Industry Dynamics - The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and competitive, with significant revenue derived from a limited number of major customers[33]. - The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical, with significant downturns occurring in 1997/1998, 2001/2002, 2008/2009, early 2020, and 2022/2023, often linked to economic conditions and product life cycles[61]. - The company faces increased volatility and instability in the semiconductor business, making it difficult to forecast demand trends and potentially adversely affecting financial results[63]. - The semiconductor segment revenue is primarily derived from IT infrastructure, utilities distribution, and access control modules, with demand fluctuating significantly based on consumer spending and economic conditions[71]. - The demand for semiconductor products is closely tied to the success of customers' end products, which can lead to unpredictable revenue and financial forecasting challenges[71]. Economic and Geopolitical Factors - Global inflationary pressures have not materially affected gross margins, but continued inflation may adversely impact business and financial condition[49]. - The ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas war, may adversely affect global economic conditions and capital markets[36]. - The company faces risks related to international expansion, including trade barriers and currency fluctuations, which could hinder growth[43]. - The imposition of trade measures by the U.S. government could adversely affect global operations and financial results[40]. Cybersecurity and Compliance - Cybersecurity incidents could disrupt service delivery and damage reputation, impacting business operations[51]. - Compliance with high security standards such as Webtrust and ISO27001 is essential for mitigating cybersecurity risks, which could have a material adverse effect on business operations if breached[53]. - The company has implemented a Global Security Director and a Security Board to oversee cybersecurity risks and develop action plans annually[54]. - Regulatory scrutiny and public opinion regarding hardware security may impact the company's ability to attract customers and partners, particularly in areas like AI and data privacy[70]. - The company is subject to increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny regarding AI usage, which could impose additional compliance obligations and increase development costs[81]. Financial Performance and Projections - Fiscal year 2024 revenue was approximately 31 million in fiscal year 2023, primarily due to customers shifting to next-generation post-quantum cryptography products[88]. - 92% of the Group's revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, was derived from SEALSQ, indicating a high dependency on its financial performance[92]. - The company may face significant losses in the future due to slowing demand, increasing competition, and other unforeseen factors[188]. - The company has reported an accumulated cumulative deficit of USD 294,407,572, an increase from USD 280,960,811 in 2023 and USD 265,635,281 in 2022[187]. Supply Chain and Operational Risks - The company is dependent on timely supply from subcontractors, and any delays could result in lower or lost revenues[35]. - The supply chain is dependent on third-party suppliers, and any failure to meet increased demand could impact the company's ability to capitalize on business opportunities[108]. - The company relies on third-party suppliers for integrated circuits, facing risks such as supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages that could adversely affect revenues and profitability[110]. - The company does not have long-term contracts with major suppliers, relying on quarterly purchase orders, which exposes it to risks of supplier termination and capacity limitations[115]. - The company’s IC products depend on third-party foundries, and any failure to secure sufficient foundry capacity could significantly delay product shipments[116][117]. Competition and Market Position - The company faces intense competition in the digital security market from larger firms with greater resources, which may impact its ability to maintain or improve its competitive position[124][125]. - The company faces competition from semiconductor competitors like Infineon and NXP, which could impact its market position[150]. - The company must continually adapt to changing market needs and enhance existing products to avoid losing customers and market share[128][134]. Research and Development - Research and development efforts may not yield successful products or enhancements, posing risks to future revenue generation and operational benefits[137]. - The company must effectively manage its intellectual property rights to protect its innovations and maintain competitive advantages[152][154]. Customer Dependency and Sales Risks - The company's top ten customers accounted for 67% of its revenue in the year ended December 31, 2024[160]. - The company is at risk of clients delaying or withdrawing purchase orders, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition[162]. - The company's ability to fulfill volume predictions is contingent on customers winning significant contracts, which introduces additional market risks[136]. Financial Instruments and Capital Structure - The company has authorized the issuance of up to 1,618,117 new Class B Shares until June 27, 2029, which could increase share capital without further shareholder approval[197]. - The company entered into a Subscription Agreement for up to 1.25 million, and as of December 31, 2024, Anson converted $1.24 million into 344,598 Class B Shares[202]. - The company is exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates due to its international operations, which may affect revenue and expenses denominated in currencies other than USD[204]. Legal and Regulatory Challenges - Regulatory non-compliance could impact the company's reputation and financial results, with evolving requirements posing ongoing challenges[166]. - Changes in privacy regulations may diminish the value of services offered by the company, potentially leading to customer loss[167]. - The company faces potential legal risks from claims and litigation, which could lead to significant costs and operational disruptions[218][219]. Human Resources and Management - The company is dependent on highly skilled personnel, and failure to attract and retain them could harm its business growth[143][145]. - Employment laws in certain countries may restrict the company's operational flexibility and ability to respond to market changes[220]. - Obligations as a public company require significant resources and management attention, which may affect operational focus[179].
WISeKey International (WKEY) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report