.

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There is no guarantee that the procedures that we have implemented to protect against unauthorized access to secured data are adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches. Any such compromise of our security or the security of information residing with our business associates or third parties could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and may expose us to material costs, penalties, compensation claims, lost sales, fines and lawsuits. In addition, any compromise of our data security may materially increase the costs we incur to protect against such breaches and could subject us to additional legal risk.

Failure to effectively manage our costs could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

Certain elements of our cost structure are largely fixed in nature. The negative impact of not renewing existing or securing new contracts on our business could make it more challenging for us to maintain or increase our operating income. The competitiveness in our industries and increasing price pressures and transparency means that the focus on achieving efficient operations is greater than ever. As a result, we must continuously focus on achieving new contracts and managing our cost structure. Failure to manage our labor and benefit rates, operating leases, other facility expenses or indirect spending could materially adversely affect our profitability.

Any failure of our information technology infrastructure or management information systems could cause a disruption in our business and our results of operations could be materially adversely impacted.

Our ability to operate our business from day to day largely depends on the efficient operation of our information technology infrastructure and management information systems. We use our management information systems to conduct our operations and plan critical corporate and business functions, including recycling operations, sales management, supply chain and inventory management, financial reporting and accounting, delivery and other customer services and various administrative functions. Our systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes and hurricanes, and usage errors by our employees. Operating legacy systems subject us to inherent costs and risks associated with maintaining, upgrading and replacing these systems and retaining sufficiently skilled personnel to maintain and operate the systems which may also place demands on management time, as well as create other risks and costs. Any failure that is not covered by our disaster recovery plan could cause an interruption in our operations and adversely affect our results of operations.

We are subject to risks associated with leasing substantial amounts of space, including future increases in occupancy costs.

We lease our corporate headquarters and recycling centers. Our continued growth and success depend in part on our ability to locate desirable property for new recycling centers and renew leases for existing locations. Because there is no assurance that we will be able to locate acceptable real estate for new recycling centers, or re-negotiate leases for existing locations at similar or favorable terms at the end of the lease term, we could be forced to move or exit a market if another favorable arrangement cannot be made. Furthermore, a significant rise in real estate prices or real property taxes could result in an increase in lease expense as we open new locations and renew leases for existing locations, thereby negatively impacting the Company's results of operations. The inability of the Company to renew, extend or replace expiring leases could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

We depend on cash flow from operations to pay our lease expenses. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities to fund these expenses, we may not be able to service our lease expenses, which could materially harm our business.

If an existing recycling center is not profitable, and we decide to close it, we may nonetheless be committed to perform our obligations under the applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term. Moreover, even if a lease has an early cancellation clause, we may not satisfy the contractual requirements for early cancellation under that lease. Our inability to enter into new leases or renew existing leases on terms acceptable to us or be released from our obligations under leases for recycling centers that we close could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.

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We have identified and disclosed in this Form 10-K material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are not able to remediate these material weaknesses and maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial results, which could cause our stock price to fall or result in our stock being delisted.  

We need to devote significant resources and time to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) with respect to internal control over financial reporting. In addition, Section 404 under Sarbanes-Oxley requires that we assess the design and operating effectiveness of our controls over financial reporting, which are necessary for us to provide reliable and accurate financial reports.

As reported in Part II – Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, there were material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting at December 28, 2019. Specifically, management noted material weaknesses in internal control when conducting their evaluation of internal control as of December 28, 2019. (1) Insufficient information technology general controls (“ITGC”) and segregation of duties. It was noted that people who were negotiating a contract, were also involved in approving invoices without proper oversight. Additional controls and procedures are necessary and are being implemented to have check and balance on significant transactions and governance with those charged with governance authority. (2) Inadequate control design or lack of sufficient controls over significant accounting processes. The cutoff and reconciliation procedures were not effective with certain accrued and deferred expenses. (3) Insufficient assessment of the impact of potentially significant transactions, and (4) Insufficient processes and procedures related to proper recordkeeping of agreements and contracts. In addition, contract to invoice reconciliation was not effective with certain transportation service providers. As part of its remediation plan, processes and procedures have been implemented to help ensure accruals and invoices are reviewed for accuracy and properly recorded in the appropriate period.

We expect our systems and controls to become increasingly complex to the extent that we integrate acquisitions and as our business grows. To effectively manage our company today and this anticipated complexity, we need to remediate these material weaknesses and continue to improve our operational, financial, and management controls and our reporting systems and procedures. Any failure to remediate these material weaknesses and implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation or operation of these controls, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations, which could adversely affect our business and jeopardize our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, either of which would harm our stock price.

Risks Relating to Our Biotechnology Segment

Our biotechnology business has a limited operating history.

Our biotechnology business was started in September 2019 and has limited operating history. We have not commenced revenue-producing operations. To date, our biotechnology-related operations have consisted of preliminary research and development, and characterization and testing of SR TV1001, our initial product candidate. Our limited operating history makes it difficult for potential investors to evaluate our technology or the prospective operations of our biotechnology business. Because our biotechnology business is in the development stage, , we are subject to all the risks inherent in the organization, financing, expenditures, complications, and delays involved with such a business. Accordingly, you should consider the prospects of our biotechnology business in light of the costs, uncertainties, delays and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stages of development, especially clinical-stage biopharmaceutical businesses such as ours. Potential investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties that a biotechnology business with a limited operating history faces. In particular, potential investors should consider that we may be unable to:

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Investors should evaluate an investment in us in light of the uncertainties encountered by developing biotechnology businesses in a competitive environment. There can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful. If we cannot successfully execute any one of the foregoing, our business may not succeed and your investment will be adversely affected.  You must be prepared to lose all of your investment.

We expect we will need additional financing to execute our biotechnology business plan and fund the operations of our biotechnology business, which additional financing may not be available on reasonable terms or at all.

As of December 28, 2019, we had total assets of $29 million and negative working capital of $8.7 million. As of December 28, 2019, our liquidity included $481 thousand of cash and cash equivalents. We believe that we will require a significant amount of capital, in addition to our cash on hand, in order to fund the development of our initial product candidate, SR TV1001, through the completion of its Phase IIb/IIIa studies, respectively.  However, as of the date of this Form 10-K, we believe that we will need additional capital to obtain marketing approval for SR TV1001, assuming such approval can be obtained at all.  We intend to seek additional funds through various financing sources, including the potential sale of our recycling business and the sale of our equity securities. However, there can be no guarantees that such funds will be available on terms that we deem reasonable, if at all. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, we may be unable to further pursue our business plan and we may be unable to continue operations, in which case you may lose your entire investment.  

Our business model is entirely dependent on certain patent rights licensed to us from the Licensors (as defined below), and the loss of those license rights would, in all likelihood, cause our business, as presently contemplated, to fail.

In November 2019, UAB Research Foundation (“UABRF”), TheraVasc, Inc. (“TheraVasc”), and the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, acting on behalf of LSU Health Sciences Center at Shreveport (“LSU Health Shreveport”, together with UABRF and TheraVasc, the “Licensors”), granted us an exclusive worldwide, royalty bearing license to the patent rights for SR TV1001 in the negotiated fields of use. The patent license agreement requires us to pay royalties and milestone payments and conform to a variety of covenants and agreements, and in the event of our breach of the agreement, the Licensors may elect to terminate the agreement. As of the date of this Form 10-K, we believe we are in compliance with the patent license agreement and consider our relationship with the Licensors to be excellent.

We currently have no sales and marketing organization. If we are unable to establish satisfactory sales and marketing capabilities or secure a third-party sales and marketing relationship, we may not be able to successfully commercialize any of our product candidates.

At present, we have no sales or marketing personnel. Upon and subject to initial receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals for our drug product, we intend to commercialize our drug products through a combination of our internal direct sales force, third-party marketing and distribution relationships. In some cases, we may pursue the licensing of our SR TV1001 technology or enter into a joint development arrangement. If we are not successful in recruiting sales and marketing personnel and building a sales and marketing infrastructure or entering into appropriate collaboration arrangements with third parties, we will have difficulty successfully commercializing our product candidates, which would adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

Even if we enter into third-party marketing and distribution arrangements, we may have limited or no control over the sales, marketing and distribution activities of these third parties. Our future revenues may depend heavily on the success of the efforts of these third parties. In terms of establishing a sales and marketing infrastructure, we will

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have to compete with established and well-funded pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to recruit, hire, train and retain sales and marketing personnel. Factors that may inhibit our efforts to build an internal sales organization or enter into collaboration arrangements with third parties include:

We will be completely dependent on third parties to manufacture our product candidate, and the commercialization of our product candidate could be halted, delayed, or made less profitable if those third parties fail to obtain manufacturing approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, fail to provide us with sufficient quantities of our product candidates or fail to do so at acceptable quality levels or prices.

We do not currently have, nor do we plan to acquire, the capability or infrastructure to manufacture our drug candidate for use in our clinical trials or for commercial sales, if any. As a result, we will be obligated to rely on contract manufacturers, when we conduct clinical trials and if and when any of our product candidates are approved for commercialization. In January 2020, we entered into a Master Agreement for Development, Manufacturing and Supply with CoreRx Inc. (“CoreRx”), pursuant to which CoreRx has agreed to provide to us certain product testing, development, and clinical manufacturing services. We have not entered into agreements with any contract manufacturers for commercial supply and may not be able to engage contract manufacturers for commercial supply of any of our product candidates on favorable terms to us, or at all, should the need arise.

In a previous clinical trial, the manufacture of SR TV1001 by a different manufacturing company resulted in product that demonstrated initial instability that led to the product being out-of-specification.  While the FDA allowed the trial to continue, there is no guarantee that if the product manufactured by CoreRx is similarly unstable, the FDA will allow us to continue to develop the product.  Even if the product manufactured by CoreRx is stable, the FDA may require additional studies to confirm the stability of the product, increasing development cost and times.

The facilities used by CoreRx to manufacture our product candidate must be approved by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities. Such approvals are subject to inspections that will be conducted after we submit a NDA or Biologics License Application (“BLA”) to the FDA or their equivalents to other relevant regulatory authorities. We will not control the manufacturing process of our product candidates and will be completely dependent on our contract manufacturing partners for compliance with cGMPs, for manufacture of both active drug substances and finished drug products. These cGMP regulations cover all aspects of the manufacturing, testing, quality control, storage, distribution and record keeping relating to our product candidates. If our contract manufacturers do not successfully manufacture material that conforms to our specifications and the strict regulatory requirements of the FDA or others, we will not be able to secure or maintain regulatory approval for product made at their manufacturing facilities. If the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority does not approve these facilities for the manufacture of our product candidates or if it withdraws any such approval in the future, we may need to find alternative manufacturing facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to develop, manufacture, obtain regulatory approval for or market our product candidates, if approved. Likewise, we could be negatively impacted if any of our contract manufacturers elect to discontinue their business relationship with us.

Our contract manufacturer will be subject to ongoing periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and corresponding state and foreign agencies for compliance with cGMPs and similar regulatory requirements. We will not have control over our contract manufacturer’s compliance with these regulations and standards. Failure by our contract manufacturer to comply with applicable regulations could result in sanctions being imposed on us, including fines, injunctions, civil penalties, failure to grant approval to market our product candidate, delays, suspensions or withdrawals of approvals, inability to supply product, operating restrictions and criminal prosecutions, any of which could significantly and adversely affect our biotechnology business. In addition, we will not have control over the ability of our contract manufacturer to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance

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and qualified personnel. Failure by our contract manufacturer to comply with or maintain any of these standards could adversely affect our ability to develop, manufacture, obtain regulatory approval for or market our product candidate, if approved.

Our manufacturer must obtain the active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, from a third party.  A number of groups manufacturer our API, however, some of these are manufactured as a food product, and others, while manufactured under GMP do not have the required Drug Master File on file with the FDA.  We may be required to work with the API manufacturer to file the appropriate documents and there is no guarantee that the FDA will approve the filing.  This could necessitate additional funding to hire an API manufacturer and produce the product under GMP with all necessary filings.

If, for any reason, these third parties are unable or unwilling to perform, we may not be able to locate alternative manufacturers or formulators or enter into favorable agreements with them and we cannot be certain that any such third parties will have the manufacturing capacity to meet future requirements. If these manufacturers or any alternate manufacturer of finished drug product experiences any significant difficulties in its respective manufacturing processes for APIs, or finished products or should cease doing business with us for any reason, we could experience significant interruptions in the supply of any of our product candidates or may not be able to create a supply of our product candidates at all. Were we to encounter manufacturing difficulties, our ability to produce a sufficient supply of any of our product candidates might be negatively affected. Our inability to coordinate the efforts of our third-party manufacturing partners, or the lack of capacity available at our third-party manufacturing partners, could impair our ability to supply any of our product candidates at required levels. Because of the significant regulatory requirements that we would need to satisfy in order to qualify a new bulk drug substance or finished product manufacturer, if we face these or other difficulties with our then current manufacturing partners, we could experience significant interruptions in the supply of any of our product candidates if we decided to transfer the manufacture of any of our product candidates to one or more alternative manufacturers in an effort to deal with such difficulties.

Any manufacturing problem or the loss of our contract manufacturer could be disruptive to our operations and result in development delays and lost sales. Additionally, we will rely on third parties to supply the raw materials needed to manufacture our product candidates. Any such reliance on suppliers may involve several risks, including a potential inability to obtain critical materials and reduced control over production costs, delivery schedules, reliability and quality. Any unanticipated disruption to the operation of one of our contract manufacturers caused by problems with suppliers could delay shipment of any of our product candidates, increase our cost of goods sold and result in lost sales.

If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we may incur substantial liabilities and may be required to limit commercialization of our product candidates.

We will face a potential risk of product liability as a result of the clinical testing of our product candidate and will face an even greater risk of such liability if we commercialize our product candidate. For example, we may be sued if any product we develop, including any of our product candidate, or any materials that we use in our product candidate, allegedly causes injury or is found to be otherwise unsuitable during product testing, manufacturing, marketing or sale. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability and a breach of warranties. In the U.S., claims could also be asserted against us under state consumer protection acts. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit commercialization of our product candidate. Even successful defense of these claims would require us to employ significant financial and management resources. Regardless of the merits or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:

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As of the date of this Form 10-K, we do not carry product liability insurance. However, we intend to obtain product liability insurance prior to clinical testing that we consider adequate for our current level of clinical testing and development. However, we will need additional product liability coverage at the time we commence commercial sale of our initial product. Our inability to obtain and retain sufficient product liability insurance at an acceptable cost to protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of products we develop. Although we will endeavor to obtain and maintain such insurance in coverage amounts we deem adequate, any claim that may be brought against us could result in a court judgment or settlement in an amount that is not covered, in whole or in part, by our insurance or that is in excess of the limits of our insurance coverage. Our insurance policies would also have various exclusions, and we may be subject to a product liability claim for which we have no coverage. As a result, we may have to pay any amounts awarded by a court or negotiated in a settlement that exceed our coverage limitations or that are not covered by our insurance, and we may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient capital to pay such amounts.

Sales of counterfeit versions of our product candidate, as well as unauthorized sales of our product candidate, may have adverse effects on our revenues, business, results of operations and damage our brand and reputation.

Our product candidate may become subject to competition from counterfeit pharmaceutical products, which are pharmaceutical products sold under the same or very similar brand names and/or having a similar appearance to genuine products, but which are sold without proper licenses or approvals. Such products divert sales from genuine products, often are of lower cost and quality (having different ingredients or formulations, for example), and have the potential to damage the reputation for quality and effectiveness of the genuine product. Obtaining regulatory approval for our product candidate is a complex and lengthy process. If during the period while the regulatory approval is pending illegal sales of counterfeit products begin, consumers may buy such counterfeit products, which could have an adverse impact on our revenues, biotechnology business and results of operations. In addition, if illegal sales of counterfeits result in adverse side effects to consumers, we may be associated with any negative publicity resulting from such incidents. Although pharmaceutical regulation, control, and enforcement systems throughout the world have been increasingly active in policing counterfeit pharmaceuticals, we may not be able to prevent third parties from manufacturing, selling or purporting to sell counterfeit products competing with our product candidate. Such sales may also be occurring without our knowledge. The existence and any increase in production or sales of counterfeit products or unauthorized sales could negatively impact our revenues, brand reputation, biotechnology business and results of operations.

The success of our biotechnology business is entirely dependent on our ability to obtain the marketing approval for our product candidate by the FDA and the regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions in which we intend to market our product candidate, of which there can be no assurance.

We are not permitted to market our product candidate as prescription pharmaceutical products in the United States until we receive approval of an NDA from the FDA, or in any foreign countries until we receive the requisite approval from such countries. In the United States, the FDA generally requires the completion of clinical trials of each drug to establish its safety and efficacy and extensive pharmaceutical development to ensure its quality before an NDA is approved. Of the large number of drugs in development, only a small percentage result in the submission of an NDA to the FDA and even fewer are eventually approved for commercialization. As of the date of this Form 10-K, we have not submitted an NDA to the FDA or comparable applications to other regulatory authorities for any of our product candidates.

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Because of the clinical trial history of SR TV1001, we believe that our initial drug product candidate will qualify for FDA approval through the FDA’s 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway and in corresponding regulatory paths in other foreign jurisdictions. Notwithstanding the use of the FDA’s 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway, we will be required to conduct Phase IIb/IIIa studies prior to filing for marketing approval of our product candidate.

Our success depends on our receipt of the regulatory approvals described above, and the issuance of such regulatory approvals is uncertain and subject to a number of risks, including the following:

The process of obtaining regulatory approvals is expensive, often takes many years, if approval is obtained at all, and can vary substantially based upon, among other things, the type, complexity, and novelty of the product candidates involved, the jurisdiction in which regulatory approval is sought and the substantial discretion of the regulatory authorities. Changes in regulatory approval policies during the development period, changes in or the enactment of additional statutes or regulations, or changes in regulatory review for a submitted product application may cause delays in the approval or rejection of an application. Regulatory approval obtained in one jurisdiction does not necessarily mean that a product candidate will receive regulatory approval in all jurisdictions in which we may seek approval, but the failure to obtain approval in one jurisdiction may negatively impact our ability to seek approval in a different jurisdiction. Failure to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidate for the foregoing, or any other reasons, will prevent us from commercializing our product candidate, and our ability to generate revenue will be materially impaired.

Clinical testing is expensive, is difficult to design and implement, can take many years to complete and is uncertain as to outcome.

Our business model depends in part on the successful development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our product candidate, which may never occur. Our product candidate is in the early stages of development and as of the date of this Form 10-K we have not progressed our product candidate beyond early clinical studies designed only to show safety and animal testing. While TheraVasc has submitted and had two INDs accepted by the FDA, it is not clear whether the INDs remain active and can be transferred to the Company.  As of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, we had requested that TheraVasc and its subsequent licensee request the INDs to be transferred by the

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FDA to the Company, however, the actual transfer is still pending. Even if the INDs are transferred to us, the FDA may still require additional work prior to re-initiation of clinical trials.  If we do not obtain such approvals to re-initiate trials as presently planned, the time in which we expect to commence clinical programs for any product candidate will be extended and such extension will increase our expenses, delay our potential receipt of any revenues, and increase our need for additional capital. Moreover, there is no guarantee that we will receive approval to commence human clinical trials or, if we do receive approval, that our clinical trials will be successful or that we will continue clinical development in support of an approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities for any indication. We note that most product candidates never reach the clinical development stage and even those that do commence clinical development have only a small chance of successfully completing clinical development and gaining regulatory approval. Success in early phases of pre-clinical and clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical trials will be successful, and interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results. A failure of one or more of our clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. We may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, the clinical trial process that could delay or prevent our ability to receive regulatory approval or commercialize our product candidates. Therefore, our business currently depends entirely on the successful development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our product candidates, which may never occur.

Even if we receive regulatory approval for our product candidate, we may not be able to successfully commercialize the product and the revenue that we generate from its sales, if any, may be limited.

If approved for marketing, the commercial success of our product candidate will depend upon the product’s acceptance by the medical community, including physicians, patients, and health care payors. The degree of market acceptance for our product candidate will depend on a number of factors, including:

If our product candidate is approved but does not achieve an adequate level of acceptance by physicians, health care payors, and patients, our biotechnology business may not generate sufficient revenue to cover costs. Our efforts to educate the medical community and third-party payors on the benefits of our product candidate may require significant resources and may never be successful.

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In addition, even if we obtain regulatory approvals, the timing or scope of any approvals may prohibit or reduce our ability to commercialize our product candidate successfully. For example, if the approval process takes too long, we may miss market opportunities and give other companies the ability to develop competing products or establish market dominance. Any regulatory approval we ultimately obtain may be limited or subject to restrictions or post-approval commitments that renders our product candidate not commercially viable. For example, regulatory authorities may approve our product candidate for fewer or more limited indications than we request, may not approve the price we intend to charge for our product candidate, may grant approval contingent on the performance of costly post-marketing clinical trials, or may approve any of our product candidates with a label that does not include the labeling claims necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of that indication. Further, the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may place conditions on approvals or require risk management plans or a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, to assure the safe use of the drug. Moreover, product approvals may be withdrawn for non-compliance with regulatory standards or if problems occur following the initial marketing of the product. Any of the foregoing scenarios could materially harm the commercial success of our product candidate.

Even if we obtain marketing approval for our product candidate, we will be subject to ongoing obligations and continued regulatory review, which may result in significant additional expense. Additionally, our product candidate could be subject to labeling and other restrictions and withdrawal from the market and we may be subject to penalties if we fail to comply with regulatory requirements or if we experience unanticipated problems with our product candidate.

Even if we obtain regulatory approval for our product candidate for an indication, the FDA or foreign equivalent may still impose significant restrictions on its indicated uses or marketing or the conditions of approval, or impose ongoing requirements for potentially costly and time-consuming post-approval studies, including Phase 4 clinical trials, and post-market surveillance to monitor safety and efficacy. Our product candidate will also be subject to ongoing regulatory requirements governing the manufacturing, labeling, packaging, storage, distribution, safety surveillance, advertising, promotion, recordkeeping and reporting of adverse events and other post-market information. These requirements include registration with the FDA, as well as continued compliance with current good clinical practices regulations for any clinical trials that we conduct post-approval. In addition, manufacturers of drug products and their facilities are subject to continual review and periodic inspections by the FDA and other regulatory authorities for compliance with current cGMPs, requirements relating to quality control, quality assurance and corresponding maintenance of records and documents.

The FDA has the authority to require a REMS as part of an NDA or after approval, which may impose further requirements or restrictions on the distribution or use of an approved drug, such as limiting prescribing to certain physicians or medical centers that have undergone specialized training, limiting treatment to patients who meet certain safe-use criteria or requiring patient testing, monitoring and/or enrollment in a registry.

With respect to sales and marketing activities related to our product candidate, advertising and promotional materials must comply with FDA rules in addition to other applicable federal, state and local laws in the United States and similar legal requirements in other countries. In the United States, the distribution of product samples to physicians must comply with the requirements of the U.S. Prescription Drug Marketing Act. Application holders must obtain FDA approval for product and manufacturing changes, depending on the nature of the change. We may also be subject, directly or indirectly through our customers and partners, to various fraud and abuse laws, including, without limitation, the U.S. Anti-Kickback Statute, U.S. False Claims Act, and similar state laws, which impact, among other things, our proposed sales, marketing, and scientific/educational grant programs. If we participate in the U.S. Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, the Federal Supply Schedule of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or other government drug programs, we will be subject to complex laws and regulations regarding reporting and payment obligations. All of these activities are also potentially subject to U.S. federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws. Similar requirements exist in many of these areas in other countries.

In addition, if our product candidate is approved for a particular indication, our product labeling, advertising and promotion would be subject to regulatory requirements and continuing regulatory review. The FDA strictly regulates the promotional claims that may be made about prescription products. In particular, a product may not be promoted for uses that are not approved by the FDA as reflected in the product’s approved labeling. If we receive marketing approval for our product candidate, physicians may nevertheless legally prescribe our product to their patients in a

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manner that is inconsistent with the approved label. If we are found to have promoted such off-label uses, we may become subject to significant liability and government fines. The FDA and other agencies actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting the promotion of off-label uses, and a company that is found to have improperly promoted off-label uses may be subject to significant sanctions. The federal government has levied large civil and criminal fines against companies for alleged improper promotion and has enjoined several companies from engaging in off-label promotion. The FDA has also requested that companies enter into consent decrees of permanent injunctions under which specified promotional conduct is changed or curtailed.

If we or a regulatory agency discover previously unknown problems with a product candidate, such as adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, problems with the facility where the product is manufactured, or we or our manufacturers fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, we may be subject to the following administrative or judicial sanctions:

The occurrence of any event or penalty described above may inhibit our ability to commercialize our product candidate and generate revenue. Adverse regulatory action, whether pre- or post-approval, can also potentially lead to product liability claims and increase our product liability exposure.

Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval of our product candidate in one jurisdiction does not mean that we will be successful in obtaining regulatory approval of our product candidate in other jurisdictions.

Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval of our product candidates in one jurisdiction does not guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain regulatory approval in any other jurisdiction, but a failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one jurisdiction may have a negative effect on the regulatory approval process in others. For example, even if the FDA grants marketing approval of a product candidate, comparable regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions must also approve the manufacturing, marketing and promotion of the product candidate in those countries. Approval procedures vary among jurisdictions and can involve requirements and administrative review periods different from those in the United States, including additional preclinical studies or clinical trials, as clinical studies conducted in one jurisdiction may not be accepted by regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions. In many jurisdictions outside the United States, a product candidate must be approved for reimbursement before it can be approved for sale in that jurisdiction. In some cases, the price that we intend to charge for our products is also subject to approval.

Obtaining foreign regulatory approvals and compliance with foreign regulatory requirements could result in significant delays, difficulties and costs for us and could delay or prevent the introduction of our product candidates in certain countries. If we fail to comply with the regulatory requirements in international markets and/ or to receive applicable marketing approvals, our target market will be reduced and our ability to realize the full market potential of our product candidate will be harmed.

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Current and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost for us to obtain marketing approval of and commercialize our product candidates and affect the prices we may obtain.

In the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay marketing approval for our product candidate, restrict or regulate post-approval activities and affect our ability to profitably sell our product candidate. Legislative and regulatory proposals have been made to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products. We do not know whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether the FDA regulations, guidance or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals of our product candidate, if any, may be. In addition, increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA’s approval process may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, as well as subject us to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements.

In the United States, the Medicare Modernization Act, or MMA, changed the way Medicare covers and pays for pharmaceutical products. The legislation expanded Medicare coverage for drug purchases by the elderly and introduced a new reimbursement methodology based on average sales prices for drugs. In addition, this legislation authorized Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to use formularies where they can limit the number of drugs that will be covered in any therapeutic class. As a result of this legislation and the expansion of federal coverage of drug products, we expect that there will be additional pressure to contain and reduce costs. These cost reduction initiatives and other provisions of this legislation could decrease the coverage and price that we receive for our product candidates and could seriously harm our business. While the MMA applies only to drug benefits for Medicare beneficiaries, private payors often follow Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own reimbursement rates, and any reduction in reimbursement that results from the MMA may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 or, collectively, the Health Care Reform Law, is a sweeping law intended to broaden access to health insurance, reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending, enhance remedies against fraud and abuse, add new transparency requirements for healthcare and health insurance industries, impose new taxes and fees on the health industry and impose additional health policy reforms. The Health Care Reform Law revised the definition of “average manufacturer price” for reporting purposes, which could increase the amount of Medicaid drug rebates to states. Further, the law imposed a significant annual fee on companies that manufacture or import branded prescription drug products.

The Health Care Reform Law remains subject to legislative efforts to repeal, modify or delay the implementation of the law. If the Health Care Reform Law is repealed or modified, or if implementation of certain aspects of the Health Care Reform Law are delayed, such repeal, modification or delay may materially adversely impact our business, strategies, prospects, operating results or financial condition. We are unable to predict the full impact of any repeal, modification or delay in the implementation of the Health Care Reform Law on us at this time. Due to the substantial regulatory changes that will need to be implemented by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, and others, and the numerous processes required to implement these reforms, we cannot predict which healthcare initiatives will be implemented at the federal or state level, the timing of any such reforms, or the effect such reforms or any other future legislation or regulation will have on our business.

In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the Health Care Reform Law was enacted. We expect that additional federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for healthcare products and services, and in turn could significantly reduce the projected value of certain development projects and reduce or eliminate our profitability.

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Any termination or suspension of, or delays in the commencement or completion of, any necessary studies of any of our product candidate for any indications could result in increased costs to us, delay or limit our ability to generate revenue and adversely affect our commercial prospects.

The commencement and completion of clinical studies can be delayed for a number of reasons, including delays related to:

Product development costs for any of our product candidates will increase if we have delays in testing or approval or if we need to perform more or larger clinical studies than planned. Additionally, changes in regulatory requirements and policies may occur and we may need to amend study protocols to reflect these changes. Amendments may require us to resubmit our study protocols to the FDA, comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and IRBs for reexamination, which may impact the costs, timing or successful completion of that study. If we experience delays in completion of, or if we, the FDA or other regulatory authorities, the IRB, or other reviewing entities, or any of our clinical study sites suspend or terminate any of our clinical studies of any of our product candidates, its commercial

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prospects may be materially harmed and our ability to generate product revenues will be delayed. Any delays in completing our clinical trials will increase our costs, slow down our development and approval process and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenues. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition and prospects significantly. In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, termination or suspension of, or a delay in the commencement or completion of, clinical studies may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of our product candidates. In addition, if one or more clinical studies are delayed, our competitors may be able to bring competing products to market before we do, and the commercial viability of any of our affected product candidates could be significantly reduced.

Third-party coverage and reimbursement and health care cost containment initiatives and treatment guidelines may constrain our future revenues.

Our ability to successfully market our product candidate will depend in part on the level of reimbursement that government health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other organizations provide for the cost of our product candidate and related treatments. Countries in which our product candidate is sold through reimbursement schemes under national health insurance programs frequently require that manufacturers and sellers of pharmaceutical products obtain governmental approval of initial prices and any subsequent price increases. In certain countries, including the United States, government-funded and private medical care plans can exert significant indirect pressure on prices. We may not be able to sell our product candidate profitably if adequate prices are not approved or coverage and reimbursement is unavailable or limited in scope. Increasingly, third-party payors attempt to contain health care costs in ways that are likely to impact the development of our product including:

We are dependent on rights to certain technologies licensed to us. We do not have complete control over these technologies and any loss of our rights to them could prevent us from selling our product candidate.

As noted above, the business model of our biotechnology business is entirely dependent on certain patent rights licensed to us by the Licensors. See, “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — Our business model is entirely dependent on certain patent rights licensed to us from the Licensors, and the loss of those license rights would, in all likelihood, cause our business, as presently contemplated, to fail.” Because we will hold those rights as a licensee, we have limited control over certain important aspects of those patent rights. Pursuant to the patent license agreement, the Licensors have reserved the right to control all decisions concerning the prosecution and maintenance of all U.S. and foreign patents, as well as all decisions concerning the enforcement of any actions against potential infringers of the patent rights. We believe that the Licensors share a common interest in these matters with us, and the Licensors have agreed to consult with us on the prosecution and enforcement of possible infringement claims as well as other matters for which the Licensors have retained control. However, there can be no assurance that the Licensors will agree with our views as to how best to prosecute, maintain and defend the patent rights subject to the patent license agreement.

It is difficult and costly to protect our intellectual property rights, and we cannot ensure the protection of these rights.

The commercial success of our biotechnology business will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully defend the patent rights subject to our patent license agreement with the Licensors against third-party challenges and successfully enforcing these patent rights against third party competitors. The patent positions of pharmaceutical companies can be highly uncertain and involve complex legal, scientific and factual questions for which important legal principles remain unresolved. Changes in either the patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws may

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diminish the value of our intellectual property. Accordingly, we cannot predict the breadth of claims that may be allowable or enforceable in the patent applications subject to the patent license agreement. The patents and patent applications relating to our product candidate may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by third parties and might not protect us against competitors with similar products or technologies.

The degree of future protection afforded by the patent rights licensed to us is uncertain, because legal means afford only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights, permit us to gain or keep our competitive advantage, or provide us with any competitive advantage at all. We cannot be certain that any patent application owned by a third party will not have priority over patent applications in which we hold license rights or that we will not be involved in interference, opposition or invalidity proceedings before United States or foreign patent offices.

Additionally, if the Licensors were to initiate legal proceedings against a third party to enforce a patent covering our product candidate, the defendant could counterclaim that such patent is invalid and/or unenforceable. In patent litigation in the United States, defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity and/or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds for a validity challenge include alleged failures to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness or non-enablement. Grounds for unenforceability assertions include allegations that someone connected with prosecution of the patent withheld relevant information from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or the U.S. PTO, or made a misleading statement, during prosecution. Third parties may also raise similar claims before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad, even outside the context of litigation. Such mechanisms include re-examination, post grant review and equivalent proceedings in foreign jurisdictions, e.g. opposition proceedings. Such proceedings could result in revocation or amendment of the Licensors’ patents in such a way that they no longer cover our product candidate or competitive products. The outcome following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable. With respect to validity, for example, we cannot be certain that there is no invalidating prior art, of which the Licensors and the patent examiner were unaware during prosecution. If a defendant were to prevail on a legal assertion of invalidity and/or unenforceability, we would lose at least part, and perhaps all, of the patent protection on any of our product candidates. Such a loss of patent protection would have a material adverse impact on our business.

In the future, we may rely on know-how and trade secrets to protect technology, especially in cases in which we believe patent protection is not appropriate or obtainable. However, know-how and trade secrets are difficult to protect. While we intend to require employees, academic collaborators, consultants and other contractors to enter into confidentiality agreements, we may not be able to adequately protect our trade secrets or other proprietary or licensed information. Typically, research collaborators and scientific advisors have rights to publish data and information in which we may have rights. Enforcing a claim that a third party illegally obtained and is using any of our trade secrets is expensive and time consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, courts are sometimes less willing to protect trade secrets than patents. Moreover, our competitors may independently develop equivalent knowledge, methods and know-how.

If we fail to obtain or maintain patent protection or trade secret protection for our product candidates or our technologies, third parties could use our proprietary information, which could impair our ability to compete in the market and adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and attain profitability.

It is difficult and costly to block others from developing similar products for other indications, and we cannot ensure that these products will not be less expensive and thus be prescribed off-label by physicians for use in our indications.

Our success depends on successfully blocking others from developing and commercializing similar products.  As a repurposed drug, our API has been approved for acute use in cyanide poisoning.  Although the injectable used for cyanide poisoning does not represent a threat to our product, since the API itself cannot be protected, we will rely on method of use and oral formulation patents to protect our product which puts our product at risk from companies developing oral formulations using the same API for other indications. Even though our patents provide protection for specific uses, we will not be able to prevent other companies from developing the same API for other uses.  If a similar dose, formulation and route of administration is developed for another indication by a different company, we cannot guarantee that the product they market for the other indication will not be prescribed off-label by doctors or filled by pharmacists for use in indications our patents cover and that if less expensive, would not negatively affect our sales, if our product is ultimately approved by the FDA.

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Our product candidate may infringe the intellectual property rights of others, which could increase our costs and delay or prevent our development and commercialization efforts.

Our success depends in part on avoiding infringement of the proprietary technologies of others. The pharmaceutical industry has been characterized by frequent litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. Identification of third-party patent rights that may be relevant to our proprietary technology is difficult because patent searching is imperfect due to differences in terminology among patents, incomplete databases and the difficulty in assessing the meaning of patent claims. Additionally, because patent applications are maintained in secrecy until the application is published, we may be unaware of third-party patents that may be infringed by commercialization of our product candidate or any future product candidate. There may be certain issued patents and patent applications claiming subject matter that we may be required to license in order to research, develop or commercialize any of our product candidates, and we do not know if such patents and patent applications would be available to license on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Any claims of patent infringement asserted by third parties would be time-consuming and may:

Third parties may hold proprietary rights that could prevent our product candidate from being marketed. Any patent-related legal action against us claiming damages and seeking to enjoin commercial activities relating to any of our product candidates or our processes could subject us to potential liability for damages and require us to obtain a license to continue to manufacture or market our product candidate or any future product candidates. We cannot predict whether we would prevail in any such actions or that any license required under any of these patents would be made available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, we cannot be sure that we could redesign our product candidate or any future product candidates or processes to avoid infringement, if necessary. Accordingly, an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding, or the failure to obtain necessary licenses, could prevent us from developing and commercializing our product candidate or a future product candidate, which could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

We expect that there are other companies, including major pharmaceutical companies, working in the areas competitive to our product candidates which either has resulted, or may result, in the filing of patent applications that may be deemed related to our activities. If we were to challenge the validity of these or any issued United States patent in court, we would need to overcome a statutory presumption of validity that attaches to every issued United States patent. This means that, in order to prevail, we would have to present clear and convincing evidence as to the invalidity of the patent’s claims. If we were to challenge the validity of these or any issued United States patent in an administrative trial before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board in the U.S. PTO, we would have to prove that the claims are unpatentable by a preponderance of the evidence. There is no assurance that a jury and/or court would find in our favor on questions of infringement, validity or enforceability. Even if we are successful, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.

We may be subject to claims that we have wrongfully hired an employee from a competitor or that we or our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged confidential information or trade secrets of their former employers.

As is commonplace in our industry, we will employ individuals who were previously employed at other pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although no claims against us are currently pending, we may be subject in the future to claims that our employees or prospective employees are subject to a continuing obligation to their former employers (such as non-competition or non-solicitation obligations) or claims that our employees or we have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against

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these claims. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.

Risks Relating to Our Recycling Business

Our revenues, earnings and cash flows will fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices.

Our recycling operations process for sale certain recyclable materials, including steel, aluminium, and copper, all of which are subject to significant market price fluctuations. The majority of the recyclables we process for sale are steel and non-ferrous metals. The fluctuations in the market prices or demand for such commodity items, particularly demand from China and Turkey, can affect our future operating income and cash flows negatively, such as we experienced in 2015 and 2014. As we have increased the size of our recycling operations, we have also increased our exposure to commodity price fluctuations.

In the past we also earned a significant amount of revenue from the sale of carbon credits. The creation of carbon offsets involves a consultant's establishment of a project that includes the successful destruction of the Company's ozone-depleting refrigerants. The project process involves a significant degree of regulatory compliance and only a limited number of facilities are approved to destroy ozone-depleting refrigerants. While we no longer sell carbon credits, we currently sell our ozone-depleting refrigerants to consultants that manage the creation of carbon offsets, and we no longer engage in the production process itself. If we are unable to find businesses that purchase ozone-depleting refrigerants for the creation of carbon offsets or if the carbon credit programs are significantly altered or discontinued or a governmental authority requires the destruction of refrigerants, thereby reducing or eliminating the market for these refrigerants, we would be required to destroy these substances without the benefit of selling them to other companies that generate carbon offsets, which would increase the costs of our operations and result in a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We purchase our replacement appliances from third-party manufacturers, who we believe manufacture those appliances in China, and, as a result, international trade conditions could adversely affect us.

We purchase our replacement appliances from third-party manufacturers, who we believe manufacture certain types of those appliances in China or purchase materials or parts from China for use in manufacturing. As a result, tariffs, political or financial instability, labor strikes, natural disasters, public health crises (such as the coronavirus), or other events resulting in the disruption of trade or transportation from China or the imposition of additional regulations relating to foreign trade could cause significant delays or interruptions in the supply of our merchandise or increase our costs, either of which could have an adverse effect on our business. If we were unable to adequately replace the merchandise we currently source with merchandise produced elsewhere, our business could be adversely affected.

The United States has recently imposed tariffs on various imports from China, including some of our replacement appliances. Since the imposition of these tariffs, third-party manufacturers have increased the price of the appliances we purchase from them and retain the right to implement further increases. These tariffs remain largely unmitigated and the Company cannot predict if and when the tariffs will be reduced or eliminated. The ongoing impact of these tariffs will depend on future trade discussions between the U.S. and China or the Company’s ability to avoid or offset these costs should the tariffs remain in place. The Company may not be able to pass such increased costs on to its customers, and the Company may not be able to secure sources of certain products and materials that are not subject to tariffs on a timely basis or at all. Such developments could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

If our third-party collection or delivery services are unable to meet our promised pickup and delivery schedules, our net sales may decline due to a decline in customer satisfaction.

We offer appliance pickup and delivery services, which are significantly outsourced to third-party providers. Our third-party services are subject to risks that are beyond our control. If appliances are not picked up on time, or at all, or products are not delivered on time, our clients and customers may cancel their orders, or we may lose business from our clients and customers in the future. As a result, our net sales and profitability may decline.

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Our sales may not be an indication of our future results of operations because they fluctuate significantly.

Our current and historical sales figures have fluctuated significantly from quarter to quarter. A number of factors have historically affected, and will continue to affect, our sales results and profitability, including:

Our business is dependent on the general economic conditions in our markets.

In general, our sales depend on general economic factors and other conditions that may affect our business, include periods of slow economic growth or recession, political factors including uncertainty in social or fiscal policy, an overly anti-business climate or sentiment, volatility and/or lack of liquidity from time to time in U.S. and world financial markets and the consequent reduced availability and/or higher cost of borrowing for us and our customers, increasing fuel and energy costs, inflation or deflation of commodity prices, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism and developments in the war against terrorism. Additionally, any of these circumstances concentrated in a region of the U.S. in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our net sales and results of operations. General economic conditions and discretionary spending are beyond our control and are affected by, among other things:

Volatility in financial markets may cause some of the above factors to change with an even greater degree of frequency and magnitude. The above factors could result in slowdown in the economy or an uncertain economic outlook, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

If we fail to hire, train and retain key management, qualified managers, other employees and subcontracted agents, we could have difficulty implementing our business strategy, which may result in reduced net sales, operating margins and profitability.

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel as needed in the future, our level of customer service may decline, which may decrease our net sales and profitability. Other factors that impact our ability to maintain sufficient levels of qualified employees and agents in all areas of the business include, but are not limited to, the Company’s reputation, worker morale, the current macroeconomic environment, competition from other employers, and our ability to offer adequate compensation packages. Adverse changes in health care costs could also adversely

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impact our ability to achieve our operational and financial goals and to offer attractive benefit programs to our employees. Our ability to control labor costs, which may impact our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel, is subject to numerous external factors, including prevailing wage rates, the impact of legislation or regulations governing healthcare benefits or labor relations and health and other insurance costs. If our labor and/or benefit costs increase, we may not be able to hire or maintain qualified personnel to the extent necessary to execute our competitive strategy, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

We are subject to certain statutory, regulatory and legal developments that could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Our statutory, regulatory and legal environment exposes us to complex compliance and litigation risks that could materially adversely affect our operations and financial results. The most significant compliance and litigation risks we face are:

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and the outcome of some of these proceedings and other contingencies could require us to take or refrain from taking action which, in either case, could adversely affect our operations or reduce our net income. There can be no assurance that any litigation to which we are a party will be resolved in our favor. Any claim that is successfully decided against us may cause us to pay substantial damages, including punitive damages. Additionally, defending against regulatory changes, lawsuits and proceedings may involve significant expense and diversion of management’s attention and resources from other matters which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Significant shortages in diesel fuel supply or increases in diesel fuel prices will increase our operating expenses.

The price and supply of diesel fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic circumstances, as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. Our collection and delivery agents need diesel fuel to run a significant portion of our collection and delivery of appliance activities. Supply shortages could substantially increase our operating expenses. Additionally, if fuel prices increase, our direct operating expenses will increase and many of our vendors may raise their prices as a means to offset their rising costs. We may not be able to pass through all of our increased costs to our customers and some contracts prohibit any pass-through of the increased costs.

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Our revenues from recycling and appliance replacement contracts are very difficult to project and the loss or modification of major recycling and appliance replacement contracts could adversely impact our profits.

Our business is dependent largely upon our ability to obtain new contracts and continue existing contracts for appliance recycling services and appliance replacement programs with utility companies and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs. Contracts with these entities generally have initial terms of one to three years, with renewal options and early termination clauses. However, some contracts are for programs that are non-recurring. Although we continue to respond to utility companies and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs requesting bids for upcoming recycling and replacement services, we are still dependent on certain customers for a large portion of our revenues. The loss or material reduction of business from any of these major customers could adversely affect our revenues and profitability. While we wish to add new recycling and appliance replacement contracts in 2020 and beyond, we cannot assure you that our existing contracts will continue, that they will be sufficiently profitable, that existing customers will continue to use our services at current levels or we will be successful in obtaining new recycling and replacement contracts going forward.

Our revenues from recycling contracts are subject to seasonal fluctuations and are dependent on the utilities’ advertising and promotional activities for contracts in which we do not provide advertising services.

In our business with utility companies, we experience seasonal fluctuations that impact our operating results.  Our recycling revenues are generally higher during the second and third calendar quarters and lower in the first and fourth calendar quarters, due largely to the promotional activity schedules of which we have no control in advertising programs managed by the utilities. Our staff communicates client-driven advertising activities internally in an effort to achieve an operational balance. We expect that we will continue to experience such seasonal fluctuations in recycling revenues.

We may need new capital to fully execute our growth strategy.

Our business involves providing comprehensive, integrated appliance recycling and replacement services. This commitment will require a significant continuing investment in capital equipment and leasehold improvements and could require additional investment in real estate.

Our total capital requirements will depend on, among the other things discussed in this annual report and the number of recycling centers operating during 2020 and thereafter. Currently, we have eleven recycling centers in operation. If our revenues are lower than anticipated, our expenses are higher than anticipated or our line of credit cannot be maintained, we will require additional capital to finance our operations. Even if we are able to maintain our lines of credit, we may need additional equity or other capital in the future.  Sources of additional financing, if needed in the future, may include further debt financing or the sale of equity (including the issuance of preferred stock) or other securities. We cannot assure you that any additional sources of financing or new capital will be available to us, available on acceptable terms or permitted by the terms of our current debt agreements. In addition, if we sell additional equity to raise funds, all outstanding shares of common stock will be diluted.

Changes in governmental regulations relating to our recycling business could increase our costs of operations and adversely affect our business.

Our appliance recycling centers are subject to various federal, state and local laws, regulations and licensing requirements related to providing turnkey services for energy efficiency programs. These requirements vary by market location and include, for example, laws concerning the management of hazardous materials and the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act, which require us to recapture CFC refrigerants from appliances to prevent their release into the atmosphere.

Our ability to generate revenue from the sale of refrigerants to produce carbon offsets created through the voluntary destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants could also be adversely affected by governmental regulations as the market develops. Should the federal government mandate the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants in the future, we would be required to destroy these substances without the benefit of selling them to generate carbon offsets, which would increase the cost of our operations.  

We have registered our centers with the EPA as hazardous waste generators and have obtained required licenses from appropriate state and local authorities. We have agreements with approved and licensed hazardous waste

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companies for transportation and recycling or disposal of hazardous materials generated through our recycling processes. As is the case with all companies handling hazardous materials, under some circumstances we may be subject to contingent liability. We believe we are in compliance with all government regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials, and we have environmental insurance to mitigate the impact of any potential contingent liability.

In addition, changes and proposed changes by the Trump Administration and the head of the EPA indicate that the regulation of the emission of certain gases, commonly referred to as “greenhouse gases,” and other ozone-depleting substances may be less of a priority. In addition, the Trump Administration and head of the EPA have announced that they intend to rescind or have already rescinded various environmental regulations established and enforced by previous administrations. As a result, further regulatory, legislative and judicial developments are difficult to predict. Even if federal environmental efforts slow, states may continue pursuing new regulations. These changes by the Trump Administration and the EPA, together with other proposed changes, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Technology Business

GeoTraq has incurred significant operating losses since inception and expects the losses will continue into the future. If the losses continue GeoTraq may have to suspend operations or cease operations.

GeoTraq has no operating history upon which an evaluation of its future success or failure can be made. GeoTraq has incurred significant operating losses since inception and has limited financial resources to support it until such time that it is able to generate positive cash flow from operations. GeoTraq’s ability to achieve and maintain profitability and positive cash flow is dependent upon its ability to (i) develop its technology and (ii) generate revenues from its planned business operations. Based upon current plans, GeoTraq expects to continue to incur operating losses in future periods. Failure to generate revenues may cause GeoTraq to suspend or cease operations. 

GeoTraq is in the early stages of development.

GeoTraq is developing a new technology and may encounter difficulties including unanticipated problems relating to the development and testing of its product, initial and continuing regulatory compliance, vendor manufacturing costs, production and assembly of its product, and the competitive and regulatory environments in which the company intends to operate. It is uncertain, at this stage of its development, if GeoTraq is unable to effectively resolve any such problems, should they occur. If GeoTraq cannot resolve an unanticipated problem, it may be forced to modify or abandon its business plan.

GeoTraq does not have sufficient funds to complete each phase of its proposed plan of operation and as a result may have to suspend operations.

Each of the phases of GeoTraq’s plan of operation is limited and restricted by the amount of working capital that GeoTraq has and is able to obtain from the Company, raise from financings, and generate from business operations. Initially, GeoTraq intended to finance its plan of operation with funds from the Company and private loans, and, subsequently, with revenues generated from its business operations

Based on latest worst-case projections, GeoTraq will not generate revenues and positive cashflows from operations to satisfy its cash requirements for the next 12 months and will be required to obtain the funds from the Company or raise the required funds by way of equity or debt financing. However, these projections do expect that GeoTraq will generate sufficient revenues and cash flows from operations to satisfy its cash requirements within the next couple of years without ARCA funding assistance. Based on this, the likelihood that GeoTraq may have to suspend operations is remote.

GeoTraq outsources the research and development of its technology, and as a result it is dependent upon those third-party developers to develop our products in a timely and cost-efficient manner while maintaining a minimum level of quality.

GeoTraq does not have internal manufacturing capabilities and relies on contract manufacturers to manufacture and develop its products. GeoTraq cannot be certain that it will not experience operational difficulties with its future manufacturers, including reductions in the availability of production capacity, errors in complying with product

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specifications, insufficient quality control, failures to meet production deadlines, increases in manufacturing costs and increased lead times. Additionally, GeoTraq’s future manufacturers may experience disruptions in their manufacturing operations due to equipment breakdowns, labor strikes or shortages, component or material shortages, cost increases or other similar problems. Further, in order to minimize their inventory risk, GeoTraq’s future manufacturers might not order components from third-party suppliers with adequate lead time, thereby impacting its ability to meet demand forecasts. Therefore, if GeoTraq fails to manage its relationship with its manufacturers effectively, or if they experience operational difficulties, GeoTraq’s ability to ship products could be impaired and its competitive position and reputation could be harmed.

In the event that GeoTraq receives shipments of products that fail to comply with its technical specifications or that fail to conform to its quality control standards, and it is not able to obtain replacement products in a timely manner, GeoTraq risks revenue losses from the inability to sell those products, increased administrative and shipping costs, and lower profitability. Additionally, if defects are not discovered until after customers purchase its products, GeoTraq customers could lose confidence in the technical attributes of its products and its business could be harmed.

GeoTraq will not control its future contract manufacturers or suppliers, including their labor, environmental or other practices, or require them to comply with a formal code of conduct. However, GeoTraq intends to conduct periodic audits of its contract manufacturers’ and suppliers’ compliance with applicable laws and good industry practices, these audits may not be frequent or thorough enough to detect non-compliance. A violation of labor, environmental or other laws by its contract manufacturers or suppliers, or a failure of these parties to follow ethical business practices, could lead to negative publicity and harm GeoTraq’s reputation. In addition, GeoTraq may choose to seek alternative manufacturers or suppliers if these violations or failures were to occur. Identifying and qualifying new manufacturers or suppliers can be time consuming and GeoTraq may not be able to substitute suitable alternatives in a timely manner or at an acceptable cost. Other consumer products companies have faced significant criticism for the actions of their manufacturers and suppliers, and GeoTraq could face such criticism as well. Any of these events could adversely affect its brand, harm its reputation, reduce demand for its products and harm its ability to meet demand if it needs to identify alternative manufacturers or suppliers.

GeoTraq’s success depends on sales and adoption of its technology for asset tracking and theft recovery.

GeoTraq’s revenue, if any, will be derived from module sales and recurring fees that GeoTraq receives from resellers that support end users who purchase and activate a Mobile IoT product using the company’s technology. Depending on the products created by companies that use its Mobile IoT module, GeoTraq will receive recurring revenue based on the number of activations and ongoing monthly service. GeoTraq’s short term success depends heavily on achieving significantly increased customer adoption of its Technology either through stand alone or integrated products. GeoTraq’s success also depends on achieving widespread deployment of the Technology by attracting and retaining additional manufacturing partners. The use of the Technology will depend on the pricing, quality and features of the Mobile IoT module to be integrated into location-based products which may vary by market, as well as the level of subscriber turnover experienced by cellular subscriptions. If subscriber turnover increases more than management anticipates, GeoTraq’s financial results could be adversely affected.

Cellular service providers on which GeoTraq’s technology is dependent may change the terms by which the technology is used on their networks, which could result in lower revenue and adverse effects on our business.

If the cellular service providers on which GeoTraq’s technology is to be used changes the terms of use or eliminates the ability to use products that incorporate GeoTraq’s technology, GeoTraq could lose customers as they would no longer be able to use GeoTraq’s technology in their products. In addition, GeoTraq could be required to change its fee structure to retain customers, which could negatively affect GeoTraq’s gross margins. The cellular service providers may also decide to raise prices, impose usage caps or fees, or discontinue certain application bundles, which could adversely affect end users who use GeoTraq’s technology. If imposed, these pricing changes or usage restrictions could make GeoTraq’s technology less attractive and could result in current end users abandoning GeoTraq’s technology. If end user turnover increased, the number of GeoTraq’s end users and GeoTraq’s revenue would decrease and its business would be harmed.

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GeoTraq’s ability to increase or maintain its customer base and revenue will be impaired if cellular service providers do not allow GeoTraq Technology access to their networks.

GeoTraq’s technology requires cellular service to operate. The products produced by manufactures will require end users to maintain service with cellular service providers. If cellular service providers do not permit end users to purchase the cellular connectivity the product requires, GeoTraq may have difficulty attracting manufacturing customers because of the lack of, or difficulty in purchasing and provisioning a service plan. If the end user is unable to provide seamless provisioning or the carrier cancels their subscriptions, GeoTraq’s business may be harmed.

GeoTraq may not be able to enhance its technology to keep pace with technological and market developments or develop new technology in a timely manner or at competitive prices.

The market for location-based products and services is characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions and short product life cycles. To keep pace with technological developments, satisfy increasing customer requirements and achieve product acceptance, GeoTraq’s future success depends upon its ability to enhance its current technology and to continue to develop and introduce new technology and enhanced performance features and functionality on a timely basis at competitive prices. GeoTraq’s inability, for technological or other reasons, to enhance, develop, introduce or deliver compelling technology in a timely manner, or at all, in response to changing market conditions, technologies or consumer expectations could have a material adverse effect on GeoTraq’s operating results or could result in its Technology becoming obsolete. GeoTraq’s ability to compete successfully will depend in large measure on its ability to maintain a technically skilled development and engineering team and to adapt to technological changes and advances in the industry, including providing for the continued compatibility of its technology with evolving industry standards and protocols and competitive network operating environments. Development and delivery schedules for newly developed technology are difficult to predict. GeoTraq in the past, and may in the future, fail to deliver new versions of its technology in a timely fashion. If new releases of GeoTraq’s Technology are delayed or not integrated into products upon their initial commercial release, the manufactures may curtail their efforts to market and promote GeoTraq’s technology and may switch to competing products or services, any of which would result in a delay or loss of revenue and could harm GeoTraq’s business. In addition, GeoTraq cannot provide any assurance that the technology it develops will be brought to market as quickly as anticipated or that the technology will achieve broad acceptance among wireless carriers or consumers.

If GeoTraq is unable to develop or modify its technology for new customer products, GeoTraq’s revenue growth may be adversely affected and its net income could decline.

If GeoTraq does not develop or modify its technology for new products envisioned or introduced by our future customers to increase the number of customer end users who use GeoTraq’s technology, GeoTraq may not be able to increase its revenue in the longer term. GeoTraq’s sales and marketing efforts may not be successful in establishing relationships with new customers. If GeoTraq fails to develop or modify its technology to attract new customers and new subscribers or its new Technology is not successful, GeoTraq may be unable to increase its revenue and its operating results may be adversely affected.

GeoTraq’s business may suffer if it is alleged or determined that its technology or another aspect of its business infringes the intellectual property rights of others.

The markets in which GeoTraq competes are characterized by the existence of a large number of patents and trade secrets and also by litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. Moreover, in recent years, individuals and groups have purchased patents and other intellectual property assets for the purpose of making claims of infringement to extract settlements from companies like GeoTraq. Also, third parties may make infringement claims against GeoTraq that relate to technology developed and owned by one of its suppliers for which its suppliers may or may not indemnify GeoTraq. Even if GeoTraq is indemnified against such costs, the indemnifying party may be unable to uphold its contractual obligations and determining the scope of these obligations could require additional litigation. Claims of intellectual property infringement against GeoTraq or its suppliers might require GeoTraq to redesign its products, rebrand its services, enter into costly settlement or license agreements, pay costly damage awards or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting GeoTraq from marketing or selling its products or services. If GeoTraq cannot or does not license the infringed intellectual property on reasonable terms or at all, or substitute similar intellectual property from another source, its revenue and operating results could be adversely impacted. Additionally, GeoTraq’s customers, distributors and retailers may not

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purchase its offerings if they are concerned that they may infringe third-party intellectual property rights. Responding to such claims, regardless of their merit, can be time consuming, costly to defend in litigation, divert management’s attention and resources, damage GeoTraq’s reputation and brand and cause it to incur significant expenses. The occurrence of any of these events may have an adverse effect on GeoTraq’s business, financial condition and operating results.

GeoTraq faces significant competition and failure to successfully compete in the industry with established companies may result in GeoTraq’s inability to continue with its business operations.

There are other companies that provide similar products and services. Management expects competition in this market to increase significantly as new companies enter the market and current competitors expand their products and services. GeoTraq’s competitors may develop or offer technology or products that are better than GeoTraq’s or that achieve greater market acceptance. It is also possible that new competitors may emerge and acquire significant market share. Competitive pressures created by any one of these companies, or by GeoTraq’s competitors collectively, could have a negative impact on GeoTraq’s business, results of operations and financial condition and as a result, GeoTraq may not be able to continue with its business operations. In addition, if GeoTraq is unable to develop and introduce new or enhanced products and services quickly enough to respond to market or user requirements or to comply with emerging industry standards, or if these products do not achieve market acceptance, GeoTraq may not be able to compete effectively.

Many of GeoTraq’s competitors have greater name recognition, larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, public relations, sales, distribution and other resources than GeoTraq. Some of GeoTraq’s competitors and its potential competitors’ advantages over GeoTraq, either globally or in particular geographic markets, include the following: (a) offering their services at no or low cost to customers; (b) significantly greater revenue and financial resources; (c) stronger brand and consumer recognition regionally or worldwide; (d) the capacity to leverage their marketing expenditures across a broader portfolio of location based technologies and products; (e) access to core technology and intellectual property, including more extensive patent portfolios; (f) access to custom or proprietary content; (g) quicker pace of innovation; (h) stronger wireless carrier relationships; (i) greater resources to make and integrate acquisitions; (j) lower labor and development costs; and (k) broader global distribution and presence.

GeoTraq products require FCC approval, and possibly approvals from other international and domestic government regulatory agencies, that may not be approved.  In addition, our technology could be affected by other existing laws or regulations or future legislative or regulatory changes that may affect our business.

Prior to the sale by GeoTraq of the Mobile IoT Modules, other than business and operations licenses applicable to most commercial ventures, GeoTraq is not required to obtain any governmental approval for its business operations. In order to sell its Mobile IoT Modules, GeoTraq believes that Part 15b of the FCC rules apply to such sales.  GeoTraq employed FCC accredited testing laboratories to verify and certify that the Mobile IoT Modules comply with all regulatory requirements prior to the sale of the Mobile IoT Modules.  Such testing confirmed that the Mobile IoT Modules satisfied the requirements of Part 15b of the FCC rules.  GeoTraq is taking advantage of a FCC Supplier Declaration of Conformity, or SDOC, allowing the company to rely on the approval given by the FCC to the chipset manufactured by Sequans Communications S.A. (“Sequans”).  If the FCC withdraws the approval given by it to the Sequans chipset, GeoTraq will be unable to market and sell its products and, as a result, the financial results of GeoTraq and the Company could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if GeoTraq determines to market and sell its products outside of the United States, the regulatory agencies in designated countries may require GeoTraq to submit its products for compliance testing and seek local government regulatory licenses and approvals.  It is possible that the company’s products may not successfully complete required compliance tests or that local country regulatory agencies may withhold the issuance of certifications or approval required for GeoTraq to market and sell its products in that country, and, as a result, the financial results of GeoTraq and the Company could be materially and adversely affected.  

GeoTraq may be subject to legal proceedings involving its technology that could result in substantial costs and which could materially harm GeoTraq’s business operations.

From time to time, GeoTraq may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of its business, including claims of alleged infringement of the trademarks and other intellectual property rights of third parties by

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GeoTraq. These types of claims could result in increased costs of doing business through legal expenses, adverse judgments or settlements or require GeoTraq to change its business practices in expensive ways. Additional litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce GeoTraq’s technology rights, to protect its trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Any litigation, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could materially harm GeoTraq’s business.

GeoTraq may not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel necessary for the development of its technology and implementation of its proposed plan of operations.

GeoTraq’s future success depends largely upon the continued service of its board members, executive officers and other key personnel. GeoTraq’s success also depends on its ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. Key personnel represent a significant asset, and the competition for these personnel is intense in the communications industry.

GeoTraq may have particular difficulty attracting and retaining key personnel in initial phases of its proposed plan of operations. GeoTraq does not maintain key person life insurance on any of its personnel. The loss of one or more of its key employees or its inability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel could negatively impact GeoTraq’s ability to complete any proposed phase of its plan of operations.

GeoTraq’s management lacks any formal training or experience in offshore manufacturing and supply chain management, and as a result management may make mistakes, which could have a negative impact on GeoTraq’s business operations.

GeoTraq’s management, led by Pierre Parent, Chief Technology Officer and General Manager, is experienced in researching and developing technology. Management breadth of experience spans product development, sales and business development, project management and the leadership of engineering from concept through manufacturing. As a result, the risk that GeoTraq lacks experience and may have to suspend or cease business operations is remote.

GeoTraq’s business and products are subject to a variety of additional U.S. and foreign laws and regulations that are central to our business and its failure to comply with these laws and regulations could harm our business or our operating results.

GeoTraq is or may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to its business, including laws and regulations regarding consumer protection, advertising, privacy, intellectual property, manufacturing, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, and economic or other trade prohibitions or sanctions.

GeoTraq’s modules are subject to regulation by various U.S. state and federal and foreign agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission. If GeoTraq fails to comply with any of these regulations, it could become subject to enforcement actions or the imposition of significant monetary fines, other penalties, or claims, which could harm its operating results or its ability to conduct its business.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

Our principal shareholders own a large percentage of our voting stock, which will allow them to control substantially all matters requiring shareholder approval.

Currently, Isaac Capital Group, LLC and Timothy Matula own approximately 19.7% and 5.7%, respectively, of our outstanding shares of common stock. Three of our current directors are also on the board of directors of Live Ventures Incorporated, a publicly held corporation controlled by Isaac Capital Group, LLC and led by Jon Isaac as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Jon Isaac is the son of our Chief Executive Officer Tony Isaac. Because of such ownership, our principal shareholders may be able to significantly, and possibly adversely, affect our corporate decisions, including the election of the board of directors.

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Future sales of shares of our common stock in the public market and the conversion of shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may negatively affect our stock price.

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, and the actual conversion of shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), which was approved by our shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on October 23, 2018, could have a significant negative effect on the market price of our common stock.  In addition, upon exercise of outstanding options, the number of shares outstanding of our common stock could increase substantially.  This increase, in turn, could dilute future earnings per share, if any, and could depress the market value of our common stock. Dilution and potential dilution, the availability of a large amount of shares for sale and/or that may be issued upon conversion, and the possibility of additional issuances and sales of our common stock, may negatively affect both the trading price and liquidity of our common stock. These sales and the possibility of conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock also might make it more difficult for us to raise capital through the sale of equity securities or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we would deem appropriate.

The trading volumes in our common stock are highly variable, which could adversely affect the value and liquidity of your investment in our common stock.

There is a limited trading market for our common stock, which is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market.  Transactions in our common stock may lack the volume and liquidity necessary to maintain an orderly trading market and this could result in both depressed and highly variable trading prices. Sales or issuances of substantial amounts of common stock into the public market, including issuances of shares of common stock upon conversion of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, at the same time could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. The trading volume and market price of our common stock could also be adversely affected if we do not maintain our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Our stock price may fluctuate and be volatile.

The market price of our common stock may be subject to significant fluctuations due to the following factors, among others:

These broad fluctuations in the stock markets may also cause the price of our common stock to fall abruptly or remain significantly depressed.

In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company, including us, following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. Such lawsuits generally result in the diversion of management's time and attention away from business operations, which could harm our business. In addition, the costs of defense and any damages resulting from litigation, a ruling against us, or a settlement of the litigation could adversely affect our financial results.

We do not intend to declare dividends on our stock in the foreseeable future.

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, for the operation and expansion of our business and, therefore, do not anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.  Any payment of cash dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors, will require approval by our lender and will depend upon our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, contractual restrictions

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and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.  Therefore, dividend income should not be expected from shares of our common stock.

The Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, prevent attempts to replace or remove current management and reduce the market price of our stock.

Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition involving us that our stockholders may consider favorable. For example, our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to issue up to two million shares of “blank check” preferred stock. As a result, without further stockholder approval, the board of directors has the authority to attach special rights, including voting and dividend rights, to this preferred stock. With these rights, preferred stockholders could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us.

We are also subject to the anti-takeover provisions of the NRS. Depending on the number of residents in the state of Nevada who own our shares, we could be subject to the provisions of Sections 78.378 et seq. of the Nevada Revised Statutes which, unless otherwise provided in the Company’s articles of incorporation or by-laws, restricts the ability of an acquiring person to obtain a controlling interest of 20% or more of our voting shares. Our articles of incorporation and by-laws do not contain any provision which would currently keep the change of control restrictions of Section 78.378 from applying to us.

We are subject to the provisions of Sections 78.411 et seq. of the Nevada Revised Statutes. In general, this statute prohibits a publicly held Nevada corporation from engaging in a “combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the combination or the transaction by which the person became an interested stockholder is approved by the corporation’s board of directors before the person becomes an interested stockholder. After the expiration of the three-year period, the corporation may engage in a combination with an interested stockholder under certain circumstances, including if the combination is approved by the board of directors and/or stockholders in a prescribed manner, or if specified requirements are met regarding consideration. The term “combination” includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years did own, 10% or more of the corporation’s voting stock. A Nevada corporation may “opt out” from the application of Section 78.411 et seq. through a provision in its articles of incorporation or by-laws. We have not “opted out” from the application of this section.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

Our executive offices are located in Las Vegas, Nevada in a leased facility consisting of 11,000 square feet of office space.  

Recycling Centers

We lease a total of fifteen recycling center facilities as described below.  

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ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On December 29, 2016, the Company served a Minnesota state court complaint for breach of contract on Skybridge Americas, Inc. (“SA”), the Company’s primary call center vendor throughout 2015 and most of 2016. The Company seeks damages in the millions of dollars as a result of alleged overcharging by SA and lost client contracts. On January 25, 2017, SA served a counterclaim for unpaid invoices in the amount of approximately $460,000 plus interest and attorneys’ fees. On March 29, 2017, the Hennepin County district court (the “District Court”) dismissed the Company’s breach of contract claim based on SA’s overuse of its Canadian call center but permitted the Company’s remaining claims to proceed. Following motion practice, on January 8, 2018 the District Court entered judgment in SA’s favor, which was amended as of February 28, 2018, for a total amount of $613,566.32, including interest and attorneys’ fees. On March 4, 2019, the Minnesota Court of Appeals (the “Court of Appeals”) ruled and (i) reversed the District Court’s judgment in favor of Skybridge on the call center location claim and remanded the issue back to the District Court for further proceedings, (ii) reversed the District Court’s judgment in favor of Skybridge on the net payment issue and remanded the issue to the District Court for further proceedings, and (iii) affirmed the District Court’s judgment in Skybridge’s favor against the Company’s claim that Skybridge breached the contract when it failed to meet the service level agreements. As a result of the decision by the Court of Appeals, the District Court’s award of interest and attorneys’ fees, etc. was reversed.  Trial is scheduled for May 2020.

On November 15, 2016, the Company served an arbitration demand on Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc., dba GE Appliances (“GEA”), alleging breach of contract and interference with prospective business advantage. The Company sought over $2 million in damages. On April 18, 2017, GEA served a counterclaim for approximately $337,000 in alleged obligations under the parties’ recycling agreement. Simultaneously with serving its counterclaim in the arbitration, which is venued in Chicago, GEA filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky seeking damages of approximately $530,000 plus interest and attorneys’ fees allegedly owed under a previous agreement between the parties. On December 12, 2017, the court stayed GEA’s complaint in favor of the arbitration. Under the terms of the Company’s transaction with Recleim LLC (“Recleim”), Recleim is obligated to pay GEA on the Company’s behalf the amounts claimed by GEA in the arbitration and in the lawsuit pending in Kentucky. Those amounts were paid into escrow pending the outcome of the arbitration. On March 5, 2020, the arbitrator ruled in part in favor of the Company and in part in favor of GEA, and, as a result, GEA was awarded approximately $125,000 in damages.

AMTIM Capital, Inc. (“AMTIM”) acts as our representative to market our recycling services in Canada under an arrangement that pays AMTIM for revenues generated by recycling services in Canada as set forth in the agreement between the parties. A dispute has arisen between AMTIM and us with respect to the calculation of amounts due to AMTIM pursuant to the agreement. In a lawsuit filed in the province of Ontario, AMTIM claims a discrepancy in the calculation of fees due to AMTIM by us of approximately $2.0 million. Although the outcome of this claim is uncertain, we believe that no further amounts are due under the terms of the agreement and that we will continue to defend our position relative to this lawsuit.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (formerly known as the California Board of Equalization) (“CDTFA”) conducted a sales and use tax examination covering ARCA Recycling’s California operations for years 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Company believed it was exempt from collecting sales taxes under service agreements

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with utility customers that included appliance replacement programs. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company received communication from the CDTFA indicating they were not in agreement with the Company’s interpretation of the law. As a result, the Company applied for and, as of February 9, 2015, received approval to participate in the CDTFA’s Managed Audit Program. The period covered under this program included years 2011, 2012, 2013 and extended through the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014.  On April 13, 2017 the Company received the formal CDTFA assessment for sales tax for tax years 2011, 2012 and 2013 in the amount of $4.1 million plus applicable interest of $0.5 million related to the appliance replacement programs that the Company administered on behalf of its customers on which it did not assess, collect or remit sales tax. The Company has appealed this assessment to the CDTFA Appeals Bureau.  The appeal remains in process. Interest will continue to accrue until the matter is settled. The total estimated amount of sales tax plus interest was $5.4 million as of December 28, 2019.

We are party from time to time to other ordinary course disputes that we do not believe to be material.

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

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PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR OUR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information and Dividends

Our common stock trades under the symbol “JAN” on the NASDAQ Capital Market. As of March 19, 2020, there were 37 stockholders of record, which excludes stockholders whose shares were held in nominee or street name by brokers.

We have not paid dividends on our common stock and do not presently plan to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.

Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included in Part III, Item 12 of this report.

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.

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ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For a description of our significant accounting policies and an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the year ended December 28, 2019, this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (hereafter referred to as “MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, appearing in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Form 10-K”) for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.

Note about Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K includes statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often characterized by the terms “may,” “believes,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “expects,” or “anticipates,” and do not reflect historical facts. Specific forward-looking statements contained in this portion of the Form 10-K include, but are not limited to: (i) statements that are based on current projections and expectations about the markets in which we operate, (ii) statements about current projections and expectations of general economic conditions, (iii) statements about specific industry projections and expectations of economic activity, (iv) statements relating to our future operations and prospects, (v) statements about future results and future performance, (vi) statements that the cash on hand and additional cash generated from operations together with potential sources of cash through issuance of debt or equity will provide the Company with sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months, (vii) statements that the outcome of pending legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on business, financial position and results of operations, cash flow or liquidity, and (viii) statements relating to the sale of the Company’s Recycling business.

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors and risks that could affect our results, future performance and capital requirements and cause them to materially differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements include those identified in this Form 10-K under Item 1A “Risk Factors”, as well as other factors that we are currently unable to identify or quantify, but that may exist in the future.

In addition, the foregoing factors may generally affect our business, results of operations and financial position. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Any information contained on our website www.janone.com or any other websites referenced in this Form 10-K are not part of this Form 10-K.

Our Company

JanOne is engaged in the development of new and innovative solutions for ending the opioid epidemic ranging from digital technologies to educational advocacy.  In addition, through its subsidiaries ARCA Recycling, Inc. and ARCA Canada Inc., JanOne is engaged in the business of recycling major household appliances in North America by providing turnkey appliance recycling and replacement services for utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs.  In addition, through its GeoTraq Inc. (“GeoTraq”) subsidiary, we are engaged in the development, design and, ultimately, we expect the sale of wireless transceiver modules with technology that provides LBS directly from global Mobile IoT networks

We operate three reportable segments:

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Reporting Period. We report on a 52-or 53-week fiscal year. Our 2019 fiscal year (“2019”) ended on December 28, 2019. Our 2018 fiscal year (“2018”) ended on December 29, 2018.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion of the financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Management regularly reviews its estimates and assumptions, which are based on historical factors and other factors believed to be relevant under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions, estimates or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. ARCA’s critical accounting policies include intangible impairment under ASC 350, revenue recognition under ASC 606, and going concern under ASC 205.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain statement of operations items from continuing operations and as a percentage of revenue, for the periods indicated:

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The following tables set forth revenues for key product and service categories, percentages of total revenue and gross profits earned by key product and service categories and gross profit percent as compared to revenues for each key product category indicated:

Revenue

Revenue decreased $1,697 or 4.6% for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018. Replacement Appliance revenue increased $1,600 or 13.3% due to higher volumes, offset by a decrease in Recycling and Byproducts revenue of $3,297 or 13.3% due to a decrease in refrigerant sales and lower scrap metal prices.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue increased $1,570, or 6.1% for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018, primarily due to an increase in volume, transportation costs and labor, partially offset by a decrease in costs related to our facilities. 

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased $3,267 or 29.6%, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 due to the decrease in revenue and increase in costs of revenue discussed above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $3,067 or 17.9%, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018, primarily due to increased employee costs and factoring fees, due to increased factoring to support operations.

Operating Loss

As a result of the factors described above, operating loss of $12,431 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 represented an increase in loss of $6,334 over the comparable prior fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 of $6,097.

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Interest Expense, net

Interest expense net increased $812 or 136%, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 primarily due to accrued interest related to the California sales tax payable and, the increase in other note payables, partially offset by repayment of the Midcap Revolver in March 2018.

Impairment Charges

On December 9, 2019, ApplianceSmart, a related party, filed a voluntary petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code.  As a result, the Company has recorded an impairment charge of $2,992 for the amount owed by ApplianceSmart to the Company as of December 28, 2019.  There were no similar impairment charges for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018.

See Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete discussion of the ApplianceSmart Note.  

Gain on Litigation Settlement

On August 14, 2017 as a part of the sale of the Company’s equity interest in AAP, Recleim LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Recleim”), agreed to undertake, pay or assume the Company’s GE obligations consisting of a promissory note (GE 8% loan agreement) and other payables which were incurred after the issuance of such promissory note. \The Company has an offsetting receivable due from Recleim. Recleim has paid into an escrow account the money to pay the GE 8% loan agreement in full.

On November 15, 2016, the Company served an arbitration demand on Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc., dba GE Appliances (“GEA”), alleging breach of contract and interference with prospective business advantage. On April 18, 2017, GEA served a counterclaim regarding alleged obligations under the parties’ recycling agreement. On December 12, 2017, the court stayed GEA’s complaint in favor of the arbitration. Under the terms of the Company’s transaction with Recleim LLC (“Recleim”), Recleim is obligated to pay GEA on the Company’s behalf the amounts claimed by GEA in the arbitration and in the lawsuit pending in Kentucky. Those amounts have been paid into escrow pending the outcome of the arbitration. Arbitration proceedings were held in October and November 2019.  On March 5, 2020, the arbitrator ruled in part in favor of the Company and in part in favor of GEA, and, as a result, the Company recorded a gain on litigation settlement of $694.

There were no similar transactions for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018.

See Notes 14 and 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete discussion of the Recleim and GEA litigation.  

Other Income

Other income increased $618 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 primarily due to the discussion below.

Sears Holdings Management Corp – Logistics Services

On February 18, 2019, the Company informed Sears Holdings Management Corp – Logistics Services (“Sears”) that Sears may have overcharged ARCA Recycling $642 and that it planned on filing a proof of claim with the trustee in the Sears’ bankruptcy against Sears for the overcharged amount. The Company requested that Sears provide contractual written proof to the contrary supporting their claim for invoices submitted in excess of the contractually agreed upon amounts for transportation services. Sears provided transportation services to ARCA Recycling in fiscal years 2013 through 2018. ARCA Recycling recorded $559 as outstanding and un-paid accounts payable as of December 28, 2019 and December 30, 2018. In addition, Sears owes ARCA Recycling a net amount due of $83. The Company has recorded the overcharged amount of $559 as other income in the consolidated results for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019. The Company filed a proof of claim on April 5, 2019 for a net amount owing the Company of $83, of which Sears accepted.

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Benefit for Income Taxes

We recorded an income tax benefit of $3,197 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, compared with a benefit from income taxes of $727 for in the same period of 2018, an increase of $2,470 primarily due to the increase in net loss before taxes.

Net Loss

The factors described above led to a net loss of $11,964 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, an increase in loss of $6,356 from a net loss of $5,608 for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018.

Segment Performance

We report our business in the following segments: Biotechnology, Recycling and Technology. We identified these segments based on a combination of business type, customers serviced and how we divide management responsibility. Our revenues and profits are driven through our recycling centers, e-commerce, individual sales reps and our internet services for our recycling and technology segment. We expect revenues and profits for our biotechnology segment to be driven by the development of pharmaceuticals that treat the root cause of pain but are non-opioid painkillers.  

Operating loss by operating segment, is defined as loss before net interest expense, other income and expense, provision for income taxes.

Recycling Segment

The recycling segment consists of ARCA Recycling, Customer Connexx, and ARCA Canada. Revenue for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, decreased $1,697 or 4.6% for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018. Replacement Appliance revenue increased $1,600 or 13.3% due to higher volumes, offset by a decrease in Recycling and Byproducts revenue of $3,297 or 13.3% due to a decrease in refrigerant sales and lower scrap metal prices,

Cost of revenue increased $1,570, or 6.1% for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018, primarily due to an increase in primarily due to an increase in volume, transportation costs and labor, partially offset by a decrease in costs related to our facilities.

Operating loss for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, increased $5,118 as compared to the prior year period. This represents a decrease in gross profit of $3,267 and increased selling, general and administrative expense of $2,079 related to higher employee costs and factoring fees, due to increased factoring to support operations.

Technology Segment

The technology segment consists of GeoTraq. Results for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 include a loss of $4,996 which approximated the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 loss of $5,046. The loss represents intangible asset amortization expense and other selling general and administrative expense for each period.

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Biotechnology Segment

Our biotechnology segment started during September 2019, and, as a result, incurred expenses of $1,038 related to employee costs and the operating license issued during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Based on our current operating plans, we believe that available cash balances, funds available under our factoring agreement with Prestige Capital Corporation (“Prestige Capital”), and or other refinancing of existing indebtedness will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our operations, our continued investments in store openings and remodeling activities for at least the next 12 months.

As of December 28, 2019, we had total cash on hand of $481. As we continue to pursue strategic transactions to expand and grow our business, we regularly monitor capital market conditions and may raise additional funds through borrowings or public or private sales of debt or equity securities. The amount, nature and timing of any borrowings or sales of debt or equity securities will depend on our operating performance and other circumstances; our then-current commitments and obligations; the amount, nature and timing of our capital requirements; any limitations imposed by our current credit arrangements; and overall market conditions.

In December 2019, the 2019 novel coronavirus surfaced in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization declared a global emergency on January 30, 2020, with respect to the outbreak. The widespread health crisis has adversely affected the global economy, resulting in an economic downturn that could impact demand for our products.

To date, the outbreak has started to have a material adverse impact on our operations. For example, several customers in our appliance recycling and appliance replacement business have suspended our ability to pick up and or replace their customers’ appliances resulting in decreased revenues for both recycling and replacement business.  The future impact of the outbreak is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted and there is no assurance that the outbreak will not have a material adverse impact on the future results of the Company. The extent of the impact, if any, will depend on future developments, including actions taken to contain the coronavirus.

Cash Flows

During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, cash used in operations was $3,510, compared to cash provided by operations of $4,145 during the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018. The decrease in cash provided by operations was primarily due to the increase in net loss, discussed above, offset by noncash impairment charges of $2,992 and an increase in deferred income taxes of $2,251.  Additionally, changes in working capital accounts affecting operating cash flows were as follows: an increase in accounts receivable of $4,712 and accounts payable and accrued expenses of $3,398.

Cash provided by investing activities was $345 and cash used in investing activities of $172 for fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 and the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018, respectively. The increase in cash provided by investing activities, as compared to the prior period is primarily attributable to increase in net payments received on a note receivable from ApplianceSmart of $675, offset by the increase in purchases of property and equipment of $189 and intangible assets of $288.

Cash provided by financing activities was $2,462 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 was primarily related to the $2,500 proceeds on the related party note.  Cash used by financing activities of $6,109 for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 was attributable to the $5,605 payment for MidCap Financial Trust revolver and net payments on short term notes payable of $504.

Sources of Liquidity

We utilize cash on hand and factor on occasion certain accounts receivable invoices to cover normal and seasonal fluctuations in cash flows and to support our various growth initiatives. Our cash and cash equivalents are carried at

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cost and consist primarily of demand deposits with commercial banks. On March 26, 2018, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Prestige Capital, whereby from time to time the Company can factor certain accounts receivable to Prestige Capital up to a maximum advance and outstanding balance of $11,000. Discount fees ultimately paid depend upon how long an invoice and related amount is outstanding from ARCA Recycling’s customer. Prestige Capital has been granted a security interest in all ARCA Recycling’s accounts receivable. The term of the purchase and sale agreement was six months from March 26, 2018 and has been renewed three times for successive terms of six months. The current purchase and sale agreement with Prestige Capital terminates October 2020.

We acknowledge that we continue to face a challenging competitive environment as we continue to focus on our overall profitability, including managing expenses. We reported a net loss of $11,964 and $5,608 in 2019 and 2018, respectively. In addition, the Company has total current assets of $8,839 and total current liabilities $17,573 resulting in a net negative working capital of $8,734.

In Item 1A. Risk Factors, management has addressed and evaluated the risk factors that could materially and adversely affect the entity’s business, financial condition and results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. The Company has determined the risk factors do not materially affect the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.

Based on the above, management has concluded that the Company is not aware and did not identify any other conditions or events that would cause the Company to not be able to continue business as a going concern for the next twelve months.

Future Sources of Cash; New Acquisitions, Products and Services

We may require additional debt financing and/or capital to finance new acquisitions, refinance existing indebtedness or consummate other strategic investments in our business. Any financing obtained may further dilute or otherwise impair the ownership interest of our existing stockholders.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

At December 28, 2019, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, commitments or guarantees that require additional disclosure or measurement.

ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk and Impact of Inflation

Interest Rate Risk. We do not believe there is any significant risk related to interest rate fluctuations on our short and long-term fixed rate debt.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk. We currently generate revenues in Canada. The reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is U.S. dollars. It is not possible to determine the exact impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes; however, the effect on reported revenue and net earnings can be estimated. We estimate that the overall strength of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar had an immaterial impact on the revenues and net income for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019. We do not currently hedge foreign currency fluctuations and do not intend to do so for the foreseeable future.

We do not hold any derivative financial instruments, nor do we hold any securities for trading or speculative purposes.

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ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of JanOne Inc.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of JanOne Inc. (the Company) as of December 28, 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 28, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases in 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ WSRP, LLC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.

Salt Lake City, Utah

April 3, 2020

F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of JanOne Inc. (formerly known as Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.)

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of JanOne Inc. (formerly known as Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.) (the “Company”) as of December 29, 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 29, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Emphasis of Matter

The Company is restating its financial statements for the year ended December 29, 2018 for the correction of an error. As disclosed in Note 1, in the Restatement paragraph, and Note 15, in the Other commitments paragraph, during this period, the Company did not previously disclose certain potential obligations arising from lease contracts.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ SingerLewak LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor from 2017 to 2018.

Los Angeles, California

March 29, 2019, except for Note 1, in the Restatement paragraph,

and Note 15, in the Other commitments paragraph, as to which

the date is November 15, 2019

F-2

JANONE INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3

JANONE INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4

JANONE INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5

JANONE INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)