Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Industry Data

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the plans and objectives of management for future operations and market trends and expectations. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “approximately,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Our plans and objectives are based, in part, on assumptions involving the continued expansion of our business. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future political, legislative, economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. This is especially underlined by the anticipated impacts from the prevailing macro-economic uncertainty on the Company, including the related effects to our business operations, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position. Although we believe that our assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning:

PART I

Overview

LiqTech International, Inc. is a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration products and systems. For more than two decades, we have developed and manufactured products of re-crystallized silicon carbide. We specialize in three business areas: ceramic membranes for liquid filtration systems, ceramic diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to control soot exhaust particles and black carbon emission from diesel engines, and plastic components for usage across various industries. Using nanotechnology, we develop proprietary products using patented silicon carbide technology. Our products are based on unique silicon carbide membranes that facilitate new applications and improve existing technologies. We market our products from our offices in Denmark and through local representatives and distributors. The products are shipped directly to customers from our production facilities in Denmark.

The terms “LiqTech”, “we”, “our”, “us”, the “Company” or any derivative thereof, as used herein, refer to LiqTech International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, together with its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, which we collectively refer to herein as our “Subsidiaries”.  

At present, we conduct our operations in the Kingdom of Denmark. Our Danish operations are located in the Copenhagen area and Hobro.

Our Products

We manufacture and sell a broad range of systems and products based on the application of our ceramic filters and membranes for the filtration of liquids and gases within a range of uses, such as industrial wastewater, oil & gas, commercial pool, road & non-road machinery, marine, chemicals/petrochemicals and other industrial applications. We also provide engineered plastic parts and products for various internal and external industrial applications in the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries. 

Silicon Carbide Ceramic Membranes for Liquid Filtration

For more than two decades, LiqTech has developed, manufactured, and sold innovative silicon carbide ceramic membranes for liquids purification.  Based on our continuous R&D efforts, patented technologies, and advanced production methods, we produce state-of-the-art silicon carbide products for various applications with the current membrane portfolio consisting of:

Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) for Gas Purification

We offer diesel particulate filters for exhaust emission control solutions to the verified retrofit and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) markets through our direct sales force and distributors specializing in sales to end users. We use a proprietary “nano wash coat” to provide a catalytic coating for anything from diesel particulate filters to catalytic converters. Our DPF products are sold worldwide under the LiqTech brand.

We have developed a robust silicon carbide diesel particulate filter that is especially effective for vehicles, generators, marine, and non-road applications that produce a high soot load. If properly maintained, a LiqTech DPF can last as long as the application machinery or engine. Our DPFs are ideal for both on- and off-road vehicles and machinery because of their strength, chemical non-reactive nature, temperature resilience, and thermal conductivity.

Our DPF filters can handle higher soot loads than filters that do not use a silicon carbide membrane, making them ideal for situations in which engines infrequently reach high enough temperatures to burn off the soot. Examples include: 

Liquids Filtration Systems & Solutions

LiqTech develops, manufactures, and sells liquid filtration systems using our patented silicon carbide technology (sometimes also referred to herein as our “Aqua Solution®, SiC, and HTM membranes”). Our current focus is to strengthen our position within certain industrial applications such as difficult industrial water streams and hydrocarbon production-derived contaminated water, which we refer to herein as “produced water”. Furthermore, we remain focused on segments within marine scrubber wastewater, pool, metal & mining, microplastics removal, and other applications.

Our filtration systems have been used in the following applications by our clients:

Highly Flexible & Innovative Plastic Manufacturing

LiqTech provides highly flexible and innovative plastics manufacturing, focusing on machining, welding, bending, and solvent cementing. With an intense focus on customer demand, LiqTech serves market leaders in the clean technology, pharmaceuticals, foods, healthcare, and graphics industries. Furthermore, LiqTech delivers benefits through vertical integration by manufacturing some key components for the fabrication and assembly of liquid filtration systems for pool and marine scrubber applications.

Our Competitive Strengths

Our products and systems compete with other filtration technologies made from ceramic, aluminum oxide, and polymeric materials. While most of our competitors are large industrial companies, we hold a unique position by combining proprietary membrane technology with extensive system and application expertise. We believe our patented technology as well as our in-depth application knowledge allow us to offer reliable products that provide an advantage over many of our direct and, in many cases, larger competitors. We intend to continue investing in R&D with the aim of developing new technologies and improving our existing products to strengthen our competitive advantages, retain our existing customers, and acquire new customers.

We believe the following strengths underpin our ability to increase revenue and profitability:

Our Strategy 

Our strategy is to leverage our core competencies in material science, advanced filtration, systems integration, and application knowledge, creating differentiated products with compelling value propositions to penetrate attractive end markets with regulatory tailwinds. Essential imperatives associated with our strategy include the following:

Our Industry 

Overview

We serve primarily two industries: the liquid filtration market and the silicon carbide ceramic membrane & diesel particulate filter (DPF) market. Our goal is to leverage our products and core technologies to take advantage of favorable market trends.

Liquid Filtration Systems and Aftermarket

Water is essential to life on earth and clean water shortages are affecting billions of people. Today, 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 3 billion people worldwide lack basic handwashing facilities at home. In addition, more than 700 million people could be displaced due to water scarcity (according to the UN). According to the World Health Organization, approximately 395,000 children die every year due to unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation. In this context, the Company seeks to deploy our unique filtration systems across industries to help unlock a more sustainable future with lower resource consumption and more efficient and responsible operations, with the objective of creating both economic value and environmental benefits.

According to relevant industry research published in 2022, the global ceramic membrane market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%, from $5.4 billion in 2021 to $14.3 billion in 2030. LiqTech is differentiated by what we believe is our superior SiC membrane technology and our ability to provide a complete water treatment system for select industries and applications.

Our applications within industrial wastewater and more specific applications such as chemical/petrochemical purification represent a core part of our strategic plan. We seek to leverage our innovative and patented SiC ceramic membrane technology by designing and deploying our filtration systems into complex and demanding industrial applications where our clients can benefit from cost savings and value creation. Recent deployments have showcased attractive returns on investment, as our solutions yield improved product characteristics, lower operational costs, and higher output. We are currently focused on evaluating future market potential to more accurately assess the commercial potential within each industrial end-market segment. Based on industry research, the total addressable market within the global industrial water & wastewater treatment market is projected to reach $7.7 billion by 2030.

In the oil & gas market, we see growing global demand for high-quality re-injection water. In addition, we see tightening water discharge legislation, increasing public awareness of water scarcity, and heightening adoption of reuse as key growth drivers in this end market. In the past two years, we have worked closely with industry partners to validate and accelerate our ultra-filtration technology applications within the global oil & gas industry, in both onshore and offshore environments, evidenced by a commercial installation in the Middle East for produced water and in the Mediterranean Sea for monoethylene glycol (MEG) recovery. In 2024, we have succeeded in two commercial installations in the U.S. onshore market. The projected global market for produced water treatment has large potential for the Company. According to Zion Market Research, the market will grow with a CAGR of 8% and reach a market size of $16 billion in 2032 from $8 billion in 2023

The market for marine water filtration systems is dependent on the development of new regulations for sulfur and ballast water emissions. In 2020, IMO (International Maritime Organization) issued Marpol VI with clear regulation of SOx emissions for marine ships. The regulation can be reached in one of two ways: 1) use of fuel with low SOx content for a cost that is 150-200 $/MT higher than normal bunker fuel; 2) installation of open-loop, hybrid, or closed-loop scrubbers.  Only hybrid and closed-loop systems can be used in “ECA” zones (Emission Control Areas).  For hybrid and closed-loop systems, there is a need to install a water treatment system. Up to now, approximately 6,000 vessels have installed a scrubber, of which 1,200 include hybrid or closed-loop systems. Since 2018, LiqTech has sold and installed more than 170 water treatment units (WTU) for marine scrubbers, with an estimated market share of 14%. Sustainability is gaining increasing attention in the shipping industry. Most commercial new vessels are built with dual-fuel engines. This type of engines requires an efficient and reliable water treatment system for exhaust gas recirculation, for which it is necessary for engine combustion efficiency. Based on our many commercially operated water treatment systems, we have developed a unique for this new application. We are actively repositioning our WTU to match the emerging new opportunity for exhaust gas recirculation in dual-fuel engines. This new market development supports the energy transition for the marine industry and will be a major trend in the coming years. According to Clarkson shipping intelligence and other public sources, there are greater than 400 new dual-engine vessels on order for 2024 to 2027.

In addition to our industrial, oil & gas, and marine applications, our Company offers industry-leading commercial pool filtration systems globally through distributors and local partners. Based on more than 20 years of experience in the filtration industry, we have developed a superior and cost-effective industrial pool filter system with a smaller footprint, lower chlorine consumption, and higher quality of water filtration. Conventional technologies use large amounts of chemicals for disinfection, whereas our superior commercial pool system reduces chemical consumption. We believe our offering is uniquely positioned to unlock future growth in the context of the global focus on ESG, since our commercial pool application delivers safe, clean, and clear water to our clients with lower energy consumption and reduced lifecycle costs. According to Frost & Sullivan's report European Swimming Pool Water Treatment Growth Opportunities (June 2022), the European commercial pool market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a total addressable market of $687 million. We remain committed to expand our geographical reach outside of Europe through new partnerships and distribution agreements.

Furthermore, we have recently intensified our focus on aftermarket sales through service & maintenance agreements and the sale of spare parts to our clients and partners. We intend to leverage the installed base of our filtration systems delivered and commissioned over the last decade by engaging with both new and existing clients to develop a closer and more comprehensive partnership structure and ultimately bundle our filtration systems and aftermarket offering. We believe the aftermarket segment benefits from robust growth fundamentals as clients and technology providers are increasingly focused on unlocking value through close collaboration, for which service and maintenance will yield improved customer satisfaction and growth.

Silicon Carbide Ceramic Membrane & Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Market

Our legacy business related to the provision of DPF filters is expected to continue growing across Europe and North America as regulators require diesel engines to comply with new and more stringent environmental rules and regulations. In Europe, for example, cities in Germany and the Benelux countries are enforcing increasingly stringent requirements for diesel engines to include DPF filters, with the same trend also taking place in select Asian countries.

Furthermore, our proprietary DPF technology has paved the way for new market opportunities such as black carbon emission reduction in the marine industry, where our solutions allow both ocean-going and inland marine vessels to comply with current and future regulatory thresholds as defined by both IMO and regional regulators.

According to industry research, the global market for new DPF filters manufactured by OEMs is expected to grow at approximately 13% per year. Diesel emissions consist of several toxic gases and particles, including particulate matter (soot), carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. Soot has been linked to a variety of human health problems. Reducing diesel emissions will have both health and social benefits along with reduced costs.

In response to health impacts, governments have been implementing legislation to regulate emissions from diesel engines. California implemented the Diesel Risk Reduction Plan, and New York City implemented binding directives for the retrofitting of buses, garbage trucks, and construction machines. In the European Union, Directive EC 715/2007 of June 20, 2007, defines particle count limits for certain cars and light utility vehicles. Also, low emission zones have been implemented locally in various places in Europe, creating a patchwork of regulation.

Historically, our business has predominantly sold our integrated filtration systems with embedded SiC, HTM, and Aqua Solution® membranes to our partners, distributors, and end users. Recently, we have intensified our focus on the direct sale of SiC and HTM membrane products to clients and integrators across jurisdictions to directly access the global market for ceramics membrane solutions in the context of the growing need for clean water and responsible handling of industrial wastewater, while also placing value-enhancing applications across core industrial processes such as chemical/petrochemical, enhanced oil recovery, and other applications.

Research and Development

We have eight (8) full-time employees who are primarily engaged in R&D activities pertaining to the development of technology and intellectual property rights related to silicon carbide product formulas, applications, and manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing

We currently manufacture our ceramic membrane and DPF products in Ballerup, Denmark (Copenhagen area). We assemble our liquid filtration systems and manufacture plastic products at our facilities located in Hobro, Denmark. We plan to consolidate, optimize, and expand our production capacity within the existing facilities with further support from partnerships across the U.S. and Asia.

Raw Materials and Components

The main raw materials used in our manufacturing processes are silicon carbide, steel, pumps, electrical components, plastic, platinum, and palladium. We purchase these commodities from various sources generally based upon availability, lead time, quality, and price.

Sales, Marketing and Business Intelligence

Our products and services are sold both directly and indirectly to end users across multiple jurisdictions and end-markets through direct sales, systems integrators, distributors, agents, and partners.

Our Company initially focused on selling DPF filters to the automotive industry to reduce exhaust gas emissions in diesel engines. In 2014, we acquired Provital Solutions, a Danish filtration system manufacturing company that enabled our Company to broaden our offering of products and systems for ceramic filters, SiC membranes, and modular liquid filtration systems. The liquid filtration systems business has become a highly complementary offering to our SiC membrane and DPF business.

We plan to actively market our existing products to new customers as we penetrate new end markets and optimize our manufacturing capacity. As of December 2024, we employed ten (10) full-time sales, marketing and strategy personnel in addition to partnership and distribution agents. We promote our products through direct sales to potential customers and marketing activities such as participation in tradeshows and exhibitions, with a new focus on digital marketing.

In certain instances, our products are delivered to the end customer through system integrators. These system integrators use our filtration products and membranes in larger filtration systems, which eventually are installed in systems used by the end customers. Due to legislative regulation, system integrators are often required by the end customers to receive approval for their systems, including the components used in such systems, which requires significant time and expense. As a result, we believe that certain system integrators using our products will not replace our filters with competitive products unless there are compelling reasons to do so. 

Intellectual Property

We have two issued patents in Denmark, one issued European patent, and one pending European and US patent application that we co-own with a third party. Scope and duration of each of our foreign patents vary in keeping with local laws. On July 7, 2014, we obtained a new Danish patent application related to our silicon carbide membrane technology. In 2023, we have submitted 3 patent applications to further strengthen our intellectual property for SiC membranes.

We also rely on trade secret protection for our confidential and proprietary information. Trade secrets, however, can be difficult to protect. We may not be able to maintain our technology or know-how as trade secrets, and competitors may develop or acquire equally valuable or more valuable technology or know-how related to the manufacture of comparable silicon carbide products. We also seek to protect our confidential and proprietary information, in part, by requiring all employees, consultants, and business partners to execute confidentiality and/or nondisclosure agreements upon the commencement of any employment, consulting arrangement, or engagement with us. These agreements generally require that all confidential and proprietary information developed by the employee, consultant, or business partner, or made known to the employee, consultant, or business partner by us, during the course of the relationship with us and thereafter, be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties.

We also believe that having distinctive names is an important factor in marketing our products and therefore use trademarks to brand some of our products. As of March 2025, we had three trademark registrations in China and four trademark registrations in Denmark (AQUA SOLUTION, CoMem, CDPX, and FUTURE FILTRATION). We are also in the process of proactively renewing and developing new trademarks in select geographic areas.

Government Regulation

We do not believe that we are subject to any special governmental regulations affecting our products in the countries in which we operate, although we are subject to numerous health and safety laws and regulations. We actively seek to maintain a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly workplace for all of our employees and other stakeholders.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to a broad range of environmental laws and regulations that govern, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, and the handling, storage, disposal, and release of waste and hazardous substances. It is our policy to comply with all applicable environmental requirements at each of our facilities.

Competition 

Our products compete with other filters that are made using polymer, silicon carbide ceramic, and aluminum oxide membranes. Most of our competitors are large industrial companies; however, we believe our patented technology, manufacturing know-how, and trade secrets allow us to produce high-quality products that provide an advantage over most of our competitors, many of which have greater financial, technological, manufacturing and personnel resources. We intend to continue to devote resources to the development of new technologies and the improvement of our products to retain existing customers and acquire new customers.

Employees

At December 31, 2024 we had 105 employees, including 66 in production; 20 in administration; 8 in research and development; 10 in sales, marketing and strategy; and 1 in executive management.

Certain employees in Denmark are represented by workers’ councils that have collective bargaining agreements. With the exception of such Danish employees, no other employees are members of a labor union or are represented by workers’ councils that have collective bargaining agreements. We believe that we have good relations with our employees.

Corporate Information

We filed our Articles of Incorporation on July 1, 2004, and are incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada. Our principal executive office is located at Industriparken 22C, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark, and our telephone number is +45 3131 5941. We maintain an Internet website at www.liqtech.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file with or furnish them to the SEC and are available in print to any stockholder who requests a copy.  The information contained in, or accessible from, our website is not a part of this Annual Report. 

Additionally, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements, information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS 

The adverse effect to our business operations from armed conflicts (such as Ukraine/Russia and Hamas/Israel) or similar political, social, regulatory, or economic tension may challenge our operational flexibility and financial performance.

The continuation of the war between Ukraine and Russia as well as the war/armed conflict related to Hamas/Israel and the situation in the Red Sea fuels uncertainty and risk to our business as we rely on the ability to manufacture, ship, service, and operate across multiple jurisdictions. The wars may result in sanctions and increased uncertainties, thus restricting our ability to service our clients and execute orders globally due to supply chain risk, import/export restrictions, and increased demand uncertainty. Additionally, if customers are not successful in generating sufficient revenue or are precluded from securing financing due to the ongoing wars, they may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, owed amounts to the Company for the provision of products and services. Any inability of current or new potential customers to purchase or pay for our products may adversely affect our sales, earnings, and cash flow.

Sales and earnings could also be affected by our ability to manage the risks and uncertainties associated with changes in local legal requirements or the enforceability of laws and contractual obligations, trade protection measures, changes in tax laws, regional political instability, war, terrorist activities, severe or prolonged adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, and health epidemics or pandemics.

Global trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions could adversely impact our business and supply chain

Our business operates in a global market and is subject to risks arising from increasing trade restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and shifting regulatory frameworks. In recent years, governments have imposed new tariffs, sanctions, and export controls, particularly in relation to advanced technologies, critical raw materials, and industrial goods. Trade conflicts between major economies, such as the United States and China, as well as evolving sanctions on Russia, have created uncertainty in supply chains and increased the complexity of cross-border trade. More recently, the change in administration in the U.S. elevates the potential for trade conflict and tariffs on imports, which could potentially impact our business. 

New or expanded trade restrictions, including export controls on key materials or technologies used in our products, could disrupt our supply chain, limit our ability to source critical components, and increase costs. Additionally, changes in import/export regulations or retaliatory trade policies from foreign governments could affect our ability to serve certain markets or delay customer orders.

Our ability to mitigate these risks depends on the stability of global trade relations, our ability to identify alternative suppliers, and potential shifts in regulatory frameworks that could impact our industry. There can be no assurance that future trade restrictions or geopolitical conflicts will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Prolonged period of energy market volatility and supply disruptions could negatively impact our business

The European energy crisis, which escalated in 2022 amid the Russia-Ukraine war, has largely stabilized; however, our business remains exposed to fluctuations in energy prices and potential supply disruptions caused by geopolitical instability, regulatory changes, or natural disasters. While natural gas and electricity prices in Europe have moderated compared to prior peaks, continued uncertainty regarding global energy markets, including potential disruptions from conflicts in the Middle East and instability affecting key shipping routes, could result in renewed price volatility and supply constraints.

Our business is heavily exposed to both gas and electricity prices used to power operating equipment and high-temperature kilns, as well as to heat office and manufacturing facilities. Any significant increase in energy costs or supply shortages, whether due to geopolitical conflicts, new regulatory restrictions, or logistical challenges in securing energy inputs, could negatively impact profitability and reduce our competitive position compared to competitors operating in regions with lower energy costs.

Additionally, evolving energy policies, such as carbon taxes, emissions trading schemes, and government-mandated energy transition initiatives, may increase operating costs and impact the cost structure of our production processes. While management continues to evaluate energy efficiency measures and alternative supply arrangements, there can be no assurance that future energy market volatility or supply disruptions will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our business has been right-sized to help protect our profitability and cash flow; however, we remain exposed to near-term market fundamentals as we rely on short lead-time products and orders that may be cancelled if customers are facing weakened end-market demand or increased uncertainty.

Health crises, pandemics, and other public health emergencies could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our business could be adversely affected by the emergence or resurgence of health crises, pandemics, or other public health emergencies. While the global impact of COVID-19 has diminished, recent years have demonstrated the significant disruptions that pandemics or widespread health emergencies can cause to supply chains, labor markets, and overall economic activity.

Authorities worldwide continue to implement measures to mitigate potential future outbreaks, including vaccination campaigns, travel restrictions, and quarantine protocols, however, new infectious diseases or resurgences of existing ones could lead to disruptions in our supply chain, temporary facility closures, labor shortages, and delays in customer orders. Additionally, prolonged health crises could negatively impact the financial position of our customers or suppliers, increasing the risk of delayed payments, order cancellations, or defaults on contractual obligations.

Our ability to navigate future public health emergencies will depend on the severity and duration of such events, as well as the effectiveness of mitigation strategies implemented by governments, businesses, and healthcare systems. There can be no assurance that future health crises will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Historically, we have been dependent on a few major customers for a significant portion of the Company’s revenue. Our revenue could decline if we are unable to maintain or develop relationships with additional customers and our results of operations could be adversely affected if any one of these customers is unable to meet their financial obligations to us.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, our four largest customers accounted for approximately 7%, 7%, 5%, and 5% of our net sales (approximately 24% in total). For the year ended December 31, 2023, our four largest customers accounted for approximately 7%, 5%, 4%, and 4% of our net sales (approximately 20% in total). If we are unable to diversify our customer base, our future results will be heavily dependent on these customers. Our dependence on a limited number of customers means that the loss of a major customer or any reduction in orders by a major customer would materially reduce our net sales and adversely affect our results of operations. We expect that sales to relatively few customers will continue to account for a significant percentage of our net sales for the foreseeable future; however, these customers or our other customers may not use our products at current levels in the future, if at all. We have no firm, long-term volume commitments from any of our major customers, and we generally enter into individual purchase orders with our customers, in certain cases under master agreements that govern the terms and conditions of the relationship. We have experienced delays or cancellations of orders and fluctuations in order levels from period to period and expect that we will continue to experience such delays, cancellations, and fluctuations in the future. Customer purchase orders may be delayed or cancelled, and order volume levels can be changed with limited or no penalties. We may not be able to replace cancelled, delayed, or reduced purchase orders with new orders. If any one of these customers reduces its demand for our products, it will likely have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Furthermore, a significant portion of our accounts receivable is concentrated with a few major customers who may not be able to meet their financial obligations to us. The failure of any such customer to pay amounts owed to us in a timely fashion or at all could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. The Company is also exposed to credit risk on its accounts receivable, and this risk is heightened during periods when economic conditions worsen. The Company’s outstanding receivables are not covered by collateral or credit insurance. The Company's exposure to credit and collection risk on its receivables may also be higher in certain international markets, and its ability to mitigate such risks may be limited. While the Company has procedures to monitor and limit exposure to credit risk on its receivables, there can be no assurance such procedures will effectively limit our credit risk and avoid losses.

If we fail to restore financial stability through improved profitability and access to adequate liquidity, our business options and financial condition would be impacted.

Our business has undergone significant changes in the past few years to help restore financial flexibility to the Company through an enhanced capital structure, improved profitability, reduced investments, and changes to the organization. Our ability to achieve financial beak-even is heavily dependent on external macroeconomic and competitive industry dynamics that are outside of our control; therefore, our business may not achieve its financial objectives in a period with increased competition or weakening market fundamentals.

Furthermore, future growth and operations may require public or private equity offerings or debt financings. Additional funds may not be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to delay or reduce the scope of our plans to grow our revenues, to pass on one or more opportunities, or to scale back our business plans. To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. In addition, debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants. We may seek to access the public or private capital markets whenever conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional capital at that time. Our access to the financial markets and the pricing and terms we receive in the financial markets could be adversely impacted by various factors, including changes in financial markets and interest rates.

The potential interruption or failure to obtain raw materials and components at affordable prices caused by continued global and regional supply chain constraints could negatively affect our ability to supply products to our customers and negatively affect our profit and delay revenue.

We use silicon carbide, steel, plastic, platinum, and palladium in the manufacturing process. As other industries develop products utilizing silicon carbide, we may not be able to obtain adequate supplies of silicon carbide required for the manufacture of our existing and future products that would prevent us from supplying products to our customers and materially affect our business. Furthermore, any increased demand for, the raising of tariff rates on, or an increase of non-tariff trade barriers that apply to silicon carbide, steel, plastic, platinum, or palladium could increase the price we must pay to obtain it and could adversely affect our profitability, which would have an adverse effect on our financial results. Additionally, fluctuation in demand for ceramics or global bottlenecks in shipping may result in supply chain constraints and longer lead times on key components which may result in delayed order shipments or risk of cancellation from clients demanding short lead times.

If we are unable to manage our expected growth, our business may be materially and adversely affected.

We expect to expand our operations by increasing our production capacity and penetrating new markets. The growth of our business could place significant strain on our management, operational, and financial resources. To manage our future growth, we could be required to improve existing or implement new operational or financial systems, procedures, and controls as well as to expand, train, and manage a growing employee base. Our failure to accomplish any of these tasks could materially and adversely affect our business. We also may not recognize the anticipated benefits of completed dispositions or other divestitures we may pursue in the future.

Our success will depend, to a large degree, on the expertise and experience of the members of our management team, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our success is, to a large degree, dependent upon the expertise and experience of the management team and its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel who are technically proficient. The loss of the services of one or more of such personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our business may also be adversely affected if we are unable to continue to attract and retain such personnel.

Adverse conditions, regulatory challenges, or lack of funding for emission control programs, may delay or negatively affect our future growth and market potential within the transportation and marine industries.

Global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic or significant macroeconomic uncertainty exacerbated by current or future geopolitical conflicts and high inflationary pressure can significantly impact our Company, customers, and suppliers. For example, the global shipping industry has been negatively impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and may be further adversely affected by an extended shutdown of various businesses or delayed implementation of regulatory frameworks and environmental policies. This, in turn, could adversely affect the demand for our marine scrubbers as shipowners delay or even cancel their orders for new closed-loop scrubber systems.

Future growth of our business depends in part on the availability of funding for emissions control programs, which can be affected by economic as well as political reasons that are beyond our control. If such funding is not available, or delayed, it can negatively affect our future growth prospects. In addition to funding, we also expect that our future business growth will be driven, in part, by the enforcement of existing emissions-related environmental regulations and tightening of emissions standards worldwide, where regulations and standards are frequently contested in litigation. For example, our ability to expand our business in the marine industry is dependent on the effective implementation of IMO 2020, which requires the burning of low-sulfur oil for marine vessels or the inclusion of marine scrubber technology. If existing regulations and emissions standards do not continue to become stricter, are loosened, or are not enforced by governmental authorities due to commercial and business pressures, economic conditions, or otherwise, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and long-term prospects.

We face changes in governmental standards by which our products are evaluated, and if we cannot meet any such changes, some of our products could become obsolete, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We believe that, due to the intensifying focus on the environment and clean air and water standards throughout the world, new requirements to adhere to more stringent regulations are possible in the future as governmental agencies seek to promote clean air and water along with new product certifications. In the event that our products fail to meet these evolving standards, some or all of our products may become obsolete, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and long-term prospects.

Our international operations are exposed to potential adverse tax consequence.

Our international operations create a risk of potentially adverse tax consequences. Taxes on income in future internationally based operations are dependent upon acceptance of our operational practices and intercompany transfer pricing by local tax authorities as being on an arm's length basis. Due to inconsistencies among taxing authorities in application of the arm's length standard, transfer pricing challenges by tax authorities could, if successful, materially increase our consolidated income tax expense. We may be subject to tax audits, and an audit could result in the assessment of additional income tax against us. This could have a material adverse effect on our operating results or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made and could result in increases to our overall tax expense in subsequent periods. 

Our business could face adverse impacts due to increased interest rates, tightening debt capital markets, and market volatility.

Our business and capital structure are dependent upon our ability to raise financing and optimize our cash management activities through timely access to credit and loan markets at attractive terms. The prevailing uncertainty and increased interest rates represent a significant risk to our business as we are relying upon our ability to refinance our capital structure and maintain access to relevant financing. Furthermore, elevated interest rates may cause increased uncertainty and cash flow constraints, including the inability of the Company to meet existing debt service commitments. Increased market and interest rate uncertainty may also elevate execution risk and ultimately restrict our ability to refinance our debt obligations.

Foreign currency fluctuations could adversely impact financial performance.

Our reporting currency is the United States Dollar ($). Because of our activities in Denmark, the European Continent, Middle East, U.S., and other countries, we are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency rates. Most income and expense-related transactions are denominated in currencies other than the reporting currency, and a certain portion of the excess cash balances may be held in other currencies or in bank accounts outside of the United States, causing risks of currency fluctuations when translating balances to the reporting currency at the end of the reporting period. We may manage the risk to such exposure through active cash flow management, and in some cases, by entering into foreign currency futures and option contracts; however, we can make no assurance that such actions will be sufficient to offset a material adverse effect on our operations in the future. As of December 31, 2024, we have not entered into any derivative contracts to hedge our currency exposure.

Our inability to protect our intellectual property rights could negatively affect our business and results of operations.

Our ability to compete effectively depends in part upon developing, maintaining, and/or protecting intellectual property rights relevant to our re-crystallized silicon carbide product forms, applications, and manufacturing processes. We rely principally on a combination of patent protection, trade secrets, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, and trusted business relationships to establish, maintain, and protect the intellectual property rights relevant to our business. These measures, however, may not be adequate in every given case to permit us to gain or retain any competitive advantage, particularly in those countries where the laws do not protect our proprietary rights as fully as those in the United States. In particular, because silicon carbide is a well-known material (developed over 100 years ago), and there has been extensive research, development, and publication related to this material and its wide range of applications, obtaining intellectual property rights to key elements of silicon carbide technology can be challenging. Accordingly, at least some of the technology employed in our manufacture of re-crystallized silicon carbide products is not protected by patents.

Where we consider it appropriate, we seek patent protection in the United States and other countries for technologies used in, or relating to, our re-crystallized silicon carbide product forms, applications, and manufacturing processes. The issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its scope, validity, and enforceability. Thus, any patent or patent application which may issue into a patent held by us could be challenged, invalidated, or held unenforceable in litigation or proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and/or other patent tribunals, or they may be circumvented by others. No consistent policy regarding the breadth of patent claims has emerged to date in the United States, and the landscape could become more uncertain in view of future rule changes by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the introduction of patent reform legislation, and decisions in patent law cases by United States federal courts. The patent landscape outside of the United States is even less predictable. As a result, the validity and enforceability of patents cannot be predicted with certainty. In addition, we may fail to apply for patents on important technologies or product candidates in a timely fashion, if at all, and our existing and future patents may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from practicing our technologies or from developing competing products or technologies, especially given the long history of silicon carbide development. 

Our patent strategy involves complex legal and factual questions. Our ability to maintain and solidify our proprietary technology may depend in part upon our success in obtaining patent rights and enforcing those rights once granted or licensed. We do not know whether any of our pending patent applications will result in the issuance of any patents. Our issued patents and those that may be issued in the future may be challenged, invalidated, rendered unenforceable, or circumvented, which could limit our ability to prevent competitors from marketing similar or related products or shorten the term of patent protection that we may have for our products, processes, and enabling technologies. In addition, the rights granted under any issued patents may not provide us with competitive advantages against competitors with similar technology. Furthermore, our competitors may independently develop similar technologies, duplicate technology developed by us, or otherwise possess intellectual property rights that could limit our ability to manufacture our products and operate our business. 

We also rely on trade secret protection for our confidential and proprietary information. Trade secrets, however, can be difficult to protect. We may not be able to maintain our technology or know-how as trade secrets, and competitors may develop or acquire equally valuable or more valuable technology or know-how related to the manufacture of comparable silicon carbide products. We also seek to protect our confidential and proprietary information, in part, by requiring all employees, consultants, and business partners to execute confidentiality and/or nondisclosure agreements upon the commencement of any employment, consulting arrangement, or engagement with us. These agreements generally require that all confidential and proprietary information developed by the employee, consultant, or business partner, or made known to the employee, consultant, or business partner by us, during the relationship with us, be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties. These agreements may be breached and may not provide adequate remedies in the event of breach. To the extent that our employees, consultants, or business partners use intellectual property owned by others in their work for and/or with us, disputes could arise as to the rights in related or resulting technologies, know-how, or inventions. Moreover, while we also require customers and vendors to execute agreements containing confidentiality and/or nondisclosure provisions, we may not have obtained such agreements from all of our customers and vendors. In addition, our trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently discovered by competitors, customers, or vendors. Such customers or vendors may also be subject to laws and regulations that require them to disclose information that we would otherwise seek to keep confidential.

Moreover, others may independently develop and obtain patents covering technologies that are similar or superior to the product forms, applications, or manufacturing processes that we employ. If that happens, we may need to obtain licenses for these technologies and may not be able to obtain licenses on reasonable terms, if at all, which could limit our ability to manufacture our future products and operate our business. In addition, third parties could utilize our intellectual property rights in territories where we do not have intellectual property protection. Such third parties may then try to import products made using our intellectual property rights into the United States or other countries, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our contracts with third parties could negatively affect our intellectual property rights.

To further strengthen our product development efforts, we continue to work closely with customers and other third parties to research and develop advancements in silicon carbide product forms, applications, manufacturing processes, and related products and technologies. In some instances, the research and development activities that we conduct with customers and other third parties may produce intellectual property to which we may not have ownership or exclusive rights and will be unable to protect or monetize. Furthermore, there could be disputes between us and a private third party as to the ownership rights to any inventions that we develop in collaboration with such third party. Any such dispute may cause us to incur substantial costs and could place a significant strain on our financial resources, divert the attention of management from our core business, or harm our reputation. 

We could become subject to intellectual property litigation that could be costly, limit or cancel our intellectual property rights, divert time and efforts away from business operations, require us to pay damages, and/or otherwise have an adverse material impact on our business.

The success of our business is highly dependent on protecting our intellectual property rights. Unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products and/or enabling technologies. Policing the unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights is difficult and expensive, as is enforcing these rights against unauthorized use by others. Identifying unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights is difficult because we may be unable to monitor the processes and/or materials being employed by other parties. The steps we have taken may not prevent unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights, particularly in foreign countries where enforcement of intellectual property rights may be more difficult than in the United States.

Our continued commercial success will also depend in part upon not infringing the patents or violating the intellectual property rights of third parties. We are aware of patents and patent applications generally relating to aspects of our technologies filed by, and issued to, third parties. Nevertheless, we cannot determine with certainty whether such patents or patent applications of other parties may materially affect our ability to conduct our business. There may be existing patents of which we are unaware that we may inadvertently infringe, resulting in claims against us or our customers. In the event that the manufacture, use, and/or sale of our products or processes is challenged, or if our product forms or processes conflict with the patent rights of others, third parties could bring legal actions against us or our customers in the United States, Europe, or other countries, claiming damages and seeking to enjoin the manufacturing and/or marketing of our products. Additionally, it is not possible to predict with certainty what patent claims may issue from any relevant third-party pending patent applications. Third parties may be able to obtain patents with claims relating to our product forms, applications, and/or manufacturing processes, which they could attempt to assert against us or our customers.

In any case, litigation may be necessary to enforce, protect, or defend our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the intellectual property rights of others. Any litigation could be unsuccessful, cause us to incur substantial costs, divert resources and the efforts of our personnel away from daily operations, harm our reputation, and/or result in the impairment of our intellectual property rights. In some cases, litigation may be threatened or brought by a patent-holding company or other adverse patent owner who has no relevant product revenues and against which our patents may provide little or no deterrence. If we are found to infringe any patents, we could be required to (1) pay substantial monetary damages, including lost profits, reasonable royalties, and/or treble damages if an infringement is found to be willful and/or (2) totally discontinue or substantially modify any products or processes that are found to be in violation of another party’s intellectual property rights. If our competitors are able to use our technology without payment to us, our ability to compete effectively could be harmed.

We face competition and technological advances by competitors, which could adversely affect the sales of our products.

The growth of our Company depends in part on maintaining and growing the sales of our current products in existing and new markets, but also in developing new products and technologies. There is significant competition among companies that provide solutions for pollutant emissions from diesel engines and liquids purification. Several companies market products that compete directly with our products. Other companies offer products that potential customers may consider to be acceptable or superior alternatives to our products and services, including products that are verified by the Environmental Protection Agency or other environmental authorities. We face direct competition from companies with greater financial, technological, manufacturing, and personnel resources. Newly developed products could be more effective and cost-efficient than our current or future products.

Any liability for environmental harm or damages resulting from technical faults or failures of our products could be substantial and could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Customers rely upon our products to meet emissions control standards imposed upon them by regulatory bodies. Failure of our products to meet such standards could expose us to claims from customers. Our products are also integrated into goods used by consumers, and therefore a malfunction or the inadequate design of our products could result in product liability claims. Any liability for environmental harm or damages resulting from technical faults or failures could be substantial and could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, a well-publicized actual or perceived problem could adversely affect the market’s perception of our products, which would materially impact our financial condition and operating results.

We could become liable for damages resulting from our manufacturing activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or cause us to cease operations.

The nature of our manufacturing operations exposes us to potential claims and liability for environmental damage, personal injury, loss of life, and damage to, or destruction of, property. Our manufacturing operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations that govern environmental protection and human health and safety. These laws and regulations have changed frequently in the past, and it is reasonable to expect additional and more stringent changes in the future. Our manufacturing operations may not comply with future laws and regulations, and we may be required to make significant unanticipated capital and operating expenditures to bring our operations within compliance with such evolving regulations. If we fail to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations, manufacturing guidelines, and workplace safety requirements, governmental authorities may seek to impose fines and penalties on us or to revoke or deny the issuance or renewal of operating permits, and private parties may seek damages from us. Under such circumstances, we could be required to curtail or cease operations, conduct site remediation or other corrective action, or pay substantial damage claims for which we may not have sufficient or any insurance coverage for claims.

Our actual or perceived failure to adequately protect personal data could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

A wide variety of provincial, state, national, foreign, and international laws and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer, and other processing of personal data. These privacy and data protection-related laws and regulations are evolving, with new or modified laws and regulations proposed and implemented frequently and existing laws and regulations subject to new or different interpretations. Further, our legal and regulatory obligations in foreign jurisdictions are subject to unexpected changes, including the potential for regulatory or other governmental entities to enact new or additional laws or regulations, to issue rulings that invalidate prior laws or regulations, or to increase penalties significantly. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be costly and can delay or impede the development and offering of new products and services. 

For example, the General Data Protection Regulation, which became effective in May 2018, imposes more stringent data protection requirements and provides for significantly greater penalties for noncompliance than the European Union laws that previously applied. Additionally, California enacted legislation, the California Consumer Privacy Act, which became effective on January 1, 2020. We may also be subject to additional obligations relating to personal data by contract that industry standards apply to our practices. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations or other obligations to which we may be subject relating to personal data, or to protect personal data from unauthorized access, use, or other processing, could result in enforcement actions and regulatory investigations against us, claims for damages by customers and other affected individuals, fines, damage to our reputation, and loss of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial performance, and business. Further, evolving and changing definitions of personal data and personal information, including the classification of IP addresses, machine identification information, location data, and other information, may limit or inhibit our ability to operate or expand our business, including limiting business relationships and partnerships that may involve the sharing or uses of data and may require significant costs, resources, and efforts to comply.

Some of our officers and directors are located outside of the United States; therefore, it may be difficult for an investor to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against us or such officers and directors.

The majority of our officers and some of our directors are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States, and all or a substantial portion of such persons’ assets may be located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for an investor to affect service of process or enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against us or such officers or directors, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of other jurisdictions would recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our directors and officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof or be competent to hear original actions brought in other jurisdictions against us or such officers and directors predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof. 

We have signed partnership, distribution, and joint venture agreements and may engage in additional collaborations, joint ventures, or strategic alliances in the future, and we may not realize the benefits of such arrangements.

From time to time, we may enter into partnership, exclusivity, distribution, or joint venture agreements. Establishment of these agreements involves significant risks and uncertainties, including (i) our inability to cooperate with our local partner, (ii) our local partner having economic, business, or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with ours, and (iii) the potential that our local partner may be unable to meet its economic or other obligations, which may require us to fulfill those obligations alone. In any joint venture in which we engage, we will rely on our local partner for the implementation of much of any such joint venture operation, and the success of any such operation is thus not entirely within our control. Any failure or perceived failure of a joint venture may have a material impact on our operations and financial condition.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, and current and potential stockholders may lose confidence in our financial reporting.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires our management to assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and to disclose in our filing if such controls were unable to provide assurance that a material error would be prevented or detected in a timely manner. We have an ongoing program to review the design of our internal controls framework in keeping with changes in business needs, implement necessary changes to our controls design, and test the system and process controls necessary to comply with these requirements. If our internal controls over financial reporting is determined to be ineffective, resulting in material weaknesses and/or significant deficiencies, investor perceptions regarding the reliability of our financial statements may be adversely affected, which could cause a decline in the market price of our stock and otherwise negatively affect our liquidity and financial condition.

In Item 9A, we disclose that, with respect to the standards of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 and the internal controls standard to which we are subjected, we reported material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting. For additional information on this item, please see Item 9A, Controls and Procedures.

Although we believe our historical efforts have strengthened our internal control over financial reporting (and we concluded that our financial statements were reliable, notwithstanding the material weakness we reported), we cannot be certain that our revised internal control practices will ensure that we will have or maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting in future periods. Any failure to have or maintain such internal controls could adversely impact our ability to report our financial results accurately and on a timely basis. If our financial statements are not accurate, investors may not have a complete understanding of our operations.

We may have risks associated with security of our information technology systems.

We make significant efforts to maintain the security and integrity of our information technology systems and data. Despite significant efforts to create security barriers to such systems, it is virtually impossible for us to entirely mitigate this risk. There is a risk of industrial espionage, cyber-attacks, misuse or theft of information or assets, or damage to assets by people who may gain unauthorized access to our facilities, systems, or information. Such cybersecurity breaches, misuse, or other disruptions could lead to the disclosure of confidential information; improper usage and distribution of our intellectual property; theft, manipulation, and destruction of private and proprietary data; and production downtimes. Although we actively employ measures to prevent unauthorized access to our information systems, preventing unauthorized use is inherently difficult. These events could adversely affect our financial results, and any legal action in connection with any such cybersecurity breach could be costly and time-consuming, may divert management’s attention and adversely affect the market’s perception of us and our products. In addition, we must frequently expand our internal information system to meet increasing demand in storage, computing, and communication, which may result in increased costs. Our internal information system is expensive to expand and must be highly secure due to the sensitive nature of our customers’ information that we transmit. Building and managing the support necessary for our growth places significant demands on our management and resources. These demands may divert such resources from the continued growth of our business and implementation of our business strategy.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK

Future equity financings or convertible debt issuances would dilute your ownership and could adversely affect your common stock ownership rights in comparison with those of other security holders.

Our Board of Directors has the power to issue additional shares of common or preferred stock without stockholder approval. In general, stockholders do not have preemptive rights to any common stock issued by us in the future; therefore, stockholders may experience additional dilution of their equity investment if we issue additional shares of common stock in the future, including shares issuable under equity incentive plans, or if we issue securities that are convertible into shares of our common stock. 

If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage of ownership of our existing stockholders will be reduced, and such newly issued securities may have rights, preferences, or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders. If we issue additional common stock or securities convertible into common stock, such issuance will reduce the proportionate ownership and voting power of each other stockholder. In addition, such stock issuances might result in a reduction of the market value of our common stock, which could make our stock unattractive to existing stockholders.

We will not receive a significant amount, or potentially any, additional funds upon the exercise of our pre-funded warrants; however, any exercise would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in substantial dilution to our stockholders.

As of December 31, 2024, we have issued pre-funded warrants to purchase a total of 5,299,879 shares of our common stock, consisting of 3,930,008 pre-funded warrants issued prior to 2024 and an additional 1,369,871 pre-funded warrants issued in 2024. Of these, none have been exercised. Each of the pre-2024 pre-funded warrants is exercisable for $0.008 per share of common stock underlying such pre-funded warrant, while the pre-funded warrants issued in 2024 are exercisable for $0.001 per share of common stock underlying such pre-funded warrant. These warrants may be exercised through a cashless exercise mechanism, meaning that the holder may not pay a cash purchase price upon exercise, but instead would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the pre-funded warrant.

Accordingly, we will not receive a significant amount, or potentially any, additional funds upon the exercise of the pre-funded warrants. To the extent such pre-funded warrants are exercised, additional shares of common stock will be issued for nominal or no additional consideration, which will result in substantial dilution to the then-existing holders of our common stock and will increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of our common stock, causing our stock price to decline.

Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws could discourage a change in control or an acquisition of us by a third party, even if the acquisition would be favorable to you, thereby adversely affecting existing stockholders.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of making it more difficult or delaying attempts by others to obtain control of our Company, even when these attempts may be in the best interests of stockholders. For example, our articles of incorporation authorize our Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, to issue one or more series of preferred stock, which could have voting and conversion rights that adversely affect or dilute the voting power of the holders of common stock. These provisions and others that could be adopted in the future could deter unsolicited takeovers or delay or prevent changes in our control or management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices. These provisions may also limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.

There is limited trading volume of our common stock, which could make it difficult for you to liquidate an investment in our common stock in a timely manner.

Since April 16, 2019, our common stock has been traded on Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker LIQT. Because there is limited volume in our common stock, investors may not be able to liquidate their investments when they desire to do so.

In addition, if we fail to meet the criteria set forth in SEC and Nasdaq Capital Market rules and regulations, various requirements would be imposed by law on broker-dealers who sell our securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such regulations may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling our common stock, which may further affect its liquidity.

The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile.

The market price of our common stock has been volatile and fluctuates widely in response to various factors that are beyond our control. The price of our common stock is not necessarily indicative of our operating performance or long-term business prospects. In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Factors such as the following could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially:

The realization of any of these risks and other factors beyond our control could cause the market price of our common stock to decline significantly. In particular, the market price of our common stock may be influenced by changes in governmental regulations regarding diesel particle emissions and marine wastewater because demand for our products and services is closely related to those regulations. The stock market in general experiences, from time to time, extreme price and volume fluctuations. Periodic and/or continuous market fluctuations could result in extreme volatility in the price of our common stock, which could cause a decline in the value of our common stock. Price volatility may be worse if the trading volume of our common stock is low.

If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade us or our sector, the price of our common stock could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrades us, the industry in which we operate, or the stock of any of our competitors, the price of our common stock may decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage altogether, we could lose visibility, which could also lead to a decline in the price of our common stock. 

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that future sales may occur, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

If any significant number of our outstanding shares are sold, such sales could have a depressive effect on the market price of our stock. We are unable to predict the effect, if any, that the sale of shares, or the availability of shares for future sale, will have on the market price of the shares prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of shares in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could depress prevailing market prices for the shares. Such sales may also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.

The Company is considered a “smaller reporting company” and is exempt from certain disclosure requirements, which could make our common stock less attractive to potential investors.

As a “smaller reporting company” (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)), we are not required and may not include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis section in our proxy statements,  provide only three years of business information, provide fewer years of selected financial data and have other “scaled” disclosure requirements that are less comprehensive than issuers that are not “smaller reporting companies,” which could make our stock less attractive to potential investors and could make it more difficult for stockholders to sell their shares.

We have no current plan to pay dividends on our common stock, and investors may lose the entire amount of their investment.

We have no current plans to pay dividends on our common stock; therefore, investors will not receive any funds absent a sale of their shares. We cannot assure investors of a positive return on their investment when they sell their shares, nor can we assure investors will not lose the entire amount of their investment.

PUBLIC COMPANY RISK FACTORS

We will continue to incur significant costs from operating as a public company, and our management may be required to devote substantial time to compliance initiatives that ultimately could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.   

As a public company, we expect to continue to incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, along with rules subsequently implemented by the SEC, have imposed various requirements on public companies, including requiring establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls as well as mandating certain corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel will continue to devote a substantial amount of time and financial resources to these compliance initiatives.

If we fail to staff our accounting and finance function adequately or maintain internal control systems sufficient to meet the demands that are placed upon us as a public company, we may be unable to report our financial results accurately or in a timely manner and our business and stock price may suffer. The costs of being a public company, as well as the diversion of management’s time and attention, may have a material adverse effect on our future business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Changes in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) could adversely affect our financial results and may require significant changes to our internal accounting systems and processes.

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These principles are subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the SEC, and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting principles and guidance. The FASB periodically issues new accounting standards on a variety of topics. For information regarding new accounting standards, please refer to Note 1, “Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These and other such standards generally result in different accounting principles, which may significantly impact our reported results or could result in variability of our financial results.

In preparing our financial statements, we make certain assumptions, judgments and estimates that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements, which, if not accurate, may significantly impact our financial results.

We make assumptions, judgments, and estimates for a number of items, including the fair value of financial instruments, goodwill, long-lived assets, and other intangible assets; the realizability of deferred tax assets; the recognition of revenue; the fair value of stock awards; and others. We also make assumptions, judgments, and estimates in determining the accruals for employee-related liabilities, including commissions and variable compensation, and in determining the allowance or provisions for uncertain tax positions, doubtful accounts, excess or obsolete inventory, and legal contingencies. These assumptions, judgments, and estimates are drawn from historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from our estimates, and such differences could significantly impact our financial results.

None.

Our corporate headquarters are located at Industriparken 22C, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark. We lease approximately 67,000 square feet at our Ballerup location, of which approximately 10,000 square feet is used for office space and 57,000 square feet is used for production. The lease will expire on August 31, 2028. We also conduct operations at Benshøj Industrivej 24, 9500 Hobro, Denmark, where we lease approximately 45,750 square feet, of which approximately 10,750 square feet is used for office space and 35,000 square feet is used for production. The lease will expire on November 30, 2034. In addition, in 2024, we entered into a new lease agreement for additional production and office space at Benshøj Industrivej 1, 9500 Hobro, Denmark. This facility consists of approximately 18,800 square feet, including 13,500 square feet of production space and 5,300 square feet of office space. The lease will expire on April 30, 2034.

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. Please reference Note 8 - Agreements, Commitments and Contingencies for details on such litigation.

Not applicable. 

PART II

Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol LIQT.

As of December 31, 2024, there were approximately 42 stockholders of record of our common stock as reported by our transfer agent, one of which is Cede & Co., a nominee for Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). All of the shares of common stock held by brokerage firms, banks, and other financial institutions as nominees for beneficial owners are deposited into participant accounts at DTC and are therefore considered to be held of record by Cede & Co. as one stockholder.

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and have no intention of paying any dividends on the shares of our common stock in the future. Subject to Nevada law, our Board of Directors will determine the payment of future dividends on our common stock, if any, and the amount of any dividends subject to:

Since the beginning of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, we have not sold any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and that were not previously reported in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or in a current report on Form 8-K.

Since the beginning of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, we have not repurchased any of our equity securities.

Overview

We are a Nevada corporation, formerly named Blue Moose Media, Inc. In October 2011, we changed our name to LiqTech International, Inc. For more than two decades, we have developed and provided state-of-the-art technologies for gas and liquid purification using silicon carbide ceramic filters, particularly highly specialized filters for the control of soot exhaust particles from diesel engines and for liquid filtration. Using nanotechnology, LiqTech develops products using proprietary silicon carbide technology. LiqTech's products are based on unique silicon carbide membranes that facilitate new applications and improve existing technologies. In particular, the Company has developed a new standard of water filtration technology to meet the ever-increasing demand for higher water quality. By incorporating LiqTech's SiC liquid membrane technology with its long-standing systems design experience and capabilities, the Company offers solutions to the most difficult water pollution problems.

2024 Developments

On January 10, 2024, Simon Stadil tendered his resignation as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective as of April 10, 2024.

On February 14, 2024, the Company entered into a distribution agreement with Razorback Direct for produced water treatment solutions in the U.S.

On March 19, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Phillip Massie Price as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective April 1, 2024.

On May 7, 2024, the Company entered into a distribution agreement with Dan Marine Group for marine water treatment solutions for the Chinese market.

On May 14, 2024, the Company entered into a distribution agreement with Franman for marine water treatment solutions for the Greek Market.

On July 25, 2024, the Company entered into a distribution agreement with Danbee Marine Co. for marine water treatment solutions for the South Korean market.

On September 27, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell an aggregate of 3,630,129 shares of Common Stock, 1,369,871 pre-funded warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock, and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock for gross proceeds of approximately $10 million. The combined purchase price of one share of Common Stock and one accompanying warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock is $2.00. The combined purchase price of one pre-funded warrant and one accompanying warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock under the Purchase Agreement is $1.999.

The Company agreed to issue the Common Stock, warrants, and pre-funded warrants in two tranches: (i) a first tranche comprised of 29,227 shares of Common Stock, 555,302 pre-funded warrants, and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 584,529 shares of Common Stock, which closed on September 27, 2024; and (ii) a second tranche comprised of 3,600,902 shares of Common Stock, 814,569 pre-funded warrants, and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,415,471 shares of Common Stock, which closed on November 12, 2024.

On November 7, 2024, the Company announced the establishment of a joint venture in China for the marine water treatment market.

Results of Operations

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2023 

The following table sets forth our revenues, expenses, and net income for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 in U.S. dollars, except for percentages.  

Revenues

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $14,604,618 compared to $18,001,652 for the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of $3,397,034, or 18.9%. The decline was mainly due to reduced deliveries of liquid filtration systems, plastics products, ceramic membranes, and aftermarket sales, partly offset by increased sales of DPFs.

The decrease in deliveries of liquid filtration systems was mainly driven by reduced deliveries of pool filtration systems and marine scrubber systems. The decline in aftermarket sales was primarily due to remediation work carried out in the same period of 2023, which did not recur in 2024. The reduction in sales of plastic products was largely due to a significant one-time sale recorded in 2023 that did not recur in the current period. The increase in sales of DPFs was primarily driven by the effective execution of strategies designed to capitalize on the increased demand for DPFs.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $250,905 (or a gross profit margin of 1.7%), compared to $2,775,476 (or a gross profit margin of 15.4%) for the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of $2,524,571, or approximately 91.0%. This decline in gross profit can be attributed to the decrease in revenue, resulting in lower overall activity levels and underutilization of our manufacturing capacity, as well as an unfavorable sales mix, which resulted in a lower proportion of high-margin products such as liquid filtration systems and ceramic membranes. Specifically, the deliveries of containerized oil and gas pilot systems to the Middle East and the U.S. contributed to lower-than-usual margins, reflecting a strategic decision aimed at demonstrating and validating the value proposition associated with our technology and seeding the market for future growth. This approach has proven successful, securing an order for a full-scale system scheduled for delivery in 2025. Additionally, a thorough inventory review led to necessary adjustments for obsolescence and slow-moving items. The decline in gross profit was partly offset by decreased depreciation as well as continued initiatives aimed at optimizing manufacturing processes, which have improved profitability within DPF and ceramic membrane production. Included in the gross profit was depreciation of $1,830,553 and $2,598,095 for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $9,738,754, representing a decrease of $835,772, or 7.9%, compared to $10,574,526 for the same period in 2023.

Selling expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $2,725,239, compared to $4,298,905 for the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of $1,573,666, or 36.6%. This decline was primarily driven by a reduction in executive officers, along with reductions in bonus payouts, travel costs, marketing expenses, and expenditures related to external sales consultancy services. The decrease was partially offset by increased bad debt expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $5,661,455 compared to $4,856,779 for the same period in 2023, representing an increase of $804,676, or 16.6%. The increase was primarily due to newly created positions in supply chain and project management, as well as higher legal expenses, insurance costs, and recruitment costs associated with the resignations of our CFO and VP of Sales. Additionally, one-time expenses were incurred for the relocation of our plastics production facility. The increase was also partially attributable to the release of bonus provisions in the comparable period of 2023. Included in general and administrative expenses was non-cash compensation of $664,434 and $627,904 for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

The following is a summary of our non-cash compensation:

Research and development expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $1,352,060 compared to $1,418,842 for the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of $66,782, or 4.7%. The decrease was primarily due to a more focused R&D strategy with fewer ongoing projects and a reduced average number of employees engaged in external research and development activities, as the Company streamlined and centralized its R&D function. This was partially offset by one-time exit costs associated with a loss-making external development project.

Other income (expense)

Total Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $896,246 compared to $978,302 for the comparable period in 2023, representing decreased expense of $82,056, or 8.4%. The decrease was primarily attributable to a gain on currency transactions resulting from the EUR/DKK decline against the USD during the period and a loss on assets held for sale in the comparable period in 2023. This decrease in other expenses was partially offset by a non-cash loss related to the disposal of property and equipment, decreased interest income, and higher debt discount amortization costs due to the extension of the maturity date for the senior promissory notes, with additional warrants issued as consideration for the extension.

Income taxes provision

The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $38,837 compared to a benefit of $206,207 for the comparable period in 2023, representing a decrease of $167,370, or 81.2%, mainly driven by a decrease in tax credits associated with research and development activities in Denmark.

Net Loss

As a result of the cumulative effect of the factors described above, we had a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, of $10,345,258 compared to $8,571,145 for the comparable period in 2023, representing an increase in net loss of $1,774,113, or 20.7%.

Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2024, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

Cash used by operating activities is net loss adjusted for certain non-cash items and changes in assets and liabilities. Cash used by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $7,534,072 compared to cash used by operating activities of $4,183,918 for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing an increase of $3,350,154. The cash used by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, consists mainly of the net loss for the year of $(10,345,258) adjusted by depreciation and other non-cash items of $4,432,671. Further, changes in assets and liabilities included a decrease in accounts payable of $1,050,406, a decrease in accrued expenses of $908,607, and an increase in inventories of $587,806, partly offset by a decrease in contract assets of $1,102,791 and a decrease in accounts receivable of $620,116.

Net cash used in investing activities was $424,036 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $2,886,036 for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing a decrease of $2,462,000. The investing activities include general purchases of production equipment to continue optimizing production throughput and the internal production of rental assets, partly offset by proceeds from the disposition of production equipment in our Ballerup facility.

Cash provided by financing activities was $8,493,300 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $580,645 for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing an increase of $7,912,655. The increase was mainly driven by the equity raise, generating net proceeds of $9,922,063 from the issuance of common stock and prefunded warrants, partly offset by the repayment of lease agreements in connection with the sales of production equipment in Ballerup as mentioned above.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2024, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements. We are not aware of any material transactions that are not disclosed in our consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The methods, estimates, and judgments that we use in applying our accounting policies have a significant impact on the results that we report in our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Some of our accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates regarding matters that are inherently uncertain. Our most critical accounting estimates include:

We discuss these policies further below as well as the estimates and judgments involved. 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Current Expected Credit Losses

Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables arising from credit sales to customers in the normal course of business. These receivables are recorded at the time of sale, net of an allowance for current expected credit losses. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” the Company estimates expected credit losses based on historical bad debt experience, the aging of accounts receivable, the current creditworthiness of customers, prevailing economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forward-looking information. Accounts receivable balances are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible.

The roll-forward of the allowance for current expected credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023 were as follows:

Inventories

Inventories directly purchased are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value, as determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. For inventories produced, standard costs that approximate actual cost on the FIFO method are used to value inventories. Standard costs are reviewed at least annually by management or more often if circumstances indicate a change in cost has occurred. Work in process and finished goods include material, labor, and production overhead costs.

The Company adjusts the value of its inventories to the extent management determines that the cost cannot be recovered due to obsolescence or other factors. Inventory valuation adjustments for excess and obsolete inventories are calculated based on current inventories levels, movement, expected useful lives, and estimated future demand for our products.

Goodwill and Intangible assets

The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between intangible assets and the net tangible assets of the acquired business, with the residual purchase price recorded as goodwill. The determination of the value of the intangible assets acquired involves certain judgments and estimates. These judgments can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future and the appropriate weighted average cost of capital.

Acquired intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis over the estimated periods benefited, ranging from one to ten years. Customer relationships and other non-contractual intangible assets with determinable lives are amortized over periods of five years.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to estimated future net undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The evaluation of recoverability involves estimates of future operating cash flows based upon certain forecasted assumptions, including, but not limited to, revenue growth rates, gross profit margins, and operating expenses over the expected remaining useful life of the related asset. A shortfall in these estimated operating cash flows could result in an impairment charge in the future.

Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated annually for impairment at the reporting unit level or when indicators of a potential impairment are present. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit using the discounted cash flow and market approaches. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on the Company’s best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, using primarily expected category expansion, pricing, market segment fundamentals, and general economic conditions. During the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, no impairment charge for goodwill was recorded.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets or the asset grouping may not be recoverable. Factors that the Company considers in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant under-performance of a business or product line in relation to expectations, significant negative industry or economic trends, and significant changes or planned changes in its use of the assets. The Company measures the recoverability of assets that will continue to be used in its operations by comparing the carrying value of the asset grouping to its estimate of the related total future undiscounted net cash flows. If an asset grouping’s carrying value is not recoverable through the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset grouping is considered to be impaired. The impairment is measured by comparing the difference between the asset grouping’s carrying value and its fair value.

Impairments of long-lived assets are determined for groups of assets related to the lowest level of identifiable independent cash flows. Due to the Company’s asset usage model and the interchangeable nature of its ceramic filter manufacturing capacity, the Company must make subjective judgments in determining the independent cash flows that can be related to specific asset groupings. In addition, as the Company makes manufacturing process changes and other factory planning decisions, it must make subjective judgments regarding the remaining useful lives of assets, primarily process-specific filter manufacturing tools and building improvements. If the Company determines that the useful lives of assets are shorter than it had originally estimated, the Company accelerates the rate of depreciation over the assets’ new, shorter useful lives.

Management has analyzed the impact of the current economic climate on its financial statements as of December 31, 2024, and has determined that the changes to its significant judgements and estimates did not have a material impact with respect to goodwill, intangible assets, or long-lived assets. During the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, no impairment charge of long-lived assets has been recorded.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenue in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” Revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five-step approach: (1) identify the contract with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when or as a performance obligation is satisfied. 

The Company sells products throughout the world. Sales by geographical region for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 were as follows:

The Company’s sales by product line for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 were as follows:

For Water (systems and aftermarket), Ceramics (diesel particulate filters and membranes), and Plastics (components), revenue is recognized when performance obligations specified within the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied, which occurs when control of the product transfers to the customer or when services are rendered by the Company. The majority of the Company's sales contracts contain performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when title along with risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the customer. This generally occurs when the product is shipped or accepted by the customer. Revenue for service contracts is recognized as the services are provided. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring the goods or providing services. The satisfaction of performance obligations under the terms of a revenue contract generally gives rise to the right to receive payment from the customer. The Company's standard payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. Generally, the time between when revenue is recognized and when payment is due is not significant. Pre-payments received prior to satisfaction of performance obligations are recorded as a contract liability. Considering the relatively short time between revenue recognition and receipt of payment, financing components do not exist between the Company and its customers.

For contracts with customers that include multiple performance obligations, judgment is required to determine whether performance obligations specified in these contracts are distinct and should be accounted for as separate revenue transactions for recognition purposes. For such arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling prices are generally determined based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost-plus margin.

System sales are recognized when the Company transfers control to the customer based upon sales and delivery conditions specified in the sales contract. This typically occurs upon shipment of the system from the production facility but can also occur upon other agreed delivery terms. In connection with the completion of the system, it is normal procedure to issue a FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) asserting that the customer has accepted the performance of the system as it is being shipped from our production facility in Hobro. As part of the performance obligation, the customer is normally offered commissioning services (final assembly and configuration at a place designated by the customer), and this commissioning is therefore considered a second performance obligation and is valued at cost, with the addition of a standard gross profit. This second performance obligation is recognized as revenue at the time of the commissioning services being rendered together with the cost incurred. Part of the invoicing to the customer is also attributed to the commissioning, and at transfer of the control of the system (i.e., the first performance obligation), this portion is recognized as contract liabilities. 

Aftermarket sales represent parts, extended warranties, and maintenance services. For the sale of aftermarket parts, the Company transfers control and recognizes revenue when parts are shipped to the customer. When customers are given the right to return eligible parts and accessories, the Company estimates the expected returns based on an analysis of historical experience. The Company adjusts estimated revenues at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration expected to be received changes or when the consideration becomes fixed. The Company recognizes revenue for extended warranty and maintenance agreements based on the standalone selling price over the life of the contract.

The Company has received long-term contracts for grants from government entities for the development and use of silicon carbide membranes in various water filtration and treatment applications and historically in the installation of various water filtrations systems. We measure transfer of control of the performance obligation on long-term contracts utilizing the cost-to-cost measure of progress, with cost of revenue including direct costs such as labor and materials. Under the cost-to-cost approach, the use of estimated costs to complete each performance obligation is a significant variable in the process of determining recognized revenue and a significant factor in the accounting for such performance obligations. The timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billings terms, milestone billings based on completion of certain phases of the work or when services are provided, or when products are shipped. Projects with performance obligations recognized over time that have costs and estimated earnings recognized to date in excess of cumulative billings are reported on our balance sheet as Contract assets. Projects with performance obligations recognized over time that have cumulative billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings recognized to date are reported on our balance sheet as contract liabilities.

Contracts Assets and Liabilities

Contract assets are the Company’s rights to consideration in exchange for goods or services and are recognized when a performance obligation has been satisfied but has not yet been billed. When the Company issues invoices to the customer, and the billing is higher than the capitalized Contract assets, the net amount is transferred to Contract liabilities. Contract assets/liabilities are transferred to revenue and cost of revenues when the right to consideration is unconditional and billed per the terms of the contractual agreement.

Contract assets also include unbilled receivables, which usually comprise the last invoice remaining after the delivery of the water treatment unit, where revenue is recognized at the transfer of control based upon signed acceptance of the unit by the customer. Most commonly, this invoice is sent to the customer at commissioning of the product or no later than 12 months after delivery. Further included in Contract Assets are short-term receivables such as VAT and other receivables.

The roll-forward of contract assets and contract liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 were as follows: 

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and establishes a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it believes it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit of an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the position will be sustainable upon examination by the taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. This evaluation is based on all available evidence and assumes that the tax authorities have full knowledge of all relevant information concerning the tax position. The tax benefit recognized is measured as the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Stock-Based Compensation  

Stock-based awards granted to qualified employees, non-employee directors, and consultants are measured at fair value and recognized as an expense in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Share-Based Payments.” For service-based awards, stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The fair value of our stock options is estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. Restricted stock awards are valued based on the closing stock price on the date of grant. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Warrant Liabilities

The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the specific terms of the warrants in accordance with ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity,” and ASC 815-40, “Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity.” This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815-40, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own shares and whether the events where holders of the warrants could potentially require net cash settlement are within the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. Warrant liabilities are recognized at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of operations each period.

Loss Contingencies

We are subject to various legal and administrative proceedings along with asserted and potential claims, accruals related to product warranties, and potential asset impairments (loss contingencies) that arise in the ordinary course of business. An estimated loss from such contingencies is recognized as a charge to income if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a loss contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. The outcomes of legal and administrative proceedings and claims, and the estimation of product warranties and asset impairments, are subject to significant uncertainty. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether a loss is reasonably estimable. To estimate the losses associated with repairing and replacing parts in connection with product warranties, we make judgments with respect to customer claim rates. At least quarterly, we review the status of each significant matter, and we may revise our estimates. These revisions could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. 

We are not required to provide quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk because we are a smaller reporting company.

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

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

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

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

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024, and 2023

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

LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024, and 2023