SOBR Safe, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 June (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________.

Commission file number:  000-53316

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (844) 762-7723

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

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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth 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 an 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 provided 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 Exchange Act). Yes ☐     No ☒

Applicable only to issuers involved in bankruptcy proceedings during the preceding five years:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.   Yes ☐ No ☐

Applicable only to corporate issuers:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of August 9, 2023, there were 18,544,570 shares of common stock, $0.00001 par value, issued and outstanding.

SOBR SAFE, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  These statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions, and on information currently available to management.  Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations set forth under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  Forward-looking statements also include statements in which words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “consider,” or similar expressions are used.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our future results and shareholder values may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.  Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022, the condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022, follow. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.  All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature.

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

SOBR SAFE, Inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

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

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

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

SOBR SAFE, Inc.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2023

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION, OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SOBR Safe, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”) is a hardware and software company headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Our Company integrates proprietary software, SOBRsafe^TM, with our patented touch-based alcohol detection products, SOBRcheck™ and SOBRsure™, enabling non-invasive alcohol detection, biometric identity verification, and real-time cloud-based alerts and reporting. Currently our principal markets are in North America.

On May 16, 2022, our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker symbol “SOBR.” Prior to this, our common stock was quoted on the “OTCQB” tier of the OTC Markets, also under the ticker symbol “SOBR.”

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as promulgated in the United States of America and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2022, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023.

In management’s opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and its results of operations and cash flows for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. 

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiary, TransBiotec-CA, of 98.6%. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances between entities consolidated in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Specifically, such estimates were made by the Company for the recoverability and useful lives of long-lived and intangible assets including the intellectual technology, stock-based compensation and the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Financial Instruments 

The Company is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company prioritizes the inputs into three levels that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1

Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2

Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

Level 3

Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued interest payable, related party payables, notes payable, and other liabilities. We believe that the recorded values of our financial instruments approximate their current fair values because of their nature and respective maturity dates or durations.

At June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company did not have financial instruments requiring valuation from observable or unobservable inputs to determine fair value on a recurring basis.

Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash equivalents. The Company does not have any cash equivalents at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. 

Accounts Receivable

Customer accounts are monitored for potential credit losses based upon management’s assessment of expected collectability and the allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed periodically to assess the adequacy of the allowance. In making this assessment, management takes into consideration any circumstances of which the Company is aware regarding a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, and any potential prevailing economic conditions and their impact on the Company’s customers. The Company had no allowance for doubtful accounts at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Inventory

Inventory is comprised of component parts and finished product and is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of substantially all the Company’s inventory is determined by the FIFO cost method. The Company evaluates the valuation of inventory and periodically adjusts the value for estimated excess based upon estimates of future demand and market conditions, and obsolete inventory based upon otherwise damaged or impaired goods. The Company had no reserves for excess inventory or obsolescence at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Prepaid Expenses

Amounts incurred in advance of contractual performance or coverage periods are recorded as prepaid assets and recognized as expense in the period service or coverage is provided.  

Beneficial Conversion Features

As discussed under “Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” in Note 1, the Company adopted ASU 2020-06 effective January 1, 2023, which, among other things, eliminated the beneficial conversion feature model applicable to certain convertible instruments. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2020-06, a beneficial conversion feature existed on the date a convertible note is issued when the fair value of the underlying common stock to which the note is convertible into is in excess of the remaining unallocated proceeds of the note after first considering the allocation of a portion of the note proceeds to the fair value of the warrants, if related warrants have been granted. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature was recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding amount to additional paid-in capital. The debt discount was amortized to interest expense over the life of the note using the effective interest method.

Derivative Instruments

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within twelve months of the balance sheet date. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instruments are initially recorded at their fair values and are then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations under other income (expense).

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt using the effective interest method. The unamortized amount is presented as a reduction of debt on the consolidated balance sheets.

Preferred Stock

Preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption (if any) are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair value. We classify conditionally redeemable preferred shares (if any), which includes preferred shares that feature redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our control, as temporary equity. At all other times, we classify our preferred shares in stockholders’ equity.

Noncontrolling Interest

A subsidiary of the Company has minority members representing ownership interests of 1.4% at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Company accounts for this noncontrolling interest whereby gains and losses in a subsidiary with a noncontrolling interest are allocated to the noncontrolling interest based on the ownership percentage of the noncontrolling interest, even if that allocation results in a deficit noncontrolling interest balance.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles held for use are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of undiscounted expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or if changes in facts and circumstances indicate, an impairment loss is recognized and measured using the asset’s fair value. No impairment loss was recognized during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.

Revenue Recognition

The Company enters contracts with customers and generates revenue through various combinations of software products and services which include the sale of cloud-based software solutions, detection and data collection hardware devices, and cloud-based data reporting and analysis services. Depending on the combination of products and services detailed in the respective customer contract, the identifiable components may be highly interdependent and interrelated with each other such that each is required to provide the substance of the value of the Company’s offering and accounted for as a combined performance obligation, or the specific components may be generally distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized when control of these software products and/or services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for these respective services and devices.

The Company determines revenue recognition through five steps which include (1) identification of the contract or contracts with a customer, (2) identification of individual or combined performance obligations contained in the contract, (3) determination of the transaction price detailed within the contract, (4) allocation of the transaction price to the specific performance obligations, and (5) finally, recognition of revenue as the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied according to the terms of the contract.

Contracts with a Single License/Service Performance Obligation

For contracts with a single performance obligation consisting of a license and/or data services, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Where the Company provides a performance obligation as licensed software or data services, revenue is recognized upon delivery of the software or services ratably over the respective term of the contract.

Contracts for Purchase of Hardware Devices Only

Where hardware devices are sold separately by the Company, the entire transaction price is allocated to the device as an individual performance obligation and revenue is recognized at a point in time when either legal title, physical possession or the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the customer. Generally, these requirements are satisfied at the point in time the Company ships the product, as this is when the customer obtains control of the asset under the Company’s standard terms and conditions of the purchase.

Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations

Where a Company’s contract with a respective customer contains multiple performance obligations and due to the interdependent and interrelated nature of the licensed software, hardware devices and data reporting services, the Company accounts for the individual performance obligations if they are distinct in nature and the transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligations on a directly observable standalone sales price basis. Determining whether products and services are distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately or combined as one unit of accounting may require significant judgment. Standalone selling prices are primarily based upon the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. The Company may be able to establish a standalone sales price based upon observable products or services sold or priced separately in comparable circumstances, competitor pricing or similar customers. Where the performance obligations are either not distinct or directly observable, the Company estimates the standalone sales price of the performance obligations based upon the overall pricing objectives taking into consideration the value of the contract arrangement, number of licenses, number and types of hardware devices and the length of term of the contract. Professional judgement may be required to determine the standalone sales price for each performance obligation where not directly observable. Revenue for Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations is recognized on a ratable basis for each respective performance obligation as allocated under the prescribed Transaction Price identification model applied.

The Company requires customers to make payments related to subscribed software licenses and data services on a monthly basis via authorized bank account ACH withdrawal or an automatic credit card charge during the approved term of the respective agreement. The collectability of future cash flows are reasonably assured with any potential non-payment easily identified with future services being discontinued or suspended due to non-payment.

The Company’s contracts are generally twelve to thirty-six months in duration, are billed monthly and are non-cancelable. The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. The Company generally has an unconditional right to consideration when customers are invoiced and a receivable is recorded. A contract asset (unbilled revenue) is recognized when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or a contract liability (deferred revenue) when revenue will be recognized subsequent to invoicing.

The Company has elected to charge shipping, freight and delivery to customers as a source of revenue to offset respective costs when control has transferred to the customer.

We report revenue net of sales and other taxes collected from customers to be remitted to government authorities.

Estimated costs for the Company’s standard one-year warranty are charged to cost of goods and services when revenue is recorded for the related product. Royalties are also charged to cost of goods and services. 

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are considered short-term leases and are not recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets for leases with an expected term greater than twelve months. Operating lease ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset over the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at inception based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. When the rate implicit in the lease is not determinable, the Company uses its estimated secured incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. The lease expense for fixed lease payments is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease payments are included in the lease expense when the obligation for those payments is incurred. The Company has elected not to separate lease and non-lease components. 

Stock-based Compensation

The Company uses the fair-value based method to determine compensation for all arrangements under which employees and others receive shares of stock or equity instruments (warrants, options, and restricted stock units). The fair value of each warrant and option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options pricing model that uses assumptions for expected volatility, expected dividends, expected term, and the risk-free interest rate. The Company has not paid dividends historically and does not expect to pay them in the future. Expected volatilities are based on weighted averages of the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock estimated over the expected term of the awards. The expected term of options granted is derived using the “simplified method” which computes expected term as the average of the sum of the vesting term plus the contract term. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the period of the expected term.  The grant date fair value of a restricted stock unit equals the closing price of our common stock on the trading day of the grant date.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company incurred research and development costs as it acquired new knowledge to bring about significant improvements in the functionality and design of its products.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are charged to operations as incurred.  Advertising and marketing costs were $97,106 and $45,519 during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Advertising and marketing costs were $75,715 and $30,185 during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.   

Income Tax

Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carry forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company has not recorded any deferred tax assets or liabilities at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 as these have been offset by a 100% valuation allowance.

Loss Per Share

Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.  Diluted loss per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period, including stock options, warrants and convertible instruments.  Diluted net loss per share excludes all potentially issuable shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.  Because the effect of the Company’s dilutive securities is anti-dilutive, diluted net loss per share is the same as basic loss per share for the periods presented.

Concentrations

Credit Risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash. The Company maintains its cash at two domestic financial institutions. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of a default by the financial institutions to the extent that cash balances are in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of up to $250,000 per institution. The Company places its cash with high-credit quality financial institutions and is managed within established guidelines to mitigate risk. To date, the Company has not experienced any loss on its cash.

Concentration of Customers – The Company’s sales during the six months ending June 30, 2023 and 2022, have been made to a limited number of customers. Should the Company continue to conduct sales to a limited number of customers and remain highly concentrated, revenue may experience significant period to period shifts and may decline if the Company were to lose one or more of its customers, or if the Company were unable to obtain new customers.

Concentration of Suppliers – The Company relies on a limited number of component and contract suppliers to assemble its product. If supplier shortages occur, or quality problems arise, production schedules could be significantly delayed or costs could significantly increase, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

Related Parties

Related parties are any entities or individuals that, through employment, ownership, or other means, possess the ability to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the Company.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”) which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by eliminating the beneficial conversion and cash conversion accounting models. In addition, ASU 2020-06 removes certain settlement conditions required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception and simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. 

The Company early adopted ASU 2020-06 effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method whereby the cumulative effect of the change is recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at the date of adoption. On January 1, 2023, the Company recorded an increase to retained earnings (accumulated deficit) of $776,569 and a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $909,214 to fully remove the unamortized debt discount related to beneficial conversion features of $132,646.

The Company has reviewed other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and does not believe the future adoptions of any such pronouncements will be expected to cause a material impact on its financial condition or the results of operations.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. None of these reclassifications had a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements. 

NOTE 2. GOING CONCERN 

The Company has incurred recurring losses from operations. Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the Company’s ability to sell and develop products, generate cash flow from operations, and assess competing market developments. The Company may need additional capital in the future.

As of June 30, 2023, the Company has an accumulated deficit of approximately $83.0 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company experienced negative cash flows from operating activities of approximately $3.3 million.

Management believes that cash balances of approximately $5.7 million and positive working capital of $5.1 million at June 30, 2023 provide adequate working capital for operating activities for the next twelve months after the date these financial statements are issued. Further, actions presently being taken to generate product and services revenues and positive cash flows, in addition to the Company’s ability to implement expense reduction tactics to preserve working capital provide the opportunity for the Company to continue as a going concern as of June 30, 2023.

NOTE 3. INVENTORY

Inventory consists of the following:

NOTE 4. PREPAID EXPENSES

Prepaid expenses consist of the following:

A portion of the prepaid insurance premiums were financed under agreements as described in Note 8. 

NOTE 5. LEASES

The Company leases its corporate headquarters office space and certain office equipment under arrangements classified as operating leases. 

The Company entered into its lease agreement to rent office space for a twelve-month period beginning July 1, 2022 with a monthly base rent of $9,744.  The lease did not contain renewal options and was considered a short-term lease at inception. In April 2023, the Company executed an amendment to extend the term of the lease from July 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026. The amended lease provides for monthly base rent of $9,744 through September 2024, with fixed escalating monthly base rent for each year thereafter, and no rent due for the months of July through September 2023.

The Company determined that the amendment results in a lease modification that is not accounted for as a separate contract.  Further, due to the extension of the lease term beyond the initial 12 months, the office lease can no longer be considered a short-term lease. The Company has recorded a right-of-use asset and lease liability as of April 17, 2023 (the effective date of the amendment) based on the modified terms and conditions of the amended lease.     

The Company entered into a lease agreement for copier equipment in June 2023, requiring monthly lease payments of $329 through May 2026. 

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, total operating lease expense was $98,352, of which $14,025 was attributable to variable lease expenses, and $65,375 was attributable to short-term lease expense. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2023, total operating lease expense was $49,459, of which $14,025 was attributable to variable lease expenses, and $16,482 was attributable to short-term lease expense.  For the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022, total operating lease expense was $28,397 and $64,778, respectively, all of which was attributable to short-term lease expense.   

Operating lease obligations recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2023 are as follows:

Future lease payments included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2023 are as follows:

The weighted average remaining lease term is 39 months, and the weighted average discount rate is 10%. 

NOTE 6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets include the Company’s intellectual technology and consist of the following:

Amortization expense was $192,732 for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 and was $96,366 for each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 and is included in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

As of June 30, 2023, estimated future amortization expense for device technology intangible assets is as follows:

NOTE 7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On March 1, 2022 the Board of Directors approved the designation of 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock as “Series B Convertible Preferred Stock”. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock shares were issued in exchange for 333,333 shares of the Company’s common stock held by the Company’s CEO David Gandini and 666,667 shares of the Company’s common stock held by IDTEC SPV, LLC, an entity controlled by a beneficial owner of the Company (see Note 10). On April 20, 2023 the 3,000,000 Series B Convertible Preferred shares were converted to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at the option of the preferred stockholders. Neither the exchange nor the conversion resulted in the transfer of value.

NOTE 8. NOTES PAYABLE

RELATED PARTIES

Notes payable to related parties consist of the following:

Total interest expense for related party notes was $90,338 and $307,462 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total interest expense for related party notes was $5,661 and $154,575 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Related Party Convertible Notes Payable with Warrants - 2021 Debt Offering

During March, April, and May 2021, as a part of a 2021 Debt Offering, the Company issued thirteen convertible notes payable to related parties with principal balances totaling $1,000,000. The notes, secured by the Company’s patents and patent applications, were convertible into the Company’s common stock at $9 per share, and were due 24 months after issuance. Each of the notes was issued with detached free-standing warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock at $9 per share.  The notes included interest at 12% which the noteholders could elect to have paid in cash monthly or have the interest accrue and be payable on the maturity date, if not sooner converted.

The Company evaluated the convertible notes payable for embedded derivatives and beneficial conversion features and determined that there were beneficial conversion features to record. The total beneficial conversion feature debt discount of $448,999 is amortized over the life of the convertible notes payable. The debt discount amortization expense is recorded as amortization of interest – beneficial conversion features in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and was none and $111,328 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was none and $55,971 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The unamortized debt discount related to the beneficial conversion feature was $66,843 at December 31, 2022. This balance was eliminated upon adoption of ASU 2020-06 effective January 1, 2023 (see Note 1).

At the time of issuance, a portion of the proceeds from the 2021 Debt Offering was allocated to the stock warrants based on their relative fair value, resulting in a debt discount of $551,001 which was amortized over the life of the notes. Amortization of the debt discount related to the stock warrants is recorded as interest expense and was $62,837 and $136,629 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was $3,886 and $68,686 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Company fully repaid the remaining principal and accrued interest on the notes in March and April 2023. A portion of the notes were repaid prior to their stated maturities in April and May 2023. As a result, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $15,868 equal to the remaining unamortized debt discount on the notes at the time of repayment.

Related Party Non-Convertible Note Payable

The Company has one non-convertible note payable to a related party that has a principal balance of $11,810 as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The note carries an interest rate of 0%. The note payable had a due date of December 31, 2012 and is currently in default.

NON-RELATED PARTIES 

Notes payable to non-related parties consist of the following:

Total interest expense for non-related party notes was $343,343 and $314,616 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total interest expense for non-related party notes was $203,149 and $158,480 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Convertible Notes Payable with Warrants - 2023 Debt Offering

On March 7, 2023, the Company entered into a Debt Offering (the “2023 Debt Offering”) pursuant to a Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) and Registration Rights Agreement with institutional investors. The 2023 Debt Offering closed on March 9, 2023. The 2023 Debt Offering includes 15% Original Issue Discount Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) and Common Stock Purchase Warrants (the “Warrants”).  Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company received $3,000,001 from the Purchasers and in exchange issued the Notes in principal amounts of $3,529,412 and Warrants to purchase up to 386,998 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Notes are convertible voluntarily by the Purchaser at any time the principal amounts are outstanding into shares of our common stock at a conversion price $2.28. The Notes are due March 10, 2025, and accrue interest quarterly at 5% per annum. The accrued interest is payable by way of inclusion in the convertible amount and is compounded quarterly. The Warrants are exercisable at any time through March 9, 2028, into shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.52 per share. The Company received approximately $2,500,000 of net proceeds from the 2023 Debt Offering after offering-related costs.

On May 10, 2023, noteholders elected to convert a total of $341,999 (the “Conversion Amount”) pertaining to the 2023 Debt Offering into 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.28 per share. As provided for in the Agreement, the Conversion Amount included original Note principal of $309,688, as well as accrued interest of $32,311. 

Convertible Notes Payable with Warrants - 2021 Debt Offering

During March, April, and May 2021, as part of a 2021 Debt Offering, the Company issued sixteen convertible notes payable to non-related parties with principal balances totaling $1,005,000. The notes, secured by the Company’s patents and patent applications, were convertible into the Company’s common stock at $9 per share, and were due 24 months after issuance. Each of the notes was also issued with detached free-standing warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock at $9 per share. The notes included interest at 12% which the noteholders could elect to have paid in cash monthly or have the interest accrue and be payable on the maturity date, if not sooner converted.

The Company evaluated the convertible notes payable for embedded derivatives and beneficial conversion features and determined that there were beneficial conversion features to record. The total beneficial conversion feature debt discount of $460,215 is amortized over the life of the convertible notes payable. The debt discount amortization expense is recorded as amortization of interest – beneficial conversion features in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and was none and $114,108 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was none and $57,369 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The unamortized debt discount related to the beneficial conversion feature was $65,803 at December 31, 2022. This balance was eliminated upon adoption of ASU 2020-06 effective January 1, 2023 (see Note 1).

At the time of issuance, a portion of the proceeds from the 2021 Debt Offering was allocated to the stock warrants based on their relative fair value, resulting in a debt discount of $541,707 which was amortized over the life of the notes. Amortization of the debt discount related to the stock warrants is recorded as interest expense and was $68,818 and $134,313 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was $3,895 and $67,528 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Company fully repaid the remaining principal and accrued interest on the notes in March and April 2023. A portion of the notes were repaid prior to their stated maturities in April and May 2023. As a result, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $10,257 equal to the remaining unamortized debt discount on the notes at the time of repayment. 

Convertible Notes Payable

The Company has two convertible notes payable to a non-related entity with principal balances totaling $9,183 as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.  The notes bear interest at 12% and are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at $32.29 per share. The notes were due in February and March 2013 and are currently in default.

Non-Convertible Notes Payable

The Company has two non-convertible notes payable to non-related parties with principal balances totaling $17,500 as of June 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022. These notes carry interest rates ranging from 9% - 10% and have due dates ranging from December 2013 to November 2015. The notes are currently in default. 

Premium Financing Notes Payable

On May 25, 2022, the Company entered into a financing agreement for payment of its annual insurance premiums for coverage from May 2022 through May 2023 totaling $349,455. The financing agreement required an initial down payment of $74,866 with the remaining amount of $274,589 financed for a nine-month period at an annual interest rate of 4.37% with monthly payments of $31,068 beginning in June 2022. The note was paid in full in February 2023.

On June 15, 2023, the Company entered into a financing agreement for payment of its annual insurance premiums for coverage from May 2023 through May 2024 totaling $367,352. The financing agreement required an initial down payment of $73,470 with the remaining amount of $293,882 financed for an eight-month period at an annual interest rate of 8.49% with monthly payments of $37,914 beginning in June 2023.

NOTE 9. COMMON STOCK

The Company’s common stock transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2023, consist of the following:

The Company issued 225,000 shares of common stock to a consultant for investor relations services to be provided over a six-month period. 

The Company issued 185,000 shares of its common stock for RSUs vested in April and June 2023. 

The Company issued 150,000 shares of its common stock upon conversion of a portion of the Notes issued in the 2023 Debt Offering. 

The Company exchanged 3,000,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock with related parties for 1,000,000 shares of common stock (see Notes 7 and 10).

NOTE 10. PREFERRED STOCK

On November 20, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a class of stock designated as preferred stock with a par value of $0.00001 per share comprising 25,000,000 shares, 3,000,000 shares of which were classified as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. In each calendar year, the holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if, declared by the Board of Directors, out of any funds and assets of the Company legally available, non-cumulative dividends, in an amount equal to any dividends or other Distribution on the common stock in such calendar year (other than a Common Stock Dividend). No dividends (other than a Common Stock Dividend) shall be paid and no distribution shall be made with respect to the common stock unless dividends shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment to the holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock simultaneously. Dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shall not be mandatory or cumulative, and no rights or interest shall accrue to the holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock by reason of the fact that the Company shall fail to declare or pay dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, except for such rights or interest that may arise as a result of the Company paying a dividend or making a distribution on the common stock in violation of the terms. The holders of each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid, out of the Available Funds and Assets, and prior and in preference to any payment or Distribution (or any setting part of any payment or Distribution) of any Available Funds and Assets on any shares of common stock, and equal in preference to any payment or Distribution (or any setting part of any payment or Distribution)  of any Available Funds and Assets on any shares of any other series of preferred stock that have liquidation preference, an amount per share equal to the Original Issue Price of the series A Convertible Preferred Stock plus all declared but unpaid dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. A reorganization, or any other consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation, or any other sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, shall not be deemed a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company. Shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible at a 35% discount rate to the average closing price per share of the Company’s common stock (either as listed on a national exchange or as quoted over-the-market) for the last 15 trading days immediately prior to conversion. However, no conversions of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to shares of common stock can occur unless the average closing price per share of the Company’s common stock (either as listed on a national exchange or as quoted over-the-market) for the last 15 trading days immediately prior to conversion is at least $5.01. The shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock vote on a one for one basis. The right of conversion is limited by the fact the holder of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may not convert if such conversion would cause the holder to beneficially own more than 4.9% of the Company’s common stock after giving effect to such conversion. 

On December 9, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors created a class of preferred stock designated as 8% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock comprising of 2,000,000 shares. During 2020, the authorized shares were increased to 2,700,000 shares. The rights and preferences of the 8% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock are as follows: (a) dividend rights of 8% per annum based on the original issuance price of $1 per share, (b) liquidation preference over the Company’s common stock, (c) conversion rights into shares of the Company’s common stock at $3 per share (not to be affected by any reverse stock split in connection with the Asset Purchase Agreement with IDTEC), (d) redemption rights such that we have the right, upon 30 days written notice, at any time after one year from the date of issuance, to redeem all or part of the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock for 150% of the original issuance price, (e) no call rights by the Company, and (f) each share of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock will vote on an “as converted” basis.

On March 1, 2022 the Board of Directors approved the designation of 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The rights and preferences of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock are as follows: (a) dividends shall not be mandatory or cumulative, (b) liquidation preference over the Company’s common stock at an amount per share equal to the original issue price of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock plus all accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, (c) each three shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder, beginning on the date that is six months from the date the Holder acquired the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, and without the payment of additional consideration by the holder, into one share of common stock, (d) no redemption rights by the Company, (e) no call rights by the Company, and (f) each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock will vote on an “as converted” basis. 

On March 1, 2022, the 3,000,000 Series B Convertible Preferred shares were issued in exchange for 333,333 shares of the Company’s common stock held by the Company’s CEO David Gandini and 666,667 shares of the Company’s common stock held by IDTEC SPV, LLC, an entity controlled by a beneficial owner of the Company. The Company entered into the Share Exchange Agreements to provide certain changes to its capital structure in connection with the underwriting offering and listing on Nasdaq. On April 20, 2023 the 3,000,000 Series B Convertible Preferred shares were converted back into 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Neither the exchange nor the conversion resulted in any value transfer.

NOTE 11. STOCK WARRANTS, STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

The Company accounts for share-based compensation stock options and restricted stock units, and non-employee stock warrants under ASC 718, whereby costs are recorded based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable, utilizing the Black-Scholes pricing or the Monte Carlo simulation option pricing models for stock options and warrants, and the closing price of our common stock on the grant date for restricted stock units. Unless otherwise provided for, the Company covers equity instrument exercises by issuing new shares. 

Stock Warrants

On March 30, 2022, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 101,626 shares of common stock at $6 per share in exchange for a waiver of default penalties under the terms of a convertible debenture. The relative fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance was $864,000. The exercise price on the warrants was reduced to $1.35 per share in September 2022 in accordance with a down-round provision contained in the warrants. The warrants expire seven years after the date of issuance.

On May 18, 2022, the Company issued through an underwritten public offering 4,705,884 Offering Warrants, 424,116 Underwriter Warrants, and 141,177 Representative Warrants to purchase common stock of the Company at exercise prices of $4.25, $4.25 and $5.3125 per share, respectively. The warrants expire five years from the date of issuance and were valued using the Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model at approximately $5,700,000. The exercise price on the Offering Warrants and Underwriter Warrants was reduced to $2.125 per share in September 2022 in accordance with a down-round provision contained in those warrants.

In January 2023, the Company entered into a consulting agreement for professional services to be provided over a 6-month period in exchange for the issuance of 225,000 common shares and 225,000 warrants to purchase shares of common stock at $1.35 per share.  The warrants expire three years from the date of issuance. The warrants were valued at $162,481 using the Black-Scholes model on the date of issuance, which was recognized over the six month term of the agreement. 

On March 9, 2023, in conjunction with the 2023 Debt Offering (see Note 8), the Company issued a total of 386,998 warrants to purchase shares of common stock at $2.52 per share. The warrants expire five years from the date of issuance. Total proceeds from the 2023 Debt Offering were allocated to the warrants based on their relative fair value, resulting in $398517 allocated to the warrants after issuance costs.

The fair values of stock warrants granted during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were determined based on the following assumptions:

The following tables summarize the changes in the Company’s outstanding warrants during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022: